AN: Oh wowzers it's a new chapter! :D:D:D:D

Disclaimer: erases the little ©'s she put everywhere Okay…okay…it's J.K.'s

Reviews: Thanks goes out to Fool Moon, Squishy K, hand3, and megzzy6688 who all thoroughly enjoyed seeing Dumbledore get his face smashed...

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Last Chapter: "He just appeared behind me and I reacted…by hitting him," Hermione said, groaning. "I'm so sorry I punched you, Professor."

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Hermione stared down at the various, glittering array of potions that now sat in her lap. Snape continued to plow through the seemingly never-ending supply of bottles; one for sleep, another to help heal, clot blood, antiseptic, ease pain, and on and on. He even produced a supply of potion ingredients since as he said, "Miss Granger is more than capable." The only vials he handed to Remus were a venomous green and labeled WB. Snape said he had made enough Wolfsbane Potion to last three months, then he would make some more unless something were to happen then Hermione must do it.

At this point, Snape pointed his attention to the recovering Dumbledore, "Do you still think this wise to leave her in his care?"

Dumbledore gazed calmly over his glasses, his eyes regaining their twinkle, now icy as they regarded Snape. "I have the utmost confidence in Remus. He has lived with the condition for years and knows how to handle himself. With the proper precautions like the Wolfsbane and warded doors, they will both be safe. Now, seeing as I can speak, I only have a few points to address."

Out of his robes, Dumbledore pulled a rather large stack of Muggle bills held together with a bit of string and another manila folder. He handed the money to Remus who looked paler than he had a moment ago. The werewolf clutched the potion vials so tight Hermione feared he may shatter them. Trying not to disrupt Dumbledore, Hermione reached over and gently pried back his fingers a bit. Remus looked over but his expression did not seem to register.

"That is nearly 750 in pounds for anything you need to purchase. As I'm sure Remus knows, the village a few miles out has a grocery store and whatnot. Now I must advise that Hermione not leave the protection of the property until the hunt for her dies down or Remus, you can perform a very convincing Disillusionment charm."

"Sir," said Hermione, "when will we know if it's all right to leave? I mean you and Professor Snape can't just be popping in and out of here. Wouldn't that be noticed?"

"I'm glad you asked. That was next on my list. Still have your folder, Remus?" he asked, holding up his own matching one.

Remus nodded. "Yeah, it's downstairs. Do you want me to go and get it?"

"I can get it. Accio folder!" said Dumbledore and with a whoosh, it zoomed into his hand. He perched it atop the mountain of potions in Hermione's lap.

"This is how we will communicate," he announced grandly.

Everyone but Snape, who appeared bored, raised an eyebrow at that statement. How in the world would a folder allow them to communicate, but this was Dumbledore the man with a few twists up his sleeves.

"And that would be how…" started Remus.

"Just watch."

With that, Dumbledore pulled a bit of parchment from his robes and placed it into his folder. He then looked expectedly at the one Hermione had. A slight pop was heard and upon opening up Hermione's folder, there was Dumbledore's parchment.

"I tweaked a Displacement charm a bit and produced these. Splendid, aren't they? We can exchange information freely without any travel. Although, it does have a weight limit, it's not as if I can send Snape through it or even a slightly heavy object. Any person will still have to come by unconventional means in order to stay undetected. Anything else you need to put in, Severus?"

"No, Headmaster," said Snape, looking at Hermione, "but I do need to see Miss Granger for a bit to further explain some of the potions. If you would step into the hall, please?"

Puzzled, Hermione decided to place the potions on the bed since Snape had neglected in telling her which one it would be. Remus glanced at her on her way out and then proceeded to discuss something in a low voice with Dumbledore. The only part she heard as she closed the door as Snape instructed was "…has a point."

The Potions Master cleared his throat in order to get her attention. He looked at her then the door before pulling her farther away. He muttered under his breath about that wolf's damned hearing. Hermione shook off his hand that grasped her upper arm.

"Which potion did you need to talk about, Professor?" she asked.

"I bent the truth a bit. This little chat actually has nothing to do with potions. I wanted to give you something that you might need in the future," he said, pulling a long thing box from his robe's side pocket.

Hermione stared at the black box. "I doubt I need anything you would want to give me."

He smirked, "On the contrary, Miss Granger, open the box; you'll need both."

She snatched the box away from him and took off the lid apprehensively. Inside, Hermione was surprised and pleased to find her wand. Her stomach turned over at the other object, though. Next to her wand lie a shiny, viciously pointed dagger that gleamed dully in the hall's light. Clearly, the dagger was wrought in silver. Hermione stared down in disgust at it. She pocketed her wand in her jeans and the shoved the box back at Snape.

"How dare you even think of giving me that? He's perfectly safe and you know it. He would never do anything to me."

"Miss Granger, use the mind I know you have. He becomes a monster with no thought or care about you or anyone but only to kill. You can't get past the human side but trust me; there is an animal in him. I've seen it. He will tear you apart before you even know what is going on. Now take it!"

"He takes the potion. Remus still has his mind during transformation. He wouldn't…"

Snape cut her off, "What if I can't get the potion to you or the ingredients to make it? What are you going to do then? Try to out run him or use a spell? I doubt in your condition you'd get very far and werewolves are immune to most enchantments. For once, Miss Granger, don't be so stubborn and let someone help you."

He held out the box again to her. She bit her lip before taking it.

Defiantly, she looked up at him and said, "I won't use. I won't need to use it. He'd nev-"

"Yes, yes, I know he'd never do anything, but just keep it close. His nature makes him unpredictable. Now, I must be off. Tell the Headmaster I have returned the Hogwarts." Snape tapped the box lightly before spinning around and disappearing.

Now what was she going to do? She could not walk back in the room, flashing around a silver dagger, and shoving it under Remus' nose. Quickly, Hermione retrieved Remus' robe from the bathroom and flung it on. She slipped the box into the right inside pocket before going back to where Remus and Dumbledore were finishing their discussion.

"Ah," said the old wizard as she came back in, "I see Severus is through speaking with you and it appears he has already left. Well I must be going, too. I can't be gone for too long or everyone becomes suspicious."

"It was very good to see you, sir, and I am very sorry about your nose," said Hermione as she hugged him; silently hoping the box wasn't noticeable.

"No worries about that. Oh, Remus and I were just discussing continuing your studies here. I do believe there are some books packed somewhere; just have to look. Madam Pomfrey will also be making routine visits to check on both of you. I'll be sure to send word of her arrivals by folder."

"Goodbye, Albus," said Remus as they shook hands. "We'll do fine."

"I'm sure. Keep your eyes open. Goodbye," he said and vanished.

The room lapsed into silence with only two people left occupying it. Both wearily sat on the bed; the tinkle of glass as vials rolled together was the only sound heard.

"Now, I guess we can unpack," Hermione said lightly touching where the box was.

"I think you need to get back into bed and catch a bit more sleep. You haven't had much tonight," said Remus, yawning.

Hermione smiled slightly. "And neither have you. I'm not tired at all. The charm is in place; I think you can get off guard duty and go to bed. I'd rather stay up and unpack."

"Not a bad idea, but you sure you'll be okay? I mean what if something happens or-"

"What if the sky falls and your hair turns to fire? The charm is in place and I've got my wand now," she tugged it from her back pocket as proof, "I can take care of myself."

"I know you can. Rightfully kicked Ron's arse in the last Dueling Club, didn't you? And if the sky should start to fall, I'm right across the hall."

"Goodnight, Remus," Hermione called as he left.

Remus turned around before shutting her door, "Goodnight, Hermione."

Hermione waited before she was sure she heard his door shut before producing the box and hastily stuffing in the bottom drawer of the bedside table. With the wave of her wand, she magically locked it. It was not as if she was ever going to need it was she. Hermione sighed heavily. She surely hoped she would not have to.

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I'm an idiot. A bloody insane idiot! Remus again resisted the urge to pound his fists repeatedly into the walls. Growling in frustration under his breath, he stalked back over to his newly made bed and sat down. Remus pummeled his pillow with a swift, quick jab. Relieved, he placed his head in his hands.

How can you forget? You've lived with it since you were six…you can't just forget.

"What if something goes wrong and I can't control myself? What if I hurt her?" Remus asked himself aloud. "Well it's not an if is it…it's only a matter of time before you lose control and the wolf takes over."

The Potion, the Wolfsbane makes me safe. I keep my mind and the wolf doesn't surface. That's only if Snape can get it here or even the supplies. Then what? Put a few chains around yourself?

"The wolf goes on a rampage. I maim everyone in a 3-mile radius and in effect curse countless others and damn myself to Hell."

Remus snorted. Quite a cheery prospect…

Dumbledore believes in you.

"Yeah and he believes in Snape too. What a vote of confidence there."

She believes in you.

"That's only because she doesn't truly know, nor will she ever."

A quick wand wave and the lights winked out. Remus rolled over on his bed in the darkness.