Has it been a year? *sigh* Yes, it has but hey, look! Another chapter!

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and continues to follow this story! You guys feed the muse!

I'm working on a different summary for this story, not very good at them which is how the first one came about. This story has become a freaking monster of Asgardian proportions *shrugs* I would say I'm sorry, but I'm not. This is kinda my baby. The next couple of chapters will take place in Asgard than the single chapter I had originally planned. Too much content otherwise and while I have no aversion to 10k+ chapters, this story didn't start off that way so I want to build up to that. Instead, y'all get an almost 6k one instead.

I hope you continue to enjoy! Grammarly is on the fritz so any obvious errors are ones I have missed entirely. Let me know what you think in the reviews!

Chapter 8

6 Months in Asgard

"Of course, I would find you here."

Hermione looked up from her book as Odin breached the sanctuary she had quickly made when first being brought to the library. It was beautiful, shelves upon shelves of books of all kinds. There had been a single row for her use only, all of the books dedicated to different elements. In them, she had discovered various maneuvers and techniques on how to wield her power. The keeper of this library, a frail man who would not touch the books for anything, had told her that the first Elemental Guardian had written these.

The knowledge had drawn Hermione in. She wondered how much trial and error it had taken for her first predecessor to compile enough understanding to leave behind books for the next. Or had that person known all there was? She'd wanted to ask Odin, but Hermione was still wary of him and never approached him freely. She still remembered how he'd manhandled her, and then paraded her around at her welcoming feast like some great prize. The Asgardian was bipolar; she didn't envy Frigga being his wife and queen.

She acknowledged his presence by nodding to him and returning to her book. "I have a time limit on how much I can learn before I fight against Asgard's most skilled warriors. Knowledge is abundant in this library."

"Yes," he said as he came to stand beside her. "The power that can come from this library is great, something I have tried driving into my sons from the time they were children. I'm afraid only one has taken my words to heart, and never for the right reasons."

Hermione fought the roll of her eyes at the mention of the raven-haired prince. Her first assumption that he was a consummate Slytherin was not wrong. Like his father, he could be hot one minute and cold the next. He was also insufferably charming at times. Most of the emotions were mere facades. One had to watch him closely to see his true feelings. "Your sons are two different people. One will lead the charge to any battle with surety and the other will give him the best strategies with his knowledge and great mind." She looked up at him knowingly. "But that is how you intended it, did you not?"

"We are in a time of peace," Odin deflected. "The Nine Realms are not fighting with each other and no one dares to challenge our rule. We do not have need of an Elemental Guardian."

Hermione considered this, and the words he didn't speak. "Yet here I am," she spoke carefully.

"And there you are," he agreed. "Despite the title given, being who you are does not always mean working in the domain of nature. Your power comes from Yggdrasil. She is so much more than fire, water, earth, and air. She is the living tree, all that we are comes from her."

"You talk of magic." Hermione set her book aside. "That is not a far-fetched idea. When I was with her… She is sentient. I was put through so much pain, I can still feel her branches inside of me at times."

"You and I are one of the few that truly know that Yggdrasil is more than just a home tree to pay homage too. Only we understand that she is everything." He came to see beside her. "I came to give you a lesson on runes. The learning is elementary, but the power they wield is vast in the right hands. Our hands."

"I already understand runes at a mastery level," Hermione told him. "It is an expertise of mine back on Earth."

"You do not know everything." He gave her a look. "Tell me; How do you use runes in your everyday life?"

"Everyday life?" Hermione questioned. "Well, besides translating and my penchant for using them in notes, there isn't much they are used for anymore. There are rituals and special spells. There are Wards, of course, and engraving for those that truly understand their meanings. They are also used in Divination, though that's a more selective branch and hard to master." She did roll her eyes then. Divination was such rubbish.

"Yes," Odin nodded at her answers. "All normal uses. In the war you fought as a child, did you think about the significance of using runes in battle?"

Hermione straightened. "Use them how? In a fight, there is no time to etch any runes that might be useful." She paused. "Are you telling me there was a way for me to use them?"

"No, you wouldn't have been able to." She deflated visibly at the answer, only to perk up at his next words. "Only when someone goes through the trial of Yggdrasil and comes out alive, can they use runic magic to its full potential. The original runes come from her. They are a manifestation of her power and her gift to those who have the knowledge. They have magical properties far greater than you Midgardians understand."

"What about the runes trees that came later?" Hermione countered. "Some are different from the Elder Futhark yet they hold the same power. Different species of magical beings have created and used runes that respond to their magic well."

"That is true," Odin conceded. He stood. "Come. I will show you why the original runes are significantly more powerful than any variation that came after."

Hermione followed after him, wondering what he could possibly show her that she didn't already know. Her people had studied runes of all variations for centuries. She knew when used the correct way, they could provide some serious magical power. It was why they were often used in ancient rituals, and carved onto powerful magical artifacts. There was an entire wing in the Department of Mysteries dedicated to the study of Runic Magic. She'd been especially interested in that part of the department when she was helping Kingsley break down the Ministry to its core. If there was a way to use runes in battle, surely that team would have found something by now.

But then again, he'd said that only surviving Yggdrasil's test would grant the knowledge.

Odin stopped at the entrance to the courtyard that the Asgardian army used for training. There, among a crowd of watchers in training gear, was Thor fighting against the Warriors Three and Lady Sif. Even at a 4-1 disadvantage, the blond Asgardian was giving his all. This was not Hermione's first time watching them spar. It was an almost daily occurrence for Thor to train with his closest companions.

"You would do well to watch them more often," Odin said. "Learning their fighting styles can only serve to help you in your upcoming match with them."

"I have been," she admitted. "Thor's even offered to train with me. They're just so…good."

"They are the elite," Odin said simply.

Oh, she knew that. Crossing her arms over her chest, she huffed, "What was the purpose of bringing me out here?"

"Look at my son. He is outnumbered yet his stance is firm, muscles grounded in memory. He will not stumble, because he is trained well. There are many warriors like him." Odin lifted his hand. "Watch."

Hermione eyed the king curiously. Odin lifted his hand, not directly pointing at his son but angling his fingers in Thor's direction. Using his index finger; Odin went up, across, and then down. He mumbled something under his breath. Hermione's breath caught as a faint outline, barely visible to her much less anyone further away, race to Thor and sank into his armor. The rune was visible to her, a mark on where it had landed but no one else seemed to notice. She watched intently, looking for any sign of what Odin just did. It came in the form of Hogun who brought his mace down on Thor's armored arm. Normally, the blow would be nothing but distraction. She had seen this move before, knew Lady Sif would be in the process of attacking him from behind. But the blow brought Thor to one knee, surprise evident on everyone's faces. Lady Sif could not stop her attack on time, slamming her sword against his back. Thor lost the rest of his footing, falling face first onto the ground.

There was a hushed silence.

"Quickly now," Odin murmured. "Thor will strike back with self-righteous fury. You will need to do exactly as I say. Pull out your wand."

Hermione did as he commanded. Thor rose up with an enraged roar, lightning crackling around him. "Merlin, he's furious."

"Yes, and he will strike at a single target once he hones in on them." Thor jumped up into the air, the wind rushing to greet him. "Draw the rune for Thurisaz with your wand like you would an inscription, hurry now."

She raised her wand, swinging down and then raising it again to complete the rune. She felt a familiar build up of magic well up inside of her, waiting to be released. The storm Thor was creating was reaching natural disaster level. The warriors of Asgard stood still, but the servants that had been milling around were running for cover.

"Wait until he targets someone. As he comes down with that hammer, you concentrate on his chosen mark and say 'Thurslieth'. Do you understand? Concentrate on protecting them, on reducing their injuries. Half of magic in any form is always intent."

Hermione nodded, holding her wand in the air. She felt she could just conjure a shield around the four Asgardians, it would work just as well in her mind, but Odin was trying to make a point. And despite Thor's readiness to hurt his comrades, she was fascinated by this new branch of magic she was seeing. She could see the rune she'd drawn in the air far clearer than Odin's. It was shimmering, magicked into the air and waiting.

Thor started to fly down, lighting engulfing Mjolnir. Hermione followed his intent focus to find Lady Sif with her shield at the ready. She seemed to be determined and resigned all at once. A couple of moments before Thor smashed into her, Hermione said, "Thurslieth."

The rune raced to Lady Sif, landing on her shield. It expanded to encompass the front like a sigil. Thor and Mjolnir slammed into her a moment later, Lady Sif brought to the ground. She could see Volstagg worrying his beard while Fandral gripped his weapon tightly. Hermione could understand why. This army seemed to treat the palace healing rooms as a pit stop, wounding each other without care and rushing to the healers to fix the damage. She wondered how often these four had needed to be seen for electrical burns.

To everyone's astonishment, Thor pulled Lady Sif up, not a mark on her.

Hermione turned to Odin, hoping for an explanation on how she just did what she did, but he was already striding to the group of fighters. She trailed behind him, trying to resist the urge to trip him up with the Earth. That would earn her a one-way ticket to the prisons, she was sure. Soldiers moved to the side as they passed through, many sending nods of respect and placing their fists over their hearts in Odin's direction. Lady Sif was shaking her head frantically, the core group not noticing the approaching powers.

"My son," Odin greeted.

As one, they all turned to face Odin and Hermione. Lady Sif and the Warriors Three showed their respect immediately while Thor greeted them in return. "Father, Lady Hermione, I'm afraid something unusual has happened."

"This fight played out exactly as I intended."

It was good to see that Odin tripped up his own family at times. Thor opened his mouth, closed it with confusion on his face, and then opened it again. "You intended to see me lose?"

Odin nodded. "I was giving Lady Hermione a lesson on her power as the Elemental Guardian. The humility will do you good."

Thor turned accusatory eyes on her. "You made me fall from such a weak blow?"

Hermione stiffened at the probably unintended insult to his friend. "I wish I had actually."

"I caused you to falter," Odin said in a warning tone. "Lady Hermione merely insured that Lady Sif would not suffer from the excessive use of your power."

Thor went from glaring at her to looking impressed within seconds. "You were able to dissipate my lighting without having to fight me for control? That is impressive indeed."

Hermione moved to correct him, but Odin spoke before she could open her mouth. "Did you have any doubt? I will leave you to your training. We have no further need to be here."

Odin turned and left without so much as gesturing for Hermione to join him. She rolled her eyes behind his back, catching Thor's amused expression at her annoyance. She waved to the group of five before jogging to catch up with the All-Father. She waited until they were back in the library. "How come you did not want Thor to know about the runes?"

"Have you noticed that what I just showed you is not in any of the books available to you?" He answered question for question. "This type of runecasting, it is not available to those that have not been given Yggdrasil's blessing. To attempt to do so could lead to a backfire of magical energy or drive the being mad from trying to force it."

"This has happened before," Hermione guessed.

"Yes, back before other races could even comprehend the knowledge left in their hands." Odin walked to the gigantic window that faced the main market place near the palace. "We decided collectively after one of our own took his life that the power was not worth the price, not when it was understood that Yggdrasil did not give her blessings out freely."

Hermione rubbed her arms to stave off the chill that suddenly enveloped her body. To think, others went mad from something that had been so simple as breathing. "I'm surprised no one else attempted what we did, going into Yggdrasil herself."

"They did," Odin corrected. "Only a handful of the thousands made it out."

After that lesson, Hermione switched from devouring the books on the elements and focused more on Runic Magic. Odin had given her no instruction other than what suffix was needed for the three ways to runecast. She imagined he felt she didn't need it, but Hermione had never been comfortable without a book on the subject she was learning. Only, there were no books on the subject so Hermione was forced to study the different meanings and effects of runes instead. It drove her mad just thinking about it.

She knew all about using runes as augmentation. It was the primary way witches and wizards used runes. They augmented structures and items, making the magic more powerful than what it would be on its own. She remembered Sirius' wand had been riddled with a number of runes. She'd never been able to take a close enough look to study them or see if they had a meaning. She supposed Ollivander would know. It was something to look into. She knew Harry would love the information.

She sighed as she walked down the halls to the room she was meeting Lady Frigga in. She found herself becoming increasingly depressed the more she thought about her friends and family back home. She'd left so abruptly, with no warning or foresight on the matter. Headmaster Nimr had obviously not known that she would be transported to Asgard though she hoped he knew she was not suffering inside a tree.

Well, not anymore at least.

"A lady such as yourself should not be looking so melancholy on a day like this."

Hermione looked towards the source of the voice in surprise. Fandral was leaning against the wall she'd just been passing. He'd escorted her to the welcoming dinner Odin had thrown in her honor, and despite all the women hanging off of him, Fandral had played the dutiful escort whenever she was able to escape Odin's grasp. They'd struck up a fast friendship, her first actual friend here in Asgard. He was often with the other two that made up the Warriors Three and Lady Sif, or he was surrounded by insipid women who tittered when he opened his mouth.

She half expected he liked her because she had yet to take up his proposition for a weekend in his rooms, just the two of them.

Hermione let him take her hand and place it at the crook of his elbow, leading her down the same hallway that would lead to Frigga's rooms. "I was just thinking about things."

"Oh?" he inquired.

"My life on Midgard," she explained. "This ritual was so vague now that I know the consequences. No, I'm lying. It was always vague from the start, but I needed to get away for a bit and I latched onto obtaining this power-seeking quest. I came here without warning anyone, with only my headmaster there to witness my departure. I know everyone back home must be worried sick. We've been through so much that any of us disappearing without prior notice is not okay in the least."

"You should talk to Hogan," Fandral told her. "If he's even willing to talk about himself, that is. He hails from Vanaheim and rarely does he make the journey home to see his people. I think he would understand most of what you're going through."

Hermione filed the information away. Hogan was a serious man. He often had to keep his temper in check around Volstagg and Fandral. He was aptly monikered Hogan the Grim, with his frowning appearance and stern demeanor. She should have realized he wasn't originally Asgardian. He looked nothing like the rest of them in any capacity.

"I'll keep that in mind." She sent him a sidelong look. "I'm surprised you didn't use my state as an opportunity to talk me into bed."

Fandral placed his free hand over his chest in mock outrage. "Me? Take advantage of someone as lovely as yourself? I would never." He chuckled at her scoff. "Though that offer still stands." He trailed a finger down her arm. "I can guarantee a good time."

She lifted a brow, stopping at a door guarded by two warriors in golden armor. "So sure of yourself, Frandral. Unfortunately, this is my stop. I mustn't keep the Queen waiting."

"Of course," Fandral acquiesced. He lifted Hermione's hand to his lips, smiling down at her as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "Until next time, Lady Hermione."

She watched him walk away, shaking her head at his continued efforts to bed her. She turned to the guards, nodding her head in greeting. "Queen Frigga is expecting me."

They said nothing, simply opened the doors and allowed her to step through. Frigga was looking out of the massive windows that dominated one wall of her chambers. Curious, Hermione walked over and stood beside her. Frigga's rooms overlooked the market immediately outside the palace gates. Vendors tried to sell their wares while most market-goers gravitated towards the food stalls offering fresh goods.

"Have you been to the markets, Lady Hermione?"

She shook her head. "Odin won't let me leave the palace unescorted." She snorted. "Maybe he fears I'll run to the Bifrost before anyone can stop me."

Frigga said nothing on the actions of her husband, turning away from the window and leading Hermione to the arrangement of couches and a table in a side room. "I will ask Loki to take you when your schedules allow."

"Oh, don't bother him on my account," Hermione protested. "I'm sure I can get a guard or two to accompany me if I really feel the need to go." She stopped when Frigga looked at her, the arched brow on her expression leaving no room for argument. Hermione wasn't in the mood to upset the Queen by refusing her son's company when pressed, so she simply nodded. "I welcome his company when he has the time."

Frigga smiled, "He'll be delighted." She took her seat, prompting Hermione to follow. "Odin has asked me to guide you in the art of Rune Divination. It is not a magic he is particularly skilled in, and one that comes as natural to me as breathing."

"I take it there are no special powers that come from Yggdrasil in Divination?" At the Queen's headshake, Hermione frowned. "I have to admit, I don't see a use for it then. The one year I tried this subject, I was told my third eye was cloudy and I would not make it far in discerning the future." She blushed, embarrassed by the admission.

"Perhaps it is," Frigga agreed. "But we will not know for sure until we attempt. In any event, it is good for you to know the basics of this branch of runic magic."

Resigned to an afternoon of frustration, Hermione settled down to hear the Queen's words.

"First, I believe you should know how the first runes came into our possession."

Hermione fought back an impatient sigh. "Yggdrasil gave them to Odin when he went through his trial. It is why he is labeled the God of Magic."

"I'm sure that is what Midgardians think. Are you ready to hear the truth?"

The tone in Frigga's voice reminded Hermione of her mother when she'd been young and allowed to check out reference books from the library for the first time. She looked at Frigga to find the queen staring at her with an arched brow. Hermione wanted to sink into her seat, much as she'd wanted to as a child. "Sorry," she mumbled.

Her acknowledgment was met with a single nod. "As I'm sure my husband has already discussed with you, you two are not the only ones to have sought power from the world tree." Yes, Odin had gone into that briefly. "There is not much documentation from that time, oral traditions were common and this was before Odin united the nine realms under one banner."

Frigga brought out a golden cloth pouch, laying it on the table in front of them and opening it. "There are three who went looking for power from Yggdrasil. Freyja of the Vanir brought back eight runes." She took out runes fashioned from light-almost white-colored wood from the pouch and laid them out in front of Hermione; Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho, Kaunan, Gebo, and Wunjo. The deep red markings contrasted with the pale wood. "Heimdallr of Asgard brought back another eight." Hagalaz, Nauethiz, Isa, Jera, Eihwaz, Perthro, Algiz, and Sowilo. "Tyr of Asgard brought the final eight, completing three sets and marking the first recorded runic alphabet for our kind." Tiwaz, Berkanan, Ehwaz, Mannaz, Laguz, Dagaz, and Othala.

"Heimdallr…"

"Yes," Frigga confirmed. "He was Heimdall's father. You have yet to meet him, but he knows of you. He is who alerted Odin to your attempt at the ritual. Had my husband not given you his blessing when he did, you might very well have lost your elemental power during the last stages."

"I see." Essentially, Hermione owed this man a debt of gratitude. She could not imagine losing any aspect of her power; she felt it would be akin to losing a limb. "Did these three create the ways to use runes as spells? Or was that Odin?"

Frigga started collecting her runes, placing them back into the pouch one by one. "Not every child of Yggdrasil comes out with the same power. Freyja, Heimdallr, and Tyr did not have the control you ask about for Yggdrasil decided that was not the power for them. You have absolute control over the forces of nature, and my husband is the Master of Runes. That is how he gained the title of God of Magic. He does not possess in-depth knowledge and ability to wield magic like you and I, but he can and does manipulate runic magic to suit his goals."

Hermione ran that information over in her mind, thinking back to the fight he'd first showed her the power. "Did he know I would be able to manipulate them like he can?"

Frigga gave her a knowing look. "You speak of the fight between my son and his warriors. No, Odin had no knowledge of what other power you possessed. That was his test to see if you could."

She was starting to get upset, the tiny bubble of rage was a tiny pulse in her chest. "So if I hadn't been able to use the runes that way, Lady Sif would have been hurt?"

"It would not have been the first time, nor will it be the last."

The nonchalant way she said it formed another bubble. "Your son needs to learn to control his power," she snapped out.

"Oh, he knows how to wield his magic," Frigga said easily. She stood, walking to a set of drawers. "It is his emotions that need work. He has my husband's temper with none of the wisdom that comes with age and experience." She came back to her seat holding another pouch, this one a plain brown. "You are worried that your mind is cloudy, your third eye shut off from your magic."

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest. "That is what my professor told me."

Frigga opened the bag but didn't draw anything out. "There are four known ways to runecast in Divination, but we will start with the easiest to master; the One-Rune Draw. There is nothing complicated about this runecast. It requires a specific question and will give a single response. Your magic will help you interpret what you draw, but it will be your heart and mind that give you the answer in the end." She gestured from Hermione to the bag. "When you place your hand to draw, think of the question you want to be answered. Remember, it must be specific, vague questions will only yield confusing results."

Hermione wondered what she wanted answered, there were plenty of things she wanted to know. Almost immediately, her mind went to Harry and Ron, to everyone back home. How were they? Had Professor Nimr reported her missing? Did they think she'd left on purpose? No, of course they couldn't think that. They knew her better than that. But now that she'd started thinking of them, she couldn't stop envisioning them in her mind; going about their life, worried for her, or not bothered at all. She wasn't sure what was worse, what she preferred.

She needed to know about them. Boldly, Hermione dipped her hand into the pouch, feeling around for the rune that felt right, the one her magic would pull her to. They remained cool to her touch, plain stones with no hint of power. Frustrated, she grabbed one at random, pulling it out and slapping it on the table.

It was blank.

All at once, the negative emotions building up in her chest grew until she wanted to burst. The air stirred, whipping the curling tendrils of her hair around. "Is this some sort of joke? There are no blank runestones."

"This set was given to me long ago," Frigga calmly explained. She paid no mind to the thriving plants that were beginning to wither or the breeze that suddenly flew through the room. "You wanted to know if your third eye was blocked. These runestones will show you nothing until it is clear."

"Then this was a waste of time." Hermione stood, barely remembering to give Frigga a small bow before she stormed out of the room.

Why did she need to know this anyway? Divination was a load of crock, no matter the person who used it. Hermione didn't need to know the future. She needed to focus on the here and now. She needed to become strong enough to earn her way home. She needed to get off this bloody realm and never come back.

The sudden pinch of pain from her core stopped her in her tracks. The oath she made when she was in the throne room came back to her, frustrating her even more. She had to come back if Asgard ever needed aid, she'd promised on her magic. Damn Loki, damn Thor, damn Frigga, and damn Odin. Vexed beyond reason, she let out a short scream, casting a hand in a random direction and letting her magic loose.

As soon as she did, her mind cleared, her previous anger draining away until she felt empty. She sat on the floor, pulling her knees until they hit her chest. She would not cry, she would not cry, she-

"My lady?"

Hermione raised her face, taking in the male hand that was extended in front of her. She followed the familiar armor until she met dark eyes framed by a wealth of black hair. "Hogun?"

Hogun the Grim gestured for her to take his hand, pulling her up gently when she did. "Fandral said you were in need of a friend who understands the pangs of missing home."

She shook her head on a weak laugh, pushing her fingers to her eyes until the stinging faded. "I apologize, Hogun. You must have other things better worth your time."

"Take a walk with me," he suggested. "I was going to meet the others for some sparring. It will do you well to channel the anger you are feeling into a fight."

Hermione kept pace beside him once they'd started walking. "I don't feel angry now, not anymore." She sighed, "I don't feel much of anything at the moment."

"That too will pass," Hogun said. "You will go from angry, sad, depressed, and angry again. There will be an emptiness inside of you until you see your loved ones, and even then, leaving them again will bring pain to your heart. You are lucky that you get to go home eventually." He considered his words for a second, tilting his head to the side. "Provided you win our upcoming battle, of course."

This was the most Hogun had ever said to her, always seeming to fine with listening to his companions. His words spoke of experience, and Hermione knew he wasn't Aesir. "Why can't you go home?"

Hogun did not speak again until they were outside the castle walls. "I am from Vanaheim, home of the Vanir." He waited and when Hermione made no comment, he looked at her. "How much history of the nine realms have you studied?"

She shrugged. "Not much. I've been focusing on my magic."

"You are the Elemental Guardian," Hogun scolded in his soft tone. "Even if you do manage to defeat the six of us and return home, you will always have duties within the Nine Realms. You do not only advocate for Asgard or come to Asgard's aid. Knowing the history and culture and ways of each realm will help you make the best decisions when you have been asked for answers."

Hermione looked away, crossing her arms over her chest. "You're right, Hogun. I just… there is no excuse. I've only been thinking about harnessing my new power and returning home."

"Not all of this is your fault," Hogun reassured her. "You don't know everything you need to, because you have not been instructed on it. The royal family is supposed to see to this, and they will, in time."

Great. Peachy. She didn't want to think about Odinson's at the moment. She said, "Tell me about Vanaheim then, and why being Vanir means you cannot go home."

"The tale is long, but to put it simply, the Vanir went to war with the Aesir and we lost. It was long ago, before any of us were born. Part of the truce agreement between Vanaheim and Asgard was that one of the Vanir would be brought to Asgard, a hostage if you will. In the event I die, a new child will make his way here and be raised among the Aesir."

Hermione gasped, "Odin keeps you as a hostage?"

He nodded. "It is not as terrible as you might think. I am a political hostage in name only. I go home to see my family every once in a while, and should Vanaheim truly need Asgard's aid, I will be the first sent to their defense." He looked at her. "You will too, now."

Hermione bit her tongue on what she truly wanted to say, a bloody hostage. And he looked perfectly alright with this lot in life. Was this why Thor kept him in his company, to keep an eye on him? He certainly didn't seem to respect Hogun, though from what she saw, he didn't respect anyone. "And you went through all those emotions, even now?"

"No, only as a child." They came to a stop by the sparring rings. They were the first ones there. "I shifted through all those negative emotions, convinced my parents no longer wanted me. They'd let me go so easily…" Hermione fought the need to look away. "It wasn't until I was allowed to visit them as an adult that I came to realize that the parting had been hard for them too, but they'd known their duty. By then I'd come to see that not everything was black and white, that my anger would only lead me down a darker path." He placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder. "I am sure your loved ones miss you, perhaps they even search for you. But fate had other designs in mind for you, or you would not be here today, about to get your ass thoroughly kicked."

Hermione was shocked into a surprised laugh. "Was that a joke? Hogun, did you just make a joke?"

"I do not joke," Hogun said as he lifted his hand from her shoulder. He waved it in another direction, and Hermione could faintly hear Volstagg's booming laugh further away from them. His eyes shifted to Hermione again. "It is alright to feel what you feel, but do not let it keep you from what you need to do. I am here if it ever becomes too much."

His words sounded sincere, touching Hermione's heart because she knew that she'd made her first true friend in Asgard.

AN: I have changed bits and pieces of Norse Mythology, and other magic related parts to suit my needs. Example: Heimdallr being Heimdall's father. We know that's not true, but it will be for this story.

I hope you guys enjoyed!