This was one of those chapters where I literally just sat down and typed it all out in one go, and I really enjoyed it, so much so that I just had to post it (I was planning on leaving it a few more days but couldn't wait!), so I hope you enjoy it as much! Let me know your thoughts!

-HermionesPolyjuice xo

Chapter 24

Hermione ignored Charlie for the next three days, turning around and walking in the opposite direction every time she saw him, which it turned out was often. He tried to catch her whenever possible, in the cafeteria, the medical tent, the hatching tent wherever he could. He even considered visiting her one evening but thought that would push it a bit far. It wasn't until Friday morning that he managed to corner her.

"Here, I got you a coffee," he said sticking out his hand with a steaming mug of coffee. She eyed it suspiciously.

"I haven't poisoned it," Charlie chuckled.

"I wouldn't have known," Hermione responded tartly, but accepted it anyway.

"Can we talk?" Charlie asked after she took a sip.

"We already have, Charlie," she said eyeing him over the top of the mug.

"Hermione, please. You know I didn't mean to take it that far."

"It didn't seem like that. It seemed like you meant every word you said," Hermione said bitterly.

"I took it too far. I'm sorry. I really am. I didn't mean to push you that far, I just wanted you to know -"

"To know that every decision I've made has been the wrong one," Hermione. "Look, Charlie. I just need some time. What you said really upset me. You made me doubt everything. And it didn't seem like you cared about me. I know I'm not your family, I get that, but the last thing I knew was that pack mates help each other."

"Of course I care about you Hermione, more than you know. I care about you so much that I just want to see you safe and happy. And I know you won't be completely happy if you're not with Harry and Ron."

"You made an odd way of showing that."

"I know that. I made a mistake, I'm sorry. But please just get it in you that I want to help you out and everything I do is for you. I'm not making you go back, it's your decision but you do need to assess everything and think about everyone back home."

"I'm sorry, Charlie, but it's just going to take a bit of time until I can forgive some of the things you said. Thanks for the coffee though, I needed it," she added with a sad smile. She turned around and walked off and Charlie knew it was going to be a while before she next spoke to him about something that wasn't dragon related. He needed to come up with something. And something fast. It was just over a month until Christmas and he had hoped to have her back at The Burrow for then.

[-||-]

Charlie's plan came into fruition the following weekend. Hermione was sat at her desk on the wet Saturday morning, penning a letter to Harry. If Charlie had been right and Harry was miserable it was about time she made contact with him again, even just to remind him she was fine. Draco was at work, so she was all alone mulling over what to write whilst listening to some Christmas carols when she heard a knock on the front door. She pulled on an old Quidditch sweatshirt of Draco's before heading out of her room and opening the door.

"Remus? What are you doing here?" she asked completely stunned to see the older man standing outside the door.

"I've come to talk," Remus responded.

"Let me guess, Charlie sent you," Hermione said somewhat grumpily but let her old professor into the flat regardless.

"I'm neither denying nor confirming that," Remus said with a smile that told Hermione it was entirely Charlie's doing.

"Can I get you a cup of tea?" Hermione asked, gesturing for Remus to take a seat on the sofa.

"That would be lovely, thank you, Hermione." Hermione busied herself making a couple of mugs of tea and ferreting around trying to find some biscuits that hadn't gone out of date.

"How have you been?" Remus asked as she handed him his tea and sat down opposite him.

"Getting better, I guess," Hermione shrugged.

"Good. This…umm…what did you call them, 'hut-mate', a Slytherin by any chance?" Remus asked, cocking his head at the silver serpent crest on her left chest. Hermione blushed.

"A Malfoy by chance?"

"How?"

"His name is on the back, Hermione. I saw it as you were making the tea," Remus said with a slight laugh.

"Yeah, well he's become a very good friend to me. He's looked after me more times than I care to think," Hermione said with a shrug, everting her eyes and looking anywhere except at Remus.

"Just a 'very good friend', eh?"

"Yes. He's just a friend, nothing more," Hermione said, her cheeks flushing an even darker pink. "Please don't tell anyone."

"I won't. Anything that is said here is between you and me and no one else. No one even knows I'm here. Apart from Charlie that is," Remus added thoughtfully.

"Why did Charlie get you to visit in the first place?" Hermione asked although she thought she already knew the answer.

"He said, I quote 'please come and talk some sense into her'," Remus said, the edges of his mouth raising in a slight smile.

"That bastard cannot keep his nose out of other people's business," Hermione growled.

"Now, Hermione, he does have a point."

"Oh great, so you come all the way to Romania to tell me that I've made a mistake, I've been a selfish prat and shouldn't forgive myself," Hermione huffed.

"I said he has a point, not that I agree with me," Remus said sternly eyeing her carefully. Hermione's mouth formed an oh and Remus nodded curtly. "He explained everything to me."

"So, you know?"

"That he's a werewolf, yes, I do."

"And he told you everything in a letter. Did he not think it might get intercepted and that all the secrets could be leaked?"

"He didn't tell me in the letter, just that he urgently required my attention in Romania at my earliest convenience, which was today. I saw him earlier and he told me everything over breakfast. As much as he may have pushed you the other week, he's not an idiot, Hermione. He truly cares about you and your wellbeing. He would never do anything to jeopardise you or your secrets, trust me." Hermione examined her old professor and judging by the looks in his eyes she knew he was telling the truth.

"I know that I just can't help but feel upset about what he said."

"I understand. I would agree that he took it too far, but he's acknowledged that and he's trying to make amends. He misses you, Hermione. He hates seeing you like this and just wants you to speak to him again."

"It's hard though –"

"I know that, but it can't hurt to try." Remus raised an eyebrow as he said that causing Hermione to let out a sigh.

"I suppose," she said quietly.

"Good, now onto the real business," Remus said clapping his hands together.

"What, that wasn't what you came for?" Hermione asked, somewhat surprised.

"As if I would come all the way to Romania to involve myself in two people's squabbles, you've got to be joking me, Hermione. I thought you were cleverer than that," he said but with a laugh. Hermione flushed a little. No, he obviously was going to talk about something else.

"Let me guess, you've either come to tell me someone's close to finding me…or that I need to go back," Hermione pondered. "I'm going to go with the latter." Remus smiled in agreement.

"That's more like the girl I knew." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Look, Remus. As much as I appreciate you coming over here and I'm glad to see you. I've told Charlie and I'll tell you. I'm just not ready. I'm not ready to be gawked at, pointed at, made fun of and shunned away even further than before. I thought I had Charlie on my side, but that doesn't seem to be the case at the moment. And if I rocked up with Draco Malfoy…well, shit will hit the fan," Hermione sighed.

"I get that. I really do, and I reckon Charlie does as well. He had he preparing for five years, you've had it for a few months. It takes longer than a few months to get over what has happened and prepare yourself for the next portion of your life. No, I'm not here to make you come back. I'm here to…well…propose another idea."

"Your idea, or Charlie's?"

"Mine, but Charlie did agree that it was a good idea."

"Of course he did," Hermione said bitterly.

"Give him a chance, Hermione. He's really only trying to help. Sometimes it's hard to know what to do when you're in lo-" Remus cut off abruptly. Judging by the look on Hermione's face she didn't quite know the extent of Charlie's feelings for her. Remus didn't exactly want to go and put his foot in it.

"Let's hear it then," Hermione said eyeing Remus over the top of her mug, she thought she knew what he was about to say. But she didn't want to push anything.

"So, I was thinking. Rather than coming back, why don't you invite some here?" Hermione eyed her old professor curiously.

"Okay," she said hesitantly.

"So invite Harry and Ginny and myself maybe if you want for the day to Romania. Get them to swear not to tell anyone, which if they care about you enough, they will comply. Talk to them, catch up with everything but stay in Romania for the time being. You've then made one massive step forward. You've told your best friends and then you can take a bit more time until you tell anyone else," Remus explained. Hermione considered it for a few moments. It wasn't a horrendous idea, but there was a flaw.

"Why would I not invite Ron?" she asked. An expression that Hermione was unable to read flashed across Remus' face for a fraction of a second. "What?"

"Charlie hasn't told you?" Hermione's heart dropped. Was Ron ill or something? Or had he died? And she had been hiding away from everyone whilst something worse was going on.

"Ron's fine right?"

"Yes, he's fine. He…just…um…let's just say he didn't take Charlie's news too well," Remus said very quietly Hermione had to consider what he said for a second to interpret it correctly. Her face turned impassive as it hit her.

"What did he do?" she growled. Out of anyone in the Weasleys, someone to take news like that badly, Ron would be the only one.

"Well, Charlie spared me the details but just things like calling him a monster, ashamed that he was a part of the family, that he'd betrayed them all. You get the gist," Remus said sadly.

"But Charlie said they had all been fine about it," Hermione responded, her eyes narrowed. "Just when I begin to trust him, he lies straight to my face again. You see, Remus. You see why he can be so in the wrong."

"Funny you should say that, Granger." Hermione spun around in her seat to face the door where the so familiar voice had come from. Draco Malfoy was leaning against the wall, his distinctive smirk spread across his face. "Nice sweatshirt, by the way, green really does suit you."

"How long have you been there?" Hermione asked.

"Long enough to know what's going on. Now, you say that Charlie didn't tell you about Weasel. Interesting really, because I spoke to him the morning you had your, what shall we call it, spat? And he was head over heels confused about what to tell you. He was so unsure that he came to speak to me. Me. He was going to tell you. But then your evening chat didn't go quite as well as he planned, he didn't get around to telling you. A shame really, I always thought Weasel was pretty useless and didn't need to be in your life. I mean, how many letters did you get from him? How many patronus came from him? I'm pretty sure it's a big fat 0. Only Potter and Weaseltte sent you anything. I think that tells you a lot about your 'friendship'," Draco said all the while fixing himself a cup of tea in the kitchen.

"I didn't realise," Hermione said quietly. But loudly enough for Draco to hear her.

"Of course you didn't. You've spent the past, what 10 days, sulking around ignoring that man. Infuriating really because as much as I wanted, no want, to be with you, I know that one day you'd go back all lovey-dovey to your saviour wolf." Hermione could tell from the tone of his voice that he meant no maliciousness towards her. He was just stating facts and when Draco Malfoy states facts he's pretty blunt about it.

"Did you hear Remus' plan then?" Hermione asked as he reappeared carrying a cup of tea and more biscuits.

"I did. And as much as I hate to agree, I think it's a good one. The next question though, will I be around?" Draco asked nonchalantly as he collapsed into an armchair. Hermione didn't even need to think about her answer.

"Yes, of course, you will be. You're a pretty damn important part of my life now Draco and if they can't accept that, well sucks to be them cos you, ferret, will forever be in my life now," Hermione said sincerely, holding eye contact with the blonde boy, no he was definitely now a man.

"I'm touched, Hermione. Truly," he responded. "It's a shame that Charlie exists really because I think we could do pretty well together." Hermione let out a dry chuckle.

"You've got to let go of me someday, Draco. You need your own girl."

"What if the girl I need is sat in front of me and not available." Hermione stood up and walked over to Draco. She pulled him up from the chair and into a hug.

"You never know. If Charlie keeps behaving like a prat, I may become available. But don't keep your hopes up," she whispered in his ear.

"Don't worry, but hopes are definitely getting crushed," Draco muttered back, holding the witch tightly in his arms. The pair stood like that for a minute until they heard a clearing of a throat. They jumped apart, blushing profusely. They had both completely forgotten Remus has been sat there the entire time, watching the encounter.

"I had best be off. I told Harry I'd be back to give Teddy his lunch. Should I be expected a letter from you soon, inviting me to visit?" Remus asked raising an eyebrow. Hermione gulped but nodded.

"Great, I'll see you both soon. And Hermione, you've got two pretty special men, and a third if you include Harry, in your lives. Please try to not drive them all away." And with that Remus let himself out of the flat, the door closing behind him with a click.

"Seems like you've got someone to visit. I'll fix us some lunch for when you're back. Don't be too long or I'll have to come find you. We haven't spent an afternoon together and I've got an idea on something to do," Draco said as he walked past her and towards his room.

[-||-]

5 minutes later and Hermione was knocking on his front door. It took less than 10 seconds for Charlie to open it. His eyes bugged a little seeing her standing in front of him.

"Can I come in?" Hermione asked tentatively. Charlie nodded and moved out of the way for her to enter his small, three-roomed house. After the pleasantries had been exchanged, Hermione found herself sat on the sofa a mug of hot cocoa in her hands – she'd had far too much tea already that morning.

"Hermione, look, I really am so sorry-"

"No, Charlie. Shush, I'm going to do the talking. I forgive you. Completely. I know now that you were only looking out for me. You may have meant what you said but I realise now it wasn't in a malicious kind of way. You were just trying to look after your family and you were just trying to help me. I'm sorry I was a twat and didn't realise for so long you were just trying to help. I'm sorry I took it all to heart and didn't just listen to you and think. I've come to the conclusion that surprisingly I haven't been doing much thinking recently. I've just been acting for myself. I've just been doing what I've wanted and I've not thought about everyone around me. I have been selfish and I'm sorry for taking it out on you. I'm not ready to face everyone but I'm going to start with small steps. I'm going to get Harry. Ginny and Remus over next Sunday for the day. And I'd like you to join us. If you would like and if you can bear to look at me again. I'm sorry, Charlie, truly I am," Hermione finished bending her head and looking at her feet rather than at the man sat opposite her. Charlie reached out and place a finger under her chin, lifting up her head to look at him.

"You don't have anything to apologise for. You've behaved just as anyone in your situation would. I'd have expected nothing less. I'm so glad that you're starting to reach out and I know it will do you so much good. Small steps, Hermione, that's all it will take. And if you'll let me, I'll be by your side the entire time," Charlie said, looking right into her chocolate brown eyes. "You have nothing to worry about. Everything will turn out fine. And I am still so sorry for pushing you so far the other week. I won't do it again, but I am glad you're beginning to feel you can step out of your shell."

"I don't deserve you," Hermione murmured quietly, a lone tear falling from her eyes. Charlie reached up and wiped it away with his thumb.

"No, I don't deserve you. You are the strongest, bravest, smartest witch I know and I've finally begun to feel complete after bumping into you all those weeks ago. I cannot thank the deity's enough for leading us together. You're my everything, Hermione. I won't ever leave you. Pack mates stick together." Charlie pulled Hermione to him and wrapped his arms around her as she settled onto his lap, her head resting against his chest. A few minutes later and he noticed her breathing slow down to a steady pace, realising she had fallen asleep in his arms. But he just couldn't bring himself to move. He was very content right there and then and didn't want to do anything to ruin the moment. He figured it wouldn't be too long until a certain blonde-haired wizard came looking for her, but for now, she was his. And he was going to make this last as long as possible.

(A/N: I hope you enjoyed it! So it looks like the next chapter is going to be the big reveal - how do you think it will go? Let me know your thoughts, reviews = love!)