Chapter 15
Hermione was very pleased to find that she still had her wand in her back pocket. Sniffling she apparated back to Grimmauld Place, going home and leaving it at the same time.
Ginny knew something major had happened, but didn't ask any questions. The first thing Hermione did when she arrived home was to take the purple out of her hair.
The next day, Hermione was in the back room of the coffee shop, trying to balance the books, but really just thinking how she was ever going to behave around Remus again.
As if on cue, he walked in, but stayed cautiously shy by the door.
"Ginny said you were in here" He stated quietly.
Hermione didn't say anything.
"Violet?" He asked questioningly.
She looked up, tears (yet again) brimming in her eyes. Remus sighed raggedly and took a seat next to her.
"I knew it was you. Ever since you left. I saw you in class fiddling with your hair and I knew that you liked to do that. But, I took that promise so seriously. And I was an idiot for that. I thought there was a reason that you knew, something magnificent, to make me wait. And now I'm with Tonks" He sounded so sad on the last note.
"Remus, I was stupid. I did everything wrong, even though I don't know how I could've acted differently. It was meant to happen, I suppose, and I'm sorry I put you through all that-"
"You didn't put me through anything I wouldn't go through again. It was the best year of my life" He looked like he was about to cry.
"Remus-what's wrong?" Hermione realized the idiocy of her question "Besides the obvious, I mean"
Remus looked down.
"Tonks is pregnant" He said quietly.
This time Hermione let out a ragged sigh.
"I've messed things up this time. And this feels so wrong, with Tonks now. But I can't leave now. I'll do my duty" He stood up. "I just want you to know that I meant everything I said, and always will" He quickly walked away before she could see him cry.