A/N: Many thanks to my team of betas and support: gaeilgerua, & mystrana. I hope everyone is enjoying this little tale.

Chapter Five

The next few days passed uneventfully for Hermione. She continued to research more about Steve Rogers, James Barnes, and the Super Soldier program. She still felt as if she were missing something big…

Her phone dinged, letting her know that Steve had texted her back. The two of them had been going back and forth since their night together. Hermione couldn't help but smile every time she read one of his messages.

She wanted to tell him the truth but didn't think it would be a good idea. Her supervisor agreed with her. It would complicate things even more than they already were.

"Granger!"

She bolted upright, looking to the doorway of her office.

"We're in!" Miss Rodriguez said, her expression tight. "Follow me."

Hermione followed, gripping her wand tightly. "What's happened?" She had to quicken her steps to keep up with her supervisor's pace.

"The Winter Soldier has made a move in the streets," Miss Rodriguez explained.

"And we're to apprehend?" Hermione asked.

"No, we need to do damage control," Miss Rodriguez said. "First responders are on their way, but we can get there faster. Are you ready?" She held her hand out. "Help those you can, Obliviate if necessary."

Hermione nodded before taking her hand and bracing herself for Disapparation.

When Hermione opened her eyes, she saw chaos. There were cars flipped, sirens going off, and the sounds of people screaming.

"That's Director Fury's car," Hermione said, recognising the black SUV. She moved towards the vehicle, discreetly holding her wand.

On her way to the car, she saw that a woman was stuck in her car. The airbag had exploded, and there was a cut on her forehead. Knowing that's where she was truly needed, Hermione went over, helping the woman. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Rodriguez working with a police officer.

"Can you tell me what happened?" Hermione asked as she helped the woman undo her seatbelt and exit the vehicle. She guided her to the sidewalk where she could sit.

Eyes wide, the woman began to talk, telling Hermione everything.

Two hours later, the streets were semi-back to normal. Hermione was exhausted. She was sitting on the curbside, letting out a deep breath. She had helped quite a few people today - some worse than others.

"Nice work, Granger," her supervisor told her, smiling. "I've got an update from S.H.I.E.L.D. The Winter Soldier shot Fury. He's being operated on as we speak."

"Will he be all right?" Hermione asked. She stood quickly but felt a bit woozy. She felt drained from all the healing and Obliviating she had done that day.

"I believe so. He was with Captain Rogers when he was shot three times."

"Oh, Merlin," Hermione whispered. She hoped that Steve was okay.

"Go home," Miss Rodriguez said, placing her hand on Hermione's shoulder gently. "Rest. Today took a lot out of us both. I will contact you with an update."

"I'm sure the Winter Soldier will make his next move soon," Hermione protested. "We know he's in the area, so we should set perimeters and look."

"No, that's why you must rest." Miss Rodriguez looked at her firmly. "Neither of us will be any good in a fight if we're exhausted."

Hermione let out a deep breath. "Yes, you're right." She nodded. "I'll head home." Standing, she groaned. "I could use a Pepper-Up."

"We both could." Miss Rodriguez squeezed her shoulder once more. "I'll be in touch."

"Thank you." Hermione made her way down the nearest alley so she could Disapparate home.

After a long, hot shower, Hermione was finally cuddled up in bed. She had just finished taking a Pepper-Up Potion and a Sleeping Draught. Her body ached, and she was more than ready for bed.

She sipped at her chamomile tea while checking her messages on her phone. Harry had texted her saying that he missed her and hoped that she was well. She had also seen another message. Flipping through her phone, she saw that Natasha had texted her.

Fury is dead.

Hermione froze, her hand shaking as she reread the message. Dead? There's no way… He couldn't be…

Another beep.

Don't reach out to him - he's taking it hard.

Hermione cried. Fury was dead. Steve was hurting… and the Winter Soldier was out there still.

Closing her eyes, she cried. She cried and cried until the Sleeping Draught kicked in and she passed out.