11

As the days passed, Loki found himself being advanced by Rose on more than one occasion, with her attempts of small talk doing nothing to hide her eyes screaming of inquiries about Professor Yaxley. When Monday came, and Loki was walking to DADA class, Rose ran up next to him, smiling kindly.

"So, did you finish the essay on defense charms? I found it be very interesting, I wonder if they'll show up in our O.W.L.s," Rose said. Loki stopped abruptly, turning to face her.

"No, I haven't asked him yet," Loki said, giving her a look of annoyance.

"I don't know what you're talking about, I was just making conversation."

"Please, I've made up better lies in my sleep," Loki sneered, walking away from her and continuing into the classroom. He heard her "hmph" behind him. In a way, he did appreciate what she told him, but he wanted Rose to disappear from his mind and sight, like she did after the Winter Break. Taking his seat, he was approached by a calm, unreadable Professor Yaxley.

"I need to speak to you after class, it is at the upmost importance," Professor Yaxley said, glancing down at him before walking away. When he turned back around, Rose, who sat in front of him, swung around, attempting to look like she hadn't just been listening. Glaring, he tried to concentrate on his notes. However, nervous about conversing with a potential family member and annoyed at Rose's intrusiveness, Loki was barely able to concentrate on class; at one point he froze his quill.

Once class was over, Loki packed up last, looking like he was taking his time. Making sure everyone had left, including Rose, Loki made his way up to the Professor's desk. Professor Yaxley waved him into his office, securing the lock as Loki sat down. Neither said anything for a few minutes, with Loki wondering why he had even been called in if he wasn't going to talk.

"…I was going to wait a little longer to have this conversation with you, but it can no longer be pushed aside," Professor Yaxley said, breaking the silence. Loki stayed quiet.

"Let's start at the beginning, shall we? I am Professor Laufey Yaxley, but you can call me father. But, I am guessing you already know that," he said, sitting down across from Loki. Loki gazed up at him, not giving away any surprise or emotion.

"I'll take that as a yes. So, I'm sure you have some questions? Out with them before we get started," Laufey said, folding his hands in front of him. Loki, slighting annoyed with being addressed like this, but also eager to finally have months' worth of questions answered, rushed out multiple inquiries at once.

"How do you control these powers? What percentage of Frost Giant are we? Who is my mother? Why did you abandon me-"? Loki was caught off by Laufey's hand going up in the air.

"One at a time, I can only answer so fast."

"Fine," Loki said through gritted teeth. He decided to get the most difficult one to ask out of the way. "Why did you abandon me?"

"First off, I did not abandonyou. Your mother is to truly blame for it, the mudblood used a love potion on me while we were at Hogwarts. Once I was free, I left her, unaware of your existence," Laufey said, waving his hand, as if brushing away the question as if it was merely nothing. Loki waited for more, but when he did not continue, Loki asked another one.

"Who is my mother? My real mother?"

"She's not important, next question."

"These powers, what all can we do? How do you control them properly?"

"Ah, yes, finally. We come from a long line of ancient wizards and witches in Norway that formed an alliance with the Frost Giants. Our family used to be a proud, powerful one. However, the magical government in most parts of the world took rights away from magical creatures, including giants of any kind, whether they are part wizard or not. We were hunted for generations, having to hide and use other means of concealment.

"We can do most of what normal Frost Giants are capable of, ice creation, manipulation. As I'm sure you've noticed, our appearance is very similar as well, though our height and body structure are vastly different."

"Yes, I noticed the change whenever I touched the casket," Loki interjected, wanting answers he did not already have. Laufey suddenly gave him a cool smile.

"Yes, yes, speaking of the Casket of Ancient Winters, I know you must have it. See, that is why I called you here today. Would you kindly return it?" Professor Yaxley asked. Loki's eyes widened, realizing the real intention of this meeting.

Ah, so that's why he suddenly wanted to talk to me, Loki thought. However, if he wanted to play games, Loki could play too.

"Before that, what did you mean by you were going to wait a little longer before you told me everything? Why are you truly here? You don't seem too keen on teaching, Professor," Loki inquired, meeting his eye and lifting his chin.

"That is not important right now, if you would please return the-" Loki slammed his hands on the desk and his eyes flashed red; Laufey's eye twitched with annoyance.

"I will not be blown off! Why are you here?" Loki repeated, glaring. Laufey glared back for a moment, and then broke it with a small, menacing smile.

"I see you have taken after me in many ways, even if you've been raised by that muggle-loving fool. To be completely frank, I'm on an important mission here at Hogwarts. However, when I heard that one of the Minister's sons was in Slytherin, even though his hatred for the house is well known, I had to see you for myself. That was when I found you, and you were the spitting image of myself at your age. I left the casket in a room I knew would be on one of your prefect routes, hoping you would be drawn to it. Though, I did not think you would take it for yourself." Laufey seemed impressed by him, looking at him with more interest than he had before. Loki, too, was more intrigued by this new confession.

"Mission? What mission?" Loki asked, though, he was also wondering what his interest in his 'father' meant.

"I've said too much, we've only just began to know each other, son." Loki pursed his lips together but did not push this time. He would have to wait it out, gain his trust, to truly understand the reason why he was here. Though, Loki had suspicions that it had to do with the arrival of the dark wizard in Britain.

"This was lovely, but I must get my next class ready. We should meet up Wednesday, after lunch," Professor Yaxley proclaimed, standing up and walking towards the door.

"Why, of course, father," Loki sneered, though when he faced him, he gave Laufey a false smile. Heading out of his office, a plan was already forming in Loki's mind. He just needed a few more answers first.

"And, don't forget bring back the casket," Laufey called after him.

''''

After quickly scarfing down Wednesday's lunch, Loki reluctantly brought back the Casket of Ancient Winters to the DADA classroom. He was not happy to part with it; however, he did not see a way out of giving it up. Though, he wasn't going to come out without answers first.

They meet in Professor Yaxley's office again, with no one else the wiser. Loki sat down first, putting the wrapped-up casket on top of the desk. Laufey smiled, sitting as well, and reached out his hand to grab it, but Loki was faster. His hand shot up and grasped it, eying his father with annoyance.

"You will be answering some of my questions before you can have it back," Loki said. "What kind of mission are you on? Who are you working for?"

Professor Yaxley lowered his hand, his face blank. He felt the distrust in the air around them. Loki pushed forward once again.

"You know, as the son of the Minister of Magic and a prefect at Hogwarts, I am a valuable source of knowledge. Whatever you are planning on doing here, I would gladly assist." Laufey smiled slightly, though it did not reach his eyes.

"How… helpful. Odin has truly raised a wonderful boy," Laufey said. Loki scoffed.

"Odin isn't even aware he has two sons, I will give him no credit on my behalf. He cast me out of his sight long ago," Loki sneered, looking away.

"Oh?" Laufey inquired.

"He has barely seemed to notice my presence ever since I was chosen for Slytherin," Loki confessed. Laufey's smile widened.

"You truly are my son. I was also in Slytherin when I attended Hogwarts. Try not to take offence, Odin is a twit, using his power to defend mudbloods and muggles, not actually doing anything for the greater good. Indeed, when there are wizards like ourselves out there, that are pure of blood, are being prayed on, the Ministry of Magic has done nothing to help."

Loki did not comment on the fact that he was, technically, a half-blood; even more so, they had creature in their genes. Laufey continued with his rant for a few more minutes, mostly talking to himself, with Loki listening closely. Laufey finally stopped, looking up at Loki, as if realizing he was there.

"I apologize, on the subject of the Wizarding World's current laws, I go on a certain tangent."

"I understand, only just recently aware of the circumstances I am under. However, it brings a lot of things into a new light," Loki explained, nodding. Laufey gazed at him, thinking.

"I'm assuming you've heard of the Dark Lord that has newly laid ground in the United Kingdom?" Laufey asked, assessing him.

"I have. I actually heard of him before that, he's been to a couple of countries in Europe," Loki said, not missing a beat. "While these killing might seem extreme to others, I think it's a good way to get the attention of those with a higher power to listen to reason."

Laufey nodded along, grinning.

"Yes, yes, I agree... You know, with such enlightened thinking, I maybe could use your assistance in this current matter after all. What would you say to having lunch with me every few days?" Laufey asked. Loki smiled genially, accepting the offer.

Finally, he pushed the casket forward with reluctance. He did not trust Laufey, whether he was his father or not. There were too many questions and factors in the mist, but if Loki was good at anything, it was lying and putting on a good show.

''''

Rose was happy to see Loki finally getting to talk to Professor Yaxley after this Monday Defense Against the Dark Arts class, even if he was not the one to initiate it. She wasn't sure why she kept thinking of Loki, wondering how he was doing, what they were discussing.

'I'm just really curious, that's all,' she thought. 'It's not like I actually care if he's doing okay or anything. At most, he's a fellow student and deserves some closer on everything that happened.'

She didn't bother him after class, or when she saw him with Arabella the next day. She didn't talk to him at all and tried to not look at him either. She wanted to give him space, but she also really wanted to know what they discussed. She wanted answers to this mystery, almost as much as Loki himself. However, she kept chanting in her head that it was none of her business, she should not get involved any more than she already was.

But, despite these thoughts, when she saw Loki depart from the DADA classroom Wednesday afternoon, knowing full well that the fifth years did not have class at this time, she slowed down her pace to Transfiguration. To Rose, he seemed to be beaming with happiness, something she has not seen on his face since before the incident on their prefects scouting. Without realizing it, she had come to a complete halt in the hallway, with those behind her to curse under their breath and zoom around her to get to their classes on time.

Rose was awoken from her thoughts when Loki's eyes found her, staring at her with determination and soon walking over to where she was standing. She panicked slightly, feeling she had done something wrong. She shouldn't have just randomly stopped in the middle of school traffic and stared at him, he wouldn't like that.

Rose looked around her, wondering if there was still time to run to class before Loki reached her, but the halls had thinned fast. Loki reached her just as the bell rang, grabbing her elbow lightly, making her jump. He released her just as quickly, but his gaze did not soften when she looked up at him.

"U-uh… sorry. I wasn't trying to pry this time, honest!" Rose stammered out, taking a step back. What was she so afraid of? She hadn't done anything wrong. But, then, why did she feel guilty? Loki continued to stare for a few seconds, but then he looked away and sighed.

"Why would I think you were spying again? You were on the other side of the hall. Look, I'm not here to yell at you or anything. I wanted to thank you," Loki said, turning back to her. Rose's face must have looked suspicious because he quickly retorted. "You don't have to look surprised!"

"Well, it's hard not to be when you come stomping over here looking mad and then all of a sudden thank me," Rose said, straightening up. She didn't want to look so timid.

"I didn't come stomping over here!" Loki defended. "If you don't want my thank you, that's fine. I thought I'd at least try." He made to turn but Rose grabbed his arm to prevent him. When he looked at her in surprise, she let go, alarmed at herself.

"N-no, I'll take the thanks!" she said quickly. "I'm sorry, I just… thought you hated me."

"How could I hate you? I don't know you, or even think about you," Loki scoffed. For some reason, his comment stung her. She brushed it off, attempting to use this new development to gain some answers.

"So, did Professor Yaxley talk to you Monday about… you know what?" Rose asked causally, glancing up at him. He replied with a small glare.

"I will tell you this and only this, since you did not have to go out of your way to talk to me in the library. Professor Yaxley is indeed my father and that's all you need to know about the subject matter," Loki said. Rose smiled, despite not truly gaining any new information besides one confirmation.

"Well, I'm glad I could at least help," she admitted truthfully.

"I mean, Professor Yaxley would have come to talk to me whether or not you had said anything. But, even still, it was nice to have some warning first. Again, thank you." And, then, Loki smiled at her before walking away, radiating with joy once more. Her pulse raised, beating fast in her chest. She barely realized her feet were taking her to class as her cheeks rose into a smile of her own. Why did seeing him smile at her have this affect? She didn't understand, but it certainly felt nice.

Her smile fell when she was face to face with Arabella, who in turn was grinning at her. She was waiting for her outside of Transfiguration.

"What's with that look on your face?" Arabella inquired, inspecting her. When Rose did not answer, Arabella's face turned serious. "It wasn't Thor, was it? I would hope you know better than to walk down that road again."

"It wasn't Thor," Rose said, shaking her head. Arabella brightened right back up.

"That's great then! Who is the lucky man?" Arabella asked. Rose gave her a confused expression. "Oh, please! Don't give me that look. You had a dreamy expression on your face, plus your cheeks were bright red. You obviously have a new crush!"

Realization dawned on Rose so fast, she would have given herself whiplash if this wasn't all in her mind.

'No!' just kept repeating inside her mind. She did not like Loki. Her best friend's boyfriend. The prick that was constantly rude to her. The guy who called her a mudblood. There was no way.

Rose continued to deny any such crush, to herself and her friend, dodging further questions from Arabella while they sat for class. Thankfully, class had already started when they arrived, so Arabella couldn't press too long. However, Rose's mind continued to spin, making it hard to pay attention.

She didn't understand what was wrong with her. Did she honestly like that arsehole? She couldn't. But, having a crush on him would explain why she felt a twist in her stomach around him, why she continued to help him despite not being wanted.

When they finished, Rose packed up fast, hoping to avoid any more accusations from her friend. But, when she got into the hall, there was an eerie aura and whispers all around. It slowed her pace and brought her to full attention. Seeing another prefect, Natasha Romanoff from Slytherin, talking in hushed tones to another student, Rose tapped her on the shoulder.

"What's going on?" she asked. "What's everyone talking about?"

"You haven't heard? Those Death Eaters killed three Ministry workers, two muggle-borns and a pure-blood," Natasha explained, her face serious. Rose's eye widened, another shock being thrown at her today.

The second time in the last two hours, all Rose could think were the words, oh god no!

''''

So, Rose finally understood some of her feelings! Some romance, at last! Any guesses on the mission Laufey is on? Also, Natasha plays a key role later on, a few of the other main characters in the Marvel Universe do, which will be introduced as we go through the story.

I'm sorry this took so long to get out! I've been extremely busy with life in general, with little time or energy to write. Also, the first half of this chapter was like pulling teeth, I just didn't feel like writing. This is also shorter than my previous chapters, which, I'm sorry! Thank you all so much who have written reviews! I love them so much! Please continue telling me your thoughts, whether good or bad!