The week following Voldemort's attack on Hogwarts was utterly chaotic. Parents began coming to the school that very day to bring their children home. Exams for everyone but the fifth and seventh years were cancelled and the O.W.L.'s and the N.E.W.T.'s were postponed for two days so extra security measures could be put in place. Once the fifth and seventh years finished their exams, they were sent home.
Very few people knew Voldemort's real reason for attacking the school and those who did knew better than to say anything to anyone, though it was rumored that the Daily Prophet was offering 50 galleons to anyone willing to give a first hand account of the battle. Fortunately, the few students who did sell their stories tended to exaggerate. As a result, the attack became exponentially bigger than it really was.
Somehow Dumbledore managed to keep Hermione's name out of the Daily Prophet and her role in the attack was kept a secret, even when the Ministry awarded medals of bravery to James, Sirius, Lily, and Remus. Both Dumbledore and Hermione were afraid the Daily Prophet might take it upon themselves to dig into Hermione's past and they couldn't afford for them to do that.
Peter Pettigrew was quickly named as a suspect in the attack. He disappeared when Voldemort and the Death Eater's retreated and they all guessed that he was now a full fledged Death Eater forced into hiding. To Hermione, Lily and the remaining Marauder's surprise, not one Slytherin was charged in the attack. Every Slytherin that Hermione knew was a Death Eater had been found in the Slytherin common room, stunned. When revived they explained that they had refused to join the assault and were all attacked. Some even claimed that the Cruciatus Curse had been used against them to try and gain their cooperation, but they refused to join Voldemort.
There was nothing any of them could do to prove the Slytherin's guilt. But they knew the truth and more importantly, Hermione made sure Dumbledore knew the truth. The only thing that consoled her was that she knew it would only be a matter of time before the truth would be known to the entire wizarding community.
The three remaining Marauders, Lily, and Hermione remained at school the weekend after everyone else had gone home for the first meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. The witches and wizards in attendance were old friends of Dumbledore's, people he trusted implicitly. The first order of business was recruiting more members.
"What about Marlene McKinnon?" asked Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody. "She's a smart girl. I knew her dad, before he died. She can be trusted."
"Any objections?" asked Dumbledore. Although he was the leader of the Order and his word was final, Dumbledore insisted on voting on the most important matters. When no one raised any objections, Marlene McKinnon's name was added to the list.
Hermione looked around the room. She knew she was in a room with some of the best wizards and witches of the age and she couldn't help feeling a little small and insignificant in their presence. Scattered around the empty classroom, some standing, some sitting were the current members of the Order. In the far corner was Hagrid, who was too big to sit in any of the student sized chairs. He looked serious, but still as gentle as Hermione remembered. Professor McGonagall was standing on his left.
In the corner opposite the door stood Mad-Eye Moody. He had his magical eye, but not the wooden leg. He didn't look anything near as severe as Hermione remembered. Next to him was Elphias Doge who was wearing a very odd looking hat that Moody kept shooting dirty looks at with his good eye.
Some of the other people in attendance were James's mother and father, Gideon and Fabian Prewett, Dorcas Meadows, Benjy Fenwick, Caradoc Dearborn, Edgar Bones, Dedalus Diggle, Sturgis Podmore, and Arabella Figg. Hermione only recognized a few of them.
"Anyone else?" asked Dumbledore.
"What about Frank Longbottom?" suggested James timidly. "He's a few years older than us," he said indicating, Sirius, Lily, Remus, and Hermione, who were all sitting close together. "He was Head Boy and a Gryffindor."
"And Alice too," injected Lily. "They were married six months ago." She blushed despite herself. They were all feeling a bit unsure of themselves in this group. They all wanted the respect of the group and couldn't help wishing they were a few years older.
Dumbledore smiled down on all of them, almost affectionately, before turning to the group. "Any objections?" he asked again.
No one objected and the Longbottom's were also added to the growing list. "Anyone else?" he asked again.
"What about Arthur Weasley," spoke up Gideon Prewett. "He's married to my sister, Molly."
"No," objected Hermione suddenly. Her friends stared at her curiously and she soon discovered that she was the center of the Order's attention.
"What's the matter with Arthur," asked Gideon defensively. "I hope you're not trying to imply that he's less than trustworthy."
"No," stammered Hermione, "of course not."
"Gideon, allow the girl to speak," said Dumbledore. "We all have the right to raise any objections we might have. Hermione, can you tell us why you're objecting."
Hermione bit her bottom lip. As long as she had anything to say about it, the Weasley's would be kept as far from the fighting as she could get them. She had to protect the births of Ron and Ginny at all costs. But she couldn't very well tell that to everyone. She did some fast calculations in her head. It was June 1978. That meant Fred and George were just two months old. "It's just that Mrs. Weasley just had twins and she has the three other boys. I don't think they'd be willing to take the risk. All of their children are so young."
"I don't think we can really afford to exclude people because they have children," comment Benjy Fenwick. "I think we should give the Weasley's a choice."
"No," said Hermione, more forcefully this time. She crossed her arms across her chest and stood at her full height, trying to look braver than she felt. "I won't support the Weasley's admittance into the Order." She looked to Professor Dumbledore, silently begging for his support with her eyes.
"Who do you think you are," growled Fabian Prewett, Gideon's brother. "You're just a kid."
"She's not a kid," said Remus, jumping to Hermione's defense. "We may be younger than the rest of you, but we're still members of the Order. Hermione has her reasons for objecting and that should be enough."
"Why don't we just put this to a vote, Dumbledore," spoke up Moody from his corner. He was staring at Hermione intently.
"I quite agree," approved Dumbledore. "All those opposed to admitting Arthur and Molly Weasley into the Order, please raise your hands." Hermione, Remus, Lily, Sirius, and James immediately raised their hands along with Dumbledore. When the other members saw Dumbledore's vote, many of them also raised their hands including Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, and Moody. They trusted Dumbledore and he trusted Hermione and that was enough for them. "All those in favor," continued Dumbledore. A few members raised their hands, but they were greatly outnumbered.
"Okay," finished Dumbledore. "That's that." Gideon and Fabian Prewett exchanged a few words, but didn't argue with the consensus. "I think we should adjourn for the day," Dumbledore continued. "Alastor, please make arrangements to contact the witches and wizards on our list. The next meeting will be one week from today. Thank you all for coming."
Hermione lingered after everyone had left to speak with Dumbledore. "Thank you for supporting me, sir," she said quietly.
"Hermione," he said a little sternly. "Do we need to be worried about Arthur Weasley or his wife?"
"Oh no," said Hermione earnestly. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would die before they joined Voldemort." Dumbledore seemed relieved and didn't ask any further questions, but Hermione felt the need to continue. "They're both very important to me," she said. "Yes, I know them, or rather I will know them or I did know them. I just can't keep my tenses straight anymore."
"It's quite all right, dear," said Dumbledore sympathetically.
"Believe me, sir. They're not supposed to be in the Order, not now. I'm not trying to change anything concerning them. I'm trying to keep things the same. They do not belong in the Order."
"That's enough for me," said Dumbledore. "And don't worry about Gideon and Fabian. They're good men, but they're protective of their family."
"We have that in common then," said Hermione grimly.
Dumbledore nodded. "It would seem so. Now, why don't you catch up with your friends? The Potter's should be ready to leave very soon."
Hermione smiled. All five of them would be staying with the Potter's for a few days before returning home. Dumbledore still needed time to place wards around Lily and Remus's homes in case Voldemort got any bright ideas. The Potter's house was already one of the more secure residences in the wizarding world. The protection around the house rivaled the protection around the Black's home.
Hermione would be staying on with the Potter's and she was grateful. She was also a little disappointed. Remus hadn't mentioned anything about her joining him at his home, although she knew her abrupt leaving the last time she was there might make it awkward. But they hadn't been apart for over nine months and she wasn't looking forward to being separated from him.
She caught up with everyone in front of the Great Hall. Their bags were already packed and had been sent on to the Potter's. They were taking a port key to get there since Dumbledore didn't want them traveling.
"There you are," said Remus, obviously relieved. "You almost missed the port key."
"Sorry," said Hermione quickly. She and Remus linked their arms around each others waists and crowded around the port key. Soon enough, they felt the familiar pull around their navels and then they found themselves in the middle of the Potter's living room.
James's mom sighed. "I'm glad you're all home and safe. It was all I could do not to pull you home last week."
"We're fine now, mom," said James moving toward her and kissing her on the cheek.
"That's right," said Sirius, kissing her other cheek.
She smiled and pushed them both away. "Little charmers," she laughed pleasantly. "Make yourselves useful and get everyone's bags upstairs, you too, Remus. Put the girls bag's in Sirius's room and you boys share James's. Lily, Hermione, join me in the kitchen and help me make lunch," she commanded. They all moved to obey her immediately.
In half an hour they were all sitting in the Potter's dining room eating lunch together and discussing their summer plans. James and Sirius would be heading for Auror training in less than two months. Lily had a job at the Ministry that she would be starting next week and Hermione would be heading back and forth to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had offered her a position at the school as a teacher's assistant. It was a front for her real job. Hermione would be dividing her time between helping the Professor's and working for the Order. Remus hadn't been very forthcoming about his plans. All he would say is that he found a job in the town near his home and would be starting the next day.
After lunch, the five friends decided to take a walk, though Mr. Potter made them promise to stay on the Potter's land. They were all excited about beginning the next part of their lives, but at the same time were apprehensive.
"I wish you didn't have to leave so soon," pouted Hermione. They had stopped and were sitting under the shade of a particularly large tree and she and Remus were completely wrapped around each other.
"I know," he returned, kissing her temple. "But it's a good job and I can't pass it up."
"I don't think it's fair that you three get one last summer vacation while Remus and I have to get to work," said Lily.
"I don't get a vacation," protested Hermione. "Dumbledore wants me coming to Hogwarts next week."
"Yeah, but you'll be working for the Order, being useful to the cause," said Lily. "And you get to come back here every night."
Hermione couldn't argue with that.
"You could come back here too you know," reminded James. He and Lily were also entwined around each other, Lily was practically sitting in his lap they were so close.
"I don't think either of our parents would like that arrangement," said Lily. "Besides, I'm getting my own flat. I don't want to commute all the way to London every day. And I couldn't possibly stand living with Petunia and having her say all sorts of spiteful comments to me every night."
"Your own flat?" said James happily. "Well, I can't say I mind that arrangement much." He nuzzled her neck and she smacked him playfully. Sirius, Remus and Hermione laughed.
"What about you, Sirius?" asked Hermione. "What are you going to do for the next two months before Auror training starts?"
"Actually," he began, rubbing the back of neck uncomfortably. "I'm signing the lease on a place of my own this week."
James shot an accusatory look at Sirius. "What?"
"Yeah, I was going to tell you later."
"Why'd you get a place of your own?" asked James. "You already have a home here."
"James, I can't take advantage of your parents forever. I'm not their responsibility."
"They don't care," argued James. "I think they like having you around more than me sometimes."
"Still," said Sirius. "It's about time I take care of myself." James crossed his arms angrily. "Don't be mad, James," said Sirius.
"I'm not mad," James denied, but everyone could tell he was. A silence fell over the group.
After a while, Remus stood and pulled Hermione to her feet. "Hermione and I are going to take a walk by ourselves," he announced. Hermione followed him, throwing a mischievous smile back at her friends. They walked far enough to be both out of eye and earshot of their friends before Remus pulled Hermione toward him and kissed her passionately. She broke away after a while, both of them breathing heavily.
Somehow they managed to find their way under a particularly tall tree with a broad trunk. Remus had Hermione pressed up against it and she was glad, because she knew she needed the extra support to keep her upright. His hard, demanding kiss was replaced by gentler, sweeter kisses, but they soon tired of the light touches and each of them demanded more of the other.
Remus's hands were everywhere and soon Hermione felt them working their way under her shirt. "Your skin is so soft," he murmured. She gasped when his palm settled over her covered breast. He quickly pulled his hand away, embarrassed. "Sorry," he said softly.
Hermione laughed lightly. "No, I'm sorry. You just surprised me." Remus had turned slightly pink. "It's okay," she reassured him. "It was nice." She pulled him back and kissed him again. With a bit of encouragement, his hands found their way back to their desired spot. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Hermione wondered where Remus had learned how to touch her in such a way that made her want to forget they were outside.
"We have to stop," she whispered after a while. "The others are going to wonder what happened to us."
Reluctantly, Remus pulled away. "It's getting harder to stop," he commented.
Hermione nodded. "I know," she agreed. "I wish we had time to be really alone before you left."
"Me too," returned Remus regretfully.
"Can you wait?" asked Hermione, suddenly uncertain.
Remus took both her hands in his and kissed them. "Of course, we've waited this long, haven't we?"
She nodded, feeling relieved. "It might be a while before we're together again," she said miserably.
"I'll come and visit as often as I can," he promised.
"I know," she said, but it didn't make her feel better.
"Come on," urged Remus, pulling her along. "Let's find the guys." When they joined the others, James, Lily, and Sirius gave them each knowing smiles. Hermione could just imagine how they looked. Only she found that she didn't care.
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A/N: I have a few more comments than I usually do this time around, first I have to give major kudos to the website The Harry Potter Lexicon. It is an invaluable source of information that even JKR has admitted to using when she needs a quick fact. (In fact, I got the tip about the HPL from JKR's website, which is also very cool.)
Also, I had to respond to a comment left by reviewer DrumFan8 about silver and werewolves and the fact that JKR gave Peter Pettigrew a silver hand at the end of GOF. (Are you getting tired of initials?) He wrote: The currency in the HP world is gold galleons, silver sickles, and bronze knuts... right... well werewolves are allergic to silver... does that means that werewolves can't touch that particular piece of money? Or maybe in JKR's world... the silver only hurts the werewolves if they ingest it. Which brings me to another question... do you think JKR will have Remus die at the end by Peter's hand... because she had Voldemort give Pettigrew a SILVER hand when he cut his own off in the 4th book... and werewolves are allergic to silver!
I have to say that the above idea has given me many horrible nightmares, because nothing by JKR is a coincidence, except maybe the whole Mark Evans thing, and I have often thought that Remus will die at Peter's hand. I also think that Peter will die in the end too, but that's no consolation to me. Before everyone sends me Howlers, let me say that I hope this doesn't happen, but after the whole Sirius debacle, I'm afraid we can't trust our beloved JKR.
Last thing, please don't send me anything about Gideon and Fabian Prewett not being Molly Weasley's brothers. JKR says they are close relatives, but she doesn't pin down their specific relationship. I like to think that they were her brothers because that would be so much more interesting than if they were just her cousins or uncles or something.
Anyway I had these thoughts and wanted to share. That's about it. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Very few people knew Voldemort's real reason for attacking the school and those who did knew better than to say anything to anyone, though it was rumored that the Daily Prophet was offering 50 galleons to anyone willing to give a first hand account of the battle. Fortunately, the few students who did sell their stories tended to exaggerate. As a result, the attack became exponentially bigger than it really was.
Somehow Dumbledore managed to keep Hermione's name out of the Daily Prophet and her role in the attack was kept a secret, even when the Ministry awarded medals of bravery to James, Sirius, Lily, and Remus. Both Dumbledore and Hermione were afraid the Daily Prophet might take it upon themselves to dig into Hermione's past and they couldn't afford for them to do that.
Peter Pettigrew was quickly named as a suspect in the attack. He disappeared when Voldemort and the Death Eater's retreated and they all guessed that he was now a full fledged Death Eater forced into hiding. To Hermione, Lily and the remaining Marauder's surprise, not one Slytherin was charged in the attack. Every Slytherin that Hermione knew was a Death Eater had been found in the Slytherin common room, stunned. When revived they explained that they had refused to join the assault and were all attacked. Some even claimed that the Cruciatus Curse had been used against them to try and gain their cooperation, but they refused to join Voldemort.
There was nothing any of them could do to prove the Slytherin's guilt. But they knew the truth and more importantly, Hermione made sure Dumbledore knew the truth. The only thing that consoled her was that she knew it would only be a matter of time before the truth would be known to the entire wizarding community.
The three remaining Marauders, Lily, and Hermione remained at school the weekend after everyone else had gone home for the first meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. The witches and wizards in attendance were old friends of Dumbledore's, people he trusted implicitly. The first order of business was recruiting more members.
"What about Marlene McKinnon?" asked Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody. "She's a smart girl. I knew her dad, before he died. She can be trusted."
"Any objections?" asked Dumbledore. Although he was the leader of the Order and his word was final, Dumbledore insisted on voting on the most important matters. When no one raised any objections, Marlene McKinnon's name was added to the list.
Hermione looked around the room. She knew she was in a room with some of the best wizards and witches of the age and she couldn't help feeling a little small and insignificant in their presence. Scattered around the empty classroom, some standing, some sitting were the current members of the Order. In the far corner was Hagrid, who was too big to sit in any of the student sized chairs. He looked serious, but still as gentle as Hermione remembered. Professor McGonagall was standing on his left.
In the corner opposite the door stood Mad-Eye Moody. He had his magical eye, but not the wooden leg. He didn't look anything near as severe as Hermione remembered. Next to him was Elphias Doge who was wearing a very odd looking hat that Moody kept shooting dirty looks at with his good eye.
Some of the other people in attendance were James's mother and father, Gideon and Fabian Prewett, Dorcas Meadows, Benjy Fenwick, Caradoc Dearborn, Edgar Bones, Dedalus Diggle, Sturgis Podmore, and Arabella Figg. Hermione only recognized a few of them.
"Anyone else?" asked Dumbledore.
"What about Frank Longbottom?" suggested James timidly. "He's a few years older than us," he said indicating, Sirius, Lily, Remus, and Hermione, who were all sitting close together. "He was Head Boy and a Gryffindor."
"And Alice too," injected Lily. "They were married six months ago." She blushed despite herself. They were all feeling a bit unsure of themselves in this group. They all wanted the respect of the group and couldn't help wishing they were a few years older.
Dumbledore smiled down on all of them, almost affectionately, before turning to the group. "Any objections?" he asked again.
No one objected and the Longbottom's were also added to the growing list. "Anyone else?" he asked again.
"What about Arthur Weasley," spoke up Gideon Prewett. "He's married to my sister, Molly."
"No," objected Hermione suddenly. Her friends stared at her curiously and she soon discovered that she was the center of the Order's attention.
"What's the matter with Arthur," asked Gideon defensively. "I hope you're not trying to imply that he's less than trustworthy."
"No," stammered Hermione, "of course not."
"Gideon, allow the girl to speak," said Dumbledore. "We all have the right to raise any objections we might have. Hermione, can you tell us why you're objecting."
Hermione bit her bottom lip. As long as she had anything to say about it, the Weasley's would be kept as far from the fighting as she could get them. She had to protect the births of Ron and Ginny at all costs. But she couldn't very well tell that to everyone. She did some fast calculations in her head. It was June 1978. That meant Fred and George were just two months old. "It's just that Mrs. Weasley just had twins and she has the three other boys. I don't think they'd be willing to take the risk. All of their children are so young."
"I don't think we can really afford to exclude people because they have children," comment Benjy Fenwick. "I think we should give the Weasley's a choice."
"No," said Hermione, more forcefully this time. She crossed her arms across her chest and stood at her full height, trying to look braver than she felt. "I won't support the Weasley's admittance into the Order." She looked to Professor Dumbledore, silently begging for his support with her eyes.
"Who do you think you are," growled Fabian Prewett, Gideon's brother. "You're just a kid."
"She's not a kid," said Remus, jumping to Hermione's defense. "We may be younger than the rest of you, but we're still members of the Order. Hermione has her reasons for objecting and that should be enough."
"Why don't we just put this to a vote, Dumbledore," spoke up Moody from his corner. He was staring at Hermione intently.
"I quite agree," approved Dumbledore. "All those opposed to admitting Arthur and Molly Weasley into the Order, please raise your hands." Hermione, Remus, Lily, Sirius, and James immediately raised their hands along with Dumbledore. When the other members saw Dumbledore's vote, many of them also raised their hands including Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, and Moody. They trusted Dumbledore and he trusted Hermione and that was enough for them. "All those in favor," continued Dumbledore. A few members raised their hands, but they were greatly outnumbered.
"Okay," finished Dumbledore. "That's that." Gideon and Fabian Prewett exchanged a few words, but didn't argue with the consensus. "I think we should adjourn for the day," Dumbledore continued. "Alastor, please make arrangements to contact the witches and wizards on our list. The next meeting will be one week from today. Thank you all for coming."
Hermione lingered after everyone had left to speak with Dumbledore. "Thank you for supporting me, sir," she said quietly.
"Hermione," he said a little sternly. "Do we need to be worried about Arthur Weasley or his wife?"
"Oh no," said Hermione earnestly. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would die before they joined Voldemort." Dumbledore seemed relieved and didn't ask any further questions, but Hermione felt the need to continue. "They're both very important to me," she said. "Yes, I know them, or rather I will know them or I did know them. I just can't keep my tenses straight anymore."
"It's quite all right, dear," said Dumbledore sympathetically.
"Believe me, sir. They're not supposed to be in the Order, not now. I'm not trying to change anything concerning them. I'm trying to keep things the same. They do not belong in the Order."
"That's enough for me," said Dumbledore. "And don't worry about Gideon and Fabian. They're good men, but they're protective of their family."
"We have that in common then," said Hermione grimly.
Dumbledore nodded. "It would seem so. Now, why don't you catch up with your friends? The Potter's should be ready to leave very soon."
Hermione smiled. All five of them would be staying with the Potter's for a few days before returning home. Dumbledore still needed time to place wards around Lily and Remus's homes in case Voldemort got any bright ideas. The Potter's house was already one of the more secure residences in the wizarding world. The protection around the house rivaled the protection around the Black's home.
Hermione would be staying on with the Potter's and she was grateful. She was also a little disappointed. Remus hadn't mentioned anything about her joining him at his home, although she knew her abrupt leaving the last time she was there might make it awkward. But they hadn't been apart for over nine months and she wasn't looking forward to being separated from him.
She caught up with everyone in front of the Great Hall. Their bags were already packed and had been sent on to the Potter's. They were taking a port key to get there since Dumbledore didn't want them traveling.
"There you are," said Remus, obviously relieved. "You almost missed the port key."
"Sorry," said Hermione quickly. She and Remus linked their arms around each others waists and crowded around the port key. Soon enough, they felt the familiar pull around their navels and then they found themselves in the middle of the Potter's living room.
James's mom sighed. "I'm glad you're all home and safe. It was all I could do not to pull you home last week."
"We're fine now, mom," said James moving toward her and kissing her on the cheek.
"That's right," said Sirius, kissing her other cheek.
She smiled and pushed them both away. "Little charmers," she laughed pleasantly. "Make yourselves useful and get everyone's bags upstairs, you too, Remus. Put the girls bag's in Sirius's room and you boys share James's. Lily, Hermione, join me in the kitchen and help me make lunch," she commanded. They all moved to obey her immediately.
In half an hour they were all sitting in the Potter's dining room eating lunch together and discussing their summer plans. James and Sirius would be heading for Auror training in less than two months. Lily had a job at the Ministry that she would be starting next week and Hermione would be heading back and forth to Hogwarts. Dumbledore had offered her a position at the school as a teacher's assistant. It was a front for her real job. Hermione would be dividing her time between helping the Professor's and working for the Order. Remus hadn't been very forthcoming about his plans. All he would say is that he found a job in the town near his home and would be starting the next day.
After lunch, the five friends decided to take a walk, though Mr. Potter made them promise to stay on the Potter's land. They were all excited about beginning the next part of their lives, but at the same time were apprehensive.
"I wish you didn't have to leave so soon," pouted Hermione. They had stopped and were sitting under the shade of a particularly large tree and she and Remus were completely wrapped around each other.
"I know," he returned, kissing her temple. "But it's a good job and I can't pass it up."
"I don't think it's fair that you three get one last summer vacation while Remus and I have to get to work," said Lily.
"I don't get a vacation," protested Hermione. "Dumbledore wants me coming to Hogwarts next week."
"Yeah, but you'll be working for the Order, being useful to the cause," said Lily. "And you get to come back here every night."
Hermione couldn't argue with that.
"You could come back here too you know," reminded James. He and Lily were also entwined around each other, Lily was practically sitting in his lap they were so close.
"I don't think either of our parents would like that arrangement," said Lily. "Besides, I'm getting my own flat. I don't want to commute all the way to London every day. And I couldn't possibly stand living with Petunia and having her say all sorts of spiteful comments to me every night."
"Your own flat?" said James happily. "Well, I can't say I mind that arrangement much." He nuzzled her neck and she smacked him playfully. Sirius, Remus and Hermione laughed.
"What about you, Sirius?" asked Hermione. "What are you going to do for the next two months before Auror training starts?"
"Actually," he began, rubbing the back of neck uncomfortably. "I'm signing the lease on a place of my own this week."
James shot an accusatory look at Sirius. "What?"
"Yeah, I was going to tell you later."
"Why'd you get a place of your own?" asked James. "You already have a home here."
"James, I can't take advantage of your parents forever. I'm not their responsibility."
"They don't care," argued James. "I think they like having you around more than me sometimes."
"Still," said Sirius. "It's about time I take care of myself." James crossed his arms angrily. "Don't be mad, James," said Sirius.
"I'm not mad," James denied, but everyone could tell he was. A silence fell over the group.
After a while, Remus stood and pulled Hermione to her feet. "Hermione and I are going to take a walk by ourselves," he announced. Hermione followed him, throwing a mischievous smile back at her friends. They walked far enough to be both out of eye and earshot of their friends before Remus pulled Hermione toward him and kissed her passionately. She broke away after a while, both of them breathing heavily.
Somehow they managed to find their way under a particularly tall tree with a broad trunk. Remus had Hermione pressed up against it and she was glad, because she knew she needed the extra support to keep her upright. His hard, demanding kiss was replaced by gentler, sweeter kisses, but they soon tired of the light touches and each of them demanded more of the other.
Remus's hands were everywhere and soon Hermione felt them working their way under her shirt. "Your skin is so soft," he murmured. She gasped when his palm settled over her covered breast. He quickly pulled his hand away, embarrassed. "Sorry," he said softly.
Hermione laughed lightly. "No, I'm sorry. You just surprised me." Remus had turned slightly pink. "It's okay," she reassured him. "It was nice." She pulled him back and kissed him again. With a bit of encouragement, his hands found their way back to their desired spot. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Hermione wondered where Remus had learned how to touch her in such a way that made her want to forget they were outside.
"We have to stop," she whispered after a while. "The others are going to wonder what happened to us."
Reluctantly, Remus pulled away. "It's getting harder to stop," he commented.
Hermione nodded. "I know," she agreed. "I wish we had time to be really alone before you left."
"Me too," returned Remus regretfully.
"Can you wait?" asked Hermione, suddenly uncertain.
Remus took both her hands in his and kissed them. "Of course, we've waited this long, haven't we?"
She nodded, feeling relieved. "It might be a while before we're together again," she said miserably.
"I'll come and visit as often as I can," he promised.
"I know," she said, but it didn't make her feel better.
"Come on," urged Remus, pulling her along. "Let's find the guys." When they joined the others, James, Lily, and Sirius gave them each knowing smiles. Hermione could just imagine how they looked. Only she found that she didn't care.
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A/N: I have a few more comments than I usually do this time around, first I have to give major kudos to the website The Harry Potter Lexicon. It is an invaluable source of information that even JKR has admitted to using when she needs a quick fact. (In fact, I got the tip about the HPL from JKR's website, which is also very cool.)
Also, I had to respond to a comment left by reviewer DrumFan8 about silver and werewolves and the fact that JKR gave Peter Pettigrew a silver hand at the end of GOF. (Are you getting tired of initials?) He wrote: The currency in the HP world is gold galleons, silver sickles, and bronze knuts... right... well werewolves are allergic to silver... does that means that werewolves can't touch that particular piece of money? Or maybe in JKR's world... the silver only hurts the werewolves if they ingest it. Which brings me to another question... do you think JKR will have Remus die at the end by Peter's hand... because she had Voldemort give Pettigrew a SILVER hand when he cut his own off in the 4th book... and werewolves are allergic to silver!
I have to say that the above idea has given me many horrible nightmares, because nothing by JKR is a coincidence, except maybe the whole Mark Evans thing, and I have often thought that Remus will die at Peter's hand. I also think that Peter will die in the end too, but that's no consolation to me. Before everyone sends me Howlers, let me say that I hope this doesn't happen, but after the whole Sirius debacle, I'm afraid we can't trust our beloved JKR.
Last thing, please don't send me anything about Gideon and Fabian Prewett not being Molly Weasley's brothers. JKR says they are close relatives, but she doesn't pin down their specific relationship. I like to think that they were her brothers because that would be so much more interesting than if they were just her cousins or uncles or something.
Anyway I had these thoughts and wanted to share. That's about it. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
