XxX

My legs spun me from side to side as I sat at the bar, holding my Afsakau Ugaya before me.

I had never considered myself spontaneous by any means. Even when I followed Harry into whatever daft plan he had, my thoughts had always been turning and I would have worked out a solid strategy before we reached the half way mark to our destination.

Now, here I was, having married a man I hadn't known more than a year and whose culture I hadn't yet begun to scratch the surface of.

I ruffled my bangs, trying to find an outlet. My anger from earlier had petered and was starting to turn into nerves.

Why hadn't I considered all of the variables before saying yes? I should have let my logic lead instead of my emotion. We could have waited a year or two before being bonded, what made this the one time studious Granger threw caution to the wind?

"Brilliant Hermione, just brilliant." I chided myself in a whisper, sighing as my thumb grazed over the beautiful comb, "Marry into a dying culture that doesn't want you and which expects you to force your bloody ears into points. As if that were even possible!" I tsked in annoyance.

Of course, I had already known I was a pollutant to Spock's weak Vulcan blood but never had I felt so much like one. I dropped my head into my hands, second guessing my choices once more.

"Getting cold feet, Herms?" Jim smirked, leaning onto the bar as he tossed back a shot. His wolf eyes wandered the room, looking for a tryst.

I cringed, not realizing I'd spoke my thoughts aloud, "No, I just…well, how do you deal with the Council?" I asked, turning to him as I picked at my thumb, "I'm just not sure what is expected of me anymore."

Jim gave a very mannerly burp and swung the stool around to look at me, "I don't smile and sneak out of the room as soon as I can."

"Well, that's not exactly possible. Surprise, surprise, but the Vulcan Embassy is filled with Vulcans." I huffed, pushing his shoulder so he'd spin back around as I settled my crossed arms on the counter.

"Oh, I think he will come around sooner than you think." He turned himself back, his eyes bright when they fell on the front doors, where I suspected a female of some species was, "Maybe you guys need to move out of the Embassy, have your own house which you can make half yours." He smirked, tapping the glass counter to order another round, "Make it a little less Vulcany and a little more you. Put some cobwebs and posters of Merlin up, maybe get a cat."

"What do you think my world is all about?" My eyes cut briefly to my left, where Scottie was slurring something into Bones' ear.

Jim shrugged, still smirking at the door as he downed his glass.

"What are you gawking at?" I quipped, turning to follow Jim's line of sight. The dim light in the room, paired with the loud music and fracturing strobe lights that silhouetted all of the dancing bodies, made me question how he could even see the door.

Jim rubbed his bloodshot eyes, "My worst nightmare, two Spocks."

I tsked, not believing him as I let my stool swing forward. It would be quite illogical for Spock to enter a bar were individuals were inebriated, "Ha, ha, very funny. Remind me never to introduce you to Firewhisky." I replied, sipping at my water and wishing I had a butterbeer.

"What is Firewhisky?"

I about spit my drink on the barkeep, who was sliding Jim his third – or possibly fourth – drink. Hurrying to wipe my mouth, I jumped off the stool and came face to face with a very uncertain looking Vulcan. His brow disappeared under his dark bangs as he took in the scene of our drunken friends.

"It…it's a very strong wizard drink." I blushed, feeling like a caught child, "And I—I wasn't drinking." I said, trying to soften my consequences as I lowered my eyes, all my previous bravado gone.

"Hermione." Spock said gently, requesting I look at him. I obliged before he continued, "I trust your judgement."

I took a steady breath and nodded, out of all the scenarios that had played through my head that had not been one of them.

"May I place your Afsakau Ugaya back in your hair?" He asked, his eyes wandering to my hand, which held tightly to the piece.

Like an inaudible ghost, I offered him the comb and sat back down so he could tuck it into the loose plait I had made up. I shivered as he smoothing the hair around the comb, his hand lingering a second long than it needed on the crook of my neck.

"Thank you." I replied, resting my chin on my shoulder so I could look at him through my lashes.

"Of course." He stepped back, his hands drawing together behind his back in his traditional stance as the moment drew to a close, "May I sit down?"

I looked to my right, where a very smug Jim sat with his eyebrows raised suggestively, and my left, where a drunken Scott was snoring on the bar.

"Let's get a table." I replied quickly, getting up before my chair had swung back around.

We maneuvered with ease through the crowd, since most people were in awe of the tall, out of place Vulcan accompanied by a short, bushy-haired human holding his hand. We truly were a sight to see.

"Can I get you anything?" One of the hostesses, whose dress could just barley count as clothing, asked as we took our seat.

I held up my water glass which I had taken with me, "I'm alright, thank you though."

"'Kay, what about you sexy?" She jutted her chin to Spock, her eyes aroused as she leaned over the table, "Is there…anything special I can get for you?" She purred, winking her heavily mascara coated lashes.

I clicked my tongue with a roll of my eyes; one would think the few brain cells that hadn't been killed by her potent, tangerine perfume would have tipped her off to the fact that he appeared taken before she spoke.

She pursed her red lips at me, her perfectly pampered brow cutting up in challenge, before looking back to Spock, "What do ya say?"

"I think I will have what my wife is having." Spock turned to me as if nothing was amiss, "What are you drinking Hermione?"

"Water with mint…I think." I swirled the glass, hoping that was what the green leaves floating in my drink were.

"Very well. I will have one water with mint." Spock turned to the waitress, who had figured out her chances were zilch with the married Vulcan.

"I will get that right away." She stood up, straightening her clothes to look as professional as she could in them, and left to do her job.

I settled back into my chair, an odd sense of pleasure warming me as my finger ran the course of the glass rim.

Checkmate, I thought with a childish smirk, And I didn't have to dress like a scrubber to win!

"Hermione?"

I sat up, feeling caught in my thought. I settled back when I realized I hadn't spoken aloud, "Yes?" I asked, sipping at my drink.

"I owe you an apologize for not being more through with teaching you the ways of Vulcans." Spock started, "I should never have held you to such high expectations when I had not taken the time to explain them to you."

My eyes grew wide, shocked by the apology. I knew how rare they were in Vulcan culture.

"Though I do expect you to act with respect before the Council and others of New Vulcan just as you would anyone else, I do not wish you to be a Vulcan or to be anyone other than yourself. I took you as my wife not for who you could be, but for who you are. For expecting you to act otherwise, I am sorry." Spock inclined his head in respect, "If you still desire to learn our culture, I will teach you, but I expect nothing more of you than what I have stated." He concluded, his eyes never once leaving my face as he spoke. My breath shortened as I grew lost in his eyes, finding sincerity in the brightness of the golden flecks.

"I—I forgive you." I stuttered, my lips softening into a smile, "And I would like to learn more about Vulcan."

Spock politely thanked the waitress as she placed his drink down before turning back to me, "Are there any questions you have?"

I tapped my finger against the oddly shaped glass before me, thinking as I worried my lower lip, "Oh, yes! I do." I jumped a bit at the revelation, "How do I introduce myself to others?"

Spock tilted his head to the side, studying me, "Typically, with your name."

"No, I mean, now that we married, how should I? My Mum was called Mrs. Granger because she took my Da's last name when they were married, the same with most married people I know. Do Vulcan's have anything to distinguish bonded pairs?" I reiterated, smiling at his inability to fully comprehend humans. He had learned how to apologize but had yet to fully understand our way of questions.

"Your adopted Vulcan name is Skladasu, so when you introduce yourself to those of New Vulcan or others of my race than you will say Skladasu, Wife of Spock." His eyes lit up at the title, as if it was very fond to him, but he was quick to conceal the emotion, "Other planetary introductions you may use Hermione, Wife of Spock or your Vulcan name. You are also free to use the last name of your family of origin as long as you distinguish that you are spoken for. I believe on earth that would mean using the title Mrs. instead of Ms. Of course your title will change once you are active in Starfleet and as you grow in rank, but I assume you grasp the basic understanding and importance of clarifying that you are bonded."

I wrinkled my nose; it would take some getting used to having two different names. Not to mention all the different titles.

Couldn't I just be Mrs. Spock to Vulcans and non-alike? It was so much easier to remember.

"I will forewarn you, the Council has taken to calling you Skladasu and they will expect you to respond. I will try and help support you in any way I can." Spock continued. I smiled, my eyes sweeping over his face; he truly was making an effort to understand my point of view.

"Thank you, Spock." I replied, sipping my drink as I thought over today's events, "How was the Academy when you visited today? Are they able to cope in your absence?" I joked.

"Quite well." Spock replied, not getting the jest, "While I was visiting the Academy I discovered that you will be able to enroll this fall if that is still your wish. Jim has pushed for your file to be moved to the top, saying you were one of the most capable applicants he has seen and wishes to have you on his next mission. His recommendation has secured you a place."

I blushed, not sure what to say to such support, "I wish I would have been able to earn my place like other cadets." I picked at my thumbnail, "I'm not sure I'm comfortable having a slot handed to me because of some nice words."

"You did earn your place, Hermione. In the last two missions for the Enterprise you have been a keystone to their success." Spock replied, "Without your interference, they most likely would have failed and countless lives would have been lost."

My flush grew brighter and I hurried to take a drink, hoping it would cool me. I was truly done being hailed as a hero and was ready to go back to being known as a simple bookworm.

I was relieved to see our group making our way over to us; I'd never been too good with receiving praise and today had been overload between the Hogwarts visit and Spock's laud.

"So…can I ask what Puddlemere United is?" Sulu asked, falling into a chair at the table next to us.

I twitched my nose before dropping my head to look at my shirt. My eyes grew; I hadn't changed from the jeans and the sleep shirt I was wearing. Groaning I dropped my head into my hands, I really had to stop running around in my pajamas.

"It's a Quidditch UK team." Bones explained, clapping me on the back before sliding into the chair next to me, "One of the oldest, I believe."

"Let me guess, another hocus pocusy thing?" A very off centered Jim asked as he collapsed into a free chair.

Bones rolled his eyes before looking back to me, choosing to ignore the tipsy Captain, "I was thinking about taking the venom into the lab today, I want to try and work out a plan before Khan's hearing."

I nodded, reaching into my pocket to retrieve the thick vial, "Here, just be careful with it." The venom glistened maliciously, threatening death.

"What is that?" Jim snatched the vial before Bones could get his hands on it and held it up to the light.

I grinned, deciding to have a bit of fun, "Basilisk venom. The most toxic substance known to wizards; it will cause your bollocks to dry up like raisins and fall off if you but touch the substance." I replied casually with a shrug of my shoulders.

"Right. No touchy." Jim delicately handed it off to Bones and proceeded to wipe his hands on Scottie's sleeve.

Bones stowed the vial carefully in his pack and toasted his glass silently to me, impressed by my half-lie.

"What is it for?" Sulu asked, leaning back with caution and crossing his legs delicately.

"We are going to synthesize it and use it to kill the Horcrux within Khan, hopefully leaving him alive in the process." I responded with a sly grin, sipping my drink, "If we accidently kill him though, it might save the Federation some legal fees. Or at least the next generation from his genes." I looked to Jim, who cringed in memory.

All but one at our table erupted in laughter, "What humans find amusing still evades my understanding."

Jim clapped Spock on the back and just shook his head. Spock looked from his hand to his face before turning to me, "Would you like to accompany Dr. McCoy to the hospital? The council will still be meeting and will likely continue until later this afternoon."

I turned to Bones, who shrugged indifferently, and looked back to Spock as I worried my lower lip. For being on our honeymoon, we sure weren't lacking for company.

Spock's face remained unreadable as I studied him, trying to guess his thoughts. I probably wouldn't be granted access to his true wants until we were alone tonight; the thought made me blush.

"Y-yeah, maybe we can put our heads together and try and figure out a solution." I answered, knowing we might as well help Bones. It was better than being trapped in a house full of Vulcans talking about how to stop further dilution of their race.

"Alright, let's head out." Bones stood with a wicked grin, "Since it was Captain's orders to come, the bill is on him!" Everyone quickly got up and scattered before Jim could protest. We stopped by the front door, out of breath, as we burst into laughter at the dumfounded look on Jim's face.

"There is a name for people like you!" Jim called, his eyes grumbling as our small group headed outside.

XxX

Spock stood and pushed his chair in, looking to Jim, "Thank you, Jim."

"Your guys' drinks are the cheapest of the bunch." Jim sighed, grabbing at his bangs as he read the ticket. He seriously doubted he had that many units on him, or if any one did for that matter.

"I meant for what you said earlier. Your correction was needed and I appreciate your willingness to step in to give it. I couldn't ask more from a friend." The Vulcan replied, his voice even as always.

Jim looked up with a cheeky twinkle to his eyes, "Aww, Spock. You do have a heart. Now, go on." The Captain nodded to the door as he stood to pay the bill, "You and Hermione have a hot date with Bones. I wish I could join you…" He rose his brows as he grinned, enjoying the view of the young bride, who stood outside the bar.

Spock rose a brow, daring him to continue the thought.

"Or, ya know, not." Jim shrugged, rubbing his neck and hurrying past the Vulcan, who could easily take him.

XxX

Spock stepped out into the temperate afternoon air, holding the door for Jim before letting it close behind them. I looked between the two, curious what they had been talking about.

Spock inclined his head to Jim as we got ready to leave, "I will see you Monday, Jim."

"I count on it, and I expect our new cadet to be in uniform and ready for her first day on the job." Jim winked to me, "Cap and all!"

"Spock said I wouldn't start till the fall." I replied, looking to my husband, who in turn looked to our Captain with a quizzical brow.

"You won't start classes until the fall but just because the Enterprise is grounded doesn't mean there isn't work to be done. You are, after all, assigned as the official gopher to my crew." Jim smirked with enjoyment, waving his hand as he thought, "Well, it doesn't say gopher on the paperwork. It's actually something like Assistant to the Starfleet Departments aboard the USS Enterprise, but gopher is much easier to say."

My smile erupted, everything was really moving forward and for the first time I wasn't scared of what tomorrow would hold; I was excited.

Jim pulled up his sleeve, looking at his watch, "The messenger should have arrived by now with everything you will need. I would have held off the announcement if I had known you would be on your honeymoon though." He leaned forward, his lips pouting again as he looked between Spock and I.

The Vulcan's brows knitted as he exhaled slowly in what most would consider a sigh, knowing Jim had waited until the most dramatic moment to reveal what he had probably known for days.

I rolled my eyes, "We are leaving, see you Monday, Jim."

"That's Captain Kirk, Ms. Granger." He called, wagging his finger at me as we moved to leave.

"And that is Mrs. Granger to you, Captain James Kirk." I turned around with a wide grin, walking backwards, "Besides, if you are going to call me Gopher Herms, I get to at least call you Jim!"

"I hadn't thought of that one yet, thanks!" He got the last word in and their gang started down the opposite side, getting ready to pub hop, while we continued to the Academy.

Bones walked on ahead, guessing correctly that I wanted some one-on-one time with Spock.

"Spock?" I asked, another question coming to mind.

"Yes, Hermione?" He replied, staying close so we wouldn't get separated in the crowd.

My teeth worried my lower lip once more, "Do you think…do you think we might be able to move into your old apartment on the base?" I lowered my eyes, feeling disrespectful in my request, "I just…I would like a place of my own, away from all of your father's business and day-to-day guests." I buried my hands in my pocket, feeling the need to explain myself, "I used to spend a lot of time in the library at my school because it was the only solace I could get sharing a room with six other girls. I've always needed a place of my own where I can relax away from expectations and curious eyes."

Spock slowly nodded, "Yes, we can. But moving and setting up an apartment, along with completing your new assignments at the Federation, might hinder your ability to plan a wedding."

"W-what?" I stopped right in the middle of the side walk, forcing others to walk around me.

"You said you wished to have a traditional wedding of earth." Spock explained, looking back at me, "Since I am not familiar with the custom, nor would I expect Dr. McCoy is, and assuming that you have no other female relatives or friends within this century, I can conclude that you would require my mother's help. Between both of your daily schedules and the logical desire to have the wedding before you start classes this fall, it would be easier if you lived in the same house."

My eyes grew tender that he had remembered my childish want, "Well," I started back down the path with a lighter feel to my step, "maybe you can get the apartment ready while I plan the wedding."

"That would be an adequate compromise." Spock turned and we continued on for a while in comfortable silence.

"If you wish to remain at the Embassy while I ready the apartment, I can speak to my mother about setting up one of the upstairs rooms to suit your needs." Spock offered as the Academy came into view.

"I'd like that." My eyes looked up to his tall stature with admiration. Boldly, I snuck my hand into his as we continued on our way, "I'd like that very much." I blushed, enjoying the feel as he gave my hand a loving squeeze back.

XxX

Bones sat with his head in his hands, his tousled hair even messier than usual as he forced himself to think. We had been sitting in his office for hours, the sky was past dark, and we were no close to having a plan then when we got here.

"What about a simple summoning spell? You could dilute the venom and I can bring forth the Horcrux to make sure it only affects the soul piece." I offered, pacing back and forth. My eyes lit up when I caught my reflection in the pristine glass window; my purple runners really did make the blue Starfleet dress one of a kind. I adjusted my badge proudly before continuing my circuit around the room.

Bones had tossed me the assistances dress he had kept for me when we entered the hospital, saying I could officially wear it now since I was the official gopher of the crew. I was both touched and eternally grateful to be out of my night cloths.

"That would be messing with the Dark Arts, you sure you'd want to try that?" Bones groaned, letting his warm face rest on his cool desk, "We're not even sure if it would work."

I shrugged, "What other option do we have?" I paced back to the windowsill and fell back into the nook, resting my head against the wall as I looked out at the bright heaven. Because we were so high up, I could make out more of the stars than I could if we were on the ground level with all the city lights.

I felt Spock's presence as he make his way to where I sat. Pulling my feet back so he had a place to sit, I sighed, "When I was little, I use to imagine I could reach out and touch the stars. I'd lay for hours on my bedroom window seat, imagining what it must look like from up there. Nothing was unattainable back then."

"It is scientifically impossible to touch a star." Spock explained factually.

I smiled, dropping my head to the side to look at him with love, "You know that isn't what I meant." My eyes wandered back to the sapphires scattered across the velvet sky, "Just close your eyes and think about the world as it should be, not how it is. Like you did as a child."

Spock did as instructed, taking a deep breath before opening them and looked out across the city.

"For the first time, I feel like they are within reach." I whispered, enjoying the stillness of the peaceful night surrounding us. My eyes mulled over the constellations but I didn't bother to list them, preferring to be in the moment instead of taking it to memory for a later time.

My hand, which rested on the bench of the sill, was encompassed by Spock's as we sat together. I closed my fingers around his, "Spock?"

"Yes, Hermione?"

My smile pulled across my closed mouth, knowing my emotions had led me on the right path, "I love you."

"I love you too, Hermione." Spock replied as he leaned against the wall, his eyes preferring to watch me instead of the stars.

"Guys, I think I figured it out." Bones burst into the moment, a pad in hand and his eyes alight. Spock and I were quick to separate, knowing that no one needed to be privileged to our love.

"What did you figure out, Dr. McCoy?" Spock asked, moving forward to examine the new information. I followed suite, trying to make sense of the mess of numbers.

Bones' smile grew triumphantly, "I know how to separate the Horcrux from Khan."

XxX