XxX

I huffed, causing my bangs to fly up, and shifted to my side. It was well past 3 in the morning but my body refused to calm itself and go to sleep. One word kept repeating over and over in my head, interrogating me.

Witch.

Spock had been so honest, so open with me, answering all my questions and inquiries. Yet, I couldn't tell him the truth about something that made me who I was.

I tossed the blankets back in annoyance and stalked towards the window. The anxiety of what I should do was getting to me. Paired with all the other emotions I felt – stress from the attack on the Federation and almost loosing Spock again, emotional scars from the war, the ache of missing my friends and how quickly Spock and I's relationship was moving – I was a wreck.

"What am I going to do?" I asked, turning to the picture of Harry and Luna for advice, "What if he doesn't want anything to do with me after he learns who I am?" I sighed, collapsing on the window seat with my head in my hands.

I closed my eyes and brought my hands together, tapping them against my mouth.

A picture was painted in my thoughts of a little girl and boy. The boy had perfectly straight brown hair, the familiar Vulcan line cut into his bangs, with his father's eyes and the girl had shinning raven ringlets that cascaded down her back with soft, doe brown eyes. They would be the pride of their father, protected and loved fiercely by their mother. They were perfect.

But, one thing could ruin my beautiful dream.

Would they be more Vulcan or would they gain my Magic? Would their ears end in a point or would they be chosen by a wand?

I fell back on the bench, letting the cool of the window chill me.

Spock hadn't asked me about my past or where I had gone but eventually he would. The excitement would wear off and the questions would begin.

I had to make my choice; should I lie or tell him the truth?

I looked out over the row of houses across the street. The stars glistened on the dark velvet sky and the full moon shone, luminous and full.

My thoughts turned once more to the girl and the boy. Their faces brought a sense of peace that finally let my body relax into sleep.

XxX

The bright sun warmed my eyes, beckoning me to wake up. My lashes fluttered open as dawn broke.

I dropped my head to the side, squinting to see the clock. It wasn't seven o'clock yet, which meant I hadn't gotten more than 4 hours of sleep.

"Great." I moaned, sitting up and rubbing my tired eyes, "I sleep perfectly sound in a tent as I'm running for my life in search of Horcruxes with war on the horizon. But in a nice, warm room with a whole galaxy at peace I can't get a wink of sleep."

Begrudgingly, I got ready for the day knowing I wouldn't get any more sleep till tonight. Once I had finished, I sat facing the mirror of my vanity.

I tilted my head, studying the dark bags under my eyes and the mature etches in my face.

I had seen war, I had seen death. Innocence was forever lost to me. The guilt of their deaths weighed heavy on my soul.

"There is nothing you can do." I told my reflection. My lashes brushed my cheek as tears escaped. What if's plagued me. If I had done this, I could have saved Collin. If I had done that, I could have saved Remus and Tonks. I should have chanced my life to push Fred out of the way of the wall; George needed his twin more than anyone needed me. I had even tried to save Lavender, but I had been too late.

So many deaths, so many lives cut shot before they got a chance to live. I closed my eyes, guilt grew within me as I saw each face, known or unknown.

"Hermione?"

I jumped, startled from my grief. In the mirror I could see Spock standing by the door, observing me in his typical stance.

"Are you alright?" He inquired, tilting his head.

I turned around to him, wiping my eyes, "Yes, I just—just didn't get much sleep last night." I faked a smile, hoping he would accept my answer and let it go. He opened his mouth but I cut him off, "Is there something you needed?" I asked, turning back to the mirror and letting my hair veil my face.

"Mr. Scott has gathered information on the attack last night." Spock explained, "I am going in to meet with him and Jim to determine our next move."

I nodded, my body exhausted, "Alright."

Spock watched me closely, confusion written on his face, "You do not appear alright. Usually you would ask or demand to come along."

"I'm just tired." I excused quickly, propping my head up with my hand. I closed my eyes, drossiness making me sway.

Before my closed eyes, the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were drawn. Spock stood before the bench in his Starfleet Uniform, out of place for the 17th century.

"Hermione Granger, ye sit here accused of witchcraft." The Judge stated, looking down his pointy nose at me, "How do you plead?" My heart raced as I looked around the room; there was no one in my corner. Spock stood stock still, his eyes unwavering and face empty. My eyes blurred as the tears fell, everyone was crying witch and demanding my death. I tried to defend myself, but no words came. Spock stayed emotionless; he would not come to my defense.

"Hermione?" Someone called through the nightmare, shaking my shoulder, "Hermione?"

I jumped up, my foot catching the chair leg and sending me straight to the floor. A strong arm caught my waist before I could hit the floor.

I looked up and saw concern in Spock's face, "You are not alright." He stated.

"I'm…I'm fine…" I replied as Spock helped me back to my feet. I brushed my hair back, my face flushed. My thoughts were screaming to tell him the truth while the other part of me said to keep quiet.

"I'd like if you accompany me to Starfleet." Spock said, standing back with his head high.

I grabbed my bangs, pulling frustrated at them, "I'm fine." I reiterated, my eyes looking longingly at the bed, "I—I think I'll try and get some more sleep." The small vision claimed my heart, sending it racing with panic. All I wanted to do was crawl back into bed and stay their till someone else told him my secret.

"For my sake, will you come with me?" Spock asked, "There is currently no one home and I'd prefer if you were not alone."

I bit down on my lip, my eyes shifting to my wand that lay carelessly on the vanity. Gryffindor courage pushed aside the dream, forcing me to face reality even when I didn't want to.

"Spock, I—I need to tell you something." My chest rose and fell rapidly. Was I really ready to tell him? I took in a final, steadying breath and looked to him.

Spock tilted his head, studying me, "Hermione, what—" Just then, his communicator rung loudly, filling the room with its obnoxious trilling. Spock looked down to it than to me.

"Take the call, I can wait." I sighed, almost grateful for the interruption.

Spock nodded and flipped open the devise, "Spock here."

"Aye! Ye need to get down 'ere right away!" Scottie yelled from the other end.

"Spock! We found where he went! We know where Harrison is!" Jim called, probably stealing Scottie's communicator from his hand. I smiled as I heard Scottie yell a distant hey on the other end.

Spock nodded, "I will be there immediately." He snapped the device shut and turned to me, "Are you ready to leave?"

I stood up, twisting my hair up and tucking my wand through it. Once I was finished Spock started towards the door, expecting me to follow.

"Why are you so concerned about me?" I asked as we made our way into the entry.

Spock stopped and turned to me, "There is a man on the loose who is currently attacking Federation Officers. I do not know if he will target the families and those close to the officers next. Because you are my mate and of significant importance, I refuse to leave you alone with no way of protecting yourself."

I nodded, nervously fidgeting with the wand in my hair, "A-alright." I walked out the door that Spock held open, feeling terrible for missing my chance to tell him the truth.

XxX

I sat on the bench, watching the trio before me. I couldn't keep up with the terms they were using, nor was I really trying to.

My arms were crossed protectively over my chest, my nerves growing as I thought about the possible outcomes of telling Spock the truth. It was unfair of me to keep such a vital part of myself from him. He had claimed me as his, but did he really know what he was getting into? Would he still want me after he knew who I was?

"We have to go to Admiral Marcus. He has to know this!" Jim bounced from foot to foot, his revenge fueling him.

I looked to Spock, curious how he felt about the death of someone he had known.

In that moment, I knew that I had failed him as a mate. Not only had I focused on my heartache instead of his, but I had betrayed him by keeping my past and who I truly was from him.

Sighing, I dropped my head into my hands. It had been a year, yet I was still just as selfish.

"Aye, lass, ye alright?" Scottie asked, coming over to kneel by me.

"Hermione is not feeling well today." Spock explained, turning to us with his hands behind his back, "Mr. Scott, can I trust you to take her safely back to the Embassy while Jim and I go to speak with the Admiral? If you could stay with her until my parents or I return, I would be appreciative."

Jim looked skeptically to the Vulcan, "You? Appreciative?" Spock looked to the Captain from the corner of his eye, choosing not to respond.

"Ye can trust me." Scottie puffed out his chest and gave a full smile, "Let's get ye home." Scottie gently took my arm as I stood, noticing my uneasiness. Spock nodded and followed after Jim without another word.

I knew telling Spock the truth with everything going on right now would be foolish. He had to focus on finding the man who had attacked Starfleet, he couldn't afford not to. The last thing he needed was me claiming to be a witch and possibly sabotaging our relationship.

I would have to wait until after the mission to tell him the truth.

But, part of me didn't think I could wait that long. Part of me didn't want to wait that long. I had almost let it slip this morning. What if next time his communicator didn't cut me off before I told him?

Was I selfish for wanting to get it over with? Would it really be that bad if I told him now?

I huffed, feeling like I'd lost the ability to decipher right from wrong.

"We'll get ye home and everything will be alright." Scottie whispered, patting my hand.

I sighed, for the first time feeling guilty for who I was, "Spock doesn't know who I am, what I am, Scottie. What will happen when he finds out?" I asked, my eyes pleading with Scottie to tell me what to do, "Should I tell him?"

"Aye, it be up to ye lass. I can't tell ye the right path to take." Scottie replied, his eyes honest.

I sighed, stumbling a bit, "Would it be wrong to tell him now?" I looked over my shoulder, watching Jim and Spock's backs as they ran towards the building.

"I don't know." Scottie replied, "But I can tell ye, life is about to get turned upside down for him. For all of us, really."

I looked up to him, concerned, "What does that mean?"

"That means that this–this Jon Harrison is in Klingon territory." Scottie all but spat the name.

"W-where is that?" I asked, stopping and making the Engineer look at me.

Scottie sighed, frustrated with the situation at hand, "The Klingons are a race that hate everything the Federation stands for, and make it known that they jolly well do. If we want to get John Harrison back, we're going to have to go 'n get him."

"So, you'll go after him?" I asked, hoping I wasn't overstepping the line. My heart tightened at the thought of Spock leaving, "Will it be dangerous?"

"If the Federation goes after John Harrison while he is still within Klingon borders, they are chancing a war." Scottie explained.

I swayed, holding onto Scottie so I wouldn't fall, "A…a war?"

I had just come from the horrors of war, people I had loved barely escaped with their lives while others hadn't. What if those that I had come to love in this time weren't as lucky as Harry and Luna?

Scottie looked at me with concerned eyes, his hand trying to steady me, "Aye lass, but ye need not worry about it. Jim and Spock will handle it."

My thoughts raced as we started towards the Embassy, "I hope so." I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more going on, something sinister brewing just under the surface.

"I really hope everything will be alright." I whispered. I knew it was a false hope, but I held fast to it anyway.

I had almost lost Spock twice; I wasn't going to take the chance of losing him again.

XxX

I sat on the couch, pretending to read a book, while Scottie squinted at the numerous books in the library.

"Why would ye want to read a book on Vulcan Plants?" Scottie asked, turning back to me, "I mean, plants can't be that different right? Grass is grass, aye?"

I shrugged, not really listening to what he said in favor of listening for the door. The instant I heard the creaking door echoing through the house, I took off towards the entry, tossing my book on the couch.

"Oi! Wait for me!" Scottie called after me.

"Spock?" I skidded to a halt, my heart settling only when my eyes landed on the Vulcan. Scottie came to a halt, wheezing next to me and growling at a stitch in his side.

Spock turned to me as he hung his jacket up, his face a façade of calm, "Hermione." He nodded to me before turning to Scottie, "Mr. Scott, we will be leaving for Kronos at 1300 hours. You are to report to Bay 26." I closed my eyes and counted off the hours. 1300 hours would be noon.

Scottie nodded, giving me a small smile before leaving out the door.

"What's going on?" I asked as Spock walked past me.

"I assume that Mr. Scott informed you that the man who attacked the Federation, John Harrison, defected to the Klingon planet Kronos?" Spock explained, I hurried to keep up with his long strides.

I nodded, "He did."

"Jim has been reassigned as Captain to the USS Enterprise and reinstalled me as First Officer. We will be leaving to retrieve John Harrison and bring him back to face justice." Spock said, gathering the things he would need.

"So you're leaving?" I asked, sitting down on the bed and watching as he stacked different things on the comforter. There were so my questions buzzing in my head, but Spock leaving was my first concern.

"Yes." Spock reached for a bag and started to pack, "I should be back no later than tomorrow morning."

"I want to go." I dared, my eyes locking on his face. I knew I was asking something I shouldn't, but I didn't want to be left behind – I refused to. I couldn't wait for a telegram; I wanted to fight with him, with all of them, to make sure they stayed safe.

He instantly stopped what he was doing and looked to me, "You will be staying here, where it is safe."

"I want to help." I jumped off the bed and stepped up to him, "I can help, like I did on Vulcan. You might need me." Spock looked down at me, a single brow raised. He hadn't expected me to talk back to him.

"I will be able to concentrate fully on the mission if I know that you are safe on Earth." Spock explained, trying to appeal to my logic, "You are also not a part of the Enterprise crew and it would be breaking Regulation 356 if I allowed you to come without being assigned to the Enterprise."

I narrowed my eyes, challenging him, "I don't care if it's breaking some stupid rule. If…if you don't take me, I'll—I'll find some other way." I threatened, knowing it was empty and childish, "I—I'll sneak on again." My breathing grew ragged; worried he'd call my bluff.

Spock shifted his eyes towards the wall as he thought. I waited, my eyes nervously awaiting his response. Without saying anything, he pulled out his communicator.

Spock held the small silver box close to his mouth, his eyes staying on the wall, "Dr. McCoy?" I grew nervous, why was he calling Bones? Did he want him to sedate me so I couldn't go anywhere?

"Spock?" Bones' surprised voice replied.

Spock nodded, "Do you have need of an assistant for our mission to Kronos?"

"I can always use a second pair of hands, why?" I could just picture Bones, a face similar to the one Harry had when he was caught off guard.

"Hermione refuses to stay behind and you are one of the few I trust to look after her." Spock stated, his voice controlled.

I crossed my arms defensively, "I am not a dog." I snapped.

"I did not mean to offend you, Hermione. But if you refuse to stay on Earth, I want to make sure that you are with someone I trust so that I am free to focus on my duties." Spock explained before returning to his communicator, "Regulation 0893 states that you can take an assistant outside of the Federation for work aboard starships. Hermione has declared that she will find another way to come if she is not granted access to accompany us. I assume you would agree that it would be best if she have permission to board instead of stowing away again." He looked to me, a question in his eyes. I bit my lip and looked away from him, knowing he was questioning how I could have stowed away in the first place.

"I know the rule you green-blooded hobgoblin. And yes, I agree that it would be best if she had permission this time. I'll take her on as my assistant." Bones replied, "Make sure she's at Bay 29 for takeoff, I have to get the paperwork in order and a uniform for her asap."

"Thank you." Spock replied, flipping the devise shut. He turned to me, his face stoic, "Are you satisfied now?"

I nodded, feeling guilty for manipulating him, "Yes." I answered quietly.

"Dr. McCoy will have a blue uniform for you to change into when we board the Enterprise and you will be assigned a Starfleet badge." Spock explained, zipping up his bag, "I will leave a note for my mother to take care of Terkarf, or do you wish for him to accompany you?" I know he didn't mean it in a harsh tone, but it still hurt.

"No, he can stay here." I replied, refusing to look at him.

I could see him nod from the corner of my eye, "Very well, shall we start towards the Federation?" I hopped off the bed and started towards the door without another word, Spock following close behind me.

I kept to myself, letting the quiet fill in the tense air around us, as we made our way towards the hanger. Spock kept an eye on me but gave me my space.

I spoke only when I saw the sign saying Bay 26, "Why do I have to go up in a different shuttlecraft?"

"Because you are going up as an assistant to the Senior Medical Doctor, you are assigned to the Medical Unit and will go up with them as well as return with them. Since I am a First Officer, I will be going up with the crew of the Bridge." Spock stated. I started up the steps, but he reached out and stopped me. My tired eyes cautiously looked to him.

"Listen to everything Dr. McCoy advices and keep to regulations so that you stay safe." Spock replied, his voice quiet. He leaned forward and placed a calculated kiss on my cheek, causing it to warm. He pulled back, collecting himself, and gave a small nod before moving towards his assigned shuttlecraft.

"There you are!" I turned sharply around to see Bones walking towards me, his arms full of gear that he carelessly pushed into one of the nurse's arms.

"Change into this when you get a chance too." Bones asked, tossing me a uniform, "Jim skipped out on his physical so I have to go track him down, stick close to Christine. She'll help you get situated."

Christine got up from her seat and walked towards the opening of the craft, her beautiful hair pulled back in a loose plait, "We still have some time before we take off if you'd like to change. The Medical Unit usually goes up after the other shuttles." I looked to Bones, who nodded for me to head inside. Sighing, I started up the steps and went directly to the door Christine pointed out.

Once inside the loo, I quickly changed into the new uniform. My hands nervously ran over the foreign blue material and when my eyes caught sight of my reflection they grew in surprise, I looked so official. I looked like I was preparing for battle.

"Am I really ready for another war?" I asked my reflection, remembering what Scottie had said earlier.

No was the honest answer. I had risked everything to protect those I loved once, would I be able to do the same now? What if I failed and couldn't keep them safe? I had saved Harry but the cost had been the lives of my parents. Would I have to make another choice like that?

"Hermione?" Christine's voice asked softly as she knocked on the door, "We are about to take off." I opened the door and instinctively moved towards my seat, my thoughts working.

"This is your badge." Christine explained, taking her seat next to me and handing me the silver pin, "It's a simple Federation insignia so that people in the Medical Bay know that you are not a nurse." She smiled, handing me the small symbol.

I kept to my own thoughts as I pinned it on and settled into my seat for takeoff. The craft shuttered as it detached from the dock and started up, my nerves got the best of me and I dug my nails into the arm.

"It's alright." Christine tried to comfort me, placing her hand on my arm, "Everything will be just fine." I nodded, appreciating her attempt but at the same time wishing everyone would stop saying that things would be fine.

It was pessimistic, but I felt like the only one willing to face the reality of things. Something bad was going to happen, I just wasn't sure what yet.

XxX

Spock examined his tablet as he awaited takeoff. Jim sat next to his First Officer, his arms crossed defensively, thinking over the advice Spock had given him. The second Science Officer, Dr. Wallace, sat against the far wall chatting with Lieutenant Uhura.

Randomly, a hand reached in-between the seats and placed a gray suction cup on the Captain's face.

"Bones get that damn thing off my face." Jim snapped, glaring at the Senior Doctor as he took a seat behind him.

Spock turned to the doctor, a brow risen, "Dr. McCoy may I require as to why you are on Shuttlecraft 23 when you should be on Shuttlecraft 29?" A flash of anger appeared in the Vulcan, which he was quick to dismiss.

Dr. McCoy rolled his eyes, knowing exactly what Spock was getting at, "She is with Christine and perfectly safe. I would be on shuttle 23 if Jim hadn't skipped out on his check up this morning." Jim fell back in his seat, still pouting. Bones continued to wave a device that whined as it moved in front of the Captain's face.

"Very well." Spock replied, knowing Hermione would be safe with the nurse. He had known Christine since he had been a first year cadet and had seen how she treated Hermione first hand. Yes, he could trust her.

Spock turned in his seat, "There is something I want to ask you, Doctor." The Doctor pulled back, concerned by his change in tone, "Something seems to be troubling Hermione and I was wondering if she confided in you what was bothering her." Spock continued.

Dr. McCoy's eyes grew as he pulled back, rubbing his neck. Scottie had told him Hermione was questioning whether or not to tell Spock about her magic, but Dr. McCoy knew he couldn't be the one to tell her secret. It was up to Hermione when, and if, she would tell Spock – not him.

"No, I haven't the foggiest idea." Dr. McCoy lied, fiddling with his gadgets and ignoring the Vulcan's quizzical eyes.

"She's probably regretting her choice to come back and thinking she had better options in England." Uhura scoffed from her seat, looking smug, "She didn't know the emotionless black hole she was getting into."

"Uhura." Jim warned, narrowing his eyes at the Lieutenant.

She fell back, rolling her eyes, "I told you Spock, she'll eventually want someone human."

"Lieutenant Uhura. That is enough." The Captain commanded, his eyes serious, "If you continue, you will be removed from this mission." The Lieutenant fell back, knowing she risked her dismissal if she spoke again.

"Don't listen to her." Dr. McCoy replied, trying to poke Jim with another devise and being wacked, "She doesn't know Hermione like we do."

"We will be taking off shortly, please settle into your seats." The pilot asked over the intercom.

Spock turned forward, securing his seatbelt, before the shuttlecraft detached from the dock. The crew settled into different groups to converse on their trip to the Enterprise, leaving the Vulcan alone with his thoughts. Quickly, logic took over.

Dr. McCoy and Lieutenant Uhura had brought up valid points

Of course he had physically met Skladasu, which supported the idea of a future with Hermione, but what did he really know about her?

He knew her full name, that she was to be his mate and that she originated from London. She enjoyed Astronomy, to a certain extent, always had the same hair stick, and kept her emotions close to the surface. That was where his information about her began and ended.

Spock didn't know her parent's name, what she hoped to accomplish in life, or anything about her past. Getting to know each other had been strictly one sided, and not very through at that.

He started to mull over things he wished to know about her. For instance, did she want to pursue further education or was she interested in joining Starfleet? Or did she want to be a stay at home mother? How many children would she want? Would she want them to be raised in the human way or the Vulcan?

Other illogical things he wished to know ran through his thoughts: what was her favorite color? Did she like to read? Was there a favorite name she would like for her child? What did she prefer to do to entertain herself?

Turning to the window, Spock watched as they drew closer to the Enterprise. His thoughts accumulating more and more questions to ask Hermione the next time he saw her.

With ease, the shuttle landed and settled. Spock stood to collect his things before moving towards the exit, determined to learn more about his English Rose.

XxX

I followed Christine out of the shuttle, my legs shaky. The hanger was so busy that I was scared of getting lost; nervously I reached out and took her hand. She smiled caringly and led us into the crowd.

"Someone is looking for you." Christine said, her eyes darting down the steam filled walkway. I looked up to seeing Spock making his way towards us.

Spock stopped in front of us, acknowledging us both with a nod, "Thank you Nurse Chaplin. If you do not mind, I will escort Ms. Granger to the Medical Bay. There are a few personal issues I wish to discuss with her." My eyes widened as he looked to me. I swallowed hard, not sure if Spock wanting to talk was a good thing.

"Alright." Christine gently touched my shoulder as she moved past me, "I will see you later, Hermione." My eyes widen, panicked that I was being abandoned. I anxiously turned to Spock, had someone told him my secret? A whole new wave of emotions violently rolled over me as I remembered my nightmare.

"Shall we?" Spock asked, looking at me from under his cap as the crowd thinned around us. I nodded, letting him lead the way.

"I-is there anything wrong?" I asked quietly, terrified he knew. My eyes hurt from being wide for so long.

"There is nothing wrong." Spock stopped and turned sharply to me, "What do you like to do for entertainment?"

I pulled back, caught completely off guard by the question, "I guess watch television." I said without really thinking, too relieved he hadn't accused me of witchcraft.

Spock nodded, considering my response, "Do you have a favorite show you enjoy watching?"

I stopped, giving the question serious thought as I calmed down. I smiled at a fond memory, "I use to love watching Get Smart with my parents." Closing my eyes, I could picture our Friday nights before I left for Hogwarts, before I even knew I was a witch. I'd curl up on the sofa between my parents, my feet not even touching the carpet, with a large bowl of popcorn in my lap. Da would walk over and turn the telly on and we would just be together; my Mum, me and Da. It was my favorite memory.

"How did you come across it?" Spock inquired; his brow raised curiously, "That show is almost 300 years old. I wouldn't think someone your age would know of such an outdated show."

"I wouldn't think you would know it either." I replied, a smug smile tugging at my lips. Spock nodded a silent touché.

"My Da introduced me to the show when I was little." I sighed, starting towards the doors once more, "I guess you can call it a family tradition." I lied, trying to fit into this Time.

Spock nodded, considering my answer, "Do you have a favorite episode?" He asked, falling in step beside me.

I thought about the different ones I had seen, watching my feet so I wouldn't trip over the grated floor.

There were so many good ones, made memorable mostly because of my parents and their playful impressions, that it was hard to choose. One in particular stood out though, "Yes, The Dead Spy Scrawls." I answered.

Spock looked at me quizzically, "Why is that?" He looked at me with fascinated eyes.

"I don't know exactly, it's just a cute, playful episode." I smiled, enjoying the attention, "Plus, one of my favorite actors was in it as Stryker." Spock continued down the way without a reply, satisfied with my response.

"How do you know about the series?" I asked as we waited for the last elevator.

"When I was a cadet, I took a class on the history of the human race. I was charged with doing an in-depth report on the culture surrounding the 20th century." Spock explained, "I discovered the series while I was doing my research." I nodded, amazed that my once present was now ancient history. It made me miss my parents even more.

When we stepped into the elevator I leaned against the wall, watching the back of his head. It was nice being pursed and having him take an interest in my life, but I was curious why he had asked the question.

"When is your birthday?" I chanced, finding fun in our game of questions.

"I was born Stardate 2230.45." Spock answered, his tone even and bored. It was as if the day of his birth was meaningless to him. Maybe to Vulcans, birthdays were illogical.

To me, birthdays were important though. My brow wrinkled as I tried to figure out the date he had stated, "So that would be February…" I closed my eyes, trying to count off the dates. Scottie had tried to explain how the Staredates worked to me once but I hadn't grasped the concept fully yet.

"It would come out to February 14th, 2230." Spock stated.

A small smile grew, my eyes lighting up, "Valentine's day?"

Spock rose a brow, turning to me, "Yes. St. Valentine's Day is significant only on Earth though, not on Vulcan." I grew quiet, letting my smile disappear as I watched his reflection on the steel doors.

"I am 28 Earth years." Spock replied, turning to me, "Does that bother you?"

"No." I answered honestly, shifting my eyes to the floor. I'd do better off with someone more mature in years anyway, Ron had taught me that. Besides, I was born in 1979 while Spock was born in 2230. Technically, I was older.

"On average, Vulcans live 180 years longer than humans." Spock cautioned, turning to me as the elevator stopped, "Because my genetics are closer to that of a Vulcan's instead of a humans, I will live longer than you."

I nodded, my finger fidgeting with the stone that hung around my neck, "Well, we'll see about that." Spock's brows knit together, curious about my reply.

Before he could ask his question though, the doors opened and Jim stormed in.

"Scottie just quit." He mumbled, his arms crossed and eyes stressed. Spock nodded, turning to face his Captain.

"W-what? What do you mean Scottie quit?" I asked perplexed. Scottie loved the Enterprise, why would he quit?

Jim looked to me, his brow confused, "Do you just have a thing with sneaking onto my ship?"

I side stepped behind Spock, embarrassed.

"She's with me, Jim." Bones replied, stepping into the elevator before the doors closed. He swung an arm around me, "Meet my new assistant." His smile reached from ear to ear as he looked at me, "I plan on teaching her everything I know." My smile came alive, feeling like I was in 1998 with Harry once more.

Jim rolled his eyes as he smirked , "Spock, I wouldn't leave her alone with this one if he plans on teaching her everything he knows. He might just outdo you in bed." The Captain winked and my blush erupted across my face.

The doors couldn't have opened fast enough to the Bridge. I rushed out of the small room, completely modified. My hands covered my warm cheeks, trying to recover from my flight. I looked around for some place to escape but there was none.

I knew nothing about what Jim had alluded to and his joke had reminded me of exactly that. Would Spock expect me to be ready to…I couldn't finish the thought, my face was so red.

All of a sudden, I felt completely unprepared for married life.

"That was out of line for Jim to say." Spock apologized, startling me as he moved towards his station. I followed awkwardly behind him, "I will talk with him about the matter later." He stated, his protective streak showing strong and true.

I lowered my eyes, my face still flushed, "I just—"

"Commander Spock."

I turned around to see a slender beauty saunter towards us, her blue eyes like priceless sapphires gazing out behind her beautiful, tamed curtain of blonde hair.

She smiled with her pearly whites, "I was hoping you could show me to the Officer's quarters." She asked in a soft North London accent, she looked to me with concerned eyes, "I hope I am not interrupting anything."

I shook my head, "No, n-nothing at—at all." I stuttered. I felt like an inexperienced, awkward girl next to the goddess before me.

"Hermione, this is Dr. Carol Wallace. She is a weapons specialist and was assigned to the Enterprise as the Second Science Officer." I watched Spock as he explained her, an odd emotion written across his face. His shoulders were tense, which made me nervous.

"It is nice to meet you, I have heard quite a bit about you." Carol smiled perfectly.

I took the hand the woman offered and letting it go just as quickly as I could, "The pleasure is mine, Dr. Wallace."

"Could you show me to the quarters?" She asked again, turning to Spock once more. My eyes narrowed, she was very comfortable, too comfortable, asking Spock to show her to the bedrooms.

"Certainly, Dr. Wallace." Spock nodded, turning to me, "Dr. McCoy will accompany you down to the Medical Bay. Please recall what we talked about earlier." His eyes locked on mine.

"I do." I replied, feeling like a chastised child. Without another word, Spock started towards the elevator with the beautiful doctor following.

Bones walked over, clapping a hand on my shoulder and letting his chin rest on the other, "You ready to head to the Med Bay?"

I nodded, my eyes envious as I saw the elevator doors close, leaving the two science officers alone. I knew that I could trust Spock, but I didn't feel the same about Dr. Wallace.

Bones started towards a second elevator and I followed without thinking. Once the doors were closed, Bones stepped in front of me with his arms crossed.

"Spock suspects that something is up." Bones said, his eyes worrisome.

I shook my head, trying to clear my head of jealousy, "W-what?"

"He asked me if there was anything wrong on the ride up because you were acting off today." Bones replied, running his hand back through his short hair, "Scottie told me about your…concern."

"I'm going to tell him when we are back on Earth. After the mission." I explained, remembering my conviction earlier, "I already made him take me along; I can't add another thing to his plate right now." I felt terrible for keeping my secret even longer, but I knew that he needed to focus right now more than he needed to know my secret.

Bones nodded in agreement, looking past me as he thought.

I started pulling nervously at my sleeve, "It was selfish of me to trick him into letting me come."

"Why did you want to come?" Bones asked, waiting patiently for me to answer.

I sighed, rubbing my eyes, "I didn't want to be left alone with my thoughts – I can't stand being alone lately – and I didn't want to be left behind." Tears built up and spilled over, the stress releasing as all my worries combined.

Bones pulled me close, holding me protectively in his arms, "Shh, shh, it's alright. We'll get it figured out."

"Is…is there going to be—be another w-war?" My voice broke, shuttering at the thought.

"No, shh, there won't be." Bones comforted, brushing my hair back, "Everything will be fine." A voice came over the speakers but I was too upset to listen. I wiped at my puffy eyes as I rested my head against his chest.

Bones pulled back, his hands on my shoulders, and leaned down to look in my eyes, "It will work out. Promise."

I forced a smile, trying to dry my eyes, "So are we going to go collect some tribble drool?" The pity laugh Bones gave made me feel a bit better.

Bones, knowing I was faking being alright, went along with it, "Not today, but I did heard that you were the Brightest Witch of your Age, so I'm thinking you might be able to show me a few things about healing spells."

I smirked, "I'm not sure how much a Squib can learn." I teased, elbowing him.

"Well, whether you are helpful in the Med Bay or not and whether your reasons for coming are selfish or not, I'm sure thankful to have you along for the ride." Bones commented, the doors opened and I followed him out.

"Why is that?" I asked, stopping beside Bones as he checked over a chart.

Bones looked around, making sure no one was listening, "I think we are getting in over our heads with this John Harrison. There is something more going on than just a man defecting."

My arms crossing protectively over my chest, "I know what you mean." The feeling I had early came over me again. Something wasn't right about this mission.

"Jim was sent to kill this John Harrison, not just to bring him back. We aren't explorers anymore, we're executioners." Bones whispered, a note of sadness in his tone.

I nodded, my eyes linking on the white wall as my thoughts worked. There was so many things going on inside of me; guilt for keeping my secret from Spock, jealousy for the new science officer, ache for my friends, and concern for another war on the horizon.

"Everything is going to change." I sighed, remembering what I had told Harry in our Fourth year.

Bones nodded, "You up for it?"

I brushed my bangs back, giving a weak nod that grew stronger. I dared to meet his eyes,
"Yes, I'm up for it."

And I was.

I had kept my promise to Harry; he was safe and had gotten to live a full life. Bones was proof of that. Now I was charged with making sure those I had come to love here were given the same opportunity.

My emotions were strained and trauma from the war was still present, but I wouldn't, and couldn't, sit passively by.

I would fight again to make sure those I loved got a second chance at life. I would win too.

I moved next to Bones, leaning my head against his shoulder, "You'll get to be an explorer again Bones." I looked up to him, nodding as I saw the confusion on his face, "Promise."

XxX