Friends! Hello! Anyone else excited that Supernatural is going for season 12? Cuz I certainly am! So, in this chapter I went a bit overboard with the Hermione and Cas fluff. Yeah…..It's become an addiction. Anywho, I hope you still ENJOY!


Chapter 7

Hermione and the brothers had stayed at Bobby's for about a week. Sam was just getting over the demon blood being purged from his system. Hermione was trying to reign in her after effects of using such dark and twisted magic. Dean was coming to terms with the fact that he truly was broken. Castiel had come every night to sit by Hermione and let peace come to her. Sometimes they would just talk and other times he would help her sleep. It was becoming very clear to Bobby and the brothers that Castiel really doted on Hermione.

Hermione had told Bobby of her being a witch and that she was in no way meaning to harm him. He had almost shot her! Good thing Cas caught the bullet.

She explained to the oldened hunter, "I was born with my magic. It took me many years and hard work to control it." He accepted her answers and said that she would have to tell him about her magic sometime. He had never heard of her kind of magic.

That week, they were researching a chain of events just miles away from Bobby's home. There were electric storms and then a murder happened. Normal? No. The murderer was said to be a dead man. Fat lot of sense that made. Hermione thought Necromancy and if they were dealing with the four horsemen and two were out of commission, that left Death as the ultimate culprit. Strange.

Sam and Dean decided to check it out while Hermione stayed to help Bobby with research. She wanted to go with the brothers, but they told her that even with her hunting skills, they hadn't gotten her a fake ID or badges of any sort. They also said she needed to learn how to use their weapons. She couldn't go around flaunting magic everywhere. She needed to blend in.

Hermione agreed, but was still a bit sour about it. She and Bobby searched book after book and decided to take a break. She asked if nosing around the graveyard where the dead guy was buried would help. He told her it was a great place to start.

That was how they ended up searching for a gravestone in the middle of the night.

She asked Bobby, "What exactly are we looking for?"

He responded with, "If these folks are jumping from their graves then we need to find the guy's grave and see if it's dug up or replanted." Hermione nodded. They searched for his name on the information they got. It was a while before anything happened. They found the dead man's grave. Bobby made her dig it up. The coffin was smashed through. Hermione winced at the sight. What a perfectly good coffin to ruin. She had to mentally slap herself. It wasn't the time for coffin admiration.

She recovered the grave and sparsely planted it. They would have to tell the Winchester's.

They were walking back to the entrance when a voice spoke up behind them. "Bobby?" It was soft, feminine, full of confusion and relief. Hermione turned around with the shovel in a defensive stance in front of Bobby. There was a beautiful blonde woman behind them. Her hair was in loose blonde curls. She wore a yellow dress and a white apron. The woman honestly looked like a 50's housewife.

Hermione's frame blocked Bobby's view. She said threateningly, "Who are you?"

The woman held up her hands and asked, "Who are you?" Well…..shit. That put them at a standstill didn't it?

That is, until Bobby stated behind her in an amazed voice, "Karen?"

Hermione threw her shovel aside and shouted exasperated, "What am I missing here?" The two seemed to pay her no mind as they continued to stare at eachother. Well….awkward. Oh, just got more awkward. They were crying, and hugging. Hell, did Bobby just kiss her?

Hermione quickly bolted out of there and waited at the entrance with her shovel. She couldn't wait to get her hands on this juicy Soap Opera. Staying in a mental hospital got kind of boring. Well, Castiel helped amuse her. He played board games with her when she asked. People just thought she was playing games with herself.

Hermione came back to the present when Bobby and this woman Karen came out of the graveyard. "So, who's this lady?"

Bobby bristled and responded, "This lady is my wife." Hermione dropped the shovel and stood there silently.

"Wife? As in walk down the altar and kiss to seal the deal?" Karen nodded at her with a small smile.

"And who might you be?" Hermione was a bit worried. Dead people were showing up and now Bobby had a wife. Hermione would play along. She could be discrete and sneaky. Collect information without getting distrust from Bobby.

"Hermione. Sorry for, um, threatening you with a shovel. Bobby never told me he had a wife." Karen looked a bit down at that comment.

Hermione quickly said, "Though, I've only known him a few weeks. So, I'm sure it would come up sometime." Karen seemed to perk back up and Bobby gave her a grateful look. Hermione just shot him a glance that said they were going to have a long discussion about it.

The three got home in awkward silence and as soon as Karen stepped through the door, she went into the kitchen. Bobby was going to follow her, but Hermione wheeled him right back to her.

"I swear I will paralyze your arms next if you're not one hundred percent honest with me." The man seemed to droop a bit.

But he did explain, "Karen's my wife. That's it."

"Your dead wife."

"How-"

"I put the pieces together old timer. I'm not an idiot."

"Fine! She's my dead wife. So what? She's back and she's not some zombie."

"Well how could you know?!"

"Back off, kid."

"I will not back off and let you get eaten alive!" Bobby growled and crossed his arms.

"I won't let that happen."

Hermione gently sighed and told him, "I just don't want you to get attached and end up having to go through her death a second time. I can end it. Fast and quick, she won't feel a thing." Bobby seemed to consider it, but eventually shook his head.

"I can take care of it if the time comes. For now, let me enjoy my time with her." Hermione slowly nodded.

"I'm staying."

He rolled his eyes and muttered, "Troublesome Mother Hen." Hermione chuckled and sat on the couch with a book. Time went by slowly as Bobby and Karen caught up. Hermione listened to the sweet sound of the woman humming in the kitchen. She could understand why Bobby loved her so much. Karen was just an unending ray of sunshine.

"What troubles you?" Hermione startled and fell off the couch. She was hastily helped up and was happy to see Castiel.

"We talked about that, Cas!" He held up his hands and slowly stepped back.

"Apologies." Hermione dusted herself off and sat back on the couch. She offered the seat next to her and Castiel sat.

"So, what is troubling you?"

Hermione sighed and told him, "Nothing Castiel. Don't worry yourself." He gave her a knowing look.

"You were staring at the same page for half an hour." Hermione groaned and dropped her head on the angel's shoulder.

"Nothing gets past you." When he didn't reply, she curled up closer to him. "It's this dream I keep having."

He shifted closer and asked, "Nightmare?"

"In a way. It's torturing to not know what it means. What it's trying to tell me."

Castiel nodded and asked, "Tell me." So, she did. She told him about the rolls of film and how she couldn't go back to her old life. How, the future in one film was so gory and sad. How that was the only film she could enter.

After it all, he just told her softly, "I'm not all knowing, Hermione. I think you need to figure this one out alone."

She whispered, "I was afraid you would say that." Instead of responding, he opened his wings wide and wrapped them around the two. It was the ultimate comfort.

"Thanks Cas." The two didn't see Karen watching them with a twinkle in her eye. Bobby rolled up behind his wife and asked what she was looking at.

Karen pointed to the two and without questioning how the man got in the house, she said, "You see that Bobby?"

He nodded and replied, "It looks like a headache waitin' to happen." The woman chuckled and walked away.

"It looks like the start of a beautiful love." Bobby cringed at the thought. It just seemed a bit strange to him. An angel and a witch. Though, he could see what his wife was talking about. They were close.

The next day, Castiel went away and the day went on. Karen didn't sleep. Expected for a zombie.

Bobby got a call and answered, "Agent Willis." Hermione perked up and finished the slice of apple pie Karen made special for her. To be honest, Hermione was a bit sad to see Karen go. The woman was sweet and made a mean pie. Bobby hung up the phone and called Hermione. She looked up to him.

He told her while wheeling up to the table, "Those boys have a gift for getting into bad situations." Hermione didn't question. She would find out soon enough. And find out she did. Bobby got a call early in the morning saying that he needed to pick up the Winchesters from a holding cell. It's like they asked for trouble.

He had slammed the phone down and shouted, "Hermione! C'mon. We need to pick up the idjits from friggin jail." Hermione nodded and slipped on her jacket. Karen came out of the kitchen with a face of curiosity.

"Going somewhere?"

Bobby softened towards her and said, "Some friends got in trouble. I need to bail 'em out." The woman nodded and left Bobby with a peck on the cheek. Hermione helped Bobby to the truck. While helping him in the back, she got a good whiff of him.

"Bobby, is that soap?"

"Shut it." Hermione just chuckled. They drove off with Bobby telling Hermione how to drive. She never got a chance to get her licence. She did read the book and go a few times with her father, but driving on the streets was a skill she didn't have.

After the second close call Bobby stated, "We are teaching you to drive before you even think about picking up a gun."

"Good idea." They eventually arrived at the station in one piece. She helped Bobby out and discretely magic'ed the door open for him.

He ended up smacking her hand saying, "I can do it myself." She rubbed her hand and glowered at him. Cantankerous old man. A woman walked up to them and eyed them. Bobby straightened in his chair.

"Jody Mills." The woman nodded towards him.

"Bobby Singer." Jody looked to Hermione. She held her hand out with a kind smile and shook Joy's hand.

"Hermione Lovegood." Jody kindly nodded and lead them into the station.

"These two went to a man's house and kidnapped him. Attempting murder by the looks of the gun one of them was holding." Hermione winced. That wasn't going to be easy to get them out of. Then, Hermione noticed them give each other secretive looks.

Something clicked in Hermione's mind and she verbally exclaimed, "Ohhhh!" They both turned to look at her strangely and she pointed to both.

"You two are crazy! Bonkers! Mad! Off the wall!"

"Hermione?"

"No! Nope, I'm going to converse with sane people now. The only ones who see the problem. Good day!" Hermione then snatched the cell keys off of Jody's belt and quickly went to find the cells. She could hear the woman yell after her, but she didn't turn around. Hermione was just amazed. The whole town was having the ones the loved come back and what do they do?

Open their doors and say, "Welcome home! I know we buried you, but sure! Come in and be a happy family." People were delusional. Completely blind from reality! Hermione walked over to the boy's cell and they looked so relieved to see her.

"Hermione!"

She waved them away and replied, "I know my name, yes." She shoved the key in the lock and let them out. Dean looked towards a chatting Bobby and Jody.

He stated in disbelief, "So what? They're friends now?"

"You don't know the half of it shortstack."

He looked at her affronted. "Shortstack?" Hermione once again waved him away and pushed them forward.

"I am so glad you two are out. This town is insane! Blind. Insane! I mean, Glenwood crazy." Sam stopped and took her shoulders.

"Hermione, your crazy's showing." Hermione calmed down and pointed to the sheriff and Bobby.

"You'll understand soon, but those two share a dirty little secret. Along with half the town." The boys nodded and Sam patted her on the shoulder.

"Glad we cleared that up." The two walked away from her and she nodded to herself a few times and then followed. Her crazy was showing? Strange. She thought it always showed.

The two boys questioned Bobby without repenting and it got even worse when they got home. Seeing Karen really made them question if Bobby was telling the truth about there being no sign of a horsemen or anything strange going on. Hermione just sat back and watched. It was odd seeing them so untrusting. Hermione knew the truth, but she had a feeling that this would turn out to be a life lesson for Bobby. Just a hunch.

It was a while before Dean and Sam were almost kicked out of the house. She was in the middle of it wondering which people to follow. But, she ultimately decided on Bobby. She wanted to protect him if Karen went all flesh eating batshit. Oh yes, Bobby was capable, but she didn't feel comfortable about leaving a wheelchair bound man by himself with a zombie having the face of his wife.

In the middle of the night, Karen was still in the kitchen, humming her tunes. Hermione could always soundproof her room, but she wanted to keep an ear out. It got to the point where Hermione wanted Castiel to talk with her, but that wasn't happening. He was busy searching for God.

So, instead she got padded downstairs. She walked in on Karen and sat on the counter.

The blonde smiled up at her and asked kindly, "Hungry dear?" Hermione politely nodded. Karen seemed elated and began to make a snack of chocolate chip cookies. Hermione just watched silently as the woman expertly baked. It was fast and coordinated. Like watching Severus make potions. Oh, she missed that.

He had tutored her when she wouldn't stop bugging him for potions lessons. She wanted to be just as skilled as him. They had a sort of friendship. Of course, Severus would never admit it, but she knew he was grateful. It made watching his death all the more painful.

Karen had finished the cookies and put them on a plate. She poured a glass of milk and handed them to Hermione. She smiled in thanks and ate her snack while watching Karen cook even more. It was mesmerizing.

"Karen." She looked over to Hermione. "You remember how you died don't you?" The woman sadly sighed and nodded.

"What gave me away?"

"Nothing. I just think that you love Bobby enough to not let him know you remember."

"Well, you aren't wrong."

Hermione took another bite of a cookie and asked her, "How did you die?" Karen placed all her attention into the baking.

"I was possessed. I could see all the horrible things that demon made me do. The murderous and sickening thoughts. Bobby didn't know what to do. So, he stabbed me. Killed me when I was unpossessed by Rufus. I know Bobby still holds himself responsible." Hermione nodded sadly and finished her snack.

"Well, Mrs. Singer I hate to ask this, but when the time comes, would you want it to be me or him to pull the trigger? You must feel it by now. The inevitability that you won't survive?" Karen looked to Hermione seriously.

"I know. I can feel it. And…..I would like it to be you. I don't want Bobby living through it again. Going through the guilt. He won't make it right by killing me again." Hermione sadly nodded. She took a step forward and hugged Karen.

"I'll make it painless. I promise. You won't feel a thing and Bobby won't know it was me."

Karen whispered a grateful, "Thank you."

Hermione kept to her promise. When two more days passed and Dean came in, gun cocked and ready to shoot Karen. Bobby kicked him off the property. Hermione thought everyone was dramatic. Just say the damn truth! Bobby was ready to pull the trigger and Dean was worried. How hard was it to say that in the first place?

Dean snuck in that late afternoon. Him and Karen talked while Hermione pretended that she wasn't listening. It was the next morning that got crazy.

Karen was unwell and kept repeating, "I'm so hungry." Hermione had an inkling about what for. Karen was laid in bed and taken care of by Bobby. Soon, it was clear that Karen was going downhill fast. Hermione watched with a sad face as Bobby was ready to pull the trigger. Hermione quickly let her magic creep into Karen's brain and snap the pieces attached to life. Therefore, she was dead seconds before Bobby shot her. It was what she promised. Bobby didn't know she had killed his wife and he didn't really kill her. But, Hermione knew that Bobby needed to "do the deed" for himself. It would give him closure of sorts.

The man turned to her with a hardened frown and wheeled past her. She looked to a dead Karen and snapped her fingers again. Her magic broke off and covered the woman with a white sheet. Hermione sighed. She liked Karen. Reminded her of McGonagall. Strong heart.

There were voices downstairs. Sounded like Dean. So, she headed towards them and found them in a rush gathering weapons. She cleared her throat and asked, "How can I help?"

Dean turned towards her and said, "Go help, Sammy at the station. There are too many people there to protect. We could use the power." Hermione nodded and disappeared. Dean blinked and said, "I never seen her do that before." He got back to work when Bobby yelled at him.

Hermione had popped into the station with a surprise and as soon as she opened her mouth, was shot in the head. She fell to the ground and blacked out for a minute. When she woke up, Sammy holding her face and yelling for her to wake up. She groggily pushed him away and stated, "Don't be so dramatic." He sighed in relief and helped her up. Damn she had a headache. "How long was I out?"

"Fifteen seconds."

"You counted?"

"...yes." She snorted and looked to see about twenty people looking at her in fear. Jody Mills held up her rifle.

"Oh! Jody! We're you the one that shot me?" She gulped and Hermione just laughed. "Nice shot! Knocked me out for a record time!" After a moment of nothing, Sam told them to get back to their rounds.

She turned to Sam and said, "Dean sent me to help with protection. Been attacked yet?"

"No. That's what worries me. They should be looking for flesh right now." Hermione nodded and was promptly handed a gun. She quickly handed it back.

"No no no. This is not practice time. I'll use my own amo." Sam tilted his head and she made her hand look like a gun. Pointer and middle finger together. The rest curled up and her thumb in the air. She looked at him excited and said, "I've always wanted to try this." She placed her thumb down and swiftly back up. Pulling her own trigger. A loud sound went off and a hole busted through the wall. She whistled and blew on her fingers, pretending to holster her imaginary gun.

"Watch out zombies! Hermione's locked and loaded!" Sam stared at her oddly and she just shrugged.

"It's like shooting a regular spell, but faster. Just like an invisible bullet."

Sam shook his head and whispered while walking away, "I would hate to be her enemy." Hermione smirked. Oh, her enemies hated being her enemy.

Suddenly, there were moaning sounds. Zombies. Sam shouted, "Alright! Everyone in positions!" Everyone got ready and the fight commenced. They must have killed about five Zombies before there weren't anymore. Shit. There was supposed to be more. Sam just felt an idea hit him. "Maybe they have another focus." Hermione caught on.

"Dean and Bobby!" Hermione swiftly grabbed onto Sam and Jody Mills for back up. "Sorry sheriff! You're going to feel a bit queasy." She quickly apparated and they ended up on Bobby's front porch. Hermione quickly righted everyone when she heard banging and yelling.

"Get a move on Samsquatch!" He paused at the odd name, but quickly moved. They entered his hallway.

Sam shouted, "Duck!" Bobby and Dean did as told and they opened fire. Together, the three of them shot every zombie's head clear off in the span of seconds.

After it was over, Hermione fake holstered her weapon and shouted, "That was totally monster mash slash western!" They all tiredly looked at her and she escorted herself out. It took a while for them to pack up all the bodies. Hermione was just fine with dragging a dead person. Sam and Dean sort of showed off by carrying two bodies at a time. She just narrowed her eyes and continued to drag her collection of corpses. She had magic, humor, an angel, but upper body strength? No.

The day ended and after it all Bobby turned to her and said, "Thank you."

"For?"

"For making Karen's death painless." Her eyes widened.

"How-."

"I heard you two talking in the kitchen." Hermione nodded. He sighed and said, "So, explain to me how your magic works?" Hermione smiled widely.

"Gladly my oldened hunter!"

She and Bobby had a good conversation. He even took notes! She showed him some tricks. Gave him sight to actually see magic for a short period of time. He was amazed. He had pointed out the dark strings of magic in the air. She told him that was this places magic. Hers was bright, but magic here was evil and dark. She had some dark strands in her. But, the dark strands were sort of like magic scars. It was the imprint dark spells did on her. Bobby appreciated her a lot more after that. Told her that her magic was truly amazing.

Castiel came to visit her that night. She laid in her bed wide awake. She was actually waiting for him to show up.

Like a child, she opened her arms to him and asked, "Hold me?" He nodded to her and removed his trench coat. He laid beside her like she always liked and held onto her. He usually felt nothing from contact, but it was different with Hermione. She made him feel just as safe as he did her. He felt warm and happy. He….liked it. Hermione eventually fell asleep and he stayed there for the night. Just holding the forever tormented witch.