Part Nine: Christen Thee, Christen Me.

When they awoke, Hermione yawned in her new bed. Remus was against her tightly in a death grip. She managed to roll around to face him, as he snored lightly. An idea came to her. This was her new apartment no? She smirked at her damn cleverness and kissed his chest leaving a mark in between his nipples.

"Hermione, are you doing what I think you are going to do?" Tala asked giggling.

"Oh yes," Hermione answered back.

"Faolan has awakened." Tala said. That was short lived because she was now underneath Remus.

"What are you up to Missy"? he asked growling.

"My! What great big eyes you have!" She said in a little girl voice. His eyes widened.

"The better to see you with my dear," he said playing along. She smirked and her voice grew husky.

"My! What big teeth you have," she said sticking her finger on his lips. The feel of his teeth tickled her skin.

"All the better to eat you up with," he said throatily. He took away her finger and kissed her so hard, her head squashed two pillows. She moaned as he bit her lips and kissed the pain away.

"You are such a big bad wolf," she said grabbing his arse pulling him closer. He groaned as he rubbed against her. "Show me how bad you are," she whispered and he pinned her down once more.

That morning was spent christening her new place. They made love in the bed, in the shower, and in the bath. She was in her robe freshly showered with straightened hair today. She groaned as she looked into the empty fridge. Remus walked in with pajama pants and a wet head from the shower. He kissed her gently this time before sitting down at the table.

"I have to get groceries, yuck," she said walking into the living room. She turned on the TV and heard Remus thump down onto the recliner. He stretched his legs out, and she handed him the remote.

"You know how to work this thing?" She asked.

"Sure. I used to have one," he said. He began flicking the channels, and nearly jumped when there was a Wizarding channel. Puddlemore United was playing the Chudley Cannons.

"When was there a Wizarding Channel?" He asked captivated by the Quidditch.

"I have no clue sweetie," she said going into her room to change. She walked into her closet and pondered over what to where. She grabbed her Manchester United football jersey in its glorious Gryffindor colors. She grabbed a pair of black denim capris and flip flops. She put some flip flops on and grabbed a Roxy bag. With a wave of her wand, it matched her clothes, and she headed out.

Remus was on the edge of his seat watching Puddlemore bring the quaffle to the goals.

"Earth to Faolan!" She said waving her hand in front of his face. He looked up quickly at Faolan, and smiled at her. She bent down and kissed him goodbye.

"You be a good boy and watch your Quidditch, while I go get some food for us." He smiled and nodded.

"Okay. I love you," he said sincerely.

"I love you too. I shouldn't be gone for a while."

She walked out the door and locked it before heading down the stairs. She made her way to the bottom, and greeted the bus boy. At the counter, she was able to change her money to muggle. She tucked her wand in her bag and headed to the nearest grocery. She found one in muggle London, and walked in.

She pushed her cart up and down the aisles plucking food off the shelves as she went along. She stopped at the meat counter and picked up some. An hour and a half later, she walked into Wizarding London with her shrunken groceries. She apparate outside her doorstep and walked in. Remus was sound asleep, in the recliner with Puddlemore United doing victory laps around the pitch. She shut the door and locked it before walking into the kitchen.

She began sorting the food and placing it away organized. She bent down to the peanut butter (which was her second love) when she felt him run his hands through her hand. She stood up and he kissed her cheek.

"Instruct me and I am your slave for putting food away," he said smiling. Together they put away the rest of the things.

"What do you want for lunch?" She asked. She just noticed he was dressed.

"I figured we could perhaps go out?" He asked. "I know you just bought a ton of food, but I want to take you out," he said smiling.

"All right mister. You're lucky I'm dressed," she said smiling. She shut the TV off, and he embraced her hand in his. They walked to the hearth and cast dust repelling charms on them. Remus grabbed some floo powder.

"DADA classroom, Hogwarts," he stated and they were sent to Hogwarts. They arrived in the infamous classroom, and Remus began leading them out.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"Deja vous," he said laughing.

"Very funny Monsieur," she said playfully. They walked through the brightened halls and were greeted by certain portraits. They passed by the Fat Lady.

"Hello you two! How are you?" She asked in her rich voice.

"We're great," Remus answered. "And you?"

"Splendid! Splendid! Run along now," she said motherly.

"Take care," Hermione said before heading down a staircase.

"She must have been there forever," Remus commented. "Always acting like a mother to everyone, even Albus." Hermione giggled and ran a hand through her hair. "It is a really nice day out, and I thought it would do us harm to be cooped up in any longer. Lunch in Hogsmeade and relaxation by the lake?" He asked as they began to trek down the hilly way to Hogsmeade.

"That sounds great!" She said kissing him lightly. They walked into the little town of Hogsmeade, free of hormonal teens at the moment, and headed for some lunch. After a pleasant lunch and desert, they walked back to Hogwarts to the lake. She slid her flip flops off and ran her neatly painted toes through the grass. She could feel his eyes on her as she played with the soft grass. She looked to him and smiled before lying down. He still sat up as she stretched and sprawled out in the sun.

"What's the matter?" She asked worried when he kept watching. She sat up but he pushed her back down. She looked confused and he held up a finger.

"Pull out your wand," he said. She pulled hers out and found him on his knees next to her. He took a deep breath and pulled out a box. Her heart stopped.

"Miss Hermione Jane Granger, I Remus John Lupin promise my self to thee until the day I die," he said softly. He opened the box and pulled out two bands. They were gold with a beautiful rose design around one male and one female lion. He grabbed her right hand and slipped it onto her ring finger. His wand touched the ring. "With a kiss I seal thee," he said before kissing her softly. The ring glowed golden before vaporizing in thin air. She was stunned. He just promised himself to her. A promise ring.

"A promise ring? Remus, you promised yourself to me?" She asked shocked.

"The one and only. We can look into the future when things settle down again. I hope until now it'll be enough," he said slightly hurt. Tears started to fall from her eyes, and she grabbed his hand.

"Remus John Lupin, I Hermione Jane Granger promise myself to thee until the day I die," she said gently. He looked up into her softly glowing amber eyes as she cried. She slipped the ring onto his finger and placed her wand to it. "With a kiss, I seal thee," she said kissing him back softly. He embraced her tightly, and she rolled on top of him. She cried in happiness onto his chest as he stroked her hair.

"I love you so much," he whispered as he wiped away her tears. She kissed him again as her tears subsided.

"I love you too. This is perfect," she sighed. He lifted her face to look into his.

"In the future, I most certainly want to marry you, never doubt it. Time is all we need, and we can be together until the end," he said gently. She nodded and hugged him tightly.

"I want to marry you to," she said sniffling. "And we can have baby cubs," she added. He chuckled and nodded against her cheek.

"Tons of baby cubs running around reading or wanting to fly," he said looking at the sky. Hermione rolled off him and lied against his chest under his shoulder.

"They'll hopefully get into Gryffindor," she commented.

"Yes I couldn't imagine Severus with a few Lupins in Slytherin," he said chuckling.

"He wouldn't be able to dock points though. It's against his religion," she said laughing.

"And instead of saying Miss Granger, he'll have to say Madame Lupin. Ha," he revealed. She nodded in consent. They spent the rest of the day thinking of their future together until the sun set. They went back to her flat and an idea sprung to her.

"Remus," she called out from the bathtub. She heard him coming right in, unafraid if she was bathing this time. He sat down as she sat up.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"I have an idea!" She cried.

"What's that?"

"You can move in!" She exclaimed. His face went into a calculating look.

"If I did I would most certainly be paying have your rent. The whole idea of fixing my house seems to be long forgotten. Do you mind?" He said.

"It doesn't matter! I don't care," she said pleading. "You could sell your place, and add it to your vault. When we get married we can combine those," she said thoughtfully. He nodded and kissed her.

"Are you sure you want me to move in?" He asked.

"Of course! It'll be somewhat official," she said looking down blushing. He grinned.

"Okay. I don't have much stuff. I'll sell it. You're brilliant," he said smiling. She laughed and shrugged her shoulders. She got out of the tub, and he wrapped a towel around her. She thanked him, and he let her freshen up.

When she came out, he was in the kitchen. She came in and saw him making sandwiches.

"Hungry?" He asked reaching for plates.

"Sure."

He set their sandwiches down as well as two glasses of butter beer. They sat side by side eating quietly.

"You seem to be in thought," she commented as she wiped her mouth gracefully. He stretched and shrugged.

"Just thinking, nothing to worry about," he said kissing her forehead. She nodded and collected the dishes before doing them. He came over and helped dry them before grabbing her hand. She shut the light off, and they walked to bed. They slipped under the covers and fell asleep in a complete bliss with the other.

The following day, Remus went back home to get his things ready, and to put the house on the market. She worked on her laptop all day analyzing the DNA samples she had got from the night at the club. She had transfigured a pair of old socks into an advanced DNA machine she had seen online. With careful precision, she took a tiny sample of Marlon's saliva. It transferred from the machine to the computer, where she was able to study it carefully. She then did his brothers, noticed the obvious similarities in the genetic codes, and then did the two criminals. She deduced that all four men were in fact purebloods, since their genes were very similar and interrelated.

Her next task was to research their family backgrounds. She had to visit Hogwarts for that. She also decided she would look up Mr. Dowson's heritage as well. Perhaps she could O.W.L. him? He could possibly help her with this case! She looked through her files and listed where they had ever appeared. She new in three months there would be a reunion at the old cemetery, where Harry had fought head on with Voldemort. She planned on visiting a secluded dock, where supposedly, Dark Artifacts were being shipped from India. The last place she had to visit was a beach house. She sighed and felt the wards change. She heard Remus step inside and head for her door. She met him half way there and gave him a kiss hello.

"Hey baby," he said kissing her again.

"How was your day?" She asked, leading him towards her office.

"It was ok. The house is on the market, and all of my things are here," he said motioning to his pocket. She nodded, and he collapsed into a char next to her own. "Were you working all day on this?"

"Yep. I figured out that all four men are in fact purebloods. I am going to go to Hogwarts tomorrow and research their family history, as well as Dowson's. Would it be bad if I owled him?" She asked. He strung his arm over her shoulder, and began playing with her hair. He was clearly thinking of what to do.

"It couldn't hurt. Perhaps we can meet with him in secretive? Or bring him into Hogwarts? He must still be on the run, or perhaps mad in the mind. Maybe we could help?" He said. She nodded and pulled out a piece of parchment.

"I'll write this. You can put your clothes in my closet, I had extra space available. Anything else can go into the guest bedroom," she said smiling. He nodded, and walked to their room.

Dear Mr. Dowson,

I hope this OWL finds you; however, if you are reading this, than it obviously has. I'd like to meet with you near the Forbidden Forest, at Hogwarts. I ask you to please give a designated time, and I will most humbly comply. We have much to discuss. This is not a threat, I would just like to rendezvous with you.

Miss Granger

She got up from her desk, with the sealed letter, and went to Remus. He was just walking out of the closet.

"What's up?" He asked. He closed the door lightly and turned to face her.

"I'm going to drop this off with the rest of the post to be mailed off. Then, I am going to come back and call my mum. She'll probably want to come over and stop by the new flat, which ensues dinner. God help me," she said walking into his open embrace. He rubbed her back as he soothed her tense muscles.

"I'll help you. When will she be coming?" He asked.

"Tomorrow since today is Saturday. It should be wonderful," she said sarcastically into his warm chest.

"Nonsense. It'll be fine. Go run your little errands," he said pulling away. She nodded reluctantly, and kissed him goodbye. With a light spank on her backside, she headed to the main hall. She placed it in the out Owl pile. As she headed backstairs something hit her.

Harry's birthday was in a week.

They were halfway through July. She raced up the stairs with more determination and re-entered the flat. Remus was working quietly on their case, and she ran in.

"What's the matter? You look like you've been chased by dementors!" He said keeping her steady.

"Harry's birthday is in a week! Crap! I have to call Ginny and my mum! Bloody hell," she said in a panic. Remus chuckled lightly, which earned him a glare, and he sat her down.

"It'll be fine. Go call your mum first and then come back," he said reassuringly. She nodded and went over to the phone. She dialed the phone and collapsed into the recliner. The dial rang until her father answered it.

"Hello?" He asked in his friendly deep voice.

"Daddy? It's Hermione" She said smiling.

"Hermione! How have you been darling?" He asked happily.

"I've been good, how about you?" She asked.

"Pretty good. Juliette, it is your daughter. You want to talk to her? Fine. Hermione?" He asked, in between two conversations.

"Yes?" She responded.

"Your mum wants to talk to you," he said before switching lines.

"Hermione Jane Granger! She lives!" Her mother said emotionally.

"Bonjour," she said smiling.

"Bonjour yourself! How are you?" She asked. Hermione smiled and kicked out the recliner.

"I'm great! Tomorrow is Sunday and the flat is ready. Do you want to come over for some lunch perhaps?" She asked. Her mother sounded pleased, from what she could tell.

"Of course! Will Remus be there?" She asked.

"Oui. J'ai voulu vous dire maintenant puisque Remus est dans l'autre salle. Il s'est déplacé dedans avec moi," Hermione said. (I wanted to tell you now since Remus is in the other room. He moved in with me.)

"Vraiment? C'est excellent! J'avertirai votre père avant. Vous en avez expliquant pour faire," she replied. (Really? That is excellent! I shall warn your father before. You have some explaining to do.)

"Je sais, je sais. Venez ici à environ deux l'après-midi," Hermione said. (I know, I know. Come here at around two in the afternoon)

"Ok. I'll talk to you later," her mum replied.

"Ok. Goodbye," she said before clicking off. She got up and hung the phone, before going to help Remus. He was frantically writing and she simply sat down as to not disturb him. He finally finished, and deeply sighed, before finding her sitting beside him.

"How'd it go?" He asked as he turned the chair to face her.

"It was fine. She'll be coming here with my Dad at two," she said rubbing her temples.

"Ok. So call Ginny and see perhaps if there is a party being thrown at Grimauld?" He suggested.

"Yes. I have to go to Hogwarts one day this upcoming week for some research. We could stop at either Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade for a gift for him," she said standing once more.

"Agreed," he said.

"How has the work been coming?" She asked glancing over his shoulder. He shrugged and rubbed his eyes.

"It's all right. I looked over your notes and came up with the same conclusion. Dowson would most definitely help, after all my family did for him as well. He's a very intelligent man as well. Meeting with Albus would be helpful, and giving the kiss to the threesome would be beneficial. I know it's cruel, but they killed his family unjustly, and they also have switched sides obviously. They have a lot against them, and perhaps they could receive the kiss," he said stressed. She kissed his forehead affectionately.

"I agree on all accounts. Let me take care of this social thing first. I sent out the letter, so hopefully he'll receive it and reply back," she said. He nodded and turned back to his work, as she headed for the phone again.

She dialed again for Ginny, hoping Harry would not answer. Unfortunately, he did.

"Hermione?" He asked as soon as he answered.

"Harry! How the hell are you?" She asked.

"Pretty good. How are you feeling? Any problems?" He asked.

"None. I'm as healthy as I can be for now. Is your other half around?" She asked.

"I see, you don't want to talk to me at all. Yes she is, one moment," he said before placing the phone down. She heard Ginny approaching the phone.

"'Mione!" She cried.

"Hey Gin. How's things?" She asked her best friend.

"Not to shabby. You seem a bit tensed," she commented.

"Is Harry around?" She asked hesitantly.

"No, but I'll put a privacy ward up," she said, the incantation following.

"Are you throwing a party for him?" She asked.

"No, I forgot!" Ginny said, sounding scared.

"I just remembered. He's going to be eighteen you know. Want to throw a party for him at Grimauld?" Hermione asked.

"Definitely," she said calming down.

"Have you moved in with him?" Hermione asked cautiously.

"No, but I am here every day basically. Mum knows we are in love. She's thrilled to say the least. I hope we get married," she said sighing.

"This is a conversation over coffee. Tomorrow I have my parents coming over. Perhaps a day or two before his birthday we can plan?" Hermione suggested.

"That's be great. I have to go. We're heading out on a date," she said.

"Remember not to snog in front of little children," Hermione playfully warned.

"Didn't you know Hermione? I take pride in snogging my boyfriend in front of kids," she said laughing. Hermione joined in and wiped the tears from her eyes, as she bid Ginny goodbye.

When Hermione hung up, she glanced outside. The day had turned into night, and the view from her large windows was gorgeous. She stared longingly out, as she was submerged in her thoughts.

"Hi Tala."

"Hermione! What a pleasant surprise," her other side said sarcastically.

"I know it's been forever. How's things?" She asked.

"Pretty good. I've come to realize you and Faolan have grown exceptionally close," she added. Hermione sighed and ran a hand through her curls.

"We promised ourselves to each other," she whispered in her head. She could feel Tala's happiness radiate off her, if possible.

"Splendid!" Tala cried. "You two really are meant for each other."

"I know. I really want to marry him though, like right now," Hermione said.

"In due time. Maybe he will talk to your parents tomorrow at lunch? You never know. He's a gentleman; he'll want to ask for their consent I'm almost certain," she said. Hermione nodded and continued to lean against the window.

"Do you think I am to young?" Hermione asked.

"No, not at all. True love only comes by once. I am telling you he is your soul mate. Are you doubting?" She asked accusingly.

"Of course not! I feel so apart of him. My mum commented he was handsome, and I jumped him with a fury of passion. I feel so empty without him. I want to marry him, even though we haven't been going out long," she said passionately.

"I know you do Hermione. You've now heard yourself say it. You're almost eighteen, or rather nineteen. People your age to get married. You don't have to worry about waiting a year like Ginny. Faolan is very intelligent and honorable. He'll marry you properly. What do you really want Hermione?" Tala asked.

"To have his babies, for one thing. I hate time. It's aged me and restrained me all at once. I feel old, yet I am young. In time, he will marry me. I just want to do it, not think twice, be foolish and marry him out of my heart. I love him so much I'd die for him," she said.

"Faolan wants the same in turn. Never doubt him, he loves you just as much. I think you should sit back and enjoy the days until he does finally propose. Until then my dear, you have a party to plan," she said. "He's coming."

Hermione brought herself back to reality, when she heard his footsteps. He wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck.

"Whatcha doing?" He asked pleasantly. She smiled and took a deep breath.

"Just thinking and admiring the view," she said

"It is a very nice view," he said absentmindedly.

"If you really want to know, I was having a conversation with Tala," she confessed.

"Really. Hmm. I was speaking with Faolan as well, trying to get any pointers on the case," he replied sheepishly.

"Mhmm," she replied disbelievingly. He grabbed her waist tighter. She grabbed her wand from the windowsill and dimmed the lights. She flicked on the CD player, which began to play soft classical music. She wrapped her hands around Remus' neck and brought him closer. "Dance with me," she whispered.

"Always," he whispered back. They danced close to the window, as the twinkling stars guided them in the living room. The warmest breeze tickled their faces as they continued to sway with the gentle music.