A/N: I own neither universe.

Addendum: I'm also a liar. I said I'd post this two weeks after my first post, but I'm figuring as long as I stay three chapters ahead, it'll be fine. (probably).

As always, thank you for your reviews, follows, and favorites. Shoot me your headcanon's/fluffs/etc and I'll see if I can merge them in. Let me know what you think!

-0-0-0-

When the voice called out, Sam had gripped his weapon firmly and aimed towards the source. They both had looked around the clearing but neither could identify where the voice had originated. Her 'talents', Steve realized suddenly.

"I had asked you to keep this a secret, you know." The female British voice chastised and Steve spun wildly as Sam, struck with a red light, dropped down to the floor. Steve made to defend himself when he was struck with the same red light, his limbs freezing tight to his body as he fell gently to the ground. He noticed Bucky was also hit and all three of them began to levitate upright, Bucky still unconscious. His body still frozen, all Steve could do was blink as a figure appeared in front of them, revealing herself like rain water washing away the dirt. Steve's eyes followed as pieces of her were revealed, tracing the trickling paths like liquid until eventually he could see all of her. Steve despaired in his restraints. He was at fault for this capture. He was the one who went out before his body had recovered—probably before Sam was even ready. Reckless. He had been reckless. A bright light hit him and he felt his jaw loosen. He moved it experimentally.

"Friends or foes?" Hermione asked, gesturing with one hand to Bucky and Sam. Steve took a moment to notice her. She was dressed nicely—a sweater dress and boots-he realized idly. Hydra would at least dress a little more tactically—right? Her hair had been held back the first time he had met her but now it sprung around her in voluminous, wild curls. It made her seem bigger than she was in his vague recollection of their encounter. He wondered if that was just a matter of perspective; she was the captor and he the captive. He wondered where she had come from; he wondered how she had arrived so quickly.

"It's complicated." Steve finally answered. Hermione raised an eyebrow and he only just realized that she was holding some wooden stick in her hand nonchalantly. A light hit Sam and only Steve's face was capable of flinching.

"I'm assuming you're a friend." She said to Sam, "and he's complicated." She gestured with her stick to Bucky who was still knocked out.

"Who are you?" Sam asked and Steve felt both the relief that he was okay and the guilt once again for subjecting him to this unintended variable. Hermione at least looked just as welcoming and compassionate as when he had first met her, if not a little guarded. She walked to stand directly in front of Sam, frowning as she waved her stick at him.

"I'm Hermione Granger and you are injured." She said as her mouth tweaked to the side in a semi-frown. She waved the stick and she sounded like she was singing softly as the blood that had dribbled down Sam's arm seemed to flow back into the knife wound Bucky had favored him with earlier. The wound began to close rapidly until the flesh looked untouched. Sam looked at him surprised and Steve knew he mirrored the expression. The young woman before them muttered something and light particles seemed to reflect brightly as they filtered down on the weakened arm. "Hmm." Hermione mumbled as she stared at the injury. She waved her stick and bandages appeared from nowhere, wrapping the arm tightly. "You'll need more treatment—it's broken." She said lightly. She walked back to face all three of them, but she turned her gaze to Steve.

"What happened to your face?" She exclaimed suddenly. She rushed over to him and Steve's breath caught as her hand ghosted over the wounds on his face. He knew some of the swelling still hadn't gone done from their fight with Hyrda.

"I've had a busy month." Steve admitted and Hermione looked at him crossly. She began waving her stick again and Steve watched the lights like his own personal aurora borealis.

"Were you shot?!" She gasped. She glared at him and muttered something that sounded like Pig Latin. Steve felt the bandaged wrap around his wounds, staunching the blood. Her kindness suddenly made Steve feel conflicted and guilty.

"I'm sorry." Steve was unsure why he apologized but felt for some reason he needed to. She sighed, stepping back from him to meet his eyes with her own.

"Oh Steve," she began. "What on earth is going on? Who are these two? Why are you injured? Why did you summon me when you weren't alone?" She asked, her hands gesturing wildly.

"I'm Sam Wilson" Sam introduced himself helpfully and Hermione turned to give him a wan smile.

"Charmed." She drawled, reverting her attention back to Steve. "I can't be known, Steve. The things I do can't be known. Giving you that coin was already a risk for me and I don't know if I can trust Sam—no offense—with the things I can do: with the things I have done." She said as she gestured to the three of them still suspended and mostly frozen.

"I can trust Sam to be discreet." Steve defended. Hermione glanced at Bucky. "Bucky is…Bucky is the reason we need the help." Hermione's eyes widened as she seemed to comprehend his words and more. Immediately, she walked up to Bucky and pushed his hair from his face. Her hands flew up to her mouth, still clutching her stick.

"Oh, Steve." She said sadly, glancing at him with compassionate eyes. She nodded determinedly. "I'll help you… I just… I really can't be known—this can't be known. You can't tell anyone." She stared deeply into his eyes, the same amber hues swirling in the fading sunlight.

"I promise." Steve said and felt his body slowly release as he was lowered to the ground. She had gone to stare at Sam, staring deeply into his eyes in the way that she had into Steve's.

"What Cap said." Sam dittoed and she nodded, lowering him in the same manner.

"So, did you have a plan?" Hermione asked as she began waving her stick at where Bucky floated before them. Steve brought his hand up to brush the back side of his hair in an uneasy gesture.

"Well, we weren't even sure this intel would pan out…and I hadn't actually meant to call you when I did." Steve admitted. Hermione glanced at him amused; arms crossed and stick jutting presumptuously into the air, Bucky's limp form floating behind her.

"Did you bring a car? Where were you planning on taking him?" She asked and Sam and Steve shared a look, both shrugging. She gave an exasperated sigh and under her breath Steve thought he heard 'boys.'

"The car is about a half-click that way. If we caught him we were going to go to an abandoned building or something. He was staying in a shelter back there" Sam said, gesturing with his good arm. Hermione eyed him with a frown.

"Let's go there first." She determined beginning to lead the way as Bucky eerily trailed in the air behind her.

"Bucky, isn't the most…aware…these days." Steve began cautiously in warning.

"What Cap means is that he's rabid and as soon as he wakes up it's going to be ugly." Sam clarified. Steve shot him a look and Sam shrugged. "That tranquilizer shouldn't have even lasted this long—he's going to wake up soon." Sam added. Hermione did not even bother to stop walking as she talked over her shoulder.

"He won't wake up for quite some time—my spell ensured that." She said.

"Your spell?" Steve repeated. At this she did stop, turning and waving her stick and a buzzing sound surrounded them. Steve stuck a finger in his ear to rid the sound, but it lingered.

"I'm a witch, Steve. My talents are magical." She said so matter of fact that Steve was inclined to believe her. Besides him, however, Sam barked out a laugh. She frowned at him.

"Magic?" He laughed and Steve glared at him. After demi-gods and aliens, Steve could believe just about anything. Hermione rolled her eyes and proceeded to walk.

"Doubts aside," she began, "He's under my spell—"Sam laughed louder at the phrasing but she carried on over him "-and I will be able to heal you and hopefully whatever is wrong with Bucky." They reached the structure and Hermione left Bucky floating outside as she stepped inside. Sam stayed behind but Steve took the opportunity to go back into the shelter.

"He pulled me out of the Potomac two weeks ago. It's taken me a bit of time to find him." Steve mentioned as he perused the inside. Empty filing cabinets were turned on their side. Papers were strewn around the floor. One particular corner seemed to be a pile of old rags. Steve realized it was most likely where Bucky was sleeping. Beside him Hermione moved her stick. Steve didn't question it until several knives flew through the air to drop at her feet.

"No guns." Hermione commented as she glanced at the pile. "He looks like he's been recovering here from whatever physical and mental ailing he suffered." Hermione noticed as she crouched down at Bucky's assumed bed.

"He seems almost less coherent compared to what he was when we last fought." Steve offered and Hermione glanced at him sharply before shaking her head.

"Let's leave, Steve." Hermione said and Steve flushed as she said his name.

"Where to? We could just wait for him to wake up here and keep him in the restraints—try to get him to talk." Steve suggested. Hermione's look indicated that was a terrible idea.

"I'll take you all to my house. You are all filthy and injured. Besides, there isn't anything special here; it looks like Bucky really was in a predominately recovering state." Hermione theorized. Steve sighed.

"I appreciate your offer but Bucky shouldn't be near civilians right now." Steve mentioned. Hermione's look was decidedly offended as she paused in the threshold of the exit.

"There will be no safer place for anyone than the one I'm offering now." Hermione informed him before boldly walking out the door. She was walking in the direction of their car, Bucky trailing in the air behind her. Sam glanced at Steve and Steve sighed again before heading off to follow Hermione.

"Where are we going?" Sam asked as they walked.

"Back to my house." Hermione answered succinctly. Sam exchanged a look with Steve but Steve merely shrugged. They walked in tense silence and Steve yearned to ask the questions he should be asking, but he remained quiet out of respect for whatever Hermione had planned. They stopped besides the car they had hidden in the trees.

"Grab what you need, we won't be taking the car." Hermione instructed. Sam frowned at her.

"How are we going to get to your house without it?" He asked.

"We'll be taking a magical way." Hermione said with exasperation. Sam glanced at Steve wary.

"Just do what she says." Steve commanded and Sam dutifully moved towards the car. His drone had landed and he was packing it into its travel case.

"You'll have to leave your technology and car here to reach my house." Sam frowned harder.

"My drone?" He asked. She looked at him oddly.

"If it has any electricity, I'll accidently fry it as we travel. You can leave it in the car and I'll pop you back here when we're done. You should leave your mobiles, too." She conceded. Sam looked at Steve who offered him a shrug. Sam clenched his jaw.

"Fine. But nobody better find this." Sam threatened lightly, tossing his technologically advanced gear into the back of the SUV. Bucky floated like a macabre balloon behind them as Steve and Sam grabbed their extra backpacks from the car. Around them, Hermione was chanting and waving her hands as she circled the proximity of the car. When she had finished, she turned back to the trio.

She walked back to Bucky before beckoning Sam and Steve over.

"This metal arm," Hermione began. "Has electricity?" She asked. Steve nodded.

"It has some kind of tech, but as far as I know it recharges itself." Steve mentioned. Hermione nodded.

"We'll see how this goes." She said more to herself than the other two. "Steve, can you please hold Bucky tightly?" She asked. Steve did so with confusion and she grabbed his free hand in response. His heart jumped at the contact until she reached out to also grab Sam's good hand. "This will be a smidge unpleasant." She warned.

"What will—"Sam began before they were whisked away with a pop. Steve held tightly to Hermione and Bucky as he felt himself being dragged through the smallest tube of existence. They arrived at an atrium of a beautiful home with another crack of sound. Steve had managed to land upright, leaning over to dry heave from the feeling. Sam fell to his knees besides them and did the same. Hermione winced.

"Magic." Sam breathed finally and Hermione nodded.

"This is my home—you must also keep its existence a secret" She said as she floated Bucky to lie down on a couch. "In fact, as much as I'm inclined to trust you, I've ensured that you won't actually be able to talk about our time together or write it down in any distinct terms; I've jinxed you." Rapidly she began moving her stick—her wand if she really was a witch—over Bucky and Steve marveled as the grime, dirt, and mud was removed. He was still dirty and in need of a bath, but he looked far better than he had when they had first stumbled upon him. Hermione gently cupped Bucky's face with her hand before standing to face her guests.

"There are two showers, you can both have one at the same time—one in my bedroom and the other in the hall. Are you hungry? Do you want some tea?" She asked patiently. Sam and Steve began looking around the house. Steve realized that the atrium was actually shaped like a domed church and the walls were covered with walls of books—complete with a ladder. A small fire burned in the large fireplace in the library. The floor plan was open and warm and he could see a dining room table and modern kitchen. There were sections for a living room where a large couch faced a television mounted to the wall. A grand piano stood prominently to in another section of the room.

"I could eat." Sam admitted pleasantly. Steve looked at him exasperated but Sam merely shrugged. Hermione laughed amused and Steve flushed at the sound. He thought it sounded light and airy.

"I'll make some dinner then. Let me show you to the showers." Hermione said as she walked towards them. She headed past the kitchen where a hallway showed a few more doors. She opened one of the closest doors and gestured inside to the bathroom. "Shower number one; towels in the linen closet." She said and Sam nodded before stepping inside. Hermione continued to the back of the hallway where she opened the door to her master bedroom. Steve took a step inside and marveled at the stained glass windows that allowed light to filter in soft golden hues. From where Hermione stood, she seemed to be bathed in the golden light and Steve's breath caught. She looked magical in this moment; he supposed she was. She turned to open another door which led to her master bathroom. Steve followed her and was awed at the sight. The large shower had a huge shower head. A clawed foot tub rested beneath another large stained window. The room was spacious.

"Wow." Steve said as he looked around. He glanced at Hermione who nervously tucked hair behind her ear.

"Yes, it's quite lovely. I'm very pleased with my house." Hermione admitted. Steve walked towards the window surprised when he glanced down to the alley where she had found him.

"Wait a second—is this New York? How did we get here so quickly?!" Steve exclaimed, looking around through the window to confirm what he already knew.

"I've never even seen this building before." Steve admitted. He had been back to the alley after his initial meet up with Hermione but he had never seen her or the building.

"Magic, Steve." Hermione said pleasantly. "It's also why you couldn't see this place—it's magically protected and very few are capable of accessing it." Steve nodded and Hermione moved to procure a towel from another linen closet. She passed it to him and he accepted it gratefully.

"Take off your shirt." Hermione ordered. Steve nearly fell back in surprise.

"What?" He asked scandalized. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I need to see your wounds." She clarified. Steve exhaled slowly.

"Right." He said as he began to slowly remove his shirt. Hermione sucked in air as he disrobed. Her face was flushed. Steve filed her response away in his mind.

"Wha—what injuries, you have." She said in a slightly illogical sentence as she removed the bandages she had conjured earlier in the field.

"They're not all from today." Steve admitted. The look she sent him made him feel chastised. She reached underneath a cabinet for a bottle of something.

"This won't be pleasant" She warned again, taking a dropper out of the bottle and dropping liquid over his wounds. He hissed when the wound began to smoke but he marveled as he felt the wounds close.

"Are there anymore wounds that need healing?" She asked clinically, though he could still see the red on her cheeks. Steve flushed as he remembered a certain leg wound. She eyed his response. "Show me" She demanded.

"I can apply—" Steve began. She looked at him with hard eyes.

"Show me, Steve. Or I'll strip you completely naked." She threatened. Steve felt something hot race through his veins and he breathed deeply to thwart the response. He unbuckled his pants and let them fall to the floor, wincing when his buckle hit the floor with a 'thunk'. Hermione glanced down at his legs and Steve turned slightly. She sucked in air through her teeth and sent a glower his way. She took the eye dropper and dropped the liquid on the old bullet wound from the last time Steve had seen Bucky—on the helicarriers. Steve hissed when the liquid smoked on his flesh again.

"Th-thanks." Steve eventually managed, flushing at her proximity and the awkwardness of the situation. She nodded blankly before softening slightly.

"Clean yourself up in the shower and I'll take care of the rest." She said, a hand ghosting on his cheek where he knew his wound was still healing. Steve closed his eyes, resisting the sudden desire to feel her truly touch him. He was wound up from the adrenaline, he knew; he was already beginning to feel the fatigue of it crashing. He reasoned that her kind eyes, British tongue, and confident ways were absolutely not the reason he was feeling unusually strung up.

"I'll be in the kitchen." She said as she stepped back. Steve breathed deeper with the space placed between them. "I'll rouse Bucky after dinner, if that's alright with you." She offered. Steve frowned, jaw clenched. He had forgotten about Bucky as he explored the wonders of the mysterious home and the hostess.

"Yeah…that sounds…that sounds good." Steve said looking down at his hand still clenching the towel. He looked up again when Hermione placed her hand on his. It was warm.

"It's going to be alright, Steve." Hermione gazed into his eyes again and he watching the hypnotic depths. "You're here for Bucky and I'm here for you—both of you." She said with such sincerity that he felt his heart clench.

"Thank you, Ma'am." Steve said respectfully, startling when she laughed.

"Steve, you are technically far older than me and probably biologically older as well—just call me Hermione you daft ninny." She said with a fond smile and Steve felt his cheeks heat.

"Thank you, Hermione." Steve said, raising his eyes bashfully to meet hers. He noticed her blush as well. She coughed nervously and stepped away.

"Well, you have everything you need, so I'll be in the kitchen." Hermione said, closing the door as she left. Steve exhaled, glancing around the tasteful bathroom before turning on the shower and stepping in.

-0-0-0-

The kitchen smelt fragrant. Sam was already sitting down at the dining room table as Hermione pulled something out of the oven. Her hair was banded back but it still fanned around her as she stood. Steve glanced at Bucky who seemed to still be resting on the couch. Satisfied he was okay; Steve sat down across from Sam. Hermione placed lasagna and breadsticks on the table before joining them.

"Let's eat." Hermione said hesitantly and Steve glanced at Sam who began eagerly piling on the meal. Steve followed at Hermione's encouragement. As they ate an uncomfortable silence descended. Sam was looking around, happy to be eating, but also twitchy and uneasy.

"So what's a…witch like you doing in the Big Apple?" Steve asked conversationally. Hermione shrugged.

"My parents moved to America and I followed." Hermione answered.

"Your parents? Are they witches too?" Sam asked.

"Technically a male is a wizard." Hermione explained. "But no, they don't have magical abilities—they're both dentists." Sam whistled in surprise at the ordinary profession.

"So how did you meet Cap?" He continued and Steve rubbed a hand over his face.

"I came across him in the alley outside my house—he'd newly awoken and seemed panicked." Hermione answered. Sam looked at her confused.

"In New York?" Sam asked. Hermione nodded. "Outside of this house?" Hermione nodded again. "So we're in New York right now?" Sam continued as Hermione nodded wearily. "We teleported from Maryland to New York because you're a witch." Sam clarified.

"Yes, Sam. We are in New York despite being in Maryland hours earlier". Hermione said exasperated. Sam raised his hands placating and winced when he jostled his unwrapped arm.

"Bone-mending takes time. If you can't keep it still, I should bind it again." Hermione said, pulling a wand out of nowhere before point at his arm. Again the bandages appeared and wound up Sam's arm stiffly.

"You set his arm?" Steve asked and Sam made a face.

"I gave him a potion." Hermione said.

"A disgusting potion." Sam returned with disgust.

"An effective potion." Hermione clarified. "Just be glad you don't have to regrow bone—that potion is truly disgusting." Sam winced at the thought. Sam's treatment reminded Steve of Bucky's condition.

"Hermione," Steve began, blushing at her pleased smile when he used her first name, "Bucky's mind…he's been brainwashed. He was frozen like me after he was captured by the enemy. They made him a solder—an assassin; he did terrible things." Steve admitted. Hermione's eyebrows turned in sympathy. "I don't know how to help him—I know he has begun to remember but it looks like it's painful for him to remember. I don't know what you can do for him, either." Steve voiced his concerns as he stared at his clenched fists in his lap. A swoop of a wand and the dishes and remnants of their finished meals flew to the sink; Sam and Steve watched in surprise.

"I can probably do more than you'd think." Hermione admitted, standing and beckoning them to follow. Bucky floated towards them as they moved through the hallway to a door they hadn't used before. It opened to reveal stairs. They descended. "My specialty is broken minds." She continued as they entered the room. Sam and Steve stared at the basement, a lab desk in one corner surrounded by shelves of items he could not even identify, and another row of shelves filled with small bottles of different colored liquids. The room was the same size of the upstairs main room, with floor length shelves containing more books. There was a green fire burning in a hearth and a chaise lounge placed before it as well as a few large comfy looking armed chairs with high padded backs. She rested Bucky on the chaise and gestured to the extra seats. Sam and Steve each sat down.

"How…why…who?" Steve began but could not articulate what he even wanted to ask. Hermione smiled thinly.

"When I was a child, there was war amongst the magic users in England." She began. Sam and Steve straightened to listen intently. "Due to circumstances, I was a prime target for…horrendous acts." She paused as her face grimaced. "My parents, as I've said, are non-magical—they were in danger because I was in danger." She paused to take a breath. "I hid them as best as I could at the consequence of their memory. When the war ended I sought them but the spells were incredibly difficult to undo—they were far too thorough. I studied for several years before I was finally capable of undoing the damage. In the ten years since the war ended, I've become the foremost authority on healing mind magic." She explained.

"There are more of you?" Steve whispered. Hermione flinched.

"A hidden society of us, rather. We can't speak of this to those who do not know—it's illegal—hence the risk I carry in confiding with you." Hermione admitted. Steve glanced at Sam who looked grim.

"You fought in this war?" Sam asked, seeing something that Steve hadn't even realized—she had said she was a child.

"I was integral to winning the war." She declared. "My friends and I won the war." She clarified fiercely.

"You also lost friends in the war." Sam identified and Hermione smiled grimly.

"There is never a war without loss." She conceded. Steve felt the breath clench within him. She had said she was a child. He did not realize he had said it aloud until he noticed Hermione and Sam looking at him shocked at his tone.

"We were all children—it did not matter. When the fight came it was inevitable." Hermione said somberly. "In any case, it means that I am probably more prepared than anyone else you may encounter." She said briskly. "It's fortuitous that you accidently called me for a plan that seemed, frankly, lacking." She stood and looked at Sam. "Sam, if you'd like I can teleport you back to your car. I can bring you back as well, Steve, but I assumed you might want to stay in the guest room while I work with Bucky and his…programming." Steve looked up at Sam.

"Go ahead and stay here, Cap. Weren't you looking to move back to New York anyway?" Sam offered graciously. Steve nodded in thanks.

"Yea. Stark mentioned something about an Avengers' tower apartments. I'll keep you updated as I can." Steve promised. Sam nodded as he stood.

"Alright, instant teleportation from New York to Maryland. I could get used to it." Sam said and Hermione smirked.

"If you're really good I may even pop you to some warm beach in the winter—instant vacation." She claimed. Sam chuckled before following her upstairs to gather his things. Steve moved closer to Bucky. He was still dirty. The last time they met, Steve had stopped fighting him, unable to continue injuring his friend. Bucky claimed he did not remember him, but Steve knew his best friend had been the one to rescue him in the end. Steve moved closer to the chaise, gathering his best friend's limp hand in his own.

"You never gave up on me, Buck—I promise I'll never give up on you." Steve vowed solemnly.

"I think we can wake him up now." Hermione called out softly behind him. Steve jumped lightly at the sound, flinching slightly when she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad that I can be here for Bucky, Steve. But you know I can also be here for you." She offered. Steve nodded stiffly, avoiding her eyes. "I know that you've been through a lot—I can't even imagine you've had much time to transition." Steve felt his jaw stiffen. She was correct, of course. She knelt down beside him, hand shifting to rest on the front of his shoulder while the other lifted his face so their eyes could meet. "I'll help both of you as best I can, Steve. I know you deserve it." She declared. Her eyes searched his before she removed her hand to open a jar she held in her other. She swept the paste onto her fingers and gently placed it on his wounds. It did not sting like the liquid had; instead it felt soothing and cool.

"Why are you doing this?" Steve asked softly. She turned her attention back to meet his eyes once again.

"You're a good person, Steve." She whispered. "I think if Bucky is half the man you think he is, he must be a good person, too." Steve felt his throat clench, swept by emotion. He felt as if all his grief, all his loneliness, had been welling up within him, burning beneath a surface he did not dare allow to crack. Yet Hermione's gentle eyes and compassionate nature had sprung a leak eternal and before he realized it, hot tears burned down his face. He tried to cover his face, embarrassed by the display, but she merely guided his arms away, tugging his face to rest on her shoulders, surrounded by her voluminous hair. He clung to her desperately as she rubbed soothing circles on his back as she murmured reassurances.

After sometime-longer than he cared to admit-he withdrew slightly, tears subsiding. She did not acknowledge the change in his demeanor, merely took it in stride and he was grateful. She passed him tissues, surreptitiously ignoring him as he wiped his face. When he finally quelled they stood to gaze at Bucky. Hermione reached down to begin undoing Bucky's clothing.

"I don't like this shirt; it looks like a strait jacket." Hermione murmured the answer to an unspoken question. She guided the shirt open but did not pull it off. Instead, her hands brushed tenderly along the ridge where the metal met skin. Steve watched her throat bob as she swallowed nervously. She stood slowly, collecting the small bottle she had left on the end table and gingerly popping the cork. She poured it into Bucky's mouth. "This is a calming draught; you said he was volatile." Hermione explained and Steve nodded back. He appreciated her informing him of what she was doing.

Hermione took out her wand, waving it as colors swirled above Bucky. Hermione grimaced.

"He might still be violent when he wakes up." Steve commented reluctantly. Hermione nodded.

"He was still wounded from earlier, but I already healed him. He might take a second to not recognize the pain. I'd restrict him but I think that'd do more harm than good." Hermione cringed. "I can take care of myself, so don't be too concerned—just focus on talking to him gently and listen to any of my commands." Hermione met his eyes and Steve nodded.

"I'll follow your lead." He confirmed. She nodded back.

"Ready." Hermione announced before stepping back and pointing her wand at Bucky. In a gentle tone barely above a whisper she said "Rennervate." Instantly Bucky sprung up, awake and alert. He barred his teeth at the both of them. "It's okay. You're safe." Hermione said softly, showing her open palms, her wand disappearing from sight. Bucky eyed her cautiously before turning towards Steve with a vague second of recognition. He tensed up again, roaring as he stood. Steve raised both his hands.

"It's okay, Buck. You're okay. You're safe." Steve attempted the soothing dulcet tones Hermione seemed to have mastered. Bucky whined, a guttural noise that caused Steve's heart to ache as he watched his best friend clench his hair in his hands. Instantly Hermione sprung forward, hands glowing as she shifted Bucky's hands away from his own head. Whether from the surprise or the potion, Bucky allowed her to touch his head, flinching only from the initial contact. Her hands glowed white where she held both sides of his temple and he slouched dramatically in weariness or relief. When Hermione began a soft humming song in another language, Steve felt his own discomfort and anxiety begin to fade from the room. Eventually, her song ended and Steve was pleased to see that Bucky was far more relaxed than he had seen him since before the big freeze.

"Are you hungry?" Hermione asked softly. Bucky stared deeply into Hermione's swirling eyes, his face guarded. A frown settled on his face like a childish pout. "Let's eat and then we'll clean you up." Hermione continued patiently as if she was talking to a child. Steve stiffened slightly when Bucky turned a sharp glare his way. "He's your friend. He's safe." Hermione said with a gentle smile. Bucky looked back into her eyes, her hands still glowing as she held his cheeks. Seeing something Steve assumed she liked, Hermione's hands receded their glow as she brought them down. She grabbed Bucky's hand smoothly, leading Bucky towards the stairs. He stopped when he was even with Steve, feet rooted as he glared at Steve. Hermione tugged gently but stopped when Bucky could not be moved.

"You need to go first, Steve." Hermione said after a moment. Steve looked at her questioningly. "You threaten him; he doesn't want his back to you." She clarified and Steve tried to contain his disappointment at the revelation. Instead he nodded and deliberately showed his back as he led up the stairs. He did not turn to look at them when he heard the steps follow. He entered the open atrium where they first entered, giving enough berth to be less threatening to Bucky. He watched as Hermione led Bucky out of the basement, emerging from the hallway and stopping abruptly when he entered the golden hues of stained window reflections. The sun was setting in a way that made the room fill with colored light. He watched as Bucky took it all in; his eyes shifted wildly around the room with a critical gaze but the rest of his body remained still and taut with tension. He met Steve's eyes again before succumbing to Hermione's insistent tugs to lead him to the table. She sat him in the chair and he complied easily as if he were some moveable doll. She released his hand to walk to the kitchen—Steve guessed she was uneasy displaying magic in front of Bucky—and Bucky's face contorted with trace amounts of agony. Steve resisted the urge to comfort him or make any sudden movements. Hermione returned quickly with a plate and sat beside him at the head of the table, turning her body to face him. Bucky looked at her uneasily before glancing down at the food and back to her.

"Do you want to eat? It's lasagna." Hermione said softly, her hand gently splayed over Buck's. Bucky's brows furrowed and he looked at the food again and looked back at Hermione. Hermione smiled slightly before reaching with her other hand to slowly grasp the fork. She maintained eye contact as she scooped some food and ate it in a single bite. She replaced the fork and smiled again. Bucky slowly lifted his metal arm and Steve felt tension spread in his already on edge body. Bucky grasped the fork in his left arm, breaking eye contact with Hermione to look down at the utensil. He spooked at something and dropped the fork. Steve could see the sweat breaking out on his friends face, despite his distanced perch form the wall.

"It's okay," Hermione cooed, reaching across to grab the fork again and attempting to hand it back to Bucky's left arm. He began to shake his head in quick, small, jerking moments to indicate he did not want the fork. Hermione stopped her effort to look at him thoughtfully. "Let's try your other hand, hmm?" Hermione suggested lifting her left hand from where it was still resting on top of his right. Steve flinched from the wall when Bucky quickly turned his hand to hold hers. Despite the tight grip, Hermione had not flinched at all. "I see, I see." Hermione said cheerfully. She allowed him to hold her hand. She picked up the fork with food again and held it delicately to Bucky's mouth. Bucky watched her warily—his eyes never leaving hers before he opened his mouth to accept the food. She smiled warmly at him and Steve noticed Bucky's face looked both more flustered and relaxed. She continued to feed him until the plate was finished and he seemed sated.

"Let's get you cleaned up." Hermione said, standing from the table. Bucky held her hand, still, as he followed her less hesitantly, though he still waited for Steve to pass first as to not show his back. Steve noticed idly that Bucky seemed to shield Hermione from his view as if Steve was dangerous and she needed protection. Steve thought back to the quick fired spells and thought she was far from helpless.

"To the master bath, please, Steve." Hermione called and Steve complied. Steve walked into the spacious and paused by the sink, attempting to not react when Bucky tensed as he passed. He did sigh slightly when Bucky changed his manner of walking to once again protect Hermione from Steve's view. Hermione for her part seemed to ignore the changes and responses. She merely held his hand and began turning the taps to the tub. Bucky stared at Steve in neither a threatening nor familiar manner, instead the gaze only seemed to express that Bucky knew he was there should Steve attempt any challenge.

When the tub filled Hermione made to pull from Bucky's grasp. At this, Bucky finally turned his eyes away from Steve to look at Hermione pitifully. Hermione smiled gently.

"It'll be a little too difficult to bathe while holding hands, I'm afraid." She soothed. Steve was amazed to see that Bucky released her hand, his hair falling to cover his face as he looked down. Hermione moved slowly and patiently as she slid his jacket from his body. His body was tense as she pulled the article off before she kneeled down and started working on the buckles and straps on Bucky's pants.

"Uh, Hermione." Steve said finally. He shrank back when Bucky gazed at him fiercely. Hermione merely looked at him bemused.

"He needs to get clean somehow, Steve." She chuckled softly. "You can wait in the bedroom if you are uncomfortable." She offered as she finished undoing all the restraints. "I need to remove your boots," She said as she touched Bucky's hand before beginning to unlace his boots. She tapped his foot and he lifted his foot, standing steadily as she pulled the shoe and sock off. Steve grimaced at the dirt and grime and wondered how she managed to maintain such a peaceful face as if Bucky hadn't been in the wilderness for at least two weeks prior without bathing facilities. She tapped his other foot and the barefoot came down and the booted foot came up. When she had finished with that, she tugged down Bucky's pants and Steve swallowed uncomfortably. She was still kneeling as she disrobed his friend and the imagery made him fluster, slightly. Bucky stepped out of the pants and remained only in boxer-briefs. Steve made a noise between a squawk and a yelp and Bucky and Hermione turned their gazes to him once more.

"Her-Hermione!" Steve exclaimed aghast. She rolled her eyes at him.

"He needs a bath, Steve." She reprimanded. "You can wait outside if you are uncomfortable."

"He's going to be naked." Steve stated, holding his arms across his chest to prevent himself from gesturing wildly. Hermione raised an eyebrow as she gave him a look.

"How else would one bathe?" Hermione asked. She pulled off his remaining clothing and Steve flushed as he looked upward. It wasn't the first time he had seen Bucky, but in the presence of Hermione he felt embarrassed. He looked back when he heard Bucky get in to the tub. Bucky looked wary and uneasy as he sat upright in the center of the luxurious tub. Hermione had taken off her boots and pulled off her sweater dress swiftly.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Steve said, unable to contain his volume as he covered his eyes with both hands.

"My goodness, Steve, one might think you of a different era with your virtuousness." She laughed freely. Steve felt his face heat up.

"Why are you getting naked—I thought Bucky was the one bathing?" He asked embarrassed and she laughed again.

"Admittedly, I should have changed into something a little more functionally than my out-and-about clothing. But I'm a little too committed to go and change now. You can try to find my some clothes in my dresser—shorts and a tank top if you can stand the immodesty." She laughed at him again as Steve felt his way to the door, keeping his eyes clothes as he tried to reason that it would be better to rifle through her clothing than watch her without her clothes. He thought of it again as he accidently found her lacey under wear and lingerie. He still had trouble viewing such items on mannequins let alone imagining them on their owner. He grabbed a pair of sleeping shorts and a tank top and made his way wearily back to the bathroom. He could hear the sounds of water falling and the soft humming Hermione had done earlier. Steve closed his eyes as he entered slowly, opening them only briefly to see Bucky standing up in the center of the tub. Steve closed his eyes again when he realized that Hermione was in her under wear and bra and he felt all the more awkward when the image was seared into his mind—the closing of his eyes helping no longer. He heard her walk over and felt her grab the garments.

"You can look again Captain Modesty." She said and Steve opened his eyes to see her changed and back at Bucky's side. Bucky was sitting upright in the tub and was staring at him with a fixed-stern expression. Steve took his place at the wall again and watched the two interacting. She leaned over the edge of the tub to wash Bucky and Bucky hardly let his eyes stray from her. His look of wariness had changed to something softer when he looked at her, something warmer. She hummed that relaxing song and Steve felt his own nerves soothe at the sound. The steam of the room made it warm and Steve allowed himself to relax in it. She cleaned him thoroughly and Steve felt his heart leap into his throat when she really cleaned everything. Steve felt incredibly awkward as his friend visibly responded and when Steve felt blood pooling to form his own response. Closing his eyes only made the images of Hermione nearly naked surface. He exhaled heavily and attempted to thwart his body's response. Bucky submerged again, judging by the sound and Steve reopened his eyes. He did not know whether Hermione's flushed face made him feel better or worse about the whole scenario.

"Couldn't this all be done faster with magic?" Steve asked, ignoring both set of eyes turning to him.

"Not really, not as efficiently." Hermione answered. "Magic has limits like technology." She had taken to massaging shampoo through Bucky's hair. Bucky was attempting to not relax but he appeared to have turned to putty due to Hermione's ministrations. Steve couldn't help but wonder how that would feel on his own head if it managed to relax Bucky so thoroughly.

"What happens after the bath?" Steve asked as Hermione rinsed Bucky's hair with a ladle that never seemed to empty. Magic. He realized and instantly thought of Fantasia. Bucky had convinced two wayward girls to the movies with them and they had watched the film. Steve had laughed when brooms and buckets had multiplied.

"He's going to need some sleep, I think." Hermione declared. Bucky looked up into her eyes as she leaned over him, massaging his hair with conditioner. Steve thought he looked spelled or besotted but withheld the thought. When she had finished bathing Bucky she let the dirty water drain away before rinsing him once again. When Bucky stood and Hermione towel dried him, Steve did not avert his eyes. She bade him to lean down so she could towel dry his hair and he allowed her to do so without argument. "To the bedroom," Hermione said and Steve went first. She followed, hand in hand with Bucky. He seemed just as reluctant to release her hand when she tried but she gave him a look and he released it. He stared at her intently as she ripped sheets, pillows, and comforter off the bed and laid it down on the floor. She also pulled a potion out of her night stand. She pulled Bucky to the floor and covered him in a comforter. He kept his right hand gripped with hers above the comforter as she poured the potion into his mouth. He swallowed dutifully. The potion—some sort of sedative—made his eyes droop with sleep instantly. Realizing the effect, Bucky attempted to fight it and Steve winced at the terror in his eyes. Hermione guided his face to look at hers.

"I'll be right here, even as you sleep." She said softly and began to sing so softly it came out as a hum. Steve felt himself relax instantly and Bucky seemed to respond as well. He maintained eye contact with her until his eyes finally failed to open and he fell asleep.

"That song is magic, isn't it?" Steve said softly when she had stopped. True to her word she was staying next to Bucky. She sighed.

"Yes. It's a type of soothing magic that I more-or-less rediscovered when I began my mind-healer studies. 'Mother's magic' meant to soothe children, though it works remarkably on anyone." Hermione answered, twisting her neck in an attempt to alleviate strain.

"How is he? He seems…childish and lost. I don't know if that is better or worse than when he was psychotic and lost." Steve admitted.

"This won't be easy. I glanced into his mind but it is very fractured—someone attempted to rewrite him but programming doesn't work like that. Even obliviates do not completely remove the memory—merely severs the path for recollection." Hermione said, Steve frowned at the unfamiliar term.

"But he can be okay?" Steve asked again. Hermione's mouth tweaked to the side as her forehead crinkled in concern.

"Yes...I've had comparable cases but he needs time to begin coming to terms with the memories and recollections as they appear. It's strange though…" Hermione began and Steve made a noise to indicate she should continue. "It seems like his mind is completely wiped-but minds are not made for that. No short-term memory, no long-term memory, barely the instincts that were integral to his existence—he's reverted almost to that of a child. I'm not sure how long it will take for those connections to reform so he can access memory more easily but I know that it has already begun to heal." She explained.

"Can you assist the process?" Steve asked and frowned when Hermione shook her head.

"Yes and no. This type of healing is better when processed on its own, especially as he will be experiencing and retaining new memories every day. I can soothe him when the process is painful-facilitate the connections more organically. When he is further along, I can assist in connecting some of the broken pathways directly. I'll also be there to support and comfort him when he faces the terrible memories he has—and no doubt that he has them-I can also assist with that." Hermione paused and Steve felt she was leaving something unsaid.

"What else?" Steve prompted. Hermione frowned deeply.

"Steve, I see words in his head. They are the most prominent thing in his mind but they are foreign and…tainted; they can be triggered and these pathways that are currently at rest—pathways to awful things—can be unlocked." She looked at him in concern and Steve felt his face harden.

"Can you remove them?" He asked, relieved when she nodded.

"I can but not until his mind is more healed. He'll have to stay at my house for now." She determined and Steve exhaled deeply.

"Yeah, okay. I understand." He said his own brow furrowing.

"I know you are concerned…so you're more than welcome to stay here for as long as it takes." She offered and Steve looked at her in surprise. "I have a guest room." She added meekly and Steve found himself nodding.

"I'd—I'd really appreciate that." Steve admitted and Hermione smiled sadly.

"I know how much he means to you. It's going to be okay." Hermione said hopefully as she slid her free hand over his own. Steve nodded again, feeling his throat well up. "You're welcome to watch over him tonight, too. Why don't you take the bed?" She offered but Steve declined.

"Why don't you?" Steve returned. Hermione gestured to her captured hand.

"He's terrified of touching but he craves it." Hermione explained her expression sorrowful. "I dread uncovering all his secrets as I muddle in his mind." She admitted. Steve raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"It hadn't occurred to me that you would feel something." Steve said bluntly before wincing at his tone. "I mean—"He attempted to continue before he was cut off.

"It's okay. It's rather that when I'm in someone's mind to heal them—not skim them as I sometimes do—for the time that I am repairing the damage I become them in a sense. I know everything they know, experience everything they've felt; I am them." She said quietly. "I don't retain that information necessarily but it often does feel like I leave a little part of myself within the harder cases." Steve flipped his hand over to grip hers.

"I can't even imagine. Thank you." Steve said sincerely and Hermione gave a watery smile as she held his stare. He coughed slightly. "So, um, why didn't you choose to lie in the bed with Bucky if you were going to be trapped?" He asked.

"The bed is too comfortable." Hermione explained. "For him, I imagine he hasn't slept in a bed in a long, long time. Too much comfort can make one uneasy when they are transitioning." Hermione said in a way that Steve instantly recalled that Sam had identified her as a soldier.

"How long did it take you to adjust to a bad?" Steve asked steadily. Hermione shrugged lightly.

"About five years." She responded. "Though it was largely based on how long it took me to be okay with the idea of allowing myself to be comfortable. What about you?"

"It's a work in progress." Steve admitted. "Though, frankly, I don't really like to sleep at all." Hermione gave a soft noise of agreement and Steve looked at her questioningly.

"I was petrified—a sort of magical coma—for a semester. I had trouble letting myself fall asleep in case I'd be in a coma again." She explained.

"How did that happen?" Steve asked amazed.

"Well, my second year of magical school…" Hermione began. Steve talked with her about her magical life for hours, his back resting against the front of the bed. Eventually she fell asleep while talking, curling around where Bucky still held her hand sturdily. Steve felt his own eyes close as he began to nod off.

"Steve." A voice garbled and Steve awakened instantly.

"Bucky." Steve replied his heartbeat erratic.

"Where am I?" Bucky asked, looking around at his surroundings.

"You're safe." Steve said, ignoring his own wavering voice.

"Who's she?" Bucky questioned nodding towards where Hermione was still sleeping their hands still clasped.

"Hermione." Steve answered, unsure what else to say. Bucky 'hmmd'.

"She's pretty." Bucky identified and Steve chuckled softly.

"Yea, she is." Steve agreed but Bucky was already asleep. The interaction was over so quickly that Steve wondered if he had dreamed it.