"Yes, I had just come home from an awful date, and had barely managed to take off my shoes and undo my hair before I heard your knock at my door".

Thank merlin that I don't have to wear those horrible shoes anymore. It felt so nice to just be able to wiggle my toes and feel the hardwood floor under my feet.

Hopefully this person won't stay long so I can take off this dress. It makes me so uncomfortable to be so exposed. Why can't I wear my big baggy t-shirt and jeans on a date? Why does it seem like I have to change who I am just to attract a man, why can't they just like me for myself?

I open the door and I see Remus standing there looking very distinguished in his camel peacoat I got him last Christmas. I love how he always appreciates my gifts and uses them unlike Ron who usually tries to regift them to our other friends.

I notice his jaw drops as he takes in my outfit. He looks surprised and disappointed of me and I can totally see why. Here is Hermione Granger, the smartest witch of her age looking like a slutty bimbo. Ugh, this night has just went from disgusting to embarrassing. Damnit, the one man I would like to someday impress is probably thinking I'm some type of trollop.

"Oh hello Remus, I wasn't expecting you. Please come in! Would you like some tea?"

"Sure"

His voice is really husky and I am worried that he is coming down with a cold.

"Are you alright? You sound like you are coming down with something"

His smile in response looks uncomfortable. Ah, I'm prying too much. He doesn't like when I become concerned for his welfare. If only he would let me take better care of him. I don't know how he deals with being a single father and all the discrimination he faces on a daily basis because of being a werewolf. But it makes me care about him all the more, how selfless he is and how strong. It angers me that he has to deal with people's crap when he worked so hard to save all of us from Voldemort. How could people look at him with anything other than admiration? If it wasn't for him, their would be no freedom or hope for any of us. How can people treat this kind, thoughtful man with anything other than respect and kindness?

He clears my throat and says "its something I had for quite awhile now, usually happens every full moon".

I laugh at his attempt to lighten the moment. He probably knows I'm going to go into one of my rants about the way he is treated. It embarrasses me to think about how I must look when I do that in front of him, like some crazed lunatic who has no emotional control.

"Of course, I was wondering why you never came by earlier to pick up your potion".

He slowly begins to unbutton and remove his coat as he says "I'm sorry. Something important came up at the last minute that I couldn't get…"

His voice falls away in the middle of his sentence. I look up at him and I can feel his eyes wandering over my dress, almost like he is trying to drink me in. And then I feel myself blush as I realize that this dress is chocolate colored and I must look silly like I'm trying to seduce him. Why would Remus want me anyway? What could he ever possibly see in me? I've always had a crush on the man, but when he fell in love with Dora I realized that I would never have him. I mean, Dora and I are so different it doesn't make sense to think he would find me attractive in that way. I can feel my blush fade as my heart breaks. Damnit Gin, I knew I shouldn't have let Ginny talk me into putting on this crazy dress.

"Is something the matter?"

"No. I just have a lot on my mind is all. You look very beautiful tonight Hermione. I hope I'm not interrupting your plans".

I blush again. He thinks I look beautiful! And then it hits me, he said 'very beautiful'. Gahh… my crush thinks I look beautiful. I would jump up and down if he wasn't here to see me.

I laugh nervously. "Um…thanks. No, you're not interrupting anything. The date was over before it started. Would you like some tea?"

Did I just let it slip that I went out on a date in this dress? Damn, I wasn't planning on telling him about that.

I turn to walk toward the kitchen, a cup of tea sounds wonderful right now.

Hmmm, why don't I hear his shoes on the floor? He must still be standing in the foyer. I wonder why.

I turn my head to look behind my shoulder and ask "are you coming?"

"Um… what?"

What is going on with him. I hope he's okay. He mentioned earlier that he has a lot on his mind. I probably shouldn't ask him about what is bothering him, especially since he got bothered earlier when I asked him if he was sick. Poor man. The war and all he lost must weigh heavily on him. I wish he would open up and talk to someone.

I turned and walked back over to him.

"Are you alright, Remus? Come, let me make you some tea while I bottle up the potion for you?"

He just nodded at me without making any attempt to move toward the kitchen. I decided to grab his hand and lead him there. That way I could make him comfortable with some tea and those biscuits he likes so much. He seems really distracted tonight, maybe I could even get him to eat a sandwich before he leaves.

"Come Remus" I say after several attempts to pull him forward.

"You're touching me" he says in a soft voice.

I immediately let go of his hand. Damn, I probably shouldn't have touched him. I never touch him unless its to heal his wounds after the full moon. It hurts me that he doesn't let anyone get close.

"I'm sorry, Remus. I didn't mean to invade your space"

"No!" He yelled.

He must hate the fact that I touched him. I guess I know how he feels now. I mean if he doesn't even want me touching him, then I know he doesn't have feelings for me at all. It answers my question at least.

Then I hear him speak.

"I'm sorry. Please don't misunderstand, its just no one has touched me for so long and I just…. I wanted to thank you for your kindness to me and my son for all these long months".

Wow. I wasn't expecting that. Of course most people wouldn't want to touch him, stupid bigots the whole lot of them! I should have realized he was touched starved. We are going to have to amend that quickly. I wonder what that does to his symptoms throughout the moon cycle? Hmmm. Perhaps I can propose a study we could do together where I touch him and give him affection and see what happens.

His eyes went downcast.

Well if doesn't mind me touching him. I hope he doesn't mind this. I slowly reach my hands out and gently touched my face.

Now his eyes are looking into mine. What lovely blue eyes he has. He flinched when I touched his face at first. It must have been years since anyone has touched him affectionately other than his son.

Then I felt him lean into my touch almost like he was trying to suck up all the affection I could possibly give him, as though he thought that this would be his only chance.

I smile gently at him and then wrap my arms around his back and hold him to my body. His arms gently cling to his sides and he makes no move to hug me back. Well time to change that.

I laughs as I hold him tighter. "I know you're out of practice but generally when someone hugs you, you're supposed to hug them back".

Then I feel his hands rest on my bare back. I can feel the callouses that cover his fingers. He has such big hands and I can feel the strength in them. I feel so safe and happy here, like this. I can't help but sigh and rest her head against my shoulder. He is so comfortable to lean against.

After a few moments, I reluctantly pull away but keep my arms around him. I know what I have to do now.

"I really should be thanking you Remus, you've saved my life and protected me many times. I can never repay you for everything you've done for me and everyone else I care about".

Ah what the hell, since I've gotten this far. I might as well do what I really want.

I gently lean forward and go on tiptoe so I can kiss his cheek.

"You're an amazing man, Remus Lupin. Kindness and hugs are the least I can do for you".