Thanks to Caprice Ann Hedican-Kocur, and LuvBug2 for reading and reviewing. Matt, in answer to your question...maybe. I haven't decided yet. As before, my disclaimer is in the first chapter.

Days seemed to pass so slowly for Remus. Number 12 Grimmauld Place was very lonely without Sirius or anyone else around. Fred and George Weasley would visit from time to time, and he enjoyed the two young men. Also, Molly would pop in occasionally to make sure he was eating healthily.

He smiled as he began to make dinner for himself. Because of his lycanthropy, he often appeared unwell, and no one believed him when he said he really liked food. The truth was, he was a very good cook but rarely had any chance to show off his culinary skills.

A tapping was heard at the kitchen window. Walking over quickly, he opened the window and Hedwig came through. "Got another message for me?" he asked as he set a bowl of water on the counter for her. She hooted an affirmation, then proceeded to take a well-deserved drink.

The letter was, of course, from Hermione.

My Dear Remus,

I am so overworked, stressed, and at my wits end that I could bloody SCREAM!!!!! These upcoming N.E.W.T.s are going to be the death of me, I swear. At least I finally convinced Ron and Harry to try and being studying for them a little bit. Both of them tell me not to worry, but these things can really determine a person's future and I want to do the best I can.

Christmas with you is looking so good to me right now I wish it was time for the holiday break right now. I miss being with you so much it almost feels like a physical pain. Ginny has not stopped giving me grief yet, but I now have some dirt on her-She and Harry have started going out! I always knew that they were perfect for each other, and I told her that. She said the same thing about us.

As you know, I graduate this year, and I hope you'll be able to come and see it. Mum and Dad will be there and they really want to meet you. They're okay with the age difference, and Dad says as long as you treat me like a queen, you'll be fine in his book.

I have to go...Seamus Finnegan blew up his potion again and the other Gryffindors need me to clean up the Common Room...for the 12th time!

I Love You,

Hermione

Reaching over to his right, Remus pulled out a piece of parchment and began to write a reply.

Mi Amor,

I too am looking forward to Christmas with you, but I had a thought...I was wondering if perhaps Harry and Ron would like to come as well. Though Harry may not admit anything to us, I suspect that being in Sirius's house might serve as an opportunity for him to truly deal with his death. Besides-I personally hate the thought of the two of them staying at Hogwarts while we have ourselves a merry holiday. Think it over, and let me know.

I agree with Ron and Harry that you do worry too much! I'm sure that you are going to do splendidly on the N.E.W.T.s and probably have the highest possible scores that this school has ever seen. I'm glad for Ginny and Harry, and am flattered that someone thinks we are right for each other-I certainly think so!

I wouldn't miss your graduation for the world-not even Voldemort himself could keep me away. I look forward to meeting your parents. From what you have told me of them, they are good, decent people. I am a little surprised that the age difference is all right with them, but believe me, I am NOT complaining! Besides, your father had nothing to worry about. You are a queen...of my heart, anyway. Make sure Seamus lives to see his N.E.W.T.s and teach some other people the cleaning spell...I thought queens didn't clean! Take care of yourself, and I love you.

Remus

Quickly folding up the letter, he attached it to Hedwig's leg. As she flew away, he thought about his Christmas proposition. It might not be the most romantic way to spend Christmas, but he felt like Harry needed to come back to Grimmauld Place.