A/N: Written for the Captain America Big Bang 2018 on tumblr. Many thanks to my team of betas and support: xxdustnight88, gaeilgerua, & mystrana. The three of you are amazing for encouraging me to finish this and bring this plunny to life.

Warnings: Explicit Sexual Content, Language, Canon Typical Violence.

Disclaimer: All non-original characters, plot points, and information belongs to those at Marvel Studios, Warner Brothers, or J.K. Rowling. The story plot and dialogue belongs to me. I do not write for profit.

Chapter One

Hermione leant back and looked at her now-empty office desk. Mixed feelings ran through her as she tried to collect her thoughts. While she was relieved to be leaving, a part of her was still wondering if she would regret the decision.

There was a knock on her door. Nervously, Hermione turned and saw Harry standing there. "Hi," she greeted softly, already knowing what he was going to say. The hurt expression on his face said it all.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Harry asked. He looked around the empty office before looking back at her.

Hermione frowned. She took a deep breath. "This was a tough decision to make, Harry."

"This isn't a decision you should have made alone," Harry replied. "Isn't that what friends are for?" Harry closed his eyes, shaking his head. "It hurt to hear from Kingsley that you were leaving. I almost didn't want to believe him."

Hermione could feel herself on the verge of tears. It took everything not to let them fall. "Harry, I'm sorry. When Kingsley approached me about switching branches, I knew I couldn't say no." Hermione let out a shaky breath. "Harry, being here has been so hard for me. You knew I've been having a really difficult time with everything."

"Then you should have asked for help," Harry said. "Hermione, do you really want to leave England? Do you think this is really the right answer?"

Hermione nervously nodded. "I just can't do this anymore. I can't look past the war in my current state of living, even though I've been trying. It's just too hard. Seeing Teddy, being with the Weasleys, even working as an Auror… It's all been too much, Harry. I go home crying nearly every day. It's killing me."

"Hermione, we're all hurting right now. You're not the only person feeling the effects of the war." Harry shook his head, closing his eyes. "There are some nights I can barely sleep because the nightmares are so bad. I know Ron feels the same way."

"I've already made up my mind, Harry. I'm going to transfer to MACUSA. My paperwork is already in order for me to live in the States. Please, don't try to convince me to stay," Hermione pleaded, sniffing slightly. A few tears slid down her cheeks. "I love you, Harry, but I need to do this. Please, try to understand."

"I don't understand," Harry said, shaking his head. "This is a time for healing with family and friends, and you want to leave to be alone."

"If I don't leave, Harry, I fear that I may do something I'll regret," Hermione finally told him bluntly. "The decision wasn't easy, Harry, but I've made up my mind. I'm leaving tonight."

"What about the Weasleys? Are you even going to say goodbye?" Harry ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "Hermione, this is just so much to process."

"I've written letters for the Weasleys. Will you deliver them for me? If I see them in person, they will just try and convince me to stay. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings." Hermione paused. "More than I already am, at least."

"I love you, Hermione. You're like a sister to me. I don't want to see you go."

"This isn't for forever," Hermione assured him. "And I promise that I will still write and Floo call you both frequently. Or even get a Muggle phone, and we can chat that way. Ron, too. I promise that I'm not dropping off the face of the planet."

Harry shook his head, a small smile on his face. "That's what this feels like, you know?"

"But it's not," Hermione assured him. "And Kingsley assured me that this position would be more what I'm looking for. I'll be working in Muggle relations… as an ambassador of sorts." She smiled. "I'm excited, Harry. Plus, my parents always wanted to visit the States. They won't be with me, I know, but they would be happy for me." Hermione paused, hoping and praying that wherever her parents were, they were happy and healthy. She had been unable to locate them after the war, but knowing that they were safe was enough for her. It hurt, yes, but she knew that they were alive.

"You'll be back in time for the wedding, yes?" Harry looked at her seriously. "Ginny is going to be so mad that you're leaving."

"She'll be fine," Hermione said, shaking her head. "Ginny's done most of the planning, anyways. Of course, I'll be back for the wedding; she'd kill me if I missed it."

There was an awkward lull in the conversation.

"I have to go, Harry. I need to check out with Kingsley and then finish packing up my flat. I'm sorry."

"So this is goodbye," Harry said quietly, looking at her sadly.

"Of course not, Harry; this is an 'I'll see you later'," Hermione corrected him. "And like I said, we'll be in touch frequently." She took another deep breath, knowing that she was going to lose it completely soon.

Harry engulfed her in a hug. He squeezed her. "I'm going to miss you so much."

Hermione hugged him back tightly. "I'm going to miss you too, so so much. I love you, Harry."

"I love you too, Hermione. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. I should be able to pull some strings." He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Hermione smiled, shaking her head. "Over here, yes, but with the Magical Congress? I don't think so."

Harry grinned. "It doesn't hurt to try," he said with a shrug. "You know I'd do anything for you."

Hermione smiled at him. "I'll see you later, Harry." Saying goodbye was harder than she had imagined it would be. She prayed that the Weasleys wouldn't be angry with her for leaving without saying goodbye.

Harry took one last look at her. "See you around, Hermione." He stepped out of her office, closing the door quietly behind him.

Hermione looked at her box full of things and let out a deep breath. "This is it," she said to herself. "The start of something new."

"Miss Granger, we are very excited to have you here with us at the magical Congress. Although MACUSA operates differently from the British Ministry, you'll find that there aren't many differences between us. Here, follow me. I'll be showing you to your new office." The older woman smiled at her warmly.

Hermione smiled, following Miss Rodriguez down the hall. As they walked, Hermione took in the many sights and sounds of her new workplace. No matter how old she got, she would never tire of the amazingness of magic. It took her breath away every time.

"Will I be working with a team?" Hermione asked.

Miss Rodriguez turned and looked over her shoulder at her Hermione. "I'm afraid not, Miss Granger. We have a smaller Muggle relations team. Besides, we have a specialised department that we want you to work in."

Hermione looked at her in confusion. "I thought that I would be working with the Muggle government? I don't have a team or any other members to work with?" she asked.

Miss Rodriguez smiled. "Your team includes one other magical person who you will meet at another time. The position that we hired you for is a little more undercover." Miss Rodriguez smiled. "It's a bit more challenging in regards to the individuals involved. This is a delicate case, and we needed someone who would operate with finesse and discreteness." She looked at Hermione approvingly. "Minister Shacklebolt spoke very highly of you. I'm excited to see what you can offer us here at the MACUSA."

Hermione smiled at her. "I'm excited to be here," she said honestly. "The opportunity couldn't have come at a better time. A change of scenery was needed."

Miss Rodriguez nodded knowingly. "We, of course, had heard a bit over here. To have been through so much at such a young age must be weary on the soul."

Hermione nodded. "I'm hoping a bit of a new start will help. Am I to be doing any fieldwork?" she asked.

"Only if absolutely necessary," Miss Rodriguez answered. "Here we are, your new office, Miss Granger. Shall we step inside and discuss your new role?"

"Yes, please," Hermione answered excitedly.

Once they were inside, Miss Rodriguez closed the door. "So our reason for you coming here is there has been an increase of enhanced individuals here in the United States."

"What do you mean enhanced?" Hermione asked warily.

"What I mean, Miss Granger, to be frank, is superheroes. I'm not sure how much you heard across the pond, as they say, but we've had some issues with individuals who have super abilities. There was recently an attack in New York, and in response, the Muggle authorities have developed a team of enhanced individuals to protect and defend."

"Are any of these enhanced individuals actually witches or wizards?" Hermione asked.

Miss Rodriguez shook her head. "Not to our knowledge, Miss Granger. Our contact with the organisation is named Director Nick Fury. I will be setting up a meeting between the two of you soon. There is an individual on their watch list who happens to also be on ours."

"Am I to go after this individual? Hermione asked.

"No," Miss Rodriguez answered. "If you find him, we only want you to monitor the situation. You are not to step in unless absolutely necessary."

"What does that mean?" Hermione asked.

"The risk of you not intervening will lead to multiple civilian deaths."

Hermione nodded. "I understand," she said. "Let me know when I'm supposed to meet this Director Fury."

"Here is the current client's folder." Miss Rodriguez handed Hermione a file.

Hermione looked at it. "It only has a name," she said in confusion. "Why is it empty?"

Miss Rodriguez smiled. "Because you're starting from scratch, Miss Granger. The only intel that we have is that he is armed and dangerous." She stood from the chair opposing Hermione's desk. "I'll be in touch with you." Miss Rodriguez left, closing the door behind her.

Hermione glanced at the paper again. The only thing in it was the person's name - the Winter Soldier.

"What did I get myself into," she muttered quietly.

"So, Sam," Steve said, pausing to stretch as he leaned against a tree for support. "What do you do for fun?" He asked, looking to his friend.

Sam grinned. "A little bit of this and a little bit of that. I like going to the movies, and reading old books. A lot of my free time is spent on helping other soldiers like me that suffer from PTSD."

"Like a support group?" Steve asked, intrigued by the idea.

"Yup," Sam answered. "There's usually a pretty good turn out. People just talk about whatever is on their mind, or things from the war that is still haunting them. It's a safe place where they know there is someone who will listen." Sam paused. "There isn't enough support out there for veterans. I'm trying to change that."

Steve considered Sam's words. He wondered if someone like him would benefit from that type of meeting.

Sam seemed to be reading Steve's mind. He smiled, nodding subtly. "I think you should come by one," Sam said. "Even if you just come to listen, I think a lot of people would appreciate that you are there. Plus, I think you'll get something out of it, Cap."

"When's the next meeting?" Steve asked

"Tomorrow evening," Sam answered. "It's at the local library, in the basement at six o'clock. There will be light refreshments, provided by yours truly." Sam grinned. "If anything, you should come just for my cookies."

Steve laughed. "I do love cookies," he said. Knowing that he didn't have much else do in his free time, Steve decided that he would go to the meeting. He didn't think attending would hurt; it could only help. Maybe other people had nightmares, just like he did. Only, he was betting that other people's nightmares weren't about them reliving their own death.

But besides, it was still something to do, and Steve knew that Director Fury would be happy that he went out and did something beside work out. All Steve did was train, and he knew that it wasn't a very good leisure activity.

"Hey, Steve, I gotta go, but I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Sam game a small salute before walking away, leaving Steve alone in the park. Steve nodded, he would go tomorrow, if not for anything but Sam's cookies. Steve did have quite the sweet tooth when it came to chocolate. Especially in the form of cookies.

"Miss Hermione Granger, it's an honour to finally meet you." Director Fury reached out his hand, smiling warmly at her.

Hermione returned his smile. "Director Fury, it's a pleasure to meet you as well." She shook his hand firmly. "I'm excited to begin working in this division."

"We're lucky to have you," Director Fury stated. "So I understand you were looking to meet regarding your assignment."

"Miss Rodriguez was very vague in regarding what I'm supposed to be doing."

Director Fury laughed. "Well, she is quite vague and mysterious, that one. You're to collect information regarding the Winter Soldier. We've caught wind of the information that he is going to be making a move in the area. I want us to have as much as we can on him."

"So, research?"

Director Fury nodded. "Research is exactly what we need, and if you happen to find him, observe him. As Miss Rodriguez said, we don't want you engaging unless absolutely necessary."

Hermione nodded. "I understand, sir." She worried her lower lip. "Do you have any current information within your division? I only have a name."

"I can arrange for you and one of my contacts to meet. Miss Romanoff would likely have a bit more for you to begin with."

"I would very much appreciate that, sir."

Director Fury nodded. "I'll give you my card, Miss Granger, so that you may keep me updated and contact me immediately if a situation arises."

Hermione accepted the card and slipped it into her pocket. Looking down at her scribbled notes, she nodded. "I certainly have my work cut out for me, don't I?"

"Indeed you do, Miss Granger. We're counting on you."

"Of course," Hermione responded, smiling at Director Fury. Research was what she did best. "I'll get started right away."

"Miss Romanoff will contact you within the next day or two to brief you on what she knows." Director Fury stood. "I'll see you to the door."

"Thank you," Hermione said once more. Gathering her things, she exited Director Fury's office, eager to get started on her assignment, as well as to explore her new home.