DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 7: The Morning After

I woke up the next morning a little disoriented and violently hung over. Yes, it is true that as a werewolf I have a fairly high tolerance for alcohol, so I can only assume I must have drunk enough to inebriate a small army regiment.

The steamy hot shower did little to awaken my senses, but it felt good all the same. The nice thing about Wizarding establishments versus Muggle ones is that you never run out of hot water.

Once showered and dressed, I went to check on Ron. It was after noon, and he was still passed out cold, fully dressed, still lying on top of the bedding. The sight of him sprawled out on the bed like that made me laugh, but at least he was finally sleeping.

"Another Firewhisky, Mr. Lupin?" Tom asked with a sadistic grin as I entered the dining room.

"I do believe I'll pass," I answered, my head throbbing at the mere suggestion. "Perhaps a spot of breakfast and a cup of tea, though."

"It's past lunchtime," Tom saw fit to point out. "But I'm sure we can accommodate you."

About midway through my meal, Ron stumbled down the stairs and into the dining room. Red hair protruded every which way, his brown eyes were bloodshot and red rimmed, and his cloths were rumpled. He was truly a sight.

He sat and collapsed his head into crossed arms on the table. It was then that Tom brought a small satchel and a parchment over. "Mr. Malfoy said to give this to you. Dropped it by this morning."

From the looks of Ron, I knew his eyes weren't going to focus on anything but the back of his eyelids for a while, so I unrolled the parchment and began to read it out loud.

Lupin and Weasley,

Thought you could use the elixir in the pouch. It will help ease the effects of the undoubted hangover you are both suffering.

My wands down to you, Remus. I've never known anyone to drink two and a half bottles of Ogden's Old Firewhisky, although Snape insists it's only because of your lycanthropy.

Weasley, you were commendable at just over half a bottle. However, I would not recommend making a habit out of getting drunk in public. You rather act like an idiot.

Best regards,

Draco Malfoy

"Two and a half bottles, Moony?" Ron groaned. "And you live to tell the tale?"

"Barely." I laughed slightly, causing my head to once again rebel. I didn't need to be reminded what Malfoy said was in the satchel, and pulled out two vials. After handing one to Ron, I unceremoniously uncorked it and drank it down quickly.

Ron pulled a face when he drank his. I guess all the years of drinking Wolfsbane had paid off. "That was repulsive!" Ron choked out between coughs. Within moments he obviously had started to feel better.

"Think I'll go see Mum and get Merry and Nat. Probably should go home and get cleaned up a bit first." He grinned, looking down at his rumpled attire. "Maybe I'll go see Gin first though. Don't think I really congratulated her."

"She'd probably like to see you out and about," I smiled. "She's been really worried about you."

"Just like her," Ron laughed. "I should be worrying about her. She is my baby sister after all, but no, she has to go all noble and worry about me."

"She loves you."

"I know," Ron blushed. "Can't believe she's pregnant though. And what's this I hear about you being her coach?" By the look on my face Ron must have realized I didn't know what he meant by coach. "Coach. You know, go to all the birthing classes and the like. 'Mione and I went through them. Bit gruesome, really."

"Oh," I said. "Gruesome? How so?"

"Haven't seen many babies born, have you, Moony?" I shook my head and Ron grinned mischievously. "Well, far be it for me to tell you. Gin would hex me for sure if I talked you out of it."