To answer a few questions. One concerning me the most is yes Hermione can have children. I believe there will be reasons discovered later in chapters on why she hasn't yet. Crookshanks will be making appearances in due time. I believe that Hermione doesn't want Teddy to be the son she hasn't had as much as be there for him so without really knowing it, she is giving Remus and Teddy a substitute. As for Tonks and her missions away, we might find out in a chapter or two if she really is cheating or not. Enjoy my potterheads.

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Hermione woke with a start and knew she was screaming last night. It was another one of those nightmares she often had. She placed a silencing charm around her room for a reason. There were things that even time wouldn't heal and even though she knew she was dead, she still awoke feeling like she was still stuck at the Malfoy Manor. It was old news and so she prefered not waking everyone up with her bad dreams. She glanced at the window and saw that the sun was peeking over the buildings in the distance.

She stood and stretched her sore limbs and headed to the bathroom. Hermione was usually pretty good at picking up detail and if she was awake she might have noticed the light under the door coming into the hallway. She opened it without realizing she was walking in on someone. Sirius Black was drying off with a towel and her mouth fell open and face scarlet. This was what you would call a man's man entered her mind shortly and she saw him catch her in his view.

"I am- oh I am so- sorry Sirius." She sputtered and turned for the door.

He practically lunged from the tub and pressed the door shut. "Oh no, you saw mine, now I get to see yours. That's how this works." He uttered and she tried so hard to hide her burning cheeks from his view.

"Sirius Black, you let me out of this restroom or so help me..." She trailed off as his hands moved to her face.

"Does sober Hermione like what she sees?" He waggled his eyebrows at her and she rolled her eyes.

"Sober Hermione thinks you're a nutter. I can't believe I kissed you. Isn't that like a cardinal rule or something? Do not provoke Sirius Black's sex crazed behavior." She uttered and Sirius belted out a lovely laugh that was deep and full in her ears.

"Oh yes but I am perfectly happy exhibiting what happens when you do." He replied and she giggled and slapped his arm.

"Sirius, behave. I am not getting naked for you or sleeping with you. You will have to take me on a proper date. The works Mr. Black. I am talking dress up, be polite, no slipping your fingers under my dress, or drinking until you are completely pissed. Formal." Hermione laid it down on the line with the intentions that he would run.

His eyes brightened and he nodded. "Alright! When do you want to go out with me?" He asked and Hermione felt she put her foot in her mouth.

She smiled at him and shook her head. "Friday night," she replied and he snickered.

"Even though we are doing this your way, I know you like what you see." He uttered wrapping his towel around his waist and leaving her alone in the bathroom.

She went to the restroom and headed back to her room to grab her things for her shower. There was no incident when she was showering thankfully and she ended up thinking at length what she had said to Sirius. She was going on a date with him tomorrow night. What was she even thinking? This was Sirius black...

Hermione had no real qualms with Sirius, he was witty, flirtatious and fun. However, this was no mere man she was going out with. This was a man who was masterful and cunning with women. She hasn't been on a "date" date in awhile and wasn't really sure how that was going to work. The look on Remus' face last night said simply he didn't like that and she wasn't sure why. Was Sirius Black that bad that he felt like his friend shouldn't be making any moves on her? Or was it that she was going to end up as another one of Sirius' girlfriends he shags and never calls again?

"Too much," she uttered turning the water off.

There was a knock at the door. "Hermione, do you mind finishing up in there? I don't mean to rush but an old werewolf's bladder isn't what it used to be." He joked through the door and she giggled.

"Of course Remus I will be right out!" She replied and smiled.

She wrapped her towel tighter to her body and stepped out of the bathroom. Remus who looked sleepy, seemed startled because his eyes shot open and he started to stammer.

"Oh I'm—I'm sorry. I- well I suppose I should have – I," he failed to complete a sentence and Hermione smiled.

"I will meet you down the stairs," she replied and skirted off to her room.

Hermione dressed in a green v-neck and some leggings with a pair of glittery earrings. She used detangler and a quick drying spell on it to keep it from frizzing. Once she felt she was presentable, she left her room and headed down the stairs to the kitchen.

Remus already had the tea set on the table and was gandering at the Daily Prophet. He gazed at Hermione and she sat down at the table with a book. They sat in silence as she flipped through her book and he read his paper. The clock chimed seven times and Hermione stood up. She strolled into the kitchen and pulled out the fixings for breakfast.

"Good morning beautiful," Sirius uttered bounding into the room.

He leaned over and kissed Hermione on the cheek, noting that Remus' nose flared without looking up at them.

Sirius was curious about Moony's reaction. He knew the moon was only a week away but it seemed more than that. This new attitude seemed territorial and possessive, but for what reason?

"So I am headed to the shops and grab things for tomorrow night. You all need anything?" He asked biting into the apple he picked up from the counter.

Remus glanced over his paper at Sirius. "What is tomorrow night?" He asked the amagius.

"What could you possibly need?" Hermione snorted, interrupting Sirius.

Sirius snickered," you will find out tomorrow." He took another bite before answering Remus. "I am taking Hermione on a date."

Remus shook his head. "You two have fun with that." He replied curtly and moved his paper back into his view.

Sirius grinned and sighed, "off to the races." He smiled at Hermione and waggled his eyebrows. "One for the road?"

She rolled her eyes again and kissed his cheek. "Get out of here trouble maker." She returned to her cooking.

Remus waited for Sirius to leave before he cleared his throat. "So you and Sirius?" He asked casually sipping his tea.

She smiled meekly. "He makes it hard to say no. I told him no funny business. He will be taking me on a real date." Hermione uttered trying not to feel guilty but part of her did.

"Sounds like he is taking it serious enough," Remus lightened his tone.

Hermione put a pancake on the skillet and nodded. "It is kind of nice to feel wanted by someone. I haven't felt like that in awhile."

Remus knew all of this by her many letters on his nightstand that spoke of loneliness, lack of love, and her depression. He felt her heartache with her and wished he had more to give other than words of encouragement. He was completely torn with this new cavalier attitude she has with Sirius.

"Remus, you are alright with it?" She asked him sincerely.

He placed down his paper and sighed. "I am alright as long as he is good to you. I am worried that he will hurt you." Remus spoke gently and there was a bitter tone in his voice.

Hermione made a few more pancakes and started the bacon before she said another word. "You know I took care of him when he came out? I had to because he was still violent and unpredictable. He had attacked me once and probably doesn't remember. He, in his stupor, still brought himself together enough to take care of me. It wasn't even that bad, he just pinned me down, but it twisted my ankle." She paused as she watched Remus' reaction which was a cross between intrigue and confusion. "He gave me tender care, more so than I needed. Told me he cared so much for me that he would never forgive himself. Told me I saved him."

Remus seemed to understand and smiled softly. "You got to see what he was like underneath the shield?"

Hermione nodded and sighed. "Yes, and now all of his stupid flirtations he does, I know he is soulful under it all."

Remus knew very well of Sirius' soulful heart underneath. Sirius was a gentle creature and very physically affectionate. He was worried about Sirius' desire to blot out his heart so he could deal with his losses easier. Remus has noted differences in his friend since Harry's wedding, but still was concerned with his lack of closeness to others.

Hermione flipped more pancakes on the plate and Remus got up and went over to her. He ran his hand over her shoulder and held her still a moment.

"Hermione, if things were different-" he paused and thought better of the sentence. "Do you think that Sirius and you will be serious?" He asked and helped her turn the bacon.

She shrugged and looked up at him. "Remus, do you think he will?"

Remus nodded and continued helping her make breakfast. There wasn't much else to say concerning Sirius and Hermione was happy to be with Remus in the silence. His arms were sturdy and strong looking next to her small petite ones. It made her smile to herself as they finished breakfast. She placed the plates on the table then went to the fridge to grab orange juice.

Teddy came into the kitchen with a big smile on his face. He ran up to Hermione and gave her a big hug. She knew that he was happy she was still here and ran her fingers through his bright orange hair.

"Good morning to you too," she giggled and he smiled.

"Thank you for making breakfast," Teddy uttered sitting down.

Remus came up behind Hermione and entered her personal space before speaking. "What am I? Chopped Mandrake root?" He asked his son but Hermione's hair on her neck stood up.

She felt his breath on her and then he walked around her and sat at the table. "Dad, you aren't even capable of ever being anything but my favorite person." Teddy said smartly and Hermione had to hide a giggle.

She straightened her expression and took the orange juice and sat down. Teddy offered Hermione his empty glass and she poured him some juice. He happily took it back and sipped before cutting his pancakes and taking a bite. Remus was glancing between the two and for the first time in a long time he felt at home. It was a feeling he cherished.

"So what are plans for you today, Hermione?" Remus asked and she twisted her face in thought.

"I was thinking that you and Teddy could play on Harry's old brooms today while I tidied up a bit around here." Hermione uttered and Teddy's eyes lit up.

"Oh dad could we please? Maybe even see if Albus can come over and play too?" Teddy asked and Remus chuckled.

"After breakfast you can write to Aunt Ginny and see if she will bring him over. I am sure Aunt Ginny would love to see Hermione too." Remus declared and Teddy started to gobble up his food.

Hermione glanced at Remus who was smiling at her and they had a small silent conversation. His gratitude was beyond measure and Hermione blushed brightly. She hadn't felt this content since years ago. They started to eat and soon the plates were empty and the bacon disappeared.

"Okay dad, I am going to write to Aunt Ginny and get my room clean so Albus and Severus can come and play if they do come over." Teddy uttered and stood up.

"Do not shove it all under your bed. If I come up there and it's under there, they will not be allowed over." Remus declared and Teddy nodded.

Teddy nodded and seemed annoyed. "Dad I know," he replied and Remus glared.

"I mean it Teddy Lupin," Remus growled and Teddy straightened up.

"Yes Sir," Teddy voiced and left up the stairs.

Hermione snorted and turned to Remus. "Yes Sir," she snickered and Remus scowled at her.

"Miss Granger, you best behave yourself." He warned her and she stuck her tongue out at him.

Without warning Remus stood up, grabbed Hermione and started tickling her. She giggled loudly and started to flail. He pinned her to the counter and continued to tickle her as she tried to get away. The act could have easily been deemed innocent until Hermione stopped laughing and blushed. Her chest heaved against his and she felt something firm against her thigh. Remus eyes flickered and she saw the golden flecks within them.

"Remus," Hermione breathed and he pushed her more into the counter.

He neared her face and saw her bite her lip, realizing what was going on. "Oh Merlin, I am so sorry Hermione!" He gasped and pulled away from her.

She was rosy from the close proximity he just left from and something deep within her stirred. Something that had never surfaced before and it was distracting. Remus cleared his throat and sighed.

"It has been a long time, I am sorry, Hermione. I swear it was completely innocent. It is close to the moon and my wife hasn't been home in three weeks. The wolf is getting restless." He uttered and Hermione patted his arm.

"Remus, I won't say anything or judge you. I know it is difficult and the wolf doesn't know the difference between your wife and another woman. Probably just smell the same type of hormones right?" Hermione tried to reassure him.

"Just hormones," he told his first lie to Hermione and she smiled.

An owl flew into the cracked window and landed on the counter. Hermione read the letter and smiled.

"Ginny said as long as you say it is alright she would love to bring the kids over." She told him and he smiled.

"Write to her and tell her of course," he ordered and smiled.

She pulled out a piece of parchment and answered Ginny's letter. Getting it on the owl, she sent it off and Remus nodded.

"She will be here probably about noon, I better go tell Teddy," he spoke and she started cleaning the table off.