Hermione was sitting next to George and whispering in his ear while he chuckled. Angelina was used to their odd friendship since he decided to take on the role of her older brother. He would bring things over for Hermione and Teddy on occasion, claiming he was in the area. Harry and him collaborated often to make sure the Lupin had everything he could possibly want as a child.

There was a secret pact that Bill, George and Harry had. Hermione was the first mother of their little family whether she was related or not. Despite her need to do things on her own, they would do the small things without her knowledge. Harry even put aside his lack of love for Draco so that he would talk to his dad about hiring her all those years ago. The ministry was no place for a single mom... at least that was Harry's opinion.

"Don't be such a twit," George grumbled and Hermione giggled.

Remus was standing with Harry, Sirius, and Bill, but watching the woman laugh with the Weasley. "Don't worry about it, Remus. She is just catching up with him." Harry told the werewolf.

Hermione smacked his arm and George burst into laughter, "I never thought you were the coy one, Mione!" He shouted and her face turned the color of apples.

Ginny and Angelina came into the sitting room with Fleur and the blond woman smiled at Hermione. "Your zon iz amazing, 'ermione," Fleur declared as they sat down across from her and George.

"He very much is... I am chronically having to tell myself to invest in reading material because he goes through books so swiftly. He is so outwardly sweet... but he does have a naughty streak if given the moment." Hermione loved to boast about her son.

Ginny nodded and tried to stifle a grin, "He asked me the other day if his uncle was going to be home because my Quidditch stories weren't as exciting."

Hermione shook her head and sighed, "That would be my more than honest son. Although, I think your Quidditch stories are just fine, Gin."

"He does remind me so much of Remus. It is incredible how similar they are. Probably how Remus was as a boy." Angelina remarked and that brought the werewolf over.

He was smiling and George moved from Hermione to his wife. "Thank you, George," Remus murmured and Hermione turned pink as he sat down.

"I did not have much of a childhood. I was isolated and locked up for most of it. If it wasn't for Albus coming to deliver my letter personally, I probably would have stayed that way." Remus mused and Hermione stared at him.

She took his hand and squeezed it, "I am sorry, Remus."

He chuckled and shook his head, "My life got substantially better once at Hogwarts. Sirius and James made sure of that."

There was a moment, everyone in the room saw it, Hermione was enamored by the werewolf. No trick of the light or hidden pause... she was enthralled by his courage. "I know it was rough."

He closed the gap and kissed her forehead, "You made sure I got through it, twice over now."

Sirius downed his drink and mosied over to them, "and me too!" He bent between them and kissed her lips.

Hermione jerked at the sudden action which was confusing to say the least. Remus shoved him away and Sirius belted out a hardy laugh as Hermione made efforts to hide her deep blush. The animagus knew he would get a tongue lashing later for it, but it was worth it. "Bloody sod, always sticking your mouth where it doesn't belong," Remus snapped at him but Sirius could see the curvature of his lips.

"You jealous, you want one too, Moony?" Sirius asked and leaned down, but Remus shoved his face.

Hermione giggled and shook her head, "You realize I am going to tell our son that Uncle Sirius is a poof for you."

Remus narrowed his eyes at her and folded his arms, "I highly suggest you do not. Padfoot would take that to the next step and scar my boy."

Sirius gave her a resounding nod and flopped on the couch on the other side of her, "I am most certain that it would be the most fun I have had since we were kids."

Arthur walked in through the front door with Ron and Hermione waved, "I hardly can believe my eyes. Hermione, it is so nice to see you!" He came over and kissed the woman's cheek.

"I missed you too, dad. How is the car coming?" Hermione questioned and Arthur waved.

"Absolutely a mess, but enjoyable."

Sirius raised an eyebrow before speaking, "Car trouble, Arthur? I can probably help you with it."

"No, that won't be necessary. It is what Hermione calls my 'pet project'. I enjoy tinkering with muggle workings now that I am retired."

There was thumping down the stairs, "Mom! Mom, I didn't do it!" Teddy shouted as he jumped the last couple of stairs.

"Do not lie, Teddy! You did so!" Victoire followed suit and she looked perturbed.

Hermione was glaring at her son, "Did you ruin her dress?"

"It was an accident, mom. She was teasing me about my books and I got annoyed. The paint just knocked over, I didn't touch it!" Teddy exclaimed and Hermione pulled out her wand.

Bill pointed a finger at his daughter, "It is not nice to tease people."

Hermione flicked her wand at the pink dress and it cleaned up quickly, "Next time you come get an adult if someone is being mean, Edward. I mean it," Hermione scolded him and the boy hung his head.

"Teddy, I am sorry. Your books are nice," Victoire murmured and the boy hugged her.

"It's alright, we can share you know, Vicky. Let me show you the one about the dragons. Uncle Charlie sent me that one for Christmas last year." Teddy offered and they left for the upper floors again.

Remus chuckled and shook his head, "They might be trouble at Hogwarts."

"Already making trouble with the ladies... he has my spark," Sirius interjected and Hermione paled.

"Do not prophesize that, Sirius! My son is going to be a good boy, not a wanker." Hermione shoved the dark-haired wizard and Harry shook his head.

"He is going to be like Hermione. Completely awkward unless books are involved."

Remus and Hermione gazed at each other and had the same thought at the same time, "We both are," the werewolf spoke aloud.

Arthur who was making himself a drink glanced over at them, "I always had a feeling about you two. Mind you, the age difference was quite distracting but other than that, it made sense. I cannot say more about it... it wouldn't be proper."

Remus was actually relieved to see him so accepting, "I know it makes little difference now, but I did go through all of my reservations throughout her very persistent nature."

Ron was slunk over one of the chairs and frowned, "It couldn't have been that hard, Remus. She was your student at one point."

Sirius shook his head and sighed, "You did not read how this bookish witch can write a letter. Moony offered me a good read the other night."

Hermione turned scarlet and nudged the werewolf, "I figured those would stay private."

Remus was trying to wave it off, "We are speaking about Sirius, Hermione. When has anything been private for him?"

Harry nodded and laughed, "I don't think you would be able to keep much from him by the sounds of it, Remus."

Sirius leaned closer to Hermione, "You did me quite the favor watching after him as you did."

Hermione patted Sirius's arm, "I had to, Sirius. He is spectacular."

Remus surprised her by kissing her cheek and taking her hand, "It was most appreciated."

Ron raised an eyebrow at the witch and moved to speak, but Teddy had wandered down into the sitting room. "Mother," he started and Hermione always knew he wanted something when he called her that.

"Yes, love?"

"May we please have a sleep over? Victoire was asking." Teddy said promptly and the small blond peeked around his shoulder.

"Please, Aunt Hermione?"

Fleur glanced over at Bill who nudged his head at Hermione; they did not want to admit it, but they have been begging to spoil Teddy. "How about Teddy comez with uz, 'ermione?"

Hermione chewed her lip and blushed, it would be the first real sleep over her son has done, "I- well- er- really?"

Teddy held his hand out in a begging manner and pouted, "Please, mother? I promise I will be on my very best behavior."

Bill leaned over the couch and smiled, "Please? When is the last time you had some time alone?"

"Maybe next time?" Hermione was trying to convince her son, but his eyes grew wider.

"Please? I swear I will be absolutely polite."

Deflated, Hermione gave her son a solemn nod, "Alright, seeing as your aunt and uncle are determined."

The children celebrated and Victoire stole Teddy into the kitchen, "Gran! Teddy is going to have a slumber party with me!"

Hermione folded her arms and thinned her lips, "Does he really have to?"

Remus chuckled and shook his head, "You really think you were going to get out of that? He is, after all, a bit of you."

She collapsed against the back of the couch and Arthur chuckled, "My dear, you are going to have to let your son be a boy. Only four years until he is at Hogwarts."

Her eyes grew and she covered her face, "Don't remind me, I might cry."

Remus pulled her close and she glanced up at him, "You did very well. He is a sweet child, Hermione."

Her eyes were brimming with tears, "I know, of course, he is. He is our Teddy, Remus."

"Hey, why don't you come over tonight and drink with us?" Sirius asked and Hermione's face hardened.

Harry nudged Ginny and she nodded, "Me too, it has been too long." Harry responded.

Ron was about to join in and George glared at him, "Not you, Ron. You haven't apologized to Hermione yet."

"George should go too," Angelina offered and George grinned at her.

"You are the best, love," George kissed her cheek and Angelina nodded.

"I know. It just means you owe me," she teased and the redhead rolled his eyes.

"We could take all four of them," Bill offered and the adults glanced at each other.

Fleur grinned and nodded, "It would be zupendous! My zizter would love to zee the children."

"It would be nice for the cousins to spend time together," Ginny responded and Angelina agreed.

"Alright, I would be happy to be childless for the night if you want to, Bill and Fleur."

Ron gave Hermione a sheepish expression, "I am sorry for being a wanker, Hermione. Can I please join the festivities?"

Hermione pointed to the animagus who was gazing over at her, "The decision is in his hands. I am not hosting the evening."

"Sure, you can come. Under the condition that you get on your knees, kiss her shoes and beg for forgiveness." Sirius gave him a dismissing gesture and Hermione gasped.

"Sirius Black!" Hermione exclaimed and Sirius grinned at her.

"I never said I was a saint, sweetheart," he retorted to her and she scowled.

"Sirius..." Remus started but was secretly enjoying Ron's squirming.

"Fine!" He exasperated and flung his hands out, "Just behave yourself and don't be a prat."

That earned Sirius a kiss on the cheek from Hermione and she patted his back before standing, "I am going to run to the restroom before Mum calls us to dinner."

She disappeared up the stairs and Remus was eyeing the smug animagus. Sirius caught wind of the werewolf's eyes and they held a small, silent conversation that spoke volumes. Remus was relieved to have his best mate in the corner with him and rooting for him finally. Whatever took place was enough for Sirius to see it was more than preference, it was family.

"Dinner," Molly called from the kitchen and that shifted the room.

Everyone moved to get up and leave for the kitchen, but Remus lingered... he waited for her to join him down the stairs.

0o0o

The long table was covered in spirits and glasses as they sat around it in 12 Grimmauld Place. Dinner was a success and all the children went with Bill and Fleur, leaving their respective parents to join in on the merriment. It was the first time in a long while that any of them were allotted this much time to drink and be adults.

Ginny was giggling and leaning on Hermione, "Merlin, do you remember when you asked me what do you tell Teddy when he asks about girls?"

Hermione paled after swigging her glass, "Don't talk about it! He still hasn't and part of me hopes he doesn't until after he's done with school."

Remus made a face and shook his head, "No, he can come to me about that. He should not wait to have that conversation..."

Sirius chuckled and nodded, "I am going to make sure he has that conversation well before then too."

Hermione nearly spilled her drink, "What have I done, bringing back both of them. I used to think Remus was so well mannered."

Harry was blushing as he cleared his throat, "Well... Mione. You both did have a son together..."

Her drink hung in the air, her hand clinging it tightly, "I know that, Harry."

Remus leaned forward and a small devious smirk curled his lips, "I do too."

Angelina raised an eyebrow and ignored Ron's grimace, "I have to ask, what did she say to you to... you know. We all know you are a quiet and proper man."

Sirius bellowed out laughter and shook his head, "Moony isn't as proper as the lot of you think. He-" the animagus couldn't finish because Remus elbowed him roughly.

"She gave me an offer that even a sober man would not refuse." Remus murmured dismissively and George laughed, tapping the table.

The bushy-haired witch was almost purple, "I told him that it was high time he lived by a few of his instinctual needs." She was trying to play it off, but her expression was that of mortification.

"Hermione! I did not know you had it in you!" George hollered in shock and Sirius cleared his throat.

"Instinctual needs, Hermione?" The animagus snickered and Hermione downed her drink.

"Yes, in case anyone else is wondering, I straddled his lap and made him kiss me first. Now, can we please get off this subject?"

Sirius could not hide the smell of envy and Remus was certainly aware of it now. He had caught whiff of it in the past few weeks, but only assumed it was about her presence, now, it was clear. This only made her moving in more difficult as the werewolf concluded and had to bite back a bit of guilt for it. Remus finished his glass and turned to Harry.

"Any plans of another, Harry?" Remus asked and everyone seemed surprised by his inquiry.

Ginny giggled and tugged on her husband, "Talking just yet, Remus. He has been trying to convince me of it."

Sirius raised his glass and gave her a nod, "Scores of Potters. A whole Quidditch team I am sure James is cheering for!"

Ron tapped the table gently and when he spoke it was a mumble, "I am asking Padma to marry me next weekend..."

The table erupted in celebration and Remus found it was a great time to duck out from the noise. He had done his best to recover and try to enjoy the loud Burrow and even enjoyed having a drink with them, but now it was too much. He made it into the drawing room with his glass and heard the small footfalls behind him. "Feeling a bit reclusive, Hermione?" He inquired without turning around.

"Only if you don't mind the company, Moony," her voice was soft and tender.

He shifted toward her after he had crossed the room and she was fidgeting by the chair. "If it is your company, I would never deny it."

"Remus," she started and he waved her off as he pressed against the nearby bookcase.

"Come here, we need to cure this aliment of yours."

Her face dropped and he smirked at her, "What?"

The werewolf wagged a finger at her and raised an eyebrow, "I can smell it on you. Come here, I have something to give you if you let me." The woman padded over slowly and he ran fingers over her cheek, "I am going to kiss you now, Hermione. If you have no interest in me doing so, you best tell me."

She did not speak as he cupped her cheek and leaned closer to her lips. Hermione's breath hitched in her throat and a small rumble left his chest as their lips met. It was sparks and left her completely breathless as it did in her memories. The witch was still very unsure of the action even as he could smell the mixture of excitement and relief swell from her in rapid succession.

When his tongue invaded her mouth, she tasted his drink mix with hers in a dance that made her sway and melt for him. The werewolf could count on one hand how many times he yearned for someone so fiercely. This moment put all others to shame as her fingers cautiously ran through his hair in a polite and exquisite way. When they parted he pressed his forehead to hers, "Come with me?" His voice was but a whisper.

"You really want me to?" Hermione was a bit shocked at his forward initiative.

"We are going to keep fighting this losing battle, Hermione. It would be quite a bit helpful if we could think around each other without me smelling your arousal every time someone brings up our tryst."

Hermione gnawed her bottom lip lightly as Remus stared down into her eyes, "I am moving in... wouldn't that pose issues?"

"Not unless you do not foresee us repeating it," his tone was playful and she smiled.

"I don't want you to think-" he paused her train of thought with a more aggressive kiss.

She moaned longingly as he took the lead on how evolved it was to become. His fingers encased her cheeks as his tongue plundered her mouth. It was so charged with desire that Hermione felt wanton and shivered from the energy he was giving to her. It all was so new and yet... so familiar. She could recall him as if he were her favorite quote in a book, but only as if she had read it in a dream.

"I never thought that this would be an option... but this is far more than I could ask for," Remus breathed once they parted and Hermione beamed.

"Can we see if this... this is still..." She couldn't find the words but he gave her a look of understanding.

"I would appreciate that," he chuckled and she took his hand as it fell away from her.

He led her out of the library and up the stairs. They did not see that they passed a pair of eyes watching from the bathroom. The stormy eyes followed them up the next staircase as they disappeared. A sickly shudder went through the wizard as he slumped down the stairs and deducted that he would get properly sloshed before the night was through with him.