Guardian Angel - R - Hermione/Bruce - 4/?
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: Varied reactions and plans among friends in the League and Gotham before they finally settle into married life.
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...ooO Returning Home Ooo...
Superman glanced over at Jonnz. “Have you heard anything? From Batman?”
The Martian Man-Hunter inclined his head. “I have. Fate has confirmed he and his companion have returned safely. They are currently taking some time for themselves in England while her background identity is set up by Oracle.”
The Flash blinked. “You mean Bats is back? With that ghost chick?”
“No longer a ghost.” Zatanna murmured. She usually did not attend meetings on the WatchTower. “Hermione Granger is flesh and blood. He managed to locate the temple and use the ambrosia to cure her before she died.” She smiled wearily. “I was anchoring their return and checked for possible interlopers with Jonzz and Fate. Both are in perfect health, even better than I would have thought.”
“It seems there was an unexpected side-effect to Batman’s journey. He developed the ability to practice wand-magic like his local counterpart. It remains to be seen if the ability does not fade in time but everything indicates it is permanent.”
Diana nodded slightly. Gifts freely given could not be taken back easily. “Has he said anything about his immediate plans?”
“Just to not expect him for the next year.” Jonzz smirked, an unexpected expression.
Superman became more concerned. “What aren’t you telling us Jonzz?”
But Jonzz refused to answer. “Nothing negative Kal-el. Just listen to the news coming out of Gotham City in the next few weeks.”
...ooOoo...
Alfred Pennyworth sipped a cup of tea. A familiar action that always failed to distract him. It had been six weeks since Master Bruce had left on his quest, two since he returned safely. Even now Alfred was astounded by what his first charge had revealed to him. About his Guardian Angel. Now more than ever Alfred was certain that there would be more love and happiness in the lives of all of his charges. If Master Bruce could get it after so many years so would the others.
“Hello Alfred.”
“Miss Gordon.” Alfred looked up with a questioning expression. “Tea?”
“No thanks. I just finished setting up the history as Bruce asked me to. It was not too difficult given she really existed at one point in this dimension. Many people choose to go off track and live untraceably for various personal reasons.”
“Would you care to share the bare bones of her history with me?”
“I managed to insert a few records in various databases and alter others. Hermione Granger did not die in the car crash with her parents but was taken in by a reclusive aunt who feared losing the last of her family. The aunt lived on an isolated estate with elderly retainers who have since died. The family doctor did not believe in keeping computer records and his office was destroyed in a fire a few years after he died. Hermione Granger rarely interacted with the local community and was privately tutored until her aunt died leaving her an emancipated teenager with a very generous trust fund. She sat the standard O-levels and A-levels in Britain without ever attending formal classes and passed with Honours. She chose not to complete a university degree, instead she audited classes as she travelled around the world, moving too frequently to put roots and be remembered.
“They staged a first meeting in a Mayfair restaurant two days ago where Bruce Wayne asked a complete stranger out to dance. The press picked up on it and ran with the story. Bruce Wayne’s latest interest in a fresh English rose.”
Alfred nodded. “Did Master Bruce mention when they would be returning?”
“Three weeks. Bruce wants to make his interest clear in public so when they return together it is can be passed off.”
Alfred nodded slowly. “Good. I would like to meet Miss Hermione. She must be quite formidable if she kept tabs on Master Bruce all these years.” He shook his head slightly. “I suppose this does explain some of his luck. He literally had a Guardian Angel looking out for him.”
“Yeah. One willing to defy the Fates to stay with him.” Barbara spoke wistfully.
Alfreds black eyes sharpened. “If Master Bruce has someone I’m certain all of you do as well. You just need to keep an open eye out for it.”
Barbara blinked and nodded.
...ooOoo...
Alfred smiled as he watched couple make their way through the crowd of reporters and to the limo. Once the doors were closed, Bruce Wayne sighed in relief and relaxed.
“The penthouse, Alfred.”
The butler resisted the urge to speak and pry out details. There would be time for it later. And he was glad for his restraint.
It took two hours and three pots of tea for the whole story and plans to be shared.
“We are married by the laws of her society.” Bruce pushed back his sleeve and thrust his wrist forward. The action was mimicked by his companion. There was a faint tracery of gold symbols etched into the skin. “Marriage runes. An unbreakable bonding with some interesting side-effects, a blessing from the Powers.”
“It is rare.” Hermione expanded. “Usually the ribbons are tied and the rings/bracelets are slipped on by the elder acting as priest. In our ceremony... magic acted.”
“It is not something I am displeased with.” Bruce added hastily. “It is just that it greatly accelerates the timetable. We can’t wait three months like we originally planned before announcing our engagement and another three months for a society wedding. It is too stressful being away from her for too long.” Then he smirked. “But I can’t complain about the other side-effects.”
Hermione blushed and punched his arm before she hesitantly explained. “The Fates are pushing hard. The ceremony keyed our chemistries to match perfectly. Every time I am around Bruce I know exactly where he is and what he is feeling just like he does for me. If we’ve been apart for too long I can barely stop myself from jumping him!” She explained in mortified tones.
“Zatanna and Fate both agree it is a chemically triggered urge that has just been amplified by the Powers. It should subside once Hermione conceives. Currently we are taking precautions to keep the gossips from counting days when it is publicized.”
Alfred hesitated. “And is it in your plans? Having a child is not something to be taken lightly or on a whim Master Bruce.”
The younger man’s expression turned serious. “This is definitely not a whim Alfred.” He squeezed his wife’s hand. “I’ve always been afraid of having hostages to fate because so many I loved died or left me. I had always believed Hermione would always be there. When I was told she wouldn’t be… I realised just how important she is to me. I don’t want to wait and risk regrets. She knows what I do every night and she has never flinched.”
Then Hermione spoke quietly but firmly. “Gotham and the world need Batman. But Batman and Bruce Wayne need me. When I was given orders to reincarnate, the only thing I could think of was Bruce. I wanted to see him. I wanted to be with him. I know there is a possibility that he will not return one day, but women all over the world face that risk: the wives and mothers of police officers, firefighters, foreign-aid workers, soldiers… Even if we have only a few years together the memories would be treasured for the rest of my living days. And I will know we will be reunited in the afterlife.”
Alfred put down his cup. His hands were trembling from the intensity of her words, her passion and certainty.
“Then for what it is worth you have my blessing. You will have to give me a few hours to arrange for extra wardrobes and storage space in all the Master Suites. I’ll make arrangements for a few personal shoppers to fill Miss Hermione’s wardrobe with the basics.”
...ooOoo...
Alfred smirked as he set out plates for the children wandering into the more intimate kitchen dining table. Cassandra was blushing slightly, though Tim was far redder and evident in his embarrassment.
He waited until they poured orange juice for themselves before speaking.
“Should I ask what has caused your discomfort?”
The pair shifted uneasily before Tim broke.
“We saw Bruce and Hermione in the dojo. They were… busy.”
Alfred raised a faint brow. “Oh? Master Bruce does wake up early to practice if he didn’t have a late night.”
Tim glowered. “Trust me Alfred, he had a late night, an early morning, and a not-so early morning getting lucky.”
Cassandra looked faintly bewildered. “I never knew a non-meta woman could be so flexible.”
Alfred snorted. “You are flexible, correct?”
“Yes. But I’m a trained fighter.”
“So is Miss Hermione. You’ve just never seen her fight. You formed the mistaken impression that since she is a magic user she cannot fight with her fists.”
“Yeah, but she was dead! Or very close to it. Surely she’d need physiotherapy and time to retrain her body to be that limber!” Tim protested.
“Oh I don’t know. It felt pretty limber to me last night.” A low, gravelly voice spoke with unexpected insinuating humour.
The three turned to the archway entrance where Bruce and Hermione stood, hair and skin damp from a recent shower and dressed in loose jogging suits and running shoes.
The couple ignored the ensuing squawks and blushes to eat a slice of toast and a few spoonfuls of scrambled eggs while Cassandra found her nerve first.
“How?” She wanted to know. “I thought you were in a coma, your body deteriorating.”
Hermione smiled. “I was. Hebe’s Blessing restores the body to its optimal condition based on what the soul believes. I had spent decades seeing and doing some pretty unbelievable things so my definition of optimal was pretty up there. I know just what the human mind can be capable off, how it can push the body through self-imposed limits.”
Tim recovered his tongue. “Are you going to keep acting like this?” He tossed a copy of the Gotham Star on the table. The headline picture and news were clear. ‘Gotham’s Prince picks an English Rose.’ There were pictures of Bruce and Hermione at several recent events in Gotham, including the one they attended last night, an opera opening night. Bruce arched an inquiring brow. Tim fumed before continuing. “From what I saw today morning I think the gossip reporter was pretty accurate in her speculations. You two did not bother to socialize during intervals. In fact, you locked the doors to the Wayne Opera Box and drew curtains over the balcony. Kat Travis speculates the two of you were enjoying more than just the opera last night. To be more precise, each other.”
To Tim’s shock Bruce just grinned widely. “I’m afraid to live down to your expectations but that is just what we did. Enjoy each other.” Then he burst out laughing at Tim’s horrified expression.
Hermione was blushing but she refused to look away as she looked Tim square in the face. She had watched the young boy grow from a pre-teen, seen him at his best and his worst. Even though he had never known she had watched over him because he was important to Bruce and therefore to her as well.
“I won’t apologize for anything because I’m not sorry. The only thing I can say is that our more public escapades will be less likely once I conceive. Biology and magic are working against us, sensitizing and increasing our desires. It does concern me; I am worried about Bruce being distracted out in the field.”
“Which is why I’ve decided to take a break from the cape. At least until Hermione conceives.” Bruce added soberly. “I’m going to use that time to expand on my magical training and incorporating it into my fighting style. Develop new strategies, modifying current plans to accommodate for my new skills.”
Tim nodded slowly. Every time there was a major change due to injury or new powers, the caped crowd knew it was best to test and find the limits in a controlled environment rather than in the field against an enraged opponent.
“I don’t understand how well you are taking it Bruce. I thought you didn’t trust magic.”
“I don’t trust most magic-users.” Bruce corrected mildly between sips of orange juice. “Magic is a tool or skill, and just like anything else and it can be used against you. Formal ritual casting is too vulnerable to interference. Spells can be twisted by an opponent who knows more. And most of the magic users we’ve come across are clinically insane, drunk on their own power and perceived superiority.”
“It is the same in my old world.” Hermione added sadly. “Those with power see nothing wrong in abusing it. However, there have always been those who felt otherwise and fought against abusive magic users. Those conflicts laid the groundwork for a tradition of ethics, a guideline for what is acceptable and what isn’t, laws and suitable punishments. They may not have been fairly enforced or practiced but they existed.
“Right now there is no similar guideline because blanket laws and protocols do not work for metas. Each case is different, since metas with similar powers cannot always be countered the same way. Each and every meta faces the same struggle as every magic user, the temptation to use their powers for their personal gain, making others pay financially, emotionally, or physically. They’ve forgotten or ignored the old creeds from a time when magic was treated with proper reverence, a religion, a gift from the Higher Powers. And ye harm none, do what ye will, Lest in self-defence it be, Ever mind the Rule of Three, What thou sends forth returns to thee.”
The teens nodded soberly and listened as Bruce picked up the thread.
“I spent several months travelling and observing different magical societies. Many of the books I brought back contain the principles and theories of many magical philosophers on controversial and difficult issues. I hope they will help develop guidelines in how the JLA will work in the future. If all goes well, Bruce Wayne might start campaigning for similar legislatorial changes.
“All we can do is our best and hope things turn out fine. I still believe in planning for the worst... but with Hermione around I feel more confident that it will not be needed.”
Alfred smiled internally. Just a few days and already her presence had wrought a major change in Master Bruce’s pessimistic philosophy.
...ooOoo...
Lucius Fox gave up on trying to go over the latest project expansion plans. He put his fork down and focused on his working lunch companion feeling very grateful they were in one of the few private corporate dining rooms in Wayne Towers.
“Tell me Bruce, are you serious about her?”
Bruce Wayne blinked mildly. “About who, Lucius?”
“Hermione Granger.”
The mildness faded to leave steely intent. “As a heart attack. I’m going to marry her, Lucius. Alfred and the others know and have accepted my decisions somewhat reluctantly though I am confident they will come around when they get to know her better.”
Lucius blinked. “Have you asked Her?”
Bruce was amused. “Of course. She said yes the moment I asked her. We’ve been keeping it private to let the reporters adjust to our relationship first.”
Lucius nodded slowly. “All right. When is the wedding?”
“Four weeks.”
Lucius sputtered. “Excuse me?!?”
“Four weeks.” Bruce replied patiently. “It is going to be a private ceremony with only few people attending. There will of course be a bigger reception later on.”
“Bruce, you can’t be serious! You’ve only known her a few weeks!”
Bruce smiled knowingly. “But it feels like I’ve known her a lifetime. She is the one Lucius! I could live three lifetimes and never meet another like her.” He covered the older man’s hand with his. “Lucius, I’d like you to be there.”
Lucius resisted the urge to argue. Once Bruce got an idea about things outside of business matters, he rarely let go. “I will. But I want to meet her first.”
“Of course. I’m having a private dinner for a few friends this Thursday at the Manor. Bring your wife with you.”
---
Lucius was pleasantly surprised when he finally met the polite, unaffected young woman who clearly adored Bruce and saw more than just his public playboy façade. The intimate sense of ‘knowing’ and understanding acceptance between the couple was undeniable.
By the end of the evening, Lucius Fox knew Bruce Wayne had made a good choice; much better than his previous serious interests. And he understood why Bruce was pushing so hard for a quick marriage ceremony, unwilling to delay and risk losing her.
Over dessert, he gave his own suggestions on planning a quick wedding and a private getaway before returning to Gotham for a more elaborate reception.
...ooOoo...
Hermione Wayne slowly made her way down the carved stone steps leading to the Bat Cave. There were of course faster ways including discreet elevators but there was something about using the stairs that made her feel nostalgic. In the early days before Bruce installed the elevator these steps were the primary entry/exit point into the Manor.
She smiled as Alfred poured her a cup of rose-hip tea. Ever since her pregnancy was confirmed, the butler had been very strict about her diet and what she consumed. Bruce had resumed his mantle as Batman though this investigation into the rash of gang fights involving explosives and guns had Robin and Batgirl stumped. Stumped enough to get Batman involved.
“I don’t understand it!” Robin leaned back in his swivel chair messing his hair. “I’ve run all the usual search protocols. There are no arms shipments missing in or around Gotham. Or anywhere on the East Coast. I’ve included other regions but most stolen shipments have been tentatively traced and accounted for by the JLA and law enforcement. I don’t understand where all the ammo and explosives are coming from, or how it is getting into the hands of the local gangs!”
Hermione moved slowly over to study the screen displaying a map of Gotham and several locations marked indicating recent mob clashes.
“It is odd. They are not using the latest generation of explosives technology.” Batman murmured. He was dressed in full gear though his cowl was pushed back.
“How far back do your search protocols go?” Everyone turned to stare at Hermione. By silent consensus, she did not usually participate in the investigations or research. Oracle and Alfred or Robin did that. Mainly because they knew she would have other time commitments in the near future when her pregnancy advanced and she gave birth.
“Three years.” Robin admitted. “Long enough for some of the heat to die off for the stock to be unloaded. Any longer newer more profitable models come on the market.”
“But you said it yourself. They are using old models.” She countered. “Fifty-third Avenue and Twenty-second Road. The Green Jays used to hold the area before they were absorbed by the Nox Arrows. They used to work for Rupert Thorne. Five years ago they carried out a hijacking.”
Robin frowned and pulled up the appropriate files. “Yeah. Most of the gang were killed by Smilex when the Joker escaped around the same time. The survivors did not know where the shipments were stashed. But the police searched the area thoroughly! Batman and Nightwing did a run of all the warehouses and factories nearby!”
Hermione bumped her hip against Robin’s chair to get access to a keyboard and began going through the files and pulling up schematics.
“Perhaps not carefully enough.”
One push of a button produced a digital photograph of a massive iron grate covering a sewage pipe opening large enough for a man to walk into without bending.
“The City Council had plans to expand the sewage sanitation plants underground. There are several chambers attached to the sewage system that are quite large and not too damp. Most of them were destroyed during Batman’s fight with Killer Croc though some might still be intact. There used to be an industrial plant near the Green Jays old grounds. It may have access to those chambers.” She straightened and stepped away. “I suggest you go and have a look.”
Then she moved to commandeer an empty chair and concentrated on enjoying her tea.
Robin blinked and glanced at Batman who nodded in affirmative so with a shrug he began pulling the needed files and making appropriate plans. Twenty minutes later, he and Batgirl were out of the Cave and in the field.
Hermione tilted her head to one side. “Aren’t you going to join them?”
“They will be fine. They’ll do a quick scouting run before moving in. If the situation is more involved they’ll call in.”
She smiled teasingly. “You’re cutting the apron strings. I’m so proud of you!”
He growled menacingly. It just made her laugh. Laugh as she stood, danced over on light feet and threw herself onto his lap wrapping her arms around his neck to kiss him soundly.
“I’m so proud of you!” She repeated between giggles. “Just keep it up.”
He sighed. “I’m still worried about them.”
“But you are letting them act on their own. You are not following them, just in case. It is showing a certain degree of confidence in their skills and capabilities.”
“I’ve never doubted that! I would never let them out if I doubted their skill!”
“All the skill in the world can fail against the worst sort of luck. But now you are willing to let them handle their own luck.”
Batman thought hard before answering. “Yes. Yes, I am.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I will not be around forever. And all young ones will have to leave the nest at some point.” He made a sound of old pain. “I learned that with Dick.”
Hermione rested her head against his chest nestled under his chin. “Now I am certain you’ll make a wonderful father. Over protective yes, but also willing to let go. That is important. Children must make their own mistakes and learn from them.”
Alfred quietly retreated, leaving the couple in the Bat Cave.
The next morning at breakfast, Alfred heard more about events from the previous night. According to Master Tim, Batman had not followed Robin and Batgirl. The pair had located and secured the weapons cache before calling in the police.
“She knew, Alfred. And she had never accessed the case files before today. The only way she could have known is if Batman had told her, or she had seen it happen for herself. Given how close-mouthed Batman can be I’m leaning towards the latter.” Tim concluded.
“It does lend some credence to her story of being a Guardian Angel. She must have seen and heard a lot as an unseen observer.” Alfred pointed out.
...ooOoo...
TBC…
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