A/N: First off, I'm sorry this is so late, I've had a shit couple of months and I've been really stressed about other stuff. This chapter is focused on Hermione, I just couldn't fit much of Remus in there, but don't worry, our favourite werewolf will be back in the next chapter. Which, I'm sure, will be out soon. Soon-ish, at least. Enjoy, and please R&R! xx

Hermione

Before either Hermione or Remus could address what had happened earlier a loud crack sounded from the hallway. At first, Hermione had assumed it was simply Charlie being too lazy to walk up the stairs to his room, but shortly thereafter Ginny peeked through the kitchen doorway with a huge grin on her face. Hermione looked up at her friend.

"Oh, hey Ginny. You just missed Charlie, he's up in his room I think." she said.

"Never mind Charlie, I HAVE NEWS." Ginny said, sitting down on the opposite side of the table from Hermione, stretching her hands out to grab Hermione's.

"What is it? What's happened?" Hermione said, sounding worried.

"Oh, must you always think it's life or death? Let's try this again, but without the mortal peril. I HAVE NEWS." Ginny teased.

"What could it possibly be?" Hermione said, resting her chin on her hands and ridiculously batting her eyelashes.

"Well, I-"

The sound of a page being turned made Ginny stop mid-sentence as she looked at the corner in which Remus sat, now holding a book about Damocles early life, before he invented the Wolfsbane Potion.

"Ah, err. Hi there, Professor Lupin." Ginny smiled at him, and then stared angrily at Hermione as though saying 'Why didn't you tell me someone else was here?'.

Remus said hello back, but Ginny, having a silent conversation with Hermione through stares, didn't notice it.

"Well it was nice seeing you, Professor. We'll leave you to your book." Ginny said, grabbing a hold of Hermione's arm, pulling her out of the kitchen and away from her unfinished breakfast. Hermione got a quick glance at Remus, who looked back at her, and then returned to his book.

"Well THAT could've been awkward, why didn't you warn me?" Ginny asked as soon as they were back in Hermione's room.

"How was I supposed to know you were going to say something Remus couldn't hear?" Hermione retorted.

"I said I had NEWS, of course I didn't want anyone to hear. Since when are you and Professor Lupin on first name basis?"

"I- we're not. I guess I've just been in this house for too long." Hermione avoided Ginny's quizzical looks and changed the topic. "Anyhow, what's the big news?"

"Oh, right. WELL. I have a date tonight." Ginny was beaming. Hermione was always amazed at Ginny's confidence, if she had a date she'd be a ball of nerves for hours before, whilst Ginny was her usual easy-going self.

"A date? With whom? Do I know them?"

"Yeah, I'd say so, he's in your year. It's with Dean Thomas." Hermione's jaw dropped. She wasn't surprised Ginny had a date – the redhead was funny, clever and outgoing as well as beautiful – but she couldn't contain her surprise when it came to the newly found object of her affection. One of Ron's friends? This wouldn't go down well.

"Would you wipe that look off your face? I know what you're going to say, but it's none of his business. It's none of anyones business but mine and Deans."

"No, I know, I'm sorry." Hermione agreed. "It's really not. I was just surprised is all. SO! Dean huh? Where are you meeting?"

"We're going for butter beers at the Leaky Cauldron." Hermione's face tensed and Ginny added. "I know it's a bit stodgy, but I just figured that the place isn't important, you know? And there isn't really anything wrong with the Leaky Cauldron, it's just-"

Hermione interrupted her.

"No, no, I didn't mean it like that, the Leaky Cauldron is fine! It's just... Charlie's going to be there tonight."

"My brother Charlie? How do you know that?"

"Well, he kind of asked me to come out with him." Hermione blushed.

"Wait, you're telling me you're DATING my brother?" Ginny looked shocked and confused.

"No, I'm not, I swear, I think he was just trying to be nice. He said he was going to be there, and that I should come by. No dating implied." She tried to assure Ginny as best she could, but now she couldn't help but wonder, was there dating implied? She hadn't thought so when he asked, it seemed so casual. Now she wasn't so sure.

"Okay.. Well. You have to go, obviously." Ginny decided.

"What? Why?"

"Well, I stand by that it isn't his business, but that doesn't mean that I want my big brother hanging around my first date with Dean. If he's going to be there, it's perfect that you go, you'll act as a distraction."

"Ginny... Is this really a good idea? Not that I mind hanging out with your brother, but you sneaking around in the same pub? It's bound to be disastrous."

"It'll be FINE. It's settled. Now, will you come back to the Burrow with me? I've raided my closet and I have no clue what to wear."