A/N - Hello all! Teddy's birthday is ahead. This was one of those chapters that just refused to end, so it is longer than usual. Thanks for continuing to read and review!

Chapter 33

One

6 April 1999

Hermione made her way to the library to do a bit of studying for N.E.W.T.S. She had been studying in her room for the most part, as all her dormmates had gone home for Easter, but she had decided that she wanted a change of scenery. Ginny had begged Hermione to change her mind about staying at Hogwarts, saying that everyone had missed her on George and Fred's birthday. Hermione had once again declined, sure that Ron hadn't missed her that day. Ginny finally admitted that Ron had looked relieved when Ginny had shown up alone.

Hermione was glad that Ginny had only had to return to Hogwarts for a day before the Easter break began. If they hadn't had an exam in Transfiguration, she likely would have just stayed at the Burrow. Things had been very difficult, apparently, during the day they spent with George, and Hermione was already dreading the anniversary of the Final Battle coming up. There was going to be a memorial service at Hogwarts and a dedication of the new monument to the fallen that would be erected on the grounds.

Hermione sighed. Her nightmares had already started to get worse again and the ceremony was still almost a month away. She was sure she would be asking Madame Pomfrey for more Dreamless Sleep before long.

Hermione shifted her bag on her shoulder and walked into the library. She headed for her usual table and smiled when she saw Anthony already sitting at it. The two of them had taken to studying together quite often. Anthony looked up when she sat down.

"I thought I was going to have to send out a search party," he said quietly, obeying the rules of the library as always. "If I hadn't seen you at breakfast every morning, I might have thought you'd changed your mind and went home after all."

"I've been taking advantage of my empty dorm room," Hermione said with a smile. Anthony stared at her for a moment, eyes seeming to glaze over a bit, before he shook his head and looked back down at his parchment.

"That must be nice," he finally said and Hermione saw his cheeks were pink. Her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Are you all right?"

"Fine." He cleared his throat and looked up at her. "So, what are you working on today?"

"I was planning on reviewing Potions for a while, then switching to Charms. You?"

"Transfiguration, but I could do Potions first, if you'd like to quiz one another."

"That sounds good," Hermione said. She glanced up at Madame Pince's desk. The librarian was staring right at them. Although the rules in the library were a bit more relaxed over break, Madame Pince still didn't appreciate much talking.

"Maybe I'll do my Charms first," Hermione said. "Then we can go somewhere else to work on Potions?" Anthony, who had his back to Madame Pince, glanced over his shoulder.

"That's probably a good idea."

The two worked in companionable silence for the next couple of hours, until Hermione sat back in her chair and stretched her arms over her head. Anthony looked up at her, then glanced away quickly. Hermione wasn't sure just what was going on with him today.

"Are you ready then?" he asked when Hermione began to put away her Charms' notes.

"Yes, but I can wait if you're not," she said.

"No, I finished a few minutes ago, actually." He began packing up his things as well. When they had finished, they left the library.

"So where should we study?" Anthony asked. "One of the unused classrooms?" Hermione glanced out a window as they passed. There were only a few fluffy white clouds in the sky.

"Do you mind if we sit outside?" Hermione asked. "Even if it's cool, we can cast warming charms."

"That sounds nice," Anthony replied. Hermione smiled and they chatted a bit as they walked towards the front doors of the castle. They stepped outside and made their way towards the Black Lake. Hermione led Anthony to the beech tree where she, Ron and Harry had often sat. Conjuring a blanket, they spread it out on the ground and then sat down, Anthony casting a warming charm over the two of them while Hermione pulled her notes from her bag.

They spent the next hour reviewing ingredients and their properties, as well as going over some of the potions they might be expected to brew during their N.E.W.T. When they finally took a break, Hermione leaned back on her hands and turned her face up towards the sun. After a few minutes, she felt Anthony's eyes on her and cracked one eye open. He immediately turned his head, his cheeks turning pink again.

"Is something wrong?" Hermione asked. He had been acting rather peculiar lately. As Hermione studied him, Ginny's words came back to her. "Luna says word around the Ravenclaw Common Room is that Anthony fancies you." He couldn't though. That had been six weeks ago and Anthony had given no indication that it was true. He hadn't been acting any differently towards her until today.

"I, erm, I wanted to ask if," Anthony trailed off, his face getting redder. He pulled in a breath and looked at her. "I wanted to ask if you'd like to go on the next Hogsmeade weekend with me." Hermione stared at him for a moment.

"I, I hadn't really thought about it," Hermione said.

"I know it's a couple of weeks away," Anthony said. "But I wanted to ask before you made other plans."

"Just…the two of us?" she asked. Anthony nodded.

Hermione's mind was whirling. She had not been expecting this at all. After everything with Ron, she hadn't even thought about dating. There wasn't anyone at school that really interested her, to be honest. Even with all that Ginny had said about enjoying her last few months, Hermione hadn't really sought anyone out. She had relaxed a bit in her studying and spent more time with her friends, hence why she had been doing so much studying over the break, but dating had barely crossed her mind.

"It's all right," Anthony said. "I understand."

"No!" Hermione replied quickly. "I just, I was a bit surprised is all."

"We've been revising together so much and I had a lot of fun with you last time," Anthony said, looking hopeful again.

Anthony was awfully sweet and he could certainly carry on an intelligent conversation with her. She did enjoy spending time with him. And it was just Hogsmeade, after all.

"All right," she said.

"Really?"

"Yes, I'd love to go." Anthony's smile lit up his entire face and Hermione couldn't help but smile back. They returned to studying Potions, but Hermione caught Anthony glancing at her from time to time with a small smile on his face. She found herself returning his smile, thinking that maybe this was a good idea after all.

8 April 1999

"Happy Birthday, little man," Remus said as he lifted Teddy from his cot.

"Da-da!" Teddy said with a smile.

"You're a whole year old, today, did you know that?" Remus asked as he laid the boy down to change his nappy. Teddy happily babbled away as he always did when he first woke up. Remus kept up a steady stream of conversation with his son, but his mind drifted back to those memories from a year ago.

"One more time," Andromeda said. Dora moaned pitifully.

"Come on, love, you can do it," Remus encouraged.

"Easy for you to say," she huffed. He smiled into her hair and kissed the top of her head.

"Again, Nymphadora," Andromeda demanded. Dora scowled at her.

"Don't. call. me. Nymphadora," she snapped even as she began to push again.

"That's it, just a bit more," Andromeda said with a slight smirk. Remus suspected she had used Dora's full name on purpose. Dora squeezed her eyes shut and grabbed his hand, her face turning red with effort. Just as she collapsed back into him, breath heaving, there was a cry. Andromeda looked up at them with tears in her eyes.

"It's a boy," she said. She held the baby up and Remus stared at his son in awe. Dora was crying and laughing at the same time when Remus kissed her soundly before Andromeda laid Teddy on her chest.

Remus finished fastening Teddy's nappy as his thoughts returned to the present. He picked his boy up and held him close, eyes immediately going to the photograph of Dora that sat on Teddy's bookshelf. She grinned and waved up at him and Remus smiled back, loosening his grip on Teddy as the boy squirmed.

"Mummy wishes you a Happy Birthday too," Remus said quietly. Teddy looked up at him and smiled. Remus kissed his forehead. "Let's go have breakfast. You've got a big day ahead."

After much discussion, Remus and Andromeda had decided to take Teddy to the zoo again. They were then going to meet Narcissa for tea. They had decided on the same Muggle coffee shop where she and Andromeda frequently met. Remus had done a lot of thinking about what Andromeda had said to him on his birthday and he grudgingly realized she was right. While he liked to think he would have stepped in had he been in Narcissa's place, if Teddy's life had been in danger, he couldn't say what he would have done.

That wasn't to say he had changed his mind completely or forgiven what Narcissa had done, far from it. But this was important to Andromeda and after everything she had done for Remus and Teddy, Remus couldn't deny her this.

"Are you sure about this?" Andromeda asked again as they approached the coffee shop, Teddy asleep in his pram.

"Yes," Remus replied. He smiled reassuringly at his mother-in-law. "If I become uncomfortable, I'll simply say I need to get Teddy home." Andromeda nodded, still clearly nervous. Remus put a hand on her arm. "Truly, I'm fine." Remus wasn't exactly fine, but he'd had years of practice in keeping his emotions under control.

Andromeda nodded again and led him into the coffee shop. They sat down at a table and Remus loosened the blankets he had put around Teddy when they were outside. The boy stirred a bit, but didn't wake, thoroughly exhausted from his trip to the zoo.

It was only a few minutes later that Remus looked up and saw Narcissa Malfoy come inside. She glanced around, smiling as she saw Andromeda and made her way to their table. Andromeda stood and briefly embraced her sister, the two of them kissing the air next to the other's cheek as Remus had seen many other Pureblood women do. Narcissa turned to him and he rose from his chair.

"Mr. Lupin," she said politely. "Thank you for allowing me to share part of your son's day with you." Remus nodded in acknowledgement. Narcissa turned to the pram. "And this must be little Teddy." Remus felt himself tense, but Narcissa made no attempt to touch his son.

"You were right, Andi," Narcissa continued. "He is quite handsome." Andromeda beamed with pride.

"Please, sit," Andromeda said and Remus moved to help Narcissa with her chair. He still wasn't overly enamored with the woman, but his mother had taught him manners. He sat back in his chair as the waitress approached their table.

After taking their order, the three of them sat in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Andromeda was glancing between her sister and her son-in-law, clearly searching for something to say.

"Mr. Lupin, Andromeda tells me you have been doing some tutoring at Hogwarts," Narcissa finally said.

"Yes, I have," he replied. "Many of the students were behind after the disruptive year they had last year."

"I can imagine," Narcissa said. "And do you enjoy it?"

"Very much," Remus said. "I have always loved teaching."

"Yes, I remember you taught Defense Against the Dark Arts," she said. "Draco said you were quite an improvement over their previous professor." Remus stared at her, shocked. The Slytherins had done nothing but complain in his class, Draco especially. Of course, it wasn't that difficult to be better than Gilderoy Lockhart, so Remus wasn't sure how much of a compliment that really was.

"I'm glad he thought so," Remus finally said. Narcissa inclined her head as their waitress delivered the tea and scones they had ordered. The tension lessened a bit as they all busied themselves preparing their tea and arranging their plates.

Remus sipped his tea and watched the two sisters. Andromeda's smile grew wider and Narcissa's posture less rigid as they settled into conversation. They included him from time to time, but he was content to drink his tea and observe. He could feel the tension running just beneath the surface, the instinct to protect both Teddy and Andromeda. The longer they spoke, however, the more that tension lessened.

Teddy began to move and whimper in his sleep and Remus picked him up, knowing the boy would be disoriented when he woke. Teddy settled against his chest, one hand gripping the front of Remus' cardigan. His eyes finally opened fully and he smiled when he saw his grandmother.

"Did you have a nice nap, love?" she asked, brushing a bit of hair from his forehead. Teddy lifted his head from Remus' chest and gave Andromeda another smile, before reaching out for her. Remus passed his son over, even though a part of him wanted to hug Teddy tightly and not let go of him, to keep him safe. Andromeda settled Teddy into her arms before turning him slightly so he could see Narcissa.

"This is Nanna's sister," Andromeda said. "Your Aunt Narcissa." Teddy looked at Narcissa who smiled at him. He drew back towards Andromeda, still studying Narcissa.

"Hello, Teddy," Narcissa said softly. "I have been looking forward to meeting you." Teddy still stared at her, but he did not smile. "Your grandmother told me it was your birthday." Remus was rather impressed that she didn't immediately ask to hold the baby. Some women would have, particularly those that felt they were entitled. Instead, Narcissa seemed to be giving Teddy time to get used to her presence. Another surprise.

Narcissa opened her handbag and pulled out a tiny wrapped gift. She glanced around the shop before moving her hand where Remus could see the tip of her wand. His hand instinctively moved to his sleeve where his own wand was concealed, ready to draw it despite their location. Before Narcissa could do anything, Andromeda grabbed her hand.

"Cissy!" she hissed.

"What?" Narcissa asked, unconcerned.

"Would you like a visit from the Ministry for doing magic in front of Muggles?" Andromeda demanded quietly as she glanced around the coffee shop. Teddy was watching the entire conversation with rapt attention.

"Well, how am I supposed to give Teddy his gift?" Narcissa demanded.

"Is it magical?" Andromeda asked.

"Well, of course," Narcissa replied, looking at Andromeda as if she were dim. "What else would I have given him?" Andromeda rolled her eyes, giving Narcissa the same look in return.

"Then he cannot open it here, can he?" Andromeda gestured around at the very Muggle setting. Remus felt his lips twitch towards a smile at their behavior. He could almost picture a teenaged Andromeda and Narcissa having a similar argument.

"I suppose you are right," Narcissa said with a long-suffering sigh. She picked up the gift to put it back into her bag. Remus cleared his throat.

"You could come back home with us and Teddy could open it there." Andromeda stared at him in shock. Truthfully, Remus was a bit shocked that he'd said it himself. He had expected this meeting to be quite uncomfortable and while he still could not say that he was Narcissa Malfoy's biggest fan, it was nice to see a more human side of her. Narcissa stared at him for a moment, looking as if she were trying to determine if his offer was genuine.

"I would like that very much, Mr. Lupin," she said with a hint of emotion in her voice.

"Please, it's Remus." She stared at him again before nodding and turning back to Andromeda. Andromeda was still staring at Remus in surprise until Teddy's squirming brought her back to her senses.

"Well, all right then," she said. "Shall we go?" Her voice was too high, her smile too bright, but Remus rose from the table and pulled out her chair as she stood, then did the same for Narcissa. The two women preceded him out of the coffee shop and once they'd reached an alley, Remus ducked inside and shrunk the pram. When he stepped back out, he suggested that Andromeda take Narcissa side-along and Remus would take a taxi to the Leaky Cauldron with Teddy and come home by Floo. He figured the two women could use a bit of time by themselves to collect their emotions before he arrived. Andromeda agreed and handed Teddy back to Remus before taking Narcissa into the alley and disappearing. Remus smiled at Teddy before hailing a cab and heading for the Leaky.

"Thank you," Andromeda said once Narcissa had disappeared through the Floo. Teddy still sat enraptured by the gift she had bought him – a set of miniature dragons, just the right size for a toddler's fist, that flew and breathed puffs of very realistic looking 'smoke'. Apparently, Draco had a similar set as a child and it had been one of his favorites. Teddy had been mesmerized by the two that Remus had charmed to fly, even as Teddy chewed on a third. All child-proofed, with no small pieces to choke on, Remus had been impressed.

"I did raise a son," Narcissa said with a smirk at Remus' thorough inspection of the gift.

"I didn't mean to imply," Remus began, but Narcissa waved him off.

"You would not be a good parent if you did not worry about such things," she assured him. Remus had given her a grateful smile as she knelt next to Teddy and waved her wand to make the Hungarian Horntail fly.

"For what?" Remus asked.

"For asking her here," Andromeda replied. "For changing your mind."

"I haven't forgiven her," Remus said. "But I am willing to try, for your sake and Teddy's."

"I know," Andromeda said, eyes bright. "I will get dinner ready and then we can give Teddy his cake." She patted Remus' arm as she passed and went into the kitchen. He sat down next to Teddy, picked up the Swedish Short Snout and waved his wand, adding the third dragon to the two that were already flying. Teddy squealed in delight and clapped his hands, dropping the dragon he'd been holding. He crawled over to Remus and pulled himself up on Remus' side.

"Da-da," Teddy said, pointing to the dragons flying overhead. Remus wrapped an arm around him and chuckled.

"I see the dragons." Teddy reached his arms up, looking as if he was trying to catch them. Remus directed his wand at one and made it fly within Teddy's reach. Teddy grabbed for it twice before he finally caught it. Remus laughed at the surprised look on his son's face. Teddy held the dragon out to Remus.

"Well done," Remus said with a smile, which Teddy returned. He then proceeded to stick the dragon's head in his mouth and gnaw on it. Remus shook his head fondly. They two of them played with the dragons until Andromeda called them to dinner.

"Go ahead, Teddy," Remus said. "Blow out the candle." Teddy looked from his father to his grandmother and back to the cake on the table, clearly having no idea what he was supposed to do. Remus looked at Andromeda over Teddy's head and she nodded.

"Ready, love?" Andromeda asked Teddy. He stared blankly at her. "One, two, three." On three, both she and Remus leaned toward the cake and blew out the single candle. Teddy stared for a second and then burst into tears. Remus and Andromeda looked at each other in confusion, then down at the crying baby. He was reaching his hand toward the candle, opening and closing his hand in the good-bye gesture he made. Remus quickly drew his wand and relit the candle. Teddy immediately stopped crying and smiled.

"All right then, I guess the candle stays lit," Remus said as Andromeda laughed. She cut a large slice of cake and set it on the tray of Teddy's highchair.

Teddy looked at it for a moment, then grabbed a large piece of it and shoved it in his mouth. Remus and Andromeda watched and laughed as he smeared his face and hair with icing, bits of cake also making it into his mouth on occasion. When the cake was a mangled mass and all Teddy was doing was squishing it through his fingers, Andromeda vanished it and Remus picked Teddy up from his chair.

"Time for a bath for you," he said. Teddy protested at losing his treat, until Remus summoned one of the dragons from the living room and had it fly ahead of them to the bathroom. Stripping Teddy down, Remus put him into the bath, letting the dragon fly around his head, just out of his reach, while Remus quickly washed Teddy up.

When he was dried, dressed and had a warm bottle in his hands, Remus took Teddy into his room and sat down in the rocking chair. The older he got, the less Teddy let Remus rock him like this before bed, but Teddy had had a long day and his eyes were already drooping when Remus sat down. Remus rocked and smiled softly as his son, who held the bottle with one hand and picked at Remus' shirt with the other.

"I'd say you had quite a good birthday," Remus said. "And just think, you get to do it all again on Saturday." Teddy watched Remus in silence, rhythmically swallowing. "Your mum would be so proud of you." Teddy smiled slightly as if he knew what Remus was saying. "She loved you so much." Remus glanced at the photograph on the bookshelf again and watched Dora wave at him numerous times before he looked back down at his son. Teddy's eyes were almost completely closed and the bottle had fallen from his mouth. Remus removed it and shifted Teddy to his shoulder. Teddy snuggled into the crook of Remus' neck and Remus sighed, resting his head against the back of the chair.

Remus closed his eyes. It had been quite a long day and he hadn't had the chance to process much of it. His son was a year old. The last twelve months had gone so quickly but dragged by at a snail's pace all at the same time. There were days he thought would never end and weeks that passed in the blink of an eye. Today had been no different. Remus had wanted to savor it, had wanted time to slow down or even freeze, yet it was already over.

Seeing Narcissa today had been difficult. He had kept a tight lid on his emotions when she first came into the coffee shop, something ingrained into him after years of dealing with being a werewolf. Although he'd relaxed a bit over the course of the afternoon, he hadn't completely let go of them until now.

He had been angry, he realized, nearly incensed when she came in and smiled at the three of them. The depth of his anger surprised him a bit, thinking of it now. The more he thought about it, the more he decided that he didn't really want to examine the intensity of it too closely. No good would come of going down that path, as he knew there was no future there. Not to mention the fact that he was nowhere near ready to entertain another relationship. He thought there was a possibility he might never be.

Teddy breathed deeply against Remus' neck and Remus indulged himself, continuing to rock for a bit longer. Sooner than Remus would like, Teddy wouldn't want to be rocked to sleep, or even cuddle on Remus' lap. He was going to enjoy it now, while he still could.

10 April 1998

"When are you leaving?" Anthony asked. Hermione took a last sip of her pumpkin juice and wiped her lips with a napkin.

"The party starts at eleven, so I thought I'd start heading down to the gates about fifteen minutes before," she said.

"I'll walk with you," Anthony said.

"You don't have to," Hermione said.

"I want to," Anthony replied. "Unless you don't want me to. I don't mean to overstep." He looked unsure.

"It's fine," she said. "I'm happy to have you walk with me." Anthony smiled at her and Hermione returned it. He was rather sweet.

"So, what are you going to do until then?" Anthony asked.

"I don't know," she replied. "I'm tired of revising. Maybe I'll just go and sit by the lake, enjoy the sunshine."

"You're tired of revising?" Anthony questioned. He looked surprised, but Hermione thought he must be teasing her.

"Yes, I know, Hermione Granger, infamous know-it-all, is actually tired of revising," Hermione said dramatically. Anthony frowned.

"I don't think you're a know-it-all," he said. Hermione was confused.

"I didn't think that you did."

"Then why did you say that?"

"I was just joking," she explained, still a bit perplexed.

"Oh," he said. His brows furrowed.

"Is something wrong?" Hermione asked.

"I just don't think you should put yourself down like that," Anthony said. "There's nothing wrong with being intelligent." Hermione was a bit taken aback. She and Harry often joked about the monikers they had been given by the press or other students.

"I know there isn't," she said. She was still surprised at the turn the conversation had taken. She supposed though, that Anthony was a Ravenclaw, the house that valued intelligence above all else. She could understand why joking about it would bother him. It was kind of nice, actually, not having to make excuses or defend being smart.

"I wasn't putting myself down, I promise you," Hermione said. "I'm rather proud of my brains."

"You should be," Anthony said, the frown finally leaving his face.

"But I was serious when I said I was tired of revising," Hermione continued. "Would you like to take a walk by the lake with me before I leave?" Anthony seemed to ponder this, likely calculating how much study time he would lose if he did so.

"All right," he finally agreed. "Shall I meet you in the Entrance Hall around ten?" It was only half past eight and it wouldn't take Hermione all that long to get ready, but she supposed she could sit and read before meeting with Anthony.

"That sounds good," she said. She rose from the table and Anthony did the same, shouldering his bag. Hermione hadn't even realized he'd brought it to breakfast. They headed up the main staircase, but Anthony parted ways with her when they reached the corridor that led to the library.

"I'm just going to get a bit of revising time in before I meet you," he said. "I'll see you later." He waved and turned down the corridor towards the library. Hermione watched him go for a moment before turning towards Gryffindor Tower. She never thought she'd meet someone who wanted to study more than she did.

Hermione landed in the back garden and glanced toward the house. Tables had been set up, decorated with balloons, and a large 'Happy Birthday' banner hung above the back door. She could see Harry and Ginny sitting on a bench near the back door and she smiled as she approached, noticing that the garden got warmer the closer she got to the house. They must have placed a warming charm over the tables.

"Hermione," Harry greeted, standing to hug her as she reached him.

"Hi, Harry," she said, hugging him tightly. "Hey, Gin. How's your holiday been?"

"Very good," Ginny said with a smirk at Harry. Harry immediately reddened.

"Honestly," Hermione said with a roll of her eyes as Ginny laughed.

"Sorry," Ginny said with an expression that said she was anything but. "It has been good though. I've been helping out at the shop."

"How's George?" Hermione asked.

"He's doing okay," Ginny said. "He's coming by later; Verity needed the morning off today."

"How's work, Harry?"

"It's been quiet lately, which is a good thing," Harry said. "I think we've rounded up everyone we're going to find." They all knew that meant there weren't still Voldemort sympathizers still around, just that they'd either never done anything to warrant arrest or they'd managed to cover their tracks thoroughly enough.

"Where's the birthday boy?" Hermione asked.

"Dad and Remus are entertaining him while Mum and Andromeda finish up with the food," Ginny said. She glanced at Harry. "Ron's inside too." Hermione pulled in a breath. She knew that Ron was going to be at the party, she'd prepared herself for it all week. It had been three months since their argument and it was inevitable that they were going to run into each other.

"He's not staying the whole time," Harry said. "His shift starts today at one."

"It's all right, Harry," Hermione said. "We've got to get used to being around one another some time."

"I know, you're right," Harry said. "I just don't want either of you to be uncomfortable." Hermione smiled

"I think that's a bit tall of an order, to be honest," she said. "But the more often it happens the easier it will get, right?"

"Right," Ginny said, standing and looping her arm through Hermione's. "Come on, I'm sure Teddy and Remus can't wait to see you." Hermione's eyes narrowed, knowing Ginny had thrown in Remus' name on purpose. Ginny looked back at her, innocent smile on her face.

They walked into the house and Hermione greeted Molly and Andromeda in the kitchen, then offered her assistance. She was assured that everything was under control and that she should join everyone else in the living room. Harry and Ginny had already gone in, to prepare Ron for her arrival, Hermione was sure. Taking a breath and squaring her shoulders, Hermione walked into the room.

Remus was sitting on the couch speaking with Arthur as Teddy played at their feet. Harry and Ginny had come in a few moments earlier and were talking to Ron near the fireplace. He assumed Hermione was here, as Harry and Ginny had been waiting outside for her. Bill and Fleur should be arriving shortly and Minerva and Hagrid were planning on coming a bit later, just before lunch. Kingsley had promised to try and make it for cake and gifts. George was coming after lunch. Remus noticed immediately when Hermione walked into the room. He looked up at her with a smile.

"Hello, Hermione," Arthur said when he noticed her standing there. Ron was standing by the fireplace talking to Harry and Ginny and Remus saw Ron's head snap towards Hermione after his father's greeting. Hermione locked eyes with Ron and froze where she stood. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Ron finally dropped his gaze. Hermione fidgeted for a moment and then looked back at Arthur and Remus. Remus rose from the couch.

"Hermione, I'm glad you could make it," he said. Hermione looked relieved.

"Hello, Remus" she greeted. "Arthur." She moved forwards towards Teddy. "Hi, Teddy." Teddy looked up at her and smiled widely, holding up the dragon he had in his hand. Hermione grinned and knelt beside him.

"What's this?" she asked. Teddy held the dragon out to her and then began to babble. Hermione looked up at Remus who was watching his son with a fond smile.

"I believe he'd like you to make it fly," Remus said. Hermione took the dragon figure from Teddy, who clapped his hands in anticipation. "Here, set it on your palm." Hermione did as Remus asked and he waved his wand and cast the charm. The little dragon flapped its wings and took flight and Teddy squealed in delight. Hermione smiled at the boy and then at Remus.

"These are amazing," she said picking up another of the very lifelike looking dragons, that were still, somehow, toddler friendly. Teddy scrunched up his nose and made a noise that sounded something like a snort, then looked at Hermione expectantly. Remus chuckled.

"They also blow smoke," Remus said, activating the charm on the dragon Hermione had in her hand. She looked fascinated and Remus realized she wouldn't have had any experience with magical toys. Teddy scrunched up his nose and made the noise again, then giggled. Hermione made another of the dragons blow smoke.

"These must be a birthday gift," she said, grinning at Teddy who was staring up at the dragon that was still flying, excitement clear on his face.

"Yes," Remus said immediately, deciding not to elaborate. He didn't want to make Hermione uncomfortable with thoughts of the Malfoys.

"Well, it looks like it was a good choice," Hermione said. "Teddy seems to love them."

"That he does," Remus agreed, then decided to change the subject. "So, how are your studies coming along?"

"Would you be surprised to know that I was actually glad for the break today?" she asked. Remus looked shocked.

"What, Hermione Granger, brightest witch of her age, didn't want to revise?" Hermione looked at him for a moment, then laughed when he smirked.

"Yes, well, even the most scholarly of us need a rest some time," she said with a sigh, but amusement danced in her eyes. Remus saw that the amusement disappeared a few moments later and she looked a bit troubled. Before he could ask about it, she shook her head and smiled once again.

The Floo flared and Fleur and then Bill stepped out, greeting everyone in the room. Minerva and Hagrid followed a short time later, filling the room to near capacity. Remus picked up Teddy, lest he accidentally get stepped on as everyone moved about, trying to find a comfortable position. He was extremely glad when Andromeda announced that lunch was served and they could move out into the garden.

Hermione sat with Ginny as they finished their lunch, Harry having gone to speak with Bill and Ron. Hermione still hadn't spoken to Ron; he'd sat at a table with Bill and Fleur when Hermione had sat down next to Harry. She did catch him looking at her, but he looked away as soon as she met his gaze.

"So, what have you been doing all this week?" Ginny asked, popping a last carrot into her mouth.

"Revising, mostly," Hermione said.

"Wow, I'm completely shocked," Ginny said in mock surprise. Hermione slapped her lightly on the arm.

"It's been nice, actually." She tried to hide a smile. Ginny immediately saw it and her eyes narrowed.

"Nice, huh?" Hermione nodded. "I've never heard studying described as 'nice'." Hermione just shrugged, trying to look innocent. Ginny studied her for a moment. "Spill, Granger."

"Spill what?" Hermione asked.

"I think you know," Ginny said.

"Well, I may have gotten asked to the next Hogsmeade weekend," Hermione finally said.

"What!?" Ginny shrieked. All heads turned toward them.

"Ginny," Hermione hissed, even as her cheeks turned pink.

"By who?" Ginny asked, lowering her voice significantly. "Anthony?"

"Yes," Hermione said, glancing towards Ron from the corner of her eye. He was still looking at them. She moved a bit closer to Ginny.

"What did you say?" the younger girl asked.

"I said yes." Ginny grinned. Hermione glanced at Ron again. He had gone back to talking to Bill. "Please don't say anything in front of Ron."

"Of course, I won't," Ginny said. She kept smiling at Hermione.

"What?" Hermione finally questioned.

"So," Ginny said.

"So what?"

"So, what have the two of you been up to this week?" Hermione rolled her eyes.

"We've been studying."

"Uh-huh," Ginny said. "Is that what they're calling it these days?" Hermione swatted her again.

"He only asked a few days ago."

"And that's it? Just studying?" Hermione shrugged.

"We took a walk around the lake this morning and he walked me to the gates so I could leave to come here."

"No good-bye snog?" Ginny asked, waggling her eyebrows.

"No," Hermione said, shaking her head in exasperation. Ginny snickered.

"So, are you excited about this?"

"Sure, I mean he always understands what I'm talking about when we're discussing classes, he's very nice, he's polite." Hermione shrugged. Ginny looked at her and then pretended to snore.

"Sounds wonderful," Hermione elbowed her in the side.

"Stop it, he's sweet."

"Well, there's sweet and then there's," Ginny trailed off and looked across the garden. Hermione followed her gaze and landed on Remus, who was holding Teddy and talking to Professor McGonagall. Hermione groaned.

"Are you ever going to let that go?"

"Nope," Ginny said with a grin.

"Let what go?" Harry asked as he sat down next to Ginny.

"Ginny's just been whining again because I decided not to come home for the holiday," Hermione said quickly. Ginny moved slightly so Harry couldn't see her face, then waggled her eyebrows and nodded her head towards Remus again. Hermione gave her a death glare.

"Break's nearly over anyway," Harry said in confusion. "You go back tomorrow."

"I know," Ginny said. "But you know me, I can't resist taking the mickey sometimes."

"Don't tease Hermione," Harry said.

"Yes, don't tease Hermione," Hermione repeated with a significant look at Ginny. Before Ginny could say anything else, Andromeda announced that it was time for cake and they all rose to gather around the table where Teddy and Remus sat.

Remus held Teddy on his lap as Andromeda placed the cake in front of him. Having already experienced this once, Teddy reached out and scraped his fingers down the side of the cake before Remus could stop him. His fingers now full of icing, Teddy immediately put them in his mouth as the adults around him laughed. Teddy grinned as Arthur snapped a photograph.

Andromeda lit the candle but knowing how Teddy had reacted the last time they'd blown out the candle, kept her wand out. They all began to sing Happy Birthday and Teddy stared at everyone as he continued to lick the icing from his fingers. When they finished singing, everyone clapped and Teddy did as well, splattering his father with some of the icing that remained on his fingers. When everyone laughed, Teddy joined in.

"All right, Teddy, it's time to blow out the candle," Andromeda said. She mimed blowing out the candle to her grandson. Teddy scrunched up his nose like he had when he wanted the dragons to blow smoke and Remus heard Hermione's chuckle. Remus rose slightly from his chair, holding Teddy toward the cake as he and Andromeda counted down and then blew out the candle. Teddy looked as if he were about to cry again when the party guests began clapping once more. Distracted, Teddy clapped his hands together and Andromeda quickly moved the cake to the side and began to cut it. Hermione approached as Andromeda cut the cake and Molly and Harry began to pass it out to everyone.

"Happy Birthday, Teddy," she said. Teddy smiled at her and held out his arms. Remus passed him over, wiping the last of the icing from his fingers as he did so. Teddy promptly reached out for one of Hermione's curls.

"Teddy," Remus admonished, reaching up to disentangle Teddy's hand, just as Hermione did the same. Their fingers brushed together and Remus immediately pulled his hand back slightly.

"Sorry," he muttered.

"It's all right," she said, her cheeks slightly pink. She tried for a few moments to remove Teddy's hand, but the boy seemed fascinated by her curls and refused to let go.

"May I?" Remus asked. Hermione nodded and Remus reached forward, gently taking hold of his son's wrist with one hand, untangling Hermione's curls with the other. Remus felt Hermione's eyes on him and when he looked back at her, her cheeks were a bit pinker. Remus had the sudden urge to smooth her hair down where Teddy had grabbed it, but he ignored it, shoving his hands into the pockets of his trousers instead.

"Thanks," Hermione said.

"You're welcome." They stared at each other for another few seconds before Andromeda called over to Remus.

"Is Teddy ready for his cake?"

"Absolutely," Remus said, reaching out for his son. Hermione passed the boy over to him and Remus turned to put Teddy into his highchair. Andromeda set the cake in front of him and Teddy immediately grabbed a large piece of it and tried to shove the entire thing in his mouth. All the party guests laughed and cooed over him as Arthur continue to take photographs. When Remus glanced back at Hermione, she was laughing at Teddy's antics with the cake. Remus couldn't help but smile.

Hermione walked back through the kitchen to return to the party after using the loo. As she reached the back door, it opened and Ron was in the doorway. They both froze and stared at one another.

"Hello, Ron," Hermione said after a few moments of silence.

"Hi," Ron replied, looking uncomfortable.

"Heading to work?" she asked. Ron looked at her in confusion. "Harry mentioned it earlier."

"Oh, yeah," he said. They stood in awkward silence for a few more minutes.

"Well, I'd better go," Ron said. Hermione moved to the side and allowed him into the kitchen.

"Have a good shift," she said. Ron nodded. He opened his mouth to say something else, then closed it again and walked past Hermione towards the living room. She heard the Floo a few moments later and sighed when all was quiet in the house again. She doubted once more that they would ever be able to be friends again.

Just as she was about to step outside, Ginny came through the door.

"What was that?" Ginny demanded. Hermione was completely confused.

"Um, I just ran into Ron on my way out and I was trying to talk to him?"

"Not that," Ginny said impatiently. "Although I do want to hear about it later. No, the thing with you and Remus just now." Hermione still looked confused. "In the garden, before Teddy had his cake?" Hermione's cheeks immediately colored.

"Oh, well, Teddy grabbed hold of my hair and Remus was just, helping me," she finished lamely.

"I'm talking about the look, Hermione."

"What look?" Hermione asked.

"The look," Ginny repeated. "The one where the two of you stared at each other like you'd never seen one another before."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Ginny made a noise of frustration.

"Of course, you don't," she said. "Just like you have no idea why it took Remus an extraordinarily long time to get Teddy's hand out of your hair."

"Have you seen this bird's nest I call hair?" Hermione demanded, pointing to her head. "Anything could get lost in there." Ginny crossed her arms over her chest.

"It's not that bad anymore and you know it."

"Teddy grabbed my hair, Remus helped me get his hand untangled, end of story," Hermione said in exasperation. This was getting old.

"Right and that longing look between the two of you afterward had something to do with your hair."

"There was no longing look," Hermione protested.

"Again, keep telling yourself that."

"Gin, honestly, you're reading into things. I don't fancy Remus. First of all, he's nearly twice my age."

"So, what? Nineteen years is nothing in the wizarding world."

"He just lost his wife."

"Almost a year ago," Ginny countered.

"He has a baby," Hermione said.

"That you adore," Ginny pointed out.

"You're impossible!" Hermione said throwing up her hands. The back door opened again and Bill stepped inside.

"Mum's been looking for you, Gin," he said. Ginny scowled at Hermione. Bill looked between the two of them. "Everything all right in here?"

"It's fine, Bill, I was just heading back outside," Hermione said. She smiled at him and he stepped away from the door.

"Hermione-" Ginny began.

"We've finished our conversation," Hermione said and then walked back outside, still irritated.

"You okay?" Harry asked when she reached him.

"Your girlfriend is exasperating." Harry chuckled.

"What's she bothering you about now?" Hermione immediately regretted saying anything. Of course, Harry would want to know what was going on. And there was no way she was telling him about this. Because it was ridiculous, not because there was any truth to it.

"Nothing, it's just, she's insistent that I want something that I don't." Harry looked at her in confusion. "I don't really want to talk about it."

"You know I'm here for you, right?" Harry said. Hermione smiled.

"I do, Harry, thanks." Hermione looked up and saw Ginny come out of the house. She slowly made her way towards them and Hermione watched her warily, wondering if she would say anything in front of Harry. Ginny gave her a small smile, then reached out and squeezed Hermione's hand. Hermione smiled back and returned the gesture, knowing it was meant as an apology. Harry looked between the two of them, looking puzzled. Hermione laughed at the expression on his face and Ginny joined in. Harry stared at the two of them and then shook his head. Andromeda announced they were going to open Teddy's gifts and Hermione forgot all about her disagreement with Ginny at the look of joy on Teddy's face.