Sirius and James walked as quietly into the Gryffindor common room as possible. It was 5:30 in the morning and they were thoroughly exhausted from their night's adventure. They were about to head straight to bed when they noticed Hermione stretched out on one of the couches near the fireplace.
Sirius walked over to her and shook her shoulder gently. She opened her eyes sleepily and smiled when she saw who it was.
"Morning," she mumbled. "What time is it?"
"A little after 5:30," replied Sirius quietly.
She stretched and smiled. "Did you all have fun?"
Sirius merely grinned back.
"We just took Remus to the hospital wing," spoke up James.
"How's he doing?" asked Hermione.
"Good," said James. "Tired. The usual."
She smiled. "You two look exhausted. Maybe you ought to go to bed."
"Yes, mom," teased Sirius and then he yawned.
Hermione giggled. "Go to bed." She waited until both boys had disappeared up the staircase before throwing her blanket off and swinging her feet off the couch. She was eager to see Remus and hoped to get to the hospital wing before he fell asleep.
She left Gryffindor Tower and descended the stairs leading to the hospital wing. Halfway there she stopped when she saw Peter sitting on the bottom of the second floor staircase. He hadn't seen her and she was tempted to turn around and find another way to the hospital wing, but the way he was sitting stopped her. He looked tired and small.
Hermione took a deep breath before approaching him. "Peter," she said quietly.
Peter looked up and Hermione could see his eyes were red. "What do you want?" he said angrily.
"Are you ok?"
"What do you care?" he snapped back.
"I care if you're upset," she said quietly. "Can I sit down?"
He turned away, not answering her. She sat, but at a careful distance away from him. "Did you stay up all night?" she asked. He didn't say anything for a long time. Just as Hermione was about to give up and continue on her way to the hospital wing he spoke.
"It's not fair, you know," he said quietly. "They've been my friends longer than they've been yours."
Hermione looked down at her feet. "They're still your friends."
"No they're not," said Peter bitterly. "They won't even talk to me because of you."
"That's not true," protested Hermione, knowing it was.
"Right," he laughed coldly. "All I want to know is why. What did I do to you?"
"Nothing," said Hermione, feeling terrible. A wave of guilt passed over her. Peter was right, of course, it was her fault. He hadn't done a thing to deserve being thrown aside. And it wasn't right to judge him for things he hadn't even done yet. Things she might still be able to prevent from happening.
"You know, everyone's under a lot of pressure right now, with the N.E.W.T.s coming and all. I'm sure they didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
Peter looked at her doubtfully.
"I could talk to them if you want," offered Hermione.
Peter's eyes brightened. "Would you?"
Hermione smiled. "Of course."
Peter smiled back. "Thanks," he said softly. "I guess maybe I was wrong about you."
"Maybe I was wrong about you too," she said. "Why don't we try to start over?"
"Ok," said Peter eagerly. They both stood. "I think I'll go to bed now and you probably want to get to the hospital wing."
Hermione stared at him in surprise.
He smiled. "You are going to see Remus aren't you?" he asked.
"Yeah," she said slowly. "Goodnight then."
"Night, Hermione," said Peter.
Hermione turned and left Peter. He watched her move away smiling to himself at how easy it was to manipulate good people. Once Hermione was out of sight, Peter transformed and followed her.
When Hermione reached the hospital wing, she approached Remus tentatively. He smiled when he saw her and sat up in bed.
"You have to stop sneaking into the hospital wing to visit me," he whispered when she was next to him.
She blushed. "I'm sorry. I'll leave if you want." She took a step away, but he reached out and grabbed her hand.
"No, I was only teasing," he said quickly. He lifted himself up and gave her a quick kiss.
She smiled happily and he scooted over so she would have room to sit next to him.
"I'm really sorry about last night," he apologized, while he entwined his fingers around hers.
"No, I'm sorry," said Hermione. "I shouldn't have pushed, but let's not talk about that. Sirius said the potion worked."
"It did," said Remus. "It was amazing. James and Sirius didn't transform while we were in the Shrieking Shack. When I saw them, I knew who they were and I didn't attack them. I'm doing a bad job describing it. It was just amazing," he repeated. "I don't think I could ever tell you how grateful I am to you."
"You don't have to," she said softly. "It's enough that it worked and you're happy. That's all I want."
"I am happy," he said. He put one hand on her cheek. "I'm happier than I've been in a long time." She smiled and leaned into his touch. "Are you happy?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," she said quickly, surprised by his question.
"Really?" he questioned.
She looked away from his penetrating gaze. "I guess I have my good days and my bad days, but overall I try to stay positive."
"You know you don't have to put on an act for me. I know you miss your friends and family and as much as I try, I know I can't make up for your loss."
Hermione was surprised to feel moisture in her eyes and she wiped at them, embarrassed. She found she couldn't talk around the lump in her throat. They sat in silence for a few minutes, and then Remus leaned forward and kissed her on her forehead. "Don't worry," he said gently. "I know."
Hermione felt a flood of affection fill her. She wondered where Remus had learned how to say and do just the right thing to make her feel better.
"Was that a smile?" he teased.
She laughed softly.
"Yep, that was definitely a smile."
She shook her head with a smile. "I think I should get going. You need to rest."
"Oh don't go," said Remus. "I'm not tired."
Hermione looked at him doubtfully.
"Really, I'm not. Stay. Talk to me."
"All right," she conceded. "But what should we talk about?"
"Actually," said Remus. "There's something I've been wondering."
"Yes?"
"What are you going to do when we graduate?"
Hermione shrugged. "It would be hard to get a job with the Ministry. They'd be sure to check into my past and I don't have one anymore. I guess I haven't thought that far ahead. It's just not as simple as it used to be."
He smiled sadly. "I kind of figured. Have you talked to Dumbledore about it?"
I don't want to bother him about it. I've already asked too much of him as it is."
"I know what you mean."
"Dumbledore's done a lot for you too," stated Hermione.
"I'll never be able to repay him," said Remus. "What other Headmaster would have let me come to school, knowing what I am."
"Have you thought about what you'd like to do after we graduate?"
"Hrmph," Remus scoffed. "There's not much I can do. I can't take a job at the Ministry and I doubt many private businesses would hire on a werewolf."
"Why couldn't you work for the Ministry? There's no law against it," Hermione paused wondering if that were true. She couldn't remember if there were laws barring werewolves from public service in this time.
"True," said Remus. "But you said it yourself. They'd check into my past and they'd discover who I am."
"Being a werewolf isn't who you are," interrupted Hermione fiercely. "You're so much more than that and someday people will see that."
"Thanks," mumbled Remus humbly. He cleared his throat. "Well, I'd forgo working for the Ministry if it means I get to keep a modicum of my privacy," he continued. "I saw the applications James and Sirius had to fill out. They had to answer a whole bunch of questions I'd rather steer clear of."
"Applications for what?" she asked curiously.
"Applications for becoming Aurors," stated Remus. "They got their acceptance letters just after Christmas."
"That's wonderful. Why didn't they say anything?"
Remus shrugged. "I guess they assumed you already knew. They leave for training a month after we graduate," said Remus trying to control the bitterness in his voice.
"Do you wish you were going with them?"
Remus shrugged again, but didn't say anything.
"What about Peter?" asked Hermione curiously.
Remus laughed. "He applied, but he didn't get accepted."
"Poor Peter," said Hermione sympathetically. "Was he very disappointed?"
"Actually, I think he was a bit relieved. Peter doesn't have it in him to be an Auror and he knows it."
"Then why apply?" she asked.
"It's just that he's always done everything we've done. So when James and Sirius applied, he applied," he replied.
"You know, I wanted to talk to you about Peter, all of you actually."
"What about?" asked Remus wearily.
"Remus," she warned. "This is serious. He's very hurt. He doesn't know why you've all suddenly turned from him."
"Hermione," Remus began to protest.
"I'm serious, Remus. It's not right. He hasn't done anything, not yet."
"What about the other day in the library," he asked. "You weren't defending him then."
"I know, but I was probably just being sensitive. I talked to him today and he..."
"What?" interrupted Remus. "When did you talk to him?"
"Just before I came to see you."
"Hermione, I don't want you alone with him. He doesn't like you, not at all. And you of all people know what he's capable of."
"Remus, I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."
"I don't doubt that, but still."
"Come on, Remus. You know it's wrong. I was hoping you would talk to James and Sirius, but if you don't, I will."
Remus frowned deeply and didn't respond.
"Fine," said Hermione, feeling a little annoyed.
"I'll talk to them," said Remus reluctantly.
Hermione smiled. "Thank you." Remus gave her a face. "What?" she laughed.
"I think I probably gave up too quickly on that one," he said.
She laughed. "I always win."
"Yeah, I bet you had Ron and Harry wrapped around your little finger."
"Well if I did, I certainly never let them know it," she said mischievously. They both laughed and Remus leaned in to kiss her again. They were still kissing when a third person joined them.
"Ahem."
Remus and Hermione broke apart slowly and turned to the noise. They both turned red and Hermione jumped off the bed. "Professor Dumbledore," said a startled Hermione.
There was a twinkle in the Professor's eyes. "I certainly don't want to disturb the two of you," said the Professor with a smile. "I just wanted to give this to you, Miss Granger." The Professor held out a copy of the morning's Daily Prophet.
Hermione took it and glanced at the cover. Her eyes grew wide and her smile grew wider. She looked up at Dumbledore feeling elated.
"What is it?" asked Remus.
She handed the paper to him. "It's about the Death Eaters."
Remus glanced over the paper briefly. "It says they've captured three Death Eaters trying to break into the Ministry of Magic."
Dumbledore lowered his voice. "Three Death Eaters, Hermione informed me of," he said with a touch of pride in his voice. Hermione beamed. "I had a few friends follow them. When the Death Eaters made their move on the Ministry my friends informed the Aurors and within minutes had them arrested. You should be very proud of yourself, Hermione."
She looked down feeling embarrassed. "I'm just glad to be of some use to you sir."
Dumbledore stepped forward and clasped Hermione's hands. "You are, dear, very much so."
"Thank you, sir," Hermione whispered. Dumbledore smiled at them both and left.
"You've been busy," said Remus softly when he left. "I had no idea." Hermione looked at him questioningly. "You never tell us what you and Dumbledore discuss," continued Remus.
"Dumbledore thinks that it might be dangerous to involve you, Sirius, and James," said Hermione softly.
"What do you think?" asked Remus.
"I think," began Hermione, "that it would be nice to be in this with someone else. I'm not used to going it alone."
"You're not alone," protested Remus.
"But I am," insisted Hermione. "On this I am. I have to be. Dumbledore has been very clear about this with me. If any of you knew what I knew, the details I mean, then you'd be in danger and I won't do that to you, even if it means feeling alone."
Remus looked away from her. "I wish I could protect you from this," he said, his voice full of frustration.
"You can't protect me from myself. This is my choice." Hermione sighed, then laughed. "Listen to us, talking doom and gloom. Today's a good day. We've won a small victory and I know it's only the beginning."
"You're right," said Remus tiredly. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," she replied, smiling. "Now, I really do think you should get some rest."
Remus opened his mouth to protest, but a yawn escaped instead. He grinned at her.
"See," she teased. "I'm always right."
Remus settled into bed and closed his eyes sleepily.
"Goodnight," Hermione whispered. She leaned over and kissed him softly. He reached out and pulled her closer, trapping her to him. She giggled against his lips and he released her. "Goodnight," she repeated. "I'll see you tonight."
"Ok," he said sleepily. "Night."
Hermione watched him for a few seconds before leaving.
Later that evening, the friends, minus Hermione, were sitting together in the common room talking and laughing. Hermione came in just a minute before curfew. She spotted her friends and immediately moved toward them.
Remus saw her coming and scooted over, making room for her. She sat and smiled happily at her friends. She was exhausted from her near lack of sleep the night before. She rested her head wearily on Remus's shoulder and he put his arm around her.
Lily smiled at them. "You guys are so cute," she said.
Hermione laughed. "That is one thing I definitely am not. I'm exhausted and I know it shows."
"No it doesn't," said Remus, sweetly defending her.
"See what I mean," continued Lily. "You're just so in love."
Remus felt Hermione stiffen at the comment and both of them turned slightly pink. Sirius looked sharply at Lily and then back to Hermione and Remus.
Lily saw her mistake immediately and felt terrible. James looked at Remus and Hermione, who no longer looked comfortable, and then at Sirius, who looked miserable. He felt bad for all of his friends.
There was an awkward silence that fortunately was broken by the unexpected arrival of Peter. James called out to him immediately to come join them. Peter looked surprised, but approached nonetheless.
Remus seized the opportunity to divert Hermione's attention. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "I talked to James and Sirius this afternoon. They promised to behave from now on."
Hermione forced a smile. "Thanks," she whispered back. "I knew I could count on you."
Peter joined them and eventually they all fell into easy conversations. Everyone forgot Lily's ill timed comment. Everyone that is, except for Sirius, Remus and Hermione.
As the night wore on, one by one they headed up to bed until only Remus and Hermione were left. She had once again relaxed against him and he was playing with her fingers, threading his own in and out of them. She gave a small yawn.
"Tired?" he asked sleepily.
She nodded. "I should probably get to bed, but I have to admit that I'm far too comfortable right where I am."
"Then stay," said Remus softly.
"Ok," she mumbled, relaxing further into his arms.
"Hermione," said Remus softly after a few minutes, checking to see if she was awake. She didn't answer and her steady breathing told him she was asleep. He wrapped his arms tighter around her. "I love you."
From the balcony on the boys side, Sirius bent his head low and returned to his room.
A/N: Hope that one wasn't too sweet. Aren't they the cutest little couple? For those of you craving action, the next chapter is for you. It's nearly completely written, but I still have some tweaking to do. I hope to update very soon. Thanks to all my reviewers. I hit review one hundred this last chapter. You guys are the best! Now, not to sound greedy or anything, but review some more.
