The curly-haired witch was pacing the floor and Ginny was watching her with interest. They were at Harry's flat and Ginny was picking at her breakfast. Hermione had come over just as Harry was leaving and tried to get a solid answer on what transpired with Minerva the afternoon before.
"I don't understand, Ginny. Why wouldn't he just tell me what he was doing?" Hermione questioned gently, and the redhead smirked.
"Hermione, even if he were here, he wouldn't tell you. From the moment you told him your theories on Kurt really being Remus from another time, he has been unremitting to fixing the situation."
Hermione scowled over at her. "Ginny, he wouldn't just run off to go help him if something wasn't spoken. McGonagall wouldn't have allowed it. You should have seen the way she acted toward me."
Ginny pursed her lips and lounged in her chair. "It matters to you this much?"
"Yes!"
The redhead sipped her teacup and shrugged her shoulders. "Harry told her the truth. If she didn't let us help him, then she doesn't really want him to heal or find out how this happened. I can see why she would prevent it, but I am not certain for what."
Hermione ran her fingers through her hair. "Do you think it is because of us?"
"No."
The older witch looked exasperated as she spoke. "Then what? What reason did she give Harry?"
Ginny sat for a moment looking at her grow unglued. "Because what if he doesn't want to be Remus, Hermione."
"That's silly, Gin. Why wouldn't he want to be who he is?"
"Sometimes we have to be who we aren't in order to find out who we truly are."
It was in that one sentence that she knew she had struck gold with Hermione. Her entire face fell, and she frowned with amused annoyance breaching the corners of her expression. "I hate it when you throw my logic back at me." Hermione snapped and sat in the chair across from her.
"Harry told me McGonagall gasped and then laughed before agreeing to let him help. She is just as apprehensive and has been keeping him stable, but she told Harry he is flailing, and she isn't positive how to prevent him from falling apart."
Hermione waved her off as she was making tea. "That's easy. Teach a werewolf how to be a werewolf. Show him things he forgot. He clearly hasn't a clue who he was before this…"
"And now you see why my boyfriend is mending a broken werewolf after a full moon," Ginny told her and Hermione sighed heavily.
"We need to fix this. Regardless of who he thinks he is; Remus needs someone to love him. That was true with the older version, and it is truest still." The older witch declared, and Ginny stared down at her plate.
"I have a bad feeling about this," she paused as Hermione frowned at her. "Not helping him. The part about him just showing up. There is more to this story."
"I agree, but we have to let him tell us in his own time."
The witches sat and had tea while they waited for the Potter to show back up. He didn't arrive for another hour before just heading to take a nap. Hermione sourly pouted before dashing off to work… she would get her answers eventually.
~O~O~O~O~
Kurt was yanking at his collar of his buttoned shirt under his patched-up jumper as he approached the makeshift building. He felt his Adam's apple sliding against his collar in anxiety. The werewolf was still very tired from the full moon, but there was an excitement to meeting these people. Luna offered to stop by and Harry agreed it would be best.
He heard a thump behind him and a small gasp. "Oi! Fake Moony!" Ron exclaimed, and Kurt frowned back at the Weasley advancing.
"I prefer Kurtis," he replied, and Ron grinned at him.
"You even sound like him. I have to say. You are going to make my mum's night."
"Has Harry arrived already?" Kurt asked, and Ron rubbed the back of his neck.
"Likely not. He and Ginny were a bit cozy when I stopped by."
Kurt chewed his lip and frowned. "Well, maybe I should just-" he paused when Ron laughed.
"Come on, mate," Ron declared and wrapped his arm around the man's shoulders.
Ron dragged the werewolf inside, and there were sounds of laughing that was greeting them. Kurt glanced around and saw Hermione sitting with an older man, and they were going over a book.
"Look, there is an American style from the seventies," Hermione said with a grin, and the man shook his head.
"And they think we dress outlandish," the man said, and the witch caught sight of them.
"Kurtis!" Hermione shouted and jumped up. "You are here? Oh, Harry must have invited you. How are you doing? I hope you didn't feel guilted into coming." her words were streaming into one another as she closed the distance between her and the two men.
The whole situation had been comical like two animals touching noses in surprise. She was standing in front of them, and he had leaned backward in the abruptness of her inquiries. Ron pulled away and glanced at the two of them.
"You sound like you have spent a bit more time with him," Ron sounded amused, and Hermione blushed furiously.
"He was working a temporary position at a bookstore, Ronald," Hermione said defensively, and Kurt smirked.
"Well, it made for interesting conversation," He murmured with a grin and the witch lit up further.
He wasn't going to lie to himself this time. Her scent was enlightening with floral mixtures and sweet textures like freshly made cookies. She massaged her bottom lip with her teeth before she spoke. "Well, I suppose if you want to consider me educating you on touchy subjects," she snipped and pivoted toward the couch. "Dad, did you need a drink?"
The older man nodded and smiled warmly. "Of course, lovely."
Hermione skipped off to the other room, and the werewolf ran his fingers over the hem of his sweater. "Good evening, Kurtis Lyall." He announced and went to shake the older man's hand.
"Arthur Weasley, it nice to meet you." He declared and shook the outreached hand.
"Charmed. Your home is very idyllic," Kurt responded, releasing the hand.
Arthur shook with laughter, and his head swayed. "That is kind of you, Kurtis. It is quite large now that the children are all but out. Ginny is rarely home, and she was my little girl."
The older man offered him a seat in the armchair as the Weasley son flopped down on the couch next to his father. "It's alright, dad. I will still come and raid your cupboards."
Arthur rustled Ron's hair and smiled over at the werewolf. "So, Harry tells me that your Great Aunt is Minerva? I knew about her extended family, but it isn't often we meet any of them."
Kurt thinned his lips and exhaled. "I- well- er." He struggled.
"She noticed that his talents were being wasted at his parent's old bookstore. After his father passed away, his mother insisted on his aunt taking him under her wing." Hermione declared as she came back into the sitting room.
The witch handed a glass to Arthur before giving a butterbeer each to the younger wizards. "Thanks, Mione." Ron sniggered as he held up the bottle.
She rolled her eyes. "Ronald, I told you, I do not appreciate that nickname." Hermione finished and moved to squeeze next to Arthur, but Kurt stood up.
"Please, by all means," he insisted , nd she gave him a wide-eyed look.
"No, you are a guest, sit down, please." She responded and Arthur gave his son a skeptical look.
He pulled her gently by the hand and slanted his head toward the chair. "Miss Granger, let me be a gentleman?"
Her cheeks were bright with color and her voice was small. "Kurtis."
"Sit down," he said flatly and took a few steps back.
"This is more interesting than mum talking about her witch novels," Ron mused and Hermione plopped in the chair with a frown.
A larger woman entered the room and gasped. "Oh, is this the darling from Flourish and Blott's that Harry spoke of? My, you do look so much like a former member of this family." Molly declared and wiped her hands on her apron. "Molly Weasley, dear. It is so lovely you are joining us for dinner." Molly murmured and embraced the surprised werewolf.
He choked on a laugh. "It is a pleasure, Molly."
She pulled away and took his chin between her fingers. "Kurtis, you look like you need food. Come get a bite before dinner?"
Kurt smiled and shook his head as much as he could with her hand there. "I can wait for dinner. From what I hear your cooking cannot be compared to it is so masterful."
Molly blushed lightly and laughed. "Oh, you are charming!"
The fireplace went off and Harry came through. "Oh, our favorite professor is here!" Harry announced and Kurt cleared his throat.
"Title, but as of yet, the beloved professor is still pending, Harry." Kurt responded, and Harry bounded over, tousling his hair.
Molly smiled and shook her head. "This reminds me of a group of friends…" she trailed off and smiled down at Hermione. "Darling, come help me with the food," she told her, and Hermione frowned.
"You never ask for my help…"
Harry kicked her shin slightly. "Just do it, Granger." He hissed, and Hermione groaned.
Molly waved her to follow, and Ginny popped through. "You too, daughter. We need to leave the boys to be wizards for a bit."
Ginny looked stunned, but then her mouth dropped. "So, this is the wizard Hermione couldn't shut her lips about? My you do look familiar."
The mortified curly-haired witch followed Molly into the kitchen without a word. Kurt, however, couldn't hide the smirk and arched an eyebrow. "Are you telling me that she was detailed about our lunch together?"
Ginny bounced over to him and sneered. "Ginevra Weasley. Harry's wonderful girlfriend, Hermione's best friend and Ron's most spectacular sister." She reached for his hand, and he shook it.
"Kurtis Lyall, nice to finally meet you. Harry said such lovely things about you."
"I heard about you tons myself," Ginny teased with a broad smile and Kurt's cheeks tinted.
Ron snorted and patted his father's shoulder. "I told you she was twitchy about him. Something about bookish wizards."
Kurt frowned and thinned his lips. "Ron, don't sell your friend so short," He chided him, and Ginny snorted.
"You are ridiculous…" Ginny grumbled and giggled to herself. "I am going to go see what my mum wants. Hello, dad," she finished and kissed her dad before bounding off to the kitchen.
Kurt sat down in the empty chair and sighed. "Interesting bunch you all seem to be," he remarked, and Arthur chuckled.
"Believe me it is something you will get used to over time. Once George gets here you will understand a bit more." The patriarch declared, and Kurt frowned.
He swigged his butterbeer and Harry smiled at him. "So far so good?"
The werewolf sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, not exactly having tea with my aunt, so I believe we are on the right track." He murmured, and Harry chuckled.
Ron pointed at him with a frown. "What is that like? I always imagined her to be… scary."
"She is very scary but quite intelligent and there isn't really any lying to her." Kurt admitted, and Ron snorted.
"I have to ask you, Kurtis. You aren't any relation to a Lupin, are you?" Arthur questioned, and the werewolf thinned his lips.
"I might. I am not sure of my mother's maiden name."
Arthur smiled while hemming. "Yes, I can see it. You do have that look about you."
Ron swigged the last of his butterbeer. "Well, you aren't married with kids, are you?" He asked and the man bristled.
"No, I am not." Kurt replied.
Harry shifted with a bright smile. "So, Luna tells me you two are close."
Kurt's tinted cheeks turned into dark maroon. "She has been helping me get adjusted. The girl is a bit odd, but our conversing is nice and comfortable."
The front door opened and another redhead Weasley joined the room with a woman. They however had a box that was jerking and moving. "Good evening, family. Where is the soon to be birthday girl?"
Kurt scowled and mouthed the word 'birthday girl,' to Harry who was grinning. "She's in the kitchen being hassled by mum." Ron elected as Arthur laughed.
The woman waved and smiled. "Hello, I am Angelina. You must be Kurtis. Thanks for coming to the party."
"I am George. The better looking Weasley son," George announced with a wide smile as he reached for Kurt's hand.
The werewolf noted he was missing an ear and snorted with a small smile. "You are the joke shop owner?" he asked, and George nodded with a laugh.
"You bet, little Ronnie works with me too." George set down the box, and it barked loudly. "Shush, you are going to ruin the surprise!" He hissed at the box.
"Whose birthday is it?" Kurt asked, distinctly uncomfortable by the prospect of being clueless.
"Why our family bookworm and shut in. She hates loud and obnoxious parties, so we have a family dinner." Ron snickered, and Harry groaned.
"You know she hates when you call her a shut-in, Ron." Harry murmured.
Arthur shook his head. "Be nice, Ronald. She enjoys reading and works extremely hard. There is nothing wrong with that."
"She eventually should do the whole dating thing, dad." George snickered, and Angelina waved them off.
"She will in her own time. I am going to go say hello," she announced and strolled off toward the kitchen.
Kurt dismissed the conversation; he was not going to take any part in electing anyone to date if they chose not. "What is the gift, George?"
George smirked and held up a finger. "A surprise worth waiting for. I had to talk to several different people, take a trip to Ireland, and a bit of money, but I am sure she will love it."
Hermione rushed from the kitchen with Ginny in tow. "Hermione, come on!" Ginny growled, and Hermione seemed flustered.
"No, no, and no, Ginny. There are more important things going on," Hermione swiftly marched up the stairs and shot a glare back at her. "I am running to the bathroom." She disappeared up the staircase.
"Tell me, darling, what is wrong?" Arthur asked, and Ginny exhaled.
"She won't let me and Harry take her on holiday." Ginny grumbled and sat next to her dad and brother.
George rolled his eyes and rested on the arm on the sofa. "Well, you are talking about Hermione Granger. I don't think that witch has taken one day off since she started working at the Ministry."
Harry cleared his throat. "She forgot to tell you what type of holiday."
Kurt finished his butterbeer and thinned his lips. "I imagine somewhere with beaches and no books." He grumbled, and Ginny grinned at him.
"Exactly! I just want her to get a little sun and enjoy some time out."
"I told you, she doesn't want to be the token friend, Ginny. Things would be easier for her if she weren't… you know." Harry replied lowly, and George laughed.
"You lot talk about her like she is a spinster."
Arthur waved them off and smiled. "She will do what she always has done. Surprise us," he declared, and the witch descended the stairs.
"Kurt, would you like to see the outside of the house?" Hermione offered, seeing that he seemed somewhat uncomfortable.
He was rubbing his neck with a few fingers in an attempt to stop the uncomfortable itching and irritability building. "I could use a pleasant stroll outside," he murmured, standing up and placing his empty bottle on the table.
"Hey, take your gift with you!" George shouted as he opened the lid of the box.
Out bounced a small black dog with gray eyes. It was just small enough to be a significant lap dog, but it was how he looked that Hermione gasped and dropped to her knees. "Snuffles!" she exclaimed, and the dog ran to her.
Her eyes were brimming with tears as she caressed the ratty looking animal. "He won't need food or water. It is just a replica enchantment. Harry told me you needed a companion since Crooks went missing and I thought what better than a Sirius look alike." George told her, and she gulped.
Kurt however felt a stirring. He saw the animal, and faded memories started to surface. One in the common room late at night when he needed comfort after a long day. One where the moonlight glinted through the broken boards of the shack and the dog waited for the painful transformation to finish. Another where they were walking down the street in London in attempt to get him a date; all girls love dogs.
The memories were there and sitting for him to contemplate over in fear and regret. The last one was the night he left, and Sirius was lifeless on the ground. Someone had killed his best friend in front of his eyes and there was nothing he could do about it. Kurt took off outside the front door and was gasping for air. He howled in pain once he passed through the gate and shuddered at the dark memory.
"Kurt!" Hermione's voice shouted as she dashed after him.
He turned and saw her with the dog trailing behind her. "Hermione," Kurt's voice was ragged, and she stared at him wide-eyed.
"You remember something?" she asked, and he nodded slowly.
"I- just- it-" he stuttered, and the witch embraced him tightly.
He buried his face in her hair and inhaled her scent. "It's alright, I know."
Of course, she knew, she knew it all along. "Hermione, they come in waves sometimes. It is hard to know what is real at times." He whispered, still clinging to the woman's body like a lifeline.
"Seeing him was a trigger, I am sorry. Had I known what he was giving me I would have told him to wait." Hermione murmured gently, and the dog came up panting.
Kurt pulled away, glancing down at the small copy of his friend. "You look exactly like him. George did a remarkable job." He whispered and kneeled to pet the dog.
"Remus," Hermione said and cringed at the slip.
"Yes, Hermione?" he asked, still staring at the dog.
"Remus," she repeated, climbing on the ground next to him.
He gazed over at her, and her eyes were filled with tears hesitating to fall. "Yes, I know." He breathed, and she tackled him, knocking him entirely to the ground.
Her face was buried against his jumper, and she shook with a sob. "Please, please don't leave us now." She begged gently, and his heart softened.
"Why would I leave?"
Hermione was silent a moment, collecting herself, as she wiped her face and stared down at him. "Because you and Sirius left us. We went through so much at the end of the war, I don't know if we could do with another unkindness. I know you don't know this and frankly the timeline is a bit off, but you are him. I see it in you. Don't disappear because we already lost you once."
He sat up to greet her stare with his own calm one. "Hermione, we have a long way to go before I know who I am, but I am willing to make an effort. I need you to trust me. We are in this together."
Kurt wasn't sure how the moment transpired. One blink of an eye she was smiling, and the very next, her lips were against his. It wasn't heated or passionate in a way that would lead to more that just what it was; a simple kiss. Her lips were soft and salty from her tears, but a piece of him regretted when she pulled away from their chaste embrace. "I am sorry," she breathed.
Without another word, she stood up and cleared her throat. Straightening her shirt, she wiped her eyes and patted the dog's head. The werewolf was still stunned by her intimate deed and remained on the dirt until she looked at him. "Let me show you the Burrow?" she asked, and he gazed up at her, his eyebrows nearly lost to his hair.
"Well, I suppose," he mumbled and stood up.
She waved him along and smiled. "I spent a good bulk of summers here."
He followed and she started in on small details about her childhood and growing up around the Weasley's home. All the while he was trying to place why the kiss seemed so much more important than a small act of relief. There was a story yet to be told in this timeline… one of which he wasn't sure he was prepared to hear.