Disclaimer: Everything belongs to JK Rowling and Marvel

My favorite chapter to work on so far! Two ideas from reviewers are in this chapter but I wont say what, only the reviewers will know cause i'm evil that way! This was just so fun to write and one of the longest I've ever written. I hope you enjoy my loves!

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Chapter 7

Hermione had a great day after the book store. She and Steve walked around the city, holding hands and sharing the occasional kiss. She was in 7th heaven and nothing could ruin it. After the war she never thought she could be this happy and now she was. Hermione didn't think her smile would ever vanish.

Hermione was currently leaning into Steve as the cab they were in drove back to Brooklyn. The new couple was content to just rest against each other after a long day.

Steve looked over at Hermione. She looked so happy, just like him. He sighed quietly as the cab pulled up to the apartment building. He paid the fare and they walked up the stairs, hand in hand. Steve walked her to her door and looked down with a smile. Her's was as brilliant as the sun and she reached up again to kiss him. He responded and they seemed to hold each other for what seemed like a lifetime before she pulled back.

"Good night Steve." Hermione said quietly and disappeared into her apartment. He was still grinning as he walked to his.

Hermione sighed in contentment as she set her bag down. Suddenly her phone rang.

"Hello Harry! How are you?" Her voice was still cheerful and he noticed.

"What happened to you? You sound way too happy." Harry's voice had an amusing twinge in it.

"Ah nothing, just kissed Steve."

"Really?" Harry wasn't as happy as Hermione thought he would be.

"What's wrong Harry? I'm finally feeling better but you don't seem happy about it."

There was a pause. "I am happy for you Hermione but I did some digging about this Steve guy. You know, just in case."

Hermione frowned. "Of course you would. What did you find?"

"Have you heard of Captain America?" Harry asked.

"Briefly. My dad used to have comics about him."

"Did it ever mention his real name?"

"I don't remember. Why?" Hermione asked.

"I'll give you a hint. His initials are S.R."

Hermione mouthed it out before it hit her. "Steve is Captain America? I didn't think that was real!"

"I talked to the goblins. Apparently his plane went down during World War II and they thought he was dead but a year ago he was thawed after spending 70 years in ice." Harry sighed. "He worked closely with my grandparents apparently. Dorea and Charlus Potter. According to records, he knows about magic so you should talk to him."

"Okay. Thanks Harry." Hermione said before hanging up.

Hermione sighed before opening her door and crossing the hall to Steve's apartment. She hesitated for a second before knocking. It opened almost instantly. He smiled before seeing her serious face. Figuring she wanted to talk, he stood back so she could enter. Hermione looked around the apartment. It was slightly old fashioned but it seemed to suit him. She sat down and he offered her a drink which she declined. He sat across from her. Hermione seemed to be thinking hard.

"I'll be blunt." She said. "Why didn't you tell me you were Captain America?"

Steve was speechless. How did she know? "I was trying to be normal. Not some special guy. But, how did you know?"

Hermione figured she could kill two birds with one stone. "My best friend Harry Potter," She emphasized the last name ", is too cautious so he researched you."

Steve faintly recognized the last name. He kept saying it until it hit him. Dorea and Charlus Potter. If he figured right, Harry Potter would be a wizard and if he was best friends with Hermione. "You're a witch. Why didn't you tell me?" He was hurt.

"Because I thought you were a mundane who didn't know about magic. We have a Statue of Secrecy that has to be followed. Plus, like you said, I just wanted to feel normal after so long." Tears entered her eyes. "I haven't been normal for years and I just wanted that to happen to me at least once. I'm-I'm finally not a shell like I was back in London." Steve watched her but he could tell she wasn't done. "I was in a war just like you, but this one affected me worse."

Steve watched as she yanked her left sleeve up to uncover writing. The white knotted scars spelled out a word. Mudblood. "How did you get this?" He gently took her arm and inspected it.

She had a fire in her eyes as she spat out a terrifying word to Steve. "Torture." He looked up in shock but she was staring out into space. "I remember it well. To well. The gaunt face of Bellatrix and the knife that almost hit my bone. The screams will never leave me." Her voice turned to a whisper as her eyes finally focused on him. He was stalk still before gently pulling her to him.

"It's okay. I won't let anyone hurt you." Steve whispered in her ear as she shook with suppressed sobs. Steve continued to sooth her until she fell asleep, startling him. As she slept, he studied her. Now that he looked closer, he could see the scars. The one resting on her throat scared him. It looked like a knife had rested there. He sighed and picked her up bridal style before carrying her to his bed and after kissing her forehead, went to sleep on the couch.

The last thought Steve had was that he would always protect her.

…..

Hermione woke to an unfamiliar setting. Why was she in a bed that wasn't hers? She suddenly remembered that the last thing she had done before sinking into oblivion. She had been sobbing in Steves arms. She must still be in his apartment. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up and heard a noise. Hermione paused until she heard it again. It sounded like a sizzling of food. Her stomach rumbled at the sound and she stood up, noticing she was still in her clothes but not really caring.

Hermione walked down the hall to see Steve in fresh clothing and standing in front of the stove. The sizzling had been bacon. He looked up at her appearance in the kitchen and smiled.

"Hey, feeling better?" He asked. She could see his eyes full of concern and she gave a smile.

"Yeah, thanks." Hermione stood awkwardly.

"I'm making breakfast so you can sit down, if you like." Steve said and Hermione nodded, plopping herself on a chair.

She watched him as he cooked. It was like when Harry first cooked for her. A familiarity and speed most didn't have. Hermione knew that for Harry, it was because of his abuse, but she didn't know about Steve. He put the bacon on two separated plates which already had some eggs and a slice of toast. Balancing the two, he went to the table and set one in front of Hermione before sitting down across from her.

This looks great." She said while picking up a fork. He chuckled but thanked her. "You know, Harry, when he cooks, looks like you. It's like he was born to cook and watching you, I see the same." She picked up some eggs and put them in her mouth, relishing the warmth and taste.

"Well back in the war," He watched her cautiously, "before the injections, I was the scrawniest of the bunch so they put me on cooking duty a lot."

Hermione just let out a breath. "Well that's interesting."

"Can I ask you something?" Steve questioned and she nodded. "You said last night that you had been in a war, was it a magical war?"

Hermione sighed as Steve gazed at her. "Yes it was. A very extensive, complicated, and dangerous war. I don't really want to get into it right now but I will tell you this, I was a shell of a girl until I came here."

Her smile brightened as he realized what she meant. He grinned and stood, walking over to Hermione and pulling her up. He leaned down and she met him halfway, their lips pressed together in a passionate kiss. They didn't want to stop but the need to breathe eventually came and they pulled away. Hermione's eyes were a little out of focus until she shook her head. Steve grinned even wider at her flushed face.

"Well, I…you…I'm a little…"

Steve brushed a piece of her hair back. "Yeah, I know." He smiled as she blushed a dark red.

Hermione looked down for a second before looking up and into his eyes. Steve could see an eternal battle raging in those depths. She sighed before wrapping her arms around him. He instantly held her as she sniffled slightly.

"Thank you Steve." Her voice was slightly muffled by his shirt.

"For what?" He asked and she looked up, her arms still around him. She smiled softly.

"Just…for helping me. Not even Harry knew but I was just so close to doing something," She paused. Trying to word what she wanted to say ", drastic I guess you could say. He practically forced me to move here and it's helped immensely as I already told you."

Steve was shocked. This beautiful, strong woman was going to commit suicide before she came here. He wanted to make sure that never happened again. Steve kissed the top of her head and she smiled. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Wondering who it was, he reluctantly let go of Hermione and answered. It was a man with messy black hair, startling green eyes behind glasses and pale skin.

"Hi, I'm looking for Hermione Granger." The bushy haired witch recognized that voice.

"Harry!" Hermione rushed over. "What in Merlin's name are you doing here?" She gave him a hug, which he returned. Steve watched in confusion.

"Well I came to see my best friend and meet this man who has been monopolizing her time." Harry said in amusement and Hermione rolled her eyes before gesturing toward Steve.

"Harry this is Steve Rogers, Steve this is Harry Potter." Hermione gave the introductions. They shook hands and Hermione noticed Harry sizing Steve up. She shook her head. "Does he pass your inspection Harry?"

Steve looked startled while Harry blushed lightly. He muttered something that sounded like 'trying to be subtle' that made Hermione smile. "Now why else are you here?"

"Still can read me huh? When you didn't answer your phone last night, after we talked, I grew worried. I apparated over here this morning as I had to help Andromeda with Teddy."

Hermione gave a sigh. "I told you I'm not a danger magnet like you."

"Yeah, a troll finding you in a bathroom isn't danger attracted." Harry snorted and she blushed.

She shot back with a smile. "Oh yeah? Who had a house elf trying to injure you all second year? Don't think I forgot about the Bludger that broke your arm."

"Yeah don't forget about the idiot professor who tried to fix it. A night in the hospital wing re-growing bones is not my idea of celebrating a win." The two friends burst out laughing. Harry looked up and saw Steve's expression.

"I think we broke him." Harry said and Hermione looked over. Steve's face was a mix of confusion and shock. Hermione led him to his couch and Harry followed, looking around with a half-smile.

"Steve are you okay?" Hermione asked.

"A troll?" That was the first thing he got out. Harry chuckled but silenced when Hermione shot him a glare.

"Yeah. I was eleven and a troll was let into the castle. Harry and another friend saved me when I was trapped in the girls' bathroom." Hermione said. Suddenly Steve pulled her to his side as if trying to make sure she was still there. Harry smiled as Hermione sighed in happiness. Harry hadn't seen her like this in ages and he was thankful to Steve that he brought the happiness back.

"Hermione I have to go. I'll come back tomorrow, okay?" Harry said and Hermione nodded, maneuvering out of Steves hold to give Harry a hug. "I'm happy for you Hermione. I really am." He whispered before leaving, closing the door behind him.

Steve finally stood. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on top of her head. Hermione smiled though it was hidden by his chest.

She was happy and she was determined to stay that way.

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So they've come clean and Steve has met Harry! I promise more Harry will now be in this story so just wait! Read and Review please!