A/N - Special thanks to MaryRoyale who helped me work out Remus' and Minerva's discussion at the beginning of this chapter. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 7

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4 May 1998

Hermione bit her lip as she watched Remus walk away, wondering what had just happened. They had been working well together and he had laughed just as much as she had at Madame Pince's behavior. Hermione didn't think she had done anything wrong, but maybe it was something she'd said. Before she could think on it further, the door to the library opened and Hermione heard voices.

"I did not give them specific instructions, no," Professor McGonagall was saying. "I do apologize, I thought you would be here."

"Well, thankfully you gave me two of the more responsible students to have come through this school and no harm was done," Madame Pince replied. "However, I should like to finish the work myself."

"Are you sure, Irma?" Professor McGonagall questioned. "I know that Miss Granger and Mr. Lupin will be more than willing to take direction from you." The librarian sniffed.

"They have already done the bulk of the work, if you must know. And I am fully capable of repairing my own books." Hermione peeked around the shelf she was standing next to. She could see the exasperation in Professor McGonagall's eyes when Madame Pince turned her back on the professor.

"Very well," Professor McGonagall said. "I will inform them of your decision." Hermione hurried back to the shelves Remus had replaced and busied herself organizing the books that did not need repair.

"Miss Granger."

"Yes, Professor?" Hermione said as innocently as she could.

"Madame Pince no longer requires your assistance. If you like, I am sure that Professor Sprout and Mr. Longbottom could use more help in the greenhouses."

"Of course, Professor." Hermione set down the books she had been sifting through as the professor looked around.

"Where is Remus?"

"He…left," Hermione replied, biting her bottom lip again.

"Was he called away?" Professor McGonagall asked. "Is his family all right?"

"No, no, nothing like that," Hermione assured her. "I don't know why, exactly. Everything seemed to be going fine and then he just said he needed some air and left." She paused and looked at the professor in concern. "You don't think it was something I did, do you?" The professor studied her for a moment.

"Why don't you tell me exactly what happened."

Remus walked briskly through the corridors, unsure where exactly he was going, until he ended up near the Clock Tower entrance. He walked around the swinging pendulum to lean against the windowsill that looked out over the grounds. The courtyard where he had found Miss Chang was directly below him. Remus shut his eyes against the memories that assaulted him. He pulled in a breath and blew it out, resting his forehead on the glass.

Remus wasn't sure how long he had been standing there before he heard the click of heels behind him. He turned slightly and saw Minerva walking towards him, an irritated look on her face. He immediately felt guilty for leaving Hermione alone with the work in the library.

"Remus," Minerva began but Remus held up a hand to interrupt.

"I'm sorry that I left Hermione to finish the library alone," he said. "I'll go back and help her in a minute."

"That will not be necessary," Minerva said, her voice clipped. "Irma has decided that she would prefer to finish the work herself. Miss Granger has gone to work in the greenhouses."

"Oh," Remus said. "Well, I suppose I should ask what you would like me to do instead then." Minerva crossed her arms in front of her.

"Perhaps you can begin by telling me why you ran out of the library leaving Miss Granger to think that she had done something to upset you."

"What?" Remus questioned, confused.

"Miss Granger is under the impression that she did or said something to offend you."

"That's ridiculous, she did no such thing," Remus insisted.

"Then why did you leave the library?" Minerva asked. Remus sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face.

"I really don't want to talk about this."

"I was not aware I was giving you a choice." Remus looked up at her in surprise, but she was simply staring at him with that look on her face. The one she had always given to the Marauders when she had caught them in a prank. The look that said she was extremely disappointed in him.

"Minerva, really, I don't," he shook his head and looked away from her.

"Remus," she said and her tone had softened. She put a hand on his shoulder. "It's all right to laugh." His head whipped up and he stared at her in shock again. "That is what this is about, isn't it? You and Hermione were laughing and then you felt guilty for it?" Remus looked away again and Minerva sighed.

"Nymphadora would not want this," Minerva said.

"It's only been two days, Minerva," Remus said softly.

"Grief is a strange thing," Minerva said, turning to look out the window. "It is such a different process for all of us. I don't think anyone does it in exactly the same way." Remus frowned, not sure what she was getting at.

"When I lost Elphinstone, I packed up my things and returned to the castle almost immediately," she said. Remus glanced at her in surprise. He had never heard Minerva speak of her husband before. "I couldn't bear to stay in the cottage with all of the memories there. In fact, I left everything of Elphinstone's exactly where it had been and didn't return to the cottage for more than a year." She paused and smiled sadly.

"Most everyone thought I had gone a bit mad," she continued. "My mother didn't understand it. She thought I was running away from my grief. Even Albus was concerned I had returned to the school too quickly."

"And had you?" Remus asked.

"No," she said. "If I had stayed, I think I would have been lost in my sorrow. I think, for me, getting away from everything that was ours and returning to what was only mine, saved me. For another, it would not have been the right choice, but for me, it was. When I went back to our cottage and packed up Elphinstone's things, I was able to do it with fondness and nostalgia more than anything. I was still sad, of course, but not overwhelmed by that anguish." She paused and turned to him.

"Do you see?"

"Not really," Remus admitted.

"What I am saying, Remus, is there is no formula, no 'right' way to grieve. Laughing with Miss Granger, or anyone else for that matter, does not mean you did not love your wife. It does not mean that you do not miss her. It means you're human." She put a hand on his upper arm. "Tonks would not begrudge you a bit of laughter." Remus nodded, too overcome to speak. Minerva patted his arm and smiled before she turned to walk away.

"Minerva," he said before she was out of earshot.

"Yes?"

"Is Hermione?" he paused.

"Miss Granger understands," Minerva said.

"Thank you," Remus replied. Minerva nodded once and continued on her way, leaving Remus looking out the window in contemplation.

"'Mione?" Ron's voice called and Hermione looked up from the plant she was repotting with a slight scowl on her face. Ron knew she hated that nickname. She glanced at Neville who smirked and went back to his own plants.

"Back here, Ron," she said. After a few seconds, the redhead came into view.

"Hey, Nev," Ron greeted.

"Ron," Neville replied.

"So, are you about done here?" Ron asked. Hermione looked around at the plants she still had left to repot.

"Not really," she said.

"How much longer do you think?" Ron questioned. "It's only, I know Mum was planning dinner for everyone. Bill and Fleur already left and Charlie said he'll just be a few more minutes. Harry's waiting for us outside."

"It's all right, Hermione," Neville said. "I can finish."

"Neville, it's at least two hours work for one person," Hermione protested. "And Professor Sprout said these plants should really be repotted today or she's afraid they won't make it."

"I don't mind," Neville said with a shrug.

"Thanks, mate," Ron said with a smile, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Ronald, I am not about to make Neville do all this on his own," she huffed, hands on her hips. "You and Harry go on with Charlie. Tell your mum not to wait dinner for me."

"But, Hermione," Ron whined. Hermione glared at him and he sighed. "Mum won't be happy."

"I don't mean to upset your mother, Ron, really I don't, but I'm going to finish what I've started." Hermione truly didn't want to upset Mrs. Weasley after everything she'd been through. But it's not as if Hermione was refusing to come to dinner at all.

"Fine, fine," Ron finally said. "Just try to get home as soon as you can, yeah?" She nodded. Ron leaned down and kissed her. Hermione felt her face heat, knowing Neville was only a few feet away.

"Ron," she whispered, pushing him away from her.

"What?" he asked in confusion.

"Nothing," she said, giving him a quick peck on the lips. He smiled at her, then said good-bye to Neville before leaving the greenhouse. She and Neville worked in silence for a bit.

"It doesn't bother me," Neville said a few minutes later. Hermione glanced up at him. "If that's what you were worried about, it doesn't bother me."

"Well, it bothers me," Hermione muttered. Neville looked at her questioningly.

"Why?" he asked. His cheeks reddened immediately. "Sorry, that's none of my business."

"No, it's fine," she said with a sigh. "We just haven't really…discussed it."

"Kissing in public?" Neville asked cheekily and Hermione blushed.

"Well, yes, but the whole…thing," she gestured wildly with her hands.

"What whole 'thing', exactly?"

"The whole relationship," Hermione said in exasperation. "We haven't defined anything."

"Are you supposed to?" Neville questioned, sounding genuinely confused.

"Well, of course."

"Oh," he replied, looking thoughtful.

"I mean, shouldn't we?" Neville shrugged.

"I'm definitely not any kind of an expert on relationships," he said wryly. "But Ron doesn't seem to be big on defining things. He and Lavender just sort of, began, didn't they?" Hermione snorted.

"You could say that." Neville chuckled. Hermione bit her lip and looked down at the plant she had just repotted. Maybe that's what was bothering her. Ron and Lavender had just fallen into their relationship and look how that had turned out.

"It's obvious that he's fancied you for years," Neville continued.

"Obvious to who?" Hermione asked.

"Everyone?" Neville said looking at Hermione like he wasn't sure if she was serious or not. This was news to Hermione.

"I don't know if that's true," Hermione mumbled, but she was secretly pleased. Neville shrugged again.

"Sure seemed that way to the rest of us," he said. "Except maybe Harry." Hermione laughed.

"Harry isn't very observant about things like that." Neville grinned.

"Well, anyway, everyone assumes the two of you are boyfriend and girlfriend, Ron included," he continued. "Especially after that kiss in the Great Hall today at lunch." Hermione blushed again.

"But if that kind of stuff bothers you, maybe you guys should talk," Neville said with a frown.

"No, it's not that," Hermione said quickly. Neville looked doubtful.

"It's just," Hermione trailed off. It was just that she didn't want Ron to expect she was going to make it a personal challenge to suck his face off every day.

"You're not Lavender," Neville said quietly. "Ron knows that." Hermione glanced up at Neville in surprise. He gave her a small smile before returning his attention to his plants. Hermione watched him for a moment before shaking her head. When had Neville gotten so wise?

"Thanks, Neville," she said with a smile for her friend.

"You're welcome," he replied, returning her grin.

Remus made his way across the grounds toward the gates. After his talk with Minerva, he had wandered around the school a bit aimlessly for a while, finding himself in the courtyard where Kingsley had found Dora. Remus had sat down heavily on a bench and let his mind wander, which hadn't been helpful or particularly healthy, most likely. When he had finally pulled himself from his stupor, he was surprised to find it was nearly supper. Knowing that Andromeda would be expecting him and wanting to see Teddy, Remus had hurried from the school.

As he neared the gates, Remus saw Hermione and Neville. Remus faltered for a moment, wondering if Hermione was still upset about this afternoon in the library. He really should apologize to her but wasn't overly eager to have to explain things in front of Neville.

When the two stopped to open the gates, Hermione turned. Remus knew that she had seen him by the look on her face. Biting back a sigh, he continued towards them. He saw Hermione say something to Neville who nodded.

"Hi Pro-, I mean Remus," Neville said sheepishly. Remus smiled.

"Good evening, Neville," Remus replied. The three of them stood in awkward silence for a few seconds.

"Right, well, I've got to get home to Gran," Neville finally said. "I'll see you tomorrow, Hermione?" She nodded and he waved to Remus before exiting the gates and Disapparating.

"Hermione," Remus began.

"Remus," Hermione said at the same time. She laughed nervously as he smiled.

"If I may?" he asked and she nodded. "I'm sorry if I made you feel as if something you said in the library drove me away. I assure you that wasn't the case."

"Professor McGonagall said as much," Hermione said.

"And she was quite right, including the reason she thought I had run," he said.

"I think she was also right about you not feeling guilty about it," Hermione replied quietly.

"Perhaps," he agreed. They stood in silence for a few seconds before Remus cleared his throat.

"Are you waiting for Harry and Ron?" he asked.

"No, I wasn't finished in the greenhouses when they were ready to leave, so I sent them on ahead." He raised an eyebrow.

"They left you here by yourself?" Hermione laughed.

"Remus, I spent the last year Apparating all over Britain and living in a tent," she said. "I rode a dragon out of Gringotts after breaking in. I think I can handle getting to the Burrow on my own."

"Of course, of course," he said, color staining his cheeks. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply-" But she just laughed again and shook her head.

"It's fine," she said.

"Well, I should be getting home myself."

"Good night, Remus," Hermione said with a smile.

"Good night, Hermione," he replied as she Disapparated. He stared at the spot she had been for a few moments, wondering just when he had missed that Hermione Granger had grown into a more than capable witch.

Hermione landed outside the Burrow with a small crack. Even this far away from the house, she could hear the voices inside and almost smell Mrs. Weasley's cooking. She smiled as she walked towards the back door.

"Oh, Hermione, dear, you're home," Mrs. Weasley said as Hermione stepped into the kitchen. "Sit down, sit down, I'll get you a plate."

"I can get it," Hermione protested.

"Nonsense, you just sit down and I'll be right back." Hermione slid into the chair next to Ron, who was just finishing a piece of pie. He smiled and swallowed before kissing her on the cheek.

"Plants all done then?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied, wiping a bit of crust from the corner of his mouth with her thumb. He smiled sheepishly and picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth.

"Here you are, dear," Mrs. Weasley said as she set down Hermione's plate. Hermione realized just how hungry she was as she took a bite. As Ron's mother bustled back into the kitchen, Hermione looked around the table. Harry and Ginny were in quiet conversation across from Ron and Mr. Weasley was reading the Daily Prophet. He rose after greeting Hermione and went into the living room, taking the paper with him.

"How was the rest of your day?" she asked Ron.

"Harry and I worked in the main Courtyard. It's a right mess," Ron said shaking his head. "Broken columns and suits of armor everywhere. There's a lot we couldn't even use magic on. Do you know how hard it is to match up the pieces to suits of armor? How many did we actually finish, Harry?"

"Three, I think," Harry said.

"They're bloody heavy too," Ron groused. "Feel lucky you only had to deal with books and plants." Hermione patted his shoulder consolingly as she continued to eat.

"How's George?" Hermione asked Ginny. The table fell silent. Ron began to drag his fork through the crumbs on his plate and Ginny looked down at her lap. Hermione wished she hadn't asked.

"He's not doing well," Ginny finally said. "He spent most of the day sitting by the pond, just staring at it. Mum kept sending me out there to try and talk to him." She paused and looked up at Hermione. "I think she was afraid he was going to try and drown himself or something." Harry put an arm around Ginny's shoulders and pulled her closer to him. Hermione glanced at Ron who was staring fixedly at his plate. She put a hand on his arm and he flinched.

"Ron?" she said quietly, but Ron shoved back from the table and practically ran out the back door. At the slam of the door, Mrs. Weasley came out of the kitchen.

"What's happened? Where's Ron?"

"Nothing, Mum," Ginny said. "I'll go after him."

"No," Hermione said. "I'll go."

"But you haven't finished your dinner," Mrs. Weasley protested.

"I'll be right back," Hermione assured her. She stood from the table and went outside, spotting Ron leaning against his father's shed. He was staring out towards the pond, his hands jammed into the pockets of his jeans.

"Ron?" Hermione said tentatively. He looked towards her for a second but didn't say anything. Hermione moved to stand beside him. She wrapped a hand around his arm and leaned against him. They didn't speak for several minutes.

"I don't think I can do this," Ron finally said.

"Do what?" Hermione asked softly.

"The funeral tomorrow," he mumbled. "I don't know if I can say good-bye to Fred." She squeezed his arm harder.

"Those two were complete prats to me when I was younger," Ron continued. "They teased me all the time and played tricks on me and I hated it." He took a breath. "But they're my brothers."

"And I can't, I don't know what's going to happen to George now." Tears began to run down Hermione's cheeks. "I don't know how he's going to do this, Hermione. He's broken."

"Of course, he is," Hermione said through her tears. "He lost his twin brother." Ron lowered his head and Hermione could see that he was crying.

"But that doesn't mean he's going to stay broken, Ron. He has all of you and one day, even though it won't ever be the same, one day, he'll be all right." Ron reached over and pulled her into his arms, crying on her shoulder. Hermione rubbed his back and whispered soothing words to him. When he quieted, he looked embarrassed and tried to pull away from her, but she refused to release him. She looked up at him and wiped a few of his tears away with her fingers. Ron gave her a watery smile and hugged her tighter. After a few minutes, Hermione pulled back slightly.

"Your mum was worried," she said. "We should probably go back in."

"Just a few more minutes," Ron said, dipping his head to kiss her. Hermione smiled and enthusiastically returned his kiss. When he pulled away, he gave her a quizzical expression.

"What?" she asked.

"I'm just surprised is all," he said. "Because of how you reacted when I kissed you in the greenhouse earlier." Hermione immediately reddened.

"Neville was there," she muttered.

"So, I can't kiss you in front of Neville?" Ron asked. She huffed and rolled her eyes.

"No, I just," she shook her head and pulled away, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You just what?" Ron asked. When she didn't respond, he put his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her around. "Hermione, what's going on?"

"Are you my boyfriend?" she blurted out after a few moments. Ron looked confused.

"Of course, I am, why would you ask that?"

"Because you never said-" she trailed off. "Never mind." She made to walk away but Ron grasped her arm.

"Hermione, please tell me what's going on," he begged.

"We never really…talked about it," she said quietly. "And I know that you and Lavender, just, well, you know, but I, I need to know." Hermione bit her lip and looked at the ground. Ron took her hand and squeezed it.

"Hermione Granger," he said and Hermione glanced up at him. "Would you please be my girlfriend?" She blushed and nodded. "Sorry, I think a verbal response is called for in this situation." Hermione laughed a bit and looked him in the eye.

"Yes, Ron Weasley, I will be your girlfriend," she said. Ron grinned and kissed her breathless.

"Just, can we, erm," she trailed off and huffed impatiently.

"You don't want me to kiss you in front of Neville?" Ron said cheekily.

"Ron," she said in exasperation. Ron laughed and put his arms around her again. "It's just, some things are private."

"All right," Ron said solemnly. "I promise not to ravish you in public."

"Ron," she said again, slapping him on the arm. Ron pulled her to him and hugged her, kissing the top of her head.

"I understand, Hermione," he said. She looked up at him skeptically. "I do, I swear."

"Thank you," she said. He kissed her once more.

"Now we should really go back," Hermione said. "Before your mum sends out a search party." Ron grinned and took her hand, leading her back into the house.

5 May 1998

Hermione and Ginny walked downstairs to the kitchen but stopped at the sound of quiet sobbing. Hermione glanced at Ginny whose eyes had already filled with tears. Hermione took Ginny's hand and squeezed it before the two of them continued toward the kitchen. Hermione had expected to find Mrs. Weasley or possibly even George. She was not prepared for the sight of Mr. Weasley, hands braced on the edge of the sink, shoulders shaking. Ginny let go of Hermione's hand and hurried toward her father.

"Daddy," she whispered and Mr. Weasley reached out an arm and pulled his daughter toward him, hugging her tightly. Hermione turned and hurried from the room, not wanting to intrude on their grief. She ran right into Harry as she turned the corner towards the stairs.

"Whoa, Hermione," Harry said as he grabbed her upper arms to keep her from falling. He looked at her tear-stained face. "What's the matter?" Instead of answering, Hermione threw her arms around his neck and began to sob. Harry held her close, rubbing her back.

"It's going to be okay," he said quietly. This set off a new round of crying and Hermione clung tighter to Harry. He kissed the top of her head and held her until she had finally shed all her tears.

"What's going on?" Harry asked after conjuring a handkerchief for her.

"Ginny and I came into the kitchen and Mr. Weasley was crying," Hermione said quietly. Harry blew out a breath and ran a hand through his hair.

"I just, of course he's upset, he lost his son, but," Hermione trailed off shaking her head. She couldn't explain why the sight of Mr. Weasley's grief had affected her so much.

"It's okay," Harry said. "I know what you mean." The two sat down on the bottom step of the staircase. Hermione leaned her head on Harry's shoulder.

"These next few days," she began. The funerals were beginning today. She, Harry, Ron and Ginny were planning on going to Colin Creevey's this morning and Fred's was this afternoon. She took a breath. "How are we going to get through them, Harry?" Harry took her hand.

"The same way we always do, Hermione. Together."

Remus adjusted his robes one last time and stepped out of his room. He walked towards the nursery and peeked inside, but Teddy was still asleep. Moving quietly, Remus gathered everything Teddy might need while they were at the funeral and put them into a small bag. Shrinking it, he put it in his pocket and picked up the blanket that lay on the rocking chair. He crossed the room to Teddy's cot and looked down at his son.

Teddy's hair, which usually changed colors as he slept, was currently the exact shade of brown that Dora's had been the few times she had left it her natural color. Remus gently ran his fingers through the silky strands and took a breath to calm himself. Teddy stirred a bit at Remus' touch, but settled again relatively quickly, his mouth working in his sleep. Remus couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips and wished again that Teddy's mother was here to see him.

Before he could become too maudlin, Remus laid the blanket over Teddy, then picked him up and settled him against his chest. He stepped out into the corridor just as Andromeda was coming out of her room.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

"Not even a little bit," he admitted. She sighed and nodded in agreement before peeking at Teddy. The loving smile that lit her face calmed Remus a bit as the two of them made their way to the Floo. Remus adjusted the blanket to cover Teddy's face to protect him in the Floo, threw in the powder and called out for the Burrow. As he spun away, he saw the look on Andromeda's face. While today was going to be horribly difficult, it wouldn't hold a candle to how awful tomorrow was going to be.