DISCLAIMER: If you recognize it, then I didn't create it, don't own it. Just the story concept is mine.

AUTHOR NOTE: I hope you are all staying safe with all this Covid 19 chaos! Be smart people! Stay home if you can! Let's stop this virus from spreading as quickly as we can so everyone can get healthy! To all those who have to deal with us as your job; the health workers, grocery store workers, truck drivers, etc: Thank You.

The Valkyrie

Chapter 22: Coffee with the Captain

After stashing the copy of the file in her ever-present beaded bag, Hermione got to work. When Tony re-entered the lab a short time later, she was already waiting with his coffee and the rest of his days schedule.

"Morning Tony. Here's your coffee, and here is your schedule. It looks like some changes were made since last night," she said.

"Yes. Scrap the schedule. Instead I need you to help oversee the packing of the lab," he said.

"Packing up the lab? We aren't scheduled for any sort of move until next week. What's going on Tony?"

He looked like he was thinking about lying but changed his mind. "I had an early morning meeting, and have been asked to join in a special project. I accepted. As such I have been offered lab space. Since I am going to be taking most of the essentials anyways, now would be the best time to pack it up and move the remaining to the new lab. It is all ready for set up now." He made a few gestures, bringing up the Hologram system. He flicked his fingers, scroling a bit before enlarging. "This is the list of things I need for the project. The rest can be moved to the new lab."

Eying the list, she pretended to not know anything, "A special project. As Tony Stark or as Iron Man?"

"Bit of both. They begged for my genius and sense of style," he smirked.

She rolled her eyes, "Oh yes. How can anyone survive without you? Whatever would I do while you're away? I shall pine until next we meet." She said dramatically.

"No worries there Queen Elizabeth. You're coming with. I am sending Happy to pack a bag for you," he grinned.

"Anthony Howard Stark! You better call Happy right this instant! There is no way anyone other than me would be packing anything of mine. Besides I don't remember you asking me to accompany you."

"Fine. I'll call Happy and you can go home tonight and pack. But I'm not asking. We both know you are too curious to miss this," he smirked again.

She cursed as she turned away to start the sorting out.

He laughed at her cursing, "How can you still sound so prim and proper while cursing? It's a delight really. Now, do you have any questions? I have to sort things with Pepper."

XXXX

She had been overseeing the packing of the lab when the chimes on her mirror alerted her. A quick glance saw no one around.

"Jarvis...a few moments of privacy if you please."

"Of course Miss."

Turning her back to the door just in case Tony or Pepper came in, she pulled out her compact. She opened it to see an irritated quarter Veela sister pacing and ranting. The compact was snatched from Fleur and Bill's anxious face came into view.

"Hermione. I don't know what you are up to but it has set Fleur off. Care to explain?"

"I tried to keep it from her and Harry. I didn't want to worry them until I knew more."

"Is this a Hermione problem or a Valkyrie problem?"

"Valkyrie."

"Bloody hell. The vows. You specifically said your fight is my fight. If there is a fight coming for you, they won't be able to help but be involved," he explained.

"Holy Valhalla! This just got more complicated. Look I have to get a little more information but I will pop over as soon as I can to explain. I promise. Can you calm her down?"

"Yes. I can distract her for a little bit. But I'm telling you Harry won't be so easily distracted."

XXXX

Tony had finally sent her home with instructions to be there bright and early the meet him the next morning. She quickly called Nat to confirm tonight's plans. When she reached her apartment, she waved to Phil as she passed him on the way in. Then she quickly began packing while floating the file she had copied in front of her.

Avengers Initiate. A group of so called heroes to defend Earth, headed by S.H.I.E.L.D and commanded by Nick Fury. The heroes listed would be an impressive unit if they could work together.

Tony Stark-Iron Man

Natasha Romanoff-Black Widow

Clint Barton- Hawkeye

Steve Rogers-Captain America

Bruce Banner-Hulk

Yes an impressive group to say the least. Of course with Tony's attitude she would probably have to minimize his interaction with Banner. Tony made an effort to pick, pick, pick and drive the most patient person crazy. Then again maybe she should keep Nat away too. She was bound to put him in his place. Then again….she would love to see Nat give him a smackdown. Hell, she might as well just keep Tony away from everyone before he ended up getting himself hurt.

She scanned the section about Bruce Banner again. His resume was quite impressive. He understood the value in education. He was observed as a quiet, well mannered, intelligent man. That is until the switch was triggered. Then it seemed as if he lost his mind to the baser desires of Hulk. She briefly wondered if she could make him a form of wolfsbane that could help. His ability to communicate while in that form was quite limited. She was once again reminded of Grawp. A firm hand was needed. She was certain of it.

She didn't doubt that Natasha could take care of herself, but there was still no way she could be talked out of going with her tonight. Nat met her inside her apartment and Hermione greeted her with a hug before they headed out. She could tell Nat was worried about Clint. She vowed to help him. She cast a disillusionment and silencio on her feet before following Nat out. Nat opened the passenger pretending to look for something in the door's pocket before moving to the side so Hermione could get in. Once she heard the whispered ok, she shut the door and got into the driver's seat. She stuck to Nat as they boarded the jet to take them to Kolkata.

She briefly left Natasha's side to do a bit of recon. It didn't take her long to see the file had been correct about Dr. Bruce Banner. He was calm, and collected. When Natasha confronted him, she was by her side, wand at the ready. She wouldn't allow Nat to be hurt if she could help it. There had only been a brief moment when she was sure they would meet The Hulk face to face. Banner's eyes had begun to bleed green before returning to their normal color as he got his anger in control.

Luckily the trip had been mostly uneventful. She said a brief good night to Natasha. Reminding her to keep her cover with Tony. Natasha smiled at the idea of her cursing Tony when he found out.

Upon returning home, she set an alarm and laid down for a short nap. She was thankful the jet was so quick or she would have not been able to meet Tony.

XXXX

She met Tony the following morning, bag in hand. She boarded the helicarrier a few steps behind Tony. A specialized notice-me-not allowed her to bypass the guards, but still be noticed by Tony should he pay attention. He had a meeting with Fury, then he asked her to meet him in the room he would be using as a lab with a coffee. She agreed, using the meeting time to unpack her stuff in an empty bedroom and set a few wards to ensure privacy.

XXXX

The chimes on her mirror compact alerted Hermione to yet another attempt from Harry to contact. She had been avoiding him after talking to Bill. Apparently the attempt to block Harry and Fleur while trying to establish the mental connection with Thor had only partially worked. Because of the unique bond and the vows they had made, Harry and Fleur knew something was wrong, just not exactly what. BIll had been able to placate Fleur for the time being.

When she had failed to answer the first two mirror calls from Harry, he had gone to Shell Cottage. It had taken Bill taking his wand to stop Harry from rushing off to save the day. He had since taken to calling her mirror every hour on the hour. She couldn't keep avoiding him. She really needed to make a trip back and explain exactly what was going on. She quickly called Bill and begged him to calm Harry down and tell him she would be there as soon as she could. Glancing at the clock she hurried to find Tony a coffee before tracking him down. A discreet point me spell helped locate him quicker.

She was hurrying towards the lab with Tony's coffee, thoughts swirling in her mind. She knew meeting Steve Rogers was likely. She had mentally been preparing for it. She would be calm, polite, thus smoothing the interaction. She would not allow the nerves and jumbled emotions to get to her. She was sure everything would be fine. She would be able to maintain her cover without drawing attention to herself. Then she walked into the broad chest of someone, crushing the hot coffee between them.

XXXX

Steve Roger had already been aboard the helicarrier for a while. He was trying to find Tony Stark, the son of the late Howard Stark. He knew the lab was somewhere this way, but he wasn't exactly sure where. He had a lot of respect for Howard, and hoped that he could work well with his son. He glanced at the folder in his hands for a brief second before something collided with him, soaking his front with something hot. He jerked back in reflex, dropping the folder even as he steadied the person who had collided with him.

A tumble of long dark curls and a sweet voice cursing, "Oh for Godric's sake." The accent caught him off guard and reminded him of Peggy. His hands tightened reflexively on her arms. He let go when he realized what he was doing. She wasn't Peggy. Her voice though, something about it was so familiar. The woman apologized as she knelt down to pick up his folder, pulling a handkerchief out to wipe it off. She looked up to hand it to him. He was trying to brush it off, he hadn't been paying attention, it was as much his fault. She looked up at him and the words died on his lips.

XXXX

"Oh for Godric's sake!" She cursed as she collided with someone. The coffee crushed between them, bathing them both in the hot beverage. Hands steadied her from falling, even as they dropped a folder in the coffee mess at their feet. She babbled apologies as she bent to retrieve the folder. Noticing the coffee on the folder, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at the folder, drying it as best as she could. She brushed her long hair back from her face as she stood to return the folder to them.

Her eyes traced the rather broad chest and shoulders before meeting the man's gaze. A blush immediately warmed her face. Of course it was her luck. Of all the people to have met in such a way, she had to have collided and spilled coffee all over Steve Rogers. The imagined perfect meeting she had just been planning went up in flames before her very eyes. She was mortified.

"I-I-I sorry," she squeaked out, wincing. Losing her nerve, she dashed off down the hall in humiliation.

She rushed into the lab, and pressed her back to the wall, a frustrated sigh escaping.

"Well hello to you too Princess Diana. Happy to see you- is that my coffee dripping onto the floor?" Tony greeted.

She flashed an annoyed look at him, "I don't want to talk about it Anthony. Just leave me be."

She made her way to the restroom just off the lab. Closing the door behind her, she leaned against the door, banging her head lightly. What a spectacular way to cock up a first meeting. Not only did she run into the man and spill coffee all over him. She had then fled the scene. Just wait until Nat heard about this one.

She removed her button up shirt. Thankful for the racerback she constantly wore underneath, which was mostly untouched. She had just finished washing her face and hands when voices drifted through the door. a quick glance at the reflection told her other than looking unprofessional, she looked fine.

She tried to cast a glamour over her arm to hide that word. But it didn't seem to work. She couldn't focus properly, being so flustered still. She took some deep steadying breaths and refocused. She cast the spell again. She watched the letters fade from view and clearly heard Tony's voice this time.

"Given the state of your shirt. I would say you had a run in with my assistant," he said amused.

Of course. Just her luck, Steve Rogers would have come into the lab. Cursing her luck, she debated hiding out in the bathroom hoping he would leave. A knock on the door shot that idea down quick.

"Still alive in there? Or have you died of embarrassment? I mean he is a rather nice specimen of man, not near my godlike self. But still nice," Tony was saying.

She opened the door, cheeks flushing. "Anthony! Stuff it, you overgrown tin can!"

"Aw come on Duchess. It is just too much fun to rile you up!"

"Keep it up Anthony, and I will recycle your suit!" She said glaring at him.

She noticed the other two people in the room watching in amusement. Holding out a hand first to Bruce Banner she greeted them properly.

"You must be Dr. Bruce Banner. I must say your work is absolutely fascinating. I have read several of the articles you published and I was impressed."

Bruce smiled amused as she continued to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you Miss…"

"Oh! I'm Helen. I'm that one's Babysitter," she said with a cheeky grin as she jerked a thumb at Tony.

Tony rolled his eyes and Steve snorted as he tried to contain his laugh.

Turning to Steve she decided to start again.

"I am sorry about our rather unfortunate meeting earlier. I'm Helen," she said.

"Is that….Holy Shit! The bookworm has a tattoo! Let me see!" Tony exclaimed. He kept darting as she turned away from him.

"Stop it Anthony! I will tell Pepper about the chocolate fountain!"

"No! She's determined to make me eat healthy. That's not happening."

"Uh huh. Sweet Pepper taking the time to bring you that tasty fruit and you ruin it by coating it in chocolate. "

"Hey! It's still fruit….it's just improved. Besides, she just doesn't understand that I NEED the sugar to function. Ask Jarvis!"

"No one needs that amount of sugar Tony. And fruit has enough sugar IN it."

"Yeah. But it's not the same," he said pouting like a small child.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say Tony. Now back to work Tin Man."

XXXX

He had been observing her as she flitted about the lab doing things for Tony. It was easy to see she was intelligent, able to keep up with both Banner and Stark as they discussed things. She was funny, bantering with Tony like siblings would. It made his heart ache. It was so much like he and Bucky had been. He couldn't help but think Bucky would have liked her.

She was definitely beautiful, especially when she smiled. He really liked her smile. It did funny things to him when she directed it at him. It was funny though, it seemed as if she didn't see her own beauty. At least if she did she didn't try to use it to manipulate those around her. He liked that. No! He couldn't think this way. It would just end up like it had with Peggy. He couldn't do that to someone else.

XXXX

They were trying to trace Loki using facial recognition. Surely some camera, somewhere had seen him. The sound of squabbling yet again made him curse Stark. He really should have known better when he told Stark to bring whatever he needed. Apparently he needed an expresso machine, that caused all the agents to fight over. He growled in frustration as he pushed through the crowded agents and unplugged it.

He turned and stalked down the hall to the lab. Stark had been on board less than a day and he had already had to break up three arguments over the damned machine. And don't get him started on the "necessary" chocolate fountain he had brought with him. Lord only knew what else he had deemed necessary. What was next, a putting green? He opened the door and stopped in his tracks. There was a stranger on his ship. How was there someone he didn't know on his ship?

"Who the hell is this? What are you doing on my ship?" He turned to Tony, "What the hell did you do now Stark?"

He took a step towards the woman and found his path blocked by Captain Rogers.

"That's no way to talk in front of a lady. You should be more polite." Rogers said.

"Well you did say I could bring anything I needed," Stark said.

"And you deemed a human necessary? One without proper clearance? For Fucks sake! She could be working for Loki!"

"Hey! That's my assistant you are talking about. Do you really think I didn't check her out thoroughly before hiring her? Nothing bad to be found in her folder. Not so much as a naked picture posted online. And I can't very well be expected to fetch my own coffee."

"Anthony!" The woman screeched.

XXXX

No one had noticed Nathasha slipping in. Fury's yelling had drawn her in. She shot nervous glances at Banner. This could potentially turn big, green and ugly in a hurry.

"Perhaps we should handle this a little calmer," she suggested.

She watched Banner clench his fists. Hermione reached out and patted his hand. She smiled at Banner who unclenched his fists and smiled lopsidedly.

"We got a hit!" A voice yelled as the sound of running echoed in the hall.

"Director Fury, we have it. 62% match."

"Wait, cross-check- 79%!" The voice yelled.

"Location?" Fury snapped.

"Stuttgart, Germany. 28 Koenigstrasse."

Stark was hurriedly pulling up the location.

"He's not exactly hiding," he said, turning the screen for them all to see.

"Captain, you're up," Fury said. "All of you. Suit up! Banner-"

"I'll stay here and monitor the situation," he said ruefully.

A nod in his direction before Fury left with a bellowed, "Move it! The jet leaves with or without you in T minus 5!"

Nat met Hermione's gaze as she walked passed. No words were exchanged but she imagined she heard Hermione urge her to be safe.

XXXX

She had stayed silent through the whole incident. She knew this was it. Whatever was coming was drawing nearer. Time to head to England. The conversation was already overdue but she had needed more information.

She followed on Tony's heels as he was barking orders at Jarvis to ready his suit. Captain Rogers rushed past them on his way to his quarters. Entering Tony's quarters, she watched in amazement as the suit fitted to him. It never failed to seem like magic.

Tony turned towards her, his mask still up. Jarvis spoke up, "Sir. the jet has just left. Captain Rogers and Miss Romanoff are on board. I have informed them that you will follow."

"Thank you Jarvis." He looked at her, hands came up to rest on her shoulders. He gave them a light squeeze and nodded before he strode to the door. "Don't worry! I'll be back in a Flash- wait. Wrong superhero!"

She chuckled, "Take care out there Tony."

"See you soon Helen."

She said a silent prayer for Nat, Steve and Tony before headed to her room. She needed her bag before she headed to talk to Harry and Fleur.

"Keep an eye on them Jarvis," she said quietly. Then she pulled the portkey for Shell Cottage from her bag and activated it.