Author's Note: Sorry this chapter is coming so late! I ended up traveling home for the holidays much sooner than planned. Again, I am still looking for a Beta so please forgive any mistakes I missed and let me know if you would like to be my beta! I must thank those of you who have favorited, followed, and reviewed this story so far! I love this chapter because it shows Hermione's vulnerable side, as well as her gumption to get what she wants! Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: All non-original characters, plot points, and information belongs to those at Marvel Studios, Warner Brothers, or J.K. Rowling. The title, "Wolves without Teeth" comes from the song of the same title by the fantastic Of Monsters and Men. The cover photo is a mashup I created from photos found on Google. The story plot and dialogue belongs to me. I do not write for profit.
Full Summary: In the age old fight of good versus evil, two souls converge in a battle to stop the end of all worlds. With the universe crumbling around them, Loki and Hermione find themselves connected by more than just their magical abilities. A myth becomes reality when an old foe comes tearing through the realms seeking revenge upon those who wronged him. What will happen when Loki and Hermione discover there's much more to their connection than meets the eye? Will they be forced to sacrifice everything they've ever wanted in order to save the nine realms or will love prevail?
Wolves without Teeth
Pairing: Hermione Granger/Loki Laufeyson
Rating: M (Rated Mature for adult language, violence, and sexual situations)
Part Two: Winter
Song Recommendations: "How Far We've Come" by Matchbox Twenty, "Wait it Out" by Imogen Heap, "What are you doing New Year's Eve?" – Clay Aiken
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"In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved,
how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."
-Buddha
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Winter
"Come on, Ron. It would be fun!"
Ron sighed and rubbed his face with his hands as Hermione glared at him from behind her desk. She was currently trying to talk her flat mate into having Darcy, Jane, and Thor over for New Year's Eve. She didn't want anything extravagant, just some appetizers, a small meal, and drinks. Ron was digging in his heels on the subject though, not wanting to go all out even though she had been perfectly clear there was no reason to do that. She continued glaring at Ron's freckled face until he seemed to cave a bit.
"But I thought you were going to the Ministry Ball like you always do. That's what Harry and Ginny are doing. Mum and dad are watching all the kids." He was really grasping at straws now.
"I usually do go, yes, but I decided against it this year…" For good reasons too.
Suddenly, Ron's face clouded and he frowned, giving her that sympathetic look he was so very good at. "You're not going because Draco is getting that award." She briefly closed her eyes, trying to block out Ron's puppy dog eyes. He felt bad for her and that hurt more than anything. It always did coming from him. They had too much of a past. Sometimes she wondered how they managed to be friends, let alone flat mates.
"I just…don't want to have to see them together like that again."
"I understand." And she knew he meant it. She knew that he completely understood the fact that she could not stand the sight of Astoria kissing Draco as he accepted his award for contributing so much time and money to restoring the Ministry these past fifteen years. He knew this because there were times when Hermione even struggled to deal with Pansy, and that was why he never participated in any displays of affection while she was around. It wasn't entirely fair to Pansy, but she appreciated it all the same. She even did her best to leave the two alone while Pansy was at the flat. She didn't want to intrude or make either feel any more uncomfortable than need be. "Alright, let's have them over for New Years. Who knows, it might be the best time we've ever had. I'm not sure Pansy is going to go for it, but I'll see."
"Did you two have plans already?" Hermione leaned forward, suddenly feeling uncomfortable that she might have ruined something special they had been going to do together. She may be lonely and slightly intrusive, but she was far from being the type of person to force people to change theirs plans to make her own work.
Shrugging his shoulder and causing his blue robes to bunch up, Ron shook his head. "Not really. Pansy just wanted a relaxing night, I think. We didn't really discuss it much."
"Well, let her know she won't have to do anything unless she wants to. I can make the dinner and Jane said she and Darcy would bring dessert. If you two just want to make a salad or bring some rolls? That would be fine—oh and bring some wine! I think we're out at home…" She trailed off pulling some parchment towards her to get started making a To-Do list. She expected that Ron would get up and head back to the joke shop, but instead he kept sitting there quietly, causing Hermione to look up and quirk an eyebrow at him. "Was there something else you wanted to talk about?"
Ron had begun to twist his hands together in his lap, a sure sign that he felt uncomfortable and was unsure of where to start. She set aside her paper and quill, folding her hands together on the top of the desk and leaning forward, giving him her full attention. Ron normally didn't have such a hard time talking with her about anything, so Hermione knew this must be important, or worse, bad news. When he still didn't say anything, she cleared her throat and snapped, "Well, what is it, Ronald?"
"I, um, I have some news I wanted to talk to you about…it's not bad really, but I wasn't really sure how to bring it up." He stopped fiddling with his hands and placed them flat on his thighs, making Hermione nervous. She swallowed, throat suddenly dry, worried for no clear reason. She nodded, indicating for him to continue with whatever he had planned on telling her. "So, I have been thinking about this for quite some time, but I wanted to talk to you first." Hermione suspected she may know what he was going to say, but she let him continue without interrupting. "Pansy and I have been dating for a while now…and I was thinking it might be time for me to propose to her, finally."
Ron flinched as Hermione rose abruptly, her chair flying back against the wall with a crash. Instead of anger, though, Hermione flew around the desk and pulled Ron to his feet before enveloping him in a brisk, bone crushing hug. After the initial shock wore off, Ron relaxed into the hug just before she released him. "Oh, Ronald, I am so glad you're finally going to make an honest woman of her! Nine years is an awfully long time to keep a girl waiting!" She gave him a wink before perching herself on the front edge of her desk. Ron's cheeks flushed a bit, but he smiled nonetheless as the kindness his longtime friend was showing despite their past.
"Thanks, Hermione. I was kind of worried to tell you, you know, given everything we've been through." He scratched nervously at the back of his neck, worried he had said the wrong thing after all. Instead of being angry though, Hermione merely grinned.
"Ron, I get that we have our long, difficult past, but you and Pansy love each other so much. I can't imagine anything better than you two finally getting married after all these years. She really has been quite patient with you, after all. So have you gotten a ring for her yet?" Hermione tucked a curl behind her ear, suddenly remembering the days when Draco and she had been together. She blinked rapidly, trying to remove such thoughts from her mind. Her heart suddenly began to beat rapidly as he reached into the pocket lining the inside of his robes and retracted a small, slightly worn box. Shakily, she reached out and let him drop the tiny box into her hand. Meeting his eyes briefly, she flipped it open and gasped. Inside rested a simple silver band with a medium sized priness cut diamond. Flanking the diamond was an emerald on one side and a ruby on the other. It was a beautiful way to show the blending of Slytherin and Gryffindor. "Ron," she whispered. "This is absolutely perfect. Pansy is going to adore it."
Letting out a great breath, Ron beamed. "Really? You think so? I was so worried it might not be big enough or elegant enough for her." Hermione shook her head quickly from side to side, effectively cutting him off.
"No, it's exactly what I think she needs from you." Snapping the little box closed, Hermione tilted her head as she turned it around in her palm, examining the worn box. "Ron, exactly how long have you had this ring in your pocket?" She glanced up to see Ron looking a bit sheepish.
"Um, well, maybe a little over a year…"
Her eyes grew wide at that realization. "Ronald Weasley! How dare you keep that ring for so long and not propose to your girlfriend!" She was floored by his admission. She shook her head in astonishment as she handed the ring box back to him. "Why on Earth haven't you proposed yet?" Hermione was still perched on her desk, but she leaned back gripping the edge so she wouldn't fall.
"Honestly, I was just afraid of your reaction." Ron stood then, reaching out and pulling Hermione up off her desk. "I don't want you to get hurt anymore, Hermione." He tucked that curl that always managed to rest on her check back behind her ear and looked into her eyes. For a split, unbelievable second, Hermione feared he was going to kiss her, but he leaned back a smidge and the moment was gone.
"You won't hurt me," she whispered breathily. "You never have."
Ron closed his eyes as if he was in pain, his hands resting on Hermione's shoulders. She could feel the warmth from them radiating comfortably into her bones and remembered all the times when he had held her close before. "Not intentionally. Do you ever wonder what might have happened if we'd stayed together, Hermione?"
She shook her head again, watching as he opened his blue eyes. "No," she lied. "Our love story was over a long time ago, Ron. We've both moved on and—" her breath hitched and she struggled to hold onto her composure as tears began to coat her eyes. Hermione coughed to clear her throat, unable to go on anymore. A tear escaped her eye and ran down her cheek. Ron moved closer once more and used his thumb to gently wipe it away before tugging her into his arms.
"You're going to find someone soon, 'Mione." He whispered into her ear and placed his chin on the top of her head and held her like so many times before, but this time it was different. This time it was more of a goodbye than the goodbye they had actually had all those years ago. They stayed like that for a while, and Hermione was glad for his embrace. She needed, no craved, human contact more than she had thought. It had been quite some time since she'd had someone to be with. She always projected the appearance of being a strong, independent woman, but everyone needs a companion once in a while. When she finally had her emotions under control, she stepped back, his arms dropping gently to his sides. He too looked a bit rough around the edges, but she didn't comment on it. Instead, she gave him a reassuring, but watery, smile and walked with him to the door.
"I know I will, but thank you for being so considerate. I'll see you later at home, okay?" He nodded solemnly, but snapped a small grin on his face before gently bumping her shoulder with his fist.
"See you later, Hermione." He left then, and Hermione quietly closed her door, resting her forehead against its cool surface. She wasn't the type of person to let her emotions take over, but this time, she did. She let the cacophony of sadness, anger, jealously, and resentment flood through her body as tears began to run from her eyes. She really was happy for Ron and Pansy—they deserved the love they had for one another. Turning around and letting herself lean on the door, Hermione had to admit she was even happy for Draco and Astoria. Pushing away from the door, she went back to her desk and sat down once more. What she wasn't happy with was the fact that she suddenly felt like she was all alone in this world and that there was probably not a single soul walking this Earth meant for her. She knew plenty of people who lived perfectly happy lives on their own, but she just didn't want to be one of them.
Deciding to push her feelings aside, she needed to get back to work. Ron and Pansy were going to get married and have oodles of, probably, red haired children. Draco and Astoria had Scorpius. All her friends, except Darcy, were paired off and happily enjoying their lives. Hermione just needed to find a way to deal with her own loneliness. Determined not to worry about this any longer today, Hermione picked up her fallen quill and instead returned to making her list of supplies and plans for New Year's Eve.
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Laughter sounded from the other room while Hermione prepared to bring out the dessert trays that Darcy, Jane, and Thor had brought for the evening. Dinner had gone smoothly, despite the fact that Pansy had declined to attend. Ron would be leaving around half past eleven to join her and her family at their estate in northern England. The kind man that he was, Ron had promised to attend still despite the fact that his fiancée, yes they had gotten engaged on Christmas, would not be in attendance. Hermione smiled ruefully at that—she thought, once again, that Pansy would be furious that Ron was choosing his ex over her. Cringing at herself, Hermione levitated the two trays and made her way back to the living room that doubled as the dining area. Ron was sitting in his favorite recliner and Thor and Jane were cozy on the loveseat. Hermione and Darcy had been sitting on cushion sized pillows at the coffee table.
Darcy made to jump up from the floor. "Hey, let me help you with those!" She gestured at the floating trays laden with cookies, mini cheesecakes, and tarts. Hermione waved away her protests.
"I've got it, Darcy. Witch, remember?" She pointed at her chest dramatically and everyone shared a laugh at that, Thor thrusting his beer into the air. It was really quite interesting how easy going Hermione's three new companions were when it came to magic. After the initial shock and interest had worn off, they never questioned the spells and incantations she used at the lab or when they were hanging out together. In fact, Thor wanted Hermione to possibly meet someone by the name of Wanda who apparently had her own magical abilities as well. Hermione was still unsure about meeting any of the other Avengers or superhumans as she had no plans of ending up some sort of S.H.I.E.L.D. experiment by mistake. Jane agreed with her on this, and had urged Thor to keep her abilities a secret until they were certain no harm would come to her, her friends, or the rest of the Magical community.
The three guests watched as she gently lowered the trays on the table before bursting into applause. "I will never get used to how amazing your powers are," Jane commented scooping up a mini cheesecake and taking a bite. "I've always had such a fascination with magic—to find out that it is real still blows my mind."
"I'm definitely jealous how quickly it takes you to clean and get things done." Darcy was crunching away on some cookies and smirking at Hermione because earlier in the week, Hermione had decided to use her magic to clean the lab. It was absolutely filthy! Darcy had sat by in amazement as papers, books, and garbage all magically moved around her until everything was in its rightful place. "If I'd had been able to do that as a teenager, my room would have been spotless."
"Teenager?" Jane questioned, "What is your excuse now?" This set the new group of friends into a fit of laughter once more, Ron laughing louder than everyone.
"I'm a wizard and my room was never spotless growing up!" Hermione nodded tapping him on the knee with her wand.
"I can attest to this…it was a pigsty!" Smiling up into his face she continued, "His mother was always threatening to take away his flying privileges!" Ron shoved her gently with his palm, causing her to topple over in her drunken state and sending them both into a fit of giggles. After a moment, the red head offered her a hand and pulled her into a sitting position once more, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes once settling back into the chair.
"Flying privileges," Darcy asked earnestly, leaning forward. Jane and Hermione shared a pointed look.
Gesturing though the air in front of him, Ron simply said one word: "Broomsticks." Darcy looked like a child on Christmas morning at the prospect of flying on a broomstick. The next forty minutes were spent discussing the different ways there were to travel in the Magical world, and Ron bringing out his two broomsticks to show everyone. Darcy shrieked in delight when he mounted one and flew once around the living room causing Hermione to scowl and scold him for flying inside. Hermione tried explaining the historical aspects of flying, but Darcy wasn't interested. She wanted to get on the broom and fly herself. Obviously, without magic, she couldn't, so Ron promised to take her flying sometime soon once he weather cleared up.
The funniest part of the conversation was the small pout Thor had on his face when he tried to compare using Mjolnir to take flight to flying on a broomstick. Everyone stared at him for a moment before Jane patted his leg and said, "Your hammer is very impressive, Thor." Darcy was the one to fall over laughing that time at the insinuation her friend had just made. Even Thor had to laugh at himself. The four refilled their drinks and had a few more desserts, sharing stories about the past as the time ticked closer to midnight.
At eleven thirty, Ron made his leave, wishing everyone a happy New Years, and hugging each of the ladies and shaking Thor's hand. Things got a bit quiet after that, so Hermione pulled out a few of her Magical photo albums to show her new friends. Unsurprisingly, they were all amazed at the moving pictures so Hermione had to explain how they used a special potion to develop the film. Jane asked if she would show her how to do it and Hermione agreed that she would. She had been teaching Jane about Potion making and Herbology as well. Granted, Jane's abilities were stilted due to the lack of magic, but she could do the basic parts while Hermione used her magic to get them to the finished product. It was fun sharing the Magical world with these people. They already knew and accepted that there were other things out there in the universe so it made understanding possible between them all.
At ten seconds to midnight, Hermione grabbed a bottle of champagne and a basket of crackers as they began to count down to the New Year. They all chanted loudly, Hermione shooting numbers from her wand: "Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One!" The four of them cheered as Hermione set off fireworks, Jane and Thor kissed, and Darcy popped the crackers one by one, confetti flying through the air.
"Happy New Years," Hermione gushed giving Darcy a one armed hug while attempting to pour champagne into four levitating glasses. Darcy kissed her cheek, drunkenly, and took one of the filled glasses. They turned to pass overflowing glasses to Jane and Thor only to see Thor dropping to one knee in front of his girlfriend, her hand coming up to clutch at her neck. Darcy gasped and grabbed onto Hermione's arm causing champagne to splash over her hands, bubbling as it went. Hermione's eyes grew misty at the sight before her.
"Jane," Thor began, taking a small white box from inside his jeans pocket. "While our time together so far has been short, it has been filled with many adventures, laughter, and much love. I am always looking towards the future, and I cannot see a future for me without you in it. That is why I gave up my birthright to be King of Asgard—I have chosen to be with you, now and for always. I know that no matter what hardships or darkness I may face, they will never destroy me because I have you by my side. You are the light of my life, Jane Foster, and I am asking you to please, be my wife."
Tears already cascading down her fair cheeks, Jane nodded enthusiastically, crying out a strangled, "Yes!" before throwing herself down into Thor's awaiting arms where he slipped the ring from the box onto her finger. They hugged briefly before Thor gently tilted her chin up, their eyes going closed as lips met in a intense kiss that made both Hermione and Darcy blush. Hermione elbowed Darcy and they backed away a bit, but didn't make it far before Jane jumped to her feet barreling at the two of them. She nearly took them down in her excitement to share an awkward three person hug with them. Darcy made a face and pretended to wipe stray tears off the front of her blouse, but she couldn't help the smile spreading across her face.
Hermione, while perfectly happy for her friend, couldn't help the iciness she felt in her heart. That was one more friend paired off. At least she still had Darcy—they could enjoy the single life together. Deciding to be a good friend, Hermione reached out and snagged Jane's left hand in her right. "Alright, let's see how good a job Thor did." She shared a smirk with Darcy as Jane blushed and Thor averted his eyes. He had nothing to worry about though; the ring was absolutely stunning. The band was antique gold with two bands intertwined that resembled vines. The diamond embedded in the top was so bright it appeared to be glowing, and Hermione suspected it might be.
Darcy let out a low whistle as Jane turned her hand from side to side, the ring glinting in the light of the room. "Damn, Thor, this thing is gorgeous. Where in the world did you find a ring like this?"
Chuckling deeply, Thor walked forward and slowly wrapped his arms around Jane's waist from behind, who turned slightly to stare lovingly up into his face. "It is not of this world. It belonged to my grandmother." Hermione had been right, it had magical, other worldly qualities to it. Idly, she wondered if Jane might let her examine it more closely at the lab. "My grandmother left it for me to share with the future Queen of Asgard. Even though I am not to be King, father still allowed me to have it for you."
Finally finding her voice, Hermione planted a smile onto her face. "Congratulations, you two. Shall we toast to the New Year and your engagement?" She raised her glass, smile cemented on her face, and waited for the others to join her. Darcy gave her a sideways glance, but with a minuscule shake of her head, the woman turned her attention back towards Jane and Thor with an expression on her face that clearly indicated she would ask Hermione to discuss this sooner or later. She suspected the former. Finally, all four of them thrust their champagne glasses into the air with a loud, raucous, "Happy New Years!"
Downing her glass of bubbly in one long drag, Hermione allowed the alcohol to numb her insides and the ache she was feeling once again. Maybe this would be the year she found her soul mate as well. Closing her eyes, Hermione sent out a silent wish that to the cosmos that she wouldn't have to be alone for much longer. When she opened her eyes, the glint of Jane's ring caught her eye, almost as if it were winking at her. Knowing that couldn't be true, and blaming the copious amount of alcohol she'd allowed herself to consume once again, Hermione ignored that buzzing of intuition in her blood and mentally rejoined the party with her friends.
Later, as Hermione stood holding the door of the flat open saying goodbye to her friends, Darcy turned back and gave her a serious look. "Do you want me to spend the night, Hermione? You know, so you don't have to be alone." She appreciated Darcy's offer, but pursed her lips and shook her head, hair swishing back and forth.
"I'll be okay, Darcy, but thank you. I'm just going to bed anyway." The corner of her mouth lifted in a smile. "I'll see you at the lab either on Saturday or Monday."
Staring at Hermione with a hard expression, Darcy finally nodded and flipped her scarf up and around her neck before pulling her hat down further on her head. "If you're sure. Goodnight!" Hermione gave a short wave and watched as Darcy followed Jane and Thor down the steps and out onto the nearly empty London street. With a sigh, she shut and magically secured the door. Deciding that the clean-up could wait until morning, she extinguished the lights and went back to her bedroom where she promptly fell upon her bed, still fully clothed. Too numb from sadness and alcohol to even shed a single tear, Hermione slipped into a deep sleep plagued with startling dreams of a tall, dark haired man with gleaming green eyes.
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A few weeks later, Ginny and Hermione sat having lunch together at their favorite café. Outside, the mid-January sky was threatening to snow again, but inside was toasty warm and for that they were grateful. Ginny was filling Hermione in about the trip to Bulgaria she would be going on the following week for an article she was writing on their Quidditch team. Rumor was that Krum was planning on retiring and becoming their head coach. Well, Hermione knew it was more than just a rumor since the two still kept in contact, but she wasn't allowed to share such confidential information, even with one of her closest friends. Instead, she sat there patiently listening to one of the topics she abhorred most and tried to revise some research notes for Jane while nodding her head occasionally so Ginny didn't think she was being completely rude.
Finished with the notes, she pushed them aside with a sigh, and reached for the last bite of her turkey sandwich. Ginny had, luckily, moved away from the topic of Quidditch to yet another unfavorable one. "So," she began, "Are you coming to Pansy and Ron's engagement party this weekend?" Ginny eyed Hermione carefully as she took a dainty sip of her afternoon tea. Hermione wiped her mouth with her napkin and set it aside before tugging her robes closer around her more for comfort than warmth.
Finally, unable to avoid the question any longer, Hermione heaved a sigh, her fringe fluffing away from her forehead. "I don't think so, Gin. I really won't be welcome. Pansy didn't even come to our New Year's Eve party and they were already engaged by then!" Hermione winced and clutched at the side of her head, then rubbed at her temples gently with her fingers.
Concern clouded Ginny's face. "Are you alright?" Worry lines crinkled her forehead as she watched her friend apprehensively.
Hermione closed her eyes briefly before opening them and grabbing for her purse, rummaging around the magically extended insides for some aspirin or Headache Potion. She growled, agitatedly, when she realized she had neither. "I'm fine, really. I just haven't been sleeping well since New Year's and the lack of sleep is causing me some migraines." Shoving her bag away in annoyance, she glanced up to see Ginny handing her a small vial of green liquid: a Headache Potion. Hermione smiled gratefully, taking the vial and downing the fowl tasting liquid before chasing it with the last of her tea.
Ginny looked up from examining the check. "Why haven't you been sleeping well?" She placed some Muggle currency down and pushed back her chair, Hermione following her lead. They headed out into the cold, both throwing the hood of their robes up over their heads. Hermione waited until they had made their way from the busy street the café sat on before continuing the conversation.
"I don't know…I've been having such weird dreams. They're always the same too, but they don't happen every night." She blushed, suddenly feeling silly for sharing such a thing. She wouldn't admit it to Ginny, but sometimes the dreams were a bit, well, steamy. She glanced at her friend quickly, hoping she believed the pink tinge upon her cheeks was from the cold and not the inappropriate thoughts that came to mind when she thought about the dreams.
Even more concerned about her friend, Ginny tucked her arm into the crook of Hermione's elbow and pulled her closer in the cold street. "What kind of dreams, Hermione? You don't think they're anything serious, do you?" Hermione suspected she was referring to the types of dreams Harry used to have. Honestly, she had worried about that at first, but with the way the dreams were starting to be, she just thought it was time to get a new man in her life. Apparently, her body had needs that were not being met, like, at all.
In response, she shook her head violently, almost knocking her hood off. "They're very disjointed for the most part. Flashes of light, bits of sound, and gleaming green eyes. I can't make anything of it. There is also a man." Ginny perked up at this.
"A man? What does he look like?" They were nearing the Leaky Cauldron where Ginny would enter and proceed to The Daily Prophet office in Diagon Alley. Hermione scrunched up her face, trying to recall the man from her dreams. It was difficult because, like she said, the dreams were incomplete flashes.
"He's tall, very tall, with dark flowing hair. I think he's wearing some sort of armor, but I can't tell. And the green eyes, well, I'm fairly certain they belong to him." She was more than fairly certain. She had woken up flushed and panting wantonly from staring into those gleaming, green eyes more times than she could count on one hand. She refused to even think about the dirty, delicious things she imagined this man doing to her. Some nights it was almost as if it were really happening.
"He sounds handsome," Ginny playfully said as they stopped in front of The Leaky Cauldron. "Well, just promise me that if these dreams get any stranger, or if you headaches get worse, you'll go see a Healer, okay?" Ginny turned and held onto Hermione's forearms tightly as she stared into her chocolatey eyes. Hermione smiled and nodded her head before saying that she would make sure to take care of herself. Satisfied, the redhead opened the door to the bar. "Are you going to the lab tonight?"
"Yeah, I had planned on it. I want to drop off the research I revised and get a book I left there." She gestured to her purse where she'd tucked her work after lunch. Ginny nodded once and gave her a smile.
"Alright, well give me a call or floo over for dinner if you don't end up staying too late." The promise of a homemade dinner sounded rather enticing, so Hermione thanked her friend and they parted ways for the afternoon. As Hermione made her way to the public restroom that would grant her access to the Ministry, she couldn't help but think about that green eyed man and what her dreams may mean. She flinched as another pang of pain stabbed her head, but it dissipated just as quickly as it came. She truly hoped that whatever was going on with her subconscious would end soon. The lack of sleep was really starting to pay a toll on her emotionally and mentally. Besides, she had too much work to do than to bother with migraines and silly, wet dreams.
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Later that afternoon, Hermione stepped out into the falling snow, ignoring the flurries that fluttered around her as she pulled her hood up and ducked into an alley way to Apparrate to Jane's mother's house. Turning on the spot, she transported herself to the lab, arriving safely behind a large tree with a "pop". Her head had not bothered her since earlier in the day and she was grateful of that. Looking about quickly, Hermione decided it was safe to come out, and walked briskly towards the red brick house. Hermione entered the six digit code into the keypad by the door, satisfied when it beeped and the door clicked allowing her to gain entry. She entered and secured the door behind her once more, the locks clicking into place mechanically.
She glanced about, but all was quiet in the little house so Hermione opened the basement door and called out. "Anyone here?" A small grin graced her features as both Jane and Darcy yelled up from below. Removing the traveling cloak she wore, Hermione placed it on the hook by the door and magically dried her feet before heading down the old, narrow staircase. She blinked into the brightness of the lab where she found Darcy perusing a Thai take-out menu and Jane revising some star charts. Jane glanced up with a pinched look on her face, but a smile on her lips before returning to work angling a protractor against her calculations.
Darcy tossed the menu aside and flipped her boot clad feet off the desk she was sitting at. "Hey, Hermione. Didn't think you were coming in today." She took her phone out of her pocket then and began browsing who knows what. Dropping her bag on the desk, Hermione picked up the discarded menu, feeling slightly hungry.
"I wasn't going to, but I finished those notes you wanted, Jane" She glanced back at Jane who simply nodded but never took her eyes off the star charts. Hermione raised her eyebrows at Darcy who sighed heavily.
"Any chance you'll use those fantastic magical powers to help me make some tea or something," Darcy asked gesturing back up the stairs and giving a pointed look to the moody Jane. Taking the hint, Hermione nodded and led the way back up the rickety old stairs. Darcy slammed the basement door loudly behind them causing Hermione to nearly jump out of her skin. "Thank God that you're here. I can't take Jane's brooding anymore!"
Instinctively, Hermione went to the sink opting to fill the kettle the Muggle way instead of with her wand so she and Darcy would have more time to talk. "What's wrong with her? She did seem a bit…preoccupied."
"A bit preoccupied? Seriously?" Darcy threw her hands into the air, pacing back and forth in front of the refrigerator, effectively blocking Hermione from getting the milk out. "She's been in a right state since Thor left three days ago."
Hermione abruptly stopped placing biscuits on the tea tray and turned to face her friend, hair whipping about her shoulders. "He's not back yet?" Darcy shook her head and crossed her arms, leaning against the refrigerator. "Doesn't he normally return within the same day? That's what Jane told me when we were talking about the Bifrost." Confusion and apprehension was apparent on Hermione's face and it worried her that it was reflected back from Darcy's as well.
"Yes, and I think that's what is bothering Jane so much. I'm not exactly sure how the time difference works, but if Jane is worried about how long he has been gone, something is wrong." Darcy pushed away from where she was leaning and walked over to help Hermione finish putting biscuits on the tray since Hermione appeared to be frozen in place. Her mind was working a million miles a minute. If Thor was gone this long, something significant must be happening on Asgard. For a brief, blinding second, Hermione's head seared with pain and she saw a flash of gleaming green eyes. Grabbing the counter for support, she heaved in a breath before she could topple over. "Hermione? Hermione are you okay?" Darcy's voice cut through the jumble in her mind, jolting her back to reality.
Gasping for breath like she had run a marathon, Hermione blinked her friend back into focus. "Yes, my head has been bothering me all day. I'm sorry if I scared you." She took in Darcy's pale face and wide, blue eyes searching her own face for any indication she was going to go into another dizzy spell, or whatever was happening to her. "Why did Thor want to visit Asgard this time?" She jumped slightly when the kettle whistled, causing Darcy to give her a calculating look. She averted her eyes as she used her wand to pour the boiling water into their three teacups.
Darcy plopped teabags into each one, making sure each was to their liking with milk and sugar. "It wasn't a planned visit. Apparently, Heimdall requested his presence but he didn't say why." Magically cleaning up the mess they'd made, Hermione furrowed her brow, thinking carefully about what exactly might cause Thor to be needed back home for so long. Perhaps, there was discordance in the Realms that needed to be taken care of. But wouldn't King Odin be able to sort that out? She voiced her concerns to Darcy who merely shrugged, unsure of the goings on in Asgard enough to be able to answer her inquiries.
Levitating the tea tray in front of them, Hermione led the way back downstairs unable to shake the uneasy feeling that had begun to slowly creep through her veins like a slow working poison. It was a relief to reach the bright, welcoming lab once more, even if Jane was now sitting at the table, elbows scrunching up the star chart as she rested her face in her hands. "Perk up, Jane!" Darcy chimed, clomping down the last few steps in her high-heeled boots. "Hermione has made us some tea with her magic, just like you like it." The last few words were shot at Hermione with an added wink. Hermione shook her head, rolling her eyes as the tray landed softly on an empty spot at the table.
Looking up sadly, Jane said a quiet 'thank you' before silently sipping her tea. Her two friends shared a worried glance before drinking their tea as well. Deciding to break the uncomfortable silence, Hermione cleared her throat, setting her half empty teacup aside. "Jane, I'm sure he'll be back soon. He's been gone a long time before, right?" She ignored Darcy's glare, her inner curiosity winning the battle over her conscience.
"He has, but not since he told Odin that he wanted to give up the throne." She set her cup down roughly, glaring at the star chart in front of her angrily as if it had somehow offended her. "He could have at least taken me with him if he was going to be gone so long. We have a wedding to plan, after all!" She nearly shouted the last bit, glaring daggers at her companions who stared back shell-shocked at her uncharacteristic outburst. Breaking suddenly, Jane sighed thrusting her left hand through her soft, brown hair. She laughed slightly when her engagement ring got tangled. "I'm sorry, you two. I don't mean to take my frustration out on you. I'm just nervous he won't come back for who knows how long."
Nodding with understanding, Hermione watched as Jane tried to disentangle her Asgardian ring from her hair. When the ancient relic was free, she made to put it back on her finger causing the light to hit it just so. The light from above hit the diamond causing it to glint, throwing a sparkle of color around the room. The light reflected into Hermione's eyes and suddenly she was falling off her lab stool, flashes of light blinking behind her eyelids and pain burning through her head. This time, though, the pain did not fade quickly, it lingered and she found herself thrust into a memory of a dream: cackling laughter, blue skin, cold air, and those damned glaring green eyes.
It was the screaming that brought her out of the fit—and she was shocked to discover it was her own, grating up out of her throat like she was dying, or worse like she was back in Malfoy Manor with Bellatrix looming over her with that knife. Darcy was sitting next to her, saying something Hermione could not understand over the roaring in her ears. Jane was looking down at her as if she was an experiment, and with a start, she realized she was. It was the ring! It was the ring that started all of this all the way back on New Year's! There certainly was something special about it, and she knew that Jane would allow her to study it now for she could see the same desire to learn its properties reflected back at her from Jane's concerned eyes.
When her screaming subsided, and the exhaustion overtook her, she was glad to have both Jane and Darcy there with her. The two of them helped her upstairs to the living room where she managed to lie down comfortably on the couch. After a half hour of complete and utter silence while she sipped a cool glass of water and avoided their heavy stares, she finally decided to speak. "Okay—" She had to stop and clear her throat which as raw and gravelly from all the screaming. "Okay, go ahead and ask. I know you want to." Darcy whipped her head around to stare at Jane who had not taken her eyes off of Hermione since the moment the fit had begun.
"Why do you think you had some sort of seizure when my ring flashed in the light?"
Hermione pushed herself up on the flowered couch, the red flannel blanket Darcy had haphazardly thrown over top of her falling down her body. She blinked slowly, meeting Jane's eyes, steady and unwavering. She tilted her head causing her tangled curls to flop half into her face and smiled grimly. "I have absolutely no idea, Jane. Your guess is as good as mine." She paused, swallowing roughly, her throat rough like sandpaper. "One thing I do know," she continued, "I can't shake this feeling that something big is going to happen, something horrible." None of them knew what to say to that, so they sat there as the darkness from outside crept in until Darcy was forced to click on a lamp.
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Hermione did the responsible thing and decided not to attempt Apparition home which meant she was stuck at Jane's since their fireplace wasn't connected to the Floo network for obvious reasons. After ordering Thai for dinner, Jane made sure she was comfortable enough on the couch with plenty of fluffy pillows and an extra warm down comforter. Jane slept in her mother's room and Darcy stayed in the spare so she wouldn't be alone in the house all night. They had finally gone to bed around midnight after making a list of different possibilities for the cause of Hermione's episodes. Being the kind hearted person she was, Jane had not returned her gorgeous ring to her finger despite Hermione's protests that it wasn't fair. She'd insisted she could avoid looking at it, but Jane had put her foot down. She refused to be the cause of distress for her friend.
Once the quiet had settled over the house, indicating Darcy and Jane had either fallen asleep or lost themselves on their phones in bed, Hermione attempted to sleep. Unfortunately, sleep would not come for her. She tried and tried and tried but to no avail. All she managed were a few restless moments here and there which were plagued with the same recurring dreams she'd been experiencing for weeks. Hermione spent most of the night staring out the big bay window as the snow fell quietly to the ground. She imagined it piling up on the frozen ground and jolted upwards as a flash from her dreams played out across her sight. She was running through a snow covered terrain, no…she was being chased by someone or something! Just as she tried to picture it completely, the flash slivered away when she blinked her eyes.
Hermione shivered and wrapped the comforter around her tightly at the cold feeling that crept upon her skin. Goosebumps freckled her flesh under her borrowed pajamas, causing her teeth to chatter. The flash had seemed so real and suddenly she felt angry that she had no idea what was going on in her mind. Was she having hallucinations? Was she just having very vivid dreams? Or worse, was she seeing the future? If that was the case, she sure didn't recognize that icy blue world that plagued her. And she certainly didn't know any tall men with dark hair and green eyes…well, except for Harry of course. Morning arrived, bright and gray, finally, and knowing that getting any more sleep would be a waste of time, Hermione threw back the blankets and headed for the kitchen door. She slipped on her boots and donned her cloak, flipping the hood up over her frizzy hair as she stepped outside into the crisp morning air.
Inhaling deeply, Hermione cast a warming charm wandlessly before finding her way behind the tree she always used as a destination point. She dug her cellphone out of the deep pocket inside the cloak and browsed her apps as she leaned against the tree. By the time she had caught up on the morning news, today's weather, and her friend's lives on their social media, the sun was properly shining in the sky and the warming charm was beginning to rapidly fade. Deciding it was about time to head back inside and get dressed before heading home, Hermione opened her contacts and decided to give Harry a call. He picked up on the second ring.
"Hey, Hermione. You feeling alright today?"
She suspected Ginny had filled her in about what happened at lunch yesterday. Suddenly feeling guilty for keeping last night's 'seizure' from him, she scrunched up her face and readied herself to tell him the tale. "Yeah, Harry, I'm alright, I guess. There is something I want to tell you though, and actually something I should probably have talked to you about weeks ago when it first started." She recast the warming charm and dove into her tale starting with New Year's Eve and ending with what happened last night. "So, that's why I stayed here a Jane's. I didn't think it would be a good idea to try and Apparate, you know, after all that."
Harry had stayed mostly quiet through her explanation, only making noises now and then so that she knew he was still listening. He had grumbled something about Healers at the mention of the possible 'seizure', though. The silence that met her when she stopped talking was deafening. "Harry? Are you still there?"
"Why didn't you come to me?"
Hermione worried her bottom lip with her teeth as her stomach turned to lead at the cold accusing nature of his words. "I just—I thought they were just dreams at first. It wasn't until yesterday evening that I knew for sure it was visions of some sort." She paused and closed her eyes, trembling even though the warming charm kept her from being cold. "Harry," her eyes opened slowly, taking in the snow around her before she went on hesitantly, "I'm scared. I'm seeing things I shouldn't." It was the first time she had admitted this aloud. Despite the chill that ran down her spine, Hermione managed to feel relieved to share her suspicion with her very best friend.
She heard Harry inhale deeply and exhale long and slow. As he did this, she watched a few birds fly overhead, searching the snow covered ground for an unlikely breakfast. "I've been where you are now, Hermione. Seeing things in your head, hearing voices no one else does, uncertain whether or not you're going crazy. I've been there and back so many times I've lost count." The reality of his words made her feel guilty, and she wished she'd been open from the very beginning. "So do you think this Asgardian relic is the key to your problems?"
Sinking back into the safety of the tree, she cringed slightly as the dampness from the melting snow sank through her cloak as the sun rose higher. "I do. When Thor proposed to Jane and I saw that ring for the first time I knew there was something special, no, magical about it. New Year's was the first time the dreams came to me. Honestly, Harry," Hermione said with a chuckle, "I thought I was just lonely." A bright blush crept onto her cheeks at that admission and she was glad he could not see her face. "We're planning on examining the ring more closely but first we need Thor to return so we can ask him more about its origins."
Across the phone lone, Hermione heard Ginny tell Harry she was taking Albus and Lily to Molly's before heading to work. She listened quietly as Harry told his wife goodbye and kissed her quickly. "So Thor hasn't returned yet?"
"No, and it's been days now. Jane and Darcy are starting to worry that he might not come back. Apparently, Heimdall requested his presence personally."
"This is all related, isn't it?"
Gently batting a curl off her cheek, Hermione sighed, eyes falling shut once more. "It's very likely."
Her best friend's next words surprised her for Harry had never before shown any interest in her study of Astrophysics. "So, what do we do next?" Eyes flying open at hearing Harry wanted to help, Hermione took a moment to process her thoughts.
"More research, Harry. That's where we start. Jane has already promised not to wear the ring around me even though I insisted otherwise. I don't want Thor to get offended, but she said he has grown to care for me as a friend and will understand completely."
Harry had just started to say something else when the back door was flung open, crashing against the brick exterior of the house. Raised voices caused Hermione to peer gingerly around the tree, wand at the ready. Eyes widened in surprise to see Thor striding towards the front of the house followed by Jane and Darcy, the latter trying desperately to keep up. Jane was gesturing wildly with her hands and Thor kept shaking his head violently back and forth.
"Hermione?" Harry's worried voice broke her out of her stupor, and she hid herself once more.
"Shhh, for a moment Harry. Thor is back—he must have returned in the night. I'm trying to hear what he and Jane are arguing about. Something is happening." Her friend mumbled an understanding so she crept along behind the line of hedges until she was close enough to hear unimpeded by distance. Instinctively, she crouched behind the hedge, wand still in hand, and listened hard to the heated conversation on the other side.
"Thor, you just got back from Asgard, why do you have to return so soon? What about me?!" Jane was half screaming at her fiancé, tears glimmering in her worried eyes. Thor stopped, closed his eyes, and slowly turned to face her.
He opened his eyes slowly and took her gently by the shoulders. "Jane, you must try to understand, there is something mysterious happening on Asgard. Heimdall suspects my father had been compromised and I have to agree. I talked with him myself and he does seem, not himself. I must return and find out more about this. I came to tell you so you would not worry." Thor brushed a stray tear from Jane's cheek, pleading with her to understand with his eyes.
After a brief moment, Jane glared up into his handsome face and stomped her foot into the snow. "Thor Odinson, how dare you plan to leave me, your fiancé, here alone on Earth while you run off to Asgard again for who knows how long!?" She jabbed him angrily in the chiseled chest with her dainty finger numerous times causing him to flinch, more from the gesture than pain. "I'm coming with you this time, you great oaf!"
Thor merely blinked once, twice, three times before backing away and shaking his head, his hands coming up in front of him. "No, Jane. It's much too dangerous. I am not even sure what the situation entails as of now."
Jane glared daggers, both hands on her hips. "I wasn't asking." The lovers stared at each other for a heated moment before he ran a hand agitatedly through his flowing, blond locks.
"It is decided then."
Jane smiled, nodded her head happily at being able to join Thor on his trip home. She turned to Darcy who had surprisingly kept her mouth shut this entire time. "Darcy, can you hold down the fort?" Darcy gave her friend an appalled look before throwing her arms into the air.
"Are you crazy? I'm not letting you go off to Asgard without me again!" Jane blanched, stepping back startled before the grin overcame her face once more. Smirking, Darcy threw her hand up and Jane joined her in an epic high five. "You hear that, muscle man? I'm coming too. You're not whisking my friend off to certain death without me this time."
Thor growled deep in his chest, knowing he was outnumbered. "Fine, but you both are to be careful. No running off without me. Asgard can be dangerous, especially now when we know not what is going on." He was gravely serious, causing the smiles to flicker and then diminish from the women's faces. Jane placed a comforting hand on his forearm.
"We understand this is no laughing matter, Thor."
They were quiet for a moment, all thinking of what might be awaiting them in the other realm. Finally, Darcy broke the silence. "What about Hermione? We're supposed to find out about your ring." She pointed at the sparkly relic on Jane's hand. Thor and Jane exchanged a meaningful look which ended with Thor shaking his head once and Jane pursing her lips. "We'll leave her a note. Hopefully, we're not gone long and I can find out some information on my ring while we're there."
Darcy frowned, but walked back towards the house, saying that she would tape the note to the lab door and lock up before coming back out. Hermione, legs burning from her crouch, stared out through the hedge branches, her mouth agape. "Harry, they're all going to Asgard—and they're leaving me here!" She whispered this harshly to her friend, betrayal gnawing at her gut. How could they travel to Asgard without her? Why would they leave her here when they knew she needed to go there for answers about her condition?
"What?" Harry whispered back, uneasiness in his voice. "You can't go to Asgard, Hermione. What about your job? What about all of us?" Hermione wasn't listening though. Darcy had come back outside, shutting the door securely and standing with Jane and Thor as they prepared to depart this world.
"Harry, I have to do something. They think I left. They think I went home. If they go now, I'll never have another chance! Something is about to happen and I know they're going to need my help!"
"Listen to me, Hermione!" Harry was yelling now, but she wasn't listening because Thor was talking at the damn sky! He was asking Heimdall to open the Bifrost. If she didn't hurry, her opportunity would be lost forever. She hurriedly stepped back from the hedge, nearing the edge of the property.
"I'm sorry, Harry." Clutching her phone in one hand and her wand in the other, she ran forward with everything she had, bounding over the small hedge just as the Bifrost, more glittering and beautiful than Hermione could ever have imagined, shot down out of the sky. Hermione landed roughly inside the circle of the rainbow colored force field, pain shooting up her legs.
The other three never even noticed she was there as they flew through the portal to another realm. Hermione tried to take it all in, but before she could really decipher what was happening, she landed in a golden room that opened to the sky—but it wasn't her sky—it was Asgard's sky. She blinked and glanced around, finding Thor, Jane, and Darcy standing further in front of her looking up at a dark-skinned man with magical eyes.
This man, god, was not looking at the three people addressing him though. Those magical eyes were fixed resolutely on Hermione as she stared back with her own wide, frightened eyes. A smile spread slowly across his lips, making his eyes twinkle even more. He inclined his head towards once her before speaking. "Welcome to Asgard, Hermione Granger."
Hermione's cell phone clattered uselessly to the ground.
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End Notes: I can't promise I'll have time to update next Sunday, but I promise the next chapter will be up before the New Year! Enjoy your holiday everyone! Again, thanks to those that reviews (TheHungryWolf and Love and Dead). Please leave me a review. It's your continued interest that keeps me writing!
xx DustNight