Guardian Angel - R - Hermione/Bruce - 3/?
Title: Guardian Angel
Author: Sarhea
Categories: Harry Potter, Justice League, DCVerse, Batman
Primary Pairing/Characters: Hermione Granger Bruce Wayne
Rated: Adult (R)
Summary: Ever wondered just how Batman survived so many years with no superpowers in a city like Gotham? What if he had a Guardian Angel… A Protector and Friend named Hermione Granger.
Author's Notes: This fic was written to move fast, there are several time jumps where backstory is filled via flash backs or character thoughts.
Summary: Harry Luna and McGonagall get more shocks and the school population is informed about Hermione’s miraculous healing and plans. Hogwarts hosts the Bonding Ceremony and a few try to thwart it and fail.
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...ooO Announcements Ooo...
Harry resisted the urge to glare at the older man sitting at the Head Table. It was difficult not to, given what he knew about how intimate his relationship with Hermione was.
…ooO Begin Flashback >…>…>
Hermione pulled away from Harry and Luna, her eyes teary but warm and somehow older, more experienced and knowing.
“I love you, both of you. You are the brother and sister I never had. But like most siblings we will have to part as we grow older. Unfortunately we will not have the option of vacations, reunions, or letters to stay in touch. But I will always remember.” She told them in steady emphatic tones.
Luna nodded. “I understand Hermione. I’ll help Harry understand.”
“Thank you Luna.”
Hermione turned to the Headmistress and smiled. “Headmistress. There is so much I want to tell you about what I’ve learned... but there is no time- and they were very strict about what I am allowed to do. I can’t teach you anything. It would upset the balance. But if you were to get hints from anything I say I cannot be held responsible.”
Minerva nodded. “I see Miss Granger. I suppose pensieved memories are out of the question.”
“Most definitely. But I can say one thing. There is an afterlife. I didn’t get to meet all of our dead because they chose to continue on. But I did meet a few very special souls who chose not to move on immediately. One of them was Professor Snape. He was one of my mentors on the Other Side.”
Minerva raised a faint brow. “Has he changed?”
Hermione grinned. “Not a bit. He is as snarky, critical, and sharp-tongued as ever.”
That made the older witch smile. Then the reality of the situation came home. She turned to Bruce Wayne. “How long before you have to leave?”
“Forty hours. Noon the second day from today.”
Minerva considered the information. “I presume you will want to make your purchases and trips tomorrow.”
Hermione nodded emphatically. “Don’t tell anyone I’ve recovered. I don’t want the Ministry to interfere and try to detain Bruce and myself. We can take precautions not to be identified tomorrow. You can inform those who would need a goodbye at Hogwarts tomorrow evening; we can see them the next morning before we leave.”
Minerva nodded briskly, mentally drawing up lists of people, mainly members of the Order of Phoenix and few others who would want to see Hermione one last time.
“I suggest you talk to your friends in Hogwarts tonight if at all possible. You are going to be very busy tomorrow. But I do have some concerns about your plans.” The stern Scots witch turned to Bruce Wayne and focused penetrating hazel eyes on him. “Mr. Wayne, you are going to be taking someone I consider a daughter to a completely different world. I will never be able to verify her health and happiness once she leaves. Technically, she is an adult- but she is also still a student, my charge. What reassurances can you give me? That you will ensure she is safe when you reach your world?”
The British witches and wizard watched Hermione Granger move to stand beside the American. She looked young and vulnerable standing next to the taller, older male. Then she pressed herself against his side resting her head against his arm. They watched him smile down at the mass of brown curls and brush a kiss against the top of her head. When he looked up his expression was noticeably softer.
“Headmistress McGonagall, I am willing to swear an Unbreakable Vow that I will look after Hermione to the best of my abilities. But I won’t, because that implies that she is a child unable to look after herself and make her own decisions.
“I think I can honestly say I know Hermione better than any of you here. We’ve spent three decades together. My lifetime.” He stressed the point. “She is not a teenager despite her appearance. Nor is she a fragile survivor. She is a strong, brilliant woman who is more than capable of making what she wants happen.”
Minerva looked troubled. “How long has it been Miss Granger?”
“Decades.” Hermione answered simply. “Decades mastering many fields of magic and sciences as well as my body. Mind over body. As I honed my mind, my body needed to follow. I could have easily qualified for several Olympic teams. Whenever I materialized to execute my duties, it was in a body that was at its peak in every sense. I could never falter when protecting or guiding those under my care.” She smiled up at the man standing next to her. “Bruce was my charge but when his parents died I saw he dearly needed a friend so I broke the keep-your-distance rules. My supervisors never recalled me so I had to have been doing the right thing.”
“She was more than just a friend.” Bruce murmured as he wrapped an arm around her waist to draw her close. “She was confidant, advisor, partner, all in one; a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a true sounding board, a brutal critic, an ego-deflator, encouragement to persist.” Midnight blue eyes silenced the words on the tip of Minerva’s tongue. “She was everything to me. The only one to even come close is the man I consider a second father, the one who raised me when my parents died.” He smiled faintly. “It is part of the reason why my personal relationships always ended badly; I was too distant with them or they could not accept me like Hermione. I shared everything with Hermione. The only thing we weren’t was lovers.”
Hermione lifted her head from his arm and her eyes pleaded with her friends to understand. “We were never lovers. I was a spirit with no true body. We never ever considered the possibility because as far as we knew it was impossible. Bruce had lots of girlfriends and a few serious relationships.”
“Each of which crashed and burned after a certain point.” Bruce added wryly. “They did not, could not, understand or accept all of my aspects and choices.”
Hermione glowered and a hot retort burst out. “Because they are selfish bitches who have no conscience or faith in you. Thousands of women would feel like I do about what--.”
He pressed a finger against her lips to still her words. “They would not understand either. They could not see everything and accommodate my obligations as you do.” He sighed softly. “Sometimes I still wonder if one day you will change and feel the same.”
Hermione made a rude noise, jerked her face away and bit the tip of his finger in reprimand. “Don’t be an idiot. I spent years making sure you stayed alive; I bloody well will continue to do so.” Her eyes glowered. “I don’t have the mindset to continuously be on the front-lines like you, but I am more than comfortable with holding the home-base. Both of us know there are no guarantees in life but what we make ourselves.” Her eyes were challenging. “I know what I want and I will hold onto it with everything I have while I still can.”
Bruce stared down bemused by the heated promise he saw in gold-flecked eyes. “You are serious then.”
Hermione smiled in response. “As a heart attack. I know what my response will be.”
Bruce inhaled deeply. “I don’t have any of the Wayne heirlooms - they are back home - but I picked up something else in Hebes Temple that reminded me of you.” He picked up the carved wooden box and opened it for her. Two coils of pure hammered gold rested on black silk. Scattered in-between them were fragments of glowing reddish-gold jelly, ambrosia. “They are bonding bracelets. I thought you would like your friends to witness the ceremony before we left. If you want to marry me.”
Tears filled Hermione’s eyes as she reached up and wrapped one arm around the back of his neck to draw him down for a long kiss. When they finally parted, she gave him her answer, “I do,” and wrapped her arms around him tightly, relishing the feel of every inch of his hard body against hers.
For several minutes they stood in comfortable silence, wrapped in each other’s arms.
<...<...< End Flashback Ooo…
Harry made a face as he remembered how Luna and McGonagall had rushed over to gush, fuss, cry, and congratulate Hermione. When he had opened his mouth to protest Luna had stepped hard on his foot. McGonagall did not even make a fuss when Hermione asked for a private room for herself and Bruce away from the students for the remainder of her time in Hogwarts. Given the way they had looked and touched each other they definitely had no plans to spend the night in separate beds.
“Harry, mate, why are you glaring at that American?”
Harry glanced at Ronald Weasley and struggled not to snap at the red-head.
“Did something happen last night? Something to do with Hermione?” Neville asked. Neville Longbottom had matured into a more perceptive and observant wizard. He knew Hermione was constantly on Harry’s mind right now. He knew she was dying, like all of the school did, and for Harry to be distracted something must have happened.
Ron frowned. “What could an American have to do with Hermione?” He countered.
Harry snapped. “Everything.” He snarled.
Then at the Head Table McGonagall stood up and rang a bell to get the attention of the everyone in the Great Hall. When silence fell, she spoke.
“I have most welcome news to report regarding Hermione Granger.”
The students at the Slytherin table frowned. They knew the mudblood was as good as dead. What could McGonagall be so happy about?
The Ravenclaws looked intrigued. Welcome news? A new treatment that was tested successfully on Granger?
The Gryffindors perked up, whispers starting, hope blooming as several of them visibly resisted the urge to jump up and demand answers.
The Hufflepuffs waited patiently, yhough they were just as interested as the other houses.
“You may not know but last night two American guests arrived. One of them is a good friend of Hermione Granger’s. When he heard of her condition, he immediately made plans to see her. He is a project leader for the Wayne Consortium based in Gotham City. The Wayne Consortium has over the past years has bankrolled several research proposals, one of which developed an experimental one-time-only treatment. It was successfully used to cure Hermione Granger and restore her to full health. Madame Pomfrey and several specialists from St Mungos have confirmed all traces of the Dark Potion have been eradicated from her system.”
She turned and held out a hand. From a side-door emerged a small but shapely form clad in a midnight blue silk dress under a deep V-neck robe made of burgundy damask. The robe was held closed above the waist by a bat-shaped gold clasp set with black gems before the robes fell open down the front to mid-calf. Her hair was twisted in a loose top knot and anchored by gilded ebony skewers, small curls framing her face and touching the nape of her neck. Small gold knots gleamed at each earlobe. And to everyone’s shock, Hermione Granger was wearing make-up; pearly glitter on her eyelids, subtle colour on her lips, gold dust on her cheekbones and collarbones.
There was a thunderous round of heartfelt applause and shrieks of welcome and inquiries. What was shocking was her response. She did not bow her head, or try to hide. She met each group of students head on. Cool defiant challenge with her opponents, the pureblood traditionalists. Neutral reserve with a few. Appreciative warmth with the rest.
McGonagall waited before speaking. “As a result of her recent misfortune Miss Granger has decided to accelerate certain plans she had and will be leaving Hogwarts tomorrow morning. She plans on completing and continuing her magical education in America. From now until the evening curfew, or as Miss Granger’s condition allows, there will be an open session in the Great Hall for anyone desiring to speak to Miss Granger.”
Then she watched as the students stood in one rush and flooded towards the front of the Great Hall to get the best positions to be heard and to hear.
Hermione smiled ruefully as the staff removed the tables and levitated the benches into auditorium style tier seating. McGonagall removed the Head Tables and transfigured more comfortable chairs on the dais. House elves produced a small table set with pitchers of liquids and glasses and a tea tray with scones. Hermione had already eaten so she poured herself a glass of pomegranate juice. She really did not like pumpkin juice.
She sat next to Bruce in the loveseat and sipped her juice and waited. Their fingers laced and rested on the thighs pressed together. Once the students had more or less settled the questions came in a rush.
“Who is the wizard sitting beside you?”
“How did you meet?”
“How did you get cured?”
“Are you really leaving Hogwarts?”
“Why are you moving to America?”
Hermione resisted the urge to laugh.
“All right. All right. Let me say my piece before opening for questions. One question at a time and I reserve the right to refuse to answer.”
There were some mild grumbles before they quieted and Hermione resumed speaking. She glanced to the man sitting beside her and was reassured by his small smile.
“Ok, let’s start with the first question. This is Bruce Wayne, a relative of Marius Wayne, the head of the Wayne Consortium, an American group that finances research expeditions. He is a researcher, trouble-shooter, curse-breaker, and a whole lot of other things. We met years ago in the Muggle world and became friends and correspondents. After the war and my parents’ deaths we became much closer.” She held up her hands. “I felt, I still feel persecuted for my beliefs and upbringing. Things like my anti-house-elf slavery views, interests in Muggle sciences and politics, desire for reform in Wizarding laws and politics. America is less restricted. There are many who feel like I do. Bruce is one of them.
“In fact we saw just how criminal my opponents are. They used a clearly illegal Dark Potion to kill me. The only reason I survived is Bruce. In his latest project, his team located and excavated Hebe’s Temple. Hebe was cup-bearer to the Greek Pantheon, she served them ambrosia. In the temple, he found a small amount of ambrosia and a recipe for a near-universal cure. The recipe can never be duplicated, unless more ambrosia is located. The only remaining fragments are being guarded by the Wayne Consortium; when certain groups tried to do what Bruce did they were driven insane. I don’t know why it worked for me and not for others.”
Then Bruce spoke in a low resonant voice. “When I heard Hermione was in a coma I dropped everything to get here. I did not know if Hebe’s Blessing would work, but it was the only chance Hermione had. After she woke up, I realized just how important Hermione is to me. I didn’t want to risk losing her ever, to death, another country, another man so I ignored my self-doubts and fears and asked her to marry me and move to America. And she made me the happiest man alive by saying yes.”
There was a small uproar at that announcement.
“You can’t do that!” Ron Weasley screamed. “She’s supposed to marry me!”
Everyone stared at the purpling red-head. The girls made comparisons between the seventh-year mediocre student and the older experienced man and found the younger male very lacking. Even the boys could see Bruce Wayne was everything a girl would want in a boyfriend and husband. And he had saved her from certain death!
Hermione looked torn between amusement and scorn.
“Ron, all we do is fight. You hate it when I talk about my research and interests. All you’re interested in is Quidditch and I think broomsticks are silly fragile things. We broke up weeks ago and that was most definitely the last time for me. Even if I hadn’t been poisoned I would Not have made up with you. Not unless you matured emotionally.” She wrinkled her nose. “Something I truly doubt you are capable of.” She smiled at her companion. “Bruce was a friend who listened to me and my theories seriously. I never thought there could be anything between us because I was so much younger and he had several gorgeous girlfriends.”
“None of who understood me half as well as you do.” He vowed brushing his lips to the back of her hand. He smiled at the audience. “Perfect packaging does not matter if the contents fail to satisfy all aspects - intellectual, social, emotional, and physical.
“I am sorry she will have to leave all her childhood friends behind but there are others in America who have heard of all she’s done and are eager to meet her. What we have is a-once-in-a-lifetime possibility and I’m not willing to let it slip by.”
Minerva McGonagall decided to insert her own two cents. “I have had a long private conversation with Mr. Wayne and am confident in the sincerity of his pledge. Enough to host their Bonding Ceremony before they start their new lives in a new world.”
Those words were enough to still the reflexive protests and change the topic.
Harry did not chase after Ron who was stalking out of the Great Hall. Ron needed a cool off period and Harry was not interested in listening to him vent. Hopefully he wouldn’t make a scene at the Bonding Ceremony tomorrow morning. For now, he watched his fellow students ask questions and listen to Hermione and Bruce answer. In less than twenty hours, Hermione would be gone forever. He was determined to make as many memories as possible, to get to know her as best he could in the time they had left.
...ooOoo...
Harry fidgeted in his formal dress robes. From the earliest dawn hours, witches and wizards trickled into Hogwarts; from all walks of life, rich and poor, British and not, pureblood and not, government employees and business owners. Halfway through the informal Q&A period the previous night, several students took the time to send owls; owls that resulted in several desired and undesired visitors.
Hermione and Bruce had holed up in their private suite to avoid the shouting, raging accusations and teary wails. It had taken Molly Weasley three hours to calm down to her current glowering simmer. Luckily, the male Weasleys (other than Ron) were more than happy for Hermione.
Minerva had raised Hogwarts’ wards to full strength to keep most of the curious interlopers off the school grounds. Including the lower level Ministry flunkies and minor-Purebloods. Unfortunately the more powerful or prominent opponents could not be denied without risking her position as Headmistress.
Kingsley’s pureblood advisors were making their views very clear. One was especially vocal.
“I cannot see how you can condone such a union! Between a student and a much older foreign wizard! Clearly you are not acting in the best interest of our children.”
Then he was stunned silent and tossed then bound into a chair. Everyone turned to see a very young red-head, a mature brunette, and a silver-haired crone appear in the middle of the Great Hall in a flash. They were dressed in white classical garments.
The youngest spoke in a high childish treble. “She can because We desire it.”
The crone glared. “We sent Hermione’s champion to save her life, just as she saved his.”
The brunette was very amused. “And now they will be forever bound to each other. First by duty, then by choice, and now finally love.”
McGonagall stiffened her spine. “The Fates I presume.”
The hag smirked. “Correct. We are here to make sure the Dark Knight and his Lady move onto the next leg of their journey home.”
Minerva bowed her head. “Who am I to defy the Fates?” She glanced around at each of the now fearful silent opposition. Then she turned to the audience and spoke in louder tones. “We are here to witness the Bonding of a dear friend and student to her heart’s desire. Hermione Jean Granger, daughter of Daniel and Jane, to Bruce Matthew Wayne, son of Thomas and Martha. Witnesses, please join me at the front.”
Harry and Luna stood up and joined Minerva and Marius at the front, each standing on a direction point of the compass rose design transfigured on the stones. Then from opposite sides of the Great Hall two figures emerged to walk towards the center.
From the left a powerfully built older male with strong bones and short black hair; clearly in his prime. He wore black dragonhide, sleeveless vest, trousers, and boots. Silver and steel glinted at his heels, waist, and around his biceps and wrist; spurs, buckle, armbands and bracers.
From the right a much younger but mature female with glowing skin and waist-long curly hair; just out of her teens but serene and certain. She wore white silk, a classical floor-length chiton and leather slippers. Gold cord wrapped around her torso defining her full curves, as well as around her head, securing her hairstyle. Hammered gold bands rested around her defined upper arms.
Night and Day, Dark and Light, Age and Youth, Male and Female, they met at the center of the compass rose.
“Speak your vows.” It was a statement not a command. “Let us all witness.”
Bruce inhaled deeply. The magic of the ceremony used to prepare the compass rose would not allow him to lie or hold back completely.
“I remember the first time I realised that you were more than just a concerned bystander; when my parents died. I remember the first time I nearly died on my training trip; my first regret was I did not get to say goodbye. I remember when I solved my first case; I wanted to tell you. I remember when Jason died, Barbara was paralysed, Tim kidnapped, Richard left; you were there.
“You were always there. When you weren’t the world became a much bleaker place. When I was told about the full impact of the choices you made for me… There was no doubt in my mind. I knew what I would do, what I wanted, what I hoped for… You.” He picked up the knife resting on the small altar. ‘Use the knife to seal the contract,’ the Crone had instructed. He made a slice across his left palm. “I cannot guarantee your safety, no one can do that. But I vow I will do the best I can; I will love, honour, and cherish you and all that we share.” A faint silver glow shone from his bleeding hand.
Tears glimmered in her eyes as she made her vows.
“I remember the first time I saw you; the day my mentor told me to look out for you. I remember the moment you decided on your Calling; I cried so hard but I was so proud. I remember the night you escaped from the League; I would have cheerfully slaughter Ra’s and Henri if you had died. I remember each time you met a beautiful, powerful woman who could have very easily been your One; my heart ached but I kept smiling because you dearly needed a partner who could share your life and give you a family.
“I felt selfish and greedy until I realized there was no one else who could or would do and be what I did and was for you; an anchoring counter-weight. We were friends first and we would always be. If you had met someone who was willing to accept the shadows and weight as well as the light and quest I would have gladly welcomed her presence in your life. When I was… recalled, I realized just what I stood to lose… You.” She took the knife from him and reciprocated his action, a slice across her left palm. “I was willing to share you with the world and other women but I would fight with everything I have to keep what we have, to stay with you. I vow I will always be there by you; I will love, honour, and cherish you and all that we share.”
A gold light shone from her bleeding hand. Both energies radiated out from the couple, reforming into strands of raw magic that solidified into colourful ribbons twirling and dancing around them. The colours of their clothes began to bleed into each other until he was clad in the darkest of greys and she in the lightest. The ribbons coiled around their forearms, twisting in an intricate infinity loop joining seamlessly then tightening so each palm pressed against the others inner forearms. Then the ribbons shimmered into energy before sinking beneath their skin leaving a faint tracery of golden runes etched-tattooed around their wrists. In a regular Bonding Ceremony the elder would use ribbons to symbolically bind the couple together; then he or she would slip bracelets or rings on to indicate the union. For magic to act unbidden and leave permanent markings was clearly a highly desired union.
Minerva blinked at the unexpected turn of events. “Well, I suppose there is nothing else for me to do but say, you may kiss the bride.”
Hermione smiled tearily at her new husband and lifted one rune marked wrist to him. He took it in his much larger hand and drew her close to kiss her deeply. When he ended the kiss and lifted his face away, her eyes were dazed and mouth faintly red.
The next forty minutes were a flurry of activity and congratulations for the new couples while the Ministry and Purebloods re-evaluated their strategy for interfering in a union clearly desired by the Fates. But they never got the chance to act.
A familiar, cutting, sardonic voice interrupted the cheerful atmosphere. “It is time to leave.”
Severus Snape stood with the three strange women towards the side of the Great Hall.
There were several frightened squeaks and wands pulled out.
“Severus Snape?!”
“But he’s dead!?”
What was even more shocking was the bride’s reaction. A bright smile spread across her face as she pulled her groom with her across the room.
“Severus?” Then she reached out and hugged the Potions Master who unexpectedly returned her embrace, though a tad awkwardly. She pulled back. “I’m so glad to see you. I was afraid you would be penalized for interfering.”
Snape shook his head. “Not at all Miss Granger, though I suppose I should get accustomed to calling you Mrs. Wayne now.”
She smiled teasingly at her old Potions Professor. “I don’t suppose you would unbend enough to call me Hermione.”
“Perhaps. After your first child.”
She smiled warmly. “Then you will be calling me Hermione before a year is done.”
The Potions Master heaved a heavy sigh. “And what a relief that will be.”
“A most anticipated blessed event.” The small redhead giggled.
The crone cackled. “A most extensive betting pool has already started among the Gods with Hermes acting as bookie. Only we know and we aren’t talking.”
The brunette chuckled wickedly. “But it is time for you to get back home and more private rooms.” Her expression sobered. “So say your farewells Hermione Wayne.”
Hermione ignored the shocked gaping expressions of their audience and turned to the three who she had confided all.
“Minerva. Luna. Harry. Be happy. Live. That is all I can ask.” She hugged each of them in turn before joining her husband in the center of a ritual circle in the midst of a pile of magical trunks. The Fates and Severus had set up the Gateway Ritual behind notice-me-not charms during the reception after the ceremony.
There was a powerful swell of building magick as the Fates and Severus Snape chanted in an ancient unknown language. Then there was a blinding flash of blue light. The pile of trunks and the new couple within the circle were gone. The lines of the circle chalked on the stones were smeared and indistinct. Snape waved his hand and all traces were gone. He looked straight at the three who Hermione cared for and nodded slightly before greeting each in turn.
“Minerva. Miss Lovegood. Mr. Potter.” His expression softened a fraction. “She will be happy and well loved. Bruce Wayne is more than capable and his allies are varied from all walks of life and powers.” Then he answered their unvoiced questions. “I have not met any of our recent dead, not with all the hard feelings felt and what I had to do. I still do not feel ready to see Albus or Lily.”
Harry nodded. He could understand why. The Potions Master had mourned his mother for twenty years while he lived, why would dying and the afterlife have changed that? Hermione was more mature and experienced but she cared just as deeply.
Severus bowed his head. “I will not return for at least a few generations. Others will watch over this dimension.” And then he vanished.
Harry watched the spot where they had vanished ignoring the rising crescendo of accusation and demands for explanations, answers and actions. McGonagall could take care of it. He wanted to remember and celebrate with those who would accept.
He walked over to Neville who was looking a bit bewildered but otherwise okay despite seeing his old nemesis, the deceased Potions Professor.
“Hey Neville! Do you want to drink a toast with me? To Hermione and her future?”
Neville nodded. “Sure thing Harry. But ask Blinky for the good stuff. Hermione and her husband definitely deserve it.” Then a shrewder light shone in mild brown eyes. “I’d also like to hear the whole story.”
Harry laughed. “For you? Sure. But if anyone else asks me I’ll deny everything.”
...ooOoo...
TBC…
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AN: Choosing the middle names for both. It is either Jane/Jean for Hermione and I’m not sure if Bruce has one.