A/N: IM SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG! I STARTED SOFTBALL LAST WEEK AND IVE BEEN DOING TWO REPORTS AT ONCE. HERE'S PART 8.

This chapter is kind of pointless, but it moves the story on a bit.

Part Eight: The Aftermath

The sun warmed her skin as she groaned softly. She slowly picked her head up, but it immediately fell back down. She felt like she had been run over the Hogwarts Express…twice. She felt a heavy weight against her left eyes, so she strained her eyes to see what it was. Remus was snoring peacefully, partially on top of her, but peacefully nonetheless. His bare body was tangled with her own. She gently crawled out from underneath him and moaned in pain. Every fiver of her being ached as she carefully stood. The walking stick Remus found the previous night rested a few paces away, so she limped over and grabbed it. It was perfect in size and sturdy for her frame. She walked over to her clothes and began to dress.

A whimper was made behind her, and she turned around. Remus was stretched out on the blankets in the nude with a hand on his head covering his eyes. Hermione carefully walked over to him and helped him get dressed too. He mumbled a thanks and shivered as he was once again with fever. She felt a slow beat in the front of her head, indicating fever as well.

"We have to walk to Hogwarts to get our things," he said softly.

"Yes I know. Where is your stick?" she asked just as faintly. He pointed her in its direction, and she handed it to him after she helped him up. They walked together each leaning on their own stick, with their other hands clasped together.

The walk to the castle was slow; however, they were not interrupted. A morning dew had covered the luscious grounds. All in all, Hogwarts looked delightful. The grasses were the richest green, and many sporadic gardens were assembled. Once inside, they headed towards the DADA class. Upon entrance, the room was left unharmed, thankfully. They each ate some chocolate, and some energy was restored.

"Where would you like to stay?" She asked.

"Harry said we could recover at Grimauld. He also told me to tell you to call him so he can help get our things and get us comfortable. We won't be well for a while I'm afraid," he said sadly. She nodded and they walked into the fireplace with their extra potions and goodies.

"Twelve Grimauld Place," Hermione spoke, and her and Remus were whizzed away.

They entered Headquarters a floor above their normal rooms. They walked cautiously to their temporary bedroom, and Remus sat in a chair nearby. Hermione went downstairs and grabbed the call to phone Harry.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Harry?" Hermione asked weakly.

"Hermione! Wow you don't sound to good. What do you need?" He asked brotherly.

"Take Ginny with you. I need outfits for a week including pajamas and such. Remus needs some clothes too," she pleaded.

"Of course. We'll stop by with everything. Same room?" He asked.

"Yes thank you so much Harry," she replied.

"Of course. Rest," he said before clicking off. She hung up as well and headed up the stairs. Remus was still in the chair sitting comfortably.

"He's taking care of everything. You get into bed and I'll get some fever potions," she said directing him to the bed.

"Hermione, you're just as ill as I am. Why do you take care of me?" He asked worryingly.

"Because I love you, and I am fine. I seem to have been holding up better than you, no offense. Just lie down and I'll be next you within moments," she implored.

"Very well," he said defeated. She walked over to box of fever potions and grabbed two. She carefully handed one to Remus, and together they downed them. Moments later, they heard Harry and Ginny arrive from the floo upstairs.

"I'll be right back," she said gently before heading out the door. She nearly collided with Harry who came thumping down the stairs, his girlfriend in tow.

"Merlin! You look like shit," Harry said. She gave a faint smile and embraced him loosely.

"Sorry, I haven't much energy," she said hugging Ginny. She led them towards their bedroom and knocked on the door.

"Remus are you decent?" She asked.

"Yes," he answered faintly. The trio walked in, and both Ginny and Harry gasped. Remus looked a bit worse from when Hermione left him momentarily. He had managed to lie on top of the comforter. Harry continued to levitate the box of their belongings to a nearby corner. Ginny led Hermione to the bed so she was stable. Both she and Harry offered any other assistance before bidding their goodbyes. Once alone, Hermione grabbed pajamas for Remus and herself. She helped him change and bundle up the covers before changing herself. She slowly crawled into bed, and pulled the covers over her body. Remus wrapped his arms around her body and brought her close.

"My love," he whispered into her hair. She relaxed and kissed his forehead affectionately.

"My mate," she said in a joshing voice. He chuckled deeply and nodded.

"That's a matter to discuss when we are in our right minds, no?" He suggested.

"Indeed. I woke up merely an hour ago, and I am exhausted."

"To true," he added. "A few more days and we'll be back on our feet in no time. Ready to continue our twisted case for the twisted Headmaster." She giggled He brushed away a few stray curls and kissed her tenderly.

"I wish I had more energy. I feel so confined in my body, not being able to hold you properly," he said sighing. She nodded and kissed him back.

"Yes I can understand. We are both extremely hormonal right now, and we are stuck. We can't do a thing for a few days, despite all the chocolate we eat, love," she said.

"I know. Shall we rest?" He asked. She nodded and together they drifted into a refreshing sleep.

The days passed on like so. They would wake up together and eat lightly, mostly chocolate. They would take their fever potions, hop in the shower for a quick cleansing, and then jump right back into bed. On the fourth day of their transformation, they received a few visitors, who had finally made Dumbledore comply. Apparently, he had given strict orders to not step foot on the third floor, where they slept.

It was on that morning, when Hermione heard someone approach. She shot up, surprisingly without fever and looked at her bed partner. Remus was sleeping with a slight grin to his face. He laid on his side with his arm underneath his pillow and the other over the spot where she just occupied. His face was tinged in a light rose. She could hear gentle footsteps heading towards the door, and quickly looked at her appearance. Her short boxers and skimpy tank would not be acceptable. She got out of bed and put on a bathrobe. She opened the door quickly just before someone was about to knock. She came face to face with Dumbledore and Snape. Thank the Gods she put a bathrobe on! Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with concern and Snape held a passive look. Dumbledore motioned for her to follow them down the hall.

"How are you both?" Dumbledore asked quietly. Hermione shrugged and ran a hand through her curls.

"This is the first morning I awoke without fever. He may have a low grade fever. Thank you Professor for the fever potions. We would have been much worse," she said. He gave a slight smile and nodded his head.

"Of course Miss Granger. Remind me before hand so I can have more prepared," he replied. She nodded and looked towards the Headmaster.

"How was the transformation?" Dumbledore questioned next.

"It was…painful as expected," she said cautiously. Yes, her and Remus found out they were mates. Soul mates perhaps.

"Indeed," he said stroking his beard. "All in all an acceptable evening?"

"Yes," a voice said down the hall. Remus was looking much better. He had his cotton pajama pants on with an undershirt as well. He came walking down the hall barefooted looking fresh.

"Ah! Remus! You are looking pretty well," Dumbledore exclaimed.

"Yes, that's because I have someone taking care of me," he said kissing Hermione's cheek, who in turn blushed. Dumbledore looked a bit puzzled.

"For some reason sir, this disease really doesn't affect me so. Yes, I feel ill and the pain was hardly bearable, but my immune system seems to be pretty good, as you may know. I was able to move about more freely," she explained again. Dumbledore nodded as the realization hit him.

"Hello Severus," Remus greeted Snape with a hand shake. Snape complied and smiled politely.

"Hello Remus. How have the potions been for you?" He asked.

"Splendid as always Severus. Thank you very much," he said smiling. Snape nodded and turned towards the Headmaster.

"I'll be heading downstairs," he said and walked away. The trio decided to also head downstairs to grab a meal. When Hermione and Remus reached downstairs, a whole lot of people were present. Harry, Ginny, Snape, Molly, Fred and George, Hagrid, McGonagall, and Moody sat around the dining table. Hermione blushed as Remus grabbed her hand. Dumbledore motioned to a pair of chairs in between Snape and Harry. Remus helped Hermione in hers, and then sat beside her. Dumbledore sat at the head of the table and began to chat merrily with McGonagall.

"This is a bit ..awkward," Hermione commented. Remus brought his arm around her shoulder and pulled her tightly to his chest.

"Just a little," he said chuckling. She rubbed her head against his shoulder and sighed.

"Maybe this is a meeting or something?" She asked. He shrugged and brought her body close enough so she was half on his leg. She looked questioningly at him and saw his jaw clenched.

"He's protecting you Hermione," a familiar voice said.

"Tala? What are you doing here?" Hermione asked worryingly.

"I wanted you to recuperate. I'll be here from now on. Faolan is protecting you from the predator," she said dreamily. Hermione shook her head and clasped her hand in Remus'.

Then she smelt them. Those revolting people! She squeezed Remus' hand and went to whisper into his ears as her eyes met Ron's.

"Think nothing of it my love. You are the only one for me," she whispered softly. He relaxed and kissed her cheek before replying.

"And you are the only one for me." She smiled and then rested her head on his shoulder as she watched the slut prance next to Ron and fall partially on his lap at the other side of the table. She smiled and politely waved hello at the two of them, as their faces turned to shock. Now that she thought of it, had he not cheated on her, and she had not been bitten, she might not have been with Remus! A polite smile and wave was well deserved.Remus chuckled and she put her arm down.

Lunch was served a few minutes later, and conversations on life turned to food conversations. Food was being levitated from here to there. Hermione was thankful that there were sandwiches and salad to eat. Her and Remus shared a plate together for they were not as hungry as the rest of the group. Hermione heard someone whispering to her from her right.

"Miss Granger," they whispered. She turned to Snape and smiled. "I just would like to comment on this rather sullen meal. If looks could kill, you'd be dead!" He exclaimed motioning to Lavender. Hermione nodded and giggled against Remus. They had finished their meal and were patiently waiting for everyone else to finish. Finally Dumbledore rose to address them.

"This is somewhat of a meeting slash celebration. Or a meeting for a celebration? Either way we are together. I would like to congratulate Miss Granger on her first complete and successful transformation a number days of go," he said raising his glass. She blushed deeply, and she sensed Remus' admiration behind her. "To Miss Granger, for many more successful and safe transformations," he said smiling. Everyone raised their glasses in a toast. She muttered a humble thanks.

A clinking of glasses filled the room followed by gentle sips. Dumbledore continued to stand at the head of the table as everyone quieted. Remus began to lightly stroke her back soothing her slight bout of tension.

"On to other news, times have been rather quiet. Many of our projects have been moving ahead and succeeding. I am thankful for your hard work and dedication, which is why I've decided something different. There will be the end of a summer ball at Hogwarts for the entire Order of the Phoenix." Hermione let out a small gasp, as much of others, at the fantastic news. A ball? Brilliant!

"Would that be ok with you all?" He asked as his eyes sparkled furiously. They all nodded in awe. This would be the first ball held by the Order. "Splendid. It is scheduled for August 28 at Hogwarts approximately 6:45 PM. Their may be a reminder so do check your cauldrons. Other than that, this little get together is dismissed."

The scratching of the chairs on the floor echoed, and people made their leave. Remus held Hermione's hand and they walked outside together, just strolling. They spent the whole afternoon just walking and chatting through the gardens at Grimauld. They were now seated on a bench surrounded by beautiful flowers and softly humming bees. Hermione rested her head against his chest as they sat and relished the aroma. She looked up at his face to find him completely relaxed. She felt the passion and comfort from his body. He felt her gaze and kissed her softly. This turned out to be a snog session; one she had never experienced before.

Although her eyes were shut tight, a color showed behind the walls. She felt her fangs immediately come out, and a hard throbbing between her legs. She was straddling him. What the hell was going on? She gasped and broke away from his mouth, although his hands continued to hold her weight under her shirt. She breathed heavily, and finally noted the hard erection her boyfriend had. He gasped as he noticed her appearance.

"You've lost control too," he said in a deep voice. She nodded in comprehension. Remus helped her stand and put a quick charm on himself so they could walk into the house unnoticed. They began to quickly head back.

"When does your furniture arrive?" He asked as they neared.

"I believe in three days to Harry's place," she replied breathlessly. They stopped and checked to see if anyone was there. It was relatively empty. Fred, George, Harry, and Ginny were left, and they were at the opposite end of the house. Hermione looked at Remus and smirked.

"If we run fast enough they wont hear us go upstairs. Race you to the bed?" She asked grinning.

"You're on."

And so, like children, they raced to their bedroom. They were fortunately not heard, and they both flopped on the bed at the same time. They didn't need to strip each other sensually. With a few wand movements, they were naked and passionately kissing. They made love for all the hours they had lost, and they both lost their control. Each time they looked into the other's eyes, they connected as one. It was around ten at night, when they both fell asleep.

The next few days went on like this until finally, both Remus and Hermione were at the top of their health. Hermione went out and bought all the appliances needed for her rooms. She bought comforters, sheets, pillows, and pillow cases as well. It was on the third day from their previous reconciliation, the furniture was delivered to Harry's place. Remus, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny stood in Harry's spacious living room, where boxes of furniture was stacked.

"Merlin this is going to be a project," Ginny marveled.

"Indeed," Remus commented.

"Not to worry. All we have to do is organize it for which room, and then bring it to my place like that," Hermione suggested. She began directing the other three into directions for specific rooms. It took an hour and a half to sort out every box. They were finally stacked neatly in its corresponding place.

"Ok. We'll set up the rooms farthest from the fireplace first, that way we won't trip or have to walk around any other furniture." They all agreed to her ingenuity.

They started with the guest bedroom. The Queen bed was assembled by Harry and Remus. She levitated it near a certain corner and set it down. The dresser was positioned opposite the bed. For her office/library, Hermione set up the thirteen bookshelves in parallel lines. Her desk and chair was placed closest to the doorway.

They set up the master bedroom next. When Harry levitated the biggest King size bed ever, Remus smirked at her. She blushed and the foursome assembled it. She levitated it in the perfect spot against the largest wall. The beautiful view from the windows was to the left if you were sitting in bed. She levitated the canopy and stretched it with her wand. It fit perfectly. She stood on the bed, with Remus holding her calves so she did not fall as she attached it with permanent spells. He helped her down, and Ginny and Harry were in awe at how great it looked. The canopy had great long silk curtains that tied at each post elegantly. They assembled her night tables and dressers and set them into place. The odds and ends were set around by her and Ginny. They both decorated, painted, and assembled the bed layers in each room.

They then moved to her kitchen. They set up the kitchen table and chairs. The dining room took longer to assemble, but once completed, the ten person oak ensemble looked exquisite. The final room was the living room. The leather couches and recliner looked stunning along with the entertainment center. When they finally finished at five in the evening, everyone was collapsed on the couches.

"I still have to buy appliances," she groaned. The other three groaned as well.

"Hey!" Harry said sitting up. "We didn't get to see the two bedrooms!" Hermione smiled at Ginny, and they stood up. Remus followed, and Hermione led him by the hand to the bedrooms. She started with the guest one and slowly opened the door. Remus and Harry gasped at the beauty. The walls were a dark maroon. The sheets were black sating, and the comforter was a plain maroon. A single candle was burning on top of the dresser, giving it a romantic glow.

"We couldn't help ourselves," Ginny said against Harry. Hermione grinned at Remus, who looked down at her smiling. She led them back out to her master bedroom.

"The moment you've all been waiting for," she said before opening her door. The room was a deep gold, and the forest green comforter had a beautiful design of roses. The sheets were a deep red and the pillows matched the comforter. The canopy was the perfect touch to the room. Remus wrapped a hand around her waist and kissed her cheek softly.

"You ladies did a great job," he said sincerely Harry nodded in agreement.

"I'd ask if you guys wanted to go out, but I am exhausted. Maybe another night?" She asked.

"Sure. I'm tired too. Its not like these guys did anything anyways," Ginny said sarcastically. She yawned as she got dirty looks from Harry and Remus. Harry led her towards the fireplace, where Remus and Hermione followed.

"I'll catch you guys later?" Hermione asked as they stepped into the hearth.

"Sure. Ciao," Harry said. They were whizzed away.

"Stay the night?" She asked groggily. He nodded and they walked to her new bedroom. She strolled to her dresser and pulled out a pair of pajamas from the neat pile, and changed. Remus changed as well, and together they got into bed. She closed the curtains and whispered Nox for the lights. Remus turned on his side to face her and smiled. She turned on to hers to face him.

"You can leave some clothes here," she proposed. His face lit up, and he grinned.

"OK. Get some rest," he said kissing her softly.

"Mmm-kay," she mumbled. "Love you my sweets."

"Love you too. Sweet Dreams."