Authors note: There is a slight time jump in this chapter that deals with Dahlias fourth year at Hogwarts briefly and it is after this that the true storyline for this story begins.

Chapter 4: Goddess

Dahlia went back to the world she and her father made with their magic almost every night and almost every night, she had spent it with her father. Sometimes he hadn't come and sometimes he was already there, before she was and they spent hours talking and learning magic and Norse among other things. But no matter how many times she asked about Hela, her father always responded with the same answer, that it wasn't safe enough to send word...until the day that it was. Loki had managed to persuade Frigga to allow him to send a letter to Hela but the letter was just a simple poem describing the stream and trees and how they shined, which made his request clear that he wanted her to use her magic and be there. He was cautious with every word he used, in case anyone opened his letter to read the context. However, it was Dahlia's fourth year in Hogwarts, almost 2 and a half years since meeting her father and it was only then that she was meeting her sister.

Dahlia was at the Yule ball, celebrating with the rest of the Champions and their schools. Dahlia never wanted to go, she never wanted to compete. She thought it would be a quiet year, up until her name was drawn from the goblet. She was told constantly that she had to attend the ball because she was a champion and in the end, it took the Weasley twins to persuade her to go. Even Fred had asked her to go with him as George had asked Angelina. She had to admit, she did enjoy herself as did everyone else and there wasn't even that much attention on her, as everyone's attention were on the Weird Sisters, who were playing.

She lied down in her bed that night, in her gown and fell asleep, wanting to show her father the outfit she wore. She appeared, like always, just on the edge of the meadow in the tree line. Smiling like always at the view of what she considered heaven, the hill, trees, the stream and the flowers. She practically ran towards the hill, knowing that if her father was there, he would be sat underneath the tree like always. She took off the heals she was wearing and threw them to the side as she let her feet sink between the grass and ran. It was while running that she saw her father coming down the hill.

She stopped at the bottom like he did but he was looking at her in wonder. From her black curled hair to one side with a flower diamond hair brooch, keeping it to one side, her slight addition of makeup and her long dark violet dress, that had a black flower pattern on the bodice that led into the two thin arm straps. Loki, who looked in wonder, then smiled and said, "you look as beautiful as your mother".

Even though she had most of his features, with her mother's green eyes, Loki would always see more of Lily in her than himself, even after two and a half years. Dahlia smiled at the mention of being like her mother, she loved it when her father complimented her like that as she felt closer to her mother, even though she knew she looked mostly like her father with her black hair and pale skin.

Loki gestured up the hill and they began to slowly walk as he said, "Dahlia, I've been keeping something from you. I've managed to persuade Queen Frigga to send a letter to Hela".

Dahlia gasped and said, "how? I thought it was too dangerous, I thought you didn't trust her". Dahlia knew that it was wrong. He did trust Frigga on some level because he would sometimes slip up and call her mother. She knew that he just felt betrayed, that hers was the worst betrayal, but he still considered her his family deep inside.

"I wasn't entirely sure that it was safe, that's why it took me so long to send word to Hela. I was careful, don't fret, little one," he reassured her as she looked worried.

"Wh-what did she say? Did she message back?" She asked nervously.

"See for yourself," he gestured to the tree as they got to the top and Dahlia froze when she saw Hela.

Her sister wore a ball gown which was silver at the top and as it went down, it changed into black. In her hair was a silver princess tiara, or in her case queen tiara, with dark blue emeralds embedded around the edging. She wore a long black glove on her left arm and a silver mask on the same side. Dahlia knew that she was trying to cover up the side of her appearance that most would think is unappealing and used her long white hair that was on the left side but black on the right, to cover her chest and the rest of her arm.

Hela took a step forward and said, "lítit nipt?" (Little sister?).

Dahlia took a step closer and said, hoping her Norse wasn't that bad after two and a half years of learning, "þat irmér, søster" (It's me, sister).

Hela gulped as tears formed in her eyes, just like tears formed in Dahlia's as Hela stepped forward and said, "þinn fljótr hí?" (You're really here?).

A single tear finally fell from both girls' eyes, as Hela took the final steps towards one another and hoped to hold her sister but was disappointed when her hand went through her arm. Her disappointment didn't last; however, she wouldn't let it as her sister was alive.

"Take off your mask and glove," Dahlia asked.

Noticing the switch in language, Hela went along as she assumed that was her first language, just like it was with Lily and asked, "why? You'd feel more comfortable like this".

Dahlia shook her head and replied, "I'm meeting my sister for the first time since being a baby. I want to see the real her".

Hela looked deeply into Dahlia's eyes and she saw Lily and her kindness and love. She glanced to her father first, who was smiling at his daughters' interaction and she slowly removed her hair from over her shoulder, took off the glove and slowly slid the mask off. Just like Dahlia was told, her blue decayed skin was shown and although her skin looked sunken in, it didn't scare Dahlia or displease her. Sure, she was different but to Dahlia, she looked like any other teenage girl. Of course, she wasn't the 17-year-old girl she looked like and she certainly wasn't 17.

Dahlia lifted her hand and although she couldn't touch her sister, she brushed her fingertips across the edge of Hela's cheek, just before touch would happen and she'd pass through and said, "you're beautiful, the way you are".

Hela let out the breath she didn't know she had been holding and smiled, "you're just like her. Lily. She told me the same thing".

Dahlia dropped her hand and shrugged, "it's true".

Both girls then let off a small laugh and wiped their tears away as Hela said to their father, "papa, I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner she was alive".

Loki shrugged and said, "I didn't have a way to contact you, I don't have anyone I can trust. Besides, I needed to train your sister how to use her magic first. Didn't want you running off with her unprepared," he smirked as he finished.

Hela rolled her eyes and said, "that was one time".

"What?" Dahlia questioned, "I don't think you told me this story, dad".

Hela crossed her arms as Loki answered, "the day after you were born, Hela came to visit you and your mother. Lily went to sleep and asked Hela to look after you but she was so excited over having a sister that she took you to Niflheim, where she announced your birth to her realm. They even threw a ball in your honour but she didn't inform your mother or I that she had taken you there and we were worried".

Hela blushed as Dahlia laughed and said, "I learned from my mistakes". She then mumbled so only Dahlia could hear, "Lily came with me a week later and we had an even bigger ball".

"Speaking of balls, how was yours, Dahlia?" Loki asked as he gestured for them to sit down beside the tree and they did.

Dahlia nodded and said, "it was great. The Weird Sisters, a popular band, was playing so barely anyone was paying attention to me. That was nice".

"And that boy you went with?" Loki asked intrigued.

Hela laughed as Dahlia rolled her eyes and answered, "dad, Fred is just a friend. He's like a brother to me, all the Weasley's are".

Loki hummed and said, "better stay that way".

Hela stopped laughing and said, "believe me, he'll never stop being overprotective. A hundred years ago, he was on Niflheim and I had visitors from another world. One of the Lords took an interest in me and asked papa could he court me...papa answered in not only words".

Dahlia gasped at Loki and said, "dad".

Loki shrugged and said, "he left with a few wounds, that's all. Besides, he was only after your power and Niflheim. To rule over the land of the dead is powerful".

"I know that," Hela said, "and I also know he wanted my power. I may be a child in your eyes, papa, but I'm not stupid".

"Blasted," Loki almost shouted as he noticed his hands disappearing.

"It's okay, dad. We'll just have a sister day, come back tomorrow night and we'll be together," Dahlia said and Loki smiled between the girls.

Hela said, "don't worry, I'll look after her," just as he disappeared. There was a moment of silence after Loki vanished but Hela broke it as she asked, "so, what are you keeping from him?"

"Pardon?" Dahlia asked nervously.

Hela laughed slightly and said, "our father is the God of lies but when it comes to his children, he's vulnerable to us. He can't always tell, when we're lying because in his eyes, we're his darling children. When he asked you about the ball, you averted eye contact for a moment before answering and that usually suggests the person is lying or keeping something...so come on".

Dahlia took a deep breath as she looked down to the grass and picked at it slightly and said, "dads believed me for ages".

Hela hummed, "he usually does when it's us. Come on, sister, trust. I promise I won't tell him".

Dahlia looked up and both sisters stared at each other, contemplating matters of the truth before Dahlia conceded, "I guess you could say it started the night Voldemort came to Godric's Hollow..."

She told her older sister about what happened the night her mother and James died, the reason for her scar and how she was sent to the Dursleys. She didn't tell her how the Dursleys treated her, she didn't want her sister angry, just like she didn't tell her father but she got the feeling he suspected. She then told her about her first year at Hogwarts, with the incident with Quirrell and Voldemort and meeting their father for the first time. She then told her what happened in second, third and so far, fourth year telling her the truth. Even the truth that their father only knew about first year and the Muggle-borns that were petrified in second, but she let him believe the teachers solved the matter of the monster in the school and he didn't know anything else. He didn't even know, she was a part of the Triwizard Tournament. Dahlia explained that every time something bad happened, he'd look angry and guilty over not being able to stop it and most of all protect her, and she doesn't want him feeling that way.

Hela ended up pacing in front of Dahlia as she sat leaning against the tree and Hela sneered, "that bastard Voldemort. When he comes to Niflheim, he will suffer more than he ever imagined".

"Hela, calm down," Dahlia said comfortingly, shocking Hela who would be angry if the roles were reversed.

Hela stared intently at her and said, "You know the only comfort papa and I had when we believed you dead was that you would never have to suffer again. We believed you were in Valhalla because you didn't appear in my world. It pained us, it was like torture when you died. Lily was one of the only women to understand me, accept me instantly...despite the age difference, she was like a mother to me. You, you are my baby sister, the thing that I've always wanted, and knowing that man took you from us, it was torture. It was no surprise papa tried to take Midgard...and now you're telling me, that...man is back trying to kill you. You want me to be calm about that".

"I'm the one in danger here-"

"Exactly," Hela exclaimed. "That's it, I don't care what papa says. I don't care if anyone finds out about you, I'm coming to get you and taking you away".

"HELA," Dahlia had to shout to stop her from speaking about her plans. "Sister, this is exactly why I didn't tell you immediately. I don't know what's happening but what I do know is, when Voldemort comes back to his full strength, if I'm not there, he will torture everyone to find out where I am. Men, women and children will suffer".

"As long as you're safe-"

"No," Dahlia shook her head, "I couldn't have that on my conscience. I can't let them suffer. Besides if I leave now, I lose my magic for backing out of the competition. I know I have Aesir magic too but my magical core is one of the few connections I have left to mum. Hela, please let me stay. I promise I'll be careful".

She just had to bring Lily into it, Hela thought as she contemplated what her sister just said. Her spirit was so light like Lily's that she couldn't bear to watch others suffer, if it meant she was the source. Hela sighed and responded, "you can stay and I won't tell papa," Dahlia smiled, "but I have conditions. First, I know papa is teaching you about your magic but he won't be teaching you defence and attack magic so soon, so I'll teach you that when he's not here. Also, combat outside of magic".

Dahlia narrowed her eyes and said, "how're you gonna teach me that when we can't touch?"

Hela smirked as she thought of what she needed and it appeared in front of them. It was two swords. She said, "we may not be able to touch but if you pick up one blade, I can control the other with my magic so you'll be learning how to handle a sword. We'll come to others later".

Dahlia stood and picked up a sword and began to flip it around in her hand and said, "heavier than I thought it would be".

"Most people say that. I don't want to teach you that today," Hela said and the swords disappeared, "today is about time lost. I want to get to know my sister".

Dahlia nodded as she agreed and both girls sat down and talked about everything that came to mind. They even practised some magic and Hela and Dahlia liked it when their magic turned to their respective purple and blue/silver as the scene is how it should have always been. Sisters practising the magic they were gifted together.

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"HELA," a voice cried out and Hela knew it was her little sister. She looked down the hill to see her running up it with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"What's happened?" Hela quickly asked as Dahlia stepped at the top of the hill.

"Is dad here yet?"

"Not yet. What happened sister?"

Dahlia, breathing heavily through the tears, said, "Cedric's dead. We both got the Triwizard Cup but it was a trap. It was a portkey, it took us to a graveyard and he was there. Voldemort is back".

Hela fists clenched as blue/silver magic appeared around her hands through anger that he had finally returned to strength. Not only that, but he was alone with her sister, even for a moment. The sky changed from its heavenly blue and suddenly turned black and thunder and lightning followed.

Dahlia looked up and didn't bother to tell her sister to calm down. She rolled up her sleeve so Hela could see the scar she had on her arm, blood still not fully washed off and said, "Pettigrew cut my arm so that Voldemort would come back to strength".

"I will fix this," Hela sneered.

"How? I don't understand, what do I do?"

"Right now, you are going to wipe away your tears, put your sleeve down and don't tell papa". Hela focused for a moment and the sky returned to how it was. She added, "You were right when you said papa can't do anything at the moment. No point in worrying him when we will solve this ourselves".

Dahlia did as she said, pulling her sleeve down and wiping her eyes and said, "I saw mum".

"...what?" Hela said not believing.

"When our wands collided, I saw mum and James and Cedric and she was helping me. She called me sweetheart and told me that I was ready to run for the cup so it would take me back. She and the others helped me escape".

Hela smiled and let off a small laugh and said, "of course she would help. Not even the afterlife could stop Lily from helping, she's too damn stubborn for it". Both girls laughed. "I promise, I will fix this. After all, I'm what he fears the most. He fears death and I'm the goddess". Dahlia smiled proudly at her sister. Hela added as she looked to be imagining something, "besides, I have plans for him when he comes to my world".

Dahlia shook her head and said, "I don't think I want to know what you have planned".

Hela replied, "I don't think you're ready for that part of my life...torturing the dammed. You're too young and I don't want you involved in that. Anyway, when he finds out I'm after him, that'll be torture. The one thing he fears after him for eternity. Mental torture itself is sometimes worse than physical torture in some aspects".

"You're not just a torturer. From what you've told me about Niflheim, half of it good and half of it bad. Not everyone believes it's hell. You're a torturer on one half and a great Queen on the other. The people respect you..."

"And that's why you're named a princess in my world," Hela laughed. "I promise, when he dies this time, he will stay dead. No way of escaping".

Dahlia nodded as she sighed then stiffened when she heard her father shouting them. Hela nodded and Dahlia did the same, responding to each others silence that they wouldn't tell their father the whole truth behind Dahlias tears.

Loki came over the top of the hill but he wasn't as oblivious as they hoped. He saw Dahlia's eyes were still red from her tears and said worryingly as he stepped closer, "what happened?"

Dahlia looked down immediately not knowing what to say but thankfully Hela did, "Cedric's dead, Dahlia's friend. The one who was representing Hogwarts in the competition. Turns out the final task killed him".

Dahlia just nodded and Loki said, "you told me people have died in the past, Dahlia, in that competition. He knew the risks".

"I know but he's different," Dahlia said as she looked up, "the others just wanted the eternal glory but Cedric was fair and loyal, a man of his word. He..." her tears started once more.

Loki and Hela came as close as possible without touching her, both wanting to hug her and her father said, "he's at peace now".

Hela nodded and added, "if he's in my world, I promise he will be taken care of".

"And if he's not?" Dahlia questioned.

Hela shrugged and answered, "then he's in Valhalla with Lily. You know she'll take care of him".

Dahlia nodded and took comfort in the thought that Cedric would now be away from the evil that had returned. Sure, he would never have a family, he would never grow old, but he wouldn't be around to experience the Wizarding world plunder in chaos and for that, many would soon consider him lucky.