Fic: The Universe is Still a Small Place 6/? HP/STTNG

Here is a try at a lengthy fanfiction.

EWE HP, Slightly AU Treks

Crossover Harry Potter/Star Trek Tos/Star Trek TNG

Hermione/Picard

Some Hermione/SpockI Do Not Own Harry Potter or Any Star Treks in any For a Beta

All Reviews is cursed and doomed to be separated to all she knows. She must boldly go where no witch has gone before.

Inspired by Sarhea's wonderful crossovers.

I am sorry about the long break RL and Writers Block got in the way.

Also many thanks to Angel Queen for her wonderful beta work. She made this chapter so much better.

November 2362-September 2363

Shi'Khar, Vulcan

Hermione found herself adjusting to the Vulcan lifestyle with surprising ease. Here was a people that understood careful scheduling, the joy of studying, and a little light reading. While she recognized what she owed to Harry and Ron for pulling her out of this isolation when she was younger, it was still wonderful to be able to study and research without a plethora of unnecessary distractions. Her day now included early morning Suus Mannus with both Spock and Sarek. Both men appeared surprised by her how quickly she learned to the hold the forms correctly. One morning, curiosity finally incited them to mention it.

"It is interesting that you were able to memorize the individual movements in such a short time," Spock commented. "Your retention rate is much faster than most humans I have observed."

"It is really just a matter of experience and training," Hermione replied as she slowly executed one of the stretches. "I did yoga with my mother as a child and during summer break. After the war, I took up Tia Chi to help with the restlessness. Both are similar to Suus Mannus in the combination of physical motion and meditation. Spells often require very exact wand movements to cast, so really I have been conditioned to learn and repeat motions very carefully form a very young age."

Both Spock and Sarek nodded in comprehension, and Hermione thought that both appeared rather relieved by her explanation. Perhaps the idea that her rapid accustoming to Suus Mannus was due to conditioning rather than magical ability was more logical and acceptable to them.

Hermione's research into Vulcan history and lore found ample evidence of magical ability in pre-Surakian Vulcans. Both Sarek and Spock were curious about the effects magic had on Vulcan's development. Gathered in Sarek's study they prepared to discuss Hermione's findings and her plans for further research.

Pre-Surakian Vulcans were not wizards in the way that humans were, but were rather a race of magical creatures who shared several characteristics with Veela. Like Veela, they have a mating imperative, but rather than being drawn to one individual, ancient Vulcans often fought for the most desirable mate in terms of intelligence, strength, and other skills, in addition to appearance. These matings, or bondings, had the best possibility of adding to a clan's viability and producing the most outstanding offspring. The Vulcan adherence to logic and dismissal of openly expressing emotion allowed them to create societal mechanisms to handle instinctual and biologically imperative necessities with out resorting to clan warfare. Despite advent of arranged marriages, much of the criteria for choosing bond-mates remained the same into present-day Vulcan society. The principle difference today is that bond-mates are now chosen by the clan's elders, rather than by the individuals. Though still a clan-centered society, a frame work developed to allow Vulcans, as both individuals and clans, to focus on the "needs of the many."

(excerpt from Magic in all Spheres: Mystical Studies of the Universe, Chapter One: Vulcan, by Hermione Granger-Black, Earth High Mage.)

After both father and son had read the passage thoroughly, Spock began to question Hermione.

"It is fascinating how you were able to reinterpret ancient texts from what we had long considered historical exaggeration and emotive language. However, why do you think this so-called magical ability has vanished?"

Hermione shook her head. "I don't think it vanished at all," she replied. Merely rerouted into other forms and manifestations, such as healing, telepathy, and prophecy. Prophecy isn't a learned magic. It can be seen as a gift or a curse, but you either have it or you don't. Though," she admitted, "it does tend to manifest more in some bloodlines than others. This can be seen with your own seers. Telepathy and healing magics flourish here because they are cast most effectively by orderly minds. These abilities are still tied to emotions, however. I speculate that those who are most gifted in these abilities must also battle their emotions more strongly, and it is quite possible that later in life they lose control of them all together as the mental walls break down."

Sarek moved to sit behind his desk. His gaze swept first over his son and then to Hermione. After several moments, he spoke. "There is an illness that has matches these symptoms. It is not uncommon in our family line, though we do not speak of it. It is called Bendii Syndrome. My father suffered from it, and it is not improbable that I will develop the symptoms as well." Sarek gave her a keen look. "You postulate that our suppression of emotion our very way of life may cause it, how can we combat such without dismantling who we are as a people?"

Hermione sighed deeply and focused inward, trying to compose a reply. She could feel Spock's gaze on her, and he appeared ready to intervene, but she nonetheless responded, "This is all speculation, of course, and the disease and the affects of emotional suppression would have to be studied, but, what if the sharing of emotions was encouraged more in the family unit or even with very close friends? Often, Vulcans refer to t'hy'la. It can mean a soul mate in a romantic sense, but it can also be a life-long friend or companion, a much more platonic interpretation of soul mate." She sighed and leaned back in her seat. "Harry and Ron were both my t'hy'la. They were my wand brothers; we lived and bled and fought with and for each other. Perhaps the sharing and expression of emotions with these few might help in mitigating the symptoms of Bendii Syndrome."

To Spock's surprise Sarek nodded in understanding, and perhaps even agreement. "Due to the nature of our bond, I shared much more emotion with she who was my wife, Amanda, than at any other time of my life. As shaming as it is to our culture's sensibilities, it was a relief to have someone to share and help process these emotions in a way other than mediation." Rising from his desk and looking rather wrung out, Sarek dismissed them. "We have covered this issue enough for the time being. Perhaps we will address it more after you studies of telepathy with Spock. Safu, I would speak to you in the morning after breakfast. Goodnight Safu, Lady Hermione."

"I hope I didn't offend him," Hermione said mournfully after Sarek had departed from the room.

"I think," Spock said slowly as he to rose to his feet, "you gave him a great deal to consider. Come, let us seek our rest."

The next morning, Spock once again met his father in the study, this time without Hermione.

"I am surprised, Sa'mekh, that you gave her ideas such consideration."

"Her theories correlated with research already conducted regarding Bendii Syndrome," Sarek stated. "Her ideas on emotional connection with others are new, however. I will forward these ideas to medical researchers, with her permission. It is true that, in the past five hundred years, bonds between clan members have significantly decreased in intensity, while aliments such as Bendii Syndrome have risen in occurrence."

"I am sure she will give permission for you to forward her findings." Spock replied. "But I do not believe that is solely why you have requested that I meet with you this morning."

"You are correct," Sarek agreed. "I would have you evaluate Lady Hermione's suitability as a bond-mate for your son. According to Lady Hermione, arranged unions are not unusual in wizarding society, but in light of her research, I would not promote a bonding that could not support an emotional component."

Spock nodded. "We will be studying both magical and Vulcan mind science soon. This should allow me a to make such an assessment."

In addition to everything else, Hermione also settled into her roll as an ambassadorial attaché. In reality, she was much more like Spock's personal assistant than anything else, and they were fast becoming a force to be reckoned with. Of course, it was really a three for one deal. Hermione's research and analytical skills combined with the cultural knowledge, fact, and gossip-gathering abilities of Maisey and Daisey meant Spock was better prepared than the others around him. Though they had not yet left the planet, they still met several delegations on Vulcan. Since Spock had a more complete understanding than most, even all, other delegates, he was usually able to negotiate more easily and advantageously. When appropriate, Hermione offered comments and congratulations to their visitors. She also encouraged Spock to do so, citing the cultural importance to those they were meeting. He was out of practice from these social niceties sense his retirement from Starfleet. These networking tactics helped create and stabilize bonds between delegates. Some of the Vulcans in the diplomatic circles were surprised by the effectiveness of Spock and Hermione. Others, like Sarek and those who remembered his own work with his late bond-mate Amanda, were not. The goblins also benefited from information Hermione collected and passed on to Tralenguts.

When Spock and Hermione began working with Occlumency and telepathy, it only drew them closer. They shared more similarities in their pasts and personalities than expected for people from such divergent backgrounds. They both had fought in battles, been captured, and outlived their dearest friends. They had been ostracized as children, but still succeeded against all odds. Hermione did worry about his occasionally single-minded focus on Vulcan-Romulan reunification.

Aided by frequent mental contact, the pair once again found the closeness they had once shared with their former companions. After weeks of experimentation, they decided it was time to engage in a full mind meld, utilizing both of their powers to their fullest extent. Hopefully, any unforeseen side effects could be dealt with before they began traveling off-world the following month. For safety, they requested that Sarek join Maisey and Daisey in watching over them during the meld.

As they settled into comfortable positions in front of each other, Spock cautioned Hermione one last time. "I served as a member of Starfleet for many years, and often in times of conflict. I have even died. Much of what you see will not be pleasant, my friend. Are you certain that you wish to proceed? We have already gathered a great deal of data."

Hermione's answer was equally sobering. "I do not fear what I will discover in your mind, but what you will find it mine. From the age of eleven until I was an adult, I fought in a war, Spock. I have killed, and I have been tortured. Much more time has passed since your traumas. From my perspective, it has been just over a year since I was abducted." She stared at him intently. "Are you prepared to expose yourself to such a fresh wound?"