I have tons of stories to work on... I know, my faithful readers. However, sometimes an idea pops into my head and I want to share it. Tell me if you are intrigued enough to find out more.

xoxoxo

The werewolf was sitting at the desk and tapping his quill in a bothersome fashion. A way that Sirius Black found most annoying. For one, he knew that his best friend was disappointed in his actions. Another reason would be that Remus Lupin actually enjoyed the bookish witch in more than just a casual time filler and was livid with him.

He would have to start small, "Remus..."

"Don't bother, Pads. You only use that tone when you know I am put out."

Remus resorted to uncreasing the parchment in front of him, also, another tell of the man. "Moony..." Sirius had tilted his head and the werewolf's nose flared.

"Desist." The werewolf ordered and the animagus pouted.

"It wasn't my fault."

His arms folded to his body and Remus had an expression of frustration, "You are going to try and convince me that you did not tell her we were shagging like crazy and for her to shove off?"

Sirius's grimace turned pathetic and he slumped, "She needed a reality check, Moony. Too close for comfort. I don't like that little witch poking around."

Remus waved him off and lifted the letter, "She happens to be one of my biggest advocates. You going and spreading rumors to get her to run off will not help my plight!"

"Hardly rumors... Moony. I am just not denying the ones out there." Sirius knew he was being a prat.

"Do you happen to get on your knees for me, Sirius?"

Oh, did Sirius hate that question. The truth was both of them were as straight as could be. After Remus death at the battle of Hogwarts and his own deathly experiences, it was hard to let anyone get close to their dwindling group now that they had new life. Sirius hated that little bookish girl with her big ideas. He hated that she critiqued his habits and his lavished lifestyle. Hermione Granger loathed Sirius and the feelings were mutual... but Remus liked her. Thank Merlin it wasn't anything but distant attraction or Sirius would be having a fit.

"I would but your knob is too big for my liking," he finally decided on and Remus waved him off.

The werewolf crossed the room and shoved the note aggressively at Sirius, "Do you see what you do to people you don't care for? You stomp on them like they are of little consequence. I enjoy her company. I am all the better for it when she is around with my son. Get with the bloody program, Sirius."

The animagus turned scarlet with anger and sneered, "Need someone a bit younger, Moony? Freshly heartbroken tail sounds good, doesn't it? What is she a bloody dime younger than us now?"

Remus's expression turned dark as he pulled Sirius to his eye level and off the couch, "You listen to me, Sirius Black. Do not go accusing me of hunting for 'younger tail', when you are the man who does it daily."

Sirius stuck out his bottom lip and huffed, "Alright, I am sorry. I will send her a letter and tell her I was sloshed when I threw her out."

The other marauder was not quite satisfied by that, but let him go nonetheless. He won the fight and was going to finish with a victory. Sirius was no slump about their quarreling and Remus was usually satisfied with him running the house these last few months.

His fingers roamed his loose hair and he turned from the stormy demeanor animagus. "I am sorry that you feel... slighted, by her."

Sirius snorted and straightened his shirt, "Slighted? She is a bloody pill."

"You forget what she gave up for us both, Sirius. You forget how much time she gave up for us."

He despised being reminded of the fact that she did indeed save their lives. Instead of your run of the mill rescues... he got Hermione, bloody, Granger. The witch who brought them back through whatever ill-advised magics. There was no question to her skills. No objection to her heart or mind... the only problem was, she was too good. He hated that he had missed the memo about having to kiss her supple arse for it.

"Moony, do you think we can just call this what it is? You have a stiff one for the witch... Just because shit changed, doesn't mean we have to." Sirius grumbled and thinned his lips when the werewolf glared back at him.

"She has been more of a patient witch and ally to me about all of this than anyone outside of us. Don't you think I want to keep our friendship? Do you find me that much of a beast that I cannot be platonic with a woman regardless of what is different?" His voice had hues of hurt and discomfort.

Sirius pulled him in for an embrace and rubbed his chin on the werewolf's shoulder, "No, I think you are a stubborn wanker. I am sorry for being one too."

Remus ran his cheek against Sirius's and exhaled, "Alright, Padfoot. I am sorry too. Just try not to be such a bloody twit to her. She is actually a nice witch when you try to talk to her."

Defeated, Sirius tilted his neck to Remus, "I will try."

"You must. This is how the world works now."

0o0o

Hermione was many things, but completely insane was never something she thought would be her title. She had played with magic and now knew the consequence of such. One day she was happily married to who she thought would be the love of her life... the next she was a single mother to a boy she did not give birth to herself. Well, she did in this world. She was a pariah among her used-to-be in-laws for it.

It would go down in the books as a heady fling that left two worlds on collision for disaster, but she wouldn't regret it. Edward Remus Lupin was a fantastic child and she loved him dearly. All the maternal feelings she should have she did, with memories that were not her own. In this version of her world, Nymphadora Tonks did not marry Remus Lupin. In this odd life, she had an affair with the werewolf before his untimely death. In this world that was now hers, she brought them back years later out of grief.

The problem: this wasn't her original plan. She loved her life but knew of Harry's unhappiness... So, she did what any intelligent friend would do... play god. Now she paid the price for it by living another life she had not planned on.

"Mommy?" She heard him calling from the other room.

Hermione climbed out of bed and stretched herself before leaving her bedroom. The seven-year-old with soft brown hair was peeking out of his room. She smiled and tilted her head, "What's wrong, love?"

"Can we go see dad today?" That question always pained her, but she did her best to restrain the emotion.

"I will owl him and see if he is up for it."

Hermione spent three months trying to navigate this new life with her son. Memories she never had were hers now. Feelings that never crossed her mind dwelled in her deep consciousness. When she woke up next to the boy that was a replica of Remus, her heart swayed in a sick way. It was the realization that when she left that room, life would be different from now on.

Now instead of the possibility of Ronald Weasley's children... she was now the mother of a Lupin. Walking into the kitchen she had flicked her wand to start the tea and breakfast. Teddy sat down at the table and watched his mother in interest. "Do you think dad had a good night? The full moon was last night and he wrote to me telling me he would be fine."

Hermione smiled over at him and gave him a nod, "Uncle Sirius is taking good care of your father."

It was a lovely Saturday by the looks of it. The sun was peering through the curtains of her small flat and gave a homey tint to the tiny living room. They by no means lived outside of her means and she was fine with such. A single mother could either spend tons on living quarters or on her son; she chose her son. His education was the most important thing outside of his happiness.

"Mommy, did you tell dad that we miss him?"

Hermione let loose a mild sigh, "I did, Teddy. He misses you too."

"But not you, Mom? I thought you said you loved him deeply? Doesn't he love you too?"

"Possibly, sweetheart. Your dad is going through plenty since his return."

Hermione knew she had in no way the capabilities of telling him what happened and why they all were different. Her saving grace was that they were not here without their original memories... or at least she thought it was her saving grace. Sirius was still a wanker and Remus... well, Remus was not happy he impregnated a teenager before his death. She was of age, but the concept was gritty and awful for those in this timeline.

An owl was rapping at the window and Teddy went to go retrieve the letter. He brought it to his mother who was plating breakfast for them. Hermione set the plates down on the table, pouring tea for herself and milk for her son before she turned her focus to the note. It was from Sirius which made her internally groan.

Tell the boy his dad is fine. We will see you both for lunch. I... will behave.

This note came three days after his half-hearted apology for running her out last week. She was thankful her son wasn't there to witness the crass behavior of his uncle. She was lodged in some sort of duel with him about her forced presence and how it made both marauders uncomfortable. Hermione never wanted anyone made uncomfortable, but Teddy was real and always her first priority.

There was a knock at the door, "Come in, Ginny." Hermione called out knowing the redhead was showing up this morning.

She came in with James in tow and giggled as the little boy jumped from his chair to hug his cousin. "James! I missed you!" Teddy hollered and James beamed.

"Teddy, mum told me that you were going to see Gran tonight." James and Teddy were very close cousins thanks to the witches staying attached over the years.

"How was your night?" Ginny asked knowing good and well Hermione barely slept.

Hermione gave her a wave of dismissal and continued with her breakfast, "Teddy, come sit and eat before we visit. Gin, there is food in there for you both if you like."

The boys slumped at the table and Teddy started to eat while James waited patiently. Ginny soon flicked her wand to deliver the plate and a cup for her son to have. She strolled over to the table and had her own servings of tea and breakfast. The bushy-haired woman continued with her food until she could no longer stand the pregnant pause.

"What?" Hermione asked her friend.

The redhead shrugged her shoulders and her expression read confusion, "I would have thought you would have wanted to head over and see Remus this morning."

"Snuffles had a better idea of accusing me of coming between their relationship... which later to find is nonexistent. I swear, that man is insufferable!" Hermione's cheeks were tinted in annoyance after her declaration.

Ginny let go of a huge breath before making a face, "He is always so polite when he comes to visit me and Harry. Maybe he just doesn't like that you and his best mate were an item?"

Hermione made sure the boys were more involved with her food before continuing. "We were not an item... it was a heady coupling that left me... occupied. Love and coupling don't always go hand in hand."

"Dad says he loves you, mom. You don't have to worry about being loved." Teddy was too perceptive for his own good.

Ginny gave her a smirk that told her simply to shut up and listen to her son. "See? Even he knows it."

Hermione ran fingers through the boy's hair and smiled, "I love you more than anyone else, Teddy."

He gave her a smile much like his father does, "I love you more."

"I love you too, Aunt Mione," James refused to be left out of the lovefest.

"I love you as well, James. Very much so," Hermione finished before sipping her tea.

Ginny crossed her legs; always a motion she made before telling Hermione something she did not want to hear. "Mum asked me to make sure you knew that you were invited tonight. Regardless of how Ronald feels... she wants to make sure you are comfortable. She knows how hard this has been on you since their return. No one expected Remus to just dive in... but it can be taxing I am sure."

Hermione knew of the years she spent alone with Teddy because Ron had accused her of being a slag. So many years of missing Christmas with the Weasleys due to her decision. Trading evenings with the Potters because Hermione did not want her son exposed to that type of hatred. It was true. Hermione and Remus found solace in a secret night together before Bill's wedding. The days were growing dark and Remus was all but lost without his best mate. She was comforting him and one thing led to another...

"We will think about it," was her response and Teddy stared at her with wide eyes.

"But mom, we never go anymore. I miss Uncle George and Fred. I want to see them," Teddy protested and Hermione's heart wavered.

"Please Hermione?" Ginny begged and Hermione groaned and smiled.

"Fine, alright. We will go tonight."

Teddy grinned wildly, "Thank you! I cannot wait to show Grandpa my new book on muggle magic theory. He will love it!"

James tilted his head, "You got a new book?"

Hermione stifled a laugh and turned back to Ginny, "Our sons."

Ginny had the same mirrored expression, "Our sons, indeed."