Chapter 6
Harry and Ron were aghast; they couldn't believe that Hermione was staying in the States. They understood her reasons but still… the three of them had been together so long that it didn't feel right being separated.
"Boys, it doesn't mean that we are not going to see each other again, we can always connect the chimney in my parents' house to the Floo Network and I'll be just a call away." Hermione appeased them.
"Are your parents alright?" Harry asked concerned.
"Yes, we all are." Hermione smiled brightly at the heads of her two best friends.
"And what are you going toooo dooooo?" Ron yawned, Hermione almost forgot the big hour difference between London and New York.
"I'm thinking about enrolling in some Muggle University and staying under the radar for some time, I really don't want to deal with journalists right now, sorry for leaving them to you boys."
"Nah, it is fine." Harry dismissed, he was already used to them by now. "If I could go away I would do it."
"Thanks Harry."
Ron wasn't saying much and Hermione knew that they needed to talk.
"Harry, can I talk to you later? There's something…"
"Ok, I get it, I'll see you when you two finish." The-Boy-Who-Lived disappeared from the chimney.
Hermione glanced at the clock on the wall, she had ten minutes left with the Chimney, she was currently in the British Wizarding Consulate and they were kind enough to established contact with her best friends in England. She needed to be fast, precise but subtle.
"So… what do you want to talk about?" Ron asked awkwardly.
"I know that I left without much warning." She began. "And that we didn't talk much about the kiss in The Chamber but I wanted you to know that I don't regret it, and it would be lovely to know what do you think about it."
Hermione's hands were sweaty and her heart was racing faster than ever while she waited for his answer.
"I don't regret it either." He said confidently and she let out the breath that she didn't know she was holding. "But now you are there and I'm here… I mean, if you want we could try… I'm not saying that we must or anything, I'm…"
"Ron, it's ok." Hermione said making Ron's babbling stop. "I understand what you want to say. It's just not the time for us."
Ron nodded, marveled at how easily she could understand him, and how easy he got her in turn. Still, he wanted to say much more but he wasn't as good expressing feelings as her, so he let her do the talking.
"I think it's best for us to be with our families. The war is still lingering it has been only one and a half months since the final battle, and we are not ready yet." She said sighing sadly.
"But there will come a time, right? In which we can try." Ron said, refusing to give up so easily.
"I hope so." Hermione smiled at him.
"I'll be here if you need me."
"I know, you can also count on me."
"Friends?"
"Friends."
There was a comfortable silence between them.
"You and your family can come for the Holidays." Hermione said.
Ron smirked. "I don't think there's enough food in America to feed all Weasleys."
"Well, you can always stay in the Burrow Ronald."
Both laughed, all the previous tension gone.
"Can you pass Harry on?"
"Yes, sure. Good luck, Mione."
"Good luck to you too, Ron."
Ron's head flashed her one last smile and disappeared, not two seconds after the unruly hair of Harry Potter appeared.
"Everything alright?"
"Yes, don't worry about it."
"You know that Ginny will want to come and drag you back, don't you?"
Hermione chuckled, that sounded fair enough for the force of nature that was her redheaded friend.
"Yes, but before she gets the chance I'm counting on you and your puppy face to make her desist."
"We are going to miss you Mione."
"I'll miss you too but we have lots of ways to stay in contact, and not all of them are wizarding, that's why I wanted to talk to you, I'm going to give you my house number and when I get a cell phone I'll send it to you." Hermione chewed her lip, wondering if she should ask or not. "Are there any Death Eaters in the run?"
Harry's eyes turned grim and his face was serious, just like every other time that they talked about Voldemort or Death Eaters.
"There are a few that we know for certain that are alive and others that we haven't recovered their bodies, Dolohov is one of them."
Hermione touched her belly unconsciously; she wished with all her heart that Dolohov was one of the unidentified bodies.
"But don't worry about it Hermione, we will catch them and send them to Azkaban."
"Still, Constant Vigilance!"
Harry smiled sadly, remembering Moody's death.
"And how is America treating you so far?"
"It's wonderful Harry, the people I have met are amazing; you don't have to worry about me not having any friends here."
"I'm glad to hear that. When will you connect your chimney to the Floo?"
"If the employees continue to be this nice I'll say that the day after tomorrow."
Harry's eyes widened. "Wow, they are really giving you special treatment for saving the world, aren't they?"
"You can bet on it." A knock on the door was heard and Hermione knew that her time was running out. "I have to go Harry, give Ron, Neville, Luna, Ginny and the rest of the Weasleys my love."
"Of course."
"And let me know how Teddy, Hagrid, Professor McGonagall and all the others are."
"Yes."
"I'm serious, I want an update…."
"I'll tell you everything Mione! Stop worrying about us!" Harry stopped her amused; that was his Hermione, always losing her mind for others. "We'll take of ourselves; enjoy your time with your parents." Another knock was heard.
"See you." Hermione said as the flames consumed themselves.
Pepper was regretting introducing Hermione Granger to Tony. She didn't know that it had been a bad idea until Steve called, saying that Hermione had texted him stating that the Grangers wanted to thank them all for their help. Pepper told Tony and she had expected him to make up some excuse to free himself from the encounter, Pepper was so certain that it was going to happen that she prepared her smile.
She was taken aback when Tony immediately cleared his entire schedule and reserved a dinner in some fancy restaurant for the meeting. What disturbed her most was Tony's low mumble about the possibilities about discovering her secrets and other things that made no sense at all. Pepper could say with all certainty that the insane curiosity of Tony had appeared.
Now she was trying to convince him not to go, to no avail. He was set on with seeing Hermione Granger again and she knew that –in this- she couldn't stop him, the only thing she could do was being at the dinner and try to control him there. Or… was there another way to do it? She needed to call Steve.
Steve knew that Stark would want to make a big scene and was somewhat resigned to what was about to come, however, when Pepper called him and explained Stark's plans Steve didn't waver to let her use the recorded apology as an… incentive for good behavior –because "blackmail" was illegal and such a drastic word to use-. And so Pepper changed the meeting to the afternoon in a modest Coffee Shop. He was relieved that he didn't have to wear a suit –like he would have to if they went to Tony's restaurant- because he didn't own one. It wasn't the same place that Hermione and he had tea –and coffee- at some time ago, but it was still good. He arrived first, a little earlier, so he just sat there and prepared for a long wait.
"What's up Cap?"
Could it be? Stark arriving early? Steve didn't believe his eyes as Stark sat in front of him.
"Hello Stark."
"Am I early?" He asked clearly confused and checking his watch.
"Yes, ten minutes."
"Huh, I didn't notice, it has been a long time since I've been this excited about something."
"You promised you'll behave, remember that."
"I'll try."
Pepper and the Grangers entered the shop, they were chatting enthusiastically; Hermione looked happier than before and so relaxed. It made her look actually her age, instead of a hopeless woman disguised as a teenager. Pepper was radiant, as always, and waved her hand when she spotted them. Marianne Granger had her daughter's nose and freckles, her hair had beautiful honey waves and amazing honey eyes, she was smiling and was willowy and taller than Hermione by inches. David Granger had the same mess of a hair of his daughter but his was shades darker, his eyes were a peculiar combination of brown and green eyes, he had a beard and everything in him screamed "English citizen", he carried himself proudly and made sure of having Marianne and Hermione in his sight. They looked wonderful together, like a proper family.
"That would have discarded our theory of them not being family if we still had it." Stark whispered at him before standing up and put a brilliant smile on his face, without doubt he had bring the 'Stark charm' into action. "Well, well, well, don't you look better every time I lay my eyes on you Pepper? And you must be Marianne and David Granger! I'm so glad to see that Hermione was able to find you."
Said person cocked an eyebrow, since when Stark and she had been in first-name-bases?
"Thank you Tony, and yes they are the Grangers…" In a very low voice she added. "Be nice."
"As you already know us I think that we can skip the introductions Mister Stark, you are well known almost everywhere." David said shaking Tony's hand, he didn't like him at all, too cocky for his taste.
"Please, call me Tony." He had sensed the animosity directed towards his person and smiled brighter, David Granger was a smart guy.
David was about to reply something emphasizing `Mister Stark' but Marianne interrupted him by speaking with the other man in the table.
"And who will be this handsome fellow? Could you be Steve Rogers? Hermione had spoken nothing but good things of you! I was eager to meet you!" Marianne said smiling more widely if that was possible. "I'm Marianne Granger, Hermione's mother, thank you for helping my daughter to find us, it's good to know that there are still good souls in this world."
"Mom…" Hermione said embarrassed, sometimes her mother just forgot that normal people didn't get that excited and tended to overreact.
"Yes, sorry love." Marianne didn't look sorry at all. "I really wanted to thank you all for every part that you contributed to make my family whole again." She continued. "I just don't know how to express how grateful I am, nothing seems enough."
"Can we all just sit down, please?" Hermione said, still embarrassed but happy because they were together again.
Everybody agreed and sat down. A waiter came instantly and gave them the menus and took the orders, leaving them alone to talk once more. Pepper and Marianne immediatly got along; David was a harder to approach but when Hermione elbowed him not so discreetly he started engaging himself more in the conversation.
The Grangers were lovely and normal. Nothing screamed "weirdos" or something among those lines… which made Tony extremely frustrated, he had hoped to get something out of the meeting. The waiter came again and started removing their things; in the process he knocked the salt to the ground, no one gave it much thought; Hermione caught it and the waiter apologized, she said there was no problem and the chat went on. Tony continued talking with David about how the market was and… Wait. Hermione caught it! As if it was a rehearsed reaction everybody in the table stopped talking, finally realizing what had happened.
"Wow Hermione!" Marianne exclaimed. "You've got good reflexes!"
Hermione blushed and nodded bashfully.
"Yeah, it must be because all the time I spent with Harry."
Tony was still marveled at what happened. It wasn't as if it was uncommon for people to have good reflexes but he hadn't expect that of her, she didn't look like the athletic type and neither David nor Marianne have traces of being agile so it could be hereditary. Therefore, she must have developed the skill. Or he just was hoping that to make her more interesting.
"Do you play any sports?" Pepper asked, and regretted when a hungry spark appeared in Tony's eyes.
"No, I'm more of the bookworm type." She answered simply.
"And what are your plans now that you are together? Going back to London?"
"If we may ask." Pepper added giving Tony a warning look.
"No, we plan to stay in America for now, Hermione it's going to finish her schooling." David said firmly.
That was a chance that Tony wouldn't miss for anything in the world.
"Where did you study before, Hermione? If you want to I can write a recommendation letter and you'll be accepted in any University just like…" He snapped his fingers. "…that. You just have to tell me a little bit about your grades and people I can call to confirm what you are saying."
The tension came instantly; Hermione stopped smiling and had a guarded expression in her face, thoughts clearly rushing in her head. Marianne looked concerned and David scowled, deciding that he definitely didn't like Tony Stark at all, the billionare was just to meddling for his taste.
"That's very nice from on your part Tony." Hermione answered, measuring her words carefully. "But I… did not continue my studies after I turned eleven years old, there were some problems at the orphanage. Everything I've learned it is due to my many hours in the public library and asking a professor that regularly went there." She lied; it was scary how easy it seemed to get with time.
Tony was impressed; to come up with a lie so quickly… but she didn't do it smoothly, everyone at the table noticed she was lying and Steve and Pepper were eyeing her warily, her parents were dumbfounded. Pepper kicked him on his calf with her sharp heel. That woman would be his doom someday, seriously.
"Au… In that case, I'll be happy to point you in the right direction to get certifications, you'll just have to take some tests and with my help you can take them whenever you want." He offered.
Hermione was surprised but nodded nonetheless. It was a rare opportunity and she would be a fool for not taken it.
"So… I think that it's time for us to go." Marianne said, sensing that the more time they spend there the more her daughter would have to lie.
"Thank you again for everything." David said, shaking hands promptly; he also was eager to get out of there.
"You're welcome." The three Americans said in unison.
"Hermione, if you need anything while you are in New York, you can call me, okay?" Steve said.
She smiled fondly at the bigger version of Neville. "Yes, thanks Steve."
"Have a ni…" David began.
A big explosion was heard; across the street the bank's windows shattered and glass flew everywhere. Hermione was already on her feet and running out of the Coffee Shop without even realising it, her parents' screams weren't heard as she approached the injured people outside the bank.
Did Granger think she was bloody James Bond?! Why did she run towards the danger! Tony called Jarvis and his suit appeared flying and covered his body.
"Take care of the civilians Steve." He said and flew away.
Pepper and Steve started guiding the people to a safe place and making sure that someone called 911. However David and Marianne refused to move while Hermione was there, they even went there to help her with the excuse that they were doctors and could help in something. Steve didn't dare to argue that they were dentists.
Marianne and David arrived to where Hermione was and felt proud of her as she attended a young man that wasn't unconscious but in pain. Their daughter looked up and reliefe flowed over her face as she spotted them, it was nice that even she had gone through some horrible experiences she could still feel safe with her parents by her side.
"C'mon!"
Marianne went over to the boy and started assisting him; David started searching for other injured and in matter of seconds Hermione was with him, both split and help as much people as they could. The sirens of the ambulance were heard and arrived shortly, together they could put as much people as they could out of the danger zone that had become the entrance of the bank as Ironman was sent flying backwards. Hermione's heart sank; if something –or someone- could push Ironman then the odds to the Police weren't much better. She pulled her wand out and looked for her parents, they were looking at her too, horror written in their faces. She smiled reassuringly at them and disillusioned herself, with all the surrounding chaos no one else noticed her disappearence.
And so Hermione entered in the bank. Tony was fighting a big thing, she couldn't quiet place it, scary, angry, and red and black, everything about it screamed evil. It shined, so it could be mechanic, maybe someone was controlling it? Magic and technology didn't get along and if she used her magic it might disable the robot... and Ironman as well, if he was in range. She couldn't attack directly, if the person wanted to assault a bank then there should be more robots –or the responsible itself- collecting the money or codes or whatever their goal was. Making her mind she let Tony take the punches of the robot and left to find her target. She went first to the vault and, predictably, there were six smaller versions of the big evil robot. Hermione couldn't afford attention being draw to herself so she discarded loud spells, she wondered if her only presence would be enough to make them go nuts or if she needed to cast a spell.
"Aqua eructo." She whispered and flickered her wand. The robots stopped moving and the water that she conjured soaked them, the circuits exploded and they laid in the floor, lifeless. She pointed her wand once more. "Diffindo." With that her job was done.
"What took you so long Cap?" Stark yelled.
"Shut up and shoot, Stark."
"Owww, you hurt my feelings!"
Steve rolled his eyes and started fighting, it had been a long time since he jumped into a random battle, as he had been doing work with Fury lately. Fighting together, the robot didn't stand a chance, though it held out very well, whoever constructed it should be a genius. Stark and he ran towards the vault and there were other six little robots, destroyed. Maybe some protocol of self-destruction? But then, why was there that gash in the middle of them? Why were they soaked in water?
"Well, someone took care of our problem." Stark said, lifting one of the robots. "I'll take this to the Tower, see if I can get something from this, good luck with the cops and say goodbye to the Grangers for me. Is Pepper alright?"
Steve cursed mentally, he had forgotten of the Grangers. "Yes, she is fine, I sent her away."
"Good, thanks Cap."
And with that Ironman flew away and Steve got out the bank. The Grangers were fine, they were still busying themselves, making people calm and keeping the collective hysteria at bay. They were truly wonderful people, it was a shame that something bad seemed to happen everywhere they were; they didn't deserve that.
Steve's thoughts were interrupted by the police man that approached him, they wanted a statement. Oh joy.
"Only with my luck." Hermione said hours later. "Seriously, it seems that troubles keep following me! I thought that I would finally have a quiet year here."
Her parents had ranted about how irresponsible and stupid it was of her to run right into the line of fire. She had missed them so much that she didn't mind much that they were yelling at her, also she was so tired that she could barely kept herself awake.
Maybe when she entered to the University everything would be finally normal.
Marianne and David may have chastised her over and over again but they had also jumped in the line of fire just for her, and that put a smile on her face. She burrowed her mother's cell to send Steve a text.
Hermione Granger:
Are you alright? This is H. Granger from my mom's cell.
She pressed 'send' and two minutes after the response came.
Steve Rogers:
Yes, glad to know you are too –I didn't know where to call you-.
Hermione Granger:
Sorry. I'm tired; could we talk tomorrow or another day? I would like to have a guide in New York, if it's ok with you.
Steve Rogers:
Whenever you want, you know where to find me. Take rest, until other day. Say 'hello' to your parents for me, would you?
Hermione Granger:
Yes, I will, good night.
Hermione closed the phone and smiled, Steve was such a sweet person, she was lucky she had found him. She said good night to her parents, hugged them and went to sleep on the couch-bed in the living room. With slumber already lurking, she barely remembered to put the Silencing Charms around her bed, just in case she had any nightmares, she had run out of Dreamless Potion a while ago. Now that she had found her parents maybe brewing it would become a priority.
She yawned and thought about everything that she had. Her parents, her friends back in England and her new friends here in New York, the opportunity to go to school again. She smiled and (with a wave of her wand) took down the Silencing Charms again before going to sleep.
How could she have nightmares when everything was so perfect?
Chapter betaed: Feb 12th, 2016.
Ok... I know it's been a little while since the last update but here it is! What do you think? Let me know!
Thanks to all the people who have added this story to favorites or to "follow" :D As always, a bigger "thank you" to the ones who had reviewed the last chapter: MinaCarlyle, sweets1111, Lunar Joy and Lugia'sChallanger13. Love you all!
Next chapter will be the epilogue :O I can't believe it's almost done!
