Ginny's assumption ended up being right, it was much different than the weeks before. Everyone had turned up at dinner and every Weasley male seemed to hover over her anytime she was alone and one of the twins was always close by, casting sideways glances at her as if checking her wellbeing. Remus noticed and approved but he felt Hermione's growing irritation. When Molly announced dinner was ready she practically fell into her seat beside him.
You okay?
She shrugged leaning her head on his shoulder, I know they mean well but I don't want them to act like this around me forever.
It won't always be like this. Just give them time. He kissed her temple when she nodded.
Ron and Lavender showed up then, having skipped the social part of the evening and Hermione felt Remus stiffen beside her as his fury blossomed in her chest. Plastering on a smile she let her hand rest on his leg, tighten slightly as she felt him vibrate under her. He looked at her suddenly and she met his eye to see Moony boring into her.
Mate, he growled in her head and her smile turned genuine.
Moony, she confirmed.
That one is who hurt you.
He did but that was before. He doesn't matter anymore. Moony immediately kissed her, oblivious to everyone at the table watching them, and she submitted knowing that it was what he needed. When he pulled back she saw Remus fighting gold and smiled at him. Hello love.
You talked him down, even in her head she could hear his astonishment.
I know what my mate needs, she said confidently and kissed him gently taking his hand.
Looking back at the table she blushed realizing everyone was watching them. It was eventually Sirius who broke the silence, "That was the hottest thing I have ever witnessed."
Most of the table erupted in laugher and Hermione let her jaw drop, "Sirius Black!"
"Does anyone want to explain what just happened?" Ron questioned, his tone harsh.
Hermione felt Remus growl and turned to face Ron. "Nope," she popped the 'p' in an exaggerated manner. Ron seemed flabbergasted by her response but said no more. "How are you Lavender?"
"I am well," she smiled kindly taking a seat across from her next to Ginny. "You look very happy."
"I am," she squeezed Remus's hand. He was talking with Arthur but she knew he was listening.
Lavender watched the pair closely before speaking, "There is something about you two, I just can't place it. I want something like that."
From his seat beside Ginny Harry snickered, "They're very unique, that's for sure."
"I have to agree with you there, love," Ginny piped up smirking at her fiancé.
Hermione rolled her eyes at her best friends when Sirius spoke, "It's because they're mates. It's unlikely you will find something like what they have." He said it nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders not realizing everyone in the vicinity slowly turning their attention to him.
"Did you say 'mates'?" George questioned.
Stilling with his drink halfway to his mouth Sirius realized his mistake. "Um..no.."
"You did! What did you mean?" Fred asked clearly confused.
Remus..
"That's up to you love," he whispered so only she could hear.
She squeezed his hand and let go turning to Fred. "I am Remus's mate." She waited for everyone to absorb the information before continuing, "I'm sure you have questions and we are willing to answer them as long as they are within reason."
Everyone seemed taken aback but it was Molly who asked the first question, "Is this because of..what happened dear?"
She gave her a small smile, "No. This has nothing to do with that."
"How did it happen then?" George asked.
"The wolf picks their mate leaving the human to either accept or ignore it. I choose to ignore it for a while until Pads made me acknowledge that she harbored feelings for me in return. It wasn't until then that I accepted it and pursued Hermione."
George nodded and Bill took his turn, "Will you have to turn her?"
"No," Remus's voice was sharp and she felt his anxiety. Grabbing his hand she tried to push calm through their bond. Everyone was quiet for a while and the pair just waited. This wasn't how they intended it to come up but they understood it was still a lot to take in and were willing to wait.
When Ron spoke they were all surprised, "Can it be undone?"
"No and even if it could I wouldn't want it to," she answered with conviction.
"Why wouldn't you?" He barked back.
"Because I happen to love Remus," she quipped easily.
Ron gaped like a fish and in his confusion Lavender took her chance to speak, "If it can't be undone does that mean it is permanent?"
Remus answered this time, "Yes. Werewolves mate for life. Although if she wished, Hermione could choose to be with someone else."
"But I won't," she told him sternly.
"Have you two bonded yet?" Hermione blushed and snapped her head to Charlie who was sitting at the end of the table eating his food, seemingly unconcerned with the topic. When they didn't answer he looked at them and quirked an eyebrow, "I may be a dragonologist but I do know quite a lot about other magical creatures."
Remus nodded and gave him an approving look, "Yes, we've bonded."
Charlie nodded and returned to his food while everyone else had new looks of confusion. Eventually Ginny was the one to vocalize what everyone was thinking about asking, "Bonded?"
Hermione looked at Remus and he shrugged, That is completely up to you. I have no issue with them knowing you are mine completely. Nodding she tried to ignore what his claim did to her body and turned back to the table, "It is old magic that occurs when a mated couple copulate for the first time. It binds the souls and magic of the mated pair."
Ginny shrieked and clapped her hands, "You're soulmates!" Laughing Hermione nodded.
Ron's voice cut her off as she started to speak, "But you were married to Tonks. Was she not your mate?"
"Obviously not you imbecile," Sirius snapped. "Have you heard nothing they've said? Werewolves mate for life, which means they only get one mate. If Hermione is his mate clearly Dora was not!"
Hermione put her hand on his shoulder and he sagged into her touch. When Remus spoke his voice didn't convey the fury she knew he was feeling. "Dora was my wife but we were not compatible. My wolf knew this and I ignored him, choosing instead to marry her. But my wolf never accepted her as our mate because he knew something was off. Evidently he was right because she left Teddy and I." Hermione leaned into Remus' shoulder.
"I guess the only real question left is when are you getting married?" Molly inquired after everyone was quiet for a bit, she was vibrating with excitement.
"Actually mum," Charlie spoke around a piece of potato, "according to werewolf customs, they are already married."
Ginny shrieked again and Lavender smiled at her blindingly. "Is that true?" Molly looked ready to burst. Hermione merely nodded and there was a slit second before Molly was around the table and hugging the pair. "Oh isn't this exciting! We need to celebrate!"
"Molly, it's not a big deal," Hermione tried.
"We're still going to get married," Remus told the gushing woman. "We should save the celebration until our union is legally binding." Seeing the woman's confusion he continued wrapping his arm around Hermione, "The ministry doesn't recognize unions like ours. They don't fully understand them so they don't recognize them as legal. While any werewolf or pack will know Hermione is my mate and wife she cannot hold my name or rights to anything that is mine until we have a ceremony with a ministry official."
Molly maintained her confused look for a moment before excitement overtook it once again, "So you are getting married?"
"In time," Hermione answered with a smile, holding tight to Remus's waist.
Ron stood, smacking his hand on the table, "Do none of you see how fucked up this is?"
Letting go of Remus, Hermione spun around and glared at him, "And why is that Ronald?"
"He is almost 20 years older then you Hermione! You've just told us you are magically bound to him for the rest of your life! You're practically married for Merlin's sake!"
"And?!" she bellowed at him.
"It's...it's disgusting!"
Hermione laughed, "You are the only one who thinks so."
"I bet your messed up bond is the only reason you think you love him," he bit at her.
Remus snarled and Ron visibly faltered, "Don't.."
Turning she put a hand on Remus's chest and inhaled deeply until she felt him calm slightly. "I loved Remus before we were mated, let alone before we bonded." Letting her hand fall from his chest she kissed Remus's chin before facing Ron once more, "Don't attack my relationship with Remus because you don't like it. Nothing you say will change anything."
Teddy ran over to her from his spot at the table over by Victoire and Fleur and kicked Ron's shin, "My Mione!"
Sirius barked a laugh as Hermione picked up the small boy when he came to stand by her, "Little wolf, you can't kick people."
"He's mean and he hurt you and daddy," he replied in a small voice.
"Yes he did but you can't kick him because of it," she smiled at him before kissing his forehead. "I love you my little wolf."
He smiled brightly, "I love you my Mione."
She heard a few 'awes' around the table and felt Remus's adoration spread through her chest. Leaning back into him he put his arm on her waist and leaned over her to kiss his son before gently pushing her back to their seats. When everyone was situated they continued to ask the pair questions and they answered back swiftly. By the end of the evening their family seemed to be completely sated and accepting of their unique pairing.
When they got home and put Teddy to bed Hermione fell into their bed with a loud groan. "That was exhausting," she whined.
"It was," he laughed sinking down beside her. "Excluding Ron, they all took it well."
"Much better than I hoped for to be honest."
Remus propped himself on his elbow and stared down at her. She was beautiful. They'd only been together for week and he still felt incredibly lucky to have her with him each night and for letting her love him. She opened her eyes and smiled at him, "It's not hard to love you."
"Some days I wonder how I deserve you," he cradled her face with his callused hand looking her over. His finger tips gently resting along the tiny scar on her neck.
"You sell yourself short," she frowned. "You are already everything to me. You and Teddy both."
He looked down at her earnestly and she watched something cross his eyes just before he spoke, "How were you able to calm Moony?"
She shrugged and tried to consider it for a moment before speaking. "I just know when you or he needs something. I know when to submit to him and give him what he needs and I knew at the Burrow what he needed to hear from me."
"He caught me off guard. If you hadn't been able to calm him I doubt Pads would have been able to calm him or distract him enough."
"It's a pleasure to be the one to be able to calm him. I understand him as much as I understand you."
Instead of replying Remus smiled and dipped down to kiss her. As soon as his lips touched hers she wound her arms around his neck and started to pull his jumper up over his shoulders. He laughed into her mouth and helped her breaking their kiss only to let her pull it over his head. Her eyes racked over him and he watched her eyes gaze over in desire as she ran her fingers across his chest and abdomen. She felt his insecurity and grabbed his face, "Don't. I love all of you. Including your scars. You better learn to accept it," and she kissed him before rolling him so she was on top. Leaning down she began to pepper kisses on each scar, one after another, savoring each moan that slipped past his lips. When she was finished she slowly undid his belt and zipper, never breaking eye contact until she pulled him from his own underwear and planted a soft kiss on his tip making him groan.
"Oh no, I still owe you," he groaned flipping them back over and divesting her gently peeling her jumper off her making quick work of her bra. Repeating her previous actions he trailed kisses down her chest, focusing on each breast before kissing down her scar and stopping at her naval. Unbuttoning her jeans he peeled her out of them and nestled between her thighs before hooking his fingers in her knickers and pulling them down her legs.
"You're so wet, Hermione," he growled as he ran his fingers along her. Between her legs once more he blew a puff of air on her clit and relished in her moan. Lifting one of her legs onto his shoulder he buried his face in her folds and started working his tongue against her, smiling into her as she began to thrash under him and he felt her hand in his hair gripping tight. When she started to rock with him he sucked on her bud just enough to earn his a shriek and pushed two fingers into her. Massaging her inner walls he felt her seize around his fingers and waited until she was done before prowling over her, grinning as she stared at him with hooded eyes.
Reaching for his mouth frantically she kissed him, unwavering as she tasted herself on him. When he settled between her legs she wrapped them around his waist as he sunk into her. He captured her moan with his mouth and started thrusting in an agonizingly slow pace until she was purring his name and he felt her tighten around him as she climaxed. Remus called out her name as she milked him of all he had.
When he laid down beside her Hermione made a noise of disapproval before clinging to him and drawing absent patterns along his abdomen while his fingers trailed up and down her spine until they both fell asleep.
Over the next two weeks the small family found a harmony that worked seamlessly. Hermione ended up moving in completely, foregoing her room at Grimmuald, by the end of their second week together. Most mornings Remus left early for his shift, kissing Hermione as she finished getting ready and waking Teddy for her. Hermione made sure Teddy went through his morning routine and got him off to his Nana Dromeda's before flooing to the Ministry. In the evenings, Remus collected Teddy and usually had dinner started by the time Hermione made it through the floo. They alternated dinner nights, or tried to, and spent the evenings playing with Teddy before putting him down.
It was all blissfully domestic. Something they both cherished.
Their bond grew stronger as time passed too. Distance still lessened the effects but they found that they could still feel strong emotions from afar unlike in the beginning. Feeling and sensing what the other felt was the strongest product of their bonding.
One night Remus woke feeling pure terror. Shooting up in bed he growled, deep in his chest before realizing there was nothing there to fight. The terror he was feeling hadn't stopped, it was almost paralyzing and he didn't understand until he heard Hermione whimper.
"No.." her voice was weak and the sound of it pulled Moony forward.
"Hermione, love. Wake up." He leaned over her and shook her gently, "Hermione."
Her eyes shot open and he felt her fear spike before calm replaced it. Her eyes softened as she took him in, "Remus?"
"You were having a nightmare," he told her. "A rather bad one at that," he rubbed his chest.
Her eyes widened and she sat up, putting her own hand overtop his. "Oh Gods, what did you feel?"
"Your terror."
"Is that all you got?" she asked nervously.
"Yes."
Shagging back into the mattress she sighed. "Good." Pulling him down she burrowed into his shoulder and he held her as her shivers subsided.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"They happen sometimes, ever since the war. They're significantly less but they still happen. This one was being caught and taken to the Manor." Remus's arms stiffened around her and she shook her head, "Just our capture and Bellatrix. Nothing else." His grip loosened slightly but he kept her tight.
"I would give anything to take away all you have suffered."
She shrugged under his arms, "It was war. I just happened to be in the middle of it and I accepted my fate, truth be told I never expected to survive the war. I knew I was a target for my blood status and for being Harry's best friend."
He growled and his grip tightened as he gently moved nuzzled into her hair and reached her exposed neck. Nibbling gently he licked the skin he had just attacked and sucked on the tender spot below her ear. "Hermione.." When he said her name she felt his need and leaned her head back giving him better access to her neck. "I'm sorry, it's a side affect of the moon. Mixed with thoughts of losing you it's almost uncontrollable." Pulling himself off her he left her abruptly and started for the shower.
He knew she was following but tried to ignore his pull to her, his need for her. He knew she was fine and the danger had passed but at the same time they needed to know she was okay. They needed to be in her and feel her warmth, feel how alive she was.
When he left the room, Hermione was confused. She knew he wanted her, no her needed her, she could feel it but she didn't understand why he seemed ashamed of it. So she followed him into the bathroom and stepped into the shower, hissing as the cold water touched her. He stood there with his head against the wall with the water pouring down his back. Reaching around him she adjusted the temperature and waited for it to warm before slinking between him and the wall.
"Remus, talk to me. I don't understand why you're running from me."
"You just had a nightmare and my need to possess you and have you is overpowering. But I can't ask that of you having just reliving a traumatic event."
Smiling kindly up at him she pressed herself against him, "Did you ever think I needed you just as much as you needed me?" He growled and pinned her to the wall, kissing along her jaw as she melted to him. But all too soon it was over again and she felt his shame as he turned his back on her. "Remus..."
"Hermione, I can't."
"Why?" She turned him to face her, "Why are you so ashamed to touch me?"
He stared at her hard as if trying to find the words to say. "I don't think I can be gentle. Moony is too close and I don't want to hurt or scare you." When he said it she finally noticed the gold battling his hazels. "He's always closer before the moon." Smiling up at him she turned off the water and pulled him out, keeping their contact minimal until she reached the counter. Then she hopped up and used her grip on his hand to pull him closer. "Hermione.."
"Remus, you aren't going to hurt me. Neither will Moony, are you?"
No, the wolf responded, startling Remus who looked at Hermione with wonder.
"And nothing either of you will do will scare me."
Remus pounced on her as she finished and she moaned at his assault. Gripping her arse he pulled her closer and connected them quickly causing her to throw her head back and moan again. It was harder than ever before and she loved it. He was hitting just the right spot within her and she felt herself tightening already that she almost cried when he left her and set her feet on the ground. Turning her to face the mirror he re-entered her and started his rhythm again.
When she let her head fall back to shoulder he nibbled on her ear with just enough force to make Hermione gasp and push against him. He growled in approval at her movement and thrust back. His grip on her hips tightened and he held her firmly to him as he continued his course. "Come with me," he ground out.
Grabbing one of his hands she put it on her clit, he immediately started to play with her sensitive bud until she arched her back and cried out his name. "Remus!" Her call sent him over the edge, grinding against her as he finished. As he did an odd sounding howl crawled from his human lips and the sound made Hermione purr as her heart burst with all the emotions they were sharing between them.
He picked her up suddenly and she laughed when she felt his pride swell. "You seem mighty proud of yourself."
He chuckled and nibbled on her ear as he set her down in the shower and started the water. "I am proud of what you do to me and how I am with you."
"I'm confused."
He looked sheepish as he looked down at her. "I could never have controlled myself like that with anyone else." Jealousy blossomed in her chest and he laughed, "Don't be jealous. You are everything in comparison to anyone else. And I will never want anyone other than you."
She put her head against his sternum and laughed at herself. "Sorry, I can't help it all the time. You don't need to control yourself with me because you won't hurt me. I'm your mate, even if you didn't love me you wouldn't be able to hurt me."
"I love you, you've been hurt enough. I don't want to add to it," he said into her neck. "Moony has never been this controlled and it's all because of you, I'm not used to it." Pulling her under the water with him she leaned her head back and smiled.
"He's harmless..Well that is not accurate." She kissed his chest and poked his chest right above his heart. "I know that while he is a great beast with immense power and strength that he would die before hurting me. I love you and he is apart of you, I love him too. You are the love of my life and he is my mate. You are one in the same although at the same time you are separate."
Mate, Moony acknowledged her and she smiled. "That's going to take some getting used to," he laughed.
Remus downed his potion and grimaced at the taste while Sirius chuckled beside him. "Sorry mate, not much I can do about the taste." They were both lounging in the library waiting for Harry to call out that dinner was ready. "You seem much better then usual," he smirked at his best friend.
"I am but I have this anxiety. He's restless. Something is different," Remus mused.
"Could it be because you're bonded this time?"
"Possibly, we'll see. Just keep an eye on Hermione for me."
"Of course, mate. You sure you'll be okay on your own?"
Remus nodded and they sat in silence for a little while before they heard Harry call dinner was ready. When the pair made it into the kitchen Remus felt Moony relax silently in Hermione's presence and he smiled. She was at the table with Ginny and Teddy, the two women chatting vigorously as Teddy colored between them. As they entered Hermione looked up and smiled at Remus before giving him a wink and summoning some tea for everyone. "Time for dinner Ted," as she collected his coloring sheets the little boy put his colored pencils in his box and smiled at his father when he sat beside the witch.
"Daddy I color with my Mione!"
"I see," he smiled back at his son and reached over to kiss his forehead.
Harry charmed plates to float in front of each of them and Hermione started cutting Teddy's food more. He started eating before she was even finished and she smiled as she turned back to her own food. Remus had his hand on her thigh and the warmth helped her relax. She could feel Remus's anxiety mix with her own and hoped the night would pass quickly for them both, she truly hated these nights.
His hand tightened on her thigh and she met his gaze, I will be okay.
I am still going to worry.
He kissed her temple and pulled her closer to him on the bench so she leaned into his shoulder. "I love you."
"I love you."
When dinner was over Remus picked up Teddy and nuzzled into his neck. "You be good for Mione."
"Yes daddy. My Mione," Teddy replied smiling brightly at his father.
"Yes, she's our Mione," he chuckled walking over to his witch. Passing the small boy over she took him and he felt her anxiety blossom, "I'll be fine love. Stay in my room please?"
"Of course," she nodded, "I'll see you in the morning." Leaning forward she kissed him and he quickly wrapped his arms around his mate and his cub and pressed her more firmly to him. She groaned slightly at his actions before winding her free hand around his waist. When he detached from her he let his face fall between their heads and inhaled deeply, his breath tickling Teddy making him giggle. Remus grinned and kissed his head before firmly kissing Hermione again and heading up the stairs.
Taking a deep breath of her own Hermione smiled at the boy in her arms and turned back to the table where Sirius and Ginny was grinning wildly while Harry was trying his best not to look in her direction. She returned their grins and stood behind Harry, "You know I've seen enough of you two snogging."
Harry laughed, "It's different. You're my sister."
She patted his head and sat beside him, situating Teddy in her lap while Ginny pushed Teddy coloring sheets in front of him. Before long Harry and Ginny discretely left the room leaving only Sirius and Hermione with Teddy dozing in her lap. "He'll be okay," Sirius tried to console her.
"I feel like something is wrong. I can't explain it."
He gave her a peculiar look, "He said something similar."
"It wont be long now. I guess we'll see."
Sirius nodded and summoned himself some firewhiskey. Hermione could feel the moon rise and her anxiety deepened, Teddy was snoring lightly against her chest when she decided to take him to their room before joining Sirius for a glass. But when she was on the stairs something gripped her.
"Sirius!" He ran into the hallway, "Take him, quickly...ah!" Her face contorted in pain and her knees stopped working. Sirius jumped forward and grabbed Teddy from her as she started to cry out.