A/N - I'm glad you all seem to like jealous Remus. I hope you enjoy this chapter in which Ginny meddles, Anthony is still uptight and Hermione plots. As always, thank you for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 37

Frustration

8 August 1999

"Why do you keep a glamour on your arm?" Anthony asked after Hermione had stepped into her knickers. She looked back at him, still lying in his bed, as she fastened her bra. She was honestly surprised he hadn't asked her about it before now. She knew that he'd noticed it weeks ago.

"It's…a scar," she said, pulling her shirt over her head.

"I gathered that much," Anthony said. "That still doesn't explain the glamour."

"I just don't want anyone to see it," she said, looking around for her jeans. They'd woken late and she needed to get home to feed Crookshanks. Anthony sat up in bed, the sheet pooled around his waist.

"You've got other scars that I've seen," he said.

"This one is…different," Hermione said, pulling on her jeans.

"Different how?" Hermione sighed. They'd gotten very little sleep last night, not that she hadn't enjoyed herself, but she didn't want to be having this conversation right now.

"It's just different," she said picking up her sandals. She walked back to the bed and leaned down to kiss him. He let her, but she knew he wasn't going to let this go. "We'll talk about it later, all right?" Anthony studied her for a moment before nodding.

"All right, Hermione, whatever you want."

"I'll see you later?" Hermione asked. Anthony nodded again. She kissed him one more time, then left his bedroom to use the Floo in the living room.

19 August 1999

Hermione rubbed at the headache that was settling in between her eyes. She hadn't slept well the night before, her nightmares making another appearance. Likely, they had been triggered by an old report that had somehow gotten into a stack from the Werewolf Capture unit. There had been a rash of attacks on children in a small village in Scotland just after Voldemort's return. The two werewolves that had been captured and charged with the attacks had both insisted it was Greyback. They hadn't been believed of course, the Beast Division always took a hardline when it came to werewolves, but Hermione had read the details of the attacks and had no doubt Greyback was involved. Whether the other two had been innocent, Hermione couldn't tell.

Her dreams the previous night had featured the werewolf prominently. Bellatrix had turned Hermione over to him and Hermione's mind supplied all kinds of horrific scenarios, taken straight from the pages of the report she had read. She shuddered now just thinking about it. She glanced at the clock and while it was a bit early for lunch, she knew she wasn't going to get anything more accomplished.

Saying good-bye to Gwendolyn, Hermione made her way to the Auror department to see if Harry wanted to have lunch with her. Harry had been in his own funk since Ginny had gone to Wales. Maybe the two of them could cheer each other up.

Hermione was alone in the lift when it reached level two and she looked up as the doors opened. Ron was looking back at her.

"Oh," she said in surprise. "Hi, Ron."

"Hey," he replied, his eyes darting from side to side as if he was afraid to make eye contact with her.

"I, um, just came to see if Harry wanted to have lunch," Hermione said awkwardly.

"Oh, right," Ron replied. "He's, uh, he's at his desk." His gaze finally settled on her.

"Are you, I mean, do you want to, to join us?" Ron looked at her in surprise. "Or if you and Harry already had plans, I don't have to, I could just eat at my desk, or," she trailed off, feeling foolish.

"No, it's, it's okay," Ron said. "I'm on my way to meet George, actually."

"Oh, well, enjoy your lunch then."

"Thanks," Ron said. Hermione finally stepped out of the lift and Ron walked in. She gave him a small smile and began to walk away. "Hermione?"

"Yes?" she said looking back over her shoulder.

"Thanks for inviting me." Hermione smiled.

"You're welcome." Ron nodded as the door to the lift closed. Hermione stared at it for a moment before turning and making her down the corridor to the Auror office.

21 August 1999

"Hermione!" Claire called as Hermione stepped into the Leaky Cauldron. She grinned, as Annie waved from their table.

"Hi," Hermione said as she reached them. The two girls immediately hugged her, but David hung back. Hermione smiled and squeezed his shoulder. "You've grown a foot!"

"Tell me about it," Sarah said with a laugh. "He'll need new robes again." David blushed slightly when Sarah ruffled his hair, finally giving Hermione a smile.

"Where's Amy?" Hermione asked.

"She got a new job," Annie said with a smile. "And we got a new flat."

"That's great, Annie," Hermione replied, happy that things seemed to be turning around for the girl.

"I'm glad you could come and help again, Hermione," Sarah said. "There are a few new things on their lists that I'm not sure about."

"Like a broom," David said. Sarah sighed.

"Yes, like that," she agreed.

"They're required to bring brooms this year?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"No, they're allowed to bring them this year and David is insisting that he needs one."

"I want to try out for the team," David explained.

"Ah," Hermione said in understanding. "Well, I don't know much about brooms, to be honest. But I'm sure the shop owner can help us." The group left the Leaky and proceeded to Diagon Alley to shop for their supplies. Hermione was glad she had been invited along. It wasn't that she wanted to return to school, but she did miss the excitement of shopping and looking forward to a new year.

"My question is, does he really need a broom?" Sarah asked quietly as the children walked a few feet in front of them.

"If he wants to try out for the Quidditch team, then he should probably have his own," Hermione admitted. "The school brooms have all seen better days." Sarah sighed again. "If it's the expense, I know that Hogwarts has a war orphan fund that was set up last year to help with supplies and robes. I'm sure David would qualify."

"No, it's not that," Sarah assured her. "It's just the whole idea of it, I suppose. I mean, flying on brooms to play some kind of sport?" Hermione laughed. She had wondered the same thing when she had first read about Quidditch.

"It can't be safe," Sarah continued.

"There are injuries sometimes," Hermione said. "But that could happen in any sport."

"Somehow, I don't think David could fall to his death playing football or cricket," Sarah said dryly.

"No," Hermione agreed. "But there are plenty of teachers, not to mention older students, present during the matches. There are spells they can cast to stop them from getting hurt."

"You mean, it's actually happened?" Hermione immediately regretted saying anything.

"Well, only to my friend Harry and there were extenuating circumstances that had nothing to do with Quidditch and won't be present now," Hermione assured her.

"Something to do with the war?" Sarah asked.

"Yes," Hermione said, deciding a simpler explanation was better.

"Still," Sarah said.

"Do you remember meeting Molly Weasley on the platform? My friend Ginny's mother?"

"Yes, of course," Sarah said.

"Well, she had seven children, five of whom played on Gryffindor's team at Hogwarts, and none of them ever got seriously injured playing the sport. Ginny is playing professionally now, actually," Hermione said. She never thought that she would be defending Quidditch of all things, but she had seen how fascinated David had been with it last year. Sarah seemed to waver.

"He does seem to be completely enamored with it," she said. "I think he's read that Quidditch book about ten times this summer alone."

"How have things been going this summer?" Hermione asked. She had been a bit worried about David after the anniversary memorial. As far as she knew, he hadn't even gone to look at the monument with his mother's name on it.

"Better," Sarah said. "David asked if we could have a small memorial service for his mother when he got home and our minister was happy to do so. We finally got hold of the things from his old flat, the manager had them in storage. So, he's got photographs and such now. It's helped a lot, I think."

"I'm so glad to hear that," Hermione said. They had reached Quality Quidditch Supplies and David was looking longingly in the window.

"Oh, all right, we might as well see what all the fuss is about," Sarah said. David's grin was so wide, Hermione thought it might split his face.

It took a bit of looking, but Sarah finally agreed to a broom. It wasn't a Nimbus or a Firebolt, but Hermione knew the Cleansweep was a decent model, especially for a beginner. It's what Ron had used in their sixth year and he had been pleased enough with it. David was thrilled, to say the least. After the broom had been purchased and wrapped, he hugged Sarah tightly. Seeing the surprised expression on the woman's face, Hermione concluded that it didn't happen very often. In fact, there were tears in Sarah's eyes when she hugged David back, kissing the top of his head.

They finished up their shopping and walked back to the Leaky Cauldron for a late lunch. David hadn't let his broom out of his sight, refusing even to leave it in the Quidditch shop while they got the rest of their supplies. Hermione could tell he was itching to try it out.

"Only a week and a half and then you can fly until your heart's content," she said.

"I know," David said with a sigh. "It just seems like forever." Hermione chuckled.

"I wish you were coming with us again this year, Hermione," Claire said. "It won't be the same without you there."

"I'll miss you all too," Hermione said. "But you're going to be so busy and have so much fun you won't have time to miss me."

"Are you still dating Anthony?" Claire asked.

"Yes," Hermione said, her smile tightening a bit. Truthfully, she wasn't sure what she was doing with Anthony anymore. She had only seen him a couple of times since Ginny's party. He had never brought up her scar again, but he always seemed to be too busy with work to see her. Hermione was aware that Unspeakables didn't always keep regular Ministry hours, especially if they were in the middle of an experiment or important research, but Anthony seemed to take it to the extreme. Not that that was anything new. Hermione knew how obsessed he had been about N.E.W.T.S. Still, she wondered if it was really work that was keeping him away or the discussion they'd had the morning after Ginny's party about the scar. She was supposed to see him tonight, if he didn't cancel on her again.

"Is Mr. Lupin going to be at school again this year?" Annie asked.

"I'm not sure," Hermione said. "Why, do you think you might need a tutor?"

"No," Annie replied. "At least I don't think so. I just thought he was nice."

"He is nice," Hermione agreed, smiling.

"Do you like him?" Claire asked.

"Of course, I do, he's my friend," Hermione said.

"No, I mean like him," Claire said.

"Claire," Sarah admonished. "That isn't any of your business. Besides, didn't Hermione just tell you she was still dating Anthony?" Claire shrugged.

"That doesn't mean she can't like Mr. Lupin." Hermione, who had taken a sip of Butterbeer for her suddenly dry throat after Claire's question about Remus, choked and spluttered. David thumped her on the back a few times until she had regained her breath. Claire was still looking at her expectantly.

"Remus is my friend," Hermione said firmly.

"That's enough now, Claire," Sarah said. She glanced at her watch. "We should get going, we've still got to take Annie home." They all stood and said their good-byes, Hermione promising to write to all of them at Hogwarts. Hermione waved as Sarah led the three children from the pub. After settling the bill with Tom, Hermione walked towards the Floo, Claire's question still ringing in her ears.

Remus walked into the kitchen to find Andromeda sitting at the table, letter in her hands. She seemed to be contemplating the contents quite seriously.

"Everything all right?" Remus asked.

"Minerva has written to me again," Andromeda said. "Apparently, another of the Board members has decided to retire."

"And she's asked you to take his place?" Remus asked. Minerva had asked Andromeda to join the Board of Governors after Lucius Malfoy had been arrested. Andromeda had declined at the time, too caught up in her grief over Dora and Ted to even contemplate serving on the Board. Augusta Longbottom had taken the position instead.

"Yes," Andromeda replied.

"And?" Remus prompted.

"And I am considering it," Andromeda said.

"Good," Remus said. "As I said before, I think you'd be a wonderful addition."

"I was not ready before," Andromeda said. "I am not sure if I am ready now."

"What's keeping you from accepting?"

"Teddy is still so young," Andromeda said.

"Considering that I don't have many prospects for full-time employment, I don't think that Teddy is a valid excuse."

"But you have registered," Andromeda protested. "Anyone can hire you now."

"Anyone can hire me, but that doesn't mean that they will," Remus said. "And regardless, I'm sure Molly would love to mind Teddy if we ever have a need. Not to mention Harry or Ginny."

"Or Hermione," Andromeda added. Remus shifted in his chair.

"Right, or Hermione," he agreed, clearing his throat when his voice cracked a bit. Andromeda looked at him quizzically.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

"Fine, fine," Remus said. "Just a tickle in my throat." He coughed again and got up to get a glass of water. He took a drink, avoiding Andromeda's gaze which was still studying him.

"So, now that we've got any childcare for Teddy covered, what do you think?" Remus asked, trying to direct his mother-in-law's attention away from him.

"Well, I know that Minerva wants to make some changes, cracking down on that inter-house rivalry especially," Andromeda said. "Merlin knows Albus never did."

"No, he certainly didn't," Remus said. As grateful as he was to Albus for allowing him to attend Hogwarts and giving him a job later, the man had been far from perfect.

"I would like to help if I can," Andromeda said.

"I think you would do a wonderful job," Remus said with a smile.

"I suppose I had better send Minerva an owl then," she said, rising from the table. "Thank you, Remus."

Hermione wasn't going to deny that she was a bit surprised that Anthony had come over and not cancelled again. She'd let him in and they'd eaten the pasta she'd made in relative silence, punctuated by a bit of small talk about Hermione's trip to Diagon Alley.

"How's work?" Hermione asked once they were seated on the couch after they had finished eating.

"Busy," Anthony said. "I'm sorry I've had to cancel our plans so often. It's just that I can't always predict when I'm going to have to go in and work on something."

"It's all right," Hermione said. "You can't help if you have research to do," she said with a shrug. He reached over and took her hand.

"I have," he said.

"I wasn't doubting that you did," Hermione said. Anthony looked at her skeptically.

"It doesn't sound like it." She sighed.

"After the conversation that we had the morning after Ginny's party, I just thought that maybe, I don't know." She trailed off and shook her head.

"That maybe I'd been avoiding you because you won't tell me about the glamour?" he guessed. Hermione shrugged again. "I do wish you'd tell me. I'm not sure why you won't."

"I just, I don't want to get into it," she said. Truthfully, she wasn't sure why she didn't want to tell him. The word carved into her arm wasn't going anywhere and anyone she was going to be with would have to accept it as well. "I'm not ready." Anthony nodded.

"I understand," he said, but Hermione didn't really think that he did. She could tell that he was upset she wouldn't tell him.

"So what division are you working in?" she asked quickly to change the subject, not thinking about what she was saying. He'd been so excited about his work when they'd spoken before Ginny's party that Hermione thought she could rule a couple of divisions out. She doubted he was working with the Death room or Prophecies; Anthony never did hold much stock in Divination. That left the Time, Thought or Space rooms or that locked door they hadn't been able to get open, which Hermione suspected was where they studied love. While she knew that Anthony didn't necessarily get to decide where he wanted to work, her guess was either Time or Thought. Both would fascinate him.

"Hermione, you know I can't tell you that," Anthony said, somewhat exasperated. She rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, Anthony, I know you Unspeakables think that you've kept all your secrets, but everyone in the Ministry knows what the basic concepts are that you study."

"Still, I can't tell you what I'm doing," Anthony said. Hermione ignored the warning in his voice and continued.

"Is it the Time room or the one with all the brains, where they study Thought? Oh, are you working on repairing all the Time-Turners?" Anthony was looking at her with something akin to horror on his face.

"Wh-what are you talking about?" he stuttered out. She immediately realized her mistake. While she might have known about the broader concepts that the Department studied, she shouldn't have known any specifics. Still, she was a bit confused as she was sure that everyone knew about their trip to the Department of Mysteries. It was when Fudge finally saw Voldemort was back, after all.

"Surely you know that I've been there," Hermione said. "Fifth year, with Harry."

"Well, of course I do, but, they didn't, no one Obliviated you?" It was Hermione's turn to look horrified.

"No, of course not!"

"But they should have," Anthony insisted. "If they decide not to keep me on after my trial period is over, I'll be Obliviated."

"But that's of the specific research you've done, not the entire Department entirely, surely."

"Well, you know you've worked there so you don't try to apply again, but yes, they Obliviate everything. So, they should have done the same to all of you."

"There were too many people there," Hermione said. "Death Eaters, members of the Order, the six of us." She shook her head. "This wasn't like a bunch of Muggles accidentally seeing magic. They couldn't have Obliviated us safely."

"They could have taken the specifics," Anthony insisted. "About the Time-Turners and the brains and whatever else you saw."

"But we saw everything!" she protested. "We were in every room except the locked one. And Sirius Black died! How were they supposed to Obliviate some things but still leave us with enough memories to remember what we needed to?"

"There had to have been a way," Anthony began, but Hermione was already shaking her head. She had done extensive research on memory charms when she had decided to hide her parents.

"Trust me, it wouldn't have worked without completely destroying our minds."

"I just, I can't believe they just let you leave without at least trying something." He looked at her. "You shouldn't know these things, Hermione."

"Anthony," she said, trying to hide the exasperation. "We really don't know anything specific. I mean it's not that much of a stretch to think that the Time room has something to do with Time-Turners."

"Still, secrecy is the key to our Department," Anthony said. "To know that the six of you and who knows how many other people are walking around knowing something about what we do." He shook his head. "There are rules!"

"Sometimes rules need to bend depending on the situation," Hermione said quietly. Anthony looked at her as if she'd grown a second head. Hermione rubbed tiredly at her forehead. She could feel another headache coming on.

"Obviously, you and I are never going to agree about this, so if I promise not to ask you specifics about your work again, can we just not talk about it anymore?" she said.

"Why not?" he said. "That seems to be your solution to everything."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

"Nothing, Hermione, it means nothing," he said as he stood from the couch. "I'm really tired, it's been a long week. I think I'm just going to go back to my flat."

"But," she started to protest, then closed her mouth. Truthfully, she wasn't really all that excited about spending the rest of the evening with him either.

"I'll see you later," he said, giving her a perfunctory kiss on the cheek and striding towards the back door. She heard the pop of Disapparition seconds later. Sighing, Hermione sat back down on the couch, leaning her head against the back of it. Crookshanks wandered into the room and jumped up into her lap. Hermione absent-mindedly stroked the fur on his back, knowing that despite what Anthony had said earlier, his comment was definitely about her reluctance to discuss the scar on her arm.

27 August 1999

"Ginny!" Hermione said as she came through the Floo at Grimmauld Place. She hugged her friend tightly. As much as she'd teased Harry, Hermione had missed Ginny as well. Especially after everything that had happened with Anthony last week. "How's training?"

"It's so amazing," Ginny said with a wide grin. "I mean, it's tough as hell, but I love it!"

"I'm so glad," Hermione said, smiling herself. Harry, who had stepped back while Ginny greeted Hermione, moved forward again and put his arm around Ginny's waist.

"I'm not going to steal her, Harry," Hermione teased. Harry looked sheepish, but Ginny wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. He smiled at her lovingly. It was so sweet, Hermione felt like crying.

"All right, Potter, enough groping me," Ginny said cheekily. Harry just rolled his eyes. "I want to talk to Hermione. Girl stuff, yeah?"

"Fine, fine," Harry said. "I'll go upstairs and wait for Ron." He kissed Ginny sweetly on the mouth, then hugged Hermione before he left the room.

"All right, spill," Ginny said as soon as Harry was gone.

"Spill what?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"Whatever's got you all weepy eyed." Hermione stared at Ginny in shock. Her eyes hadn't watered, she hadn't even blinked or anything.

"It's really scary how you can do that," Hermione muttered. Ginny shrugged and looked at Hermione expectantly. Hermione sighed.

"Anthony and I had a…disagreement," Hermione said.

"A disagreement?" Ginny repeated. "Not a row?" Hermione snorted.

"Anthony doesn't argue," she said. "You know that."

"Right, continue," Ginny said. Hermione proceeded to explain their conversation about the Department of Mysteries and how upset Anthony had been that they weren't Obliviated.

"Would that even have been possible?" Ginny asked. "I mean, so much happened that night and it's not like they could have just wiped it all out. Sirius died."

"I know, I tried to tell him that, but he was so stuck on it being against the rules that I don't know if he was even really listening to me."

"Have you talked to him about it since?" Ginny asked.

"I sent him an owl a few days ago, but he told me he was busy and I haven't heard from him since."

"I don't understand why he's upset with you about this," Ginny said. "It's not like you were supposed to get Obliviated and you ran away and hid or something. The Ministry made the decision not to do it."

"I think it's more that we shouldn't have been there in the first place," Hermione said. The two sat in silence for a few minutes.

"What do you want to do, Hermione?"

"I don't know," Hermione said with a sigh. "I mean, I like him, but he's so uptight about some things. Sometimes I feel like I have to censor what I say so he doesn't get upset."

"Like what?" Ginny asked.

"Well, take the whole thing about me setting Professor Snape on fire," Hermione said. "I don't dare say anything about the Polyjuice incident or the Time-Turner or Rita Skeeter."

"Gods, no, you definitely can't tell him about Skeeter," Ginny agreed with a laugh.

"That's what I mean," Hermione said. "I can't even imagine how he'd react if he found out about that."

"I want you to be happy, Hermione," Ginny said. "Maybe Anthony isn't the one that's going to do that for you."

"Maybe not," Hermione said with another sigh.

"I mean you were twelve when the thing with Snape happened," Ginny said. "Not to mention it was funny, even Remus thought so. I can't believe that Anthony would hold that against you."

"Wait, what?" Hermione said.

"I said I can't believe he'd hold something that you did at twelve against you."

"No, not that, what you said about Remus."

"Oh, Remus thought that story was hilarious," Ginny said.

"How did he hear about it?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"Oh, well at my party, Ron was pretty drunk. And he was, well," Ginny hesitated.

"Ron was what?" Ginny looked away. "I know he was glaring at Anthony all night. I caught him at it myself." Ginny sighed.

"He said he didn't know why you were dating Anthony," Ginny admitted. "But like I said, he was drunk and that's not the important part of the story. Ron overheard Harry and I discussing how Anthony reacted to the story about Snape. So, of course, Remus asked what we were talking about and Ron told him the story." Ginny grinned.

"You should have seen Remus, Hermione. He was laughing so hard he was crying. I've never seen him like that before."

"Really?" Hermione said, lips quirking up into a smile. She had never seen Remus laugh that hard either.

"He thought it was brilliant, said that Sirius would have loved it."

"I'll bet," Hermione said with a chuckle. "Remus really thought it was funny?" Ginny nodded. Hermione smiled and looked across the room. She didn't notice the gleam in Ginny's eye.

28 August 1999

"We're back," Harry called as they came in the back door. Remus looked up from his tea and smiled at his son.

"Da-da!" Teddy said with a grin. Ginny set him on the ground and he ran to Remus. Remus picked him up with a wince and set the boy on his lap.

"How was the park?" he asked. Teddy looked up at him and began babbling away about his trip to the park with Harry and Ginny. Remus even caught a few words, ball and go and Teddy's version of Padfoot amongst them.

"There was a dog at the park, I'm guessing?" he asked when Teddy had finally quieted.

"Pafo, Pafo!" Teddy shouted. They all laughed.

"Yeah, just a little thing, but the woman let Teddy pet it," Ginny said. "He kept insisting it was Padfoot."

"I appreciate you taking him," Remus said. "Andromeda doesn't sleep much on full moon nights, so I know she's nearly as tired as I am today."

"That's why we came over," Ginny said. "Thought she could use a nap." Remus hadn't been up when they arrived to take Teddy for lunch and to the park. Andromeda had left him a note when she had gone to take a nap herself.

"Well, you didn't have to, I know you're likely in high demand since you're only home for a few days," Remus said to Ginny.

"It's no trouble," Ginny said. "We love Teddy."

"Would you like some tea?" Remus asked. Teddy had already helped himself to Remus' half-eaten biscuit.

"I'll make it," Harry said as Ginny sat down at the table next to Remus.

"So, how's training?" he asked as Teddy dunked the biscuit into Remus' tea. Ginny smiled at the boy before she answered.

"It's great. Hard work, but I love it." Remus smiled.

"That's wonderful to hear." Harry returned with the tea tray and Teddy reached for another biscuit. His godfather was happy to oblige him. The three adults chatted more about Ginny's training and how things were going for Harry at work, Teddy interjecting a word now and then. It wasn't until he was nearly asleep on Remus' lap that Ginny stood.

"We should get going, Harry," she said. "I want to stop by Hermione's before supper and make sure she's all right."

"Right," Harry said. "Here, Remus, I'll put Teddy down." Harry carefully picked the toddler up from Remus' lap and carried him upstairs to his room.

"Is something wrong with Hermione?" Remus asked.

"Oh, no, she's fine," Ginny said. "I mean she's not sick or hurt or anything. Well, not physically, anyway." Remus was immediately concerned.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well, she and Anthony are having a bit of a rough time of it," Ginny said. Remus' brow furrowed.

"They seemed fine at your party."

"They were," Ginny said. "Then. Things seemed to have changed recently."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Remus said.

"Me too," Ginny said with a sigh. "But I never thought he was quite right for her. I mean he's more mature than Ron ever was, but he lacks a bit in the knowing how to have fun category. She needs someone mature that also knows how to laugh, you know?"

"Oh, yes, of course," Remus said, clearing his throat and looking away from her. Ginny smiled.

"If you know anyone like that, be sure to let me know. I have a strong feeling she and Anthony aren't going to be together much longer." Remus looked off at a point somewhere over Ginny's head and didn't see her smirk.

"Teddy's asleep," Harry said as he came back into the kitchen. "Ready to go?"

"Yes," Ginny said glancing at Remus with a knowing look. He shook himself out of his reverie.

"Thank you again, Harry, Ginny."

"Anytime," Harry said, opening the back door for Ginny.

"Don't forget what I said, Remus," Ginny called as the two of them left. Remus waited until they had Disapparated and then sat down slowly, staring at the tabletop.

30 August 1999

Hermione waited until Victoria left her desk for her mid-afternoon break and then snuck into Mr. Satterfield's outer office. She had tried three different times today to speak to her boss, but each time Victoria had told her that he was busy. Hermione had seen Mr. Satterfield go into his office thirty minutes ago and he hadn't come out yet. With Victoria gone, Hermione could finally get into his office and talk to him about her position. She was not going to let him brush her off again.

She walked past Victoria's desk and approached Mr. Satterfield's door. It was slightly ajar and Hermione had just raised her hand to knock when she heard voices coming from inside. She barely held back a noise of frustration. Someone must have arrived in the minute Gwendolyn had stopped to speak with Hermione and she hadn't been watching the office. Dejected, she turned to leave when she distinctly heard her name. Knowing she shouldn't, but ignoring her common sense, Hermione stepped back near the door and listened.

"…quite a coup, getting Hermione Granger to work for you," whoever the other man was said. Mr. Satterfield chuckled.

"No coup at all, I didn't even have to pursue her, she came to me," he said.

"She wanted to work in the DRCMC?" the other man asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Some bleeding-heart nonsense about House-Elves and integrating werewolves into society."

"Werewolves? You can't be serious."

"Oh, but I am," Mr. Satterfield said with a laugh. "She thinks they've been maligned because of the actions of a few. I've heard she's close to Dumbledore's pet wolf. You know, the one he let teach children for a year? Lupin? He was in here a month ago to help another one of their kind register. I can't believe the Minister is allowing them jobs as long as they've registered." He sounded disgusted.

"And House-Elves?" the other man asked.

"I don't know, something about mistreatment and regulations. To be honest, I don't really listen when she's going on about it." They both laughed.

"So, what position did you give her?" the other man asked.

"That's the beauty of it," her boss replied. "There really was no position available, but there was no way I was going to let another department snap her up. Gwendolyn had been badgering me about needing a secretary, although she doesn't really. I put Granger in with Gwendolyn who thinks Granger's her secretary. Granger thinks she's learning the ropes and sharing an office with Gwendolyn because of Granger's interest in House-Elves. Neither is the wiser. I knew I'd never get Potter or even Weasley once they joined the Auror corps. Granger isn't as high profile, but still, as you said, a coup."

Hermione couldn't breathe. While she had suspected as much, it was another thing altogether to hear Mr. Satterfield say it.

"I've heard she's intelligent," the other man said. "Surely she's questioned her position?"

"Ad nauseum," Mr. Satterfield said with a sigh. "She's been trying to get an appointment with me to discuss it for the past three weeks. Thankfully, Victoria is very good at what she does."

"Still, I can't imagine Granger will let it slide forever."

"No," Mr. Satterfield agreed. "I'm going to have to come up with something soon. Hell, I'll invent a title if I have to. That should pacify her enough to stop asking me to listen to her House-Elf proposal. Ridiculous tripe." Hermione's hands clenched into fists and it was all she could do to stop herself from marching into her boss's office and hexing him into next week. The two men laughed and talk turned to the upcoming Quidditch matches of the weekend.

Hermione forced herself away from the door and past Victoria's desk to the outer corridor. Leaning against the wall, she took a breath and let it out, trying to stop the hammering of her heart against her ribs. She had been such an idiot, thinking that if she just waited a bit longer, read a few more reports, her boss would soon see that she was an asset to the department and listen to her ideas. To find out that not only had he hired her simply because of her name but had also intended to give her a fake title just to shut her up made her more than angry. Not to mention the fact that he had also deceived Gwendolyn in his little game. Hermione had come to like the woman, even if she did think Hermione was her secretary, which obviously made sense now.

What was she going to do? Her first instinct was to march into Satterfield's office and tell him what he could do with his fake offer, but she refrained. Her House-Elf proposal was still extremely important to her and she had to figure out a way she could present it, while still getting back at her boss. Hermione pushed herself away from the wall and walked back to her office. She was going to have to think about this.

3 September 1999

Hermione stood outside Mr. Satterfield's office, Disillusioned, waiting to catch her boss on his way home. Despite his previous rebuffs, she had to get him to at least listen to her House-Elf proposal if she wanted to try and get it in front of the Wizengamot. Mr. Satterfield had to sign off on it before it could be put on the schedule. She had a few ideas on how she was going to get around that, because she had no doubt that he would reject the proposal, even if he had heard it. But first, she had to at least present it to him.

Hermione had left her office with a stack of files a half hour prior, mumbling something to Gwendolyn about the archives. Once in the corridor, Hermione had stashed the files in a cupboard and Disillusioned herself, taking up watch outside Mr. Satterfield's office. She was glad she had overheard him saying that he intended to leave a few hours early that afternoon.

She finally heard Mr. Satterfield saying good-bye to Victoria and Hermione held perfectly still as he came out of his office. She followed him until he had nearly reached the lifts and then dropped the Disillusionment.

"Mr. Satterfield," Hermione said and her boss jumped a foot.

"Miss Granger," he said, looking around as if trying to determine where she had come from.

"I'm sorry, sir, I didn't mean to startle you."

"No matter," he said, pasting a fake smile on his face. "I'm afraid this will have to wait until Monday, Miss Granger. I need to get home."

"That's all right, sir, this won't take long."

"Miss Granger, I-" but Hermione cut him off.

"I'd like to ask when you think I might be able to present my House-Elf proposal," she said. "It's been over two months now."

"Oh, well, yes," he said, clearly flustered. The lift pinged and the door slid open.

"Level Four," the lift voice said. "Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures incorporating the Being Division, Beast Division and Spirit Division." Mr. Satterfield stepped into the lift.

"So sorry, Miss Granger, we'll discuss this Monday."

"That's all right, sir, we can discuss it now," Hermione stepped inside just before the lift doors began to shut. Mr. Satterfield looked nervous. Hermione pretended to trip and reached out a hand to steady herself, pushing the button for level one at the same time. Mr. Satterfield was, of course, heading for the Atrium on level eight.

"Oops, how clumsy of me. Sorry about that, sir." Mr. Satterfield looked irritated. "Well, I suppose you have time to answer my question now."

"Miss Granger, this is highly irregular," Mr. Satterfield said. "If you'll just make an appointment."

"I've tried that, sir," Hermione said calmly. "You always seem to be busy."

"Yes, well, I am a very busy man."

"I'm sure," Hermione said. "But back to my question."

"Well, I can't say that I've made a decision as of yet," her boss said.

"When do you think you might decide? As I said, it has been over two months."

"Two months? Has it been that long already?"

"Yes, sir," Hermione said, knowing he was just stalling for time. The lift continued to move, but Mr. Satterfield looked hopeful that they would stop and be interrupted. Hermione knew better; she had charmed the lift, of course.

Her boss continued to stall and when they reached Level One and the doors slid open announcing the Office for the Minister of Magic, Hermione's eyes lit up.

"Oh, maybe I'll just stop in and pay the Minister a visit. It's been ages since I've spoken to him. He did want to know how my job was going." Hermione made to get off the lift but felt Mr. Satterfield's hand on her arm.

"Now, wait a minute, Miss Granger," he said. "I thought you wanted to discuss your proposal."

"Oh, of course, sir," she said. The lift doors slid shut and Mr. Satterfield hurriedly pressed the button for Level Eight and the Atrium. Hermione looked at him expectantly.

"Perhaps you would like to make a presentation at the staff meeting on Monday," Mr. Satterfield said. The monthly staff meeting included the individual division heads, as well as the heads of the sub-departments.

"Oh, Monday?" she questioned, looking unsure, although inside she was grinning widely. "That's not very much time."

"If you don't think you're up to it," Mr. Satterfield said, "I'm sure we could discuss this at a later date."

"Oh, no, sir, that's all right," Hermione said, biting her lip. "I'll do my best."

"I'm sure that you will," he said. "And afterward, we can discuss your permanent position in our department."

"Oh," Hermione said, trying to appear nervous. "After the presentation?"

"Yes, Miss Granger."

"A-all right," she said. "Thank you, sir." Her boss' smile was a bit predatory as they reached the Atrium. He nodded to her and stepped out of the lift.

"Ten o'clock, Miss Granger."

"Yes, sir." The door to the lift slid shut and Hermione smirked. Mr. Satterfield had no idea she'd had a presentation ready before she had even started working for the Ministry. Her free time in the last month, and she'd had quite a bit of it, there were only so many reports to read after all, had been spent researching everything the Ministry had in its archives about House-Elves and their treatment and relocation numbers. Hermione would be more than ready with her proposal on Monday.

Grinning as the lift returned to level four, she stepped off and made her way back to her office. Now, it was time to speak to Gwendolyn.