Reading Time: 81 Minutes
Title: An Exiled Necroscope
Author: sarhea
Fandom: Batman, Harry Potter
Genre: Action Adventure, BDSM, Crossover, Het, Romance
Relationship(s): Hermione Granger/Bruce Wayne
Content Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Hate Crimes/Hate Speech, Major Character Death, Rape/Non-con/Dub-con, Violence – Graphic , character bashing, explicit graphic sex
Word Count: 101,000
Summary: Parselmouths are not the only ones hated and feared by wand-users. What would a British witch find in Gotham? Home, Freedom, Purpose, Love, Family? How far will she go to protect what she finds?
Artist: spuddoc
#~#~#
Bruce watched Hermione go through folders of printed reports and hand written notes spread out on the second desk in the main library. It had become her informal work station when she was in Wayne Manor. There were electronic copies of the proposals but she liked making comments, notes and amendments using ink on paper. She had been very distracted since the first successful Purification Casting in Old Gotham. Almost buoyant and energetic.
He watched as she stripped off her ever present Gotham U hoody and tossed it towards one of the unused chairs before weaving her fingers together and stretching out her arms towards the front, palms facing away from her. The action lifted the hem of her pale green camisole out of the back waistband of her jeans baring a half inch band of pale skin. Her hair was twisted and secured on top of her head using three old-fashioned wooden pencils as chopsticks.
“What is it?”
Hermione looked up and smiled. “Stella Vandermeer contacted me. She is interested in formalizing the neighbourhood watch groups in Old Gotham into a district council. To get the residents involved in the urban renewal plans. I asked her why now and she said for some reason she wanted to get started and didn’t want to wait. She felt it was the Right Time.” She laughed softly. “She remembers Park Lane, the entertainment district, the galleries and outdoor festivals. She wants to bring that back Bruce. The tourism and economic benefit alone would be enormous.”
Bruce smiled faintly. “I also got a few phone calls in the past few days. Many of those who laughed at me a few months back are asking if I have begun setting up consortiums for the renewal plans. They also feel now is the time to get in. Most of them are older businessmen and women who remember what Gotham used to be like.”
Hermione leaned back in her chair and rubbed the back of her neck. The action caused her breasts to shift under the thin stretchy cotton knit of her camisole but she did not notice Bruce’s sudden stiffness.
“Councilwoman Eva Langhorne got back to me. The refurbished community center is just about ready to be reopened. This would be a good time to get everyone introduced. What do you think of an informal buffet with a denim only dress code? So people like Eva and Stella can meet local residents and leaders like Yanet and Maria?
Bruce nodded. “That sounds like a good idea. Let Alfred know. He has all the contacts to set up something like that.”
“I have an e-mail list I can use to send out an RSVP; to give us a rough headcount of possible attendees.”
Bruce found himself moving until he stood behind Hermione’s chair.
“Lean forward.” He ordered brusquely.
She stiffened for a second before complying. Then she moaned softly as strong fingers began to dig into the tense knots around the base of her neck and shoulders.
“If you ever go bankrupt you can make a fortune as a masseuse.” Hermione groaned softly as he worked a particularly resistant knot.
“What are you thinking?” Bruce asked casually as he moved further down her spine.
“The architect Lucius recommended is no good. He nearly had a hissy fit when I told him his proposals didn’t fit your vision.”
“What vision?”
She did not protest as he cleared a space on the desk and then urged her to stand and lie down cheek and front pressed against the cool, polished surface.
“Gardens. We want one near Park Lane and at the old school. And a religious meeting hall. I’ve been asking around for an honourable pastor but it is a bit hard. Christian sects are rather narrow minded. I don’t know enough of the Asian communities to locate a trustworthy religious— Oh Lord that is purrfect.” She moaned as his fingers slipped lower stroking each side of the indent bisecting her back.
“I’m thinking of someone younger who doesn’t have a big reputation for the nodes. He or she would be more willing to see things our wa— Oh! Little lower. To the left please.” She hissed as he worked a tense spot.
There was quiet only broken by her soft moans until she regained enough self-control to follow her conversational thread.
“Gazebo. Shrine. Memorial. Statue. Any could be the focus. In Japan there are old shrines that have God-Trees. Perhaps if it is marked as a historical monument no—” She hissed as a hard knot gave under his touch.
Bruce was amused. He was in the odd position of actually working to distract a female from her usual train of thoughts. Most women were usually quick to focus all of their attention and interest on him. Hermione was more involved in analyzing their plans and options. He had a feeling she would have reacted the same way if Alfred or Lucius offered to massage her tense back.
He wondered how long it had been since she’d had a lover. He knew she simply hadn’t had the time for a relationship since she began working on this project. Or did she meet any of her lunch or dinner dates at his place or a hotel? Somehow he didn’t think so. She was too sharp to be led astray with seductive words or compliments. Every time he had tried she had out manoeuvred him into revealing what he had been trying to hide. The only time he had succeeded when he had distracted her by touch. For an intellectual and focused soul she was an amazingly sensual person. She loved taking hour long soaking baths. She always chose the chair covered with nubby textured fabrics and softened with cushions and throws. When she walked by her fingers often drifted over carved and smooth surfaces of stone or wood. The only items she actively resisted touching were antique carved statues, delicate porcelain and paintings but sometimes he would see her examining a particular piece, her fingers just skimming over the surface with bare millimetres between her skin and the piece of art. Even the gems he asked Superman to make, she admired their beauty, the fire and light refracted through them, the resonance created when she channelled her power through them, but she did not care they were priceless, the only ones of their kind in existence. They were tools. Her true treasures were books.
Sometimes he would check up on her to find she had fallen asleep in her bed with piles of books where a lover or bed mate would lie. A subconscious desire? Was knowledge a substitute for a flesh-and-blood man? Which would she really prefer? Or would it depend on the man? Bruce wondered if he could be that man. Would she abandon her books if it were him in her bed?
Stop it. He warned himself sternly. You’re just friends. She never indicated any romantic interest and too much depends on her for you to muck it up because you haven’t had a bed mate for a long while; so don’t even go there. She’s too important for a casual fling.
He lifted his hands and stepped back after tugging her camisole down.
“How are you feeling?”
She slid off the table and onto her chair. Her expression was soft and sleepy, eyes half-lidded and sensual.
“Much better.” She murmured. “I didn’t realize I was so tense.”
“Which node are you going to work on next? And when?”
Hermione responded without hesitation. “Port Adams Tuesday night. Batman will be picking me up from Wayne Towers.”
Jason Blood turned towards the large knee to ceiling windows lining one wall to let in whatever light was available. He wasn’t surprised that alarms hadn’t gone off; it was the Batman.
He inhaled deeply. “I talked to William Hawk Eye. He was very admonishing.” Jason winced. “Much worse than any of my old trainers.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I never realized…” He trailed off.
Batman’s lips thinned. “Ignorance is no excuse Jason. You and hundreds of thousands in Europe are wrong. You brought those prejudices with you when you left Europe and you did not even bother trying to educate yourselves on the true Nature of a Necroscope. It’s like saying all knights and swordsmen are mercenaries and killers.”
Jason’s eyes flashed but he subsided. “You’re right. I should have known better. Rumour and hearsay are not the most accurate sources of information. Even firsthand experience can be tainted and skewed.”
Batman shifted. “What do you want?”
Jason inhaled deeply. “I would like to apologize to Miss Granger.”
Batman did not blink. “I’ll let her know but I doubt she’ll be interested in meeting you. The psychosomatic effect of the binding is unnerving. Every time she experiences it her first reaction is to run and hide.” Jason winced at that jab. Batman was faintly satisfied as he continued. “The best thing you can do is keep your distance from her.”
Jason nodded then he spoke. “The Binding was not completely successful on her.” Batman did not react but Jason continued. “Something happened a few weeks ago. Given how protective you and Bruce Wayne are of her I strongly suspect she had something to do with it.” Batman’s expression remained stony. “Whoever responsible is going to draw a great deal of attention to Gotham. They have literally Shifted the Balance of Power within Gotham City. Now there’s a great deal of purified free energy available to any sensitive or experienced mage; sooner or later outsiders are going to notice. They’ll start moving in to lay claim.”
Batman shifted slightly. “You do not have to worry about outsiders. Precautions have been taken.”
Jason shook his head. “You don’t understand. Once others find there is a powerful magic worker who is capable of purifying tainted nodes there will be a lot of interest to secure the loyalty and allegiance of them. By any means.”
Batman absorbed that information. “I understand.”
“What are you doing?” Robin asked curious.
“Setting up a few spybots to look for changing property ownership in Gotham.”
Robin stiffened. “Is this about the Cleansing Project?”
Batman stopped typing and leaned back in his chair. “Yes. Jason Blood confirmed what she said from the start. Other magic users are going to start sniffing around Gotham.”
Robin frowned. “I thought the real estate trust was supposed to keep them out.”
Batman huffed. “It will stop them from settling in Gotham but they can still enter the city as visitors and tourists to look and find the mage responsible for the Change.”
“Mia.” Robin breathed softly.
“Yes. I never realized before but most would consider what she’s done to be impossible. If she made the impossible happen once they will want it to happen again. For their selfish personal benefit no matter how much it may cost her.” His face hardened. “I will not let that happen.”
Robin nodded resolutely. “What do you need?”
“Put alerts for any outside buyers of land in Gotham. Especially holding companies with little or no reputation and bare bones backgrounds. Or companies registered in Europe or with strong European ties. See if you can get into the federal databases and track visitors from Europe without basic records in electronic databases.” His face was hard. “Gotham is my city. I will not tolerate any of them messing things up and hurting Mia.”
Hermione just managed to duck behind one of the crates and sneak over two aisles down when she realized she had left the gems on the ground level. If they lost even one of the stones there was no guarantee it could ever be replaced!
One of the dock yard workers not fighting realized the chunks of crystal were not crystal but real diamonds. He grabbed one and began running.
“No!”
Without thinking Hermione moved until was between him and the exit summoning fire in one hand and lightening in the other. She took out those she had a clear line of fire to.
Then she dived for the diamond falling to the concrete. Bullets struck her shoulder and upper arm. She kept rolling until she could come to her feet. By now Robin and Batgirl had joined the fight. She had to stop them. She only hoped it worked. She forced herself to Apparate just next to Batman.
“Obliviate.”
Another short Apparation jump. “Obliviate.”
Another Apparation jump. “Obliviate.”
Jump. “Obliviate.”
Jump. “Obliviate.”
She swayed on shaky knees.
“What did you do?” Batman wanted to know.
“Clear … mind. Break … circle.” Her voice was thin and thready.
He turned to Robin and Batgirl. “Clear your minds of any thoughts of violence. Do not fight what comes.”
Then he took three quick steps and broke the salt circle with a sweep of one booted foot.
The three costumed vigilantes swayed under the euphoric rush.
Hermione threw up chunks of blood and half digested food. She fell to her knees.
“Hermione!” Robin cried out alarmed.
Batman quickly helped her wipe off the worst of the bile and fluids before lifting her up bridal style. He spoke quickly. “Tie the smugglers up and move them out. Clean up the best you can and use accelerants to remove all traces. Be thorough. She used her own blood to mark the circles. Once you are done call the police and go back on patrol.”
“What about Hermione?” Robin wanted to know.
“I’ll look after her.”
Hermione moaned and passed out as Batman broke a knock-out pellet under her nose.
“Wat—” She didn’t have to continue. Alfred was there slipping thin slivers of ice into her mouth. After a few seconds she felt better. “How?”
“Batman brought you here.” Alfred spoke calmly but his eyes were concerned as he quickly began taking her vitals. “How are you feeling Miss Granger?”
“Sore.” She coughed. She covered her mouth and coughed harder. Blood began seeping between her fingers.
Alfred was there with two hand towels. One to cover her mouth, the other to clean her bloody hand. After a long bout of coughing she felt half-way decent.
“What’s wrong?” Tim asked frightened.
She smiled weakly. “My body has undergone a lot of strain. The fight and getting shot at the end didn’t help.”
“But you didn’t react so badly after the first time.” Bruce pointed out concerned.
“I had already laid a lot of the ground work in Old Gotham.” She pointed out. “There were clear pockets all over the place. When the circle broke the clear pockets were drawn in more quickly to meet the purified node energies. But in Port Adams there was a violent clash of opposing polarities. Since I was part of the focus it had a very strong effect on me as well.” She pointed to the bloody towels.
Bruce made up his mind. “I want Leslie to examine you before you continue.”
Hermione frowned. “That is not necessary.”
“You were unconscious for two days Mia!”
“I will be fine. Ritual casting always has a strong toll on the body. I just need to wait a week before doing it again.”
“And what if you didn’t heal completely? What if the next casting has a much stronger effect on you?” Bruce pointed out.
Hermione shook her head. “I can’t stop Bruce. We’ve already done two nodes. There’s just two more to go.”
“And what if you die after the third node? What happens to the last node? What if you die after purifying Arkham? Who will hold the Eos Trust and keep the bigots out?”
Hermione hesitated. “You could ask William Hawk Eye to recommend a few mages who could be added to the Eos Trust beneficiaries.”
“Would you really have confidence in just anyone for such a commitment? I’ve worked with you for months. I know how much you have invested in Gotham. Anyone else will not have that same dedication and willingness. I cannot trust just anyone.”
Hermione was torn. “All right Leslie can give me a check up.”
“And you’re not continuing until she gives the all clear.” Bruce insisted. Hermione hesitated. “Promise me Mia.”
She couldn’t deny him. “All right, I promise I won’t cast to purify Tricorner Yards until Leslie gives us the all clear.”
Twenty minutes later he wondered how the hell he could have missed it. Alfred had been dropping hints about the very nice Miss Granger and Tim had been very bubbly about Hermione who knew so much neat stuff about history and computers. But then again he had never talked to Bruce so Dick did not know how his old mentor felt about her. And Dick knew well and good if Bruce said no he would get his way in the end. That was why he had moved to Bludhaven in the first place.
He went through the pile of newspapers and magazines he had asked the concierge to pick up. Each of them had snippets of public domain information about Bruce’s recent activities in his personal and business life. Forty minutes on his laptop got more information from Wayne Corporate databases. There was nothing about the special project she was working on for Bruce. Just a few concerned notes from Lucius about how much money Bruce was spending. But then again it was his personal fortune and not company dollars.
Hermione Granger was hired with only basic O-levels as a research trainee in London. She completed a college diploma in data mining while working in London before moving to Gotham. There she attracted Lucius Fox’s attention with her accurate complete results and high quality work ethics and became the primary researcher for Special Projects that mainly worked on developing gear for military use. Of course it never went into actual production. Only Batman and his protégées had access to the expensive and cutting edge tools for their night time activities.
About six months ago Bruce had contacted him and given him the very basics of some unexpected information. Hermione Granger was a magic user, a special one who could speak to the Dead. With her research skills, spiritual sources, and magical training she had developed a theory and offered a possibility of turning Gotham around, by purifying the tainted nodes under Gotham.
Dick didn’t believe in too much in magic fixing Gotham though he knew there were experts and real magic users around. He had worked with Raven in the Teen Titans before becoming Nightwing. If it were true then why had no one else tried this before? Surely some mystic expert for the light or dark would have tried to harness the nodes!
He sighed. There was too much information, too much speculation about the nature of Bruce Wayne’s relationship with his employee Mia Granger. Some gossip columnists were speculating that they were already engaged, or even married. And there was that kiss Bruce gave her at the New Hope Community Center reopening in Old Gotham. It was not calculated, or staged, it was natural and heartfelt. They looked like a real couple wearing denim jeans and sweaters for a casual night out.
What was going on between the two of them? Dick picked up the phone and speed-dialed a number.
“Hello Alfred. Are you free for lunch or tea? I need to talk… No, don’t tell anyone I’m in Gotham just yet… I’m staying in suite 812, 73 Bay Road. It is located near Seventh and Fifteenth… Sounds good. I’ll pick up lunch… All right, I’ll see you at one.”
“What is it you wish to know Master Grayson?”
“Tell me about Them.”
“You mean Master Bruce and Miss Granger.”
“Yes.”
“They have a close relationship. As close as Master Bruce has ever experienced without romantic intimacy or Batman being involved. He’s quite open with her regarding all other aspects of his character and private life.”
Dick frowned. “You mean she doesn’t know?”
“She doesn’t. They are two separate individuals. As far as she knows Master Bruce helps finance her other friends’ activities. Master Bruce finances her research and plans while Batman actually helps her implement them.”
“Do you really believe her? That she can talk to the dead?”
Alfred sipped his tea. “There are more things in heaven and earth Master Grayson than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” Alfred misquoted from Hamlet. “Whether or not I believe what she is doing Is having an effect. The months she worked in Old Gotham produced measurable decreases according to Commissioner Gordon and the social agencies in the area. The week after she worked her magic Master Bruce received new interest in his plans for urban renewal and violence has noticeably dropped in the area. They have already broken ground for a two memorial parks, one at the old school and the other where his parents died. It was Miss Granger’s suggestion.”
Dick looked away. “What about their relationship? Everyone is talking about a secret romance going on.”
Alfred sniffed. “When have the scandal mongers ever been accurate Master Grayson?” Dick was abashed. Then Alfred continued. “However it is my hope that something other than friendship and respect grows from their time together.”
Dick blinked. “You can’t be serious Alfred. We’re talking about Bruce! The guy who dated Selina Kyle and some of the gorgeous women on the planet.”
Alfred’s eyes were steady. “Women who could not, would not accept or understand him. Women who left him or were left behind because they could not even come close to keeping up with him. Miss Granger keeps him on his toes. He knows he cannot intimidate her. Even Batman cannot make her back down when she makes up her mind.”
Dick was taken aback. “Really? What did she do?”
Alfred smiled and launched into a vivid description of several small incidents, battles of wills between Hermione Granger and Bruce Wayne and other clashes she had with Batman. Dick choked when he heard of how she had coolly moved straight into the line of fire to take out five opponents one after another after she had been shot, before she fell down and started throwing up blood.
“She’s crazy!”
“She’s dedicated.” Alfred corrected. “She just doesn’t choose to wear a cape and go out to fight crime every other night. She’s an academic with the desire to help. And what she has done has had a large positive effect on the less fortunate in Gotham.”
Dick frowned. “I’ve read the papers and seen the police statistics but it is too weird!”
“Not at all Master Grayson. Why don’t you take a walk in Old Gotham and see for yourself?”
“I think I will.”
“Good. Should I set a plate for you?”
“No thanks. I’ll probably drop in tomorrow though.”
He speed dialled another number. He needed to talk with someone else who had seen the two of them.
“Hey Tim. Do you have a minute?”
::Sure. What’s up Dick?::
“You’ve seen Hermione Granger. What’s she like?”
::It’s kind of hard to say. She isn’t model beautiful and sometimes she looks like an old schoolmarm with pencils stuck in her hair but when she looks at you and smiles you always feel much better. You feel like you can tell her anything and she will never judge you or make you feel like an idiot.::
“Do you believe her?”
::Definitely. I saw her work magic. She can make plants grow and bloom like Poison Ivy. She can make stone and metal bend and change shape like it was clay. She can make things vanish and float. She can even teleport herself around the city. She knew things about Bruce that no one else knows, things about Batman though she doesn’t know it.::
Dick frowned. “What do you mean?”
::She knew bits about Talia and Ra’s al Ghul. She told Bruce he might be a wizard and that one day he would have to kill him to stop him.::
Dick stopped walking. “Are you serious?”
::As a heart attack.::
Slowly Dick resumed walking. “Is she a leech?”
::Nah. She has no qualms about spending a fortune on books and relics but she hates shopping for formal events when Bruce and Alfred insist she take a break from research. She ends up using magic to change some of what she bought so they looked much better on her. Like Cinderella’s clothes only hers didn’t change back at midnight. Most of the time she wears jeans and a sweatshirt or tee.::
“What is she like around Bruce?”
::You should have seen it Dick! It was really funny how she treated him like a kid. One who was breaking all the rules. Once he stopped flirting with her she treated him like a best-bud study partner. You should have seen how he acted when she went out with Steven Hawk Wing. He delayed starting patrols until she was back in her Wayne Towers suite. I asked her if she was really dating Steven but she said she was just picking his brain and they were only friends. When she was shot in Port Adams B went real cold and angry. When she started throwing up blood he nearly lost it. He refused to let her cast again until Doc Leslie gave the all clear.::
“Is she better now?”
::Still not hundred percent. Bruce is afraid any new strain will just undo all the healing and the Doc agrees. She says Mia should be okay in another two weeks.::
“Anything else?”
Tim was silent for a while. ::She makes him laugh Dick. I mean really laugh and forget about wearing the cape and going out each night. He actually lets Barb and me go out without demanding a complete report within an hour of getting back. It’s like the heavy despair has been lifted off of him as well.::
Dick looked up and realized he was near a cemetery he recognized. It was where Thomas and Martha Wayne were buried.
“Thanks for the info Tim. I’ll talk to you later.”
::Are you coming for dinner?::
“Not tonight. Tomorrow for sure.”
::Okay Dick, I’ll see you tomorrow then.::
“Later.”
And he ended the call.
He made his way down the well tended paths and frowned. Someone was playing music in the cemetery. Curious he followed the song and turned a corner blocked by a stand of evergreens and came to a stop before quickly ducking behind a tree.
Resting on top of Thomas and Martha Waynes’ headstones was a portable boom box playing the music Dick had been hearing. Standing between the graves was a dark haired man wearing a charcoal grey suit and scarlet tie. In his arms was a much shorter woman with curly brown hair flowing free to her mid back. She wore a mid-calf length peacock blue jersey wool dress with no sleeves and a wide boat collar that slipped off one shoulder baring her bra straps as they danced.
Bruce was smiling. A real smile, not one of those plastic social smiles he used whenever he was attending the latest social gala.
The music was not the latest hit or even performed by a living artist.
Bruce brushed his lips against her temple as she leaned against him, pressing her back against his front, crossing his arms at her waist. And they moved slowly, then more boldly where she spun out then back in towards Bruce.
“I had completely forgotten about this.” Bruce chuckled. “I remember hearing it late at night. Whenever I snuck out of bed I remember seeing my parents dance in the conservatory under the moonlight.
“Mmm. Martha loved Frank Sinatra’s music. She badgered your father into buying tickets whenever he performed near Gotham. Your father would accuse her of having a crush on him and that she would have liked dancing with Sinatra more than just watching. She especially loved Singing in the Rain. Said it made her feel better about living in Gotham where it was always cloudy and rainy.”
“There was another song they would always play…”
“I’ve got you under my skin. Your father said it described what she did to him.”
The song ended and another began.
“Martha hated classical music. She would attend the opera and orchestra events to support the Arts but she really liked popular music. Music that touched everyone’s hearts, something all of us can relate to.”
“Do you like Sinatra?” Bruce was curious to know.
“Oh yes. My parents loved the golden oldies. I grew up learning to swing, foxtrot, quickstep, and chacha.” She became more wistful. “The summers I travelled with them we danced in the local studios of whichever city we were in. There was no one who I could really dance with at Hogwarts. The inbred bigots probably gave their children lessons but I wasn’t going to ask them to form a dance club.” She grinned up at him. “I’m sure Alfred would have made sure you learned as any proper gentleman should.”
Bruce smirked. “Do you want me prove it?”
She laughed. “You don’t have to. I’m sure Alfred would have Never allowed you to skip those classes.”
Bruce laughed out loud. “You are right.” He confided. “I didn’t like Madame Flaherty’s Dance Studio but I liked Alfred’s asparagus dishes even less.”
When the song came to an end Hermione stepped out of his arms and turned the boom-box off. She crouched to touch the rose bush planted upon Martha Wayne’s grave. Within seconds the small green buds grew and unfurled into large fragrant blooms.
“It’s working Martha. Soon Gotham will be reborn. What you and Thomas worked so hard for… It will be the city you remember. Your son has made sure of it.” She stepped back and brought her hands up palms pressing against each other and bowed.
“We made sure of it.” Bruce countered. “If it wasn’t for you none of this would have ever happened. You made it possible.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her close.
She leaned her head against him. “Two more nodes and we can begin moving forward faster. What do you want to do with the yard nodes?”
“A lot of ships and rails come from the Far East. I’m certain the sailors will appreciate a community center and facilities including shopping and translation and chaplain services in Port Adams itself. Perhaps it could be served by priests from several local religious groups not exclusively Christian priests.”
“And Tricorner?”
“There are residential zones. I’m sure they’ll appreciate a community center their children do not have to use bridges to access.”
“The node is in one of the warehouse complexes.” She pointed out.
“The land can be rezoned and fences built. The shipping traffic can be directed to one of the ports on the mainland.”
“I want a church on Arkham. Something along the lines of a monastery or spiritual retreat. Everyone must see good coming from bad. That everything moves in cycles and now Gotham is on the upswing.”
She pressed her hand over his on her bicep and squeezed reassuringly.
Then she smiled faintly. “Your mother is disappointed you tried dating Barbara Gordon. She says you should have known better to even have started. You caused quite a rift in your family with that choice.”
Bruce inhaled deeply. “I was tired and weak.”
“Oh really?” Hermione mocked softly. “I think you’re lying.”
“I hoped she could make me feel not so empty.”
“But it didn’t work.” It was a statement.
“She was experienced and mature for her age. But not emotionally or spiritually.”
“She had not been broken. She had not survived the worst of life.” Hermione murmured. “It takes a great deal of strength to pick yourself up and move after such an event.” She eyed him sharply. “Were you testing her? To see if she could survive?”
He was silent for a while. “I don’t know.” He admitted.
“I think you do.” She moved in front of him and forced him to meet her eyes. “There are different kinds of strength Bruce. She did not have what you were seeking.”
“I can see that now.”
She made a scoffing sound. “Anyone who understood you could have told you that.” She shook her head. “Next time you decide to get serious about someone talk to Alfred first. He knows you better than you know yourself.”
He chuckled. “So if I want to date you I should get Alfred’s okay first?” His voice was light and teasing but Dick could hear something else hidden in the words.
“That is my advice. Sometimes it is the people around us who know us better than we know ourselves.” She stared at the gravestone. “When I dated Ron Weasley a friend asked me what I saw in him. The answer I gave her did not make much sense to me. I allowed myself to be pushed by convention and society into a relationship because it was tradition for witches to get at least engaged if not married within a few years of graduation. Because I wanted to fit in. My parents were not happy with the relationship so I delayed setting a wedding date until Ron broke up with me. We were still friends but things were strained between us. Harry supported Ron like he always did when we were students, but mainly because he was seeing Ron’s sister Ginny. I think Luna and Neville were the only ones who sided with my decision to wait.
“Luna sent me a letter after I was exiled. She was living in Norway to complete her apprenticeship at the time and wanted me to move there but I said no. I didn’t want her to get entangled in the mess. Her father had just died a few months before and she was still grieving. She told me I had a destiny across the Western Sea in the City of Three Lands.” Bruce stared. “I know, I thought she was a bit loopy. She has always been a bit odd with skewed perceptions. When the job openings came up I looked for any position outside Europe. The one in Gotham seemed like a perfect match. Corporate Archives and Research. It wasn’t until I did the research on Gotham I found it was primarily made of three large islands and several smaller ones. Three islands on the Eastern Seaboard on the Atlantic Ocean, across the waters west of Europe. I took it as a sign and didn’t look back despite Gotham’s foreboding reputation, the corruption and high crime rates, the Rogues and everything else.”
Bruce was shaken. “You ignored conventional wisdom simply because a friend said so?”
“Luna never lies. She says things as she sees them. What she sees is not what most of us see. I think she has a touch of the Sight.” Hermione sighed. “It would be nice if I could talk to her.”
“And why can’t you?”
“She’s from a traditional enclave. She doesn’t have a clue about electronics or technology. To send letters across the Atlantic I’d have to go to an enclave. A very tedious process when what I really want is to have a conversation with her.”
“Then invite her to Gotham, to stay or for a visit. Does she have any family or reason to stay in Europe?”
“I don’t know. She might be married now for all I know.”
“Perhaps you should ask and find out.”
She leaned against Bruce, slipping under his arm. “I will. After Arkham.” Then she chuckled. “Did Mary Grayson ever call her son Little Peacock?”
Bruce blinked. “I don’t know. Why do you ask?”
“She wants me to pull his ear and give him a good scold. She says he has been sulking long enough.” She looked towards a stand of trees, trees where Dick was standing. “All baby birds must leave the nest but people are not birds, people can go back home.” She raised her voice. “Tell me Richard Grayson, are you a bird or a man?”
Dick didn’t know what to think. Did she know or didn’t she? Birds could easily be a play on the name Flying Graysons. And his mother did call him Little Peacock. He doubted anyone would remember that after all of these years.
He stiffened his spine and began walking up the path towards the couple. When he was a few feet away from her he stopped and studied her carefully. He could see what Tim meant. Hermione Granger was not conventionally beautiful but there was something about her eyes, the way she cocked her head and lifted an eyebrow that drew the eye. She was steel through and through as she moved to stand in front of Bruce and lifted her chin to meet his eyes without a qualm.
Her voice was deep and hollow. “Tell me Puţin Păun, are you a bird or a man? Or do I need to tell Sergei he should find another to look after Eleanore?” A pale white film covered her hazel irises.
Dicks eyes widened at that old familiar threat. “A man mamă.” He spoke quickly.
She smiled brilliantly and patted his cheek. “Good answer. I won’t say anything about your decision to become a law officer because it is your choice but I must confess I am disappointed that you still don’t have a nice young lady. Pining after someone is grand in some fairy tale but This is Not a Ballad.” She grabbed his ear and twisted hard. “I want you to think hard about your priorities and goals. I don’t want you flitting around for the next twenty years like your old guardian. Find a nice young lady and Settle Down!” She forced him to look at her. “In the end the heart is what matters. Having your father with me gave me the strength and desire to keep going through difficult times. You need someone who can give you that stability and focus.” Tears slipped from the cloudy eyes as she cupped his cheeks, rubbing his chin, nose and forehead in a familiar nearly forgotten manner. “We are proud of you. Dragul meu baiat.” Then she turned around to face Bruce Wayne. “Thank you for what you have done. What you are doing. Soon it will be your turn to be rewarded.”
And then she closed her eyes and sagged, knees giving way. Bruce was quick to hold her close while she recovered. When her eyes opened the white film had vanished.
“Mary is gone.” Her voice was slightly hoarse and strained. “She had simply been waiting for the chance to say her piece.”
Dick came to a decision. It was time he took control and acted like the man he wanted to be by taking the first step. He looked at Bruce and spoke softly but clearly.
“I’d like you to add Bludhaven to the Eos Trust. When Miss Granger gets the time I would appreciate it if she does the cleansing in the Caernaervon.” He took a deep breath. “I don’t want to see Batman in Bludhaven but I would look forward to visits from Bruce Wayne and Hermione Granger.”
Bruce stilled and gave a slight nod. “I think we can come to some arrangement.”
Hermione ignored the order. She had to help!
She choked and coughed. Blood spilled from her mouth and stained her mask. She cursed silently. The old internal wounds had reopened.
They were getting overwhelmed. She glanced around. Two of the thugs were already making off with the gems. Their ‘friends’ were using machine gun sniper nests to pin down Batgirl and Robin, to keep them away from the node zone and Batman.
Hermione knew she had to stop them. Batman might be able to secure replacements but never in time for the last Casting on Arkham lands. How had things gone so wrong?!? She reached out blindly, seeking, Calling for aid.
Why weren’t they responding to her need? It was not an entirely selfish desire; she was trying to serve the land. She reached out with tenuous astral fingers that were destroyed by the wildly fluxing energy. None of the spirits could reach her, not while she was so close to a raging node.
She had to do this by herself. If only she was not so weak. If only she was not Bound!
::Do you wish that?::
Wish what?
::To be Not Bound?::
YES!
::What will you give up?:: The aetheral voice sharpened. ::Will you give up your allies? Your friends? Your family?::
None of that! Only what is truly mine. Myself.
::You need to make a decision. What will you give up?::
Myself.
::Your ka? Ba? Akh? Ren? Sheut?::
A deceased spirit from Ancient Egypt? How had he reached Gotham? But she did not allow her curiosity to distract her.
Anything. As long as I am given the time to purify Arkham and find a substitute mage for the Eos Trust I am willing.
::Why are you so ready to sacrifice yourself for this City?::
It is my home. I care about the people. Yanet, Maria, Ilsa, Jose, Miguel and all the others in Old Gotham. Those like Jim Gordon and his daughter Barbara and Lucius Fox. People like Alfred, Tim, and Bruce who have accepted me and all my differences.
There was a long tense silence. ::I expect a fitting monument to be made to me Hermione Granger, daughter of Jane and Daniel.::
I swear it. One of the node gardens will be dedicated to you.
The unheard voice chuckled. ::Oh no Hermione Jane, I expect something more lasting than a structure of stone, glass and metal. I want a memorial of flesh and blood. One that will never forget, one that will always honour Me.::
Hermione thought hard before answering. Give me your name, your past deeds. We will remember and honour; I, my children, their children, and theirs for at the minimum four generations while my influence stays true.
::Agreed. My name is Thoth. My deeds are countless.::
Hermione trembled. She had not expected a God to respond to her plea. She swallowed her fear. I do not know the Old Ways my Lord, but I will learn what you teach me. My children and grandchildren and theirs will be raised to honour the Lord of Ma’at, the Lord of Divine Words, the Thrice Great.
::You know of me.:: He sounded amused.
I know some. The old histories are not very accurate or complete. Too much has been forgotten, discarded, suppressed, or lost.
::True. Since we left mortals have forgotten a great deal. I will teach you.::
Hermione cried out as fire touched her biceps, searing it from within. She could feel the material of the bodysuit and armour lining melting and sticking to her skin. Then it grew from those two points, up into head and down through her torso and to her toes. She could smell the Kevlar being seared from an intense heat burning through her veins. And then it happened.
She screamed as fire poured from her outstretched fingers incinerating the thugs within thirty feet in a firestorm of raw power and energy. She could feel the armoured suit burning, melting off her skin and falling apart. She screamed until her throat was dry and raspy and she could not bear any more. She passed out.
“What the hell is happening down there?!?”
He wasn’t sure what to say to Batgirl so he remained silent and just looked as Batman approached the unconscious woman and gently shift her to check for injuries. Her outfit was just shreds and charred fragments falling off her body exposing bare skin and a new tattoo on her bicep. To Robins shock Batman wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings but was more focused on examining Mia.
“I don’t know. But I do know we should mop up any other possible intruders and secure the gems. Batman has other things on his mind.”
Batgirl bit back snide words on the tip of her tongue. “Right.”
His fingers reached up to detach the cape when his danger sense flared. Instinct screamed to dodge but he couldn’t. If he did Mia would be completely exposed. He turned as fast as he could and leaned away just in time to avoid having the back of his neck and spine damaged by an over-sized knife. Unfortunately it was not far enough to completely avoid the tip that opened a long shallow wound along the underside of his jaw line, just where the cowl ended. Clinically he wondered if it was time he redesigned the suit for a full face mask.
“Get the broad!”
Grimly he fought intercepting attacks on her. He prayed none of them got a good look at her. He hoped she would wake up able to use her Obliviate spell to wipe their memories of what they had seen. No one could know of what happened. Not yet. He intercepted thrown knives and bullets. Mia was completely vulnerable with her armour destroyed.
“Leave Him!” A hoarse furious beautiful voice whispered with unnatural weight.
The thugs looked behind him and froze.
Batman turned and managed to catch a glimpse of what had terrified them so.
Mia was on her hands and knees practically nude but for the veil of pale gold energy motes obscuring the details of her body. As he watched those translucent sparks gained depth, substance, and turned into matter forming a simple white linen shift made of two rectangles knotted at her shoulders and unstitched down her sides. Two thicker ribbons of gold wrapped around her torso under her breasts and back around to tie into a triangular knot above her sternum. The belt kept the two panels of material overlapping along her torso but below her hips they parted to expose a generous amount of skin and toned limbs.
More strands of energy wrapped around her arms and necks to solidify creating gold jewellery encrusted with chips of blue and red. A long gold chain with an encrusted ankh pendant resting between her breasts. Two thin bands of gold metal on each bicep framing the new tattoos on her arms. A coil of broad gold shaped like a snake with bright blue eyes around her left forearm. A gold rope circlet kept her hair in order while shorter dangling chains ending in a gem chip attached to the circlet swayed as she moved. The delicate gold strands were short about her forehead before they became longer over her ears and around the back of her head.
Her eyes were pools of white fire; her voice was deeper now, more masculine. “Unworthy. If you stood before Anubis for Judgment your Hearts would be consumed by Ammut. But the Western Lord is not here and you are not Dead. Yet.”
She flung out her hands. Strands of gold emerged from each fingertip. The thugs turned to flee but failed. Each strand found a target, even ones Batman had not been aware of, ones hidden and watching from a distance.
Batman tensed. Who was this spirit?
The spirit smirked. “Do not concern yourself Warrior. They are not dead. A fraction of their Ba and memories has been claimed as payment for their sins. In the future they will be less willing to step onto less righteous paths.”
“Who are you?”
The one in Hermione Grangers body raised a brow and held out a hand palm facing up. An ebony staff with an angled head/handle and a U crescent attached to the other end appeared. With a twist of the wrist the crescent end pointed towards the ground but didn’t touch it. “Once they called me Lord of Ma’at.”
Batman paled as his mind worked. “Thoth. God of knowledge, secrets, writing. Creator of magic, and Messenger, Scribe, Record Keeper and Mediator for the Egyptian Pantheon.”
Thoth in Hermione Granger bowed slightly from the waist. “Your reputation is apparently in line with reality Warrior.”
Batman stiffened his spine. “Where is Hermione?”
“She is resting for now. Her body could not handle the strain.”
Batman paled. Leslie had said she was healed. What had gone wrong? What—
“It is insanity for a Bound Mage to cast Ritual magic involving nodes.” Batman stiffened. “I can see why she agreed but the strain of channelling such powers was overloading the Binding and destroying her Ka.” Thoth shook his head. “It was killing her. But it is no longer relevant. I have removed the Binding. When she returns she will have to practice to relearn the necessary control of balancing her Necroscope talents with her magical core and the gifts I will be leaving behind for her.”
That did not reassure Batman one bit. “Why?” He wanted to know.
Thoth raised both brows. “Why what?”
“Why are you helping? What is your price?”
Thoth frowned slightly. “I am teacher and record keeper of mankind. I watched the mages rise to greatness in Khemet and fall to the current lows. It is time they take their place among the Nations, to lead and to serve the leaders and people as I meant them to.”
Batman was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
Thoth looked tired. “I taught mortals magic so they could defend themselves and their communities, not to band together in isolation and to raise themselves above others and refuse to aid their weaker and less able cousins. Each village is supposed to have a priest, a mage, or even a triad or coven because not all evils are so obvious. Did you know of the leylines being tainted until Hermione told you?” Batman shook his head. “If there was a trained mage, one who understood it is his responsibility and civic duty to observe and serve, the situation in this city would not have deteriorated to such an extent.” He rubbed his forehead. “If you wonder why we did not intervene directly, until very recently the Gods were not permitted to move openly. And only if invoked.”
“And Hermione invoked you?!?” Batman was incredulous.
“She asked for Anyone to remove the Binding. As a patron of magic and knowledge it falls in my domain.” Thoth pointed out smugly.
Batman absorbed the information. “And what is your price?”
The white eyes were swirling maelstroms of raw power. “This land is Mine.” He gestured around the warehouse. “It will honour me and my kin.”
Batman quickly re-evaluated the renewal plans. They could build a museum or educational center of sorts in addition to the religious hall. Perhaps eventually even buy out most of the commercial docks and rezone the land for retail use.
“And this One,” He gestured at his chest, at Hermione’s body. “Will be my Priestess.”
Batman stiffened. Priestess? Immature obscure musings withered stillborn. Was she really willing or was she forced into agreeing due to circumstance?
Thoth smirked. “Do not be so concerned Warrior. There is little ritual to be observed. The elaborate rules were more of tradition and culture than true requirement. Hermione Granger will not be restricted from pursuing her dreams. She will only be required to observe the festive days and to teach those seeking knowledge, her children and theirs to observe the Old Ways.”
“Children?” Batman was taken aback. “I thought religious leaders were supposed to devote themselves to their Gods.”
Thoth laughed. “Do not be foolish. How can a priest understand the difficulties and difficulties of parenting and the anguish of loss unless they experience it? How can one understand what is needed if one doesn’t live those circumstances?” He smirked. “How can the power and talent for magic be passed down if those most able do not pass their bloodlines into the generations to come?” He touched the snake coiled around the forearm and shook his head, making a soft musical sound as the delicate bejewelled chains of the headdress clashed against each other. “Oh no. For at least five generations she and her descendants will serve me. Nothing too onerous. Just keeping an eye on certain places and people.” Then he cocked his head and looked away into the distance. “You should act now Warrior. Others are aware their plans have gone awry. She should rest for as long as she can. Wait for a full moon before Casting again.” Then he closed his eyes.
Batman darted forward just as Hermione began to crumple. He caught her before she hit the concrete ground. He winced as the strain reopened his wounds causing fresh blood to stain his suit. Despite the ache and dull hurt he was vividly aware of her body pressed against his. Beneath the flimsy white cotton tunic she was nude with no underwear to preserve her modesty. He could very easily see the large dark rose nipples press through the thin fabric that strained over curves accented by the length of gold cloth wrapped under her breasts and knotted.
“Batman? Is Mia alright? What just happened?”
He had to be really tired if he didn’t realize Robin was just a few feet away. He turned to his young concerned ward. Batgirl did not say anything though her expression indicated she too wanted to know what had just happened.
“She should be alright. I’m taking her to the Cave.” He glanced around. “Find how many bodies are still living and tie them up.”
“What about the ones she killed?” Batgirl wanted to know.
Batman did not flinch. “Unfortunate accident. The bindings broke and she lost control because she has become accustomed to using more Force to work past them.”
Batgirl frowned. “How do you know the Bindings are broken for real?”
“I don’t. The spirit possessing her near the end told me.”
“Did the spirit have a name?” Robin inquired absently.
“Thoth.”
Both of his younger partners started.
“Thoth?” Batgirl was incredulous. “You’ve got to be joking!”
Batman glared. “I’ve been taking magic with a grain of salt. When it comes to Mia I find it is easier to accept what she says as true before discounting it.”
“But Thoth is a God!” Batgirl protested.
“Thoth might be the name of a very powerful wizard. One who decided to respond to her Call.” Batman pointed out bluntly. “Get the gems and sanitize the place. Find out what those thugs were doing in this particular warehouse before calling Gordon.”
“Where will you be?” Robin wanted to know.
Batman touched the open wound along his jaw line. “Getting this and a few other wounds stitched up and treated.”
His head lifted when he heard the familiar roar of the Batmobile. Three minutes later the door to the medical bay opened and Master Bruce walked in carrying Miss Granger wrapped in his cape. He had removed his cowl and was bleeding sluggishly from a long gash under his jaw line where the cowl ended.
“What happened Master Bruce?”
“Everything went perfectly fine until the end. Mia was under some strain like before when the salt circle was broken but she was okay. And then we had unexpected guests.” He growled furious.
“Guests?”
Bruce carefully placed her on one of the empty cots and lifted the edges of his cape away.
“Some thugs decided to crash the party. Robin and Batgirl are going to get the reasons why they were in that particular warehouse. If I stayed I’m afraid I would have taken out my frustrations on them in a very permanent fashion.”
“And why would… Oh my! I didn’t realize she was dressed for a costume party!”
Bruce shook his head as he carefully began to remove the jewellery. “She was wearing the armoured suit. When the thugs crashed in using machine guns she started coughing blood again. Two of them managed to get two of the focus stones. I don’t know what she did but she started burning. Literally.” Blue eyes were very serious. “I saw the Kevlar and rubber melt off her. Her suit fell apart at the lightest movement.”
Alfred stared at the creamy smooth skin with a faint peach glow. “But Master Bruce, there are no trace of burns.” He studied the indigo tattoos on both biceps carefully. “And those look new.” He pointed to the tattoos.
“I know what I saw Alfred! She was on fire and in pain. It escaped her in a halo and incinerated the two making off with the focus stones just before she collapsed.”
“Where did the clothes and jewellery come from?”
“It looked like it was created from the energy haze around her. The sparks condensed and became matter.”
Alfred frowned as he examined the snake bracelet and bicep bands. “Master Bruce these are real gold as far as I can tell.”
“If it is conjured it should vanish in a few hours. But Alfred, I think these will never vanish. Ever.” He carefully removed the circlet and placed it aside. The chains clashed musically.
“Why?” Alfred began setting up an IV and saline drip. He could not see any obvious wounds that needed treatment. But since she had expended a great deal of energy it could only help to re-stabilize her electrolytes and blood sugar levels.
Bruce hesitated. “Near the end she was possessed by a spirit called Thoth. I think it was the real God. According to the myths he created magic and taught man as the patron of knowledge, secrets, writing, and scribes. He said he broke the bindings on Mia. The price was a memorial-temple on the Tricorners node and a priestess. Those tattoos on her arms are probably some kind of marker.”
“A priestess?” Alfred was definitely taken aback.
“Yes. He said Mia made a bargain with him. She would be his priestess and teach anyone interested in learning and her children. For five generations she and her descendants will serve his interests. He didn’t give too many details.”
Alfred blinked. “Her children? I didn’t know Miss Granger was in a serious relationship. Can a priestess get married?”
Bruce rubbed his face and winced as he stretched the wound. “She isn’t as far as I know. And apparently Egyptian gods are not too picky about celibacy or chastity. I got the impression he wants her to have lots of children. Probably so he can have his pick if he needs a mortal agent or a new priest.”
Alfred used medical tape to secure the tube to her forearm, so it would not snag, before turning to his oldest charge. He opened a sterilized pad and began clean up the encrusted blood and surrounding area.
“How did this happen?”
“Mia was unconscious and practically naked. I couldn’t roll out of the way and leave her open. Didn’t move fast enough to completely avoid the knife.” Bruce explained softly as he allowed Alfred to minister to him.
Alfred nodded thoughtfully. “Anywhere else?”
“A few shots managed to get through the weak points in the suit.” Bruce admitted. “A lot more bruises where I managed to intercept the others.”
“Well I suggest you come up with a good explanation for the cut on your face. In fact I would suggest filing a police report and going to the hospital to get it stitched up properly.” Alfred suggested. “You can’t hide it under clothes or make up. And you can’t completely avoid going out in public until it heals completely.”
Bruce struggled to counter Alfred’s logic and failed. “You’re right. What do you suggest? I got drunk and wandered into the manor wings holding my collection? I tried to play Sir Lancelot and cut myself up?”
“I was thinking of a failed carjacking.” Alfred countered mildly. “We stopped to help a single woman who was playing bait for a gang. You managed to get back in the car after being cut and I drove off. A generic vague description for the culprits. We couldn’t see too much due to poor lighting.”
“That works.”
“Miss Granger! Don’t strain yourself.”
And then Alfred was there with a dish of ice chips to wet her throat. She smiled.
“This seems to be a common occurrence Alfred.”
Alfred sniffed. “Don’t be silly Miss Granger. You didn’t ask to be knocked out.” Gently he helped her sit up and take small sips of water from a straw and cup.
Then she stiffened as memories came to the forefront. “Is Batman all right?”
Alfred stiffened and spoke slowly. “As far as I know yes. He dropped you off.”
Hermione relaxed. “That’s good. I need to get in touch with him though about setting up the next Casting.”
Alfred frowned. “Miss Granger! Your old wounds reopened and you nearly died!”
Hermione shook her head and smiled. “It is nice of you to be so concerned but I can’t stop now. There’s just one more node remaining in Gotham.”
Alfred’s expression became more ferocious. “No! You can delay as long as possible. Six weeks!”
It was now Hermione’s turn to frown. “Alfred, that doesn’t give much cushion if anything goes wrong.”
“Like it hasn’t these past two times?” Alfred pointed out bluntly. “You need to heal. And to relearn control.” Hermione blinked. Alfred pushed his point. “Batman said you lost control near the end.”
Hermione frowned faintly. “No. It was Thoth.”
Alfred shook his head. “That being said your Bindings are broken. You need to relearn control and multi-tasking. Master Bruce agrees with me. After one week bed rest you are going to focus on testing yourself and finding your limits.”
Hermione’s frown deepened. “Where is Bruce?”
Alfred’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly. “I believe Master Bruce is in San Francisco on urgent business. He should be back in four days.”
Hermione’s eyes widened. “How long was I out?”
“Two days.” Alfred’s answer was blunt. “Doctor Thompkins was going to recommend hospitalization if you didn’t wake in another day.”
Hermione winced. “Where is Leslie?”
“At the clinic. Should I call her?”
“Yes please. I want to get the examination over with.”
Bruce Wayne dropped his briefcase and handed his coat to the waiting butler.
“How is she Alfred?”
“Quite well Master Bruce. She has been doing small magics mainly kata like routines in the dojo getting her reflexes and control up to speed. For a while she thought she would need to bribe a wand crafter to get fitted until we discovered the sceptre shrinks to a more compact baton and is a more than suitable wand for major castings.”
Bruce frowned. “All that? How long has she been awake and moving? She should be resting Alfred!”
“Four days. And when has that ever stopped you?” Alfred pointed out dryly. Bruce accepted the jab without comment. “If you wish to speak to her she’s in the ballroom. She’s using the pillars there for some sort of meditation routine.”
Bruce was taken aback by that bit of information. Curious, his feet took him to the ballroom where he watched.
Standing on bare feet in the middle of the room was Hermione Granger in grey bike shorts and a tight navy blue leotard. Her hands were curled into an unfamiliar stance as she faced a pillar her eyes closed. A soft blue haze surrounded her hands and feet. Then her eyes opened as she took two quick steps forward and planted her foot on the pillar on the third. Her fourth step took the other foot off the tiled floor and placed it on the pillar at a higher point than the first foot.
Then she began walking up the pillar at a slow controlled pace standing parallel to the floor, her back to the floor front to the ceiling. When she reached the top of the pillar she crouched and leaped away from the pillar and towards the one next to it. One foot and one hand made contact and kept her from falling like a stone. She slipped down the pillar in a controlled descent using the fingertips of her hands or the toes of her feet to create a breaking effect. When she was a few feet away from the ground she allowed her feet to fall free until they were inches above the tile before she lifted her hands from the pillar and landed lightly on bare feet.
She turned and smiled at Bruce who was staring with wide blue eyes.
“Don’t scold me like Alfred. It was just a control exercise.”
Bruce blinked. “Control exercise?”
Hermione nodded enthusiastically. “Something the Old Priests used to develop control and stamina. There are different variations. Wall walking, water walking, and knife balancing. They were not allowed to craft or use staves until they had good control. I’ve been working without a wand for years now and I’m not going to be completely dependent on a crutch if I can help it.”
She padded soundlessly on bare feet, hips swaying with unconscious grace, until she stood a few feet away from him. Her lips curved in a smile as she lifted her chin to meet his eyes squarely. Then the smile faded and a frown creased her brow. Her lips mouthed a soundless ‘No’ as her eyes fell upon a particular wound running along the underside of his jaw covered with surgical tape and gauze.
Bruce could see her mind working rapidly, shifting and rearranging data and facts, generating a new pattern, filling in holes and making connections. Her eyes quickly scanned his frame, measuring and comparing to memory. Her hazel eyes widened in shock before they narrowed in fury. Her voice was cold and enraged.
“Was this a joke? A game to see how long it would take for me to see the truth? To get out of the maze you built around me?!”
Pale blue eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
Her eyes were shot with liquid gold. “You know exactly what I mean… Batman!” The word was a curse.
Bruce stiffened. He reached out. “Mia—”
Hermione jerked away and danced a few steps back. “Don’t call me that Mr. Wayne!”
Bruce did not allow the cold rage to deter him. “Mia, please, listen to me!”
She refused to listen to him. Instead she turned to Alfred. “Did you know?”
Alfred thought hard. How could he help her understand? The answer came to him. With the truth.
“Yes. I’ve known from the start. But Master Bruce did not want you to know. It would have put you at risk because you wouldn’t have been able to stay Uninvolved. Once the Nodes were purified and the Eos Trust fully formalized you were supposed to return to your normal life; as Senior Research Associate to Lucius Fox.”
Hermione stilled as she absorbed the truth of those brutally honest words.
“All right.” She turned to Bruce Wayne. “Batman was the one who approached me first. Why did you have to enter the picture? Couldn’t He have made the arrangements via cell phones, lawyers and holding companies?”
Bruce relaxed a bit. She was willing to listen. “I could have but I didn’t want to. You intrigued me. Batman could not spend hours talking with you but Bruce Wayne could.”
She cocked her head to one side. “You speak as though he were a completely different person. Or is it a split personality?”
Bruce struggled to explain. “Batman has more freedom than Bruce Wayne. He can act as he sees fit Outside the law and social norms. Bruce Wayne is not so.”
Hermione snorted. “You lie. Brucie the playboy is not so but Mr. Wayne the businessman is steel all the way through. He is even more ruthless than Batman because his decisions have more subtle and rippling effects. Like the Eos Trust.” She lifted her chin. “Batman doesn’t have the deftness to handle a plan with economic and social elements but Mr. Wayne does.” Her eyes narrowed. “Mr. Wayne is far more dangerous than Batman because most would never expect it of him.” Her eyes became moist. “And there is just Bruce, the son and father and friend, the one who worried about the people around him, the one who insisted I take time off, who listened to my theories and enjoyed punching holes in my logic, who gave me resources and teachers who I thought I would never have starting with William Hawk Eye. I didn’t expect anything from Batman because I knew he was on a mission but I trusted Bruce… I thought he was my friend.”
Both Alfred and Bruce froze at that unexpected bit of character analysis.
“Mia, please…”
She crossed her arms under her breasts, hugging her torso as she ducked away from his outstretched hand.
“No! Leave me alone! Call me when Arkham has been fully transferred over to the Eos Trust. I’ll be in my Wayne Towers suite until then. Once all the construction and renewal projects are underway I’ll look for a place of my own. Probably a unit in one of the new condos.” She turned to Alfred. “Alfred, please pack anything I’ve left behind, including my records and files and have them sent over.”
“Mia, wait until morning!”
She glared at him. “And give you enough time to think of some way to change my mind? No!”
She turned away and stalked out of the ballroom.
Bruce turned to Alfred with a helpless expression. “Alfred, what do I do?”
The aged butler sighed. “First we make sure Miss Granger is safe.”
Bruce winced. “I don’t think she’ll appreciate Batman tailing her.”
Alfred smiled faintly. “There is something called a telephone. I’ll call to verify that she has arrived safely. Then we will discuss options. Do you wish to inform Master Drake about the situation?”
Bruce shook his head. “Not yet. Hopefully she’ll cool down.”
Alfred arched a brow. “I am afraid you are mistaken Master Wayne. Discussing options involve determining how much you have to concede and grovel to get her forgiveness.”
Bruce frowned. “I didn’t hide it from just her! I hid it from everyone!”
“But most people do not have long involved associations with both Batman and Bruce Wayne, associations that involved a great deal of information sharing and trust on her part. It is only natural she expected the same from Both of you.” Alfred took a deep breath. “Just go and wait for me in the kitchen Master Bruce. Put a kettle of water to boil. I’ll be back once I’ve seen Miss Granger off.”
Bruce stirred. “Are you going to drive her?”
“No. I believe she is going to Apparate. I will call to make sure she has arrived safely before joining you.”
“Why are you so concerned about what Miss Granger thinks about you?”
Bruce swished the cooling tea in his cup. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “I don’t want her to think badly of me.”
Alfred pinned him with a pointed glare. “Oh really? Like you are so concerned about what other people think of you?” Bruce winced. Alfred softened his stance. “You like her. You want her to like you, to respect you. You know regaining trust lost is a lot harder than getting it in the first place. Question is, do you want to get that trust back or are you willing to cut your losses?”
Bruce was silent. Alfred was forcing him to examine and question his motives and goals. What exactly did he want? Mia was trustworthy and sweet but she had a tongue as sharp as a razor blade when mad and it was nearly impossible to dissuade her once she decided on a path. Just like him. But unlike him she was soft and more emotionally open. She allowed her heart to guide her where he tried to exclusively depend on logic. And the strangest thing was he had to respect her for having that courage after all she had gone through. It would have been so easy for her to close herself off, to find a safe den and retreat from the world. But then again she had done just that but her den was an entire city she was determined to protect for its inhabitants.
He frowned as he recalled several memories, incidents where she made him really smile and laugh. The sly cutting wit and clipped accent she used whenever she wanted to make a point against her detractors. How she could insult the socialites without it sounding like one. How she nagged Alfred into allowing her to prepare at least one course of dinner at least twice a week. The tutoring and encouragement and practical advice she gave Tim whenever he came home complaining about difficult teachers, the horrendous homework load, or banality of cliques. The way she absently chewed on the back of the pen or pencil she was using before using the writing tools to secure her hair in a messy knot.
The acceptance he saw in her actions and eyes, unspoken questions but the willingness to follow his lead in public; she clearly saw the lie of his manufactured façade of his public persona but she did not press for answers and respected his boundaries. Instead she showed him other ways to relax and be Bruce: picnics in his office and the library; days playing tourist wearing casual clothes, a cap and tinted glasses charmed to have similar effect as her veils; even dancing in the cemetery near his parents’ graves, remembering and celebrating their lives and dreams. She made him hope and believe there might be an end; that perhaps one day Batman could fade into the shadows for good because there wasn’t an absolute need for him, that Gotham could find her own feet and defend herself from the corruption and lunatics.
“What kind of relationship do you want to have with Miss Granger, Master Bruce?”
“What do you mean Alfred?”
“You know exactly what I mean. Do you want a professional working relationship? Do you want her friendship?” There was a tense pause. “Or do you want something more?”
Bruce did not answer. He remembered a particular meal prepared by Alfred a few weeks ago, during Hermione’s ‘vacation’. Tim had been out on a sleepover that particular weekend, to work on a group project with some classmates, and Bruce had decided to stay in and relax before going on patrol. He had been taken aback when Alfred insisted he dress up for dinner being served in one of the smaller intimate dining rooms.
Miss Granger was strong and determined and unafraid of Gotham’s darkness. She walked the shadowed streets and won enough fights to force the wolves to respect her. She had brought change that Alfred had believed he would never see before he died. Change in Gotham. Change in Master Bruce.
Alfred heaved an internal sigh as he watched the pair discuss the latest amendment proposed to ‘control crime’. He spent two hours preparing a romantic dinner and setting up the scene and the two of them end up talking shop.
“What was that about?”
He turned to his dinner companion. She was looking very pretty with her face flushed from the wine, her hair escaping its French braid and curling around her face. Her only jewellery a pair of crystal chandelier earrings that complimented the discreet black velvet dress. Hazel brown eyes were bright and alert as she cocked her head inquiringly at him. Moist glossy lips wrapped around the spoon before she dragged it out and licked the last clinging crumbs of cheese cake on the silver utensil. Bruce shifted slightly and focused on the question.
“Alfred. He prepared oysters.”
Hermione blinked as understanding dawned in hazel eyes. But she did not blush harder. Instead she smiled. “Is Alfred trying to say something?”
His response was rueful. “He thinks you are a good influence on me.” He gestured around. “He probably set this up to get us thinking of other things.”
Hermione stiffened. “I never said—”
“Hush. This is entirely Alfred’s doing.” Bruce made a face. “He has always made it clear he wants me settled down. You are the first he has actively promoted for the position of Mrs Wayne.” He smiled lopsidedly. “I have to admit he has good taste but you don’t have to worry Hermione; I’ll never take advantage of you.”
Her spine went ram-rod straight. “Oh, am I that unattractive then?” She spoke in mild uncaring tones that screamed a danger warning to Bruce.
He immediately back-pedaled. “Not at all. It is just that I haven’t had the best luck mixing work and pleasure. The Cleansing Project is too important and time consuming to risk if things go sour. And I value our friendship too much to damage it for what could be just surface attraction.”
Gold flecks added depth to hazel eyes that studied him intently before she spoke. “If you are interested in finding out then ask me when we are done.”
Bruce stared at her torn between conflicting views. To pretend it was just drink talking or to follow up once Arkham was cleansed? Decisions, decisions. Deciding discretion was the better part of valour he murmured something non-committal and changed the topic.
As though he read his mind Alfred spoke.
“I asked you to seriously consider the possibility of a relationship with her but you said no. Because you had secrets that would put her in danger and you were not willing to risk it. But now she knows, and she has knocked down those arguments. She’s no shrinking violet or a damsel in distress. There’s no reason to hold back.” Alfred inhaled deeply. “I’m an old man Master Bruce and I raised you the best I could but I feel I have failed you in some way, because you feel the need to keep this reserve with everyone.
“No man is an island entire of itself. You’ve had difficulty forming relationships with others but your relationship with Miss Granger; it’s almost magical isn’t it? The ease with which the two of you have adapted to each other? Five years ago the thought of your parents would make you grieve and mourn. But she has healed that wound, oh the hurt and scars are still there but you are moving past it. She has shown you how to remember and celebrate and honour them by Living.
“She helped Bruce Wayne find his center. She might be able to help Batman in a similar fashion.” Alfred’s expression was earnest. “I worry each night Batman goes out. I wonder if he has enough reason to keep fighting, to return back safe and sound, if one difficult night he will falter and feel otherwise during a critical moment. Miss Granger is not the sort to let anyone she cares fall without throwing herself into the fray. When you need her she will be there to drag you kicking and screaming back to safety. You need that Master Bruce, someone who is not afraid of standing up to you and pointing out logic breaks. You need her; as a lover or a friend, that is a question only you can answer. I strongly suggest you determine that answer before going to her.”
She frowned and turned away. She did not want to look at him. Her logical mind and sense of fair play made it hard enough to stay angry with him. She took a sip of her orange-pomegranate juice before redirecting her attention to the grant application she was editing. It was tempting to get Him to pay for everything but in the long run it would be better if all segments of society were involved, to share in the benefits and praise.
“How long are you going to hold your grudge?” His voice was low and harsh.
“As long as you continue to pretend and lie to me.”
He made an explosive sound. “I’m not lying! I just didn’t reveal the whole truth.”
“Lying by omission is lying all the same.”
“What do you want from me?”
She came to a decision and closed the folder and removed her reading glasses, tossing them on top of the pile of paper and folders on her dining table. She rose to her feet and stalked towards him until she was close enough to jab a finger into his armoured chest.
“I want the truth. If you are hiding something Say it! If you give me a good enough reason I won’t even go digging for it!”
He became very still. “I can’t do that. There are too many—”
“People who want you dead? Who are willing to hurt those connected to you? Well guess what buddy… I’ve been in the same damn boat! And it doesn’t help one bloody bit to keep pushing people away because in the end your allies are all you can count on.” Her breath caught. “And if you haven’t chosen true, if they break and disavow ties… Then it is time to regret. And make plans for vengeance and justice.”
He stared at her hard before coming to a decision. He reached up and stripped off his cowl before speaking in Batman’s low harsh voice.
“I trust very few and most of them ended up dying or betraying me.”
Her eyes were steady and calm. “I am not them. I am nothing you have ever known. Judge me on my own merits, and your own observations.”
He pulled out one of the dining table chairs and reversed it to sit straddling it, his forearms resting on the top of the backrest.
“What do you want to know?”
She smiled faintly. “I want to know a lot of things but I’ll settle for a bit of history.” She frowned as something else came to the front. “Ra’s al Ghul?”
“My old mentor. We ended parting ways over a conflict of philosophy. His League of Shadows is prepared to kill thousands to save hundreds of thousands. Ra’s is willing to do just that in Gotham to end the corruption.”
“Is he a wizard?”
“I don’t know. Why do you ask?”
She chewed on her lower lip. “I think he has a Philosopher’s Stone. It can be used for many things, including creating the Elixir of Life, a potion that extends the lifespan of the drinker indefinitely. I ‘Saw’ him in many different times and lands.”
Bruce rubbed his jaw and sighed. “He uses something called a Lazarus Pit to rejuvenate his body. I believe it disrupts his brain chemistry because whenever he emerges he is a great deal more insane and correspondingly stronger.”
Hermione nodded briskly. “Once the Casting is done I’ll do some research into Lazarus Pits and the League of Shadows. There might be magical elements you are not aware of.”
His eyes widened. “You want to help?”
She frowned and sniffed. “Alfred was right. I am not the sort to ignore reality and believe in illusions. If I like the illusion I will make It reality.”
Bruce considered her thoughtfully. “All right. If you want to help you can work with Lucius in Special Projects.” Seeing her questioning look he expanded. “Lucius designs and manufactures a lot of my gear. Now that you know you can have more access to whatever he is currently working on for me.” He inhaled deeply. “You can continue to work on any magical aspects on a separate private budget. If you prefer we can communicate mainly through Alfred or Tim. Tim Drake is—”
“Robin and Richard Grayson is Nightwing.” Hermione interrupted with a thoughtful expression. “And Batgirl…?” Her eyes narrowed. “Barbara Gordon!” Then they widened with sudden understanding. “Is that why you… and her…” She trailed off.
He gave a sharp nod. “Yes.” He gestured at his chest, where the bat silhouette was etched on his suit. “It is hard for most women to understand my dual identities.”
“But you thought she would. Because she does it.” Hermione surmised. Then she smiled. “You are mistaken Bruce. Underneath the mask she remains the same, Barbara Gordon. She fights for an ideal.” Her eyes narrowed. “But you don’t. Not for an ideal; not entirely.” Her eyes shimmered as she focused on his face. “You fight because you are angry and driven. You fight to control your world. To know all that you can so you can control and manipulate the system and those around you. To deal out your own form of justice. To make others pay. To protect those within your influence.”
His eyes widened then narrowed. How had she…? How could she know…?
She reached out and touched his cheek with a wistful smile. “Harry was like you. Once. After losing so many he focused completely on the mission, to fight and win. But when the war was over he didn’t like what he had become so he turned his back on it all and lost his way. He forgot a basic principle of life: Si vis pacem, para bellum.”
“If you want peace prepare for war.” Bruce translated in softer but still gravely tones.
Hermione nodded gravely. “I cannot forget that. Not after all that has happened to me. You have done everything you can to protect and shield me but there’s always that small chance…” She shrugged. “I prefer to anticipate all possibilities.”
Bruce inclined his head. “As you wish. Do you wish to have a private home base? Any particular preference?”
She leaned back in her chair and nodded. “Several safe houses close to the nodes. If things go nasty I can draw on them for high level warding and heavy hitting rituals; and one primary one, perhaps Tricorner since it’s close to Downtown and Wayne Tower.”
He opened his mouth then hesitated before continuing. “And what about us?”
Hermione became very still. “What about us? As far as I can see there isn’t an Us. You needed a special service and I provided it.” She pointed out.
Blue eyes turned chilly. “Do not do that Mia.”
“Do what?”
“Disregard all that we’ve shared.”
Her eyes were troubled and distant. “You needed a special Service and I provided it.” She repeated softly.
“If that were the case Bruce Wayne would not have given you so much leeway. You spend more time in Wayne Manor than your suite. When you call Alfred knows to pass the call without delay. Most others have to leave a message and wait for hours for me to get back to them.” He inhaled deeply. “I enjoy your company and I’d like to start over.”
She shook her head and looked away. Her fingers absently rearranged the folders into neat piles while she avoided his eyes.
His harsh voice softened. “Please. It’s hard to find people who can handle the truth of what I’ve chosen to do and accept the need to keep the secret and silence. You’ve done it yourself. You’ve fought your own war. You’ve made difficult decisions that affected others and you’ve lived with the consequences.”
Slowly she turned to face him and stared at him with unnerving focus for several long tense seconds before she came to a decision.
“Okay. We can start over as friends but I have a few ground rules. Rule one: don’t lie to me; if you don’t want to tell me say so outright. However as a friend I reserve the right to nag, pry, dig, and irritate you into talking to me. I’m sure you’re familiar with Alfred doing it. Be prepared for us double teaming you.
“Rule two: don’t pretend everything is fine; if you have problems I want to know. Whenever Harry had problems he would never share them with us; the issues would stew and ferment until it blew up badly in all our faces. If it will make you feel better I’ll make a magical vow to Not share whatever you choose to tell me. I know you speak to Alfred but he would never betray your confidence so I would like you to talk to me. If you are having problems, or feel angry or frustrated I want to know so I can take steps before they boil over.” She smiled wryly. “Gryffindors are not the most sensitive and thoughtful souls. They tend to act and speak without thinking. I’m used to soothing ruffled feathers. If I know they are ruffled. I’m not psychic with living beings unless you want me to practice Legilimency on you. It is a learned magical Mind Arts akin to telepathy.
“Rule three: don’t limit information on the Need to Know principle.” Her eyes were sharp. “If you ask me to do something for you I need to know Everything. If you are holding back tell me you are holding back because if I find out by myself I will Not be very happy. And trust me Bruce you don’t want to get me mad.”
Bruce winced remembering the rumours in Old Gotham. How she had Created her place in the hierarchy, earned the respect and trust of many gang leaders. The Veiled Lady was far more ruthless and calculating than Batman in the way she handled her opponents. She did not just beat them bloody; she used the fear of failure and appearing weak as weapons. And her lessons tended to be very permanent.
“Trust me Mia, I’ve seen what you do with minor nuisances. I think I have a pretty good idea what you’d do to threats and those you feel are not worth a second chance.”
She nodded. “Rule four: you Never sacrifice an innocent for Greater Good.” He stiffened, affronted. “Promise me Bruce. Anyone who follows you must do so with open eyes after a full disclosure. If a sacrifice is needed, you Must Ask for consent.”
Bruce inhaled deeply. “Mia, I would never do what Albus Dumbledore did.” He gestured at his suit. “I wear this and go out every night because I see the need. I could easily hire mercenaries and throw money at the problem but I cannot, Will Not, ask others to do what I myself am not doing. If anyone’s life is going to be on the line it will be mine. Because I know what I’m getting into, because I’ve trained and prepared myself for it out of my own free will.”
She blinked back the tears filling her eyes. “I’ve seen that. I just need to tell you. I know the world needs heroes and sometimes heroes must make difficult choices but it is a slippery slope.”
Bruce brushed the spilling tears away. “When I trained in Japan I met a very wise man. He asked me what I would do if I saw two nestlings falling out of a nest. Both are too young to fly, one is rather sickly, the other is strong and healthy. I cannot save them both. Which do I save?”
Hermione did not have to think long. “The sickly one. It needs you more. The stronger one has a greater chance of survival without you intervening.” He cupped her cheeks with gloved hands and tilted her face up. His expression was remote, almost mask-like. Hermione wondered what she had done wrong then her resolve hardened. She had done and said nothing wrong. “That is what I would do. Those who cannot act need those who can to do so for them.”
Then his mouth curved in a small smile. “You are the first woman to choose the sickly nestling. Most choose the healthy one because it has a longer life expectancy.”
“What did Miss Gordon choose?”
“The sickly one. But only after months of training and lessons in philosophy and ethics.”
Hermione sagged slightly in relief. “Good. So friends then?”
He did not respond but tightened his grip on her face. She squirmed and brought her hands up to remove his but failed when his muscles and tendons tightened to maintain his stance. After a few seconds she gave up and allowed her fingers to curl around his thick wrists. If it wasn’t for the heavy gloves she would have dug her nails into his wrists to make him release her. His eyes were luminous and penetrating as they studied her. She shifted feelingly slightly uneasy and vulnerable. Suddenly she realized the only thing she had on were a pair of panties and an oversized men’s tee-shirt. She was acutely aware of the hard tips of her nipples pressing against the cotton knit fabric.
“Bruce? Could you please let go?”
He stared down at her and spoke. “No.” He growled softly.
Hermione frowned. “Might I ask why?” She inquired in acidic tones.
“Remember rule one?”
“No lies. If you’re hiding something be up front about it. What about rule one?”
“I’m hiding something.” He took a deep breath. “I think I would have continued to hide it if you didn’t make your views on being open very clear.”
He lowered his face and brushed his lips against hers.
Hermione stilled for a brief instant before her lips parted and she leaned forward on tip toe to get closer to him. First hesitantly, then more eagerly she responded to his lead. Her hands lifted to his shoulders to get a better balance. His gloved hands shifted so one was cupping the back of her neck and the other rested at the small of her back.
His kiss was not sloppy and awkward like Ron’s. He was patient and willing to wait for her to react and follow. There was urgency from within her but no pressure from outside. Just intriguing hints that seduced her into chasing him. Her breasts ached, the tips were hard and sensitive pressed against his armoured suit. She could feel the slick wetness between her thighs, the burn in her veins, and his hard planes against her softer curves.
When they finally parted both were breathing hard, cheeks flushed, and lips red and swollen. He inhaled deeply before speaking.
“I would be lying if I say I want to be just friends.”
Her eyes were dilated, a thin ring of gold surrounding wide black pupils.
“What do you want from me?”
His response was quick and complete. “Everything. And a chance. A chance to try and see if there could be an Us.”
She blinked back tears. “Me? But surely—”
“No. Don’t think about the reasons against us. You said it yourself, if you like an illusion you’ll do whatever it takes to make It reality. The time we spent together, it made me feel like I wasn’t so alone, that someone understood and supported me.” His voice was low and urgent. “I liked that feeling. For so long I thought I would never feel comfortable enough to just Talk and laugh, to enjoy life, to remember my parents and smile. It may have started off been based on deception and illusions but I want to make it my reality. I don’t care what the public, press, shareholders, politicians or social cliques may think. I want Us.”
She hesitated. “I need to think about this Bruce.” Seeing his hard expression she hurried to continue. “You just dropped this on my lap without any warning! I thought you weren’t interested in me. You never indicated otherwise after that dinner Alfred set-up. I thought I was just a female version of Alfred or Lucius in your eyes!”
He considered her argument and relaxed his grip and lifted his hands away.
“All right. How long do you need?”
She considered the situation and spoke slowly. “Give me time and space Bruce. You’ll have my answer the night Arkham is cleansed.”
He stiffened. “That’s weeks away!” He protested.
She stiffened her spine and narrowed her eyes. “You’re asking me to take a major leap here! To start a relationship with someone having a very complicated past, difficult contrasting personalities, and major demands on his time and his private life! I already work for you. And now you’re asking me to make a choice that will give you even more power over me!”
He ignored the reflexive primitive responses that insisted he was perfectly justified making such demands. The longer she thought about it the more chance she had to get second doubts about the situation.
“All right. I will give you the space you’re asking for. I won’t contact you unless it is to set up the Arkham cleansing.”
Before he could move away she reached up and touched his cheek. “Don’t take it personally Bruce. It is me. I have to work through my doubts and fears. I don’t want any of it to taint our time together. Even if it doesn’t last.”
He pressed one last hard kiss against her mouth. “How much do you want to bet it does?”
She chuckled. “What do you want?”
“If we are still together in two years I get to claim a favour.”
“What kind of favour?” She asked warily.
“A very personal one. Involving a long weekend and only two of us.”
Her eyes widened in brief interest as a soft flush suffused her cheeks. She struggled to keep her voice level. “That doesn’t sound like much of a prize if we’re together that long.”
He chuckled softly. “You just have to wait and wonder.”
“And what if I’m right and we break up?”
“Feel free to ask for what you want.”
She stared at him. “No restrictions?”
“No. I trust you to not abuse it.”
She nodded slowly. “I won’t.”
Hermione finished storing the focus stones in the special briefcase. A gesture generated golf ball sized orbs of blue hot flames that incinerated the blood and herbs used to mark out the ritual circle.
He made a mental note to ask Mia to do a bit of research on warding and limiters. It would be best if he could slip her into New Arkham Asylum to add some warding to the Isolation Wing. And to test the Rogues for magic. Untrained magic either went dormant or got channelled in unexpected forms. Idly he wondered just how many metas were newbloods who never received letters or whose parents refused to let them attend a magical school.
He watched as she raised a waist-high granite pillar from a crack she tore in the concrete foundations. Then use a glowing fingertip like a laser to etch runes and symbols into the pillar itself.
She turned and smiled. The expression relaxed his nerves. Nothing had gone wrong this time. But then again it might have been the security force Bruce Wayne hired to search, clear, and secure the perimeters of Arkham against common lowlifes.
“What is it?”
She gestured at the pillar. “There needs to be a larger structure around this point. It needs to be the core or heart of a temple.” She cocked her head. “Have you thought about what you want to build here?”
“An Oriental temple, Shaolin by preference. A retreat community to promote alternative lifestyles and natural reserves on the rest of the lands. Botanical gardens to replace the meadows destroyed when Arkham was first built.”
Hermione noted his pained expression. “Tim talked to me about the Rogues. He said Pamela Isley made the decision to become Poison Ivy when this land was cleared. She made her trademark poison lipstick using a plant only found here.”
Batman was silent. “Tim is right. She used that lipstick to poison Harvey Dent. I managed to find the antidote in time though.”
Hermione nodded slowly. “I want to ask her.”
Batman blinked. “Ask who what?”
“Poison Ivy. I want her to design the gardens for this project.” Her chin lifted in now familiar defiance. “Part of her world was destroyed when Arkham was built. I want her to get the chance to fill in that gap.”
Batman resisted the urge to groan. It would not do any good to show weakness. “She is a criminal Mia. I doubt the courts and police and public will be happy to hear your request to parole an environmental terrorist.”
Hermione just sniffed. “I want to talk to her. If she is truly a sociopath then I’ll drop my request; but if she isn’t I want Bruce Wayne on my side. Call it a rehabilitation strategy using kindness and honey.”
Batman stared at her hard. “Give me a few weeks to talk to Gordon.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“I’d prefer an answer.”
She blinked. “Answer?”
“To my question.” Eyes protected behind white lenses bored into her. “The one I asked you a few weeks back.”
She went very still as he moved to stand behind her and placed one gloved hand on her shoulder to draw her back against his front.
His breath was hot and moist as he whispered in her ear. “I don’t want to pretend that we are just friends.” She felt his mirth. “Some describe me as a rich boy with issues. But when I’m with you I feel lighter than I have ever felt for a long time. For the first time in a long while I want more than just the end of my quest. I want an Us.”
She inhaled raggedly. “The four Rules…”
“No lies. No pretences. No holding back intel. No sacrifice of unwitting innocents.”
“And who wants this relationship?”
“All of me.”
“Even Batman?”
He hesitated for a brief second. “Even Batman.” He confirmed as he inhaled deeply. “But a relationship with him will be the most difficult.”
She turned under his hand and looked up before reaching up to touch his jaw briefly. “Tell me about Batman. I know the businessman, the playboy, the father and son, but I don’t know much about the avenger. How he came to be and what drives him.”
He frowned under his cowl before answering.
“It started when my parents died. I felt… numb, nothing could make me feel or fill the empty void. I was determined to never let anyone else feel like that. I wanted to avenge my parents because the law had failed. My parents left me and I was determined to never let anyone else leave me unless I chose.” He smiled wryly. “The easiest way to do that was to drive everyone away but Alfred refused to let me run wild so I channelled that aggression into my studies; to know as much as I could so I could anticipate and plan for contingencies, for events to move on My terms.”
Hermione was thoughtful as she moved towards a wall and leaned against it. “When did you realise the aggression was getting out of hand?”
“When I nearly killed the man who murdered my parents.” He waited for her to recoil and shy away but she didn’t. She merely met his eyes and waited. “The prosecutor agreed to a plea bargain, evidence against a mob-boss for leniency. I took a gun to the court house with every intention of killing him.”
“But you didn’t go through with it.” Hermione murmured.
“No. But I would have if others hadn’t intervened. After that I realized I had to get control. I needed to do Something. I couldn’t depend on someone always being there to stop me from crossing the line.”
“So you left.”
“I left and travelled and trained and studied. I met Ra’s during my travels. He was my mentor and teacher for a while until I found out just how the League of Shadows worked to reach their goals. I escaped after setting the base on fire. When I returned to Gotham I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do. To become a symbol for Gotham, something criminals feared and ran from, someone who would act where the regular channels failed. I made a few rules for myself that have changed over the years but the core remained the same. Never use guns. Never kill.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “And why did you take on apprentices?”
He gave her a flat stare. “I had to. They were determined to follow me around and get into trouble. If I trained them I had some control over what they did. If they weren’t up to standard I had leverage to ground them until their skills came up to par.”
She smiled. “Control. And does Bruce Wayne have the same mind set as Batman? And I mean the businessman and philanthropist.”
He frowned. “The businessman is a mask. He is polite and gregarious.”
“And were you pretending with me?” She inquired archly. “You were polite and witty. You seemed genuinely interested in talking with me and you didn’t make much of a fuss when I dragged you down to common earth.”
He was taken aback. “That is different. You are… genuine.” He struggled to find the words. “I’ve seen so many different aspects of you. The reserved meticulous researcher and Wayne Enterprises employee. The compassionate healer and counsellor in Old Gotham. The determined uncompromising social visionary in Gothams High Society. The unrelenting fighter in the alleys and back streets. The scholar and intellectual. The mage artisan. I don’t know how you keep all of them straight. I have enough difficulty with the playboy, the businessman, and Batman.”
Hermione laughed softly. “You forget, they are all aspects of You. Tell me about Batman. What does he feel?”
Batman thought for a moment before speaking. “He is always enraged, always angry but at the same time cold and in control, determined to hunt down the guilty and protect those who cannot defend themselves, determined to stop those who would cause harm.” There was a slight pause before he continued. “He needs to go out. He cannot stop.”
“He needs to hunt down his prey.” Hermione surmised.
Batman stiffened. “I’m not an animal.”
“All humans are animals. Some are just closer to their primal nature than others.” Her eyes were steady and clear. “You need to control your surroundings, to remove interlopers and rogues from your territory. You do that as Batman by exclusively focusing on criminals. The trick to balance is to do that as Bruce Wayne as well. As you are.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Bruce Wayne is keeping wizards out of his territory by buying claims, controlling the nodes. Batman started it but the project was carried out mainly under the businessman’s aspect.” Hermione pointed out.
He was taken aback. “I didn’t realize.” He murmured.
“Let Batman take on traits from your other aspects. The philanthropist, the businessman, the playboy.”
“How?”
“The businessman is very familiar with the concept of strategic alliances and partnerships. Find others who you can work with and set one up.”
Batman was faintly uneasy. “I have worked with Superman in Metropolis.”
“If many like-minded souls decide to work together they will need technical resources and financial backing. A central repository of data and trusted people to control it. Some place out of reach of most Rogues and criminal elements including certain government agencies.” She paused to allow the suggestion to sink in. “If they work from a place of your choosing you have access to more data, their cases and personal histories, more leverage and control.”
His eyes widened as he realized where she was going. He did not say anything but he paid even closer attention to what she said next.
“Batman has to accept traits from the father and son. To accept that he cannot control his offspring once they reach a certain age. It is the nature of all children to rebel; especially sons, as they try to find their own path. They will not want to remain in your shadow forever. You raised them to be strong confident so of course they will want to be just that. You ran off and left Alfred behind to worry about you; and when you returned he was here waiting for you.”
He smiled wryly. “And what you’re saying is what goes around comes around.”
“In spades.” She affirmed cheerfully. “Now it’s your turn.”
He smirked and moved until he was a foot in front of her, hands placed on the wall on both sides of her shoulders effectively caging her. “And what does Batman need from the playboy?”
Hermione glared at him. “Lessons on charm.” She snapped out sharply as she ducked under his arm and twisted away. “You are way too aggressive and uncompromising. You don’t know how to accept a negative response or losing.”
He stared at her, nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply. Then he smiled slowly. It was a Bruce the Playboy smile.
Hermione cursed the hormones causing the fluttering sensation in her belly. Quickly she spoke, hoping to keep some semblance of control. If she gave in too quickly, if he caught her too soon, he would never see her as strong enough to match him. She had to draw out courtship into a long hard chase to keep his attention. Hopefully by the end of it she’d have a better idea about what she wanted from him.
His eyes fell on her mouth. The soft lush curves, the deep indent in the middle of her upper lip. It was surprisingly sensual for an intellectual soul. He bent to taste them. Coffee and sweet-sharp spices. She stiffened for a brief second before melting against him, lifting her hands to his shoulders, to anchor herself against him. She was soft, warm, pliant and welcoming with a hint of bite, demand and challenge. She would not shy from violence, ugliness, despair, rage, and anger. She would not allow him to get his own way every time. She would force him to stop and listen and compromise. His perfect match.
He smiled internally as he lifted his mouth from hers. Her eyes were dilated and breathing harsh as she struggled to regain control of herself. He felt smug as he spoke in low harsh tones in one ear. He felt her shiver, her skin heat, her pulse race.
“Your answer. Will you give me a chance? Give Us a chance?”
He could see small gold sparks in the hazel irises as she met his eyes. Her hand lifted and one finger traced the outline of his lips. He resisted the urge to nip and taste the digit, her skin, her flesh, her moisture. His eyes heated as his thoughts wandered onto more sensual and intimate avenues.
“Yes.” But her eyes were reserved with a hint of challenge. “But just because we are friends doesn’t mean I’m going to make it easy for you. Any of you.”
He smirked wolfishly. “Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to. In fact I am quite looking forward to moving our relationship along.”
These past few months many of us have been wondering exactly what kind of relationship Gotham’s playboy billionaire Bruce Wayne has with Wayne Enterprises employee Hermione Granger. She is a Senior Research Associate for Corporate Archives who is currently working on a Special Project for Bruce Wayne. Lucius Fox has refused to disclose any details on the nature of the project other than it being highly sensitive and delicate enough to be moved out of Wayne Towers into the more controlled grounds of Wayne Manor.
The long hours and weeks working in close quarters definitely broke down the usual employer-employee barriers between the pair. Sources say Miss Granger was very formal with Bruce Wayne in the beginning; in fact she became friends with the Wayne family butler Alfred Pennyworth and Bruce Wayne’s youngest ward Tim Drake long before she softened to the billionaire. Not sure if it is the long hours or constant exposure but the British expatriate has definitely changed her views on her employer.
The pair has been seen going out in high society attending fundraisers, premiere nights, gallery openings; and for less formal events like picnics and amusement parks. For months both Bruce Wayne and Hermione Granger have always insisted they were just friends but clearly something has changed in recent weeks.
The couple attended the Wayne Corporate Christmas Party together and many noted they looked more than friendly. ‘His arm was around her waist the whole night. Whenever someone else asked her to dance he almost growled’ one anonymous source claims. ‘I think he manoeuvred her under the mistletoe at least five times in two hours. And those kisses were definitely not friendly pecks’ another informed me.
They left the corporate party early to drop off gifts and drink a few glasses of Stella Vandermeer’s famous Punch at her Christmas Gala. When I spoke to the society maven she had nothing but good things to say about Miss Granger.
‘Mia is a wonderful girl, very mature for her age and Confident! Whether they stay as just friends or become more serious I believe she will always remain a close friend; the type who sticks by you through good times and bad. She tells you like it is with no apologies. And her energy! Goodness, her brain is constantly working and plotting and planning. She spear-headed the renovation and reopening of Kane Community Centre in Old Gotham. She liaises with several of the local neighbourhood associations to pass their suggestions and concerns to various charity boards and the City Council. And she persuaded Bruce to subsidize and expand the homework club program that operates from the local libraries and recreation centers. I believe she is a teaching volunteer at several locations in Old Gotham. Several regular users have already been marked as potential scholarship candidates for GCU in the years ahead. Bruce has also informed me she has final say for a few of the Wayne revitalization projects in Gotham. I cannot tell you the details but they will be holding quite a few press conferences in the coming months.’
It was a little surprising, to hear so much positive words about a newcomer to Gotham, one travelling the highest strata of Gotham society by virtue of her connection to a playboy infamous for his short high-turnover relationships. Stella Vandermeer only smiled when I pointed that out.
‘Mia is not like the others. She is solid and stable, something Bruce has sorely lacked in his personal life. Have you seen him with her? He hasn’t said anything to me but I have eyes and I can See he is drawn to her, how a wild animal is drawn to and fearful of fire. The way he hovers over her reminds me of his father; Thomas used to hover around Mattie when they first started going out. It was like he wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to show her off to the world or hide her in a safe place only he had access to. After they got engaged he didn’t hover as obviously. Not that Mattie would let him get away with any caveman-like behaviour. Now that I think about it Mia does remind me a little bit of Mattie Wayne; both are very determined women with powerful loyalties to friends and a strong sense of social responsibility.’
There you have it people. Mrs Vandermeer is famous, or infamous, for her accuracy in predicting the outcome of high profile personal relationships. Ever since Bruce Wayne returned from his foreign travels and set off on his hedonistic lifestyle Stella Vandermeer has reserved from commenting on the various beauties he has been linked to. Even the more highly favoured ones like Talia Head and Selina Kyle did not get positive supportive comments from her. But British expat Hermione ‘Mia’ Granger has her seal of approval.
The couple declined to comment on their relationship though this time they did not insist ‘we are just friends’. Is Mrs Vandermeer correct in believing romance is in the air? Only time will tell.
Honestly surprised that you set it that there was no “Justice League” or “Justice Society” or “Super Friends” as of yet, but having Priestess Hermione influence that step. It makes sense in this story, but since there was already a Teen Titans and a Nightwing, heroes and their legacies are already established. I hope that some of Hermione’s former friends learn to realize they were wrong. Also love the idea of Luna being invited to visit or even stay in the newly revitalized Gotham.
I love this world you have created and the purpose that drives Hermione. I love learning all this new stuff with her in an environment that is challenging to say the least. The necroscope aspect intriguing and her banishment and binding heartbreaking. I’m really enjoying this story.
I am absolutely loving this. I can’t wait to see where it goes!