Author's Note: Hey everyone! I can't believe it's the end of July already and I go back to teaching in thirteen short days! Anyway, here is the next chapter, and I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to my awesome beta Tina, as well as Dramione84 for helping me with this chapter. I struggled with it a bit, but I'm happy with how it came out. Huge thanks to those who reviewed (I'm fairly certain I messaged you all back, unless you don't allow it or you're a guest) and those that followed and favorited! I love all of you so very much!

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 was created for me by the lovely Freya Ishtar. 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 Seventeen: Illuminated
Song Recommendations: "Like a River Runs" by Sia, "Illuminated" by Hurts, "Crystals" by Of Monsters and Men, and "Spectrum" by Florence + The Machine

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"When the light returns to its source,
it takes nothing of what it has illuminated."
— Rumi
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Illuminated

Popping into existence, Hermione bit her lip as she smoothed out her black dress robes. With a quick glance around, she determined that she must be the last to arrive at Malfoy Manor. All was quiet, save the wind through the tree branches and the click of her heels as she began the trek across the well-manicured grounds. Thankful for the stone pathway, Hermione hurried along so she wouldn't be late to the funeral. Well, any later than she might already be. She'd arrived home with just enough time for a quick shower and to throw on her dress robes before apparating. Her morning discussion with Loki only delayed her a couple Earth hours, thankfully.

Just as she was rounding the back of the grand manse, ready to veer towards the apple orchards, a small voice broke through her frantic thoughts. Stopping abruptly, Hermione instinctively reached for her wand inside the robes she wore, hand gripping the sturdy wood reassuringly. Vaguely, she recalled being able to produce a protection shield without the use of her wand, but the thought was fleeting. As her eyes peered around the area, she realized there was a small sitting area against the Manor. Releasing her grip on her wand as she saw who was sitting there, she tossed a look towards where she knew everyone was gathered before striding over.

"Scorpius? What are you doing back here? You should be at the cemetery with your mother."

Dropping down on one knee, she placed a gentle hand on Scorpius's shoulder. The boy was wearing his very best dress robes, along with the saddest face she'd ever seen on the child. Over the years, she never really had a lot of interactions with Scorpius. For most of his early life, she was traveling around the world researching, and when she did encounter him, it was for very brief periods at children's parties or the rare occasion when Astoria brought him to see Draco at work. It was a bit of a shock to have the boy speak directly to her, and she found herself unsure what to expect.

"Ms. Granger, I'm sorry to bother you."

"It's alright," she murmured gently, squeezing where she held his shoulder. "Now, can you answer my questions?" She met his eyes, so much like his fathers, and watched as he took a deep breath, preparing to speak.

"I was tired of everyone looking at me with pity in their eyes."

"Oh." Well, Hermione really didn't know what to say to that, so instead of replying right away, she released his shoulder to move and sit next to him on the bench. She couldn't exactly tell him that people always pitied those that lost someone close to them. Scorpius certainly didn't want to hear about how people would forever tell him how sorry they were for his loss either. Trying to be sympathetic, she attempted another tactic. "If it makes you feel any better, people are looking at me with pity in their eyes too."

"He was your friend, wasn't he?"

"Oh, yes. We were great friends, Scorpius. We also worked together at the Ministry for a long time. We were partners…" Trailing off; she bit her lip, feeling Draco's loss like an overwhelming ache for the first time since returning to Earth. She suspected being near Loki helped ease her remorse somewhat, their connection repairing any physical or emotional trauma she endured. Seeing the pain in her eyes, Scorpius patted her knee before bringing his hands together on his lap.

"Did you love him?"

Taken aback by the question, Hermione rubbed at her chest, as if that could alleviate the pain radiating from her heart. Wetting her lips, she tried to come up with a way to answer the question without sounding like someone who pined desperately after a married man. Inwardly groaning, she realized that was ridiculous—she was someone who'd desperately pined after a married man. She'd gone to extreme lengths to try to win Draco back all those years ago, to no avail. In the end, they'd remained as friends and work partners. Now he was gone, and she was sat here having a highly uncomfortable conversation with his ten-year-old son!

"I did…love him. Very much," she managed to say at last, her throat constricted with unshed tears and guilt. She'd always love that insufferable git; it was just different now.

"I think he loved you too, Ms. Granger—he talked about you to me all the time. He said you were the bravest, strongest witch he'd ever known, and if something ever happened to him, that you would be able to help me." Smirking up at her, his facial features just like his father's, Scorpius added, "You, Ron Weasley, and Harry Potter he said—the three of you would make sure I was kept safe."

Laughing slightly, Hermione relaxed on the bench, a hand coming up to swipe at the few tears that managed to escape her eyes. Draco really had made sure everything was taken care of before he left this world. Smiling down at Scorpius as he fidgeted, uncomfortable by her tears, she wanted to reassure him.

"He was telling you the truth, Scorpius." They sat in silence for a moment, and just before she was about to suggest they head to the apple orchards, she watched his face fall again. Worry flickered across her face as she bumped him playfully with her elbow. "What else is bothering you?"

"Was he—was my father a good wizard?"

As her mouth dropped open, Hermione felt like someone had punched her in the stomach. Why in the world would Scorpius ask such a thing? Who had given him the impression that Draco was anything but? Trying not to feel the one thing the boy did not need right now, pity, Hermione swallowed thickly, her throat suddenly dry. It would take much more time than they had to explain the complexity that was Draco Malfoy, but she would at least have to try.

"Listen to me carefully, Scorpius—your father was a very good wizard. He—"

"But what about what he did during the war? He was a Death Eater! I know what was underneath the tattoo on his left arm." Frowning, Hermione didn't recall ever seeing a tattoo, but she knew what was underneath it, whatever it may be. "He had a Dark Mark…grandmother won't talk to me about my grandfather, ever. I read all about the War, Ms. Granger. I found a copy of your book in father's study and read it all! Please—please tell me how my father wasn't a bad wizard if he was on the side of the Dark wizards?"

Well, that certainly changed what she'd planned on saying. The poor boy had read her historical book and made a leap between his father and the evil, deplorable wizards that truly backed Voldemort. Harry would be a much better person for Scorpius to talk to about all this, but for some reason, he'd chosen her. With a start, Hermione realized he'd probably chosen her because he suspected how Draco had actually felt about her. Trying to calm her suddenly erratic breathing, Hermione inhaled and exhaled, counting to ten before turning her attention back to the patiently waiting boy.

Staring out at the apple orchard, the trees still dormant this early in April, Hermione knew she had to help Scorpius understand his father was a good wizard. "It's a rather long story that we don't have time for just now, but I'll try to give you the short version, okay?" She reached down and grabbed his hand with her own, squeezing softly.

"Alright," came his hesitant reply.

"Your father and I didn't always get along—in fact; we rather disliked one another. It was mostly because he was a Slytherin, and I was a Gryffindor, as well as the difference in our blood status." She paused here, remembering the first time he'd called her a Mudblood. "Anyway, because of his situation, he was forced into a life he thought he wanted. Your grandfather offered him up to Voldemort, and he took the Dark Mark." Scorpius gasped here, glancing away with hurt in his eyes. Sometimes it was hard to hear the truth. "He tried so desperately to prove himself as a Death Eater, but in the end, he didn't have the heart. He couldn't kill his target, and he lied about Harry's identity when we were captured, effectively saving our lives."

"I didn't know that," Scorpius whispered; his words nearly swallowed up by the wind through the apple trees.

"He did. If he'd sold us out, Harry would never have made it to the final battle." Hermione paused in her story, trying not to cry anymore in front of the boy. When she could carry on, she did so, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "After the War, your father did everything in his power to restore faith in the Malfoy name, and himself. He held his head up high during trial, never once complaining about his sentence of house arrest or community service."

"He had to do that?"

"For a short period of time before he came to work at the Ministry. Once he was at the Ministry, he became very active in donating to and working with War-related charities, as well as hunting down the remaining Death Eaters, and later, the Sympathizers. He holds the record for the most captures even to this day. So you see, your father is a very good wizard."

Turning his face so Hermione could see him fully, Scorpius further inquired, "He did those good things, Ms. Granger—but he was a werewolf. People are going to talk about that. Werewolves are bad, aren't they?"

"Oh." So that was what this was all about—Scorpius was worried about what people would say in regard to his father's lycanthropy. "Now listen to me very carefully, Scorpius," Hermione said with a bit more force than she intended. The boy gave her an odd look as she grasped him firmly by both shoulders, turning him, so she could look at his eyes. "Your father wasn't always afflicted with lycanthropy, regardless of what the papers are saying. And in any case, lycanthropy isn't something to be ashamed of, but that's not the point I'm trying to make. When you go off to Hogwarts in the fall, you're going to hear some horrid things from some of your classmates, and I want you to ignore them. Your father sacrificed himself to save all of us—he took a bad situation and made sure you would be safe, Scorpius." Her voice catching slightly, Hermione forced out the last of her explanation. "After years and years of trying to repent for what he did in the past, your father finally found the redemption he so desperately sought. He is a good wizard, and don't you let a single soul make you think otherwise."

Letting go of Scorpius, Hermione inhaled deeply, turning away so he wouldn't see the tears in her eyes this time. They were both quiet for some time, lost in thoughts about Draco. Hermione hoped she hadn't overwhelmed the boy with her emotional outburst, but she refused to allow Draco's son to think his father was anything but a good wizard. They all had their pasts—hell; Hermione clearly recalled her four-year downward spiral after she and Draco were forced to separate. It was the single darkest period of her life, a time where she'd done some of the most ghastly things to herself and others. She'd made it through to the other side, just like Draco did. Scorpius was living proof of that.

They all were.

"He was a good wizard?"

"He truly was, Scorpius," Hermione replied, standing and brushing the back of her dress robes off. "If you have trouble at Hogwarts, if anyone picks on you, be the better person, alright? Don't fight and instigate like a few others I know." She refrained from including Draco in that statement, but by the smirk on Scorpius's face, she was sure he knew nonetheless. "Besides, James and Albus will be there. They'll have your back."

Staring out at the apple orchard, Hermione was surprised when she felt Scorpius hug her around her middle. She returned the short hug, patting him on the head once before he took a few steps away, turning back to give her a small grin. "Thank you for answering my questions, Ms. Granger. Did you want to walk with me to the cemetery?"

"No, you go ahead…I think I might need a minute before I follow." He nodded at her reply before turning and hurrying down the path lined in apple trees. Glancing up at the sky, she shook her head once, as if she was talking to Draco. "You were such a great father to him. I hope you know that." Wiping frantically at her watery eyes, Hermione trailed after Scorpius, already dreading having to say her final goodbyes.

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Arriving just after the service began, Hermione slipped easily into the space Ron and Harry automatically left for her without having to be asked. The wizard version of a priest was reading a blessing from a book as the medium-sized crowd watched and listened. The small cemetery was situated just beyond Draco's favorite apple orchards, at the very back of the grand estate. The Malfoy ancestors were not buried beneath the ground but rather encased in a magically enlarged mausoleum. Hermione remembered coming here once with Draco after Lucius had passed away, and they'd found out about his betrothal contract with Astoria. Draco had been furious, screaming and shouting ridiculously at the ancient mausoleum as if Lucius's dead body would come out and apologize for ruining his life from beyond the grave.

Putting aside such thoughts, for the time being, Hermione glanced around the attendees, curious to see who was there. Across from her and her friends, separated by Draco's sleek, black marble coffin, stood Astoria and Scorpius. Astoria's face was shrouded in dark lace that draped from a hat on her head. She looked every bit the mourning wife, a cream-colored handkerchief occasionally dabbing at her eyes. Next to her, and wearing similar attire, stoically stood Narcissa, who Hermione supposed was feeling rather forlorn having to bury both her husband and son in just over a decade. On Astoria's other side, presumably offering her best friend emotional support, was Ron's fiancée, Pansy. Having been one of Draco's closest friends, she appeared utterly inconsolable compared to Astoria.

Continuing to ignore the Wizarding priest, Hermione's eyes fell upon Gregory Goyle flanked by his son and daughter. His wife, Daphne Greengrass, was killed seven years prior in a Sympathizer raid gone awry. Eyes gliding over the group of Slytherins, Hermione's eyes found Blaise's. He nodded once at her before returning his attention to the service. Surprisingly, Theo, who stood next to the Italian, caught her gaze as well, giving her a soft smile. She returned the smile, feeling a sweet sort of sadness take over her being. Tuning back into the service, Hermione was startled to hear the priest tell those present that Mr. Harry Potter would be saying a few words. Somehow managing to keep her mouth from dropping open in surprise, she watched as Harry cleared his throat and stepped forward.

Taking his place at the end of Draco's casket, Harry clasped his hands in front of himself and then glanced up at those gathered around. "Hello," he mumbled uncomfortably, never one to enjoy being thrust into the limelight. "When I first found out Draco wanted me to speak his eulogy, I was rather shocked. Then, it occurred to me that perhaps I was the only one separate enough from his loss to go through with it." At this, Harry met Hermione's eyes and realized why Harry was doing the eulogy—it was because Hermione couldn't. First of all, it wouldn't be appropriate, and second, there's no way she'd be able to keep it together. Already tears burned behind her eyes, her throat closing up from holding back emotions. She nodded, barely, and her best friend knew she understood.

"At any rate, I found his request to be an honor. As most of you are aware, Draco and I spent a greater portion of our time knowing each other fighting in one way or another. After the War, when Kingsley came to me explaining that Draco would be joining the MLE, I never expected to become as close as we did. Actually, I thought the Minister was mad." He met Kingsley's eye here, the two sharing a private smile. "Since that time, I watched Draco grow as a person—he became a force to be reckoned with within the department, and I'm not sure what we would have done without him, to be completely honest." Scratching at the back of his head, Harry laughed a bit. "It's thanks to him that some of the most nefarious Death Eaters and Sympathizers are behind bars."

"Insufferable git," muttered Ron, his voice laden with unshed tears. Hermione discreetly reached down and embraced his hand with her own. Draco and Ron always did enjoy racing each other to see who could have the most captures. Well, before Ron left the Auror department, that is. Either way, the comradery between the pair never truly left. She knew Ron would miss Draco nearly as much as the rest of them.

"Besides being such a staple to the Ministry," Harry continued, "Draco excelled in other areas of life as well. He was a generous friend, always willing to help you out when you truly needed it." Goyle nodded at this, as did Blaise, Theo, Pansy, and many others. "He aided the Ministry, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts in rehabilitation efforts after the War and to this day, as well as ensuring that those who suffer from lycanthropy will get the treatment they need. He was a loving son and husband—" Here; Harry faltered, not wanting to upset Hermione, but she appeared calm, if not a bit teary eyed. "Mostly though, he was a fantastic father. He loved Scorpius with every ounce of his being, and everything he did; he did for his son, without question."

There was not a dry eye at that moment as young little Scorpius wiped furiously at his. Harry even had to stop speaking, his own emotion getting the better of him. Although Hermione regretted that she and Draco never worked out, she knew within her heart that it was because he hadn't wanted to disappoint his son. She respected that, and she never felt any resentment towards the boy. In fact, she wished she could go forth and hug him right now, especially as she watched Astoria resolutely ignore his tears as she frantically wiped at her own. As Harry cleared his throat again, trying to regain control of himself, Hermione turned away, not wanting to miss the end of her friend's speech.

"Draco will be missed by all of us in one way or another. I, for one, will miss that sarcastic drawl of his that made me second guess myself every single day. However, I will also miss his unwavering loyalty and devotion the most. May he rest easy knowing he's made such a huge impact in our lives." Bowing his head, Harry closed his eyes to hold back the tears there before struggling to say his final farewell. "Draco, I know you'll continue watching over all of us, whether it's in our daily lives, out on missions, or even just to drive us nuts from beyond the grave. Rest easy, my friend. Goodbye."

With that said, Harry used his wand to produce a single white carnation that he floated on top of the dark casket. Then, swiping beneath his glasses, he returned to Hermione's side. Scorpius was the next to move forward, placing his own carnation on top of the casket. After that, the rest of those gathered took their turns saying their silent goodbyes to Draco by placing flowers or trinkets atop the casket. Ron, having managed to find one somehow, placed a "Weasley is our King" badge, Pansy added a locket, presumably from when the pair dated at Hogwarts, and Theo set a bright green apple, one of Draco's favorites. As everyone finished saying farewell, they trickled away from the cemetery, towards the Manor where Narcissa and Astoria were holding the wake.

Eventually, Hermione was the only one left to say goodbye, having lingered back to the side while everyone else filtered through. She took a tentative step forward, nibbling on her lip nervously. Ron paused as if waiting for her, but she waved him on, wanting to do this part alone. Thankfully, he and Harry didn't linger, both walking slightly down the path to wait for her there. Taking a deep breath, Hermione stepped up to Draco's casket and placed a shaking hand on the surface.

"I'm still quite in shock over this entire ordeal, Draco," she began, sighing heavily. "You were torn from us rather abruptly, and even now; I'm at a loss for words. You and I, we have quite the history, and letting you go isn't going to be easy. Yet…" Trailing off, Hermione stared up at the sky, charcoal grey clouds shielding the sun from shining down upon them. "And yet, at the same time, I feel sort of at peace now—like something inside of me has finally clicked into place." Smoothing her hand over the black marble, Hermione wondered what to say next.

"There are so many what-ifs when it comes to the two of us, but I think this is the way things were always meant to play out. You told me to forgive Loki for what he did to you, and while it pains me to picture what happened that night, I do forgive him. I truly do. He did what you asked for the sake of everyone." Pausing, Hermione shook her curls out of her face as the wind picked back up, making the apple trees creak and moan. "I lied to him, you know? When he asked if I still loved you. I lied." Biting her lip, almost painfully this time, she closed her eyes against the tears that were gathering there. "I never stopped loving you either, Draco. A part of me will always love you, even though my heart beats for another now."

The wind stopped blowing, and Hermione could have sworn she smelled Draco—the crisp citrus and musk of his expensive cologne, but it was probably all in her imagination. Either way, a calmness settled over the cemetery, making the hairs at the back of her neck stand up. Glancing around, Hermione determined she was alone, and that there was nothing to be wary of. Stepping away from Draco's casket, she crossed her arms and smiled sadly.

"Thank you for loving me, Draco, and thank you for making sure I would be able to love again after you. Whenever I smell roses and crisp apples, taste the minty flavor of pepper imps, or happen upon a particularly beautiful teacup, I will think of you. Farewell, Draco."

Sucking back her tears, Hermione turned away from the small cemetery and walked down the path until she found her friends. They'd waited for her, and immediately Ron stepped forward, pulling her into a warm embrace. He let her cry silently into his dress robes for a few moments until she could pull herself together. When she untangled herself from his arms, she was pulled into another hug, this time by Harry. It was reassuring to know that her friends were always going to be there for her. Swiping hastily at her dampened face, Hermione was surprised to see Ginny, Blaise, and Theo gathered around her as well. Managing to laugh a little, she gestured at all of them before speaking.

"Thank you all for staying to check up on me. I'll be alright; I promise."

"Don't be silly, Hermione," Ginny accused. "Of course we're going to check on you. However," she added moving forward and grasping for Hermione's left wrist. "I'd like to know more about this!" Holding up Hermione's hand, the red-haired woman pointed dramatically at the Rime Diamond ring situated on her finger.

Blaise let out a low whistle, coming forward to examine the sparkly piece of jewelry that seemed to glow with magic from within. "Damn…that is one hell of an engagement ring."

"What?!" Shocked, Ron elbowed his sister out of the way, so he too could get a look at the Rime Diamond ring. "What the bloody hell is that thing doing on your hand? I thought you wore it as a necklace!"

"Clearly a lot happened in the scant amount of time between me dropping you off at the lab and when you arrived here this morning, hmmm?" Harry pushed his glasses up his nose, green eyes sparkling playfully behind the black frames. "Care to share the details of your trip to Asgard?"

"Yeah," screeched Ginny, punching Hermione in the shoulder. "Like when exactly you managed to get engaged!"

Rubbing at her now sore shoulder, the bushy-haired witch rolled her eyes. "I wasn't deliberately keeping anything any of you. In case you've forgotten, we were just at Draco's sodding funeral—not really the time or place to discuss the events that led to Loki asking me to wear this ring, now was it?"

"And I believe that is my cue to leave," Theo noted, placing a hand on Blaise's shoulder as he walked by. "Blaise, I'll see you later at the Leaky. Potter's, Weasley, take care." Stepping forward, he placed a kiss upon Hermione's cheek. "I wish you all the best, Hermione." Smiling at her stunned expression, he began strolling down the pathway, headed towards the front gates. Just before he was out of earshot, he called out, "Oh, and in case you were interested in knowing, Hermione—and I could lose my job from telling you this—but there's a prophecy orb with your name on it in the Department of Mysteries." After dropping that bombshell, Theo turned and disappeared from view.

"Okay…," Harry muttered, trailing off with a frown on his face. "It's probably best if we table that little bit of information for the time being. Nothing good ever comes from those blasted prophecy orbs."

"You're right about that, mate," Ron agreed with an exaggerated nod with his head. Glancing at Blaise, he added, "What was that about anyway? Theo's attitude, I mean."

"Bitter, is all."

"Ah." Ignoring the way his sister was glaring at him, Ron cleared his throat. "Anyway, I believe you have some explaining to do, Hermione. The last time I saw you, at least, you were furious with Loki."

Turning her gaze away from where her ex-lover departed so she could stare around at all the curious faces, Hermione merely shrugged. "What is there to say really? After Harry came and talked to me about what Loki supposedly proclaimed before they departed for the other realm, I went there on a whim myself. When I saw the state of remorse Loki was in, Thor and I had a long discussion about moving him back to his rooms instead of keeping him in the dungeon."

"Cut the crap, 'Mione," Ginny whined, using the nickname her friend hated. "Get to the good part. Obviously, you and Loki made up at one point or else that ring would still be hanging round your neck instead of on such a particular finger."

"I, too, am curious to hear what you have to say," confessed Blaise, reaching forward to tug gently at the collar of Hermione's dress robes. "Especially as you have a beautiful love bite just barely hidden beneath your robes."

Turning a brilliant shade of red, Hermione slapped Blaise's hand away while he laughed heartily. "Blaise!" Feeling rather on the spot as Ginny and Ron exchanged excited grins and Harry merely shook his head at the antics of his friends, she knew there was no way she was getting out of this situation without sharing details of her and Loki's reconciliation. "Ugh—okay! Fine! Loki and I made up, alright? I went into his rooms, and we sort of reconciled. There's still a lot for us to discuss, but ultimately, I've forgiven him as best I can." When Ginny opened her mouth to protest about the ring again, Hermione rolled her eyes and continued. "He still won't openly admit his feelings for me, but he did ask for me to return to him after the funeral. He asked me to wear the ring in acceptance of his promise to protect and cherish me. I accepted."

"Wow—this shit is more fucked up than what Draco led me to believe." Running a hand over his short hair, Blaise was shaking his head as he stared openly at Hermione. "He wouldn't go into specifics when we were redoing his Will, but I suspected something must be up if he was making all these plans."

"So what are you going to do now?"

Of course, it was Ron, who asked, always the one to protect Hermione when it came to things like love and broken hearts. After all, he was her first love, and she, his. Glancing back and forth between the worried faces of her friends, Hermione knew she had no option but to return to Asgard. As if realizing this also, Harry reached out and placed a comforting hand on her forearm. She met his tender gaze and gave him a half smile.

"Return to Asgard, find and defeat Fenrir, and then see what sort of twisted future the fates have in store for Loki and me."

Ginny pumped her arm into the air in celebration at the same time Ron swore. Harry just continued to stare at her with such an intensity she could have sworn he was trying to read her mind. Even though she'd promised Loki to return, and she knew within her heart that's what she wanted to do, Hermione found she was still uncertain about the trip. As her anxieties bubbled below the surface, Harry release her forearm to run both hands through his already messy hair, turning his back to his four friends. Hermione and the others watched as he appeared to come to some sort of conclusion with his own internal musings. After a tense moment, he turned back around, a fierce look of resolution on his aged face. Hermione's eyes briefly flickered upward to his lightning bolt scar, now clearly visible after his hands disrupted its hiding place.

"Harry—" She began, but he held up his hand to stop her from speaking. Her mouth shut with an audible click, heart clenching as she was brought back to nearly two decades before when Harry was the one standing at the precipice of uncertainty. How odd it was to be on the other side of that sort of situation.

"You came with me when I needed you the most. Now, it's time for me to return the favor." Stepping forward, Harry gave her a brief hug before backing away so he could grin down into her face. "You're not whisking off to Asgard without me."

"Oi! What about me?" Ron contested, wedging himself between his two best friends by using his bony elbows. "If you two are off on some barmy adventure; you're going to need a third! You know, 'Golden Trio' and all that, after all!" Rubbing the spots where his elbows had prodded, Hermione and Harry shared a silly grin before enveloping Ron in a huge hug, the three of them dissolving into laughter and effectively breaking the uncomfortable feeling of foreboding that always seemed to surround them lately.

"And I suppose," Ginny intoned, throwing her hands into the air. "That I'm to just stay here on Earth and take care of the children, Pansy, and your cat?" When Harry made to apologize and come up with some other nonsense that would fend off his wife's wrath, she waved him off, a laugh bubbling out of her throat. "I'm only kidding. Of course, I'll stay behind—but I swear to you Harry James Potter, if you fail to return, I'll find a way to get to you and make sure you regret it sorely!"

Breaking away from his friends, Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny and placed a kiss upon her forehead. "I'll always return to you, Ginny. I love you."

Pretending to gag, Ron let go of Hermione to turn and quirk an eyebrow at Blaise. "What about you, Zabini? Interested in a bit of inter-realm travel?"

"Afraid not. Running headfirst into danger is a Gryffindor trait, in case you have forgotten. I'm a Slytherin—I'll stay here and keep an eye on things." At his refusal, Hermione perked up, her mouth opening as a question formed on her tongue. Blaise was much quicker though, holding his hand up to stop her from speaking. Straightening his robes, he turned his attention to Hermione. "Besides, I know what you're about to ask, and the answer is, of course I'll look into Theo's information. While I am unable to get into the Department of Mysteries myself, he holds the keys to all the secrets down in those catacombs. And, if you'll recall, Theo can be quite vocal when thoroughly persuaded." Smirking at the flaming blush that arose on Hermione's cheeks, he swooped forward and placed a chaste kiss on her burning cheek. "Safe travels, love. See you when you return."

"Okay…I refuse to ask what the hell that was all about." Eyebrows raised so high, they risked disappearing into his dark hair, Harry was glancing back and forth between Hermione's flushed face and where Blaise disappeared.

"That's probably for the best, mate," muttered Ron, the tips of his ears slightly pink as he recalled a comment Hermine made years ago when he'd visited her and Blaise in Italy. Ginny, however, was having none of their sealed lips.

"I want to know! Sounds interesting!" When she made to punch Hermione in the shoulder once more, her brother grabbed her hand before it could make contact.

"Perhaps another time. Maybe."

"Spoilsport." Sighing with defeat, Ginny grabbed her husband's hand and tugged him close. "Come on, Harry. We'd better get the children so you can go home and pack for your trip." She turned and began pulling him in the direction of the Manor, where James, Albus, and Lily had ventured with the other children.

Pausing, Harry called over his shoulder, "You coming, Ron? Pansy is going to want to know every little detail about where we're headed off to, you know."

Cringing, Ron backed away from Hermione, shaking his head at what he knew was going to be a fight and half. While Pansy adored him, she never truly understood his reasoning when it came to throwing himself into dangerous situations. She certainly wouldn't approve of a trip to Asgard even if it was to defeat Fenrir. Forcing a smile, he glanced at his longtime friend. "Meet at the lab in an hour then, Hermione?"

"Sounds good to me."

"Right, I had better get going then. This could get ugly. See you in a little." Darting after Harry and Ginny, Ron left Hermione standing alone among the apple trees. Inhaling the crisp morning air deep into her lungs, Hermione was glad that her friends would be accompanying her this time. Besides, they were going to need all the help they could get in taking Fenrir down. With one last look around, she hurried up the path and past the Manor's gates. Once free of the Malfoy wards, Hermione grasped her wand in her pocket and apparated home to prepare yet again for a trip to Asgard. She only hoped it wouldn't be the last time she saw Earth and her friends who were staying behind.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Arriving in a vortex of color and sound, the Golden Trio stumbled into the Observatory where Heimdall waited patiently. The all-seeing god twisted his magical sword, sealing the Bifrost so no others could travel through. Watching as the three Midgardians managed to get their bearings, he stepped down from his pedestal to greet them properly. He smiled and bowed his head slightly as Hermione stepped forward first, flanked by her two friends.

"Welcome back, Lady Granger," he said, his voice warm and soothing despite the harrowing times upon them.

"Thank you, Heimdall," Hermione replied, smiling at the exceptionally large man. "Please, let me introduce you to my two best friends, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. They've come to aid us in our mission to find and destroy Fenrir before it's too late."

Heimdall regarded the two wizards quietly as they moved forward, both with twin looks of apprehension on their faces. They needed not to worry, though, for Heimdall bowed his head to them as well. "It is an honor to meet the two of you. I watched you both battle gallantly to take down the Dark Wizard known as Voldemort."

Ron, seemingly in awe of the god, gaped openly at Heimdall until Harry was forced to reach forward and nudge his mouth shut with a little push underneath the chin. Sputtering, the redhead gave Harry a wide-eyed look before bending from the waist, performing an uncoordinated sort of bow. Hermione couldn't contain her short burst of laughter as she watched the scene play out before her.

"Ron, you don't have to literally bow."

"But it's—it's Heimdall!"

Shaking her head, Hermione looped her arm through Ron's as she gestured towards Harry to follow her towards the Rainbow Bridge. "I'm sure he appreciates the gesture, nonetheless, don't you, Heimdall."

"Very much so, thank you." The tall, dark man smirked at the three Midgardians as they prepared to head into Asgard. He was just about to wish them luck when he spotted something with his magical vision.

Hermione faltered as a look of deep concentration fell upon Heimdall's features, and his smile faded into an intense frown. She released her grip on her friends to take a few tentative steps back towards the great pedestal. "Heimdall," she asked, her voice full of concern and curiosity. After a tense period that felt like a lifetime but was really only the expanse of five or so minutes, Heimdall blinked and turned his magical gaze to Hermione, who startled at the sudden movement.

"Lady Granger," he began, moving forward to the edge of his pedestal. "After many days and nights of searching, I have found where Fenrir has been concealing himself. In his injured state, he managed to reveal his location by mishap."

"He's still injured then?" Stepping forward himself, Harry seemed relieved by this news. "He hasn't managed to heal himself yet? That means Draco's plan worked—we can get him while he's down."

Biting her lip nervously, Hermione turned away from Harry to stare up at Heimdall. "Where is he hiding? Will it be difficult for us to get to him? How—" Before she could spiral off into the hundreds of questions she had, Harry gripped her forearm cutting her line of questioning off, for the time being, so the all-seeing god could explain what he'd seen.

"Fenrir resides on Jotunheim for now, surrounded by Thrym's Frost Giant army and the Dark Elves that Malekith stowed there before the Convergence." Pausing, he met Hermione's stare, his voice becoming somber. "He will not be easy to gain access to—it will need to be a stealthy attack."

"Nothing is ever easy for us, is it?" Ron whined, rolling his eyes as he began walking towards the Rainbow Bridge on his own. "Well, let's get going you two—we've got a strategy to plan out."

Hiding a grin, Harry quirked an eyebrow at Hermione which she replied to with a shrug of her shoulders. "Sure…" As she and Harry hurried after their hotheaded friend, she threw over her shoulder, "Thank you, Heimdall! We'll see you soon!"

"Until then, Lady Granger. Be safe."

As she caught up with both Harry and Ron, the former inquired, "Do we have to walk the entire way to the palace?" He gestured towards the expanse of the bridge before them as well as the large city they had to travel through in order to reach said palace. Grabbing hold of her two friends she winked, causing them both to give her curious looks.

"No, of course not. We can apparate!"

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

They arrived outside the Asgardian palace to find it in utter chaos. A loud ringing was sounding from within, echoing around the daunting fortress where guards were running about, weapons at the ready. Immediately, Ron clamped his hands over his ears; face scrunched up as he tried to lessen the bombardment the sound was wreaking on his eardrums. Hermione and Harry were also covering their ears, but the sound seemed almost familiar to them.

"What the blood hell is that?!" Shouting over the noise, so he could be heard, Ron gestured at the palace with his chin, unwilling to remove his makeshift earmuffs. Wide-eyed, Hermione met Harry's eyes as they both came to the same realization.

"The wards," they exclaimed together, reaching for their wands inside their pockets. Following their lead, Ron reluctantly removed one hand to grasp his own wand.

"Damn it, Loki!" Furious, Hermione took off at a dead run, leaving her friends to follow along behind her as she weaved in and out of the guards, trying to reach Loki's chambers before they could capture him. As she ran, she glanced over her shoulder, making sure Harry and Ron were keeping up. "I promised him I'd be back! I don't understand why he'd attempt to break out—it hasn't been long!"

"Maybe he was lying to you again," Harry ventured, successfully dodging a guard as they began running up a spiraling set of stairs. "You know, to make you drop your guard."

"No, he wouldn't do that—oops! Sorry!—he was absolutely sincere; I could feel it in my soul." Apologizing to the guard she knocked over, Hermione refused to slow down even though she noticed Ron pausing to help the man up. They were a floor away from Loki's chambers, only a straight hallway and one flight of stairs, and they'd be there. As she continued to sprint, Hermione noticed that she was hardly winded, which was a feat considering how much she hated running. Chalking it up to yet another side effect of the Rime Diamonds, she carried on. "Come on," she urged as they hit the last hallway.

Together, they ran full-out down the narrow hall. Somehow they'd passed all the guards, but suddenly Thor, Darcy, and Lady Sif plus the Warriors Three burst through a door to the right, nearly plowing them all over. Forced to stop, Hermione and Thor shared a worried look before turning their attention back to the staircase.

"Jane's missing," Thor clarified, "We haven't seen her in hours."

"You don't think…," trailing off; Hermione met his worried eyes, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach.

"I am not sure what to think."

"I can't even hear myself think over these damn alarms!" Darcy nudged her way toward the front, coming to stand next to Thor. Leaning forward so she was shouting in Hermione's face. "Turn them off, will you?"

Gently shoving her friend away, Hermione motioned with her wand, eyes narrowing. "Don't you think I would have done that already!? The wards can only be deactivated once the person who triggered them has been caught!"

"Yeah," Harry said tentatively, moving between the two women before things got any more heated. "It's all about that magical cuff on his wrist; it's meant to disorient the escapee so that they're easier to capture."

"Which is exactly why we shouldn't be standing around here bickering! We need to find Loki, and possibly Jane as well." Pushing her frizzy hair out of her face, Hermione turned and started to take off for the stairs again, but found herself coming to an abrupt halt after not even a few feet. Two people had just emerged at the bottom, and Hermione found herself unable to utter another syllable. Jane, frantically looking about, was tugging Loki by the hand, who appeared quite perturbed by the ringing of the wards. "Jane?!"

Hesitating, Jane's face lit up at the sight of Hermione, and she dropped the grip she held on Loki's hand straightaway before darting forward. "Hermione! Oh thank, god! I have to talk to you right this minute! I've figured it out! I know what you have to do—you and Loki—to defeat Fenrir. We've already discussed it, and were just coming to look for you, but I never imagined the wards were going to be this loud."

Unable to do anything but gape at her friend, Hermione tried to process what was going on. Jane had willingly gone to Loki and helped him escape his rooms. "Um…what?" Knowing she probably sounded like a fool, she swallowed dryly before turning her gaze upon Loki, who was picking idly at his left hand as he waited for her to address his presence. As they all continued to stand there, Harry stepped forward and roughly took told of Loki's wrist, using his wand to deactivate the wards placed on the magical cuff. Once he'd backed away, and the palace became quiet once more, Hermione seemed to come to her senses and ran a hand through her hair. "Okay, you two have some serious explaining to do right now. You've sent the entirety of Asgard into a right panic!"

"I warned you that stepping outside of my quarters would activate the wards," Loki drawled, rolling his eyes as Jane crossed her arms.

"Really, Loki? You didn't try to stop me from dragging you down here, did you?" Huffing she turned her attentions back to Hermione. "Honestly though, we need to talk about your bond and the fact that you're now capable of destroying Fenrir once and for all. If only we knew where he was…"

"We do know," interjected Ron, eyes going wide as everyone there turned their heads to stare at him. "Um, Heimdall found him while we were in that big golden globe thing."

"The Observatory, Ronald," clarified Hermione. "He's hiding out on Jotunheim with Thrym, the Frost Giants, and the Dark Elves. We need to get to him before he has a chance to heal and escape us again."

"Perhaps we should relocate this conversation elsewhere," Thor advised, stepping forward and wrapping an arm around Jane to guide her towards the throne room. "It appears, we have much to discuss in regard to Fenrir, as well as why you thought it necessary to help a prisoner escape." Ignoring the disgruntled look his fiancée was giving him, Thor added, "Sif and Fandral, would you please escort Loki back to his chambers?"

"NO!"

Stunned, everyone turned to gawk at Jane, who had slipped out from underneath Thor's arm to run back and grab Loki's forearm. No one knew quite what to do, but Darcy stepped forward, wanting to figure out what her best friend was so upset over.

"Jane, what the hell?"

"You have to understand, all of you. We need Loki for this mission. Having him locked away isn't going to do any good right now." She tugged him forward, urging him to move towards Hermione, who was biting her lip nervously as she quietly observed the scene taking place in front of her. Reluctantly, Loki followed, his face grave as he allowed Jane to manhandle him until he was standing in front of Hermione. Reaching out, Jane grasped hold of Hermione's left hand, placing it in Loki's before speaking. "You're fully bonded, and need to stay with one another—be with one another—for it to take full effect." Wrapping her hands around their joined ones, she smiled first into Loki's neutral face and then Hermione's confused one. "Once the bond has reached its peak, you'll be able to—"

"Harness magic from the stars…," Hermione trailed off, her glistening eyes flickering from Jane's serious face to Loki's perfectly calm one. Seeking out his mind and feelings, Hermione gasped at the realization that Loki was unsurprised by this turn of events. As Jane released the hold on their hands, she stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper as she addressed her lover. "You knew."

"I suspected," came his quiet reply as he tucked a stray curl behind her ear with his free hand.

"Care to elaborate?" The corner of her lip tipped up in a half-smile as the connection between them stirred with a cacophony of emotions—hers, and his. Despite everything they'd been through, and the hurt he'd caused her; Hermione was very much in love with Loki. When he remained silent, she squeezed his hand where they were still joined causing his eyes to flicker downward briefly.

With a sigh of defeat, Loki gave in, finally ready to come clean about the ancient Jotun who graciously had filled him in on the Rime Diamond theories. Wetting his lips, Loki glanced about at those gathered around anxiously awaiting his explanation. "Once the binding reaches its peak, you and I will be as one—our magical powers will no longer be different, but one in the same. You will be as powerful as I, theoretically near immortal, and able to heal quickly and wholly." Swallowing back the trepidation coming from Hermione's side of the connection, he carried on, "We can use our combined strength and powers to pull magic energy from the stars in the sky, and this magic can be used to destroy Fenrir, or other adversaries."

"What do we do with the power? Where does it go?"

"It's stored within our bodies, kept safe by our magical cores until we need to use it." He gestured between their bodies, watching as a slow blush began to cover her neck and cheeks. It was then that he realized just how closely they were standing, and the intimate way in which they clasped hands and looked into one another's eyes. Despite knowing they were being watched; Loki couldn't find it in himself to step away, to separate from the witch in front of him. He truly had fallen for her, and as his eyes flickered down to stare at the Rime Diamond ring on her finger, he felt his heart swell knowing she was his. Before he could say something revealing in front of everyone, Jane piped up, a slew of her own questions demanding to be answered.

"How do you know all of this? Those details weren't' listed throughout the book we found at the library," she explained, pulling the book out of her pocket from where she'd stored it earlier.

Sighing yet again, Loki tipped his head to the side to give Jane a look of exasperation. "A wise old Jotun explained these theories to me, as that is what they are—theories that must be tested. I sought him out after I began having linked dreams with Hermione, for I truly did not know the full extent to the powers sheathed by the Rime Diamonds."

"Where is this Jotun? Is it possible to speak to him before you and Hermione attempt to harness star magic?" Eyes wide with possibilities, Jane clutched the book to her chest as she awaited Loki's answer. When he hesitated, her face fell, a feeling of dread building in her chest. "Oh no…you didn't."

"Dude, you really need to stop killing innocent people," Darcy interjected, throwing her hands up into the air. Scoffing, Loki turned his green eyes towards her, quirking an eyebrow as he did so.

"I'll put it on my to-do list," he drawled causing the dark-haired woman to glare further at him.

Tired of standing aside and letting his adoptive brother dawdle; Thor surged forward gripping Mjolnir tightly. "We're wasting precious time, if you and Hermione are able to harness enough power to destroy Fenrir, what are we waiting for?"

"I don't want to be the downer here," Harry said, clearing his throat, "but stars are rather powerful. Wouldn't an excess of their power destroy more than just Fenrir? What about you two—are your bodies strong enough to contain all of it?"

Blinking, Hermione pursed her lips as she mulled over Harry's observation. He was right, in a sense. In her previous form, she wouldn't be able to withhold that much power, but if Loki was correct, and she was now similar to him in regard to strength and power, shouldn't she be able to store a surplus of magic? Feeling Loki's stare, she met his green eyes knowing he could sense the train of her thoughts.

"Yes," she finally murmured, breaking the strained silence that had fallen. "I think that together we are strong enough. Neither one of us can do it alone, we're bound together as one, and that means we need to pull down the power together."

"Precisely," Loki agreed, nodding towards his lover, "which means both of us will need to be present when facing down Fenrir." When Thor opened his mouth to protest, Loki held up his freehand. "Before you disagree, brother, remember that without the star magic, Fenrir will heal and continue tearing across the realms until there is naught left. You need Hermione, and you need me as well."

"I'm still not sold that Hermione is strong enough to hold all that magic. She's just like us—from Earth, a regular human being. Besides, the side-effects from the cruciatus curse left her…well…you know…" Trailing off, the tips of his ears red; Ron scratched at the back of his head uncomfortably.

"Oh Ron," Hermione sighed sadly finally breaking her and Loki's connected hands. Walking the few steps towards her ex-lover, she placed a hand at his shoulder. "I don't think my infertility will affect whether or not my body can hold star magic, but I appreciate your concern."

"Hermione will be strong enough to hold the magic; it is part of the process," elaborated Loki, crossing his arms as he observed the comfortable way in which Hermione interacted with Ron. "Her body will no longer show any signs of previous abrasion."

"Right…" Biting her lip thoughtfully, Hermione shot Loki a quick look full of inquiry. "It's like—it's like Harry!"

"Me?" Splaying a hand across his chest, Harry gave Hermione a shocked look. "How is this like me at all?"

"Come on, now," rolling her eyes, Hermione huffed. "Isn't it obvious?"

"No!"

Recoiling as everyone in the room, aside from Loki, shouted at her, she rubbed hands over her tired face before beginning to explain. "It's like this—Harry held a piece of a living soul, a Horcrux, inside his body for nearly eighteen years. While it interacted with his body allowing him a connection to Voldemort's mind, it did him no physical harm." Pointing at his scar with a smirk, she added, "Well, not really."

Harry laughed at that, but couldn't help from asking, "I was protected, though, by my—"

"By your mother's love, yes. It cloaked you when she sacrificed herself to save your life, preventing the Horcrux from harming you in any way."

"So you're saying that…I'm sorry; I have no idea what you're saying," admitted Harry, looking a bit sheepish.

"I'm saying that because of mine and Loki's bond, our connection, my body will be protected." She shrugged, throwing a glance around the room. "We'll be able to withstand the all-encompassing power of the star magic because of the love we," stumbling over her words, Hermione's face turned bright pink at the open declaration she was presenting. "Have for one another…" she finished lamely, avoiding Loki's face, as well as the rest of the room.

The room stood in stunned silence for a moment, all contemplating precisely what Hermione had admitted aloud, and in front of them. Without meaning to, she'd outed just how deeply she and Loki were bound with just a few simple sentences. Deciding to break said silence, Loki spoke calmly, tipping Hermione's chin up with one long finger, so he could stare down into her chocolate eyes.

"Has anyone ever told you that you were a wiseacre?" Loki asked, the corners of his eyes crinkling with mirth as he tried to dissipate the embarrassment Hermione had unintentionally inflicted upon herself.

"What's that," interrupted Ron, a look of absolute confusion on his face. Rolling her eyes playfully, Hermione turned and glared at him.

"It's another term for a know-it-all."

"Oh yeah," Ron managed through a bark of laughter, gesturing at Hermione with his thumb. "That's her alright."

"Gee thanks, Ronald." Leaning towards her longtime friend, she punched him playfully on the shoulder, beaming when he yelped in pain. "Serves you right."

"Damn—you really have grown stronger, Hermione," he whined, rubbing the sore spot on his shoulder. "You're worse than Ginny."

"Enough playing around," huffed Jane, stepping forward and grabbing Ron by the sleeve before he could retaliate or distract the couple even further. "Those two need to be left alone so they can practice their magic harnessing. We're not going to want to be around while that happens—much too dangerous."

"Jane is right—tis a treacherous task messing with the celestial plane." Gesturing towards the door, Thor said, "Come, let us reconvene in the dining hall as we make preparations for our final battle against Fenrir and his allies on Jotunheim."

Murmurs of agreement were voiced and then everyone was filing out of the room, following behind Jane and Thor, their minds already on the task at hand. Turning away to ask Loki what they needed to do first, Hermione was startled by the hand which suddenly grasped at her wrist, tugging her around. Confusion clouded her eyes as she came face-to-face with Ron. He released her wrist the moment he had her attention, instead gently taking her shoulders into his hands.

"Ron? What's wrong?" His eyes flickered briefly over her shoulder to where Loki stood watching them intently. She waited patiently for him to answer, an uncomfortable knot coiling in her belly, but she was uncertain whether it was from her or from Loki.

"There are many people that love you, Hermione," the redhead began, taking a shuddering breath, "for different reasons and in different ways. Never forget that." He swallowed roughly before adding, "Be safe. Promise me that you'll be safe."

Stumbling slightly from the impact of his words, Hermione was suddenly glad of the hold he had on her shoulders. Ron. What could she say about Ron Weasley? He was always there for her when she desperately needed him, even if it hurt. Her first love, the father of the unexpected baby who never had the opportunity to come into the world. He'd been her rock after the Draco debacle, standing by her through all the fallen teardrops and her obsession with collecting teacups. They didn't always mesh, but he was her forever friend, the one that would be there until the very end, more so than Harry even.

He was telling her that he still loved her, despite everything, even though it was different now. His words reminded her of the love he had for her, and the love Harry had for her, and Ginny, and her parents, and Blaise, Theo, and everyone in between…even her new friends. If something went awry and she and Loki perished testing out this theory of harnessing star magic, she would be missed, and dearly. Swallowing back the ache in her throat from the urge to cry, she surged forward into his arms, allowing him to cling desperately to her as she did the same. She would forever remember this moment, no matter what happened or where life took her.

"I promise."

After a few quick moments, they released each other, Ron nodding once to Loki before placing a kiss upon Hermione's cheek. Then, he was gone, trailing out the door, shutting it behind him and sealing her inside with her new love, her future life. Wrapping her arms around her middle, Hermione turned to Loki, a strangled sob breaking free of her throat. Instead of looking alarmed or even annoyed, Loki merely with his right hand, gesturing her to him. She moved quickly, footsteps just a bit wobbly as she tried to control her feelings. Collapsing into his embrace, she allowed her tears to fall freely, ensconcing Loki in the terror she felt at the thought of dying and leaving everything she'd ever known behind. Neither spoke, letting the silence drag on as they merely held one another, mentally preparing to attempt a most dangerous feat.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sitting upon the throne, Loki watched with half amusement, half irritation as Hermione paced the length of the large hall for the thirtieth time, hands running through her already frazzled hair, causing it to stick out in all sorts of directions. Smirking, he pointed toward the floor as she reached his end of the room, turning in preparation of doing yet another length.

"Sit down. You're going to wear out the floor, and it's marble." Trying to hide the grin from his face as she shot him a scathing look, Loki slid easily from the throne, walking slowly to where Hermione stood, having finally stopped. "I cannot comprehend why you're so agitated to begin with."

Mouth dropping open briefly, she threw her arms out beside herself. "We could blow up the entire universe! The u-ni-verse!" She enunciated each syllable by dramatically spreading her arms further and further apart, her voice rising in shrillness.

"What is the difference between us destroying the universe and Fenrir bringing his wrath upon it? Either way, we lose. Either way, people die." Knowing immediately that was the wrong answer, Loki took a calming breath, preparing himself for Hermione's reasoning.

"I don't want to be the cause of that death, Loki!" Clutching at her tousled hair, she stared up into his face, eyes wide with fear. "If we can't figure out how to control the star magic, not only will we kill ourselves, but everyone else in the process. If somehow we were to survive all that, the bond protecting us, there's no way I could live knowing I destroyed so many lives."

Closing his eyes, Loki tried to find words that would soothe Hermione and make her realize that there was nothing to fear. He knew they could harness the magic safely, and without destroying the universe, but there was still that risk. As he searched for the right way to articulate his thoughts, Hermione lifted her hand and set her palm against his chest, causing his eyes to fly open.

"How do you live with it?"

The question came out quiet, a near whisper full of fear and uncertainty. Opening his mouth, Loki struggled for a second before snapping it shut, teeth clicking together. She was looking up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Damn. He hated to see her cry—she was his weakness, there was no doubt about that. Lifting his hand to card his fingers through her curls, he inhaled deeply, enjoying the way her fingers pressed firmly over his heart from the movement.

"I compartmentalize, justifying that my actions were a means for an end."

That was the ugly truth about the matter. He killed innocent people, as Darcy enjoyed reminding him earlier, and many at that. How many faceless victims fell under his hand, pawns in his deplorable games to destroy the happiness of those around him? He truly had no idea, but he wasn't going to admit that out loud. He suspected Hermione already knew the truth without him having to speak it aloud, something she was rather good at. Relived when she relaxed slightly into his palm as he cradled the back of her head, Loki awaited her reaction.

"And that is what we would have to do…" When he nodded, lips pursed, her gaze dropped to where her hand still rested upon his chest, the cool skin warming under his thin shirt. Idly, her thumb moved back and forth causing the first stirrings of arousal to radiate through his body. "We failed though, trying to summon the magic. What are we going to do now?"

Watching as she bit her lip, tears starting to reappear in her brown eyes, Loki couldn't help but chuckle lightly, making her frown up at him. "We haven't failed, Hermione. We simply haven't found the right way to go about collecting the magic." Tilting his head at the witch, he queried, "Is that what all the pacing was about? You thought we failed?"

"I don't like not knowing how to do things, Loki." Pouting, Hermione tried not to look like a child who'd just had their candy taken away, or rather the way she looked back when Harry beat her at Potions in sixth year. "We've got very little time to figure this out before Fenrir is healed enough to come after us, and I'd rather not go in guns blazing."

Withdrawing his hand from the back of her head, he instead wrapped his arms around her small frame, enjoying the way she relaxed into the embrace. After their first battle with Fenrir, he'd been afraid they would never again reach this level of easiness. Granted, if Draco hadn't followed through on his promise to reveal the entirety of their plan in his Will, they probably wouldn't even be in the same realm. He hummed thoughtfully, an idea beginning to form at the back of his mind. Dropping his gaze to her pouted lips, his tongue darted out to wet his own.

"You truly are a wiseacre, aren't you," he questioned, his voice deep and low, rumbling in his chest. A sinful smile slid over his face as Hermione shivered, his words having the desired effect, or rather, the way he made it sound. "Perhaps we are thinking too critically on the matter."

"What do you mean," she asked breathlessly, closing the scant amount of distance between them, ignoring his former comment. As she slid upwards onto her tiptoes, her hands slid around his neck, enjoying the way their bodies pressed against one another.

As he secured his hands about her waist, Loki dropped his mouth to her ear, lips brushing against the soft lobe with each word he uttered. "Maybe our bodies need to be joined in order to summon the magic…" Feeling Hermione shiver in his grasp; he lightly ground his hips into her own, allowing her to feel his growing arousal. "Let us move our experiment somewhere more private."

Swallowing, her mouth suddenly dry, Hermione merely nodded, extracting herself from Loki's arms and taking the hand he offered to her. The pair was silent as they made their way from the throne room back upstairs to Loki's private chambers. Idly, Hermione wondered why he didn't take her to her own chambers, but the thought was whisked away as he pulled her into the bedchamber and sealed the door. Then he turned to her, his green eyes nearly glowing in the light from the sconces on the wall. Dropping his hand, she nibbled her lower lip, suddenly feeling a bit shy.

"What do we do now?"

"I think that much is obvious," came Loki's murmured reply as he stalked towards her, reaching down and pulling his shirt up and over his head. Discarding the garment to the floor, he reached for her again, relief flooding his body when she took a hesitant, but willing step forward. "We give into our basic instincts, allow our bodies—our bond—to show us the way." Tugging playfully at the edge of her jumper, he met her eyes before lifting an eyebrow. "Care to test out the theory, Hermione?"

Another ripple of pleasure shivered over her skin, desire pooling low in her belly at the mere way Loki was looking at her. He may not openly admit to his true feelings for her, but there was no doubting his attraction. Heart fluttering as her eyes raked over the pale expanse of his chest and up to his neck before meeting his eyes, she decided it didn't matter what happened as long as he was there by her side. He would protect her, no matter what, ensuring they found a way to come through this ordeal unscathed. Nodding her consent, she lifted her arms as Loki divested her of the jumper, his hands coming up to cup her breasts through the cream-colored satin of her bra.

Unable to hold in her sigh of content, Hermione wobbled slightly on her feet as she lost herself to his touch. Her hands came up to splay across the planes of his chest once more. As his hands left her chest, she leaned forward, peppering small, open mouthed kisses around where her fingers rested. She felt the way he trembled, hands hooking into the waistband of her jeans. While she'd been busy tasting his skin, he'd managed to release the button, so he could slide them down her legs, dropping upon his knees in the process. Kicking off her shoes, she aided him in the removal of the jeans, leaving her standing there in nothing but her undergarments.

From where he knelt, Loki's eyes met Hermione's as he smoothed the palms of his hands up her naked legs, curling around to cup her pert bottom. Gently, he pulled her closer, her mound mere breaths from his mouth, and the scent of her arousal flooding his senses. Finally dropping his gaze, Loki tilted his head forward, letting the tip of his nose slide over her damp slit through the flimsy material of her knickers. Hermione's hands fisted into his dark locks as he nudged at her tender bundle of nerves, causing her to make the most delightful mewling sound. Spurred on by her response, Loki withdrew slightly only to use his tongue to lave where his nose had previously been.

"Oh—" Spreading her legs further apart, Hermione gripped Loki's head, urging him on as he leisurely lapped at her cunt. The combination of his rough tongue, and the kneading his hands were doing to her arse thoroughly drenched her knickers. "Loki…" she begged, the hold on his hair tightening as he snuck a finger underneath the garment, pushing into her slick folds slowly. As he continued to nip and lick, he pumped the digit in and out, occasionally twisting and producing a 'come-hither' motion. Within minutes, Hermione felt her walls beginning that wonderful tightening that signaled her orgasm. Panting now, Hermione rocked her hips in time with his ministrations, and with one more purposeful lick and flick of his finger, she fell over that delightful mountain.

He held her steady as the orgasm rocked her body, making her legs quiver and his name to come tearing from her throat in a gasp. As the aftershocks dissipated, he slowed his movements, coming to a stop as her hands untangled from his hair. Once he knew she wouldn't fall over, Loki surged to his feet, wrapping a hand securely around her waist and pulling her forward. His lips crashed down onto hers with a fierce sort of frenzy. Her tongue slid into his mouth, and he moaned when he realized she was tasting herself. Backing them towards the bed, their mouths never separated until they reached the edge.

Hermione pushed at his shoulders, urging him downwards until he was seated near the edge. When he was comfortable, she crawled between his knees, unfastening his trousers. He lifted his hips to help her remove them, hissing as her small hand grasped his hardened length. Biting her lip, she coyly glanced up at him through her lashes before darting her tongue out to taste the tip. Dropping back onto his elbows, so he could watch properly, a groan left his lips as his cock was engulfed in the heat of her mouth. He couldn't help the small tremors in his hips as she hollowed out her cheeks, sucking hard while swirling with her tongue around the swollen length. Relishing in the pleasure she was gifting him, he finally had to plead for her to stop, for he wanted to be buried deep inside her when he let go.

"Hermione, love—"

As she removed her mouth with a pop, Loki had to bite back a moan when she licked her lips before crawling up his body. Digging his heels into the marble flooring, he moved further up the bed, settling against the pillows as Hermione straddled his waist. As his eyes raked over her flushed, sweat dampened skin, Loki felt his heart flutter. Words stuck in the back of his throat as she reached down to smooth the hair away from his pointed face, a smile gracing her features. Would this be an appropriate moment to tell her how he felt? Would she believe the words or think them just in the heat of the moment, an effect of the magical connection simmering below the surface?

"Do you feel that," Hermione asked as she trailed her fingers over his cheekbones and down his neck before drawing them across his chest. Still unable to speak, he merely nodded, watching as her smile grew larger, relief evident. "I think it's working."

Lifting her hips, using his chest as an anchor, she waited as he positioned himself at her slick opening. Loki stared at her, his gaze unwavering as she sank down, joining them in the most intimate of ways. Together they gasped as an electric current ran through their bodies, intensifying their arousal tenfold. Reaching up to cup her cheek, Loki was relieved to find no fear in Hermione's eyes. She was accepting the open magical connection, their souls joining completely in this moment.

"Open up your magical core," he advised, gripping her waist and urging her to move against him. "Allow your core to draw magic from the stars."

"Yes—" came her gasped reply, as she began riding him, her hips lifting and falling succinctly, aided by his comforting hold. The pleasure coursed through her body like fire, setting her body aflame. Throwing her head back, she picked up the pace, wanting to reach that peak at the same time Loki did—somehow she knew, just knew it was important that they came together. Removing her hands from his chest, she massaged her breasts, enjoying the way Loki growled at the action. "God Loki…I feel—I feel—"

"I know. Me too," he grunted; his hips lifted from the bed, meeting her thrust for thrust. Taking his own advice, Loki let go, opening his magical core as magic surged through his veins, making rational thought nearly impossible. Knowing he was close, he released his relentless hold on Hermione's hips so he could rub circles around her clit, causing her momentum to falter for the briefest of seconds as she cried out. "Let go now, my love. Let it all in—take it all."

"Loki!"

His name came tearing from her throat in the form of a scream, the sound shattering the glass in the room as her orgasm enveloped her. Loki's eyes widened in fear and amazement as she went over the edge, the pulsing of her inner walls bringing him with her. Gripping the sheets, his hips met hers with a fierceness that would break normal people's bones. A roaring sound left his mouth as he felt his magical core fill with a new source of power. It burned and sizzled, his entire being vibrating as Hermione continued to ride him, head thrown back in ecstasy.

His core expanded, and suddenly; he felt it—Hermione's core merging with his own as they shared the star magic through their connection. They'd done it—they'd found each other's core, coming together as one in a white-hot burst of pleasure. Their orgasms went on and on as they harnessed magic from the stars above, and all across the universe. As a blinding light exploded around them, Loki rolled them so that he was on top of Hermione, shielding her from any harm the residual magic swirling through the room like the winds of a hurricane. His last cognizant thought as the magic intensified was how much he loved Hermione. White faded to black as unconsciousness took the both of them, pulling them into a magical slumber.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

End Notes: Mmmmm. I love them, don't you? Any ideas about the last chapter and the epilogue chapter? That's all there is left of this tale….until the sequel that is. I've already begun planting little plot bunnies in the story to grow! Did you catch any? As always, I love hearing what you have to say, so please leave a review! I've also started another crossover, this one Sherlock/Hermione, which will be a short series of drabbles. Make sure to check that out, as well as my Facebook group and writer page. All information can be found in my profile! Love you! xxDustNight