A/N's:

This chapter is a sequel of sorts to Werewolves

REQUEST: lvswtht requested a chapter where Hermione and Remus are no longer pups

Episode 25

Matured Wolves

Summary: In which Remus and Hermione are no longer pups

She wanted him. She wanted him so desperately it wasn't funny. This damned spell meant he couldn't take her, and that made her angry, sad, and overall miserable.

Moony laid on the ground before her, his head resting on his paws. He gazed at Moonstar longingly, desperate to sate her every desire he could smell so clearly. He desired her just as much, just as strongly, but he couldn't take her like his instincts screamed to do. Not as long as this spell kept him at a certain distance.

Oh, the two could still play as they had when they were pups, but Dumbledore made sure the seventeen year olds didn't go overboard. He knew well what two werewolves did when they grew older, and he wasn't taking chances. Though a child would die after the first changing under the full moon, it would carry over to human form if conceived while a wolf. The last thing anyone needed was a pregnant Hermione, even if it only lasted for a week, and the last thing anyone wanted was a miscarriage because the changing was too much strain.

That, of course, didn't account for the awkwardness that would be between them. Hermione and Remus started dating a few months back, but they hadn't taken it further than that. Everyone knew they were waiting for the perfect moment, as they seemed truly in love, and this would only drive a wedge between them. Albus had seen it done many times before, and he didn't want two children so obviously crazy about each other to experience the same misfortune.

The spell allowed them close enough to play around, but the minute Moony and Moonstar became aroused, they found themselves several meters apart. Despite what many people thought, werewolves were highly intelligent creatures. After of finding themselves halfway across the forest when Moony attempted to mount Hermione three times, they realized it wasn't going to happen tonight.

In the end, it was decided they would stay away from each other. Going out of sight hadn't worked though, for Moony only chased after Moonstar and vice versa. Miserable as this spell made the wolves, they couldn't and wouldn't stay unnecessarily apart.

Moonstar whimpered softly, feeling horribly lonely despite company being less than two feet away. Moony returned the sentiment, his amber eyes focusing solely on his female companion. So beautiful, yet so far out of his reach.

With a groan, she moved to her feet, spurring Moony into sitting up. He cocked his head to the side, watching curiously as Moonstar made her way to his side. They might desire one another and unable to satiate the hunger that drove them, but that didn't mean she had to stay so far away.

Moonstar cuddled against Moony's side, hesitantly at first but with more confidence when he didn't push her away. Her breathing evened as she lowered her head to her paws, closing her eyes gently. Moony tucked her head under his chin, licking her a couple of times affectionately before he too allowed sleep to claim him.

It wasn't quite what they wanted, but for now, it would be enough.

END