Please read disclaimer in the first 3 chapters.


The Thursday Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson was done and students were dispersing.

Ginny quickly gathered her things and turned to look at her friend whose movement in fixing her things was as slow as a snail's. "Are you going down for dinner?" She asked her.

"Yes, I think so. But first I have to talk to Remus. You go on ahead." Hermione smiled and bid Ginny goodbye.

"Bye, Professor." Ginny waved at Remus, who was gathering his things too. He smiled and waved at her, and she went out of the room.

"Do you think she's that hungry then?" Remus stood up and inquired at Hermione who was the only one inside. The redhead would always accompany her friend when she wanted to talk to their professor. Sometimes, even acting as their watch-out.

"She might. You know with her stomach growling almost every hour." She said as she followed him to the foot of the stairs leading to his office.

Remus waited for her at the end and motioned for her to go up first.

Hermione smiled. "Still a gentleman, I see." She said as she walked up to him and gave him a peck on the lips as she passed him by.

He chuckled and followed her up to his office. She sat on the couch in front of the fireplace while he put his things down on his table and prepared some tea.

She was lost in thought when he sat down beside her and put an arm around her shoulders.

"Want some tea, love?" Remus asked her, offering a cup.

She nodded and smiled at him. She took the cup and took a sip.

"What are you thinking?" He asked, looking at her.

"Christmas vacation. Molly sent me a letter inviting me to stay in the Burrow." She said, still staring at the fire.

"And, what did you say then?" He waited.

He knew why Molly wanted her in the Burrow for Christmas. Hermione's parents were still under her powerful memory charm, and the counter spell for it was still being developed. She wasn't aware that she had performed a really powerful charm on her parents that would make them forget her for forever if not for the right reversal spell. He knew that she missed them very much, but she would just have to wait; she only did it for their safety.

"Nothing." Hermione said as she put her cup down, "Yet." She continued and turned to look at him. "I don't know what to say to her. I wanted to stay here and be with you. I mean, if you would want me to, of course." She said sounding unsure.

Remus put his cup down too and thought about it for a second before responding. "I think you should spend Christmas there, Hermione," he started. "It's not that I don't want you here, love, believe me I do, but I'm not sure Molly would want you to spend your Christmas in this castle and other people would get suspicious if they saw us together here during the break."

"Well, I suppose you're right. But I'll terribly miss you." She said, wrapping her arms around his neck for an embrace.

"Love, it's not like you're not going to see me anymore. If you want, I could invite you to go out for some of the days while you're there. Of course, we would have to think of reasons why you would be going out of the house with me." He was glad he had suggested that because her reaction made his heart jump. Her face lit up and her eyes twinkled at his suggestion.

"Oh, Remus! I'd love that!" She embraced him again, this time with so much force that he was sent lying down on the couch. He chuckled at her enthusiasm. Good thing they'd put their tea on the table.

.

Christmas vacation came and Hermione was lounging on the couch. She was supposed to be reading a muggle romance book but couldn't focus. Her mind constantly drifted off to her boyfriend who she knew was alone in his quarters in an almost empty castle. He still hadn't written to her yet which made her anxious.

She sighed rather loudly and caught the attention of Harry and Ron who were both playing wizard's chess whilst Ginny watched.

"What's wrong, Hermione? Not a good book?" Harry said and looked at her, concerned.

"No, it's not that. It's about R – " she was about to say Remus but remembered that Harry and Ron still didn't know about their relationship.

"About R? Do you mean me, Hermione? Why? I'm right in front of you." Ron asked, looking confused at her.

"Just because she started with an R doesn't mean that it's about you, Ronald, you pig-head." Ginny rolled her eyes at him. She looked at Hermione with a face that said it's about time you tell them.

She sighed again. This time, Harry looked at her intently, forgetting about their game. "What is it then?" He inquired when he felt her struggle. He knew that Hermione was keeping something from them.

Ron, too, looked at her questioningly.

"Go ahead. Tell them. Mum's outside in the garden with Bill. Fleur went to get some groceries and Fred and George are still at their shop. It's just us." Ginny said, encouraging her friend.

"Tell us what?" Ron asked, rather impatient.

"Oh, all right then." She took a deep breath and slowly said, "I'm dating someone."

Harry looked at her expectantly, urging her to continue. Ron's face didn't change and Ginny simply waited, though she looked like her patience was wearing off.

She couldn't do this anymore, so Hermione decided that the quicker she said it, the quicker her worries would get out of her system. "For Merlin's sake, I'm dating Remus."

There was a moment of silence as Harry and Ron blinked at her. Ginny was looking like she was counting under her breath. Hermione was starting to get nervous and was unconsciously twiddling her fingers.

Finally, Harry seemed to come out of his reverie and said, "Wow... That's Remus as in Remus Lupin?"

Hermione smiled uncertainly. "Um, yes, Harry. I'm dating Remus Lupin."

Then suddenly, Ron laughed. "Really, Hermione? You're joking, right?" He said.

Ginny's patience seemed to snap because she hit Ron with a throw pillow and with a quick ouch, Ron looked at her. "You git, why would Hermione joke about this?"

"I just didn't think that Hermione would have the guts to have a relationship with a professor. I mean, with her follow-the-rules-attitude. And Merlin, Remus? I didn't think of him as a rule-breaker too. No offense, Hermione, but you're both rule-abiders." Ron explained.

"Well, I don't know if this'll be of any importance, but Remus and I have been dating for nearly a month now."

Ron's mouth dropped. "Nearly a month? Bloody hell. I-I didn't... You... I thought... Wow." He said, his eyes wide as he leaned back on the couch.

Ginny rolled her eyes. Harry was very quiet after Hermione answered his question.

"Harry?" She asked.

He looked at her. She knew that look: his deep-in-thought face. A few moments passed, and Harry nodded and said, "Well, if you and Remus are happy then I am too." He smiled at her, relief was shown on her face. He looked at Ron and nudged him.

"What? Oh." He said as Harry motioned for him to say something. He sat up. "Yeah, yeah. It's fine with me too. I just couldn't believe it at first, but I remember the look he gave when he was looking at you during the celebration for your new law about equal rights for all creatures and protection for them. There were something in his eyes then that I couldn't exactly figure out but his look was intense. He was like watching your every move one time and then he suddenly left so I thought I was mistaken then. But now I kinda know why." He said, grinning at her.

Hermione was surprised at this information. She didn't notice Remus' looks during the party. She'd mention it to him later. For now, she was happy that her best friends approved of their relationship. She quickly moved to hug them both.

Harry and Ron laughed, putting their arms around her too. When they pulled back, Harry said, "I know this sounds cliché, but when I see him one of these days, I'll have to talk to him, alright?" He grinned at her.

"Yeah, me too!" Ron added to Harry's statement. Ginny rolled her eyes again but grinned at them.

Hermione laughed and said, "Fine. Fine. But don't scare him away, okay?" She said, knowing all too well that her boys only cared and wanted the best for her.

.

The next day, after breakfast, Hermione was helping Molly with the dishes until an owl flew into the kitchen and hooted at her.

She looked at Molly, and the Weasley matriarch said, "Go ahead, dear. I'm fine with this." She said, quickly, understanding that the letter seemed to be important to her as she sought her permission with one look.

As fast as she could, Hermione went to her and Ginny's room, carrying the owl with her. Finding the room empty, she promptly sat on the bed and started to unroll the parchment.

My Dearest Hermione,

I'm writing this letter to let you know that I'll be there the day before Christmas. Molly had invited me. I can't wait to see you again, my love.

Speaking of Christmas, do you want to go out on that day? I was thinking that we could go to the village near Hogsmeade so we wouldn't be noticed and the chances of running into others would be lessened. We can have lunch at some restaurant in the village and I'll bring you back home before dinner. Think you can handle Molly? Or do you need my help?

Send your reply back with this owl quickly. I miss you.

Remus

Hermione smiled as she re-read the letter a few times before looking for an empty parchment and quill to reply.

Remus,

I can't wait to see you too. And yes, I'd love to. Anywhere with you is fine. I think I can handle Molly. Harry and Ron know, I'm sure they'll help.

I miss you too. X

Hermione

She sent her reply and re-read Remus' letter again. Oh she couldn't wait until Christmas Eve.