A/N - Thank you so much for all the great feedback last chapter! This one is a bit more light-hearted. I thought we could all use a little break. :) I hope you enjoy and as always, thanks for reading!

Chapter 31

Embarrassment

3 January 1999

Hermione woke from a fitful sleep, the sun just peeking over the horizon. Harry had convinced her to stay the night even though she knew it was the last place Ron would want her to be.

Hermione had sat with Harry and Ginny for a while longer after her revelation. Harry didn't pass any judgement, as Hermione knew he wouldn't. Ginny hadn't either, but she hadn't been very talkative and Hermione worried that she had not only ruined her relationship with Ron, but with Ginny as well. Ron was Ginny's brother, after all. It would make sense that she took his side.

Ron hadn't come out of his room before Hermione went up to bed, but she had no idea what had happened after that as she'd set a silencing charm on her room. Harry had convinced her to let Teddy sleep in Harry's room and Hermione hadn't protested too much, fully expecting to wake from nightmares.

Surprisingly, she hadn't had any, although Hermione figured that had more to do with the fact that she barely slept. She had lain awake for hours after retreating to her room, going over the argument with Ron again and again.

Hermione was still a bit shocked by what she'd said about not trusting him, although it made complete sense when she thought about it. She had always known there was something holding her back, she just couldn't grasp what it was. She was positive that it had contributed to their epic rows.

She was still troubled that Ron thought she hadn't ever really loved him. She had, of course. She understood why he'd asked her, although everyone processed break-ups on their own timeline. Just because she wasn't in love with Ron in October, didn't mean she hadn't loved him once. Hell, she was sure she'd been in love with him for years before they ever started dating. It was one of the reasons why she'd been so devastated when he'd left during the Horcrux hunt.

More light began to seep into her room and Hermione realized that the sun was nearly up and Remus had transformed back by now. She rose from her bed and pulled off the t-shirt Harry had given her to sleep in. Redressing in the clothes she'd worn yesterday, Hermione dropped the silencing spell on her room and made her way quietly downstairs.

Remus groaned as he finished transforming. He sat back and winced at the lingering pain in his joints. Leaning against the wall, he closed his eyes and took in a breath before letting it out slowly. As full moons went, it hadn't been any more difficult than the usual when he was taking the Wolfsbane. He had paced for quite some time before he had finally laid down to sleep, however. Remus wanted to attribute the restlessness to the fact that he had transformed at Grimmauld instead of at home but knew it had more to do with what had happened with Hermione in the kitchen.

The fact that her touch had calmed the wolf was a bit disconcerting. There were very few people that had that effect on him. Teddy did, of course, and Andromeda, although that was a fairly new development, only happening the last few months. The wolf knew the two of them were family, obviously, or, if Remus was completely honest, pack. Sirius, James and Peter had once held the same sway over him and Remus had felt the same about them as he did Teddy and Andromeda. The only other person that had ever had that same kind of calming influence on him was Dora.

It was that thought that had unsettled Remus. Hermione was just a friend and a recent one at that. While he had looked out for her and felt concern for her when she was a child, they had not been friends. It wasn't until after the war that their friendship had developed on an adult level. Still, Remus had other friends that he had known for far longer that he knew would not have been able to quiet the wolf as Hermione had.

He shook his head before his thoughts could go further. He was being ridiculous. Harry would probably have the same impact, given their relationship and the fact that Harry was Teddy's godfather. Remus had just never had the chance to put that to the test. He needed to stop this line of thinking right now. Nothing good would come of it.

Remus sighed and looked up at the shelf where his clothes and wand lay.

"Accio, wand," he muttered, his wand flying into his outstretched hand. He summoned his clothes and set them on the floor beside him. Wincing, he managed to get to his knees and then used the wall to support him as he finally rose to his feet. Remus had just picked up his trousers when he heard the bolt slide in the lock of the cellar door.

He whipped his head around in surprise. He had been so lost in his thoughts; he hadn't even noticed the wards coming down. Figuring it was only Harry coming to let him out, Remus forced himself to calm and concentrated on getting into his trousers.

Hermione reached the kitchen. All was quiet as she began lowering the wards on the door to the cellar. When the last one had fallen, she grasped the bolt and slid it over.

"Remus?" she called as she stepped onto the top step.

"Hermione?" he replied sounding surprised.

"Yes, are you all right?"

"Hermione, don't come down here!" Remus called.

"Why, what's wrong?" she asked in concern. "Remus, are you hurt?"

"No, Hermione, just, just stay where you, ah!" There was a shuffling sound and then a loud thump and a groan.

"Remus!" Hermione hurried down the next few steps.

"Hermione," Remus began. "Shite, please just stay. Dammit!" Hermione hesitated for a moment, wondering what was going on. When Remus hissed in pain, Hermione ignored his order to stay put and hurried down the stairs.

As he came into view, she immediately realized why he had wanted her to stay at the top of the stairs. His eyes widened as he saw her and he immediately grabbed the trousers that appeared to be stuck on one leg and spread them over his lap as well as he could. Hermione turned bright red and instantly spun around.

"I'm so sorry," she said, covering her face with her hands, even though she couldn't see anything with her back to him. "I thought you were hurt, I, gods, Remus, I'm sorry!" There was a shuffling and then another hiss of pain. Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and forced herself not to turn around. She heard the snick of a zipper and then the rustling of what she assumed was his shirt.

"You can turn around now," he said quietly. Hermione bit her lip and glanced over her shoulder. Remus was sitting on the floor, fully dressed now, although his shirt was hanging open. His face was as red as hers likely was. Hermione turned around fully, wringing her hands in front of her.

"I'm sorry, Remus, I thought you would be, be ready to come upstairs and I should have listened and I'm so, so sorry."

"It's all right, Hermione," Remus said.

"It's not," she said. "I should have listened to what you said and waited. I just, gods, I'm such an idiot."

"Hermione," Remus began, but Hermione shook her head.

"No, I am, I just, I, I'm sorry."

"Remus?" another voice called and they looked up to see Harry coming down the stairs. "Hermione? What are you doing down here?"

"I was going to, I just wanted to, I," Hermione shook her head and rushed past Harry up the stairs. Harry called after her but she ignored him. As she reached the kitchen, Ginny walked in, Teddy on her hip.

"Hermione?" she said sleepily. Hermione ignored her and ran up the kitchen stairs. When she reached the entry, she leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor, burying her face in her knees.

Ron hadn't been imagining things, she did always think she was right. She had ignored Remus when he'd told her to stay put and she had seen him nearly naked! She was never going to be able to face Remus again.

"What the hell just happened?" Harry asked after Hermione had rushed up the stairs. Remus sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face.

"Hermione came to let me out of the cellar," Remus said. "I wasn't dressed yet, but I thought it was you so I didn't say anything. When I realized it was her, I told her to wait, but in my haste to get my trousers on, I caught my foot and fell over. She thought I was hurt and came down the stairs and well, I'm sure you can imagine what happened." Remus felt his face heat again and he looked at the floor. Harry was silent for a few moments before there was a strangled sort of snorting sound. Remus looked up and saw that Harry was trying very hard to contain his laughter. Remus' eyes narrowed.

"It isn't funny," he said. "Hermione was mortified and I can't say that I was much better." Harry pressed his lips together, his face turning red with the effort to control himself. He lost the battle seconds later and the laughter burst out of him in one loud bark, sounding an awful lot like Sirius. Remus scowled.

"I'm sorry, but," Harry laughed again. "It's a little bit funny."

"It is not," Remus said through gritted teeth.

"Harry?" Ginny called from the top of the stairs. "Hermione just rushed past me looking like she was running from something. What's going on?" Remus groaned and put his face in his hands. Just what he needed, for the entire household to know.

"It's fine, Gin, come on down." Harry handed Remus a vial of pain potion, still chuckling under his breath. Remus glared at him before downing the potion. Ginny reached the bottom of the stairs, holding Teddy, and despite his irritation, Remus couldn't help the smile at the sight of his son. Teddy began to babble, reaching for Remus and Ginny gently handed him over.

"How was your night, little man?" Remus asked, kissing the top of his son's head. Teddy babbled away, hand patting Remus' shoulder. Remus smiled again, hugging his boy to him. Harry was still grinning widely at Remus and Ginny was looking annoyed at not being let in on the secret.

"Well?" she finally said, hands on her hips and looking eerily reminiscent of her mother. Harry shrugged and looked at Remus. Remus rolled his eyes and sighed.

"You might as well tell her," Remus said. "If you're anything like your father, you'll likely burst if you don't." Harry looked a bit surprised at the reference to James, then grinned widely at the comparison.

"Hermione was the one that opened the cellar this morning," Harry said.

"So?" Ginny replied.

"Well, let's just say that Remus here wasn't exactly ready for her." Ginny looked confused for a moment, then her eyes widened and she clapped a hand over her mouth. Remus still heard the giggle.

"Yes, well, I'm glad we've all had quite a laugh at my expense this morning, but I believe that Hermione was truly upset."

"Oh," Harry said immediately. He glanced at Ginny.

"After last night, Harry," Ginny began and Harry nodded.

"One of us should talk to her."

"Let me," Ginny said. Harry nodded. She hurried up the stairs.

"What happened last night?" Remus asked in concern. Harry bent and took Teddy from him so Remus could stand. He still winced as he did so. "Did it have something to do with Ron?"

"How do you know that?" Harry asked.

"They seemed to be in the middle of something when I arrived with Teddy. Ron didn't look very pleased."

"No, he wasn't," Harry said. He glanced at Remus. "Maybe Hermione should tell you."

"I don't want to invade her privacy, Harry," Remus assured him. "I just want to be sure she's all right."

"Physically, she's fine," Harry said. The fact that he didn't elaborate led Remus to believe that emotionally, Hermione was not at all fine. "Let's get you upstairs and we'll have some breakfast. Hopefully, Hermione will join us." Harry shifted Teddy to his left hip and gripped Remus' arm with his right hand. Remus leaned against him slightly as the two of them walked up the stairs. Ginny ran back into the kitchen as soon as they reached it.

"Hermione's gone."

Hermione landed in her back garden, face still bright red. She still couldn't believe what had happened. Letting herself into the house, she stepped inside to the sight of Crookshanks glaring at her. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Your breakfast isn't even that late," she said as she walked to the kitchen and dumped food into his bowl. Crookshanks gave her a look of disdain before he began to eat. Hermione sighed and sat down at the kitchen table. She crossed her arms and pillowed her head on them as she watched Crookshanks eat.

She had no idea what she was going to do. Ron was still furious with her, she was sure. Hermione wondered if she and Ron would be able to salvage their friendship. As things stood now, she highly doubted it. How often would Molly and Arthur want her around if Ron hated her? Probably never.

She had humiliated herself in front of Remus and doubted that he would want to see her anytime soon. Hermione's parents were gone and if Ginny was upset with her because of Ron, that meant Harry was in the middle as usual.

Crookshanks finished eating and cleaned himself, then looked up at her. He waited a few moments before he walked over and jumped up into the chair next to her, then onto the table.

"You're not allowed on the table," Hermione said, even as she reached out a hand to him. He allowed her to pet him for a few minutes, then moved closer to her and rubbed his face against hers. Hermione sighed and reached out for him, hugging him to her. Realizing how exhausted she was, she picked up Crookshanks and made her way upstairs to her bedroom, only kicking off her shoes before she fell into bed. Crookshanks curled up beside her and Hermione dropped off almost immediately, fingers buried in the fur on the cat's back.

"She's probably gone home," Harry said. "I should head over there."

"No, I should go, Harry," Remus said. "I want her to know that I'm not upset about what happened."

"Neither of you are going," Ginny said with a huff. "Remus, you need to rest and Harry, you have to work today, remember?" Ginny summoned a bottle from Teddy's bag and warmed it before she handed it over to Harry. "And all three of you need to eat breakfast. Besides, I should be the one to go over there."

"Why?" Harry asked as he shifted Teddy in his arms and gave him the bottle.

"Because I think she's afraid I'm angry with her because of what happened with Ron."

"Are you?" Harry asked quietly.

"Of course not," Ginny said. "I know those two aren't suited, not really. But, I'm still a bit sad about it. I thought she was going to be my sister." Harry smiled and drew Ginny to him with his free arm.

"She's still your sister, love." Ginny sniffled a bit and nodded.

"I know," she said before she kissed Harry quickly. "Now sit down and I'll make some breakfast and then I'll head over to Hermione's." Remus hid a smile at Ginny's command. She had inherited a few things from her mother, that was certain.

Ginny bustled around the kitchen and once Teddy had finished his bottle, Harry put him in his highchair and gave him a bit of banana. Teddy proceeded to pick it up and squish it between his fingers. They all laughed at his antics, which, of course, only caused him to do it more.

Remus dug into the eggs and sausage that Ginny put in front of him, ravenous as always after the moon. Harry fed Teddy bits of egg in between eating his own breakfast and the three of them were talking quietly when Ron walked into the room.

"Hey," Harry said.

"Morning," Ron mumbled.

"Do you want something to eat?" Ginny asked getting up. "There's plenty left."

"Sure, thanks, Gin." Ginny made Ron a plate and set it in front of him before sitting down next to Harry again. Ron smiled slightly when Teddy shrieked and banged on his tray, then looked back to his plate. Remus suddenly felt as if he were intruding.

"I think Teddy and I should get home," Remus said. "Thank you for the breakfast, Ginny."

"Let me come with you," Harry said. "Just to make sure Andromeda is all right."

"You've got to get to work," Remus said. "We'll be fine." He grimaced as he rose from his chair and Harry frowned.

"I don't have to be in for another two hours," Harry said. "I've got time to come with you." Ginny was already casting a gentle cleaning charm on Teddy's face and hands.

"And if Andromeda still isn't feeling well, Harry can bring Teddy back here and I'll mind him for the day," Ginny said. Remus looked between the two of them, knowing it was useless to argue.

"Thank you," he said. Harry nodded and put Teddy's bag in his shoulder before picking the baby up from his highchair. Harry put a blanket over Teddy's face and stepped into the Floo, calling out for Andromeda's before he disappeared. Remus glanced at Ron from the corner of his eye before he said good-bye to both Ron and Ginny and then followed Harry.

"Remus," Andromeda said as Remus stepped from the Floo. She looked much better, although she still seemed a bit worn out.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I am much better, thank you," she said. "Just a bit tired."

"Ginny's offered to watch Teddy if you still need to rest," Harry said. Andromeda smiled at him and took Teddy from his arms.

"Thank you, Harry, but we will be fine." She rubbed noses with her grandson who grinned at her.

"Are you sure?" Harry asked in concern.

"I am positive," she said. "I will nap later this morning when Teddy does and then I will be right as rain."

"All right," Harry said. He moved to return to Grimmauld Place.

"Harry," Remus said before Harry could throw in the Floo powder. "Please be sure Hermione knows that I'm not upset about what happened. It was an honest mistake."

"I will," Harry said, lips twitching in amusement. Remus glared at him once more before Harry laughed and threw in the Floo powder, then disappeared.

"What was that all about?" Andromeda asked, grabbing Teddy's hand as he reached for her hair. Remus sighed.

"It's nothing," he said, turning red. Andromeda's eyes narrowed and she continued to stare at him. Remus squirmed slightly under her gaze and sighed again. He wondered if she and Minerva had taken intimidation lessons from the same person.

He quickly relayed what had happened this morning when Hermione came to let him out of the cellar. Andromeda's mouth dropped open in shock for a moment before Remus saw the laughter in her eyes. He scowled as she closed her mouth and pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh outright.

"Yes, I know, it's quite hilarious," Remus said dryly.

"I'm sorry, darling, but you have to admit the entire thing is rather amusing."

"Yes, well, Hermione didn't see it that way." Andromeda sobered immediately.

"Was she very upset?"

"She ran out without a word to anyone, so I'd guess that she was." Andromeda's brow furrowed.

"I understand her embarrassment, but surely her reaction was a bit exaggerated.

"Apparently she was already upset about something that went on between her and Ron the night before."

"I thought they were no longer seeing one another?"

"They aren't as far as I know, but there was definitely something going on when I arrived with Teddy. You could have cut the tension with a knife," Remus said. "And Ginny and Harry said something about it this morning. Evidently, she was quite upset when they arrived home last night."

"Perhaps you should speak with her after you have rested." Teddy had begun to squirm in Andromeda's arms and she finally set him down on the floor, quickly waving her wand to set the wards that kept him in the kitchen.

"Ginny is going to talk to her this morning," Remus explained. "I'll speak with Ginny later and see how things went." Teddy crawled under the table and began picking at something on the floor. Andromeda, who didn't even appear to be looking at the baby, summoned the small bit of food and sent one of Teddy's toys to him instead. The impending wail that Remus knew had been coming was abruptly cut off as Teddy happily stuck the toy in his mouth. Remus smiled and shook his head.

"You head up to bed," Andromeda said. "Teddy and I will be fine."

"Thank you," Remus said and bent and kissed her on the cheek. She smiled and patted his arm. Remus bent down, biting back a groan as he did so and looked at Teddy. "Be good for your grandmother." Teddy replied by banging his toy against the floor. Remus smiled and stood again, blowing out a breath at the pain. Andromeda gave him a sympathetic look and he left the kitchen, climbing the stairs to his bedroom. As he pulled off his shirt and trousers and sat down on his bed, his face reddened again at what had happened this morning with Hermione. He would have to get that reaction under control before he spoke with her. It was bad enough she was likely mortified; he didn't need her to think that he was as well. Settling under the soft sheets, Remus sighed and closed his eyes, letting sleep claim him.

Hermione opened her eyes sleepily, wondering what had woken her. Crookshanks was no longer next to her and Hermione lay still, listening intently. A moment later, she heard it again, a knock at the door.

She thought about ignoring it, but figured it was likely Harry and he would simply break in if she didn't answer. Sighing, Hermione pushed the covers off and stood, grimacing when she remembered she was still in the same clothes she'd had on yesterday. She cast a quick cleansing charm on herself.

She hurried down the stairs as the knocking became more urgent. Crossing the living room, she pulled open the back door.

"Ginny," Hermione said in surprise.

"Oh, thank Merlin," Ginny said. "I was getting worried."

"Sorry," Hermione said stepping back so Ginny could come inside. "I was asleep." Ginny immediately looked remorseful.

"I'm sorry, Hermione, I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's fine, I should be up anyway," Hermione said. She looked nervously at her friend. "Can I get you anything?"

"No," Ginny said. "I just came by to see how you were doing." Hermione sighed and crossed her arms, turning to go back into the living room. Ginny followed her and they both took seats on the couch.

"I'm all right," Hermione said.

"You didn't look it when you ran out this morning." Hermione felt her face heat. "Harry told me what happened with Remus." Hermione covered her face with her hands and groaned.

"Gods, I am such an idiot!"

"You're not," Ginny said. "Remus doesn't think so."

"Right," Hermione replied. "He told me not to come downstairs, but I didn't listen. I'm sure he hates me." To her surprise, Ginny laughed.

"Don't you think that's a bit melodramatic?"

"Ginny, I saw him almost naked," Hermione said as she looked up.

"I know," Ginny said with a grin. Hermione's mouth dropped open.

"Ginny!"

"What? Remus is fit." Hermione put her head in her hands again.

"I cannot believe I am having this conversation."

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

"Are you going to fill me in or not?" Ginny questioned. Hermione looked up, appalled.

"I can't believe you just asked me that!" Ginny laughed.

"Relax, Hermione, I'm just teasing." Hermione shook her head and leaned back into the corner of the couch. "Although, if you did want to share, I wouldn't object." Hermione grabbed the throw pillow behind her and smacked Ginny with it. Ginny laughed again and Hermione sighed in exasperation. She hugged the pillow front of her.

"What did Remus say?" she asked quietly a few moments later.

"He told Harry to assure you that he wasn't upset. He said that it was an honest mistake." Hermione snorted at that.

"Honest mistake, right," she muttered. "He told me, more than once, not to come downstairs, but I just thought I knew better, like always." Ginny's brow furrowed.

"Where is that coming from?"

"Nowhere, forget it," Hermione said, hugging the pillow a little tighter. Ginny studied her for a minute.

"Hermione, about last night," Ginny began.

"It's fine, Ginny, I know Ron's your brother," Hermione said. "I'm sure your loyalty is to him."

"That's not what-" Ginny tried, but Hermione interrupted again.

"I'm so sorry if you feel like you're in the middle. Harry too. I'll understand if the two of you don't want to talk to me for a while. Or ever." Ginny just stared at her, looking gobsmacked. Hermione shifted her gaze back to the floor. When Ginny didn't say anything, Hermione peeked up at her. Ginny looked furious.

"Have you gone completely mental?" Ginny demanded. She got to her feet and stared down at Hermione.

"Wh-what?" Hermione stuttered.

"You honestly think that Harry and I would stop talking to you because you had a fight with Ron?"

"It was more than a fight, Ginny," Hermione said quietly. Ginny sighed. She sat back on the couch and took hold of one of Hermione's hands.

"I know," Ginny said. "And I know I didn't say much last night, but it wasn't because I blamed you or something. I don't think either of you are to blame, I think it was just something that wasn't meant to be. And that just makes me a little sad." Hermione looked at her quizzically. "I had all these ideas about how the future was going to be with the four of us and now it won't be. That's not a bad thing, it's just, going to be different and I have to get used to it. Do you see?" Hermione nodded. She'd been having the same thoughts herself. Ginny moved closer and pulled Hermione into a hug.

"We're never going to stop talking to you, Hermione," Ginny said. "We're family." Hermione felt her eyes fill and hugged Ginny tightly. When they separated, Ginny's eyes were bright as well and the two of them sniffled at the same time and then laughed.

"Thanks, Ginny," Hermione said, squeezing Ginny's hand.

"Sisters, remember?" Hermione nodded. They sat in silence for a few moments.

"How was Ron this morning?" Hermione finally asked, not looking at Ginny.

"He was…quiet," Ginny said. "But he did come down for breakfast." Hermione smiled softly. It took quite a bit for Ron to miss a meal. "I talked to him after Harry left for work."

"You don't have to tell me what he said," Hermione said quickly. "He's your brother and it's not my business."

"I know," Ginny replied with a smile. "I wasn't planning on it. I just want to tell you that yeah, he's upset right now, but I don't think that he will be forever." Hermione looked up at her. "It's going to take time though." Hermione nodded. Ginny squeezed her hand again.

"Now, back to Remus," Ginny said with a glint in her eye. Hermione groaned and buried her face in the pillow. "How much did you actually see?"

"I told you I am not talking about this."

"Did you see everything?" Ginny asked, ignoring her. Hermione blushed again.

"No."

"I thought you said he was naked."

"I said he was almost naked," Hermione corrected. "He'd, covered up, with the leg of his trousers."

"So, what did you see?"

"Ginny, I'm not talking about this!" Hermione threw the pillow at her.

"His arse, you saw his arse, didn't you?" Hermione immediately turned red. "You did!"

"Gods, please shut up," Hermione begged.

"Did you get a full view?"

"Oh, my god, you are insane!" Hermione said, throwing her hands up in the air in exasperation. "I got a side view, all right?"

"Side view?" Ginny questioned. Hermione made a noise of frustration.

"He was sitting on the ground, with his left side to me, sort of hunched over a little bit, so no, I didn't get a full view." Ginny smirked in satisfaction. "I hate you."

"No, you don't," Ginny singsonged. She stared at Hermione for another minute. "So, are you going to give me the verdict?"

"About what?" Hermione asked.

"Remus' arse."

"I am not talking about Remus' arse," Hermione said through gritted teeth.

"Why not?" Ginny demanded.

"Because it's Remus!" Ginny quirked an eyebrow at her and Hermione saw her eyes widen a second later.

"You fancy him!"

"I do not!"

"Yes, you do, that's why you don't want to answer my questions!"

"It is not!"

"Then why won't you tell me what you think?"

"Because it's not, it's not appropriate," Hermione said lamely.

"Bullshit," Ginny snorted. "You've participated in our gossip sessions in the dorm plenty this year. You've never shied away from discussing a bloke's…assets before."

"They're our age," Hermione protested.

"That new shopkeeper in Hogsmeade isn't," Ginny said. "And you had no problems talking about him."

"That's because, because we don't know him," Hermione said. "Remus is my friend."

"Right," Ginny said.

"I mean it, Ginny, just, just stop, please." Ginny stared at her for a few moments.

"All right," she finally said. "I'll stop."

"Thank you," Hermione said in relief. But one glance at her friend let Hermione know that while Ginny would let it go for now, the subject was definitely not closed.

4 January 1999

"You're certain?" Remus said as Harry put Teddy's bag on his shoulder.

"I'm positive," Harry replied. "I talked to her last night. She's still a little embarrassed, but she knows that you're not angry or anything."

"And you don't think I should speak with her," Remus said.

"She was upset about some things that happened with Ron and about her parents staying in Australia, so she overre-"

"Her parents are staying in Australia?" Remus interrupted.

"You didn't know?"

"No, we didn't exactly have an extended conversation the other night," Remus said a bit exasperated.

"Oh, right, well, yeah, they told her the day of the moon. That's what she had come to Grimmauld to talk to me about," Harry explained. "Anyway, she was upset about all of that and she hadn't slept well, so she just overreacted to, well, seeing you."

"Here he is," Andromeda said as she came into the room with Teddy. Teddy reached for Harry immediately, even ignoring Remus. Remus shook his head fondly.

"Hey, mate," Harry said as Andromeda handed the baby over. Teddy immediately reached for Harry's glasses, but his hand stopped just shy of them. Harry grinned at Remus when Teddy tried again, looking perplexed.

"Arthur taught me that one," Harry said. "Variation on the shielding charm." Teddy, after trying a third time to grab Harry's glasses, began to fuss. "This is the only drawback though."

"Here," Remus said, summoning a toy from the bag Harry carried. He handed it to Teddy who took it happily enough, although he was still eyeing Harry's glasses. "Everything he needs should be in the bag, but one of us will be here all day if you need anything."

"We'll be fine, won't we, mate?" Harry said. Teddy grinned at him. "Gin's coming over in a bit. I'll have him home by supper."

"He's pulling himself up on everything now," Remus said. "So, you may want to use a sticking charm on anything that would fall over easily." Harry nodded.

"Good-bye, darling," Andromeda said, leaning over to kiss Teddy's cheek.

"You behave for your godfather," Remus said, kissing the top of Teddy's head. "Good-bye." Teddy responded by holding out his hand and opening and closing it, his way of waving. Remus chuckled.

"Let's go, Teddy," Harry said, throwing a blanket over Teddy's head before stepping into the Floo.

Remus watched them go, looking pensive.

"They will be fine," Andromeda said, putting a hand on his arm.

"Oh, yes, I know," Remus said. "I was thinking about Hermione."

"Is she still upset about what happened?"

"Harry says she's fine, she was just overwrought at the time." Andromeda looked at him quizzically. "Apparently, her parents have decided to stay in Australia and she had just found out the night before."

"No wonder she was upset." Remus nodded absently. Andromeda patted his arm and moved into the kitchen. Remus continued to stare into the empty fireplace, wondering if he should talk to Hermione anyway, regardless of what Harry had said. It wasn't that he didn't believe Harry, but Remus felt some strange urge to be sure she was all right for himself. Shaking his head, he pushed that thought away and sighed, moving to the armchair in front of the fire and picking up the book he had been reading. If Harry said Hermione was fine, then she was.

10 January 1999

Hermione walked through the barrier to Platform 9 ¾. She had never been so glad to go back to school. She had spent the last week at her house, usually alone, save Crookshanks. Harry and Ginny both visited, but Harry was busy with work and Ginny was helping George out in the shop as children came to spend their Christmas galleons before heading back to Hogwarts.

Harry was insistent that she was still welcome at Grimmauld Place, but Hermione hadn't felt right going there. It was Ron's home too and she was sure that the last thing he wanted was to see her. Even after Ginny had given Hermione Ron's work schedule so Hermione could come to Grimmauld when Ron wasn't there, Hermione still hadn't felt right about it.

Remus had occupied her thoughts quite often as well. She was still embarrassed about what had happened the morning after the full moon, but she wasn't upset about it anymore. Now, though, Ginny's insistence that Hermione fancied Remus continually echoed in her brain.

Hermione had admitted that she'd had a bit of a schoolgirl crush on Remus her third year, when he was her professor. So had half of the rest of the school. But Ginny's assertion that Hermione fancied him now was ridiculous. Remus was just her friend.

"Ron was just your friend, too," a little voice in Hermione's head, that sounded suspiciously like Ginny, liked to remind her. Hermione shoved that voice away whenever it spoke up. To think that she liked Remus as anything else but a friend was absurd.

"It doesn't stop you dreaming about him," the stupid voice said. Hermione felt her face heat as she remembered the dream she'd had two nights ago. Since the full moon, she no longer had to imagine what Remus looked like naked. Well, mostly.

"Oh my god, stop," Hermione muttered under her breath, scrubbing at her cheeks with her hands. This was getting out of control.

"Hermione!" a voice called and Hermione looked up to see Claire hurtling towards her. Hermione grinned and caught Claire as she flung her arms around her.

"How was your holiday?" Hermione asked.

"It was good!" Claire said. "Annie and Amy and Thomas spent Christmas with us."

"That sounds fun," Hermione replied.

"How were your parents?" Claire asked. Hermione's smile slipped a bit.

"They were fine," she said. "We had a very nice Christmas." Claire cocked her head and studied Hermione in the way that unnerved Hermione sometimes.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Hermione insisted, plastering a smile on her face. "I just missed you all." Claire stared at her for another minute before she finally smiled.

"We missed you too." Claire took her hand and led her to where her parents and David stood.

"Hi, Hermione," David said. Hermione smiled at him. Now thirteen, David didn't show the same enthusiasm in his greetings of her as he used to, but Hermione could tell he was still happy to see her. Annie, however, had no such qualms. She moved from David's side and hugged Hermione tightly. Hermione could detect a bit of sadness in both David's and Annie's eyes. Hermione was sure celebrating Christmas without their parents had been difficult.

Hermione's former distress melted away as the three first-years chattered to her about their Christmas gifts and everything they'd done on their break from school. Fifteen minutes before the train was going to leave, Hermione suggested they board, just as Ginny ran onto the platform, followed by her mother.

"Hermione," Molly said, after greeting Sarah's parents and Annie's sister. "I'm so glad to see you. We missed you at the family dinner last week."

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it," Hermione said.

"It's all right, dear, I understand," Molly squeezed her arm affectionately and Hermione gave her a grateful smile. After exchanging good-byes with everyone, Hermione and Ginny helped the first-years with their trunks and joined Luna in her compartment. Hermione bade good-bye to her friends to head to the Prefect carriage to find out her patrol schedule. She smiled as she walked through the train cars. School was just what she needed.