Heyo! So. Last chapter was action packed! I think we can slow it all down a bit. We're getting to the end of the season! What will happen with Sam? Will Adam be saved? I don't know because I haven't decided yet! So, I guess it'll be surprise for both of us! Review and ENJOY!


Chapter 12

It was that same black abyss. The same two pieces of rolling film. She didn't pay attention to that. She just stared into the darkness. She felt empty. Nothing seemed straight. She knew what happened. She remembered the fear of it all. How she stared a raging monster in the eyes and told him truths that would crush anyone.

It crushed her. She thought she was invincible, but she wasn't. Her body would always heal, but her mind would always be broken. And….it hurt.

A familiar voice spoke up behind her. "I apologize." She didn't look towards him. She just kept staring.

"For?" She heard him sigh and walk up next to her. His steps echoed in the darkness of her mind.

"For not saving you." Hermione swallowed.

"You've already saved me once."

"Yes. I suppose."

She looked at his bony features and asked, "What are you here for?" Death looked very uncomfortable. Of course, he stood stoic like he had before, but his thin fingers were fidgeting with his cane.

"I wanted to make sure you were going to be alright." She looked back towards the films.

"Why would you care. I'm only a single person throughout the entirety of the universe. A peice of bacteria in a petri dish you can throw away whenever you please. Why should you care about me?"

He looked towards her and said with the same straight face, "Because you are my responsibility now. That mark, it means you are my own. I may be a ruthless force but I take care of my own."

She peered at him and asked desperately, "Why did you have to pick me? Why couldn't I have just died?"

He placed a hesitant hand on her shoulder and told her, "Because out of everyone on the universe, you were the only one strong enough to do it." She could feel herself want to break down. Oh, how much she just wanted to cry and hug Death. She felt the connection. The protectiveness. It was all there.

"I don't feel strong."

He released her and said,"You are. I wouldn't have claimed you if you weren't." She couldn't handle it anymore. She just launched herself at the only comfort she could see at the moment and clung to him. Death had never felt the need to comfort anyone. He had never had trust thrown his way by anyone, but God and his brothers. But here was this witch that he claimed for God's benefit.

He chose her out of everyone. Oh yes. He had passed over super powered beings and war heroes. He had passed over intellects and creatures of virtue. He had skipped all of that for this emotionally broken witch. Why? Well, with all his age and wisdom he didn't know. God told him it was because destiny foretold it. Death found that to be rubbish, but it was starting to seem a lot more plausible.

He hesitantly wrapped his arms around the girl. He was Death itself. He shouldn't be feeling like a parent seeing their child come home from school with a bruised eye. But he did. That was exactly how he felt. He felt like he wanted tear Lucifer apart for hurting the girl. Molecule by molecule he wanted to make Lucifer suffer. The spoiled brat would be dealt with. He would be dealt with.

Hermione released the man and blushed. "I'm sorry. I'm having trouble keeping myself in check at the moment." He tilted his head and wiped the single tear on her cheek away. He then disappeared and she was alone again. All alone with her nightmares.

Hermione slowly slid her eyes open and looked around to where she was. Bright yellow walls, white floor tiles, and crappy decor. Hospital. Another fucking hospital. Except, she didn't feel that it was her being kept in the bed. There was a breathing on her neck and arms wrapped around her stomach. She slowly turned to look behind her and found it to be none other then Castiel.

His wings were still broken, but she could sense the new liveliness from him. Which, she had no doubt in her mind was the work of Gabriel. He really was a nice angel.

Hermione carefully removed herself from Castiel's grip and stood up. She looked to his sleeping form and frowned. Angels didn't sleep. Castiel was deeply broken. Almost all of his Grace was gone and what was left was barely enough to keep him going.

A nurse walked in and smiled kindly at Hermione. "Mrs. Granger?" Hermione peered up at the name. She had been going by Lovegood. It had been a time since she was called Granger. That's when she noticed a few things. First, the nurse shouldn't even know she was there, she never checked in. Second, she called Hermione, Mrs. Granger. Hermione chocked up both to being Gabriels doing. Hermione nodded to the nurse for her to continue.

"I would like to inform you that Castiel will be fine. All he needs is some rest until he can leave." Hermione nodded and the nurse gave her release forms to sign. Hermione did so quickly and the nurse left to grab his belongings. Hermione looked to the side table and found a feather. A bright golden feather from the wings of Gabriel. Hermione smiled and picked it up. He did say he was sentimental. So, she took the feather and placed it over her bracelet. She only used pure magic to do this. No spell, no known method, just a thought and determination. The feather ingrained itself onto her angel blade bracelet.

She looked at the finished product and smiled. There it was. The intricate golden feather permanently apart of her gifts. A disguised angel blade from her angel that gives her safety and love. A feather from a true friend that helped her when she was weak. Finally, a marking of a scythe from her knew father. Hermione frowned. Her whole family wasn't there. She needed things from Dean, Sam and Bobby. She pushed it away. It would come some day. For now, she had their trust and their love. They were family.

After a day or so, Hermione could take Castiel back to Bobby's he was still weak, but he could walk. She hadn't wanted to apparate at first, but he told her he would be fine. She eventually believed him. The two apparated right next to Bobby's couch which is where she laid him. He was shaking a bit, but nothing too serious. Bobby was on the phone and hadn't heard them come in.

Hermione set Castiel comfortably and he told her seriously, "I am an angel of the lord. You do not need to dote on me." Hermione just smiled and smoothed his hair back.

"You are a barely an angel at all at the moment and I will dote on you whenever I please. Now shush and rest up. I'm pretty sure that the boys will need you soon enough." He grumbled like child not getting his way, but his eyes drooped and he was asleep within the minute. Hermione smirked easily and slowly treaded into the kitchen to hear Bobby hang up the phone. He wheeled his chair around and spotted her.

She smiled a small smile and said, "We need to stop meeting like this."

He stuttered out, "Where have you been?"

"Well, I uh, saved Gabriel back at the congregation of the gods. Then, Lucifer tore me to shreds and I ended up in the hospital with an on the mend mostly human Castiel that has a bad case of the broken wings." Bobby just blinked owlishly and she smiled.

"Would you like me to repeat?" He shook his head and called her over to him. Even in the wheelchair, he gave a mean hug.

He whispered to her seriously, "Stop dyin' kid." She chuckled.

"I don't think that's something I can do." He released her and she asked him. "So, where are the boys today?"

Bobby grumbled, "Off searching some cases of swine flu. Pestilence is afoot." She nodded.

"Care to tell me where they are?" Bobby shook his head with a determined look.

"The boys can handle this. You're staying right here!" She crossed her arms.

"Bobby-"

"Don't Bobby me. You've been going nonstop since the town back in Demon Central. Take a day to just relax." Hermione tried to stay firm, but she was tired. She wanted a nap and some new cloths and some food. She really had been running on empty.

Hermione finally gave in and said, "Only if you make some of your chili." He smiled.

"Deal." Hermione grabbed her backpack and ran up the steps. She took a long hot shower and dressed in fresh cloths. Short sleeves actually. She felt a lot more comfortable around everyone. She kept her jeans and decided to go with her mismatched socks. Her hair was placed in a French braid and then pinned in a style that kept it off her neck. Hermione went down to the living room and sat down on the couch with a completely non hunting or biblical related book.

Castiel curled up to make room for her unknowingly and she smiled at the sleeping angel. The scent of Bobby's cooking wafted into the living room and she could feel herself almost drool. It was hours later and almost night time when Bobby finished the food. He wheeled a bowl into the living room and Hermione hungrily ate two helpings. After, her eyes drooped when she was almost done reading. She ended up falling asleep. Bobby looked on with a soft gaze.

The next day, Hermione was rested and ready for action. Castiel was still lagging so she told him to stay behind. He didn't like it, but he really didn't have a choice when he passed out on the couch again. Hermione forced Bobby to tell her where the boys were staying. She just apparated to the safe house they were in at the moment and found it to be silent.

She had only been gone a total of three days. Two at the hospital and one at Bobby's. Or was it five? She had no clue. Hermione walked around and heard distant voices. They were arguing. But…..there were three voices. One with an accent she couldn't place. It seemed to be faded. Hermione looked around the corner and found Sam and Dean, packing a bag while a man in a long black coat snarkily talked to them.

Hermione scoffed loudly and said, "Oh I get it. Let the brit save your asses, get torn up by Lucifer and replace her. I take a few days off and you already find another snarky accented bastard?" They all quickly turned to her and she waved at the man.

"You are?"

He held out a hand to her and she took it. "Crowley."

She shook his hand. "Hermione." She released his hand and looked to the silent boys in front of her.

"So what can this guy do better than me? Magic, driving, jokes?" Sam coughed and Crowley decided to answer.

"I can help get Pestilence." Hermione looked at him wide eyed.

"That's a hefty helping of promises. How are you going to do that?" He then told her of the Horseman's stable boy and that they were going to capture him.

Hermione looked to them all and asked, "What's the arguing about then? Seems solid."

Sam ground out, "Crowley says I can't go and Dean agrees."

"Well what on earth for?"

Crowley answered, "His anger is off the charts." Hermione raised a brow towards Sam and looked at him in disappointment.

"Last time I checked Sammy, there wasn't a wraith yanking your chains." He looked down bashfully and she patted him on the shoulder. "Will you stay put if I go?" Sam seemed to think about it and nodded. She clapped her hands once with a smile and turned to Crowley and Dean.

"Fancy that boys. My schedule is completely free. Looks like I'm coming along." She apparated out to the Impala, leaving a very intrigued Crowley.

He opened his mouth to ask, but Dean beat him with the answer, "Yes, she is always like that. Now let's go before she drives off."

The three of them arrived at Niveus Pharmaceuticals. Crowley told them the plan and Dean had on his salesman face. However, Hermione could see a kink in the plan. Though, she trusted that Crowley knew what he was doing. After all, making deals was kinda his thing.

Dean pulled out binoculars and looked at all the people. "Demons."

Crowley said, "No. Humans. All the baddies are up top."

Dean sighed and put his binoculars down. "We should look for a back entrance." He turned to see Crowley gone. Hermione tapped his shoulder and pointed to the large glass window. There was Crowley, slitting a guards throught. Dean quickly got out of the car.

"Shit, shit, shit!" Hermione just walked slowly behind them. This was interesting. She kinda liked this Crowley fellow. Obviously not the killing, but he was handy.

Hermione walked in behind her boy to see a dumbfounded Dean.

"You killed them?" The demon sighed and continued to pull Dean in the direction of the elevator.

"Just remember what I told you. You really have to sell it." The doors began to close, but Dean held them open.

"You aren't coming?"

"Are you kidding? There are demons up there." The doors closed as Dean gave her the most pitiful look. She just girlishly waved and looked to the obviously smug demon.

"Shall I get my healing potions then?" He chuckled and the two began to clear up the bloody Guards mess.

"Nothing gets past you, does it?"

Hermione smirked. She asked him when he pulled a bag with a printed sigil on it, "What's with that?"

"Oh, this? It's a demon trap. Modified for our specific uses." He then pulled out a crowbar. "This is for bashing in his brains. Questions?" Hermione nodded.

"Why didn't you want Sam to come?" Crowley sighed almost annoyed.

"They got history. Mainly, Sam not knowing his best buddy was a demon through college." Hermione slowly nodded. "Anything else?" She nodded again.

"Got another crowbar?" He smirked maliciously and threw her one.

"Never leave home without a spare." Hermione gripped it and the two got into position. It was only a few moments later when they heard the elevator begin to move. Suddenly, Dean came out, looking around for something suspicious. Hermione winced. There just had to be a few broken ribs there.

A man then came out of the elevator and blasted Dean away.

"You know Dean. This has been fun." The man didn't get another word in before Crowley shoved the bag over his head. The two promptly smashed his head in with the crowbars. It felt good for Hermione. Almost therapeutic. No, she wasn't going to go smash in people's heads, but maybe a demon every once in awhile. Hermione vanished the crowbars and rolled back her shoulders.

"Thanks Crowley. I needed that." He inclined his head to her and Dean got up.

"What was that?!"

Crowley replied, "Oh, that was the plan. The perfectly played out plan."

"He didn't want the rings! He wanted me!"

"Imagine the surprise on your face." Dean tilted his head in angry confusion. "The complete shock of misinformation. You can't fake that!" Den gripped his head in a headache and Hermione took pity on the boy.

"C'mon. Let's fix you up so Sam doesn't bash in my head." Crowley took Brady to the car while Hermione made Dean chug some potions and she fixed his cracked bones. She remembered the first time she had brewed brewed a potion in Bobby's house. He was so confused and just ended up saying some snarky comments about how much of a witch she was.

"So. You're all buddies with a demon now?" Hermione narrowed her eyes at him.

"Last time I checked, you two were the ones with the plan to trust him." Dean groaned.

"Do you have to be friends with everybody?" Hermione chuckled.

"It's just my sunny disposition I guess." Hermione vanished the blood from his face and the two finally got in the car.

When they got back to the safe house. Dean and Crowley couldn't even look at each other. All because they couldn't agree on whether Sam could control his temper or not. Hermione doubted he could. That boy was a mess!

They got in with Brady. Crowley stopped Sam for the moment and Hermione sat back to watch her Winchester Entertainment. It was pretty dramatic. Sam seeing Brady, Brady winding him up, and Dean having to push him away. Hermione just walked around and watched. In a way, she was an outsider. Hermione hadn't been born to the family drama. So, she chose to stay out of it. Mostly.

While Crowley went in to talk with their catch, Hermione decided that she wanted to check on Cas. See how he was doing. So, without warning she apparated to Bobby's house. It seemed like he wasn't home, but she was pretty sure he was just upstairs. Cas was snoozing on the couch. She slowly shook his shoulder and his eyes crept open. He saw her and a small smile appeared on his face. She helped him sit up.

Castiel groaned and asked, "How is the hunt?" Hermione hummed and sat next to him.

"The brothers are having their annual dramafest." The angel looked at her confused and she clarified, "They're fighting." Castiel nodded in understanding.

He suddenly took hold of her hand and asked her softly, "Are you okay?" She sighed and squeezed his hand.

"Are you?" He dropped his head and his wings drooped too.

"I am mostly human. My wings are broken. I am not doing so well." Hermione nodded and rubbed circles into his hand. His shoulders relaxed and she smiled softly to him.

"Everything'll be alright, Cas. I know it will." He didn't respond. The two sat in companionable silence.

Hermione left Castiel after telling him she would be back in a little while. He just rolled his eyes. It was something she wished he hadn't picked up.

Hermione apparated back to the safe house and was a bit surprised to see Dean being held captive in the bathroom and Sam off probably trying to kill Brady. She was done. She was done with these two! Hermione apparated to the bathroom and grabbed Dean. She blasted down the door and bound him to a chair. She then apparated to Sam. She bound and silenced the raging man.

She said to Brady as she grabbed Sam to apparate away, "Sorry to a ruin the fun, lovey. Baby here needs some sense knocked into his tiny anger filled brain." Hermione then apparated away and bound Sam to a chair across from Dean. She grabbed a chair and sat looking on.

Before removing the silencing spell, she said, "Listen here you brats. We're already dealing with one rampaging toddler. We don't need two more. You forced me to play my mother card and here it is. You two will sit here until all your issues are worked out. Every single dirty secret and angry complaint. Got it?" They didn't nod to her, but she released the silencing spell anyways.

It took a moment, but soon there began to be a flow of anger and hurt. Dean saying how Sam needed to calm down and Sam saying that he was. It dug deeper and deeper until they got to very heart wrenching truths. How Dean didn't trust Sam and how Sam just wanted to stop being coddled. She decided to leave them alone. Crowley came back an hour later and looked to her sipping a cup of tea.

"They arguing again?" She shook her head.

"Finally working things out with a little help. Think whatever news you have can wait until they start begging to hug it out?" Crowley seemed to think about it and eventually sat down. She conjured him a cup and poured him some tea. They clinked cups and sat and waited. It was a long while later when the other room went silent. The witch and demon were having a nice chat about how to make hell more efficient for better demons. Hermione felt a bit stupid for giving Crowley advice on how to take over and rule the underworld, but it was whatever.

Hermione vanished what drinks they had on the table and went into the room with Sam and Dean. They both had tears streaming down their faces, but they sat straighter. They could actually look at each other in the eyes again. She crossed her arms smugly.

"You guys wanna hug it out?" Despite it all, they both gave her the double bitch face. She mock winced. "I'm hurt guys. Really." Hermione snapped her fingers and they were unbound. "Sorry to play Mama Winchester, but did you work things out?" The two begrudgingly nodded and she released them. They were both cross with her, but she could care less.

A while later, Crowley worked his crossroads magic on Brady. She hadn't heard a word of it, for she went back to check on Cas, but when she got back a few moments later Brady was sure flustered. Hermione looked to Crowley confused and he smugly put an arm around a bloody Brady.

"Say hello to my lover." Hermione blinked and waved.

"Hello Crowley's lover." The boys cracked up laughing and Hermione had no clue what she did that was so funny. Crowley explained to her that he was on Lucifer's forever torture list. Meaning, Brady was now on that same list with Crowley letting a demon tell Luci of Brady's betrayal for love. Hermione had a gut busting laugh hearing it. She congratulated Crowley for his Slytherin job well done. He had no clue what the hell she was talking about, but took the complement.

All laughter stopped when there was a spine chilling howl in the distance. Everyone paused. What the hell was that? Brady started freaking out.

"Please tell me that's not what I think it is."

Crowley turned to the tied up demon and replied, "I'm afraid so darling." He then disappeared and Hermione lost it.

"What the hell is it!?"

Dean turned to her with the a haunted look and muttered, "Hellhound." Hermione shivered. A nasty piece of work those things were. Well, from what she had read.

"Salt!" Dean yelled as he scrambled to go get salt. Brady was begging to be released and Hermione finally just silenced him. Damn demons were annoying. There was a loud crash and Hermione moved to help, but Sam kept her back. Dean ran into the room looking about ready to shit his pants in fear.

Sam asked desperately, "Salt?" There was a growl behind them and Hermione turned to face the beast. It was a monster! Hunched back, fiery red eyes, teeth sharp and ready to kill. It's fur was so black it could easily be the remains of a black hole. Drool dripped from its mouth as the murderous animal's claws scratched the floor. Hermione was frozen in fear. The beast was actually emitting the feeling of fear and hopelessness. She didn't know what to do!

Suddenly, there was a whistle from behind the animal and there was Crowley. He had a hell hound too. It was so much larger. So scary looking. She just couldn't handle the striking fear.

Dean announced shaking, "You're back!" Crowley rolled his eyes.

"I'm currently invested."

A loud bark came from the Hellhound next to him and he told the beast, "Stay!"

"You can control them?"

He pointed to the snarling smaller hound and said, "Not that one." He patted the bigger one's head and the animal literally purred under his touch.

"This one's mine." He smirked viciously. "And mine's bigger. Sic 'em boy!" The two Hellhounds began tearing eachother apart. Crowley's was winning.

Hermione grabbed the boys and apparated them to the car while Crowley grabbed Brady. They sped off as fast as possible and Hermione's hands were shaking and her eyes were wide.

Crowley looked at her oddly on the other side of Brady and asked, "Shaken up there?" Hermione didn't respond.

She only muttered to herself, "I didn't know dogs could be so scary." Sam turned to her wide eyed.

"You can see the hellhounds?"

She asked him like he was the crazy one, "You can't?!" Hermione scrubbed her eyes. "They were so cuddly, yet ferocious. My emotions are torn!" Crowley chuckled.

"They just need to be trained right. My Juliette is the most precious thing!" He brought out his wallet and showed her pictures of the beast like it was his child.

"She's just the sweetest thing." Hermione looked at the photos and found Crowley to be correct. The Hellhound in the photo looked like a regular Hellhound with razor teeth, claws and red eyes, but she was almost smiling. Fetching a metal ball and cuddling by a fireplace. Hermione aww'ed and Crowley seemed to fluff with pride.

"Alright you two weirdos, let's just get Brady somewhere to spill his guts." Brady began protesting, but he realized soon enough that no one could hear him and the witch was smirking. She booped his nose as they continued to drive.

They reached an alleyway soon enough and the brothers dragged Brady to the end of it. Hermione decided that they didn't need her for this part. She just knew Sam was going to end Brady and she didn't care to see it. Hermione said goodbye to Crowley and the boys. She then apparated to Bobby's.

Castiel was up and about. He was honestly just staring at the wall in boredom. He had on his regular outfit of suit and trenchcoat. He looked to her as she entered and greeted her with a smile.

"How did it go?" She dropped her backpack on the ground and sat down heavily. "Good I guess. Did you know Crowley has a Hellhound named Juliette? She is the cutest thing!" Cas looked confused and she just shook her head.

"I think the boys are getting Pestilence's location. We'll be ready to go tomorrow." He nodded and she took his hand and pulled him up from the couch.

"C'mon lazy. Let's get some exercise for those jelly legs!"

He followed her towards the door saying confused, "My legs are not made of gelatin dessert."

Hermione giggled uncharacteristically and said, "Have you spent most of your life confused?"

He actually answered, "I believe so." Hermione just smirked and pushed him forward. He dealt with her shoves of affection even though he had no clue as to why she was so rough.

Hermione grabbed his hand and they just walked around the scrap yard. The two even went as far as to leave the property and wander in the forest. When they entered a small clearing, Castiel got up the courage to finally ask something he had been wondering since he had become conscious.

"Hermione." She turned towards him. "What is the dark aura that surrounds you. I can't figure it out." Hermione's smile diminished and she looked to the ground. Should she tell him? Well of course, but what would he say. Hermione sighed deeply and looked at him in his crisp blue eyes. She took off her angel bracelet and showed him the scythe markinging. He grabbed her wrist and slowly slid his fingers over the mark.

He looked up to her and asked amazed, "Death marked you?" Hermione nodded and waited for him to say something. But all he did was stare at it intently.

"It's a very advanced marking. The binding goes all throughout the body. Even your magic!" Hermione raised a brow and put her bracelet back on.

"You figured all that out by looking at a tattoo?"

"It's not a tattoo."

"Technically."

He stared at her for a moment before saying, "This is a good thing. No one can take you now." Hermione crossed her arms.

"I wasn't expecting anyone to." He looked at her seriously.

"You are a powerful witch that can't die. Any person looking for a weapon could place a claim on you. Now, they can't." Hermione shivered, remembering how Odin wanted to get his dirty paws on her. That would have sucked.

"You're right." He sighed and she took hold of his hand. "Let's go back. I want to take a nap." He nodded and she just now noticed that his shoulders were hunched and eyes were trying to stay open.

She chuckled softly. "You could have just said you were tired." The angel blushed and Hermione couldn't help a snort at the sight. An embarrassed angel! She never thought she'd see the day.

The two walked back to Bobby's and found Bobby staring blankly at a book.

"Bobby?" He startled and turned towards them. "Is everything alright?" He nodded.

"Everything's fine." Hermione didn't quite believe him, but she was tired. She plopped down on the couch and instantly fell asleep. Bobby really did have a perfect couch.

Bobby watched as the angel placed a blanket over her and laid on the other side of the couch.

"An angel and a witch napping on my sofa." It was honestly the strangest thing he had ever said.