September 5rd, 2021

A/N

Okay, I feel like this was better than last time. 13 days? That's not too bad if I do say so myself. Update, my summer job is now complete and my senior year begins on Tuesday. I will be starting college apps soon so this kind of schedule might be normal but I will do my best to get back to a once-a-week schedule. Thank you again for being so supportive and patient with me.

Once again please follow my Instagram page for this fic, (delaneys . world . of . fanfiction). Hopefully, spacing out the words will help you guys see what the page is. If not, message me and we can figure it out together.

Thank you to my Beta Luke, our marvel expert for editing this chapter. Luke who is the ghost to my Ghostbusters, The lightsaber to my Luke Skywalker, Andy to my Woody. (Yes, I will keep adding more every week because Luke HATES it and also names these shows/references in the comments). A massive shoutout to my amazing ghostwriter ElianaIsabella who literally edited this chapter at the drop of a hat. I couldn't have gotten this chapter out to you guys without her. *insert clapping emoji*

Now for questions! If you have any pressing questions or just want to make some observations about the fic, ask any questions and I will try to answer them. Now I do read all the comments so if I didn't answer yours it is because I didn't think it was in a question format so just ask again in the comments in a different format.

hateme101: That's our Hermione. Creating ideas so crazy they just might work.

Freyja-Njorda: Darn it, I thought people would be more on my side with this week's poll question. But I will just say this: if given the opportunity do you not think that Natasha would've treated Steve the same way?

CallaRose4ever: I couldn't agree with you more. Steve and Peggy had their time. He and Nat had so much chemistry together. Given the opportunity, I think they could've been an amazing couple.

lumosavis135: When I tell you until TFATWS I hated Sharon….I hated her. I still haven't warmed up to her so I don't really have any plans for Steve and Sharon to end up together.

saralinn: For sure, and Steve going back in time to be with Peggy completely messed up her life. Really, Sharon shouldn't even really exist since Steve going back changed so much. Clearly, Peggy had the ability to move on. Steve should've opened up more to the possibility of there being someone else.

sandipi: Exactly. Peggy lived a whole life without him. Steve should've opened up more to everyone around him and opened up to this new time/place he ended up in. In Avengers she's in her early 30's. For the story and the age differences in relationships not to be too much, I changed Steve and Bucky's age. Both of them are originally in their mid to late 30's in Captain America: First Avenger but for the Bucky and Hermione ship, they are both 25. I am however gonna keep Nat at her original age. As for the rest, you'll just have to wait and see.

sriuspotter: Omg! Luke and I were together IRL when we read this and we celebrated for a good 5 minutes. Thank you so much for reading this fic and leaving such a kind review. It's comments like this that keep me going.

crity2re: I understand your point about Natasha and Peggy but I still stand by my opinion that Steve belongs with Nat. I'm just not supportive of him going back in time at all. He could've saved Nat and Bucky from a lot of pain and suffering. Not to mention all the historical events that he could've prevented. I understand why he couldn't but he'd already changed the future by being with Peggy so why not help the world. As for What If, after a couple more episodes I'm really getting into it. Love your in-depth comments as always. I look forward to seeing them each week.

Stille und regen: Aww I enjoyed writing that scene. I thought it was really important to highlight Hermione and her ability to calm untamable creatures. You can read my comments above on how I feel about Steve and Peggy. I do understand how you can be torn on the subject. Thank you again for your amazing comments. I look forward to seeing them each week.

Also, I have not seen anything other than the 1st episode of Loki and haven't seen Shang-Chi yet so no spoilers please, and thank you. I don't know how either of these shows/films affects what is happening in this first Avengers film but everything that we knew before these two films will remain that way. Pretend you know nothing.

Though I did FINALLY see Black Widow and it was...good. I definitely loved other Marvel movies more than BW. But it was still good. I cannot wait to see how Florence Pugh/Yelena will be included in the universe. Especially with that end credit scene. John Walker and now Yelena? I think they're setting up for a 'Dark Avengers' but that's just me.

Also that Spider-Man No Way Home Trailer? Are you kidding me? Luke and I face timed to watch it and we were both freaking out. Personally, I think Dr. Ock was talking to Tobey's Spider-Man because he would've had no idea who this universe's Peter Parker was. It's going to be a great movie. It's going to be some Endgame level shit. I'm talking buy your tickets now to avoid spoilers. Anyways there's my weekly marvel rant. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Personally, I think this might be one of my favourites to have written. However, you might not understand just how important all this is to the future of this story yet. Guess you'll appreciate it more at a later date lol. Enjoy!

I own nothing but the storyline. If I owned Marvel or Harry Potter I would've starred in the films. Oh and married Sebastian Stan or Tom Hiddleston.

"Can I pitch you something crazy?"

"Sure," Coulson said, leaning up against the wall.

"Fury's goal is to bring everyone together right?" Hermione asked.

"I mean, yes that was the original plan," Coulson said, not understanding what she was getting at.

"I might just have a way to do that." Hermione told him before asking, "How would you feel about playing dead for a little while?"

June 24th, 2012 Aboard the Mobile SHIELD Headquarters (12:39 pm) - Unknown Location

"I-I'm sorry!?" Coulson sputtered in shock. Bucky gave Hermione a look of total confusion. 'What the hell is she thinking?' Bucky asked himself.

"The Avengers Initiative right? That's what this gang of misfits is called right?" Hermione clarified with Coulson.

"How did you know about-" Coulson began to ask

"Tony broke into the SHIELD files, that one caught my attention first. But that's what they are all here for right, to join?" Hermione asked Coulson, wanting to know the honest truth.

"That would be correct," Coulson confirmed for her, wanting to see where this was going. Before feeling inclined to inform her that, "Fury will probably include you into that 'gang of misfits' as you put it.'

"Well, I don't know if I need to tell you this but, they don't really get along. They need something to push them together. That's where you come in." Hermione ignored Coulson's last comment regarding herself. She understood that Fury would see her as an asset to the team and she might actually consider joining if given the opportunity. But it wasn't about her right now. This was about getting the rest of them on board. She just hoped that the two men would understand what she meant.

"I'm not following," Coulson asked, still confused. 'Evidently not' Hermione thought to herself.

"The Avengers need something to bring them together. You've been there for all of them. Tony, Thor, Steve, Bucky, Nat and...Clint, I think his name was. The only one you haven't been there for is Bruce and he's not interested in the Avengers Initiative at all, or at least...not involving the Hulk." Hermione started to explain, "Fury may have made the plan, but you brought them all together. Losing you would make them realize that Loki can't be stopped by just one person. Threats like him have to be defeated by a team. He may have already killed hundreds of people on this ship. But if they think you died, that would make it personal."

Coulson pondered her idea for a moment. His face changed from a multitude of expressions before saying:

"What do I have to do?"

Hermione had already formulated the perfect plan. "Okay, so here's the plan. In my world, we have a potion called Polyjuice. This potion allows you to look like any human being so long as you have a piece of their DNA. I can take a piece of your hair and, as gruesome as it sounds, I can take one of these agent's corpses and turn them into you. Does anyone of these agents not have a family?"

Coulson who was still seated at this time, craned his neck to view the agents in the room. It was easy to pick one, considering most SHIELD agents were recruited because they had no family. No attachments, no holidays, nothing to distract you from a mission.

"Crovek, the one with the Star tattoo on his neck. Always kept to himself. Probably won't even be a funeral. Just cremation and an agent send off into the ocean." Coulson told her, "This plan does seem genius I must say. However, what will you do with me."

"Well I have to get Polyjuice from my world, it isn't something I can just carry around. But I do have some people who will be able to host you until this whole Loki thing is over."

"They aren't going to be happy with you, you know," Bucky told her, looking her intensely in the eyes. Wanting her to think hard on this decision to go forward with this plan. "The lying I mean."

Hermione looked off into the distance and nodded with a twitch to sadness, "I know. But it's for the greater good." She looked over at Coulson holding out her hand, "You ready to go?"

Coulson stood up with the help of Bucky. When the silver-armed soldier let Coulson's weight fall onto her, she nearly collapsed.

"I'm not going to be able to do this myself. You're going to have to come with me." She told Bucky.

"To the magical world?" He asked shocked, not knowing what to say. That's like asking a pioneer from the 1800s if they want to go to space.

"No, to China." She said with her sarcastic wit. Then she got serious. "I need you both to hold on to me tight. Unless you want to see through space and time in which case you could lose your minds, I would close your eyes. When we get to where we are going, stay close to me. My friends might be freaked out with you two here so wait outside until I explain everything. Then Coulson you are going to remind there until this Loki problem is handled. If something goes wrong my friends will have instructions on where to bring you. Understood?"

The men nodded. Coulson, still weak from nearly dying decided to lean against her, grabbing her shoulder. Bucky had no other choice grasped her waist. He and Hermione exchanged a small look, both blushing before closing their eyes and apparating into the abyss.

June 24th, 2012 The Burrow (12:43 PM)

Bucky and Phil open their eyes, immediately noticing the large field they were in. They saw Hermione in front of them, almost waiting for something to happen. That's when nausea hit them. They proceeded to throw up whatever they had had for lunch and breakfast that morning. Once they were done they looked around the long field, noticing that it was just that. A long field. No houses or barns or anything. Before either of the men could ask, Hermione began giving instructions.

"This is one of my best friends' houses. In my world, we have something called wards. If you cross them without access, the wizards in the house can feel it. So to get past the wards you need to hold my hands while we walk across. Got it? Once we are there I'll do the talking, then I'll tell you when to come in. Understood?"

The men didn't know what to reply simply nodded their heads. They grabbed her hand and figured that now would be the time to address the emptiness of the field.

"Umm Hermione?" Bucky asked, catching her attention.

"Yes?" She replied simply, giving no indication of having forgotten to tell the two men this important piece of information.

"Where are we going?" He asked confused. Hermione laughed breathily, being reminded that she had forgotten that they have no idea about the other key thing about wards. The invisibility.

"Right, you can't see it until we cross the wards. It's invisible to muggles." The young witch explained

"Muggles?" Coulson asked, he wasn't up to speed on the lingo just yet.

"None magical people, such as yourself and Bucky. It's a weird term when you first hear it. Don't worry it's nothing offensive just wizarding world slang." Hermione explained simply, as they kept walking towards the house. "Also, Agent Coulson-"

"Phil. You saved my life I think you've earned the right to call me my given name." He said with a smile.

"Phil, yes of course. Just so you know my friend here move to another safe house on a regular basis. They might have to move during your stay. So if they tell you that they need to Floo over, just follow their instructions and you'll be fine. Don't be afraid, they won't let anything hurt you." Hermione said simply but seriously.

"That doesn't make me very confident," Phil replied sarcastically. Bucky wasn't listening to their banter. He was stuck on the word 'safe house' it was a term he'd been accustomed to in the '40s. 'Why the hell would Hermione's friends need to move to a safe house?' Bucky pondered to himself. So he decided to ask her.

"I'm sorry did you say 'safe house'?" Bucky asked Hermione, casually, as if it was no big deal. He knew if he asked calmly she'd be inclined to reply casually, not giving her time to hide anything or think of a better answer than the truth.

'Shit' She thought, she had said too much. Her plan was to keep the impending war, Harry, and the Order a secret until it became critical. She didn't need to worry Tony and Pepper before it became necessary. However, she decided to tell Bucky something to make him shut up. She'll ensure later that he doesn't say a word to Tony but right now she couldn't lie to him.

"Yes. The wizarding world isn't exactly safe at the moment but the ministry has a handle on it." She lied, yes it was vague but the ministry definitely didn't have a handle on it. She hoped that this information would keep him quiet.

"Why isn't it safe?" Bucky asked his curiosity peeked, even more, he could tell she was hiding something, he was just unsure as to what. 'Guess he isn't going to stop' Hermione thought to herself.

"There are people out there who think that people like me, a muggle-born shouldn't have magic. They are hell-bent on booting us out of 'their world'." Hermione explained simply. She hoped that he wouldn't connect that to-

"That sounds an awful lot like Hitler and HYDRA." Bucky connected quickly. 'He isn't stupid I'll give him that.' Hermione thought.

"It's not. It hasn't and won't get to that point." Hermione said hoping that would end the conversation. "It's just a shift in the government. Nothing other countries haven't gotten through. Besides me nor my friends are in immediate danger so there's nothing to worry about."

'Lies, lies, and more lies. Keep your story together Granger,' Hermione told herself. She hated the lying but for everyone's sake, it was just better if she lied about what was going on. There was no need to worry them.

"Does Stark know?" Phil asked her. 'Great, another one in this conversation.' Hermione thought to herself.

"No, and it's going to stay that way. It hasn't gotten to the point where he needs to know. Please keep this to yourselves okay? I don't need Tony to worry unnecessarily about me. He's got too much going on right now to worry about it. So this stays between us right?" Hermione asked them seriously.

"Hey, it's your business," Phil said with a shrug. Hermione smiled at the agent before looking at Bucky, awaiting his answer.

"As long as you promise to tell him when it gets to that point," Bucky asked her.

"I will," Hermione said. She honestly didn't know when she'd tell Tony. It had already gotten to that point in the Wizarding World. The Battle at the Department of Mysteries made that clear. She just had to wait for the right time.

That's when she felt it, the wards. She checked that the men were still holding her hand before walking into the wards, allowing the Burrow to come into view.

"Woah." Bucky and Phil said simultaneously. Hermione smiled widely at the men, she had had the same reaction when she first saw the Burrow all those summers ago. Phil let go of her hand, remembering that once they were through the wards he could let go. Bucky's hand however stayed firmly in her grasp. Hermione blushed and coughed slightly, hoping he would get the hint to save them both the future embarrassment. He still didn't let go.

"Bucky?" Hermione tried to get his attention away from the house and on their situation.

"Yeah?" He asked her, clearly not getting the hint. Hermione thought it was adorable that he didn't realize that he was still holding her hand right away. But they had just met and she didn't want to make things more awkward than they already were.

"We are through the wards…" She reminded him.

"Yeah…" He drew out, still not getting the hint. Hermione let out a breathy laugh before once again telling him, in the most obvious way possible,

"You can let go of my hand now." She told him in the most chill way she possibly could. It took him a moment to understand what she had said, before he pulled his hand away from hers and running that hand through his hair, chuckling awkwardly.

"I'm going to go talk to my friends, just wait out here and try not to draw attention to yourselves, actually if you could stand away from their view that would be lovely. Something tells me that there going to freak out over this. Even just me being here is going to take some explaining. Two muggles might give them heart attacks." Hermione told them as she walked towards the door and knocked.

'Fred dear could you get the door?' Hermione heard Mrs. Weasley through the door. It was the regular Friday dinner with the Order so she knew that everyone would be over right now. It was easier that way, so then she didn't have to explain this more than once. Lord have mercy if they all being flooing her in New York once this was all over.

Less than a second later, Fred opened the door.

"Granger? What are you doing here?" Fred asked her before Remus came up behind him saying,

"Fred that's impossible Hermione's in New York with-" He paused as he noticed the curly-haired witch at the door. "Hermione? W-What are you doing here?" He let her in as she immediately noticed that everyone was staring at her.

"I need your help, well all of your help."

"What is it? What's going on? Did something happen with that Stark fellow? Because you know you're more than welcome to stay here dear-" Mrs. Weasley began to offer. As much as Hermione appreciated it, this was not the time. She had 10 minutes tops before she and Bucky needed to be back on the ship. She luckily had already erased the security footage of her saving Coulson and living, but Fury would come to check on Loki eventually.

"Will all due respect Mrs. Weasley this is an urgent matter and I don't have a lot of time to explain it to you all. Can you all please sit down while I explain the situation and how you can help?" Hermione asked them all. Upon her request, Tonk, Remus, Sirius, The Weasley's, and Kingsley all sat down. The other order members usually arrived later in the evening so she would have to make do with who she had.

"The night of my parents f-funeral," Hermione struggled, trying to get the words out. "Professor Dumbledore gave me a letter. In this letter, it explained to me that he had uncovered a prophecy, regarding me specifically-"

"What did it say?" Ron asked her, completely ignoring her request for them all the remain silent and simply listen. Which didn't surprise her, he never listened to her instructions anyways.

"I don't know, he never told me the specifications. Now please can I not have any interruptions. I don't mean to be rude but literally millions of lives are at stake right now." Hermione said seriously. They all knew Hermione well enough to know that she doesn't exaggerate anything. If she said millions of lives were at stake, she meant it. "In this letter included documentation. These papers gave me legal permission to use magic in front of muggles, so long as it doesn't endanger the security of the magical world. This cannot be taken away from me, even during a change of ministry if you were concerned about how the battle earlier this month affected it."

"Anyways, in the letter, Headmaster Dumbledore only stated that this permission will be needed during my time with Tony. Which is how I got into my current situation. On our flight, Tony received a message that there was an attack occurring in Germany, and he was needed urgently."

"I know you said no interruptions but why would Tony be needed during an attack? Isn't that the muggle law enforcements job?" Sirius asked her.

"Shit. That's right you wouldn't know." Hermione cursed, this conversation was going to be even longer than she already thought it would be. The rest of them stared at her. There were two things they believed to be guaranteed in life,

1. Pigs would never grow wings and fly without magic.

2. Hermione Granger would never curse.

"Tony is a superhero named Iron Man. He flies around saving the world in an expensive, technologically advanced, super suit. He was informed of the attack and needed to get their quick to help. Even though the suit flies it would've taken too long to get there. So I apperated him to Germany. He left me in a safe space and he would come to get me after he'd finish defeating whatever was out there." Hermione said taking a pause, realizing she hadn't taken a breath since she started her explanation. "Ron, you remember me mentioning my Uncle Tom right?"

"Yeah, so?" Ron said confused as to what her muggle Uncle had to do with anything.

"Well turns out his name is actually Loki, who is a God from Norse Mythology which I guess actually exists. I'm 90% sure he's under the influence of the Imperious curse because he was the one attacking Germany for world domination with some type of otherworldly staff. Oh, and he also has magic but a different kind of magic because he is a God."

"Anyways, Tony showed up to the battle when more heroes showed up. They are from an unground government organization that I can't name. The other officially named hero is Captain America."

"Like from the '40s and defeated HYDRA and the Nazi's Captain America?" Sirius asked shocked that he had missed such big news from the muggle world. Hermione was shocked that Sirius knew who Captain America was.

"How do you-?" Hermione asked confused.

"Muggle studies, 4th year." Remus and Sirius clarified at the same time.

"Anyways, yes that Captain America. That is an even longer story that I will tell you at a different time. Anyways they had him pinned but that was when Loki changed his staff into a wand. As we know, a more concentrated form of magic. I just reacted. I couldn't lose any more family. So I transfigured my clothes into a super-suit and defeated Loki myself."

"Well then, I was recruited to consult with the government organization where really all hell broke loose. Basically, everything went to shit. Getting captured was Loki's plan all along and he ended up escaping." Hermione said leaving them open to a couple of questions before she asks them about Phil.

"So what do you need? Help to capture this Loki guy?" George asked Hermione. That's when Hermione knew it was time to bring Phil into the picture.

"Not exactly, before Loki left he stabbed and almost killed someone very close to all of the heroes and agents around him. I was able to save him but they need him to think he's dead for a little while. Can he stay here? He's still recovering and needs care but-"

"Of course he can stay dear." Mrs. Weasley said immediately with a smile. "Now go on and get him, dear, we'll take good care of him."

"He's actually right outside." Hermione informed them, she turned towards the door and yelled, "PHIL! BUCKY! YOU CAN COME IN NOW!"

The young witch walked towards the door and opened it, introducing the two men to her second family.

"Phil, Bucky this is my wizarding family. They'll take good care of you, Phil." She informed them, "Now Bucky and I have to get back to the ship to make sure the rest of this plan goes right. But before I go I need one other favour."

"Anything." Remus and Sirius said, wanting to know how they could help more.

"Polyjuice is required for this plan to work." She asked hoping someone would have some.

"I just brewed some in my old room, let me go get it." Bill offered, rushing up the stairs, he was back in less than a minute, allowing Hermione to introduce Phil to everyone. "Hope this helps kid."

"Me too," Hermione said to them all. "I'm sorry to cut this visit short but we must be going."

Mrs. Weasley opened the door for them to leave but not before calling Hermione's name. Hermione turned around expecting a protest in going off and fighting something dangerous but instead, she heard. "Be Safe and Good Luck." The others nodded along with Mrs. Weasley's message, wishing her well.

Hermione smiled at her before running with Bucky to the apparition point. He took her hand without thought. Hermione turned to him to see his eyes already closed and ready to go. Hermione closed her eyes and let the darkness consume her.

June 24th, 2012 Aboard the Mobile SHIELD Headquarters (12:59 PM) - Known Location

Hermione opened her eyes and saw they were back on the ship, the same mess it had been previously. They had to work fast, they had been gone too long. Well, not really but still Fury was unpredictable.

With Bill's Polyjuice and a piece of Phil Coulson's hair in hand, Hermione walked towards the agent. She felt guilty. This was someone's son, friend, and colleague. She was changing his whole appearance. As much as Coulson said that this agent wasn't social and wouldn't be missed, Hermione couldn't buy it. At least one person would miss you. Whether it was the barista at your favourite coffee shop who knew your order by heart or that person you occasionally talk to near the mailbox of your apartment. Someone would miss you.

Hermione mustered up all her courage as she added the hair to the Polyjuice and poured it down the deceased agent's throat. She stood back as she and Bucky watched the agent transform into Phil Coulson. She quickly pointed her wand at the camera once again shooting a small spell to blow the cameras up, and quickly entering a computer in the room, wiping all evidence of the footage. SHEILD had advanced systems and they were tough but she was able to make the erase look like an accident. She was Tony Stark's daughter after all.

"Someone's coming," Bucky told her. Hermione crouched down and began giving 'CPR' to 'Coulson', looking as though she'd been struggling for a long time.

Just as Bucky had heard, a Fury came charging into the room. The medical team in tow. Hermione, putting on her best acting skill refused to spot giving 'CRP' to "Coulson' even though the medical team was trying to take over. She soon 'became hysterical' over 'not being able to help Coulson'. Bucky, following along with her act had to 'pry' away from the scene. Which gave medical the opportunity to attempt to 'revive Coulson'. Bucky let her go in front of Fury. She buried herself in his should still pretending to be hysterical for several minutes to really sell their lie. Fury listened to Bucky's explanation while the silver-armed soldier comforted her to really play this act off. Fury let her calm down to explain her side. Once she 'calmed down' she explained her side. She knew how this looked to him, it was the scene of a crime. Loki's crime. She was covered in 'Coulsons' blood and in hysterics. Fury would buy this.

Bucky and I landed together during the explosion after a run with Natasha and the Hulk-" Hermione began, still making sure to make her breaths more on the shaky side.

"The Hulk?" Fury questioned, looking her up and down to see no injury which is to be expected when running into the Hulk.

"Yes, I was able to calm him down using a wizarding technique used on Giants. Anyway's if you want more explanation on that I can do it later but back to Coulson." Hermione told him as she saw Fury begin to ask about the whole 'calming down the Hulk part' but she needed him to know about Coulson. More importantly that Loki made off with the spectre. "We separated. Natasha going to deal with someone, she didn't say who, Bruce going to help on the main floor, and us checking on Loki. We entered the room and climbed to a higher level in the hopes of being undetected. Loki had Thor trapped in the cage"

"We succeeded. We couldn't see what was happening but heard Coulson trying to stop Loki. However, Loki disappeared, before we could do anything, we heard Coulson being stabbed with Loki's sceptre. I apperated us to the lower levels to confront Loki and help Coulson. While checking on Coulson's status, Loki released the hold on the cell and it plummeted to the ground. I have no update on Thor, whether he is dead or alive."

"Loki tried baiting me. Saying I could catch him or save Coulson. I know SHIELD protocol and in your eye's I made the wrong decision. I should've apprehended the subject first, but I cannot-"

"I understand your choice. Hell, I might've done it myself. You did it for your dad. Coulson meant something to all of them and they might've never forgiven you if you hadn't tried to save him." Fury told her. He didn't approve of her choice vocally. He couldn't not as SHEILD's director. However, he did respect her choice, even if it 'didn't work'.

"I did my best. I summoned potions and spells but I just couldn't revive him. Now hopefully the medical team can-"

"Director Fury sir, they just call it. Coulson is gone." One of the medical team members told them. Fury sighed sadly, as if he'd expected as much, but hoped that they'd be able to save him. The director took out his comms and handed them to Hermione. She stared up at him confused, he decided to explain.

"Tell them. It's better coming from someone they trust." Fury told her. He knew that the 'team' didn't trust him, especially after finding out he was planning on using the Tesseract to make weapons.

Hermione hesitantly took the comms, placing them in her ears. Pressing on the main button allowing everyone to hear her.

"Umm...Does everyone copy? It's Hermione." She said shyly, not knowing if she was using the earpiece correctly.

"Granger? Since when do you have a comm?" Hermione heard Natasha respond. Hermione looked at Fury.

"It's a bit of a recent development. If you can hear me please say copy. This is urgent." Hermione asked the team. Once they'd all replied with a muttered 'copy' she knew it was time to complete her lie.

"Loki escaped. He made off with the sceptre." Hermione told them, trying to prolong the announcement to make it look as though the thought of Coulsons death was tearing her apart. She knew she was playing her part well, she just hoped that Bucky could as well. Bucky had a comms piece so she hoped that he'd be able to play on what as was saying.

"Any casualties?" Hermione heard Steve ask through the comms. This was her moment, made sure that her voice would be shaky enough and began to bring tears to her eyes. Enough to fool anyone into thinking she was very emotional over something.

"L-Loki used the cage to drop Thor to the ground. I-I don't know if he survived or not. And-" Hermione made sure to take a break, showing she didn't want to say this horrible 'casualty out loud.

"Hermione, kid, what happened," Tony asked her, sympathy evident in his voice. Hermione had come to the conclusion that he didn't like hearing or seeing her cry.

"It's Coulson." Hermione choked out. Bucky came from behind her, putting his arm around her shoulder and rubbing his flesh hand up and down her arm. 'Guess he can act.' Hermione thought to herself. "Loki he s-stabbed him and gave me a choice. Catch him or save Coulson. I-I did the best I could. I used every spell I know and every potion in my bag b-but-"

"Hermione, what happened?" Natasha asked the young witch urgently, using her first name for the first time.

"F-Fury came in with a medical team. They took over…" Hermione said, letting her voice trail off. "T-They just called it. Coulson is gone. I-I'm so sorry."

"Kid don't you dare blame yourself," Tony told her, that's when Hermione really decided to sell it. She started once again to sob uncontrollably. That's when Hermione heard something odd she didn't expect. "Barnes you there with her?"

"Yeah, I am Stark," Bucky told Tony simply.

"I'm with Rogers right now. We'll meet you on the main floor. Take care of her." Tony asked him. Hermione knew it was because of her parents. She knew that Tony thought she was fragile right now and to tell you the truth, she was. But not so much that she needed a babysitter.

"Hey, hey, hey it's okay, it's going to be okay." Bucky 'consoled' her. Eventually, she calmed down and the three of them headed to the main room. Hermione noticed that Fury stopped at 'Coulsons' body for something, but she didn't know what.

This was the moment of truth. Anyone could lie on comms and really she didn't know Fury that well so lying to him was easy. But would she be able to lie to Tony and Bruce?

June 24th, 2012 Aboard the Mobile SHIELD Headquarters (12:54 pm) - Unknown Location

Upon seeing Tony, the young witch once again burst into tears and ran to him, being immediately pulled into a hug.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry." Hermione cried into his shoulder.

"Shhh, it's not your fault. You did everything you could." Tony consoled. Hermione took a few minutes to 'calm down', before sitting at the table in between Tony and Bucky. The young witch noticed that Natasha wasn't among them. She was curious but knew that this was absolutely not the time to ask. She just decided to be quiet and listen to how Fury was going to continue.

Hermione looked up and saw Fury holding something. They looked like cards, Hermione didn't know what Fury was doing with them. But something told her it would be important.

"These were in Phil Coulsons jacket." Fury informed them before tossing them on the table, towards Steve. "I guess he never did get you to sign them."

Hermione watched as Steve, Bucky, Bruce, and Tony all moved to pick up a card. Hermione didn't dare reach for one. That was the first time Hermione got a good look at them. They were Captain America trading cards, covered in blood. The young witch didn't dare look at Bucky, however, they both knew Fury was lying. These weren't found in Phil Coulsons jacket, otherwise, Phil would still have them right now. That's when she realized that Fury had seen the same opportunity that she had. The opportunity to bring the Avengers together. It was a smart move on the Directors part. In order to defeat Loki, they had to work together. As a team. Phil is what will bring them together. That is...if all goes according to plan.

"We're dead in the air up here. Our communications, the location of the Cube, Loki, Thor. I got nothing for you. I lost my one good eye." Fury shook his head, looking down in disbelief and defeat. "Maybe I had that coming. Yes, we were going to build an arsenal with the Tesseract. I never put all my chips on that number though because I was playing something even riskier."

Fury began pacing around the room. Looking and each of them individually. Hermione didn't know if it was for dramatics or for comfort in what had just happened. "There was an idea, Stark knows this, called the Avengers Initiative. The idea was to bring together a group of remarkable people. To see if they could become something more. To see if they could work together when we needed them to, to fight the battles that we never could. Phil Coulson died still believing in that idea. In heroes."

That's when Tony got up, muttering to his daughter something about 'needing a minute' and walked away. Fury watched him leave and then turned back to the remaining group.

"Well, it's an old-fashioned notion." He finished before walking away.

Steve got up and began to follow Tony. Hermione knew better. He had just lost a friend, he needed some time alone. This was good. They all needed to grieve Phil.

First, denial.

Then, anger.

They would all get there soon enough. Once that anger beings to spark, there will be no stopping the Avengers.

Bruce got up at began working with Agent Hill to attempt to find a location for the Tesseract and Loki.

Hermione was so deep in thought that she didn't even notice Bucky standing right in front of her, hand stretched out.

"I'm going to get some water or air or something. You wanna come?" He asked her, giving her a 'we need to talk' look. She knew from giving that look to Ron and Harry all the time, that you don't ignore that look.

"Sure," Hermione said stiffly, still attempting to maintain her grief-stricken appearance. She placed her hand in his as he pulled her to her feet. Before he released her hand all too quickly.

The two walking into an empty room, with a hole at the bottom. Hermione then placed a silencing spell, so the cameras could not hear them. Hermione wondered why Bucky had chosen one of the more damaged rooms until she looked through the hole in the floor. They could see Tony and Steve talking and from the looks of it, this conversation was not going well. She longed to hear what they were talking about however Bucky began talking before she could use a charm to listen in on Tony and Steve's chat.

"Is he going to be okay with them?" Bucky asked her warily. She knew he was referring to Phil and the order. It was smart of him not to use names. She wanted to laugh at his question. At the moment there was no safer place for Phil to be. But he didn't know about the order and what they do so Bucky couldn't have possibly known that.

"With Loki on the loose and the wizarding world being a hidden society, there is no safer place in the world for him to be right now." She answered him simply.

"I don't know about this plan anymore, it's breaking them," Bucky told her. It was true, everyone was heartbroken over Phil's death, even if they didn't show it. But Hermione knew better. This was what they needed. To be broken down in defeat then brought back up again. She'd seen it happen to Harry, even herself and Ron sometimes. It made them stronger and more capable of winning what needed to be won.

"That's the point." She replied simply. He wouldn't understand right now but eventually, he would.

"Hermione, did we do the right thing?" Bucky asked her firmly, not liking the mind games she was playing at the moment. Hermione shivered slightly when she heard him use her name. The last couple of times he's referred to her by name, they've been in stressful situations. To Hermione, hearing him say her name was the most amazing thing she's heard in a while.

The young witch broke out of her trance to look him in the eye when she said this next bit. She repeated something she'd heard from Dumbledore, Harry, Sirius and Remus. This sentence is what she has lived by since her first year. It's time Bucky learned her way of thinking.

"It doesn't matter if it's the right thing. It's for the greater good."

Regarding last week's poll question, I win. It was close but I won. Which in my opinion is all that matters. Suck it, Luke. This win means that the score is now:

Delaney-7

Luke-2

This week's poll question is Was Fat Thor Funny or Stupid?

Personally, I think compared to Thor: Ragnorak fat Thor was unnecessary and stupid. Whereas Luke thinks that fat Thor was hilarious.

As you can probably tell from this week's poll question, Luke and I are running out of topics to argue/discuss. So that being said, if you have any suggestions that would be wonderful.

Anyways leave your thoughts in the comments because seriously we can't let Luke win!

This is the LAST WEEK to submit ideas for Hermione's Avengers name. Next week I will be revealing either a name created or got from a suggestion. If I choose your name, you will get credit! I'm pretty stuck on one but I think if there was a good enough suggestion, I could be swayed to change it.

Alright, that's all for me this week, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Finally, I just want to thank you all so much for reading and for giving me all the support. It is what keeps me going. See you all next week! (Hopefully)

-Delaney