Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, Marvel or the characters therein. Nor, sadly, do I make any moneys from the posting of this fanfiction.

It's with a heavy heart that I am dedicating this group of stories to my father, who passed on March 15, 2020. This had nothing to do with Covid-19, but rather the multiple health issues he had been dealing with for the past several years. I miss him so much. RIP.

That being said, I think we all need to get our minds off having to stay in all the time. I hope this helps keep us all entertained. Read, enjoy, and review.

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The Courtesan

Tony Stark arrived at the large mansion not knowing what to expect. Stephen Strange had told him that she lived simply. This, he thought looking at the large estate that at one time belonged to some unknown tycoon back in the day, wasn't simple by a long shot. He got out of his car and made his way to the front door. He rang the bell and hoped that the woman wouldn't overdo it on the greeting or, heaven help him, be a fangirl.

The door was answered by a butler—a tall man with a ring of silver hair and a look that told him that he was beneath him, no matter how wealthy he was.

"I'm here to see Hermione Granger," he told the man.

The butler said nothing, but stared at him as if expecting him to say more.

"Oh yeah!" He pulled out the business card. "Dr. Strange sent me." He handed it over to the man.

"I see," he muttered, looking at it. "And whom may I ask is calling?"

"You don't know who…"

"Please, sir. If you could tell me your name?"

"Right. Tony Stark."

"Please come in, sir."

Tony trailed after him and soon he was in a sitting room that looked like it came straight out of a magazine. Yeah, he had rooms like this, but he didn't expect a high priced hooker to have one.

"May I get you something to drink while you wait, sir?"

"Top shelf single malt whisky."

"Irish, Scottish, or American, sir?"

He thought that over and answered, "Let's try the Irish."

"Very good, sir." And went on his way.

A few minutes later a woman came into the sitting room, looking over towards Tony as she walked over to him. He stood up, looking her over as he did as much.

"You're short," he said, even as he took in the riotous curls on top of her head and the silk pajamas she was wearing.

"And you're obnoxious," she replied. "What's your point?"

"My point is that you don't look like any hooker I've ever seen." He walked around her, adding, "Not even close to looking like a high priced one."

She spun to face him. "I suppose Dr. Strange told you that I was…" She waved her hand around, as if to stir the memory of the word she was attempting to think of. "…a hooker?"

He stopped and looked deeply into her amber eyes. "You aren't?"

"Not the last time I checked," she said. "Why would Stephen send you here to me specifically?"

"He told me that I had to learn to relax," he muttered.

"And you think relaxing means having sex." She strolled over to the lounge. "I suppose to some that's what it means. Everyone has a different definition of that type of thing." The butler came over and handed the drink over to Tony. He turned to look at her, awaiting his orders. "Send for Maggie, if you would, Carlton. He's one of those."

"Of course, ma'am. Right away." And he walked away, shooting a disgusted look at the billionaire before he left.

"Wow," he muttered. "He certainly doesn't like me, does he?"

"Whether or not he does is immaterial, don't you think?" she inquired, looking at the clock in the room. "Dinner will be served shortly. Do you wish to have your dalliance before or after you eat?"

"Wait a minute! You mean you aren't having sex with me?"

"No." She got to her feet. "Why would I? You're here to relax, have a good meal, and pleasant conversation." She went over to him, patting his face gently. "If you wanted sex, you could have stayed in Manhattan and paid for it there." She walked away. "What I am, Mr. Stark, is a courtesan. I'm intelligent, witty, and can amaze others with my skills at many different games of chance." She tilted her head adding, "Sadly chess isn't one of those things." She smiled, as it was clear that she was attempting a joke at herself.

"Yeah, because I came all this way to play chess." His voice was dry and full of sarcasm.

She studied him a moment, telling him, "You didn't have to come here."

She walked out of the room, making him wonder what she was about. She went straight to the front door. "See yourself out, Mr. Stark. I have better things to do with my time than deal with you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" he demanded. "Do you know who I am?"

She spun on him and said, "Yes, I do." She popped out her hip, resting her fist on it as she added, "Now ask me if I care."

Hermione didn't wait for an answer, but left him there.

"Talk about a waste of time," he muttered to himself.

Tony started to leave but ended up turning around and going the same way the woman went. He was trying to think of what her name was when he found her sitting in front of a vanity that looked to be from the 1930's at least. This didn't shock him so much as the person standing next to her did.

"I thought you said he was a decent bloke," she muttered, as she was cleaning her face free of makeup.

"He can be," Bruce Banner told her. "He has a lot on his mind at the moment."

"So do I, but you don't see me treating others like shite do you?"

"It's not in you to treat anyone with anything but respect," he murmured, as he wrapped his arm across her chest and hugging her. "Now tell me what's really bothering you."

Leaning back against him, she closed her eyes and sighed, "I'm a doctor of mathematics and ancient languages and symbols. And I have been reduced to selling my time to others as a way to make a living because the government is punishing me for being different. And all because of those fucking accords." Her full lips pinched in annoyance. "I do believe that's enough to have one's mind occupied, don't you?"

"More than," he said, rubbing her arms. "That being said, you've been able to help others as a result of what you've been doing. So it's not all bad."

"I know," she admitted quietly. "Oh Bruce, do you think this will ever end?"

Making her stand, he hugged her face to face, as he said, "God, I hope so."

Tony, having heard this, backed away and left. He had a lot to think over.

TBC…

…

There's the first one off and running into the Internet. Thanks for reading! Stay home, stay safe, and stay awesome.