"It's time."

Hermione stood slowly and followed the witch who had come to collect her. She had been alone for the last two days with the exception of the witch who came to bring her food and take her to the bathroom. She hadn't heard from Sirius or James in days and she worried that they may have gotten into serious trouble for bringing Nathaniel to her.

Sirius had said he would try to be with her today, but she didn't want to ask about him.

On the outside, she was the picture of serenity, but inwardly she was struggling just to put one foot in front of the other. The witch leading her commented on it. "You certainly don't seem too concerned about your baby."

Hermione looked stonily at her. "I don't think you know me well enough to determine whether I'm really calm or just about ready to kill someone if they stand between me and my family."

The Witch's eyes widened slightly, "I'd be a little more respectful…"

"We'll take over from here," interrupted Sirius.

Hermione looked to her left and saw James and Sirius approaching. They both looked furious.

"I'm supposed to take her…" began the Witch.

"We said we'd take over," James, said cutting her off. "You're supposed to transport her, not make comments."

"I wasn't…"

"I left some paperwork on your desk that I need back by this afternoon," said Sirius, dismissing her with a smile.

She scowled back at him, but relinquished her hold on Hermione and slunk away.

"Hey," said James. "You doing okay?"

Hermione closed her eyes and walked right into James' arms. He hugged her awkwardly, patting her back lightly.

"I'm sorry about what I said before," she whispered into his chest.

"You don't have anything to apologize for," he replied.

"We have to hurry," interrupted Sirius.

Hermione looked at him questioningly.

"We're going to make a little detour," said Sirius with a smile and he and James hurried her along. Sirius led them down several hallways and through a number of doors. "Here we are," he announced when they were standing in front of a heavy metal door. He pulled out his wand and opened the door. "Go on in," said Sirius.

Hermione hesitated, but James pushed her gently forward on the small of her back. "We'll wait out here." Inside the small room was Remus. He was chained to the far wall and his head was bowed low. He didn't look up as Hermione approached. "Remus," she said tentatively.

His head shot up and she gasped. His eyes were wet and bloodshot. She rushed forward and cupped his face. "What did they do to you?" she cried.

"Hermione," he groaned. She pressed her entire body against him, needing to feel his warmth. "Nathaniel?" he asked desperately.

"I'm going to him now," she reassured him.

"They took him," said Remus.

"I know," she said.

"I couldn't stop them," he said.

"It's okay."

"I'll kill them," he growled, then he tensed and moaned.

"What?" Hermione demanded.

"Full moon," he gasped. "It's almost time."

Hermione ran her hands down his arms and over the chains that were biting into his skin. She lowered her head and kissed the bruised skin. Then she stood and pressed her cheek to his. "I love you," she whispered. "Hold on to that."

"I'm so sorry I've brought this on you," he replied.

She took his head in her hands and forced him to look at her. "Kiss me and tell me you love me," she whispered.

"I love you," he breathed and his lips found hers in a gentle, needy, desperate kiss. Their faces stayed close and their tears mingled together. "If Nathaniel…" he whispered.

"We'll love him no matter what," she replied, cutting him off.

"Hermione," said James, poking his head into the room. "We'd better go."

Hermione nodded without turning around. "I love you, I love you, I love you," she whispered over and over, punctuating each declaration with a kiss. She gave him one last squeeze before reluctantly moving away.

"James," Remus called out.

"Yeah?"

"You take care of them," he demanded. "Swear you will."

"I swear," replied James solemnly.

Remus nodded and Hermione could see him visibly relax then James closed the door. Hermione stood very still with her eyes closed, trying to regain her composure. "I am going to make them pay," she whispered furiously. "They will pay for doing this to him."

James shot Sirius a look and then guided Hermione away. They reached the room where Nathaniel was being held. A wizard was standing over a crib. Hermione could see his tiny pudgy arms waving in the air.

"What is he doing?" asked Hermione.

"He's securing Nathaniel," said Sirius.

"What? He's just an infant."

"Hermione, I agree with this," interrupted James. "If the worst happens, Nathaniel will be a danger to himself."

"I want to go in there. I want to be with him."

"You can't. It won't be safe."

"I don't care. I'm his mother," she argued.

Sirius approached her and hugged her tightly from behind. "This will all be over soon," he whispered in her ear. "I know you're frantic, but we're here. We're both here for you."

Every one of her muscles was tight with tension and she felt like she was about to come out of her skin.

"You can do this," reassured Sirius, holding her even tighter. They watched through a window as the wizard left and secured the outer door.

"How much longer?" James asked him.

"Minutes," replied the unknown Wizard curtly. "What is she doing here?"

If Sirius hadn't wisely secured Hermione to him, she would have launched herself at the man. "Be strong for Nathaniel," whispered Sirius urgently.

"Don't worry about her," snapped James.

The wizard narrowed his eyes at James. "The two of you are killing your careers by siding with these outcasts."

"Sirius and I bring in more Death Eaters than the rest of our team combined," said James coldly. "And we don't have to resort to picking up three week olds."

The wizard's eyebrows went up. "Sirius was right there with us," he said. Their sparring match was interrupted by a loud scream followed by several more.

"What is that?" gasped Hermione.

"The full moon is coming up," said Sirius.

"Remus isn't the only werewolf being held," said James quietly.

Hermione wanted to cover her ears against the agonized wailing surrounding her, but an even more terrible sound reached her ear. Nathaniel had started crying. "Oh no, no," she moaned, "Nathaniel no."

Both Sirius and James turned white. James reached for one of Hermione's hands and held it tightly. All three pressed themselves up against the glass window, watching and waiting.

Silent tears fell down Hermione's face as the seconds ticked by. Nathaniel's cries turned into screams, but his soft pink skin remained whole and perfect. The cries of the men and women experiencing the painful transformation slowly morphed from human to animal, but still Nathaniel seemed unchanged.

Slowly hope began to burgeon in Hermione's heart. She looked up to see Sirius's wide smile open with silent joy. Then suddenly to her left James let out a joyous whoop. He grabbed Hermione and spun her in a tight circle, lifting her from the ground. Hermione clutched him, crying out with pure happiness. Sirius pumped the air with his fist and Hermione let go of James and jumped into his arms. Then she released him and pressed herself up against the glass window drinking in the sight of her perfect child. Sirius and James hugged tightly and clapped each other on the back. The joy in the air was absolutely tangible, an odd contrast to the despairing sounds all around them.

The wizard who had secured Nathaniel even smiled, though he hardly participated in the celebration.

"Let me in there," demanded Hermione.

Not daring to deny her with James and Sirius so close, the wizard nodded once and pulled out his wand opening the heavy door. Hermione pushed past him and ran into the room. Her hands immediately went to Nathaniel's bonds, but she couldn't undo them without magic.

"James, Sirius, help," she called out desperately. Nathaniel was still screaming terrified, heart-breaking sobs. The boys hurried into the room and Sirius pulled out his wand, quickly breaking the baby's bonds. Once free, Nathaniel reached out desperately, as if he knew his mother was near. Hermione took him into her arms and cuddled him close to her chest, whispering to him.

"I'm here, my love," she whispered. "Mommy's here. Don't be frightened." Nathaniel's cries lost their terrified pitch, but she could tell he was still frightened. "I need to get him out of here," she told the boys.

"Of course," said James. Inwardly he was thinking he'd never bring Harry within ten feet of this place. He ushered Hermione quickly down the hall, past door after door. When they passed the one Remus was being held in Hermione paused for a second.

"He'll know soon," said Sirius, reading her mind. "Come on," he urged her. "Let's get Nathaniel out of here."

James brought them to his and Sirius's office and made Hermione sit.

"Is he okay?" he asked. Nathaniel was still crying.

"He was so good this entire time," commented Sirius. "Every time James and I snuck away to see him, he wasn't crying."

"He's my brave boy," said Hermione. "And if he wants to cry now, then he can." She bent down and placed tiny kisses on his head.

There was a sudden knock at the door and Hermione tensed, pulling Nathaniel closer to her. "Send whoever that is away," she demanded.

Sirius went to the door and had a whispered conversation, before opening the door fully.

Hermione eyed the older man who she knew as Bartemius Crouch. "Mrs. Lupin," he began in greeting. "My name is Bartemius Crouch."

"I know who you are," replied Hermione curtly.

He raised his eyebrows at her. "My congratulations on the health of your son, we all hoped this story would end happily for you," he said pompously.

"You hoped nothing of the sort," Hermione shot back. "You would have liked nothing better than to lock me and my husband away in Azkaban and put Nathaniel in some sort of institution."

"Hermione," said James warningly under his breath.

"Now see here," sputtered Crouch. "You and Lupin broke the law. There are consequences when one does that."

"Consequences," yelled Hermione, standing up. She passed Nathaniel to James and advanced on Crouch. "What right do you have, you of all people, to lecture me on the consequences of my decisions."

"Decree 47," began Crouch, his face growing very red.

"Is a travesty," Hermione shouted back, cutting him off. "My husband was honored by this Ministry for the role he played in the assault at Hogwarts. He risked his life saving his fellow students. Albus Dumbledore himself will vouch for his loyalty, and still he's treated like this by our government."

"Your husband," Crouch spat back, "would have been left alone if he had not violated Decree 47."

"A law that prevents him from finding any sort of happiness in life," she replied angrily. "What right do you have to tell us we can't make a life for ourselves?"

"Okay that's enough," Sirius interrupted. "Sir," he said, addressing Crouch. "The bottom line is that Nathaniel is obviously not a werewolf. You guaranteed all the charges against Hermione and Remus would be dropped if that happened. We had a deal."

Crouch glared at Hermione, but reluctantly nodded to Sirius. "Yes, I did make that bargain. When morning comes we will release the werewolf to you."

"What?" questioned Hermione, suddenly confused. "What bargain? What is he talking about, Sirius?"

Sirius raised his hand, silencing her.

"But your reputation is on the line, Black," said Crouch. "Your entire career is."

"Sirius, what is he talking about?" demanded Hermione.

"You're a very lucky girl," said Crouch, talking down to Hermione, "with very loyal friends. See that you deserve it." He nodded once to Sirius then James. "Black, Potter, good day." Then he left the room, closing the door firmly behind him.

Hermione whirled on Sirius. "Talk," she demanded.

"Now just calm down," said Sirius. "It's not worth getting all worked up about."

"What did Crouch mean by your career was on the line?" she asked. "You shouldn't trust Crouch, Sirius. Believe me, I know."

"It's nothing," said Sirius.

"If it was nothing, Crouch wouldn't have just thrown whatever it is in my face."

Sirius sighed deeply. "I agreed to take responsibility for Remus's release."

"What does that mean?" asked Hermione.

"It means I promised to keep an eye on the two of you."

"Keep an eye on us," laughed Hermione. "You mean make sure we stay loyal to the Ministry, right?"

Sirius nodded.

"That's ridiculous," she scoffed.

"I agree," said Sirius. "But it was the only way I could get them to release Remus. They would have kept him confined as a dangerous creature otherwise."

"But what does it mean?" she asked. "How are you going to keep an eye on us?"

Sirius looked at the ground, not wanting to admit to the deal he had made. "It means Remus will have to check in with me daily," he admitted reluctantly. "I'll have to know where he is at all times."

Hermione paled. "He'll never agree to do that."

"He doesn't have a choice," snapped Sirius.

"How could you have let this happen?" she shouted back.

"Hermione, that's enough," interrupted James. He walked closer to her. "Here," he said, handing her Nathaniel. "Hold your son and listen to me. Sirius did everything he could to get them to drop the charges against the both of you. It wasn't hard to get them to let up on you. The Ministry certainly doesn't want to have to explain why they're separating a three week old from his mother. But they were ready to make an example of Remus."

"For what," asked Hermione sarcastically, "for daring to get married and pregnate? My God, what a crime!"

"Yes, exactly," said James. "They take Decree 47 very seriously. The two of you didn't even consider it."

"So we shouldn't have had Nathaniel then?" asked Hermione.

"Of course you should have," said James, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "You know we don't think like them. Don't forget Hermione. We've known Remus a lot longer than you have. He's our brother and we'd do anything for him."

Hermione couldn't argue. She bowed her head in contrition. "He's just going to be so humiliated to have to check in with you."

"We won't let him know then," said Sirius quietly.

"How?" asked Hermione.

"There's no reason we can't just happen to see each other every day," said Sirius. "Remus will never know the real reason." Sirius leaned closer to Hermione. "I know he's proud. I don't want to take that away from him. I just wanted Nathaniel to have a father."

Sharp tears stung Hermione's eyes and she nodded. "Okay," she agreed. "And thank you."

"I love you," said Sirius and he kissed the top of her head. "All three of you," he added.

They were silent for a long time and then Nathaniel, who was now lying contently in his mother's arms gazing up at her, gave a tiny yawn, which Hermione immediately followed with one of her own.

"You look exhausted," commented James. "Why don't you come back to Godric's Hollow with me? Lily's been frantic about you. We can all get some sleep and come back in the morning."

"No," protested Hermione. "I don't want to leave Remus."

"Are you sure?" asked James.

She nodded.

"I'll tell you what," said Sirius. "I'll stay here with Hermione and you go home and tell Lily the news."

"No, I'll stay," offered James.

"It's really okay, James," said Hermione. "Go home to your wife and son. Sirius will stay with us."

James looked doubtful, but after another five minutes of prodding, he agreed. "I'll be back in the morning," he promised, before leaving.

Sirius conjured a couch with a pillow and a blanket. "Lay down," he told Hermione.

She shook her head. "I don't want to let Nathaniel go," she whispered. "I'm afraid to."

Sirius smiled sympathetically and thought for a moment. Finally, he sat on the couch and patted the space next to him. Hermione sat, still cradling her baby. "Now, you lean on me and get some rest and I'll make sure nothing happens to either one of you tonight."

"You'll stay up all night?" questioned Hermione.

Sirius nodded, "all night."

Hermione laid her head against his shoulder. "Thank you, Sirius," she said quietly.

The next morning Hermione woke slowly. She felt warm and comfortable and fought against consciousness. She felt strong arms tighten around her and she snuggled deeper into them. "Remus," she murmured. Then she woke up. She saw the arms around her were tan and not pale and slightly more muscular than she was used to. She craned her neck and saw Sirius, sleeping with his mouth slightly open. Then she looked down to see Nathaniel slumbering peacefully against her chest.

Hermione giggled slightly at the sight. Then she gasped remembering it was morning.

"Wha…" Sirius jolted awake.

"Remus," she gasped. "I have to see him.

Sirius was still half asleep and slightly disoriented. Hermione pushed herself up, waking Nathaniel in the process, who started crying. She handed him to Sirius and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" called Sirius.

"Remus has to know about Nathaniel," she called over her shoulder. "Keep him here." Then she dashed down the corridor. Thanking her photographic memory, she found the room he was being held in easily enough. Ministry officials were already there opening the rooms. Hermione was surprised to see she wasn't the only non Ministry official in the room. From what she could tell, parents, wives, and husbands had all come to collect their loved ones. It was a heart-breaking sight.

Finally she was allowed into the room. She ran in to find Remus still chained to the wall. He looked awful. His clothes were ragged and every muscle on his body seemed to be strained. His bonds were broken and Hermione had to rush to catch him or he would have fallen to the floor.

"Remus, are you okay?" she asked, her voice full of concern.

Remus looked up at his wife, his entire face in agony. "Nathaniel?"

Hermione's eyes and smile told him everything he needed to know and he pulled her into a fierce hug. They both dropped to the floor, holding and supporting each other and sharing the joy that their son was healthy.

"Take me to him," Remus begged.

Hermione nodded and helped him to stand. She had never been with him this close after the transformation. He had always fought against her seeing him at his most vulnerable. She was surprised at how weak he really was. It took all her strength to get him back to Nathaniel and Sirius. They had to pause several times, but they finally got there.

Sirius set the baby down and went to help Hermione. They made Remus sit on the couch and Hermione hurried to bring Nathaniel to him.

As soon as he was in his arms, Remus began to cry. Hermione wrapped her arms around her husband and son and held them close. Feeling like an intruder, Sirius quietly left the room, shutting the door behind him.

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A/N: Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. The last chapter was absolute agony to write, but it got one of the best responses of all the chapters, so I guess I pulled it off.

I love how you were all on pins and needles over whether Nathaniel was a werewolf or not. I just couldn't do that to Remus. He would torture himself with guilt.

Okay, I have decided to answer some questions in the next chapter. I get a lot in the reviews and haven't yet answered any. If you have any about the story now is the time to ask. The answer might be in the next author review.