A/N: Things are pretty tense in this chapter, but there will be a light at the end of the tunnel in the next one. :) Some of my favorite parts are coming up in the next few chapters. Thanks to everyone who added me to their favorites lists, I'm very honored!

Disclaimer: "Venio, Video, Vinco." Actually, that's not true. It if was, I would have hacked into JKR's computer by now and read HBP instead of waiting for when it comes out. I feel so special, the release date is on my birthday:) I own nothing!

Aftershocks

Hermione woke up the next morning, feeling awful. (I wonder why). Suddenly the events of the last two days sped before her eyes, and she groaned. This was completely not good! (Whatever feelings I have for Remus will HAVE to be put aside. He must NOT resign) she thought determinedly. (I will not act like a blushing idiot when he's around, I will not let on a word of this to anyone!)

It turned out to be much harder than she thought.

DADA was her last class of the day. Harry and Ron dragged her in the class early, wondering why she seemed reluctant. "Gee, Hermione, you've been acting strange all day," said Ron. "Won't you tell us what's going on?"

Hermione could feel Remus staring at her. (I will not blush, I will not blush) she chanted inwardly.

"Yes, Hermione. You never told us what happened with James last night. Why wasn't he with you at lunch?"

If looks could kill, Harry and Ron would both be dead. "Shut UP you two!" Hermione hissed.

Harry and Ron stared at Hermione in shock. They hadn't seen her this upset in a long time. "Please, Hermione, we just want to help. What's wrong?" asked Ron.

"Isn't it obvious, Ron? She and James broke up," answered Harry for Hermione.

"We didn't break up. We never got on in the first place," she growled, quite livid by now. "That's all I'm going to say to you two! Leave me alone!" She sat down in her seat, took her quill, and started writing, refusing to look up. She breathed a sigh of relief as she felt Remus finally take his eyes off her as everyone else arrived. He started class, and everything seemed to go smoothly.

Hermione refused to look at Remus or participate at all in the class, except for listening, of course. This baffled Harry and Ron considerably. By the time Remus had asked the fifth question, and Hermione hadn't so much as looked up, Harry decided to say something. She ALWAYS raised her hand first, in every single question a teacher ever asked, even Snape. He was very concerned. "Hermione, you haven't raised your hand yet," he whispered. Unfortunately for Hermione, the whole class heard. Including Remus.

Hermione felt herself shaking with rage. All the frustration of her confused thoughts surged through her. She felt tense as a heartstring throughout class, and now it had broken. This was NOT what Remus needed to hear. He might as well be packing up and leaving this moment! "You, you," she exploded, "Harry, THAT'S IT!" She snapped her book shut and stormed out of the class. Just before she slammed the door shut, she sent an apologetic smile to Remus.

Remus appeared quite shaken, but continued on with the class, nevertheless. Harry and Ron stayed afterwards to talk to him. "Lupin," said Harry, "We're not sure what's gotten into Hermione, but we just wanted to say we're sure it's not your fault. She loves your class." (A bit too much, I might add)

Lupin, for some reason, didn't appear convinced. "Thank you, Harry. I hope she gets over whatever is bothering her soon. Be sure to tell her I'm sorry she's upset." He started reading his notes, not wanting any more conversation.

"Goodbye, Lupin," said Harry. Ron followed him out the door. "Let's find Hermione," suggested Harry. They searched the whole castle, even the kitchens, but she was no where to be found. The Room of Requirement seemed to be sealed against them.

"She'll show up for dinner, I'm sure," mused Ron. "I hope she's okay."

Hermione, meanwhile, was in the Room of Requirement, crying. She'd sealed it so no one would walk in on her. She felt so confused, and was beginning to grow increasingly embarrassed. She'd stormed out of Remus's class for apparently no reason. She was being so irrational. (Why can't I just, get over him, and move on? The whole thing is ridiculous) She boiled with anger and frustration. (It's never going to work out, deal with it!) Her sniffles turned into hiccups. She sat staring at the walls, losing track of time.

Remus sat on his desk, his head in his hands. Hermione's last little smile refused to leave his mind. Seeing as he wasn't getting any work done, he resolved to find Harry. He found him sitting in the library. "Harry, have you seen Hermione? I was going to tell her what the homework was for class," said Lupin.

"I can't find her, I've looked everywhere, and the ROR was sealed. I'm sure she'll turn up. I can tell her for you," said Harry.

Lupin tried not to look too worried. "Thanks, Harry." He made straight for the ROR. He knew that Hermione would be one of the few who'd be smart enough to figure out a way to seal it shut.

Hermione was now lying down, curled up in a ball on the couch. She appreciated the quietness of the ROR. She was glad she wouldn't have to face the others for awhile. (No more boyfriends) she decided. "I'm SUCH an idiot," she groaned.

"I'm afraid I've been the idiot, Hermione." Hermione was up and standing by the couch in a split second, wand ready and mid-curse, when she realized, with horror, who it was. Remus stood there, looking very apologetic. "I just wanted to apologize again for my rash behavior. I assume that's why you left class today, because I upset you?"

Hermione lowered her wand. (Do not blush, do not blush) she chanted firmly to herself. She was at a complete loss for words. "How in the world did you manage to get in here?"

He smiled sadly. "I've used this place myself, a few times."

"Oh." She gathered her thoughts. "It's not really your fault, Remus. It's just that, they tried really hard to get us together. They were being obnoxious and wouldn't stop. I'm sorry I walked out of your class, it was quite irrational of me. I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."

Remus couldn't believe how generously forgiving him for everything, even blaming it on herself. (She's gotten really mature. No, stop it right there. I don't want to have to resign) "Thank you for being so understanding, Hermione. If there's anything I can do for you to make up for all this, just name it."

"There is one thing," stated Hermione, her eyes pleading. "Don't resign, Remus."

"I won't," he promised. "But if anything more happens, I'm talking to Dumbledore." He briefly told her about her homework before leaving quickly. Hermione stared after him, more confused than ever. Before he'd come, she'd been so resolved to forget about him. Now, after he'd been so sweet and thoughtful, she could feel her resolve dwindling to a mere tapestry thread. She sighed, feeling quite resigned. (I guess I'll just have to live with this for awhile, and try to keep it to myself. I should really get to my homework now)

She showed up late for dinner in the Great Hall. She could see Remus sitting at the teacher's table, and tried to ignore him. Harry and Ron, evidently, had left. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Colin Creevy. She almost groaned aloud and tried not to make a face.

"I see that loser James has gone and left you," he said loudly. Hermione was sure that the few occupants in the room could all hear him. "Would you like to study together in the library?"

Hermione could sense Remus looking at her. She clenched her teeth, willing herself to stay calm. (I will not make a scene, I will not make a scene) she vowed. "No Colin, I think I'd rather study by myself," she snapped, a bit more nastily than she intended.

"With the way you've been acting lately, I'd say you're taking a page out of Snape's book," he huffed, then turned on his heel.

Despite herself, Hermione looked up at Remus as Colin left. She couldn't help but remember that a few days ago, Remus as "James" had almost asked her out. They made eye contact and, after a moment, they both looked away.

Five days later, in the next DADA class, Hermione felt she was ready. She surely wouldn't do any more stupid things. Through furiously applying herself at her homework, she'd managed to keep thoughts about Remus at a minimum. She was able to enter class, look Remus in the eyes, sit down, and look at him attentively while being completely blush and nerve free. (Perhaps things will turn out all right) she hoped.

"Today we are going to review the Imperious Curse. I've gotten special permission to do this from the Ministry, of course," Remus explained. "What we're going to do, is have you come up to me one by one, and get you to resist the Imperius Curse. Harry, you can go first, to show them how it's done." Everyone knew that he'd been able to resist the Imperius Curse set on him by Lord Voldemort, a highly impressive feat.

"Imperio!" shouted Lupin. Harry stared at Lupin unblinkingly, his arms crossed. The Imperius Curse made him think of Cedric's death, and he was barely able to concentrate enough to resist it.

Members of the former D.A. did the best. Lupin had Ron tapping his foot before Ron managed to start resisting. Hermione was one of the last to go, and it was now her turn. Unfortunately, her nerves were returning, and she wasn't sure she could trust herself not to blush. She didn't quite look Remus in the eyes and smiled lightly, arms crossed, waiting for him to start. (Let's just get this over with, Remus) she pleaded silently.

"Imperio!" he shouted with an edge to his voice he didn't have with the others. Hermione could now hear his voice in her head, giving orders. He hadn't addressed her personally since Monday, and she could feel butterflies swimming sickenly in her stomach. 'Hermione, look at me,' she heard. She tried very, very hard not to look, but suddenly she was. She had a very embarrassing urge to cry as she looked into his eyes, which were full of concern. 'Hermione, walk up to me,' was the next order. She couldn't help but enjoy having Remus's voice in her heard. (No, no, no. Imagine he's a Death Eater. Yes, must focus. Death Eater, definitely a Death Eater. Voldemort, in fact. Then how did I end up at Remus's side!)

Alarmed, she realized that she'd given in again. She must try really hard this time, she was making Harry and Remus look bad. (He's a Death Eater, and he's about to say Avada Kevadra!) 'Would you smile please, Hermione.' In contrast to her former bleak thoughts, she couldn't help but start to giggle. (I must stop! I must stop!) she thought frantically, but it was no use. She found herself leaning against his desk, laughing hard.

He withdrew the Imperious Curse and tilted his head. "You do realize we've got to do this until we get it right, Hermione?" he whispered so no one else could hear. He could feel himself beginning to redden with embarrassment by her behavior.

He tried again, but every order he made sent her into a fit of giggles. She tried hard to suppress them, he could tell, but clearly it wasn't working. When, contrary to his order, she'd walked to her desk and sat down, he'd decided that was good enough. He lifted the curse and did the last two students, who had an easy time of it because he felt so distracted. "Class dismissed, except for you three," he said, pointing to the Trio. He looked irritated. Harry and Ron had joined in a bit of Hermione's laughter after she'd whispered something to them.

"Would you mind letting me in on the joke," he said. Harry could see that he was pretty upset. He suddenly felt himself growing quite miffed with Hermione himself. He'd forgiven her for Monday, since Lupin didn't seem too upset about it. Today, however, he was, and it was all beginning to get out of hand. Hermione still had her crush on Lupin, it was obvious to Harry. She needed to STOP right now! Lupin had enough on his plate than to bother with silly girls. "Since Hermione seems incapable of speech," Harry said, glaring at her, "I'll tell you. She, for some reason known by ALL now, had trouble concentrating, so she imagined you as a Death Eater or Voldemort. When you made a request, like smiling, it rather destroyed the image for her."

Hermione clapped her hand over her mouth, willing herself not to start giggling again. Harry noticed and stomped on her foot. Hard.

"Ow! Harry, that hurt," she complained, gasping for breath.

"Ron, will you please escort the giggle queen out of the room," growled Harry. Ron obeyed, and the two headed for Griffindor Tower.

Despite his irritation at being embarrassed in front of the whole class, Remus couldn't help but admit to himself that he'd enjoyed his time with Hermione. It had been nice to see her laugh, even if it was at his expense.

Harry, however, had no idea that Lupin still harbored feelings for Hermione. All he could see was that his already troubled friend had one more thing added to his plate. "Lupin, I'll talk to Hermione," he said. "I'll make sure she does nothing of this sort again. Please don't worry about it, Lupin. I'm sure everyone will forget about it within a few days." Harry tried to sound reassuring.

Lupin smiled, his head tilting. "Thanks for your concern, Harry."

Harry left the room, feeling quite determined to end the silliness here and now. He marched up to where Hermione sat in the common room and sat down next to her, looking severe. Hermione held up her hand. "Harry, I know what you're going to say. I'm going to go apologize to Lupin later. Really, Harry, I want this to end as much as you do."

"I wish you would show that a bit more," Harry snapped.

Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "I'm-I'm going up to my room," she stammered before doing so.

Replies to Reviewers:

Lucidshard: Yes, fast updates are great, aren't they:) Glad you're looking forward to them so much. It does seem like something Sirius would have done! LOL I think he's influenced Lupin more than Remus would like to admit. Thanks so much for reviewing again!

sporty12gd4u: I'm glad you like it! Thanks for your continued reviews! Did I update fast enough for you? ;)

moonyNZ: Hello. Cool name:) Are you from New Zealand? Don't you see the moon upside down from the way the northern hemisphere sees it? I thought I heard that somewhere. Thanks, I hope the rest of the story with live up to scratch. Glad to hear from you!

BrennaM: As I told Lucidshard, the whole aging potion thing was Sirius's influence coming into play. After all those years together, I really didn't think he wouldn't have been affected. :) LOL Yes, you will see more jealous Remus in future chapters, I'm glad you enjoyed that.

CharmedLeoLvr: Thanks! You know, in my original plot Hermione was supposed to be screaming mad and dump him for awhile. But when it came to writing it, I couldn't bring myself to do that to Remus. I'm such a softie, I know:) I'm glad you like the chapter previews, I love them in other fanfictions so I put them in mine.

Preview of next chapter : He heard a knock at his door. He didn't want visitors, but he didn't want to be rude. "Come in," he said weakly. He looked up from his hands, and he saw Dumbledore sitting in front of his desk. His heart sank. He wouldn't even have to resign, he was surely going to be sacked now.

"Hello, Remus," greeted Dumbledore. "I can see you have much on your mind."