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No one said a word as Theo used his wand to vanish the mess and eliminated anyone from ever using the Time-Turner to alter the past or future ever again. Blaise smiled and kissed Theo's cheek while Loki smirked in a most satisfied manner. Hermione was the only one who seemed stunned by Theo's actions, but she said not a word. The Time-Turner belonged to Theo, so it was his decision of what to do with it, after all.
When the silence had gone on long enough, Loki kissed the top of Hermione's head and dropped his arm from around her shoulders. "I am going to go outside for some air, but I hope to see you two again in the future. Perhaps, you will have a child by then as well."
Blaise chuckled. "Maybe he or she will grow up and marry Eira, and then they can kick you off of Jotunheim's throne."
"Indeed," Loki replied before nodding and taking his leave from the room. "What an interesting thought."
Sighing, Hermione just shook her head as she turned back around toward Blaise and Theo. "Time for the hard part, right? Before we say goodbye, though, I have a bit of a proposal for you."
Blaise barked out a laugh, running a hand over his shaved head. "It's always prophecies and proposals with you, isn't it?"
"What can I say," Hermione replied with a laugh. "I like to keep you guessing."
"Okay," Theo began, sitting down on the edge of the chair he'd vacated earlier. "I'm ready. Spring it on me."
"You know that I am leaving, and I am stepping down as Minister," Hermione began slowly, meeting Theo's gaze. "Well, I've talked with the Wizengamot, and they all believe that you have done a brilliant job at holding the position while I was in the hospital and then in Jotunheim. They want you to remain as Minister."
Theo blinked once, then twice before blowing all the air out of his lungs. Shaking his head, he said, "I- I can't do that."
"Sure you can," Blaise interrupted before his husband could say anything further. He placed a comforting hand on his shoulder as well. "You've been kicking ass in the Department of Mysteries for years, and this is the perfect opportunity for you to have a more stable position. No more running off to Egypt. Maybe we'll actually be able to settle down and have that family we've dreamed about all these years."
Still, seemingly in shock, Theo thought about what Blaise had said. Being Minister would allow him to stop travelling as much, aside from the occasional meeting here and there. "Why can't you stay?" He laughed, shaking his head. "This would be so much easier if you would just stay here."
"Even if I wasn't going to Jotunheim, I can't keep pretending I'm a good Minister," Hermione explained, wrapping her arms around her middle. "I have too many issues of my own to deal with and heal from. If things had turned out differently, maybe, but not now... Not as I am, and I'm okay with that. Who knows if I'll ever be fit for a position of power."
"Not even as Queen of Jotunheim?" Blaise asked, his dark eyes glinting.
"Maybe someday," she replied with a shrug. "If Loki and I ever decide to have a proper wedding or bonding ceremony. I'm not really sure how those sorts of things work in the other realms." To Theo, she said, "So what do you say?"
"If I say yes, will you promise to visit at least once a year?" Theo asked, raising both eyebrows. "It's a stipulation that I won't let go."
Playfully rolling her eyes, Hermione said, "Sure. Once a year sounds reasonable. Hell, we could even make it twice. I'll miss your faces too much."
Theo stood again and extended his hand. "You have a deal." Beside him, Blaise cheered, pumping his fist into the air before wrapping him in a brief hug.
Hermione took the offered hand and shook. "Congratulations, Minister. I wish you the best of luck. Now, come here." Taking both their hands, she said, "You two helped show me how to love again when I thought that I never could. We may not have worked out, but you were everything to me, despite what happened in our past."
"We love you too," Blaise said softly, biting back emotion. "You helped me live my dream and saved my life. I will forever be grateful to you for that."
"Yeah," Theo said, coughing. "I know there is a lot of bad blood, but that's all forgotten now. I only wish you the best."
"Merlin, I love you guys," Hermione muttered before letting Theo and Blaise tug her in for one final and proper hug and goodbye.
One Day Remaining on Earth
Tip-toeing into Pansy and Ron's townhouse, Hermione glanced around, wondering where her friends might be. She didn't want to call out for fear of waking little Violet or even Pansy, who may be trying to sleep. She knew now that it was essential to sleep when the baby slept, and she would be good about that once she, Loki, and Eira returned to Jotunheim.
Peeking into the living room, Hermione found Pansy just finishing up nursing. She smiled and whispered, "Hey, Pansy. I wanted to come and see you. Are you busy?"
"Hermione," Pansy greeted, unable to keep from smiling as well. "It's a good time for you to come. Violet will be going down for a nap shortly." She gently held Violet up to her shoulder and went through the process of burping her. When that was settled and Hermione had sat down on the other end of the sofa, Pansy handed the baby over to her friend.
After watching Violet settle into a light sleep, Hermione sighed heavily and decided to broach the topic of her visit. "Pansy... I- I wanted to come and say goodbye before Loki, and I leave for Jotunheim tomorrow."
"Is it selfish of me to wish you would reconsider and stay?" Pansy asked, tucked a piece of dark hair behind one ear. "It would be nice to have another fairly new mom to bounce ideas off of and vent to."
"Believe me," Hermione admitted, frowning, "I wish I could stay, but Loki has an empire to rule, and I don't want our family to be apart any longer. The time we spent separated... It was hell, to put it lightly. I don't think we could survive that again- I don't think I could survive it again."
A solemn nod was all Pansy did in reaction. She'd taken care of Hermione and Gwyneira during the time Loki had been away on Asgard. It was a time she hoped never to revisit if given a chance. The witches sat there in silence for a long moment, both thinking of their long history. Neither quite wanted to be the one to break the silence, but eventually, the dark-haired witch did so.
"I hate goodbyes," Pansy said, blinking back wholly unexpected tears.
Laughing lightly, Hermione agreed. "I do too...."
"By the way, I hope you don't mind if we keep your cat," Pansy said, eyes sparkling with mischief. "She likes sleeping with Violet at night."
"It's far too cold on Jotunheim for a cat. I think Raven will be happier here anyway." As if knowing she was being talked about, the cat appeared at the doorway and said her own meow as a farewell before wandering off to sleep. Pansy and Hermione shared a chuckle at the cat's antics even though the latter was a bit sad to have to leave the cat behind.
They sat in silence for another moment until the baby began to get a bit fussy in her sleep. "I wanted to talk to Ron too," Hermione said as she handed Violet back to her mother. "Is he here?"
Pansy shook her head as she adjusted Violet in her arms. "You know how Ron is... He hates goodbyes more than anyone. He left right before you got here. Somehow he must have known what was coming..."
"Where did he go?" Hermione asked, her heart falling at the thought of not being able to say goodbye to one of her dearest friends.
Smiling sadly, Pansy said, "You know where he went." A slight smirk was playing on her lips.
"The flat," Hermione whispered, glancing away. She stood and made her way to the fireplace, grabbing some floo powder off the mantle. She'd arrived on foot but would leave by floo, not knowing if she could stand the goodbye that faced her.
"Before you go, Hermione," Pansy said, stopping the bushy-haired witch before she stepped through the floo. "I just want you to know that whatever happens, our bygones will always be forgotten, and the benevolent vows Ron and I gave you will stand as long as we live." She wiped away a stray tear, slightly smearing her black mascara. "I love you as a friend, and I can't wait to see our daughters become lifelong friends as well."
Hermione was overwhelmed with emotion and could find no words to speak. She simply swallowed and nodded, a tearful smile gracing her lips. She and Pansy had an understanding that would forever be there. They both loved Ron, albeit in different ways. It was a bond that would keep them in each other's lives no matter what. After another second, Hermione finally stepped into the floo and returned to her flat for the last time.
When Hermione emerged from the fireplace in a whirl of green flames, she took a moment to get her bearings. Placing a heavy hand upon the mantle, sadness continued to creep through her chest. It was strange to recall the floo calls made through the grate and the earnest regrets that were felt by family and friends over the years.
Shivering, Hermione shrugged off the memories and instead turned to face the living room properly. With bated breath, she waited patiently as Ron's footsteps were heard coming down the hallway from the back bedrooms. As he emerged, her heart leapt, and tears sprang to her eyes. It was like being transported back in time to the first day they'd stepped foot in this flat when they were barely out of the war.
Mere children who had no idea what the world was about to throw at them.
Wiping her eyes, Hermione laughed nervously. "I was afraid I wouldn't get to see you before I left." She hated how emotional she sounded.
Running a hand through his hair, Ron sighed heavily. "I wasn't sure I wanted to see you..." Shaking his head, he added, "That came out wrong. I wanted to see you, of course, I do. I'm just scared that this goodbye will be forever."
"It won't be forever, Ron," Hermione explained, choking on a sob. When she had regained composure, she said, "I'll always need my friends... My family." It was difficult at that moment to push aside the thought that someday her goodbye would be forever, but it would be because they were gone, and she lived on.
"This flat really has seen it all, hasn't it?" Ron asked, taking another look around the living room. He knew not the thoughts that lingered in his friend's mind. "All of our promotions and life's unexpected surprises can be traced back to this flat."
Joy bubbled in Hermione's chest at Ron's words. "Despite all the bad, this place was always magical. I'm thankful to have spent a large part of my life here with you."
"I'm sorry," Ron blurted suddenly, his cheeks red. "For leaving you all those years ago."
The briefest jolt of grief shot through Hermione at the memory of their lost child and breakup. "I forgave you a long time ago, Ron. I don't think I ever really even blamed you for leaving." Walking forward, Hermione took Ron's hands in her own and squeezed. "You always loved me, even when we were apart."
"I still love you," Ron whispered, eyes overflowing. "I'm sorry it wasn't the kind of love that you needed."
"It's different for us," she told him, letting go of his hands to gently wipe away his tears. "You and I were always meant to be friends, and the love you have for me is special, but you and Pansy are perfect for each other. Your friendship is what I needed, and I've always had that."
Ron pulled her into him then, and they shared a fierce hug as they cried for the time they would now have to be apart. Heartache and triumph filled their past and possibly their future, but whatever happened, their friendship would remain the same. From fighting trolls to watching their own children grow up, Hermione and Ron would be friends forever.
Their embrace came to a natural end, both wiping at their eyes while grinning at one another for being silly. Hermione cleared her throat and said, "I guess it's time, huh?"
"I suppose so... I was also afraid that Loki would be here," Ron said, glancing around the near-empty flat. "I didn't want to do this in front of him."
Biting her lip, Hermione said, "He took Gwyneira to the park down the road. He's tired of helping me pack up the flat." She had to chuckle at the last part, but her heart hurt, all the same, knowing that Loki probably just wanted to give her a chance to say a proper goodbye to her friend.
Still standing close, Ron stared down at Hermione and said, "Please, don't be a stranger, "Mione. I'll miss you more than you can imagine."
"I'm going to miss you too, Ron," Hermione murmured, trying to remember this moment so it would forever remain in her mind.
Ron placed a kiss upon Hermione's forehead before dropping his hold and walking out the front door. When she was alone, Hermione took a final glance around the flat where she'd essentially grown into the witch she was today. Despite the time that she'd spent travelling for research, this was always her home, and it was going to be hard to let it go. The flat would become someone else's special place, and the memories of Hermione and the time she spent there would be forgotten.
A few boxes were remaining, but those would be put into storage for when Gwyneira was old enough to use them at Hogwarts. Thankfully, Harry and Ginny had plenty of space in their basement. Other than that, the flat was ready to leave. Twirling in a slow circle, Hermione said her final goodbye to her home and then apparated to the park. From there, they would depart for Jotunheim.
Clothed in her warm cloak, Hermione stood staring out at the icy expanse that was her new home. Jotunheim was beautiful, if not a bit colder than she'd initially anticipated. Thankfully, her magic was able to keep her warm when fires and cloaks failed. Eira was part Frost Giant, and the cold never bothered her.
Deciding it was time to move back inside, Hermione returned to their chambers, shutting the balcony door behind her. Only a few days had passed since they'd made Jotunheim their home, but already Hermione had put away many of her belongings. All that remained were a handful of boxes that Loki helped her bring from her former flat on Earth.
Entering the room that would serve as her private study, Hermione had to smile at the number of shelves that wrapped around three of the four walls. Her very own library space, which she'd never been able to have and desperately needed. Already most of her books were in place, but there was plenty of room still to fill, and she couldn't wait to do so.
Hermione smiled to herself as she bent over the one remaining box left to be sorted in this room. Flipping back the cardboard flaps, Hermione discovered it full of the books, journals, and trinkets that had been in her bedroom. She sighed heavily, remembering that not all of her journals were there, even if it was for a good reason. Loki had helped her burn the travel logs and unsent letters that connected her to a past that only held her back.
It was necessary at the time, but a part of her would miss the words she'd penned all those years ago. Tears burned her eyes as she also recalled the loss of the teacup collection she'd curated during her time spent relearning how to love herself. They'd shattered the day her mind broke, and Hermione had never thought once to ask where the mess had gone. Now it was probably too late, but that didn't matter. She needed to move forward with her life.
Wiping at her silly tears, Hermione turned to see Loki standing in the doorway. He was holding a box in his arms that she'd not seen yet. "Where did you find that box?" she asked, confusion clouding her face.
Loki carried it forward and placed it on the grand desk. "Potter gave it to me for you. He said it was important that you receive it after we arrived." Frowning, Loki gestured at her tears. "Is everything well?"
"I was just reminiscing a bit," Hermione said, wiping the last of her tears away for the moment. "Should I open this?"
"I imagine it would be better to open the box than to be left wondering what's inside forever," Loki teased, unable to keep the smirk from his features. "Go on and open it. I am curious to see what could be inside as well."
Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Hermione carefully opened the box. Again she flipped back the cardboard flaps, but this time hope rose in her chest instead of melancholy nostalgia. The floodgates reopened, and tears cascaded down her cheeks at the myriad of colour and delicate china that filled the box. Instead of broken shards, though, each and every fragile piece was intact...
Harry, presumably, had managed to repair Hermione's shattered teacup collection, and it was one of the most thoughtful gifts she'd ever received. Reaching inside, Hermione picked up a teacup that was painted with the Australian flag and smiled at Loki, who looked somewhat confused.
"This was the start of my collection," she explained softly, unable to stem the flow of tears. "I thought they were lost forever."
Sensing his lover needed comfort despite the smile on her face, Loki reached out and tugged her close. He wrapped her securely in his arms and let her cry until she was through. When all was quiet, he kissed her head and then picked up the box. Carrying it over to the empty shelves behind her desk, he waited for her to join him.
"Let's place the teacups on these shelves. You can tell me all about each one as we do so," he told Hermione, feeling her joy through their connection.
Hermione kissed his cheek and replied with a simple, "Thank you," before beginning to tell the story of each and every single teacup. Including the one from Draco.
Later that evening, Hermione stood again on the balcony of their chambers, gently rocking Gwyeneria to sleep. The day had been an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least. At the same time, the tears and talk of her past had been cathartic in more ways than one. Opening up about pieces of her life had also forced Loki to share more of his past with her.
They both had issues to get through, but that could be done together now. As Eira slipped into a light sleep, Loki joined her on the balcony and wrapped his arm around her waist. Thankful for the added warmth, Hermione relaxed into the hold and laid her head on the side of his arm. There was one last discussion she wished to have before they retired for the night.
"Loki?" she asked, trying not to send her nervousness through their connection.
"Yes, love," he replied quietly so he wouldn't wake their daughter.
"I know we talked about destroying the Rime Diamonds, but I think we should keep them safe instead," she said carefully, glancing up to try and gauge his reaction.
Loki hummed in thought before a smile spread across his lips. "I think that would be a wise decision," he replied, looking down at her. "What made you change your mind?"
"Our daughter?" Loki reached out and brushed Eira's dark curls lovingly.
"Yes," Hermione went on to elaborate. "If we keep them safely locked away, I don't see the harm in keeping them. The diamonds brought us together and are meant to be used by the soulmates that they connect."
"Gwyneira was created when we used them to harness the Star Magic to stop Fenrir," Loki said as he thought aloud. "They may help her harness her magic when she is old enough to use it properly."
"Exactly," Hermione said, grinning. "So we are in agreement?"
"We'll lock them away in the Jotunheim vaults and not tell a soul where they are until it's time for Eira to go to Hogwarts." When Hermione went to pull away, he held her in place. "We can take care of that tomorrow. Tonight I want to be with my daughter and my future Queen."
Startled, Hermione said, "You want me to be Queen of Jotunheim?"
"I would have no one else by my side," Loki replied reverently. Brushing the curls from her cheek with his free hand, he added, "I have built an empire for you; an empire for our daughter and the two of us."
"I love you," Hermione said, turning so that they could share a kiss.
As the snow began to fall around them, Loki said, "And I love you."
Together, they returned to their former position to watch as the snow fell and night descended on the icy terrain of Jotunheim. With Loki's arm wrapped securely around her waist and Gwyneira snuggled in her arms, Hermione had everything she ever wanted. Her friends were safe, and she had both someone to love and a family to take care of. Their past was tumultuous, and the future was unknown, but none of that mattered so long as they had each other.
This was their empire, and they would rule it together.
When Hermione returned to Hogwarts after Voldemort’s defeat, she’d felt strangely lonely without Harry and Ron. Aurors had been scarce, and the Death Eaters needed to be rounded up as quickly as possible. Suddenly, the Magical Law Enforcement Office was willing to take all the help they could get. Dutiful as ever, the duo had jumped at the chance and had both gained full Auror status by the end of Summer. So while they followed their paths of bravery and recklessness, Hermione chose to stick with what she loved best-books and cleverness.
She had been certain that Hogwarts would not be the same without her best friends by her side. However, when the notorious blood purist and ex-Death Eater, Draco Malfoy, had been unnervingly polite and friendly to her, she struck up a quick and easy friendship with him. She was surprised to find that the boy could actually smile and laugh like a normal person.
That had lasted all of one week. In her mind, she often referred to it as the ′Week of Insanity.′
He’d approached her in the Library after the first day of the term and given her a scroll with a list of things he wanted to apologise to her for.
The parchment had been over three feet long, and while the first few things on the list were actually worth apologising for, like ′for calling you a M*dbl**d,′ (yes, he’d actually used the asterisks) and "for standing by and doing nothing when my favourite aunt tortured you,’ the later ones were quite humorous, like "for being devilishly handsome,’ "for being so sexy,’ and "for making you want me.’
She’d asked him about it in the Library the next day, and he’d blushed a deep red.
"You read the whole thing?’ he’d asked, scratching the back of his head self-consciously. ’I just wanted to make the list seem long. Didn’t think you’d actually sit and read it all.′