Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

Author's note: A giant thank you to Amarielle!

Willows and Witches

Chapter 2: Sanctuary

Hermione sat in her torn and dirty dress in front of her parents' graves. She had been crying steadily for the past two hours and at long last her tears had run out. She didn't find the need to speak but sat in solemn communion with the stone monuments in front of her. The cemetery was silent but for a bird that called out from one of the trees periodically. Grey clouds had formed in the sky and a chilling wind swept around her but she didn't care enough to apply a warming charm. She deserved to suffer.

Her life had always been well planned and organized. Her path and her choices clear and well reasoned. Her love for Ron had grown steadily over the years in spite of other obstacles that had stood in the way. She'd been excited when he proposed to her. After she'd said yes she had looked down at the tiny diamond on her finger and smiled at how it caught the rays of sunshine. He'd kissed her passionately and she'd allowed it. Perhaps she should have been paying more attention to her reaction.

All of the Weasley's were physically affectionate and Hermione had never been used to that sort of thing. Her parents had been proper people and had always conveyed a sense of propriety when it came to public displays of affection. It was not to say that she was not hugged as a child, but it rarely happened outside of their home. Ron's physicality had put her off but she thought it was for the same reason that she didn't particularly care for the overt hugs and touches that came when one was ensconced by all of the other Weasleys. After a time, it had become apparent that it was more than that. He'd hugged and kissed her in private and she was still painfully uncomfortable. His kisses were wet and unappetizing. He'd talked to her about it and she couldn't really come up with a good explanation but he said it didn't matter. He told her that she would get used to it.

It didn't work out the way they'd both thought.

In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Hermione had avoided him as much as possible. His searching eyes and indelicately posed questions made her want to scream.When asked by her friends she would say that it was muggle tradition, and most thought that was a good enough response. Harry had seemed a bit concerned but hadn't pressed her for information. She wondered what he was thinking now.

More than likely, everyone had disbanded and were searched for her. Perhaps some people would find it in themselves to be understanding about what she had done because everyone seemed to get cold feet on their wedding day. Yet she knew that her actions today were inexcusable. It was unlikely that Ron would ever forgive her for humiliating him and leaving him at the altar like that. She was about as ashamed of herself as it was humanly possible to be.

These thoughts led to more tears and she sobbed freely. What a stupid fool she'd been! The last six months had gone by so fast and she hadn't properly examined her feelings in the last two years since graduation. What was once a passionate love had turned into a loving friendship and it had happened so slowly that she hadn't even noticed. The final two days before the wedding had been the hardest. She couldn't sleep or eat and was as nervous as a mouse in a snake's den. She had wanted to talk to Ron but he hadn't been around and her worries and fears had escalated to the breaking point. She couldn't force herself to lie at the last moment, couldn't force herself to say the words that would tie her to someone she didn't love forever. In the end she couldn't give up her freedom for his happiness and as a result had probably destroyed what was one of the most important relationships in her life.

The sky began to darken as she became further lost in her own misery. Without realizing it she'd allowed herself to lie on the ground next to her mother's grave. She rolled onto her back and wished that she too was dead, having died with her parents in the car crash that had taken them from her. It had only been a year and still she found herself writing to her parents as though they would actually be able to read the letters and respond. There was something comfortable about being here in the deserted cemetery that felt right. Perhaps it was because a part of her had died and she hadn't given it a proper burial. That was her last thought before she sank into oblivion.

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The Burrow

Ron watched in utter disbelief as he saw Hermione run down the aisle, her graceful figure loping along the aisle quickly, the dress fluttering like a goodbye behind her. He was too stunned to act, to speak, to run after her. His ears and faced burned with embarrassment and everyone was watching him fearfully. When he no longer saw her he seemed to come to his senses.

"I'm going after her." He announced weakly and took off in the direction that she headed.

"Oh dear!" Molly Weasley wrung her hands in distress.

Harry shook his head from side to side, disappointed. He wasn't disappointed in Hermione so much as he was disappointed in himself. She wouldn't have done something like that without good reason and he knew that he should have been paying more attention to her. Ever since he'd married Ginny, the others had faded into the background a bit. His friend had been suffering and he'd been too dense and unsure to be there for her. The perfection that he'd believed to be looming on the horizon was crushed, painfully. His heart went out to both Ron and Hermione and he wondered what he could do now.

Several of the guests were making rude comments and Remus stood awkwardly to his feet. He had not anticipated what had happened, even after seeing her distressed only minutes before. It was so unlike Hermione to be flighty and spontaneous. She was serious when she'd said that things had been wrong. Remus felt foolish for not seeing what was truly bothering her and even worse for having placated her with meaningless words. He wondered where she would apparate to.

He joined a small band of people that were discussing the issue of her whereabouts. They would obviously have to search for her. It was a dangerous world, even with Voldemort gone. A great many Death Eaters were still loose and loyal to their masters cause. Together, the group drew up a list of probable locations and people apparated away to look for her. Remus had been assigned her muggle home.

He landed in the backyard and looked around cautiously. He didn't think it would be likely that she had come here, not when losing her parents had been so painful for her. She had told him once that everything had reminded her of them and even photographs were too much. After a thorough search of the grounds he found himself in a room at the top of a winding stairway. The moment he opened it he could tell that it was Hermione's. From the shelves of dusty books and red and gold colors that adorned the bedding and the walls, it was Hermione's personality all the way. An abandoned pet crate sat in the corner and he remembered when she'd carried a rather large and ugly ginger colored cat in it. Come to think of it, he hadn't seen that cat in a long time. Feeling oddly out of sorts he left the room and walked outside.

He checked back in at the Burrow and no one had any luck. It was beginning to get dark. Ron had returned, grim faced and stoic. He'd obviously done some thinking in the last few hours but was disinclined to share with anyone else.

"Ron, do you have any other idea where she might go?" Remus asked the boy gently.

He shook his head no miserably and Remus let it go at that. Molly was serving the reception food but no one was really hungry. The house seemed dark and oppressive and Remus decided that he'd had enough of the moroseness to last him awhile. He made his excuses and left the Burrow.

There had to be somewhere that no one had thought to look for her. Knowing her intelligent and cunning mind he decided to use a bit of psychological reasoning. They had already checked most of the places where they thought she would go…perhaps they should be thinking more along the lines of where she wouldn't go. It was doubtful that she would want to be found right now, given the circumstances of her departure. Remus thought that over for a few minutes and inspiration flashed before his eyes. He pictured the cemetery where her parents were buried and with a loud crack, he apparated away.

It was already nightfall and it was chilly. Remus didn't remember exactly where her parents were buried but he knew that he had the right cemetery. If she wasn't here, at least he'd given it a good shot. He walked through rows of headstones and in the distance picked up on a spicy and floral scent that he knew to belong to Hermione. He wasted no time and allowed his wolf instincts to take over. He approached cautiously once he had her in his sights and he looked around warily, making sure that no one else was there. His heart was thudding painfully in his chest. Hermione was lying on the ground and was not moving or making any sound. He crept low to the damp earth beneath him, his senses on alert. Once he reached her he was relieved to see that she was breathing. She'd only fallen asleep.

As relief washed through him, so did anger. The girl was being extraordinarily foolish for being so intelligent. She was unguarded and out in the open, with not even a modicum of natural protection. Remus weighed his options carefully. He itched to wake her with a harmless spell, to show her just how foolish she'd been in leaving herself exposed, but he knew that now was not the time to behave as her instructor. She needed a friend, not a lesson. He considered taking her back to the Burrow but grimaced at the idea of her facing all of them alone. If he woke her now, she'd most likely run off. That left him with one other option; something he might not consider if the circumstances were different. He murmured a warming spell over her cold body and waved his wand in a lacelike pattern to invoke deep sleep. He lifted her gently and cradled her against his chest. The task was a bit more difficult than he'd imagined it to be due to the nature of her dress. Without wasting any more time, he pictured his personal refuge.

A moment later and they had arrived at the perimeter of his home away from home. It was daytime here and though still overcast. He took down the wards that protected his house and walked inside carefully. He replaced the wards with more complex ones once they were over the threshold. He settled her onto a cot in the corner and covered her with a threadbare orange blanket. He set about making tea and sighed into his cup. What to do now? They were on the other side of the world and in a relatively secluded area.

No one knew about Lupin's retreat. He'd scrimped and saved for many years to buy the tiny cottage in Washington. It was only a half mile from the ocean and sat on a relatively nice piece of land. An Indian Reservation was near and that combined with the rough terrain and relatively sunless days kept people away. Remus didn't get to visit often but he enjoyed it whenever he had the chance. It was the one place he could get away from it all.

The shack was not large but was well suited for him. In addition to the tiny kitchen and breakfast nook, there was a cosy living room that housed a nice sized hearth and fireplace. A sparse but adequate bathroom and tiny guest room completed the first floor.

Below the shack was a small basement that had an assortment of tiny rooms, one of which was surrounded by metal bars. When he hadn't been able to access Wolfsbane, he'd lock himself in the room which couldn't be opened by sheer force. It required a bit of wandless magic to unlock. He had taught himself over several years to do it and he could only perform it while he was in his human state.

The full moon was still two weeks away and he didn't have to worry too much about it. Hermione would be long gone by then.

He didn't understand her actions at all. He'd watched her and Ron enough over the years to see that they were fairly compatible, at least when they weren't arguing. Remus thought at one point that Harry might be a better match for her, but Harry only had eyes for Ginerva, and after that became clear, Remus had shoved the idea out of his head. Still…Ron was a good lad. He wasn't the brightest wizard of his age, but he wasn't entirely dim witted. He had a relatively good sense of humor and was loyal to those he loved, nearly to a fault. He wasn't ugly either. Tall and rather lanky, slightly muscular because of Quidditch, he had filled out since he'd come of age.

Hermione had grown up as well. He let his eyes drift over her prone form and at once realized that she'd become a woman when he wasn't paying attention. Her face had slimmed down a bit and her hair was manageable. Her figure was alluring in a sensual and womanly way. Yes, the girl had filled out properly and her body had caught up to her mind somewhere along the way. He let himself remember the time when he'd first seen her on that fateful day inside the train. He'd been feigning sleep and had listened interestedly to Harry as he spoke to his friends. His mannerisms reminded Remus of James but Harry had a softer side; he wasn't as cocky as his father. At first he'd only been paying attention to Harry, but the girl in the compartment was quite interesting. She was well educated and spoke with soft and insistent tones. She was soothing to listen to.

Later in the year he had gotten to know them all so much better. Harry carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was far too grown up for his own good and rebelled at inopportune times in order to try and take back his life. He had a natural talent and raw magic that Remus knew would one day be of great advantage. He had been proven right when Harry had vanquished Voldemort. What a terrible and wonderful night that had been.

After the war had ended, Harry had taken on much more responsibility than was truly necessary and his rebellious tendencies had been put to rest. He'd married Ginerva when he was nineteen, against the counseling of Remus. He didn't think people that young ought to get married but thus far he had been proven wrong. Harry and Ginny were quite close and Harry leaned on her for support. She was a firecracker but adored Harry the same way that Lily had adored James.

Ron had stood by Harry for the most part and had taken a serious interest in Quidditch. He hadn't wanted to be an Auror after all and had decided to try out for the Chudley Cannons. He had been made second string and as far as he was concerned, that was a great accomplishment. Ron was boisterous and fun loving and cracked jokes like his brothers but didn't know when to be serious. He had a hot temper and was as stubborn as they come. He had jealousy issues and lacked self confidence but he loved Hermione with all his heart.

Who wouldn't? The girl was brilliant, beautiful, and ambitious. She was passionate and engaging. She loved to debate all sorts of issues and read more than any human being ought to. While many girls her age were vain and wanted to go out and party, Hermione was happy being who she was. She enjoyed staying in and sitting by the fire with close friends, drinking tea and studying. She was an avid researcher and had plans on becoming a Potion's Mistress. All in all she was a fine woman that any man would be lucky to call his own.

She stirred after a few hours and his musings ceased. He got up from the table and sat down next to her. She blinked up at him wearily.

"Remus? Where am I?" She looked around confused. "What day is it?"

"October 14th."

"So it did happen." She bit her lip and tried to keep it together.

"I'm afraid so."

"Where are we?"

"On the other side of the world, in my cottage."

She absorbed that and nodded, thinking. "How did you find me?"

"We all were looking for you and checked everywhere we thought you would likely go. No one thought about the cemetery. It popped into my head just as I was leaving the Burrow. I'm glad I found you." His voice rang with sincerity.

"I'm so stupid. Gods! What have I done?" The tears began to pour out of her eyes and he reached into his pocket to pull out his handkerchief, only to realize that he'd already given it to her earlier that day.

"You did what you thought you needed to do."

"Everyone is going to hate me."

"No one will hate you. People were confused and some were hurt by your actions but I don't think anyone could ever truly hate you Hermione."

"Ron…" She began but was silenced with a finger pressed to her lips.

"Ron will manage. At the moment, I'm more concerned about you."

"Don't be." She said harshly. "I'm not worth it."

"You're wrong." He tried to comfort her but she wouldn't have it.

"Did you tell anyone where I am?" Panic crept into her voice.

"No. I wanted to talk to you first. I should probably let them know I found you all right." He wondered why he hadn't owled them immediately and had instead let his thoughts overpower him.

"Remus. Thank you for coming after me but I don't want them to know where I am. I just can't face them right now, any of them." Her voice cracked.

"I still think that I should let them know that you are all right." He argued. "They're worried about you."

Hermione thought about it. The last thing she wanted to do was cause more pain to those that she loved, but she knew that she just couldn't deal with them in person. If they knew where she was they would certainly show up and demand and explanation.

"Remus. You've helped me today more than you know, but I need to leave. I understand that you need to tell them that I'm all right, but I'll be gone when you get back." She nodded while she was speaking, affirming to herself that she was doing the best thing possible.

He watched her for a moment before responding. "I don't think it would be wise for you to leave. Do you know where you want to go now?"

"No, but I'll figure it out. I have money…"

"Hermione. Wait a day, maybe two. Stay here and we'll talk it out and we'll figure it out together, all right? Please?" He was good when it came to dealing with emotional women and thought he could calm her down in a few days time. If not for his affliction, he thought wryly, he might have become a counselor.

"Nothing is going to change in two days Remus."

"Will you humor me?" His grey eyes searched her amber ones.

She was so bloody tired and he was being too damn nice. "Fine. But after two days, I am leaving. I don't want anyone knowing I'm here and I don't want you to follow me when I leave."

He thought about her conditions before responding. "Very well, if at the end of two days you want to leave and not let anyone know where you are going, that's fine. I won't stop you."

"Ok." She sniffed.

"Do you want me to get you anything when I come back? Clothes? Books?"

"If you wouldn't mind. I have a bottomless bag in my room. It is already packed with everything I'll need. I was planning on taking it on our honeymoon…" She bowed her head in shame.

"All right. You sit tight for now. Make yourself comfortable. There isn't much in the kitchen, but I made tea. I'll try to get some food before coming back."

He turned and left her. She frowned as she watched his retreating back. Could she trust him not to say anything about her whereabouts? She truly didn't know and it was unnerving. Not wanting to really examine all of the things that were bouncing around unpleasantly in her head, she lied down and curled in on herself in misery.