Beauty and the Beast
Chapter 20 – Interlude

Later that evening, Hermione was already dressed for dinner and in her lab, bent over her desk, copying out the recipe of the potion. Since Molly had already warned her that Dumbledore might want to see it, she just wanted to have it properly written out as opposed to the heavily edited one that she'd worked with. It was little difficult to do given her more elaborate gown for the night – midnight blue with silver embroidery, tight-waisted and off-shoulder, but Sirius had been practically rushing her in anticipation for the night. It would be the first time in decades he could stay with his family for some time after sunset.

There a light rap at the door. "Just a moment Sirius," Hermione said without looking. "No one is even here yet, I need to have this ready for Professor Dumbledore."

"Not quite Sirius," another female voice replied. "Right family though."

"Tonks!" Hermione jumped. Her and Remus stood there smiling. "What are you two doing here? Where's Teddy?"

"We wanted to talk about your potion," Tonks entered, pulling her husband with her. "Sirius is with Teddy."

"How can I help you?" Hermione already had a feeling where this was going.

"You know I'm a werewolf," Remus began rather timidly. "Do you think your potion could help...with…y'know"

"You take Wolfsbane?" Remus nodded once.

Hermione chewed her lip, theoretically she had based her work off of werewolf transformations and she did have some extra from Sirius's batch. "It hasn't been tested with any other potions," she warned them.

"We understand," the couple assented.

"Please Hermione," Tonks tacked on.

Hermione gave in. "Alright come here Remus," she indicated for the man to step forward. At least this easier than getting Sirius's measurements. She took Remus's height and weight and measured out a night's dosage for him. "Have a Healer present," she instructed. "Make sure they have a bezoar on hand. I'd recommend taking the pain potion and the wolfsbane as far apart as possible. Give your body a chance to absorb one before another. This shouldn't be too hard since mine works instantaneously."

"Understood Mistress Granger," Remus smirked.

"Good," Hermione handed him a vial. "Let's go see what Sirius and Teddy are getting up to."

*BB*

They found Teddy and Sirius running around the garden. "He's been cleaning up," Tonks said appreciatively.

"We've been working on it together," Hermione smiled softly. Seeing Sirius playing with the small child caused a fondness in her heart. Could that be them someday? Unbidden, the image of her and Sirius and an infant of their own came to mind. Was it even possible for them? Teddy's laughter interrupted her thoughts. He came bounding to her and grasped her legs. "Well hello to you too," she picked up the toddler and tickled his tummy. "Having fun with Uncle Siri?"

"YEAH!" he cheered. "CHASE!"

"Did you win?" Hermione mock-whispered.

"Uh-huh," the little boy bobbed his head.

"I'm not surprised." She spun back and forth making the child giggle. "Teddy Lupin is much smarter and faster than that mean old dog."

"OI!" Sirius yelped. "Mean old dog? I take offence to that."

"And you were meant to," Hermione quipped back.

"Cute sweetheart but don't forget who's the true animal is here."

Hermione snorted derisively, "With a mutt like you, the only thing I'm terrified of is the smell of wet dog after you come out the bath." Tonks guffawed and gave her a high-five.

"All kitten and no claws, that's what I say," Sirius put his arm around Remus. "What do you think Moons?"

Remus held his hands in premature surrender, "Leave – me – out of this."

Just then James appeared, "Hey what are you doing out here?"

"Just making sure Sirius gets some fresh air," Hermione patted Black's head. He easily caught her wrist and yanked her into his arms.

"You're lucky you're holding baby Lupin or someone else might have gotten a syrup bath."

"I'm sure you'd have enjoyed entertaining your friends while I washed it off by myself. After all, I do know how you value modesty and propriety Lady Black."

James snickered, "You do realise I am going to demand each and every story behind this?"

"I'm surprised you haven't started in on us already," Hermione deadpanned.

"I was waiting until dinner is served and I have you trapped at the table," James winked. "It's called strategy. Speaking of which, we should probably be heading in soon."

"Yes let's get going," Remus concurred, leading Tonks, who took Teddy from Hermione, in.

Hermione was about to go in too when Sirius gently pulled her back. "Yes?" she stretched out the word, encircling his waist.

"Someone is in a feisty mood," he chuckled. "What gives?"

"I'm just happy," Hermione assured him. "Part of me feels as if I'm breathing after suffocating for so long."

"I feel the same way," Sirius stroked her hair. "I believe in 'tomorrows' because of you. For so long my days had been the same until you came into my life. Now everyday is different, better. Thanks to you. I love you."

"I love you too," Hermione pecked his lips and relaxed against him. "You know, it's so beautiful outside. Why don't we ask Molly if we can dinner here?"

"Sounds nice," Sirius agreed. "I'm sure we can transfigure a table and chairs. Maybe that will keep James busy enough to not ask -"

"HEY!" James called from inside. "Hurry, dinner's almost ready and I need to know what happened when Molly walked in on you this morning!"

"SO DO I!" Remus chimed in from further away.

"Bloody hell," Sirius groused and Hermione giggled. They went inside, arm-in-arm, unaware that hidden in the trees, shadowed out of their sight, someone was watching them. The figure attempted to get closer but couldn't so they pulled out their wand and sent a long silvery mist out to the sky. The message was clear; not yet but soon.

A/N: Hey guys, hope you're all enjoying the story. We are in the final stretch to the end. Things are about to get hairy (and I'm not talking about Sirius) so stay tuned and until next time, ENJOY! R&R PLZ!