Author's Note: And we're finally here to the final chapter (not counting the epilogue). I'm not going to ramble too much. I just want to thank my beta Tina, those of you that reviewed, added this and me to your favorites, and followed along. Now go and read! I know you're dying to know what happens! Just make sure to review when you're done! xxDustNight
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.
Wolves without Teeth
Pairing: Hermione Granger/Loki Laufeyson
Rating: M (Rated Mature for adult language, violence, and sexual situations)
Part Eighteen: Wolves
Song Recommendations: "Distance" by Christina Perri ft. Jason Mraz, "Nothing Else Matters" by Apocalyptica, "Wolves without Teeth" by Of Monsters and Men, "Better Than Me" by Hinder, and "The Show Must Go On" by Queen
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"And I run from wolves, breathing heavily at my feet.
And I run from wolves, tearing into me without teeth."
— Of Monsters and Men
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wolves
Consciousness returned to Hermione slowly, the darkness fading until she was aware of the light streaming in from the open balcony door. Blinking rapidly, she cleared away the sleep from the night before, struggling to remember everything that transpired. As her vision focused, she became aware of how utterly wrapped in Loki's embrace she was—his arms and legs intertwined with her own. Making sure to keep her breathing even and movements to a minimum, Hermione swept her gaze over to her lover. His eyelids flickered a he dreamed, forehead free of worry lines for once as he rested. His long, dark hair framed his face making him appear much paler than normal, and his lips were parted, tiny puffs of breath making her own curls dance.
Stifling a small yawn, she smiled, grateful for these one or two minutes where she could watch him unguarded, without the walls he so carefully built up over who knows exactly how long. Wetting her lips, she tentatively moved closer into his embrace and eliminated the last several inches between their naked bodies. Using the fingertips of her right hand, she traced a pathway from his temple down to his chin before using her thumb to brush over his kiss-swollen lips. He did not stir, not really, but he did snuggle closer to her warmth, hand gripping protectively around her waist. Deciding it was worth the risk, she swallowed, dropping her forehead so that it connected with his.
"I love you, Loki," she whispered, her words barely audible. Tears stung in her eyes, and her throat burned with repressed emotion when he merely slept on. She hated this—this apparent one-sided love they had going on at the moment. Hadn't she already gone through this enough times throughout her life? How long would he make her wait until he admitted his true feelings for her? How long until he spoke them aloud, solidifying the bond she knew they'd formed over the past five months? Forcing her eyes to shut, Hermione tried to pull herself together, not wanting to disturb Loki as he slept.
Deciding to try something new, she cleared her mind, reaching out through their telepathic link. She knew the instant she breached his mind, a chill running down her spine. Loki didn't wake though, which spurred her on. She began trying to sift through his dreams, his tangled thoughts, but it was difficult when she knew not what she was looking for. Instead, she decided to plant some of her feelings there for him, help him to understand the depth of what she felt for him. He would be angry if he knew what she was doing, but she needed him to understand, to feel how she felt towards him.
Loki, I know you're sleeping, but I wanted to tell you how much I love you. No matter what happens from this point forward, you have my heart. It belongs to you, all my broken pieces…everything that I am, is yours. I'd do anything for you…
She pulled out of his mind when she felt him stir; the fingers curled around her waist digging in ever so slightly. Suddenly, his eyes shot open, the green vibrant in the daylight. Upon realizing who he was curled around, his body relaxed, the hand on her waist sliding around to brush softly along her lower back, urging her closer.
"You're awake," she breathed, surprised how quickly he was pulled into consciousness, and slightly worried she'd been caught. His eyes searched her face, but she gave nothing away, only tugging at her lip with her teeth when his brows furrowed.
"I was having a bizarre dream—it was reminiscent of our connected dreams, almost as if you were there." He hummed a bit to himself, mind wandering. Shaking his head lightly, he appeared to brush his thoughts away for the time being. Refocusing on Hermione, he began examining her, eyes raking over her naked form as much as possible being as they were so closely intertwined. "How are you feeling, are you alright?"
"I'm—," she began but stopped abruptly, blinking twice. Breathing deeply, and assessed herself, surprised at what she found. "I feel fine, great even." Removing her hands from where they'd found purchase on Loki's shoulders, she turned them this way and that, feeling power surging through her veins more than ever before. She glanced back up at her lover, eyes wide with curiosity. "Do you think it worked?"
Loki inhaled slowly and evenly, his eyes drifting closed as he did so. "Yes, I believe it did. I can feel my own magic, but there's something else there, something more than before." He reopened his eyes, staring deeply into Hermione's as if trying to read her mind, her soul.
"Yes…I can feel it too," she whispered, twirling her fingers and watching as tiny sparks of magic appeared. She gasped, clenching her hands into fists and causing the magic to disperse. "Oh! Did you see that?"
"Fascinating," Loki mumbled, wrapping one long-fingered hand delicately around her wrist. He moved her hand about, trying to replicate the magical surge, but Hermione was holding back, securing the magic inside. His thumb brushed across the sensitive skin on her wrist, making her stomach flutter from the intimacy of the caress. "We appear to have an overabundance of magic at the moment. We'll need to be cautious."
Heart fluttering uncontrollably as he continued to brush his thumb against her wrist, Hermione tried to form coherent words. "How do you think we use it? You know, to stop Fenrir?"
"I suspect, that when the time arises, we will have to tap into our cores and push the magic outward." As he said this, his hand released its grip on her wrist, coming around to lay flat against her palm. Then, slowly, he interlaced their fingers until they were bound. "We will need to be together in order to accomplish this; I believe."
"Is it safe?"
"There's no way of knowing," Loki admitted, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Star magic is known for being unpredictable. We may be able to control it, and then again; it could consume not only Fenrir, but you, me, and then, the entire universe. We will worry about that when it comes to pass."
Wanting to distract her from clearly dark thoughts as indicated by the frown upon her face, Loki lifted her arm over her head, securing it as he rolled them so his body was situated between her thighs. Her legs spread naturally, accommodating him as he kneeled before her. Then, he brought her other arm up, smoothing his hand along it as he went, until he held both her tightly. He loved the way she sighed with contentment, immediately relaxing into the bed. Leaning forward he captured her lips with his own, lazily tracing his tongue along her bottom lip, asking for access beyond. She granted it willingly, her back arching as her lips parted.
He kissed her languidly for some time, never relinquishing the grip he had on her hands. Feeling his arousal growing, he slowly pulled away, nibbling lightly on her bottom lip as she loved to do herself. He was rewarded with a soft mewling sound and her hips jutting upward so her core could brush against his hardened length. He laughed, the sound rumbling deep in his chest.
"You're ravishing," he whispered, the words ghosting over her lips. Settling back on his knees, he released her hands, but she held them where he'd placed them, eyes never leaving his. "Even if we had all the time in the universe, I do not believe that I would ever grow tired of you—your smile, your taste, the beauty of your soul. We're more than just lovers; we're soulmates, Hermione, and no matter what happens from here on out; I will be there for you. Everything could end, but as long as I had you, I would survive. Nothing else matters."
Holding her breath, Hermione found herself speechless from his words, as similar as they were to the ones she'd planted in his mind just earlier. When he said nothing further, but made to kiss her again, she stopped him, a thought cropping up in her head and making her suddenly curious. His movement halted, an eyebrow quirking at the hand she'd brought down to cup his cheek.
"What is wrong, love? Have I upset you?"
"No…it's not that at all." She glanced away, almost feeling guilty before meeting his gaze once more. "In fact, your words are awe inspiring, and I feel them here." She used her other hand to indicate where her heart was, observing as Loki swallowed, his throat bobbing.
"Then what has you uneasy? Tell me and I will do my best to repair whatever it is."
She smiled softly, stroking her thumb across his high cheekbone. Their bond truly did change Loki. No longer was he the hate-filled monster of the past, for now he was this caring being willing to sacrifice everything, not only for her, but the entire universe. It was mind boggling really. As the movement of her thumb ceased, she inhaled before letting out a soft sigh.
"I was wondering, why do you not look like the other Frost Giants, the other Jotuns?"
"Ah—I believe that happened when I was just a baby, when Odin stole me from my people." Here, Loki faltered, trying to ignore the pang in his chest from the mere mention of Odin's name. "My inner magic must have been ignited in desperation, so I used it to become what I saw, what was accepted." He glanced away, not wanting her to see the hurt in his eyes, but knowing she felt it all the same.
"May I see?"
Astounded, Loki's head whipped back around to face Hermione, unsure if he'd heard her correctly. "Even after what I did the last time I was in that form, you want to see—"
"Yes, Loki. I want to see your Jotun form. I want to see the real you."
Unable to answer from the sudden emotion blocking his throat, he merely nodded. Closing his eyes, he allowed his Asgardian façade to slip away, feeling the cool shiver as his true form was revealed. He heard her sharp intake of breath, but was unprepared for what followed the opening of his eyes. Instead of fear, he saw the unguarded rapture on her face, and he felt her sincerity though their bond. It was a truly staggering realization.
"I look like a monster."
"No, Loki," she began, trailing the tips of her fingers across the markings on his now cerulean colored forehead, and then down the rest of his body. His skin felt much cooler to the touch in this form, and she suppressed a shiver from the chill it brought forth, not wanting him to think her frightened or repulsed. Instead, she placed her hand flat overtop his heart and whispered, "I—I think you're beautiful."
The change in his demeanor was instantaneous, shoulders sagging as he brought his own hands up to cradle her face. Red eyes observed her quietly, a pink tongue coming out to wet blue lips. Hermione's heart skipped a beat when he surged forward, kissing her soundly once more. This kiss was different from the last, full of relieved acceptance and adoration, and Hermione found herself holding back tears as the fervor increased. When he retreated from her embrace, she was unsurprised to see he'd returned to his Asgardian mask, but he knew now that she accepted him no matter if he was a Jotun or an Asgardian. She loved him for who he was, not what he was. Giving him a faint smile, she placed her hands at his hips, wishing he'd finally take her. She wanted to show him exactly how much she loved him, and he was stalling for one reason or another.
"What is it," she inquired, voice trembling with apparent desire. She bit her lip and he practically growled, raking his fingers over her body to grab possessively at her hips. As he went, he watched as her skin reacted to his touch, a faint glowing appearing wherever his fingers made contact.
"You're absolutely radiant—as if the star magic is illuminating you from within." Lifting his hands from where they rested on her hips, he palmed her breasts, flicking his thumbs over her erect nipples. "Positively glowing," he purred, bending forward to capture one nipple between his teeth. When Hermione sighed, hands coming to tangle in his hair, Loki bit down lightly causing her to arch off the bed, pushing her body closer to his own. Using his tongue, he drew lazy circles around her nipple before blowing gently, his eyes peering up through lashes to watch as her eyes drifted closed.
"Loki…please…"
"Please what, my pet?"
"Please—please take me…"
"As you wish."
Conversation over for the time being, Loki maneuvered her left leg so that it was wrapped snugly around his waist. He then guided himself to her entrance, hissing when he realized just how hot, wet, and ready she was for him. Her own hands replaced Loki's at her breasts as he slipped inside her damp heat, making sure to angle upwards just as she liked. Pausing to savor the feeling of being absolutely surrounded by her, Loki breathed deeply knowing this could be the last time they were together. He wanted to make it special, something for them both to remember forever. With that in mind, he began to move, pulling out slowly before pushing back in.
Hermione moaned in response, tightening the hold her leg had around his waist. He picked up the tempo and moving to capture her lips. She kissed him back hungrily, practically stealing his breath away. Suddenly, her chocolate eyes shot open to stare into his green ones as if she were afraid she'd never see him again. He met her thrust for thrust, finally having to break free of her lips to catch his breath. Panting, he maintained eye contact by bringing his forehead to rest upon hers. She smiled up at him, her hands sliding down his back to cup his arse. She tugged him closer, urging him to go faster.
Knowing she had to be close, Loki tried something—dipping into his magical core, he pushed the magic outward, letting it crackle and make the air around them shimmer. Gasping, Hermione's eyes widened as she glanced around. He wanted to replicate what they felt last night before the intensity of the magic had forced them unconscious. Focusing on the way Hermione's slick walls felt as he slid in and out of her, he reached down and rubbed furiously at her clit, immediately feeling her body tense with her oncoming orgasm. With one more specifically placed thrust, Loki pulled the magic in the room back into their bodies just as she cried out, careening over the edge.
Her walls clenched around him, and he allowed himself two more thrusts before he too was spiraling out of control, emptying himself completely. His hips jutted against hers, and he felt her body trembling through the aftermath of the orgasm. The magic sizzled around their bodies, prolonging the intensity of their lovemaking, until finally dissolving, spent as they were.
Instead of collapsing on top of Hermione this time, Loki rolled and pulled her to his body, wrapping her in a discarded sheet. Already her eyes were sliding closed, exhaustion setting in, but there would not be much time for rest. He knew not how long the star magic would stay encased inside their shared magical core, so they would have to act fast. He would let them sleep for another hour, maybe two, but then they would join his brother, her friends, and the others in preparation to invade and conquer Jotunheim—tonight.
With that as his final thought, and Hermione's gentle sleep-even breaths beside him, Loki allowed sleep to take him, fully understanding that this may be the last time they shared this sort of peace, forever.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Late that afternoon, when the light was already disappearing, Hermione and Loki made their way downstairs to the dining hall. They'd been told everyone was meeting to discuss battle tactics and what to do next. Hermione still felt a bit wobbly and uncoordinated trying to keep all her extra magic from bursting forth, but Loki had instructed her to relax and everything would be fine. His reassurances certainly helped her to feel better, but that didn't stop the occasional spark of magic from appearing at her fingertips, or the electrical buzzing she felt underneath her skin. It was going to take a great deal for her mortal form to withstand the immense amount of magic surging through her core. The sooner they arrived on Jotunheim and battled Fenrir, Thrym, and the Dark Elves, the better.
Both were dressed in battle-ready attire—Loki in his leathers and Hermione in comfortable jeans and jumper. They had every intention of talking their comrades into leaving immediately now that the star magic had been procured. There was no reason to wait any longer, other than avoiding the inevitable death and destruction. Together, the couple entered the dining hall to find a rather somber atmosphere. Harry and Thor had their heads together looking over some maps, while Ron chatted quietly with Hogun and Volstagg, a large platter of roasted potatoes and chicken on the table before them nearly emptied. Jane and Darcy were flipping through books and scribbling down notes, and Fendrall and Sif were having a heated, but whispered conversation on the far side of the room.
Everyone stopped to stare when they entered the room, Ron and Darcy darting over to greet them. She felt Loki tense with the excess of attention, but she reached out and grasped his hand in hers, reassuring him that she was there. He visibly relaxed, running his freehand through his dark hair before addressing the room.
"It appears that while we've been busy procuring a weapon to destroy Fenrir, you all have been enjoying revels." He indicated the platters of food upon the table, and the smattering of wine glasses around the room.
"You two have done it then?" The question came from Ron, who stepped closer to Hermione as if physically trying to make sure she was alright.
"Yes…we believe so anyway," Hermione answered, swallowing back her fear and clenching her hand into a fist. "We—we're holding a great deal of magic within us…far more than we should be able to hold normally."
"That explains the electrical storm last night then," Darcy quipped turning back to smirk at Jane, who'd also come to join them. "That lightning was crazy."
"It certainly was interesting," said Jane with a thoughtful look. "How did you end up gathering the magic? Was it a spell?"
Instantly, Hermione's face turned bright pink, flashes of the night before resurfacing, specifically Loki on his knees in front of her. How was she supposed to explain how they'd procured the magic without going into embarrassing details of their sex life? Luckily, Loki came to her aid, rolling his eyes at their curious companions before smoothing over the entire situation.
"Not that it truly matters, but we opened our magical cores, melding them together, and accepted the star magic into our bodies. Our combined magic cores are now securing the magic until we have use for it; however, we cannot waste time, as we know not how long the magic will stay active, or if it will burn us alive from the inside out."
Eyes widening in fear and surprise at that last little reveal, Hermione dropped Loki's hand to stare at her lover along with everyone else. "What do you mean, 'burn us from the inside out?"
Giving a noncommittal shrug, he responded, "I assumed you could feel the way the magic is sizzling under our skin just as much as I can."
"Oh for the love of Merlin," Ron groaned, rubbing a hand through his red hair and making it stick up nearly as much as Harry's usually looked. "This situation just keeps getting more and more dangerous each second."
"What were you expecting, Ron? A lovely walk on Asgard and then just hopping over to Jotunheim and asking Fenrir to stand down?" Hermione didn't mean to snap, but by the shocked expression on everyone's face, that's exactly what she'd done. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she tried again, fully aware that her sudden temper was an added benefit of being bound to Loki, his personality leaking through to her. "Look, we're short on time. Loki and I are literal ticking time-bombs; Fenrir is probably already starting to heal, and the longer we wait, the greater chance we have at losing this battle. We need to act now."
"Then we leave for Jotunheim within the hour," Thor addressed the room, pounding his fist onto the table to assure everyone was paying attention. "Gather what you need and meet at the Observatory." There was a murmuring of consensus and then everyone began preparing to leave the dining hall.
In his haste, Thor's elbow hit the helve of Mjolnir, knocking it from the table. Instinctively, Harry reached out and grabbed for the hammer, but instead of being pulled to the floor, he was merely jerked forward, amazed by its immense heft. Blinking stupidly, he swallowed nervously before lifting his face to meet the shocked expressions of everyone in the room. Not knowing what to say or do, he turned to hand the hammer back to its rightful owner. Before Thor could take the weapon from Harry, Ron spoke up, voice full of playful exasperation.
"Seriously, Mate?" He laughed then, shaking his head. "Where's Malfoy when you need him with an, 'Of course you can—you're the Chosen One!'"
"I haven't been the 'Chosen One' for quite some time, Ron." Clearly, embarrassed, Harry avoided everyone's gaze, his cheeks growing slightly pink as he thrust the hammer towards Thor.
"Evidentially, your heroic deeds in destroying the one you called Voldemort were enough to deem you worthy to wield Mjolnir," Thor explained, finally taking the hammer from Harry and rotating it in his hand. "This information may be beneficial to us in battle; it is believed that only Odin and I could hold it."
"I thought you said Cap made it 'wiggle' once—" Darcy interjected before Jane elbowed her in the ribs, causing her nearly to fall.
"We can use this to our advantage," Loki agreed, voice filled with the tiniest ounce of envy. "Now we have not one, but two secret weapons Fenrir and the others will not be anticipating. If something happens to Thor, Potter can take over, wielding not only his magic, but the power of Mjolnir."
"And we'll have the star power from the Rime Diamonds…if we live long enough to use it." Wrapping her arms around her stomach, Hermione shared a nervous look with Loki before adding, "We'll have to make sure Fenrir's been weakened before we use the magic in case it's not enough." He merely nodded in agreement, watching as Sif and the Warriors Three exited the room.
"It will be enough."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside the Observatory, the atmosphere was tense and quiet, everyone unsure what to expect once Heimdall transported them to the cold wasteland of Jotunheim. Hermione stood off to the side with Harry and Ron explaining what to expect and helping them apply proper warming charms, so they wouldn't freeze. Darcy was speaking softly with Hogun, and Hermione watched as he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek before joining Fandral, Volstagg, and Sif by the opening to the bridge. She then left the Observatory to return to the palace. Jane didn't accompany them to the Observatory, having said her goodbyes to Thor there instead of out in the open. Loki stood stoically by Thor as he explained their battle plans to Heimdall. Occasionally his green eyes would glance over at Hermione as if checking to make sure she was holding herself together.
She was.
Despite knowing these could be her last few minutes alive with her friends, exploring worlds she'd only ever imagined existed; she wasn't afraid of what was to come. In fact, she was more than ready to see this through to the end. A calmness had descended upon her, eliminating any of the normal tension and anxiety that she experienced when it came to missions or battles of the like. As if reading her thoughts, Loki turned toward her, a smirk lifting the corner of his mouth. She suddenly wondered if he was using their bond to help her remain calm—he probably was. Rolling her eyes playfully, she spoke to him through their bond.
I'm fine, you know? You don't have to watch me so carefully.
You've never fought Frost Giants before, love. You cannot allow your emotions to get the best of you.
Are you saying I'm going to be an emotional wreck when we get there?
I'm saying that they will play off of your emotions, and if you show your uneasiness, they will know something is amiss. We cannot have Thrym discovering the Rime Diamonds are in play. He knows of their past, of their possibilities. Do you understand?
Yes.
"Um, Hermione? Are you alright? You've gone a bit dopey-eyed?"
Ron's questioning brought her back to the present, a hand coming up to touch at her smiling cheeks. "Oh! I'm sorry; I was talking to Loki through the bond…I'll be more careful next time about keeping my facial expressions neutral."
"That is something I'll never get used to—people communicating with their minds." Harry shook his head with a wane smile before walking across the room to talk to the others.
Turning to face Ron, Hermione sighed. "I suppose this is all a bit reminiscent for him. Do you think he'll be alright?"
"Harry? Oh yeah, he lives for this sort of thing. Literally."
Unsure how to respond, Hermione merely nodded before returning her attention to Loki, who was now speaking to Heimdall alone. She wondered what he was saying in such hushed tones and with a serious frown on his face. Not wanting to interrupt, she turned away to stare out into the abyss, wondering at the beauty of the stars. Using her thumb, she unconsciously twisted the Rime Diamond ring on her finger, praying that they had everything they needed to defeat Fenrir once and for all. It seemed like ages, but only a minute later, Thor was calling for everyone to prepare themselves for passage to Jotunheim.
Loki fell into place next to Hermione, reaching down to intertwine his hand with hers, squeezing gently. Around him, everyone else filed in, wands and weapons at the ready. Thor was kind enough to grant him special permissions to use his daggers, so they were tucked into the waistband of his trousers, his fingers itching to slice open the throats of his enemies. Their main goal was to defeat Fenrir, but he had ulterior motives as well. If he had his way, and he suspected he would, Thrym would not live to see another day. Whether it be by Loki's hands or someone else's, that throne would be empty once they were through.
With everyone prepared, Heimdall spoke, his deep voice full of warning. "Once you have arrived on Jotunheim, I will secure the Bifrost. I will only reopen the Bifrost if I can ensure Asgard's safety. Is this understood?"
Everyone answered either by a nod or a verbalized 'yes', and then he was turning his magical sword, activating the Bifrost. Feeling the familiar pulling sensation, Loki instinctively clung tighter to Hermione's hand, wanting her to be safe, to feel secure. They shot through the portal, the rush of wind in their ears and the explosion of colors in their eyes. All too soon they were arriving on Jotunheim, the chill of the icy planet breaking through their warm clothing. Loki smiled, feeling nothing but great anticipation for what was to come. He was out for blood, and he would do everything in his power to get what he desired this night.
Thor was the first to move, stepping out in front of the group of wizards and immortals. He began giving directions, but Loki was already irritated with his fool of a brother, wanting just to get the fighting over with. The longer they lingered near the Bifrost point, the less chance they had of Heimdall opening it later. The battle needed to be closer to the palace, if not directly inside and around it, otherwise they would be stuck here if things went to hell. Deciding he didn't give a fuck whether or not Thor approved of what he was about to suggest, he stepped forward, dropping Hermione's hand.
"Brother, we must not tarry. If we delay, they will come to us and our element of surprise will be ruined." He slashed through the cold air angrily, eyes glinting with malice. "Fenrir is weak; he will flee." Swallowing any further comments, he stepped back, pointed face trained on Thor's reaction.
Exhaling heavily, Thor gestured toward Loki with his hammer, irritation evident on his face. "We are all fully aware of the precariousness of the situation, Loki. That is why we are taking precautions unlike the last time we stormed this planet. If you recall, that did not end well for any of us."
As Thor waved everyone on to follow him into the stark landscape, heading towards their destination, Loki growled low in his throat and made a move towards his brother. Roughly, Hermione's hand latched onto his forearm, jerking him to a stop. He whirled around to face her; teeth bared as he glared down his nose. "I suggest you release your hold on me, Hermione, lest you want to see a side of me I would much rather you not."
"Stop it," she snapped, releasing his arm nonetheless. "You're all bark and no bite when it comes to me, but that's beside the point." She waved aside his confusion to her comment, knowing their time was limited. "You have a purpose here, Loki—one you cannot lose sight of. I know you want the throne of Jotunheim; I do, and Thor has promised to help you get it, once and only once Fenrir is destroyed. That means you need to play nice. Do not make me have to do this on my own, because I wouldn't survive and we both know what would happen then."
She watched as his shoulders deflated, a hand coming up to run roughly through his dark hair. Trying not to smile at her small victory, she waited for him to speak, glad to have gotten through to him somehow. She'd felt the way his anger bubbled to the surface, his body keen for a fight after being restrained for so long. It would have been most dangerous to let him run into battle halfcocked with reckless abandon. He needed reminding of who he was now, of who he could be if he really wanted to change for the better.
"I—I forgot myself for a moment." Taking her hand, he placed it on his chest over his heart like she'd done earlier that day. "I struggle to find a happy medium between what is right and what is wrong…I tend to veer towards the darkness more than the light. That is why I have given you my all, so that you can help to see when I am in the wrong."
"Right and wrong. Good and evil. Black and white," Hermione whispered, eyes never leaving his. "Everyone has a bit of both sides inside, Loki. No one is necessarily destined to be one or the other. That's the brilliant part about life, we can change as we grow, as we experience new things, as we fall in and out of love." Stepping closer to his tall body, she spread her fingers apart, wanting more contact with him.
"I don't know if I am capable of being good, Hermione, or if I'm even capable of—" He broke off there, biting the inside of his cheek. He didn't want to break her heart before battle, and he was afraid to admit aloud that he wasn't sure he was capable, or even worthy, of loving her the way she loved him. He knew he loved her, more than anything else, but to love her was to admit he changed, that he wasn't who he always thought he was.
"Listen to me, Loki—inside every single one of us, there are two wolves. One is inherently evil, full of anger, regret, greed, resentment, lies…and the other is intrinsically good, full of joy, peace, hope, humility, compassion, faith, and most importantly, love. The wolves are constantly at war with one another, one always seeking dominance over the other."*
"Which wolf wins," Loki breathed, the words barely audible over the gusting wind swirling around them.
Tucking a curl behind her ear, Hermione wet her lips and met Loki's penetrating stare, digging her fingertips into his chest as if she could rip out his heart. As if she could take it into her own chest and keep him safe now, and forevermore. Shivering slightly, she swallowed back her fear, her trepidations, and opened herself to him, giving him her all. Hoping against everything that he would understand her meaning, that he would choose her.
"The one you feed the most."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fenrir was waiting for them when they arrived outside the palace, flanked by Thrym, the Frost Giant warriors, and the Dark Elves he supposedly knew nothing about. The arm Draco had torn into with his wolf fangs was wrapped in a makeshift sling, blood seeping through the bandages. He appeared much paler than the last they all met. Actually, as Hermione continued to watch him, he appeared almost uneasy on his feet, as if he was having trouble standing, but she wouldn't let her guard down, not for one second.
"I believe I made it clear your presence was unwelcome the last time you were here, Loki," Thrym shouted across the courtyard, his voice full of displeasure. Around him, the Frost Giant warriors and Dark Elves voiced their agreement, weapons appearing in their hands, or in the case of some of them, forming at their fingertips.
"And from what I understood, you were not hiding Dark Elves," Loki drawled, smirking. "It appears, we are both meant to be disappointed this night. You've violated the trust of Asgard, and will have to pay for your deception." His hand made for the daggers at his waist, but Thor spoke before he could get one in hand.
"While Loki speaks the truth, we are here for Fenrir, and will resolve issues with you another time. If you would like to avoid conflict, hand over Fenrir and the Dark Elves now, and step down."
Chuckling darkly, Fenrir spat onto the ground, the sticky substance tinged with blood. Hermione chanced a glance at Loki's face, anxiety filling her when she saw the pure and utter satisfaction there. Her attention was pulled back to the Great Wolf addressing them, his voice a menacing growl. "There will be no surrendering on our part, the only ones who will be surrendering will be you lot, kneeling at my feet as I take control over the universe."
"Over my lifeless body, beast," Loki seethed, spittle flying from his mouth as he took an intimidating step forward and planting his scepter loudly on the ground, leaving Hermione alone behind him. "I kneel to no one, so you will have to slay me before I allow you to rule over me."
Surprise blossomed in Hermione's chest, eyes growing wide at Loki's proclamation. Somehow, she was able to control her emotions, staving off the blush that threatened to color her pale cheeks. Throwing caution to the wind, she stepped forward herself, grasping hold of the scepter right above Loki's hand and showing that she supported him entirely. However, she, along with everyone else, was unprepared for the magical blast that resonated around the courtyard the minute her hand with Rime Diamond connected with the scepter housing its counterpart.
Gasping, Hermione managed not to topple over like nearly everyone else. Frightened brown eyes met curious green ones as Loki stared down into her face, their cover now blown. Biting her lip, she turned to watch Fenrir stumble back to his feet while Thrym's hands clenched into angry fists. She'd accidentally thrown the first punch, so to speak, and behind her, she could hear everyone conversing and preparing for the inescapable battle that was approaching.
"So the myth is true then, the Rime Diamonds are real," the Jotun king fumed, red eyes flashing. "And how fitting it's you who has possession of them. Did daddy dearest leave them for you, or did you steal them while pretending to be the king you'll never be?"
"Damn…" Thor whispered, knowing Thrym had just ruined any chance he had of surviving this night. He shared a glance with Hermione as Loki pulled the scepter free from her grasp to aim it at the Jotun, the air around them crackling with magic.
"Listen here, cousin, I'd changed my mind about being the one to personally divest your chest of its last breath, but your infuriating chatter will be your death wish if you do not desist." Taking long purposeful strides until he was in the center of the courtyard, Loki bared down on his cousin, the scepter in his hand never wavering. "The Rime Diamonds were not gifted to me, nor did I steal them as you so eloquently put it. In fact, they were destined to be mine—to be mine and Hermione's, so if you do not shut your trap and step aside, I will slay you right this second."
Instead of stepping aside, Thrym's face clouded over with fury at Loki's insults, an ice dagger forming at the end of his hand. With a quiet intensity, the Jotun king sealed his fate. "Attack." This one simple word set the chain of events into motion, the courtyard filling with Frost Giants and Dark Elves as they surged forward, ready to fight to the death for a cause they truly knew not of.
In the chaos, Loki lost sight of Fenrir, but he only had eyes for Thrym at this point, wanting nothing but to eradicate Jotunheim of his blood relative, so he could take his rightful place upon the throne. He ran forward; scepter raised and a battle cry leaving his throat at the same time as Thrym. Behind him, he could hear Hermione's cry of protest, urging him not to take the bait. It was too late though, he acknowledged as his scepter clashed with Thrym's ice dagger. His cousin had stolen what was his right out from underneath him, and there would be hell to pay.
Panicking, Hermione watched as Loki threw himself into battle with Thrym, disregarding her earlier warnings. She supposed he had every right to want to take down his cousin, after all he wasn't the rightful heir to the throne. Instead, she decided to stay close, using stunning spells and few choice reducto's to fight the Dark Elves and Frost Giants coming at her. It was hard deciphering between her magic and star magic, but she was managing, saving the star power for when they truly needed it—to destroy Fenrir, wherever he'd gotten off to.
This battle was much more brutal than the one on Earth had been, the blood of the fallen staining the snow around her. She shivered, steeling herself so no one could get the best of her. Terrors of the past had no reason to come to mind now—it would only lead to a fatal distraction. Focusing on her energy and the present, she was startled to discover Ron fighting alongside Hogun, a fallen Volstagg at their feet.
Oh god, she thought. When did that happen? There was no way to be certain if the warrior was dead or alive, but with another Frost Giant barreling towards her, she had to let it go. "Stupefy!"
Deal with the fallen later, Hermione. Focus on the here and now. Focus on your magic.
Loki's voice inside her mind startled her, and she realized that she must have projected her thoughts towards him. She would have to be more careful; she was letting the battle get to her. If she was distracted, he was distracted, and neither of them could afford to let the other die. Not here. Not now. Bounding over the stupefied Jotun, Hermione worked her way closer to Loki in the middle of the courtyard. Harry, Sif, and Fandral were busy trying to apprehend the Dark Elves to her left, and Thor—Thor had found Fenrir and was engaging him in a heated debate. A shiver ran down her spine as her eyes connected with Fenrir's, a sinister smile forming on his blood-stained lips.
The distraction was enough that a Frost Giant plowed into her, knocking her to the ground, her knees getting scraped on the rocky terrain. When he made to grab for her throat, she reared back and head-butted him. The pain was immediate and more intense than anything she'd ever experienced. Lights danced in front of her eyes, but she'd done what was needed. The Frost Giant rolled off of her, clutching at his bleeding nose. Heart pounding in her chest, Hermione scrambled to her feet, using her wand to bind him. He snarled at her, but was unable to get free. Then, she turned her sights back on Loki.
His scepter easily broke the ice dagger from Thrym's hand, angering the king immensely. Momentarily distracted by the sheer force of the blow, Thrym stumbled backward allowing Loki to send a blast of magic at his chest. Smirking with satisfaction, Loki paused, glaring up into his cousin's icy face.
"Do not underestimate me, Thrym. I may not be as large or a true Frost Giant such as you, but Laufey and Farbaute's blood runs through my veins, as does the magic of the Rime Diamonds."
Thrym shoved him away, scowling. "I care not who your parents were, villain. You will not dethrone me; you are not worthy. The sole ability you excel at is destroying the lives of those around you." Thrym gestured around them, and only then did Loki realize the carnage. Sif had now fallen, and Ron was bleeding from a severe gash across his forehead. All of the Dark Elves were captured leaving Hogun, Harry, and Fandral alone with the remaining Frost Giant warriors. Hermione was hurriedly trying to battle her way towards where he was with Thrym. "Ah, it appears your disgusting earthling female is coming to help you. Let us see how she fairs with an ice dagger through her chest, shall we? Perhaps once she is dead, and you're distraught, I will take the Rime Diamonds from your cold lifeless bodies and use their magic properly."
Loki watched in horror as Thrym's hand produced a new ice dagger, this one longer and sharper than the last, glinting in the light from the stars above. Panic seared through his chest as his cousin's arm pulled back, and knowing he had only a split second; he dropped his scepter, taking a dagger to hand instead. As Thrym began to throw the dagger, Loki plunged ahead, the dagger sinking into the soft flesh underneath his arm. With an outraged cry, Thrym dropped the dagger, shattering it on the ground as he fell forward.
Kicking Thrym over onto his back, Loki stared down into the fallen king's face, a sneer unlike any other on his regal features. "No one threatens the life of Hermione, and now, now you will die. I am going to execute you, just as I slayed Laufey, and then I will take the throne as mine." He used his boot clad foot to push into the wound he created with his dagger, enjoying the sickening squelch and crunch as he ruined Thrym. Flipping his dagger, so he could plunge the sharp steel into his enemy, Loki reared back ready to feed his inner wolf.
"Loki! No!"
He was thrown off balance as Hermione came barreling into his side, yanking the dagger from his hand and tossing it aside. "Hermione! He threatened you—he wants you dead! He will use the Rime Diamonds for evil." Below, Thrym struggled to get free, but Loki pushed down again with his foot. "Let me do this, allow me this one final kill. Allow me to prove myself to you, that I am worthy of your love."
"No, Loki…he is not worth it. He has no capabilities for using the diamonds." Before Loki could speak again, she forcefully pushed him aside, taking his place and pointing her wand at Thyrm's chest, her eyes still on her lover. "And as for you, of course you're worthy of my love. You always have been otherwise the diamonds wouldn't have bound us to one another. Don't you see?"
She peered up at him, her face smeared with Jotun blood and her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. Loki tumbled forward wanting to pull her into an embrace, but knowing now was not the time. Instead, he reached out and tucked a loose curl behind her ear, a private smile ghosting onto his lips. "If you do not allow me to kill him, what would you have me to do? I cannot allow him to continue to live no matter what it does to my soul."
"Oh, Loki…don't you understand? Your soul has been damaged enough, but mine—mine can handle a blow of this nature if it means protecting what we have, protecting you from further despair." And before Loki could fully contemplate the meaning of her words, fully grasp what was about to happen, Hermione turned her face to scowl down at Thrym, her wand moving in time to the words forming on her wind-chapped lips. "Sectumsempra."
Thrym's hands flopped uselessly as he tried to grasp at the deep gouges forming on his chest, blood beginning to rush out of the open wounds. Loki grabbed at Hermione, his long fingers wrapping securely around her wrist and pulling her away. "What have you done?"
"I don't know the counter curse to that spell—it died along with a professor of mine." Hermione blinked slowly, biting at her lip as she watched the life drain from Thrym's body, his movements barely more than twitches at this point. "I couldn't let you do it, Loki. I couldn't let you kill for me again, even if it was an enemy."
"I'm used to killing, Hermione. Thrym would become just another faceless death in the long list of murders," he said tugging her further away from Thrym, and trying to get her to focus on him now.
"You don't have to be!" She shouted, shoving him away from her, a fire in her eyes he'd never seen before.
Worriedly, he raked his eyes over her body, only now noticing the way her skin was glowing faintly in the darkness. "Hermione," he asked quietly, raising his hands, so she knew he was not a threat to her. "Hermione? Are you feeling alright? I think the star magic is starting to alter you somehow. It's reacting."
Breathing heavily, Hermione tore her eyes away from Loki to stare down at her hands. Sure enough, they were practically glowing, the magic making her skin feel tight and uncomfortable. She began to panic. "We need to use this magic—now."
"I agree," Loki replied reaching for her hand once more, relief flooding him when she allowed him to do so. "Let us go find—" Turning around; he'd taken only one step when they both plowed directly into Fenrir, who took the opportunity to rip Hermione from Loki's grasp before shoving him to the ground.
Loki was up on his feet a split second later, but it was a second too long. Fenrir had hold of Hermione, making it impossible for her to break away. "Pity, I'd hoped you two would be far harder to incapacitate than the God of Thunder." Gesturing with his chin, Fenrir drew their attention to where Thor lied unconscious in the snow, Mjolnir by his side.
"Harry!" Calling out to her friend instead of her lover was pure strategy, and Hermione felt a second of reprieve when his green eyes met her desperate ones across the courtyard. He nodded, but instead of hurrying toward her, he ran to Thor, their unspoken plan already in motion. Now, she just had to hold Fenrir's attention long enough for Harry to get hold of the hammer. "Let me go, you monster." She struggled against grip, straining to get away from his copper scented breath.
"Now, now little Mudblood. This is the second time I've had the pleasure of capturing you; and this time, you won't be getting away so easily." He cackled, the blood inside his chest rattling and making the hairs on the back Hermione's neck stand up with fear. Seeing Loki move forward, dagger raised, Fenrir tipped his head to the side. "Ah, ah, ah. Stay where you are or I will tear into her neck most deliciously."
Swayed, Loki halted where he was, fear evident on his face and in the way he clenched his fists. "Free her now, Fenrir, or we use the star magic."
"Star magic? How fascinating?" Glancing down at the witch in his arms, he bared his fangs, using one hand to tip her head to the side. He then drew one razor-sharp fang up her neck carefully, causing Hermione to whimper in fear. "Is that why her skin has such a magnificent glow to it? And here I thought she was just glad to see me."
"I'll let it loose, Fenrir, and then we'll both be dead." Not taking her threat seriously, Fenrir snapped his jaw, the sound of his teeth clashing together making her jump and whimper. "Loki…"
"Loki cannot help you now, princess. You're going to be mine." Keeping eye contact with Loki, who was practically vibrating with pent-up rage, Fenrir dropped his face into Hermione's neck and inhaled deeply before pacing a disgustingly wet kiss to the sensitive area behind her ear. She gagged, revolted by the gesture. Just when she thought her life to be over, having closed her eyes, so she wouldn't see the anguish in Loki's eyes when she was either turned into a werewolf or killed, Fenrir pulled back. "What's this," he asked incredulously. "You smell different."
"Wh—what?" She stammered, incapable of forming a coherent sentence with his fangs so close to her neck. She really didn't want to be a werewolf. She began to struggle again; her face craning to find her captor giving Loki the most ponderous of sneers. "Please—let me go—I won't be able to hold the magic back for much longer."
"Frost Giant," he called out to Loki, not bothering to use his name. "As a werewolf, you find you have a certain aptitude for your various senses—sight, touch, smell—smell most of all. It makes it quite easy to pick out the perfect victims, allowing me to know if a male is strong enough to survive the change, or if a female is fertile, or not. Do you catch my drift?"
The air seemed to rush from Loki's lungs at Fenrir's words, his gaze raking over Hermione's struggling form. This was something he would stow away for later, when there was more time to think. Narrowing his eyes, he remained calm, not wanting to set Hermione on edge any more than she already was. Instead, he entered her mind, trying to calm her. Get ready to duck. He relaxed when she gave him the tiniest of nods, understanding what was about to happen.
"I find, Fenrir that I care not for this insipid conversation. In fact, in about ten seconds, you're going to wish you'd not bothered with conversation at all." Casually flipping his dagger into the air, he caught it by the hilt easily, a smirk gracing his face at the confused look on Fenrir's.
"What do you mean?"
"Rule number one when fighting your enemies—never turn your back on the fallen." Gesturing with his dagger, Loki pointed behind Fenrir. "Potter, if you will."
Just as Fenrir turned his head, Harry swung Mjolnir about, the heavy hammer connecting with the side of the wolf's head and sending him reeling. Hermione, prepared for such a blow, tucked and rolled out of his hold, landing hard on the ground. Rushing forward Loki pulled her to her feet, running as far away from Fenrir as possible, Harry close behind. They stopped just on the outskirt of the palace courtyard, Loki pulling Hermione to his chest and kissing to top of her curls. She wasn't crying, but she was breathing heavy—too heavy—as if she were hyperventilating. Stroking her hair, he tried to calm her before getting Harry's attention.
"He won't be out for long. Help Hogun get the others and then come right back here with Weasley." Harry nodded once before darting off, leaving Hermione with Loki.
"Hermione," Loki said, pushing her slightly away from his body. "It's alright now; you're alright. I have you."
"He's not dead. We have to use the magic, or he'll—he'll just keep coming back."
"I know, and we're about to take care of that, but I need your attention—it's important." Tipping her head backward, he looked down into her wide-eyes, uneasiness creeping into his chest at the way her pupils were blown wide and her skin felt aflame. "The star magic is destroying you, burning you from within."
"I can get rid of it—let's do it now…" She tried to turn out of his grasp, but found herself too weak. A sob bubbled up in her throat, tears dribbling down her cheeks.
"No, you've got to release yours. There's no time…you will die if you don't get rid of it now. His thumbs brushed the tears from her cheeks. "Come on, love. Let it go." He settled her on her feet, watching as she nodded, eyes closed. He could not watch her die, Loki thought. It wouldn't just send him into unbearable anguish; it would kill him. Watching as she prepared to release her star magic, he decided that if she survived this process, he really would tell her his true feelings. He would have to, or she'd never forgive him for what he was about to do.
Clenching her fists, Hermione scrunched up her face, trying to stop the tears from flowing, but it was difficult. Forcing herself to relax, she opened up her magical core, gasping when she felt the star magic tear away from her regular magic. It ripped out of her like a scream, or maybe she was screaming along with it, throat going raw. The magic swirled and danced around her, the strength of its exit forcing her to her knees. Not wanting it to go to waste, she pointed her arms towards where she remembered Loki standing, reaching out to him through her mind. Take it Loki. Take the magic. I'm letting go of it. Use it for good. She had no way of knowing if he heard her, or if it worked even, but she had to try. After seconds, minutes, maybe even years, Hermione felt the last of the star magic leave her body, her arms falling limply to her sides.
Loki watched in awe as the magic left Hermione's body, but instead of dissipating, it shot toward him. Bracing himself, he quickly opened his magical core, absorbing the power she was willingly giving him, praying that he would be able to bear the weight of double the power. Somehow he suspected he would survive at least that much. When the magic was fully inside his core, he closed himself off, breathing heavily. He blinked his eyes a few times until he could see in the darkness again, finding Hermione kneeling prone on the ground. He dropped to his knees and crawled forward, taking her into his arms.
"Hermione," he breathed out. "Are you alright, love?"
She took a shaky breath, but lifted her head to look at him. "I think so…just weak. Did you take it?"
"Yes," he answered quickly, "I hold your magic within. It runs through my veins as we speak."
"Good," came her quiet reply. "That's…what I wanted."
"Let me help you to stand; we don't have much time." He glanced over the where they'd left Fenrir, and sure enough, he was beginning to stir. Not taking much time to look, he also noticed Harry and Ron standing close by—close enough to take hold of Hermione shortly, yet far enough away so they would be secure for the time being. She would be safe. "Listen, there is something important that you need to know, Hermione. That you need to understand."
She looked up at him questioningly as he helped her to her feet. She held onto his forearms in an attempt not to fall over. "What is it? What's wrong? Use the star magic now, Loki, before Fenrir has time to react. Don't waver." With every word she spoke, her voice rose with panic, chest tightening with fear.
"I will use the magic when the time is right, but this is not it." He sighed, shoulders sagging from the weight of what he was about do. "I took your magic so that you would be safe, but even now, you are at great risk. You need to be far, far away from here when the magic is used. The process has left you weak, as when Farbaute tore the Rime Diamond into two parts, and you are going to need your strength. You, and your friends, you must leave before it's too late." The ache in his chest grew with every passing second, and when her eyes widened with faint recognition, it exploded.
"I—I don't understand what you're trying to say…"
"I think you're lying, Hermione," he remarked with a smirk.
"I won't leave you here alone." Her hands dropped from his forearms, so she could brush the tears from her face angrily.
"I won't be alone…you need to run now, while there's still time."
"No."
Chuckling darkling, Loki ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "You're so good, full of hope and beauty. You deserve much better than me, Hermione." Struggling to find a way to speak the words he so desperately needed to, he found Hermione interrupting him again.
"We started this together, Loki, and we need to finish it that way. You may hold all the magic, but who will be there to catch you when it's all over? You—you need me."
Deciding there was no time left to wait, he reached for her and cradled her face in his hands, stepping forward at the same time. Crashing his lips down onto her own, he kissed her with everything he had, already missing the way she tasted, the way her hair always managed to get in the way while they kissed, as it was doing now. She kissed him back with just as much passion, her tongue snaking into his mouth and moving against his. Groaning, he pulled away after a moment, resting his forehead against hers as he stared in her eyes.
"Hermione I—I love you most desperately."
He released her face, taking a step backward as she stared at him in shock, a hand coming to cover her mouth. He forced away his own tears as wet trails began flowing down Hermione's cheeks. Her chest expanded as she took in a deep breath, hand reaching out to him, but he wouldn't let her get any closer. She needed to stay where she was now, she needed to stay away. From the corner of his eye, he could see Fenrir struggling to his feet. They had mere seconds.
"Do you truly mean that?"
"Yes," Loki answered, feeling self-hatred seeping through his body, coming to visit like an old, familiar friend. "And that's why this is going to break me." Lifting his hands, he reached out, pushing Hermione by the shoulder's backwards into Ron and Harry's waiting arms. He moved away from them, shouting at the sky, hoping that Heimdall would follow through with the deal they'd arranged before travelling to Jotunheim. "Heimdall, it's time! Open the Bifrost!"
Colored light exploded around them, illuminating the darkened courtyard. He was granted one last glance of Hermione as she screamed and thrashed against Ron and Harry's arms before they were transported away, gone forever. Ignoring the burst of anguish at being severed from his soulmate, Loki swallowed roughly before facing the Great Wolf.
"It's just the two of us now, beast." He said with a well-practiced sneer. "Ready to die?"
Before him, Fenrir stood, face bruised and body bleeding. Taking a few quavering steps until he was directly across from Loki, he gave a short bark of laughter. "Let the show begin."
Smirking, Loki opened his arms wide, reopening his magical core and sending forward the entirety of star magic he held within his body. The magic exploded outward, engulfing him, and then Fenrir until nothing else could be seen. Allowing his body to take charge of what was about to happen, Loki closed his eyes, picturing Hermione's beautiful face as the world around him shattered in a cacophony of sound and blinding white light. Whatever happened from here on out no longer mattered, he'd told Hermione he loved her, and now he could find peace.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Golden Trio arrived back in Jane's yard ungracefully like the first time they'd used a portkey to get to the Quidditch World Cup. Harry and Ron jumped up, pulling Hermione with them as they went. With a cry of frustration, she pushed the both of them away, and even in her weakened state, they still went tumbling back. Clearly, her new-found strength was still intact despite having given up the magic she'd been storing. Running forward a few steps, she tipped her head backward to scream at the sky, eyes blinking rapidly in the daylight.
"Heimdall! Heim-dall! You open the Bifrost right now! Send me back!" When nothing happened, she raked her hands through her matted curls, crying out in pain when her fingers became tangled. In her desperation to get back to Loki, she screamed, long and loud—the sound tearing from her chest and making her friends cringe. Exhausted, she fell forward onto her knees, face hidden by her bloodied hands as she succumbed to her heartache and anguish. The sobs wracked her frail form, her body quaking as she dissolved into despair.
When Harry made to move towards her, Ron pulled him back. "No, mate…just let her have a minute. She could hurt us right now."
As Harry was nodding his understanding, the backdoor of the house flew open and Bruce came running outside. "What is it? What's happened?" He faltered when he saw Hermione sobbing in the grass. "Is she alright?"
Heaving a sigh, Harry shook his head as he shrugged. "No idea…all we really know is that Hermione gave up the star magic she and Loki harvested, and then we were sent back here."
"There's more to it than just that, Harry," Ron interjected. "We have to wait for her to calm down so she can tell us." He gestured to his friend, sadness reflecting in his blue eyes as she curled her arms around her middle. "Thrym's dead at least, and we can only hope that the others survive the star magic blast somehow. Last I checked; everyone was alive, albeit a bit bruised and battered."
"What do you mean 'star magic blast'," Bruce asked, taking his glasses off to pinch the bridge of his nose.
"The magic Loki and Hermione harnessed from the stars—well; it can be used as a sort of bomb, but they're supposed to do it together." Harry's face crumpled as she turned, staring at Hermione again. "Something went wrong though, Hermione's body was rejecting the magic, so she gave it up. Now, Loki has to use it on his own."
"Can he survive that?"
"No idea," Ron answered, scratching his head. "From what I understand, it could destroy the entire universe if not used properly. At least, that's what Hermione said."
"Speaking of which, I don't want to leave Hermione, but what about Ginny and the kids? I have to be with them, you know…if…" Ron clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder as he trailed off, worry evident in his voice.
"Look, you go on. I'll stay."
"You're sure?"
"Absolutely." Instead of replying, Harry threw his arms around Ron in a large hug before backing away and disappearing with a 'pop'. Only then did Ron's face fall, a heavy sigh leaving him as he watched Hermione cry into her hands.
"You have someone waiting for you as well." Bruce was watching Ron carefully, waiting for him to admit the truth. Finally, after staring at Hermione for another full minute, he turned toward the scientist, shaking his head.
"Yeah. There's Pansy."
"You need to go to her then. I'm staying here anyway." He pointed at the house. "I can make sure Hermione is taken care of for now." He tucked his glasses into the pocket of his purple shirt, glad to see relief flood the redhead's face.
"Thank you."
"Think nothing of it."
Ron nodded once before he disappeared too, leaving Bruce alone with Hermione, who's crying was slowly abating into hiccups and sniffles, her tears depleted for the time being. Walking forward, Bruce dropped down to sit next to Hermione, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket. Handing the clean square of fabric to her, he smiled a bit when she accepted it, wiping gingerly at her red-rimmed eyes. They said nothing to one another, but as the minutes ticked on, Bruce found her becoming more and more calm until finally, she spoke.
"He told me he loved me."
"Did he?" Bruce's greying eyebrows shot towards his matching hairline as he evaluated this new piece of information.
"Yes, and then he sent me back here." She sniffed. "Alone."
"Was he trying to protect you?"
She twisted the handkerchief angrily in her lap, biting at her lip before answering. "He said as much, but—but he could die. I don't want him to die alone, Bruce…I wished to be there with him." Hiccupping again, she turned her brown-eyes gaze towards him, a sadness he'd never known shining in them. "Do you think he'll survive?"
"I'm not certain; I've never had any experience with star magic before now, and I'm assuming I probably never will." Scratching at his stubble, he tried to bring her some ease. "Look, Jane and Darcy will have to come back here, right? If everyone survives? You should wait here, but not out in the yard." He pushed to his feet, brushing the bottom of his black trousers off as he did so. "Come inside, and I'll make you some tea; you can get cleaned up, and then the both of us can wait until their return. What do you say?" He held out his hand, waiting for her to take hold, so he could pull her to her feet.
Deciding waiting inside was much more appealing that waiting on the dirty ground, she accepted his hand, giving him a small smile when she was on her feet again. "Thank you," she mumbled, almost embarrassed knowing he'd seen her chaotic display earlier. He nodded, dropping her hand and walking to the door. She followed behind, taking the door when he held it open for her.
Turning, she glanced once more at the sky, waiting for Loki to return to her, and unsure if he ever would. Hanging her head, she stepped inside the kitchen, allowing the door to slam shut behind her, blocking the sky from her view. She wouldn't find out until hours later when Bruce showed her the online news article, but a burst of light, brighter than the sun, exploded in the sky mere seconds after she moved inside, and no one, not a soul, knew what it was or where it had come from. For now, they could only wait to see if Jotunheim, and their friends, Loki included, survived.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Epilogue forthcoming.