Chapter Two:

Music pounded through the small nightclub. All of Ginny's friends and family were there, except for her parent's. Ron had insisted they couldn't come. Hermione sat alone in the dark corner. She watched her friends dance and drink.

"Hermione!" Harry scolded as he sat across from her, "You were under strict instructions to get drunk!"

"I'm just not in the mood, Harry."

Harry looked over her shoulder and nodded briefly. Then got up and left the table. Remus Lupin stepped out from behind Hermione and sat in Harry's vacated seat. Hermione's heart stopped.

"Having fun?" he smiled.

"Tons."

"He's right, you know." Remus blurted, "You should be enjoying yourself."

Remus seemed to be fighting a battle with himself for a moment. He gave her a furtive glance and stood u, holding out her hand.

"Dance?"

Hermione took his hand and a slow ballad interrupted the fast rock song that had been pounding through the speakers. They looked to the turntable to see Ron flash them a thumbs-up, with a mischievous grin on his face. Remus laughed.

"He knows I can't dance."

They both knew that wasn't why Ron changed the song. Hermione relaxed for the first time that night as they moved to the music. She was happy, but she knew it couldn't last.

I haven't seen him in years! Why now?

"Hermione, I never apologized."

"For what?" She asked.

"For what I did while you were at school." Remus said, "I know it was a long time ago…but…"

"Don't. Forget it." Hermione muttered.

"I can't! You were a student! You understand why I had to do it, right?"

"Yes." Hermione sighed, "But--"

"What?"

"I'm not a student anymore." She said quietly.

"No, you're not." he whispered in her ear and pulled her closer.

"Can I cut in?" Harry tapped on Remus' shoulder. Remus nodded and disappeared in to the crowd.

"Hey, Harry."

"Look, sorry I interrupted, but people were staring to look at you funny. And besides, I'm dying to know what he said."

"Nothing really."

"Yeah, and Ron's pregnant." Harry muttered.

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"Hermione we're leaving!" Ron called, and she heard the front door slam.

Her friends had all gone to work. It was Hermione's day off, and she was looking forward to some alone time. She sat down on the couch in front of the fire. Rain pelted the house outside.

the weather fits my mood.

Her thoughts turned to Ginny's party two nights before. Remus had been so close for a moment. When her dance with Harry was over, she'd realized he'd left. She went home early that night and went to bed very confused.

Hermione sat staring into the fire for a few minutes, lost in her thoughts. She was brought back to reality by the doorbell.

So much for alone time.

She sighed and walked across the living room to answer the door She peeked through the curtains and froze. Remus was standing on her doorstep. Hermione took a deep breath and opened the door.