I've restructured the last few chapters in this update. It kinda took on a life of its own. Along with the restructure was a massive rewrite of information. Some details have changed, others have been expanded upon. This includes both Chapter Fifteen and Sixteen, as well as the update chapter seventeen, eighteen, and nineteen. I hope to have everything posted asap. Thank you so much for your patience with my muse which is unpredictable at best.
Harry dealt with an irate Thor Odinson after Hermione's chaotic departure. Currently, the Asgardian was held back by Agent Romanov, while the others picked the knocked over furniture. Only Tony seemed to be in a pleasant mood.
"Glinda's been holding out on us!" The billionaire said excitedly. "I can't wait to get her out in the field and see what damage she can do."
"She's not a toy for your amusement," Harry retorted angrily.
"I'll say," Fury agreed. "We've got an intergalactic treaty to negotiate, and our primary just bolted."
"She's not a political tool either," Harry said.
"Unlike you, we don't have the luxury of disappearing on a whim," the Shield Director said.
"Watch it Fury," Harry warned. "Hermione is nothing, if not thorough, which means you know exactly why my people enacted the Statute of Secrecy."
"How about enlightening the rest of us then?" Steve asked, watching Harry with narrowed eyes. "It does seem awfully suspicious that an entire society of magical individual has good intentions if they insist on hiding."
"Muggles weren't exactly selective about the ages of their victims during the witch hunts," Harry answered. "Children as young as four, magical and muggle, were executed for witchcraft. They were sentenced to either burn to death, drowning tests, even suffocation via stone pressing. Muggleborns, magical children born to muggle parents, like Hermione, were often murdered by their own parents for possessing magic.
"Many of these children were used to coerce entire families to confess to practicing magic. After several bloodlines were wiped out for refusing to hand over their children, we enacted the Statute of Secrecy. An entire generation of magical children were massacred before they ever possessed a wand.
"You fear your own weapons," Harry said looking at Fury. "Even now you're so terrified of what aliens may do that you're willing to force one of our most powerful witches into a marriage. Why not just force us to become your military and fight your battles for you?"
Steve looked ill at the information he'd just been given, and even Tony looked disturbed by the idea.
"It's a great speech," Fury said, "But your civil war didn't remain contained in your world. It spilled out into the rest of the U.K. Hiding away isn't working for anyone."
"Arguing about politics isn't going to solve anything," Romanov interrupted.
"You call people's lives politics?" Steve asked.
"Fury is right, we need to be prepared for all contingencies," Romanov said. "That doesn't dismiss the fact that we cannot force Hermione into this contract. We need a list of terms we want, what we can compromise on, and what we will absolutely not agree to."
"Thor did Odin give you authority to negotiate on behalf of Asgard?" Fury asked. The blonde Asgardian withdrew the scroll Hermione and Odin signed and passed it to Agent Romanov.
"Lady Granger and the All Father prepared an agreement, prior to our departure," Thor answered. "She consented to a temporary betrothal to assure both sides of good faith."
"Of course she did," Harry muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. The room watched Natasha unfurl the contract, all of them surprised by the sheer length.
"Whoa," Natasha muttered.
"That's one hell of a pre-nup," Tony said, glancing over the assassin's shoulder.
"Asgardian marriages are not undertaken lightly," Thor said frowning at the group. "Royal marriages must be carefully scrutinized, and when involving a foreign diplomat, every courtesy must be observed."
"How was Hermione prepared to negotiate a contract of this magnitude?" Natasha asked Harry. "Could we argue Odin took advantage of her and negate it?"
"I doubt it. Even if we could argue that, Hermione's been studying pureblood marriage contracts, which are similar in size and complexity," Harry answered. "Thor could you tell us who suggested which terms?"
"What do you mean us?" Director Fury asked the wizard brusquely.
"As the only wizard in the room, I'm the foremost authority on the Wizarding World," Harry answered, "Not to mention Hermione's my sister."
"Someone get me a notebook," Natasha said, interrupting Fury from arguing further.
"Here," Harry said, conjuring a blank scroll and quill, glancing at Thor when the blonde's eyes lit up. "Hermione's invention. Once a provision is agreed upon, the quill will jot it down."
"Handy," Natasha said looking at the items appreciatively. She pulled the already written scroll back in front of her and began reading the contract aloud. There were no true objections until she read the one concerning clemency out loud.
"Why is this included?" Natasha asked confused. "Hermione's never been accused of a crime before."
The group looked at Harry as he outright snorted.
"What are we missing?" Clint asked.
"You mean Hermione's not getting in trouble for any of the crimes she's committed," Harry corrected. "That witch is a law enforcement's worst nightmare."
"What do you mean?" Director Fury asked. "Your minister gave her a glowing recommendation, as did Agent Brown."
"That day in Germany, when you fought against Loki," Harry began explaining, "Hermione broke the Statute of Secrecy."
"That's what she meant by covering herself legally?" Clint asked as Harry nodded.
"Except, that it wasn't the first time she's broken it. This was just the most prominent considering multiple muggles and Avengers witnessed her using magic. Robards wanted her fired and arrested, but Kingsley didn't agree. According to my brother in law, she managed to get clearance to work with you."
"What?" Romanov asked in disbelief.
"She once set a teacher of ours on fire," Harry said. "We were eleven, and it was in front of the entire school."
"How much trouble did she get in?" Steve asked.
"She never got caught," Harry answered grinning at him. "Bottom line, she included that provision for a reason, and I'm guessing it was because she thought Odin was setting a trap for her."
"The All Father did attempt to convene a trial once Lady Granger and I arrived on Asgard due to her actions involving the tesseract," Thor admitted. "He was quite vexed at her ability to out maneuver him at each turn."
"That's Hermione," Harry confirmed with a fond smile. "Frustratingly brilliant."
"I believe it is one of the many reasons why Odin is interested in creating an marriage between Loki and the Enchantress," Thor explained.
"That explains the clause to retain her citizenship," Tony said. "It prevents Odin from trying her as an Asgardian citizen."
"I'm more concerned about the part where this clause applies to Loki too," Director Fury said "Why would she agree to this?"
"Lady Granger included that portion as well," Thor answered, stunning the rest of the room.
"Why would she ask for his freedom?" Steve asked. "She can't possibly trust him."
"Hermione wouldn't agree to release Loki," Tony agreed with Rogers. "Glinda saw the havoc he wreaked on earth."
"She would if she knew something we didn't," Harry said disagreeing with both of them.
"What does that mean?"
"Hermione's always been particularly good at ferreting out concealed information," Harry answered. "She's also got a soft spot for helping people who have been taken advantage of or exploited."
"You can't possibly think Loki fits that description," Tony snarked as Harry shrugged.
"She's shown up at the last minute and turned situations on it's head with new information, more than I can count," Harry said. "It makes sense that she's learned something and believes Loki doesn't deserve to be imprisoned. That said, I don't agree with forcing her into a marriage over it."
It took them another hour to get through the rest of the contract. Just as they were discussing final concerns, Director Fury's phone went off.
"Fury,"he answered. "When? Do you know who it was?"
Looking gravely around the room after he hung up the phone, Fury explained, "The Rainbow Bridge was activated. Loki has neutralized the guards and escaped from the compound."
'Why would he risk the treaty?" Harry asked. "If signed, it'd guarantee his freedom, right?"
"I know not," Thor answered with a furrowed brow. "Loki did not object against the proposed arrangement. I cannot fathom why he would jeopardize it now."
"Why does Loki do anything?" Tony asked bitterly. "He's a sociopath hell bent on obtaining power."
"Do you think Hermione's in danger from him?" Harry asked.
"Loki's a possessive bastard," Steve answered. "This contract means Hermione belongs to him, and he already was obsessed with her. I doubt he'd risk harming her at this point."
"Where would she have gone?" Natasha asked.
"If she doesn't want to be found," Harry said, "she won't be. We spent a year on the run, and the only time we were caught was due to a taboo being provoked. Aside from that no one was ever able to track us."
"Does anyone understand half of what he says?" Tony asked glaring at Harry, before he pulled out his tablet. "Jarvis, get eyes on Glinda."
"Which parameters shall I utilize?" Jarvis asked.
"Start with money, credit and debit cards, or any activity on her bank account."
"She does not possess any," Jarivs responded moments later.
"What?" Tony asked.
"There is no account at any financial establishment under the name of Hermione Granger," Jarvis answered. "Nor has Ms. Granger been seen on any security cameras, private or publicly owned."
"How is that possible?" Tony asked.
"We have our own financial system," Harry answered. "As for the cameras, we have spells to render us invisible. Hermione has a bug out bag on her at all times, one she's perfected since the war ended."
Tony swore before changing directions, "Jarvis find Loki."
"Loki Odinson was seen entering SHIELD about ten minutes ago," Jarvis answered. The mixed group launched to their feet just in time for the conference room door to fly off its hinges, revealing an irate Loki.
"Brother!" Thor greeted, as though there weren't half a dozen weapons, three guns, a wand, a robotic palm, and a shield, pointing at Loki.
"You were her escort," Loki snarled with eyes only on Thor. "Pray tell, why my betrothed's magic removed me from Asgard to protect her?"
"She can do that?" Tony asked, dropping his arm to look at Harry with both horror and fascination on his face.
"No," Harry said. "I mean, theoretically, it would require a specific ritual and an incredible amount of magic. She would have burnt out her core if she tried."
Loki glowered at the wizard, "Yet here I am."
"Fuck," Harry swore before casting his patronus. "Find Hermione. Bring back her location, do not stop for anything."
"You mean to tell me that you have not yet looked for her?" Loki asked. Harry wasn't phased by the irate glare Loki was sending him.
"Fighting against Hermione in battle and forcing her into a betrothal contract doesn't mean you know anything about my sister. In a snit, she's goes to ground."
"How simple you must be to think her terror a mere tantrum," Loki said. "Her magic called me. Even now I'm using my own magic to stabilize her core."
"You're with her now?" Natasha asked.
"As though I would leave her unattended," Loki sneered. "We will need to utilize the Rainbow bridge shortly."
"You're delusional if you think that you're taking Hermione off world," Harry said.
"Tread carefully Midgardian. I am merely giving you the courtesy, but you have no claim to the Witchling," Loki retorted.
"She's a citizen of earth," Tony said, catching Harry's sudden smug grin.
"All you have is a preliminary betrothal contract that hasn't been formally approved," Harry said. "As her Head of House I am within my right to prevent you from kidnapping Hermione. In fact I have rights to reject the contract entirely."
"A pathetic claim considering the Witchling negotiated the contract herself," Loki said dismissively.
"Witches who belong to an ancient and noble house must defer to the House Patriarch in all matters, particularly marriage contracts. Hermione has no legal authority to negotiate, much less sign that contract," Harry answered.
"Isn't Hermione muggle born?" Natasha asked curiously.
"We performed a blood adoption during the war," Harry explained as Loki studied Harry with a bemused expression, as though he were suddenly seeing the wizard in a new light.
"Our magic interacted during the betrothal agreement. I assume it is how she pulled me to this realm. It would be safest for our healers to evaluate her health, and no doubt SHIELD would prefer me off world."
"I will be escorting Hermione, and she will have a suitable chaperone at all times," Harry said after a moment. Loki gave a slight nod before his copy faded after agreeing to bring Hermione to headquarters.
"Nice," Director Fury said after a moment. "Useful skill to make all that up on the spot."
Harry's sheepish grin preceded his honesty, "I didn't. A lot of Wizarding Law is really backwards and misogynistic where witches are concerned, Hermione's words. After the war, she was being bombarded by marriage proposals from most of the ancient pureblood houses trying to fix their reputation. It became apparent that the only solution was to ensure she had proper protection from them. That's when we performed the blood adoption."
"Glinda made you memorize all that information didn't she?" Tony asked with a teasing grin.
"You have no idea," Harry answered.
"Why didn't you mention that you had the ability to override Hermione's decision?" Natasha asked Harry. The wizard looked at her and shook his head.
"I'm rather fond of not dying, and if anyone can make death stick, it'd be Hermione."