Chapter 2

AN: Hello lovely readers! I promise I'm still around but having to deal with no electricity when the sun goes down! UGH! Anyway, I have been writing longhand which means I then have to type what's written in and then check for errors before I can even start to proofread it! LOL Oh, and it the clouds decided to come out to play I can days without turning my computer on at all! Sooooo, I had a reviewer (ANGSWIN on Ao3) who wondered what would happen afterwards and it left a small bunny hopping around my mind until this finally come through. Hope you all enjoy it, it was fun to write. I will do my best to post a chapter when I can since it's a completed story but have no clue how long that will take. :) Keep your fingers crossed that I can do one a day but if the sky isn't solar friendly then it could take longer. Thanks for checking this out and now onto the story…

Disclaimer: I own nothing and make no money from this.

Hermione followed Duke to the galley and checked the space out as he put the groceries away and started some lunch. Duke watched the lovely brunette check out her surroundings, figuring fish and chips would be a safe choice.

As Hermione looked around she appreciated the simple but tidy space and after several minutes, turned her attention to her host. Harry would have fainted had he heard her quick acceptance for lunch from a complete stranger, who seemed right at home in the kitchen. She wasn't as quick to accept such things since the War, still too paranoid but she had followed her instincts about Duke. She smiled when she saw what he was cooking. Fish and chips was one of her favorite dishes but she had never had the fish so fresh before. She was looking forward to how it changed the taste.

Once Duke had plated the food he motioned for Hermione to join him at the table. They ate in a comfortable silence, only broken when Hermione praised his cooking. After stacking their plates in the sink, Duke sat facing Hermione, throwing his arm onto the back of the booth and couldn't help but smile at the happy look his guest wore.

"So, we have a bit of talking to do." Duke started their conversation.

"Yes, it would seem so. I must say, I am quite intrigued about these Troubles. What exactly are they?" Hermione answered as she leaned on the table towards Duke.

"How about this, we take turns asking questions? That way, we don't have to wait too long to get answers." Duke suggested.

Hermione chuckled, "Works for me. You first, what would you like to know?"

The two talked for hours, telling the other about their respective worlds. Duke was amazed at what Hermione was telling him. It would seem her world was just as messed up as his. He was looking forward to reading the few books she had somehow pulled out of a small beaded bag.

He was fairly sure that Hermione had downplayed her role in the War she had glossed over. The more he talked with her, the more interested Duke became. Even if her world was just as secretive, dangerous and as chaotic as his, she was a breath of fresh air. She seemed to not care about his past or his profession. She showed him no judgment or disgust or disappointment of any kind. It amazed Duke just how easy she was to talk to. He found himself divulging a bit more about himself and his situation than he had ever told anyone. It was surreal and liberating for him. After dealing with Nathan for so long and his bullshit and Audrey with her drama, Hermione was a lifeline he hadn't realized he needed.

Hermione was completely taken aback by what Duke was telling her about the Troubles and himself. She knew from his body language, expression and verbal pauses that he was sharing more with her than intended and she was fascinated by what he did share. She totally understood his confusion of sharing so much as she found herself telling more than she had planned but he was just so easy to talk to, everything flowed effortlessly.

During their conversation Hermione found herself completely offended on Duke's behalf when he told her the town's opinion of him, especially Nathan's attitude. It made her love and cherish her two best friends even more. The three of them had been through hell and back together and, yes, they had had some epic rows throughout it but none of them held onto any of it for long; they had more important things to deal with.

As she considered the two most prominent people in Duke's life, she couldn't help but want to strangle them both. They both constantly sent mixed signals to Duke. Nathan, especially, couldn't seem to make up his mind; whether it was to totally despise Duke or that they were friends. Audrey, well she could excuse her to an extent but from what she could gather, from what was said and unsaid, the woman needed to take a little time to figure out what (or who) she wanted. She really needed to stop sending mixed signals to everyone.

The more she learned about Duke and Haven the more she felt magic had a hand in her landing here. The more she learned of the Troubles, the more she was convinced that it was a dark magic of some sort. Hermione was a witch of many talents and someone who thrived when confronted with a seemingly "unsolvable" puzzle. She wasn't sure if she would find an answer or not but she certainly would give it her best.

It had been two years since the War had ended but she had been very busy during that time. She had never known just how much all her studying and extra research would pay off but she had only needed to learn some intricacies of each subject in order to pass her Mastery tests. She had gotten her Masteries in Charms, Transfiguration, DADA, Ancient Runes and Spell Theory. She was currently taking a break while working towards her Potions Mastery. Severus Snap had survived the War and, much to her astonishment, asked her if she would be interested in adding a Potions Mastery to her impressive list of accomplishments. It had taken her a full five minutes before she could answer; causing Severus to joke that he was afraid he had finally managed to break her mind.

From what she had been told by Duke, Hermione felt comfortable offering her assistance. She would need to find somewhere to stay so she could get her books out to consult but felt optimistic about the situation. The only concern, it would seem, would be not losing her heart. She already knew that it wouldn't take much to fall for Duke. He was sexy, world smart, not afraid of a challenge and, last but certainly not least, an adorable scoundrel who truly cared for his hometown.

Duke knew his heart was in trouble by the time their talk wound down. Hermione was beautiful, sexy, impossibly smart, funny, fierce, honest, passionate and so many other things. He had a strong, sinking, feeling that if he spent too much time with her he would be doomed, which would suck because he knew she would return to Britain to finish her Mastery and Duke knew long distance relationships never worked, but how to tell his heart that he had not a clue.

From everything said, Duke had a glimmer of hope that the Troubles were making their last round. He had watched Hermione's expressions throughout his stories and explanations and he had never seen someone with such a concentrated look before. Then, when she said she may be able to help, it was all he could do to stay seated. He had wanted to jump up and pump his fist; finally, someone who was willing to solve the problem rather than put a bandage on it. If the spunky witch thought it was a form of dark magic and that she may be able to banish it, Duke had no reason to doubt her. He really wanted to be able to stay in Haven, especially since he now owned the Grey Gull. Despite his best efforts, Duke shook his head; he was becoming a respectable member of society. Damn the Troubles! But if the Troubles kept Hermione here for a longer period, and she managed to rid the town of them, then maybe he could be thankful for them just this once.

After offering to drive Hermione to the town's hotel, Duke smiled at her look of confusion and then realization before accepting said offer. However, she asked him if she would be allowed to apparate to his boat from then on. He told her she could but to make her destination the galley so she wouldn't be seen by anyone but him. She agreed quickly and bade him a goodnight.

The next morning Hermione found a flat to rent instead of staying at the hotel. The hotel was nice and all but this way she could get her bookshelves out of her bag and not have anyone question where they had come from since she wasn't seen lugging boxes to her room; she couldn't the cleaning service out forever. It only took about an hour to find a suitable place that the rent included utilities. She got her bookshelves out and started her research. She knew it was crazy, the War was over and she no longer had to carry her beaded bag full of what she might need but it was a hard habit to break. She had told no one that she had duplicated almost every book she owned so she could put them in her bag. After needing a few of them while on the run, she decided she would not go without again.

After quite a few hours, Hermione realized she hadn't eaten since dinner with Duke and remembered him telling her about the Grey Gull so she decided to pop over. It would take care of two things at once; she could eat and let Duke know her new lodging. Concentrating on the surroundings of the restaurant, Hermione remembered a large tree just off the side that should be large enough to conceal her sudden appearance. Although, she chuckled, would anyone really think twice about someone just appearing out of nowhere? Best not to chance it though and after focusing on where she wanted to go, Hermione apparated effortlessly, smiling widely when everything worked.

As she looked to the Gull, she realized it was in full dinner mode. She hoped she could find a seat. As she walked in, the quiet den of noise was a welcoming thing. Looking around she noticed a few patrons eyeing her but most were content to keep to themselves and leave her be. Noticing no tables were free, Hermione took a seat at the bar. Having not seen Duke, she wondered if he was even there. Just as she was about to wave a bartender over to get a menu, she saw a tall dark headed man step out of the kitchen, smiling when he saw her and promptly waltzed over to her.

"Good evening, my lady. I see you finally made it to my fine establishment." Duke winked as he greeted her.

"I have and a very fine establishment you have." Hermione smiled.

"So, what can I get you tonight?" Duke asked as he leaned against the bar.

"Hmm, surprise me, sir." Hermione challenged him.

"As the lady wishes." Duke smiled as he winked again before he spun around with a flourish to head back into the kitchen, making Hermione chuckled. A short time later he reemerged with a plate of crab cakes and a small house salad.

"Enjoy, my lady." Duke told her as he set the plate down in front of her. After taking a few bites, Hermione quietly moaned, "My compliments to the chef. This is wonderful." Duke smiled broadly at her praise.

"Thank you, my fair lady." Duke replied with an extravagant bow. "Did you get settled alright?"

"Actually, that was the other reason I'm here. I found a flat to rent instead. I figured it would be easier to research undisturbed." She answered while giving him a pointed look.

"Ah, yes, I'm sure it is more convenient." he replied with a small nod acknowledging what was being unsaid.

For the next two hours, Duke visited with Hermione in between customers, making sure to somewhat code their conversation. Duke did chastise her when he learned she hadn't eaten all day. Hermione promised to try to do better but told him to not hold his breath. She was well known to lose all track of time when researching, especially when what she was researching was so challenging. Duke chuckled and quietly decided to take her some lunch for as long as she was in Haven.

Just as Hermione got up to leave, she leaned over the bar to give Duke a kiss on the cheek before thanking him for a wonderful meal and excellent company.

Over the next several days, Hermione would pause her research only when Duke would bring her some lunch and then when her wand would alert her it was time to get to the Gull. Duke had stayed that first day until she had set her wand alarm for dinner, smiling broadly at her exasperated sigh.

On her fifth day of research, Hermione felt she was close to finding a solution that their normally flowing dinner conversation became stilted and when she got ready to leave, Duke called after her saying she had forgotten something.

"I have?" Hermione looked around to see what she had left behind.

"You have." Duke answered with a smirk as he rounded the bar.

As he approached her, he slung his arm around her shoulders as he guided her out the door. Still confused, Hermione allowed him to guide her to the tree. Once there she turned her curious gaze to his, silently asking for an answer. After leading her to the side Duke knew no one would see, he leaned down to whisper, "My kiss."

Hermione's head jerked up at his words and her breath caught at the look in his eyes. A burning desire lit his gaze from the inside. Hermione exhaled softly as she leaned the remaining distance to meet his lips.

Her actions momentarily took Duke off guard but he recovered quickly. The kiss might have started off tentative but soon turned heated. They finally broke for air when their lungs demanded them to.

"I, I should go. I still have research to do." Hermione stated breathlessly.

"Yeah, you should. See you tomorrow?" Duke asked as he ran a hand through his hair, trying to regain his equilibrium. Where had she learned to kiss like that?!

"Of course! Who else is going to make sure I eat?" Hermione cheerfully asked, making Duke chuckle.

"Who indeed?" He answered as he leaned in to give her lips a quick peck before stepping back. The smile beamed at him just before she disappeared warmed his soul to the core.

Duke returned to the Gull with a lighter step and a genuine smile on his face.

"Who was she?" Audrey asked as soon as Duke was back behind the bar.

"A friend." Duke told her.

"She looked a bit young for you." Nathan scowled.

"She's old enough. What can I get you?" Duke said with a tight smile. Nothing would ever change with Nathan. He had been wondering when their paths would cross.

As the two officers placed their orders, Duke sighed internally. Audrey would probably try to wheedle information out of him later while Nathan would wait for the most inopportune moment to say anything more.