Okay, Awesome Possum.

A newcomer named Armor was my super quick reviewer last chapter. I'm sorry if you thought this was an S/H story…I actually double checked my pairing settings to see if I'd lost it for a minute and set the wrong characters! Well thanks to you I discovered that FF and I had a disagreement on where my story was filed…I emailed them and the problem has been solved. I'm so sorry to anyone that was confused by the mistake (it wasn't my fault, I swear!). The overwhelming majority wanted me to make this R/H, so that's what we're working with, despite my numerous typos.

Sorry if I lose some of you because of it and very very sorry you wasted your time on a story that doesn't appeal to you!

Lil: yeah, you're a nympho.

Deus-ex-maria: I'm very glad you enjoyed last chapter, I hope this one doesn't let you down!

Terilicious: Yay, a new regular! Woohoo! I like Remus' werewolf side too, but this story actually did have a plot once upon a time…one that is slowly drawing to a close, actually.

Hand3: so loyal you are ;) Thanks for the encouragement.

Where oh where is Hippiechick? I held off on updating thinking she'd review last chapter eventually, but alas…no dice. However the rest of you who did review probably think I fell of the face of the earth, so I decided to update anyways. I promise I won't take so long with the next chapter!

--Aimes

When Remus Lupin awoke the next morning, he felt a delicious warmth against him. He smiled down at the sleeping woman who was curled against him with one leg loosely draped over him and her head resting on his chest. Remus inhaled the scent of her hair, a curly riotous mass that smelled of citrus, and traced lazy patterns on her back.

Hermione woke up with a shiver as his fingers traced patterns on her skin and she grinned.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, Hermione," he replied in a sexy gravelly voice. A shiver of anticipation ran down her spine.

"Your voice is amazing; you do know that, right?"

"I do what I can," he replied with a smile. His hands trailed lightly down her body, making her shiver again.

"Bloody hell, I've only been awake for two minutes and you've got me turned on," Hermione gasped.

"Are you sore? Do you need more rest?" Remus asked gently, stilling his hands and watching her with concern.

"I know what I need and it's not rest," Hermione replied, laughing. "Don't you dare stop now, you horrible tease. The right way to start my day!

"We have a lot to discuss and deal with, Hermione," he warned after they'd caught their breath. She raised her head and rested her chin on his chest.

"Mmm. Guess the outside world won't conveniently disappear for us then?"

"I wish. The ramifications…"

"Are that you were a teacher, I'm a student, at least for a bit longer. Of course we're also adults and capable of making decisions. I mean, we can't go flaunting our relationship, but I doubt Dumbledore will object if we're discrete."

"No, I don't think he will. Harry and Ron--"

"Will get the hell beaten out of them if they even think about questioning me. I'm always right, they never are, it's about time they figured it out. Tonks already approves." She blushed slightly.

"Mmm…yes…I heard you talking to her…" She sat straight up and cuffed him.

"You eavesdropper! Well, at least you told me…you probably could've gotten away with it."

"That was my thought when I decided to tell you," he muttered, rubbing his arm. Hermione laughed.

"Oh, I'm sorry, love." She leaned down and kissed his nose.

"Indeed. The point I was trying to make, however, was not actually in regards to our relationship. I love you. I'll do whatever it takes," he shrugged, nonchalantly. "My question was about your…job." He gazed up at her, waiting.

"Ah. Yes." Hermione looked hesitant. "I don't know what your feelings are about what I do…but I have to tell you, I usually rather love my job. I've had my shitty days and my amazing days, and the amazing outnumbers the shitty by far. Besides, I've never done anything else…it's become part of who I am. And ZT and Craven…" she trailed off, embarrassed that she'd been rambling.

"Are the only family you have left in that world," Lupin finished quietly. "The work I do for the Order is no safer than the work you do. I would not ask you to sacrifice it. I just needed to know that you do it for the right reasons."

"I do it because it's who I am. Sure, I could give it up and walk away and probably be fine…but I don't want to."

"Then I don't want you to. However we're going to have to find a way to explain this to Albus."

"Unfortunately, the terms of my contract are binding, whether in the muggle or wizarding world. I have to walk away willingly, without coercion for it to be valid. So he doesn't have much choice in the matter beyond expelling me and I don't think it'll come to that. I've been doing this since before I came to Hogwarts and it's never interfered with my schooling till now. I doubt it will interfere again before I graduate."

"I agree," Remus replied, letting his fingers trail contemplatively down her body. "As for us, maybe we should restrict news of our…involvement for the time being. Ginny will probably find out; she always knows what she shouldn't. Beyond that, it's up to you how much you wish to reveal, about us and about your life in the muggle world."

"Thank you," she said softly. "I appreciate that." Hermione moved her hand to caress his face. "I love you, you know."

Remus grinned. "I know." He pulled her down to kiss her chastely. "I love you too." Hermione grinned back.

"We should get out of bed and get back to Hogwarts. The older students will leave for Hogsmeade in a few hours. I think we have enough time to shower and eat some breakfast."

"Yes, I suppose we must," he sighed.

"Hey, you're not the one who has to tell Dumbledore you're a paid assassin for the muggle government."

"No, I'm the one who has to tell him that I shagged the seventh year student he sent me to find and safely return to Hogwarts. Twice. And that I'm in love with said student which may be enough to give the old man a heart attack, in which case I'd be responsible for killing the greatest wizard of our time."

"Don't worry, I'll comfort you if you do." Hermione stretched and removed herself from him, completely unconcerned with her nakedness. Remus admired her from his position, growling when she threw a pillow at him to get him up. Hermione disappeared into the bathroom and he heard the shower turn on. He stretched and rose as well, a wicked glint in his eye as he followed her.

An hour and a half later, Hermione was making omelets in the kitchen and humming to herself while Remus got plates and juice and toasted bread.

"Cinderella's on her bedroom floor she's got a crush on the guy at the liquor store. Cuz Mister Charming don't come home any more and she forgets why she came here. Sleeping Beauty's in a foul mood for shame she says 'none for you dear prince, I'm tired today. I'd rather sleep my whole life away then let you keep me from dreaming." She flipped the second omelet. "I don't care for your fairy tales, you're so worried 'bout the maiden though you know she's only waiting on the next best thing." Hermione's voice was low and sweet, with a strong, jazz-like quality to it. She was swinging her hips to the beat in her head and casually moved over to flip the omelet onto a plate. Lupin came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm warn you I'm not quite a fairy tale prince," he murmured in her ear.

"You obviously weren't listening to the lyrics very well… Once upon a time in a far away kingdom man made up a story said that I should believe in. Go and tell your white knight that he's handsome in hindsight but I don't want the next best thing," she sang. "So I sing I hold my head down and I break these walls round, I can't take no more of your fairy tale love. Oh I don't care for your fairy tales, you're so worried 'bout the maiden though you know she's only waiting, spent her whole life being graded on the sanctity of patience and a dumb appreciation but the story needs some mending and a better happy ending 'cuz I don't want the next best thing, no I don't want the next best thing."

There was applause from the doorway and Hermione turned red. "Go 'Mione!" Tonks gave a wolf whistle. "When's the cabaret?"

"Bugger off," Hermione rejoined, cracking two more eggs for an extra omelet.

"Are you two heading back to Hogwarts?" Tonks asked, pouring two cups of coffee and handing one to Remus. Hermione sipped at her tea as she melted cheese over one of the omelets.

"Yep," Hermione replied.

"Good luck," she said encouragingly.

"Thank you," Remus sighed. "We'll need it." They ate breakfast with forced cheer, making bits of conversation and trying to be amiable. When they had finished, Lupin and Hermione rose to leave, steeling themselves for the task ahead. Tonks impulsively hugged Hermione and Remus as reassuringly as she could.

"They're screwed," Tonks said thoughtfully to herself after they'd gone. "I'd better find someplace to hide them." She went back to wash the dishes, hoping that the universe would see fit to help the star-crossed couple and that she'd manage to avoid breaking too many plates.

A/N: Song lyrics are from 'Fairy Tale' by Sara Bareilles. I don't own it…just like I don't own anything else.