A/N - Thank you to everyone for continuing to read and review! There's a bit of a tissue warning for the end of this chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 39

Presentation

19 September 1999

"I saw you talking to Ron the other night," Ginny said as she looked through a rack of jeans. Lunch and shopping for Hermione's birthday ended up taking place in Muggle London at Ginny's insistence. "How did that go?"

"It was nice," Hermione said with a smile. She pulled out a top and looked at it before frowning and putting it back.

"Did Ron seem, I dunno, down to you?" Ginny asked.

"A bit," Hermione replied. "Has he said anything to you about his job?"

"No, why?" Hermione shrugged.

"He just doesn't seem all together pleased with it." Ginny frowned.

"George told me Ron's been at the shop a lot, helping him out, experimenting."

"Really?" Hermione said. Ginny nodded. "I knew that Ron liked helping at the shop, but I didn't know he was interested in product development. Has he said anything to George about working there full-time?"

"Not that I know of," Ginny said, pulling out a pair of jeans and holding them up to herself.

"Maybe he should."

"George could use the help," Ginny said, rejecting the jeans and putting them back. They continued to browse.

"Are you nervous for your presentation?" Ginny asked.

"Merlin, yes," Hermione said with a sigh. Wednesday seemed to be creeping up on her more quickly than she would like.

"You'll do fine. Harry said he was going to try and get away to watch. I told him to bring Ron along." Hermione smiled.

"I just really want this to be successful," Hermione said. "After everything that happened with Mr. Satterfield, if this proposal falls flat, I don't think he'll ever let me forget it."

"What an arse," Ginny said. "Maybe you need a new job too."

"But I really want to work on the werewolf laws next," Hermione said.

"Hermione, do you really think your boss is going to let another one of your proposals through?"

"I don't know," Hermione said with a sigh.

"I mean House-Elves are one thing, but werewolf legislation, that's a completely different issue."

"You don't think it's needed?" Hermione demanded.

"Calm down, of course I do," Ginny said. "But you have to remember that you're working against decades of prejudice. It won't be as easy as getting better treatment for House-Elves."

"I wouldn't say it's been easy," Hermione muttered. "And it hasn't even passed yet."

"Exactly my point," Ginny said.

"I know, Gin, but I can't just give up."

"I'm not saying you should," Ginny said. "But maybe there's a better way to go about it."

"How?" Ginny shrugged.

"I don't know," she said. "But unless you get a new department head, I don't think you can count on your boss for support."

"No," Hermione agreed. They fell silent as Hermione contemplated everything that Ginny had said. Mr. Satterfield would not be open to any suggestions regarding werewolves, of that Hermione was sure. Especially after he still felt she had gone behind his back with the House-Elf proposal. She sighed.

"I don't see anything here," Ginny said. "Let's go have lunch." She linked her arm through Hermione's and led her out of the shop. When they stepped outside into the sun, Hermione decided to forget about her job woes for a bit and just enjoy her birthday.

21 September 1999

"How was your visit with Ginny?" Remus asked as Harry put the last of Teddy's dragons into his bag. Teddy protested until Harry picked the toddler up and flung him over his shoulder, tickling him as he did so. Teddy shrieked in delight as Harry settled the boy into his arms.

"Too short," Harry said. Remus chuckled.

"Is her schedule going to change now that she's made the team?" Remus asked.

"Not at first," Harry said. "Gwenog still wants her to practice with both the reserves and the regular team for the next month or two. After that though, she'll be home for longer periods of time. They only have practice for the week leading up to a match."

"Well, that's good news," Remus said.

"Yeah," Harry agreed with a sigh. Remus smiled. Harry reminded him very much of James in how besotted he was. Once Lily had agreed to go out with him, James hadn't wanted to be apart from her at all either.

"Well, I suppose we've got everything," Remus said. He reached for Teddy. "Time to go home." Teddy happily let Harry transfer him into his father's arms. They walked toward the front door.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you," Harry said. "Hermione is giving her presentation on Wednesday."

"That's wonderful," Remus said.

"Yeah, I hope it goes well, she could use some good news." Remus' brow furrowed.

"Has something happened?"

"She and Anthony broke things off," Harry said. Remus stilled. "She doesn't seem too upset about it, I don't think they were getting along all that well, but still."

"Oh, well, that's," he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry to, to hear that." Harry looked at him quizzically.

"You all right?" Remus cleared his throat again.

"Yes, fine," Remus said quickly. "Teddy and I should get going. Thank you for taking him today."

"Sure," Harry said, still looking at Remus strangely. "Bye, Teddy."

"Bye-bye!" Teddy exclaimed. Remus gave Harry another stiff smile. He cuddled Teddy against him and turned, disappearing with a pop.

They landed in the back garden and Remus rubbed Teddy's back and kissed his forehead. Teddy lifted his head from his father's shoulder a few moments later. Thankfully, the boy seemed to handle Apparition quite well.

As Remus walked towards the house, his mind swam with thoughts. It was only four days until the moon and he could feel the wolf beneath the surface. The wolf had perked up when Harry told him that Hermione was free and Remus was trying to ignore it. It didn't matter if Hermione was no longer dating Anthony, Remus was not the one for her and never would be. She deserved someone far better than him. She was smart and kind and beautiful and-

"Stop," Remus muttered.

"Top!" Teddy repeated, grinning widely at his father. Remus couldn't help but smile back. Teddy, he had Teddy and that was all he needed.

22 September 1999

Hermione fidgeted as she took the lift to Level Two, thick sheaf of parchment in her hands. While the courtrooms on Level Ten were used for trials, proposals to the Wizengamot took place in a less gloomy room on Level Two. Looking more like an auditorium than a courtroom, comfortable chairs replaced the stone benches and a single lectern stood in front of the room for the presenter to stand behind.

Hermione jumped when the lift stopped and the cool voice began speaking. Blushing slightly, she exited the lift and began making her way towards the offices of the Wizengamot.

"Hermione," a voice called and Hermione turned to see Harry leaving the Auror department. He grinned at her.

"Harry," she said in relief, grateful to see a friendly face. Harry walked with her towards the Wizengamot.

"All right?" he asked.

"No," Hermione said. "I feel like I've eaten an entire bag of peppermint toads." Harry smiled sympathetically.

"It'll be okay," he said. "I think your proposal sounds brilliant." Hermione smiled at her best friend. Harry had come over the night before and let her practice giving her presentation to him. Over and over until he finally insisted that she needed sleep.

"Well, at least I know that if I pass out from nerves, you can probably give my speech for me," she joked. "You heard it enough times." Harry chuckled.

"You're not going to pass out," he said. "Just pretend you're in class answering one of Flitwick's questions." Professor Flitwick was the one professor that had let Hermione go on as long as she liked when answering a question, smiling in delight at her usually very thorough knowledge. Hermione slapped Harry's arm.

"Prat," she said, ruining her admonishment with a grin.

They reached the closed doors of the room where the presentation would take place. They wouldn't be allowed in until the Wizengamot was ready for them and then spectators would be seated first before Hermione was brought inside. Hermione bit her lip and paced until Harry stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"Breathe, Hermione," he said. She nodded and pulled in a breath, then let it out.

"I made it," another voice said behind her. Hermione turned to see Ron looking a bit out of breath, as if he'd run all the way here. Hermione, emotions already on edge, flung her arms around Ron and hugged him. Ron stiffened for a moment before he relaxed and hugged her back.

"Thank you," she said quietly. Ron pulled away from her with a grin.

"What are friends for?" Hermione smiled and tried very hard not to cry. "You're gonna be great, Hermione." Ron squeezed her hand as the doors behind them opened.

"Good luck, Hermione," Harry said, kissing her cheek. "Not that you need it." He hugged her quickly and followed Ron into the room, both taking seats directly in the center where they would be right behind her.

Hermione took another breath to calm herself. By the time the assistant ushered her inside, she had squared her shoulders and held her head high as she approached the podium. She saw Mr. Satterfield sitting in the back of the room. She hadn't even noticed him come in. Nerves hit her again for moment before Hermione glanced at her boys, who both gave her encouraging smiles. She set her stack of parchment on the lectern, looked up at the Wizengamot, and began.

"You were brilliant," Ron said as they stood outside the meeting room.

"Do you really think so?" Hermione asked nervously. "They asked an awful lot of questions."

"I think that's a good thing, Hermione," Harry said. "If they didn't think your proposal had merit, they would have just thanked you and sent you on your way, yeah?"

"I hope you're right," Hermione said, chewing on her bottom lip again.

"How long until they make a decision?" Ron asked.

"It depends," Hermione said. "They've got more hearings today and tomorrow and then they meet Friday to start discussing the various proposals. It could be as early as Friday or it could take another week or more."

"Let us take you to lunch, Hermione," Harry said. Ron nodded in agreement. Hermione glanced at her watch. It was only a little after eleven.

"It's a bit early for lunch, isn't it?" Harry shrugged a shoulder.

"I think we should celebrate."

"Harry, there's nothing to celebrate yet," Hermione chided.

"Of course, there is," Harry said. "You gave your first presentation to the Wizengamot today. The first of many, I'm sure." They both looked at her expectantly.

"Oh, all right," Hermione said, their enthusiasm rubbing off on her. "Give me thirty minutes and I'll meet you in the Atrium." Both men grinned. Hermione waved and hurried to the lifts. She would need to tell Gwendolyn that she was taking an early lunch.

As the doors slid shut, Hermione realized she wasn't alone. She glanced to the side and saw Mr. Satterfield standing next to her.

"Hello, sir," she said, trying to keep her voice even.

"I suppose you're rather proud of yourself, now," her boss said.

"I don't think proud is the right word, but I do think the presentation went well," she replied.

"I certainly hope you're right, for your sake."

"Sir?" she questioned, confused as to what her boss was getting at. He turned towards her, the smile on his face making her shiver.

"The little tricks you pulled to get this absurd bill before the Wizengamot? They won't work again." Before Hermione could speak, she was interrupted by the voice of the lift.

"Level Four, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures incorporating the Being Division, Beast Division, and Spirit Division." The doors slid open, but neither of them moved.

"I hope you enjoyed today, Granger, because it's the last presentation you'll ever make." He left the lift and Hermione stared after him, her feeling of accomplishment completely extinguished.

2 October 1999

Remus slowly climbed the stairs to the box Harry had purchased. It wasn't that he didn't want to watch Ginny's first match as Chaser for the Harpies, but he knew that Hermione was going to be there. A part of him cheered this fact, especially since he'd found out that Hermione and Anthony were no longer dating. But the other, more rational part of him, tried to bury that part as deep as he could.

Remus was immensely glad that the match was a week after the full moon instead of the week before. While always restless and randy leading up to the full moon, he had been unusually so this past month. He wasn't sure why that was, exactly, but his frustration had definitely affected the transformation this time. Andromeda had frowned when she came to get him out of the cellar and saw the myriad of bruises and scratches he had. She hadn't asked any questions, however, simply patched him up, for which Remus was grateful.

Remus had offered to stay home with Teddy, the two of them deciding that a professional Quidditch match was not the best place for a toddler, and let Andromeda attend the match instead. She had laughed, telling him that he was well aware she had no great interest in Quidditch.

Remus reached the box and opened the door to step inside. Harry had purchased one of the luxury boxes, which not only seated at least twenty people, but also came with House-Elves that served food and drinks to the guests. He smirked thinking of Hermione's likely reaction when she found out about it. He was sure she had given Harry an earful.

When Remus looked around, it seemed his suspicions had been correct and Hermione was still reading Harry the riot act. Remus chuckled.

"Remus, good of you to come," Arthur greeted, shaking his hand.

"You must be rather proud," Remus said with a smile. Arthur grinned back.

"Yes, it's quite exciting," he said. "Molly and I never thought it would be Ginny that would pursue the professional Quidditch career, but we're both quite pleased." Remus clapped a hand on the older man's shoulder. He could tell Arthur was nearly bursting with pride at his daughter's accomplishment.

"Please, help yourself to something to drink," Arthur said indicating a full bar set out on one table. There was all manner of drinks, both alcoholic and not. Remus nodded and made his way to the table, twisting the cap off a bottle of butterbeer. He thought it better to keep his wits about him today.

"Remus," Bill said as he and Fleur approached the table. Remus greeted them both as Bill poured his wife a glass of lemonade and selected a bottle of ale for himself. Remus watched as Fleur sipped at the lemonade, even though there were more than a few bottles of wine on the table, some of them a rather good vintage. He had never known Fleur to turn down wine before.

"I cannot drink zis," she said to Bill, making a face and handing him the glass. Bill looked at her in concern.

"Water, then?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied with a sigh. She turned a slight shade of green as one of the House-Elves walked by with a platter of food and Remus immediately understood. Bill put an arm around his wife and kissed her temple.

"Dora always found that ginger tea helped," Remus said quietly. Bill and Fleur looked up at him in surprise. Remus smiled. "I'm sure one of the Elves could get you some."

"We haven't told the family yet," Bill said, glancing behind him to see where his mother was. Remus nodded in understanding.

"Congratulations," Remus said. They both smiled.

"Thank you," Bill said. He turned back to Fleur. "Do you want to go home?"

"Non. I want to be here for your sister."

"Everyone will understand," Bill said.

"But zen we will have to tell zem and zis is Ginny's day."

"Perhaps if you sit in the first row of seats, you'll get enough fresh air that the smells of the food won't bother you," Remus suggested. The box, while covered in warming charms, was still open to the pitch in the front.

"Zat is a good idea," Fleur said. "Thank you, Remus." Bill led her carefully to the seats in front and settled her at the end of the row in case she needed to leave quickly. Remus knew that morning sickness was a misnomer. It lasted the entirety of the day, sometimes. Bill kissed the top of her head before he walked off to speak to one of the House-Elves.

"Remus, I'm glad you made it," Harry said as he walked up to the drinks table. If the Firewhiskey he poured himself was any indication, Hermione had indeed been most displeased at discovering the House-Elves.

"Nervous?" Remus asked.

"A bit," Harry said. "But that's not what this is about." He indicated the glass of Firewhiskey in his hand.

"Hermione looked a bit upset when I walked in." Harry rolled his eyes.

"That's an understatement," he said.

"She doesn't think the Harpies organization mistreats their Elves, does she?"

"No, but now that her proposal passed, she says she has to set a good example. Which I guess to her means that she can't ever be served by a House-Elf for the rest of her life." Harry rolled his eyes.

"Wait, her proposal passed?" Remus asked. He hadn't heard anything about it.

"Oh yeah, just yesterday," Harry said. "I don't think it's even been in the Prophet yet." Remus glanced over at Hermione who was talking to George and Angelina.

"She must be ecstatic," Remus said, still staring at her.

"Yeah, she was pretty excited last night," Harry agreed. "She found out just before she left work." Remus felt a smile form on his face. He always knew that she would be successful. Hermione turned at that moment and caught him looking at her. She smiled widely when she saw him and, excusing herself, crossed the box towards Remus and Harry.

"Remus," she said. "It's so good to see you."

"Congratulations, Hermione," Remus said. "I heard your proposal passed." Hermione grinned widely.

"Yes, it did, can you believe it?"

"Indeed, I can," he said, smiling back at her. Someone called Harry's name and Harry left the two of them alone. Remus fidgeted before he focused back on Hermione.

"Not in its entirety, of course," Hermione said. Remus looked at her questioningly. "The Wizengamot decided that those homes that passed the initial inspection didn't need to be inspected again unless there was a complaint. And instead of giving the Elves one day off a week, they've decided two days a month is sufficient." She looked a bit upset at this.

"It sounds like a fantastic start," Remus said. "Laws can always be amended if there is a need in the future."

"That's true," Hermione said, visibly brightening. They spoke a bit longer about her proposal and how she envisioned implementing it. Remus couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"How about you?" Hermione asked a few minutes later. "Are you doing any tutoring this year?"

"Just a bit here and there," Remus said. "The students have vastly improved since this time last year."

"Professor McGonagall should hire you to teach permanently," Hermione said with a frown.

"Yes, well, we both know that is unlikely to happen," Remus said.

"But you've registered," Hermione argued. "There's nothing legally stopping her."

"Except decades of prejudice," Remus said somewhat bitterly. He looked away, not wanting to see the pity in Hermione's eyes. She put a hand on his arm and he went rigid at the touch. Hermione didn't seem to notice.

"I want you to know that I've already begun working on another proposal," she said. "To repeal all these ridiculous anti-werewolf laws and reshape the werewolf services division." She looked fiercely determined.

"I appreciate that, Hermione," he said, moving subtly so her hand slid off his arm. "But I don't think that either of us are so naïve as to expect things to change overnight."

"No," Hermione agreed. "But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try." He finally nodded and gave her a small smile. She smiled back and the two of them stared at one another. They were interrupted by the announcer welcoming everyone to the match.

Remus tore his eyes away from her and looked out at the pitch. The Weasleys and Harry were moving toward their seats.

"Coming?" Hermione asked as she began to walk forward.

"Yes, I'm just, ah, going to get a bit to eat first." Hermione smiled again and nodded before walking to sit next to Harry. Remus busied himself at the food table until George had sat down on Hermione's other side. Remus then moved to a seat behind Arthur and as far away from Hermione as he could get.

They all stood and clapped as the Harpies were introduced, cheering loudest for Ginny of course. She flew past the box, look of concentration on her face, although Hermione saw her give Harry a wink before she flew off. Harry looked like he was going to burst with pride. Hermione shook her head. They really were adorable.

She glanced to the side and saw that Remus had indeed joined them, although he had seated himself behind Arthur on the opposite end of the row from Hermione. He leaned forward and put a hand on Arthur's shoulder before saying something to the older man. Arthur grinned and nodded, turning back slightly to reply to whatever Remus had said.

"-Hermione?"

"I'm sorry, what?" Hermione said, finally looking away from Remus and turning towards George.

"I asked if you were all right," George said.

"Yes, why?" George shrugged.

"Tried to get your attention about three times."

"Sorry, George," Hermione said, her eyes shifting back towards Remus.

"I'm not sure what's so interesting at the other end of the row," George said, looking over Hermione's head, brow furrowed.

"It's nothing," Hermione said immediately. "I was just lost in thought, that's all." George looked at her dubiously, but before he could say anything else the referee blew his whistle and the match began.

When Ginny scored her first goal, Hermione leapt to her feet with everyone else and screamed Ginny's name. Harry hugged her tightly and the Weasley brothers were high-fiving each other. Hermione glanced over and saw tears in Molly's eyes as she applauded and cheered for her daughter. She saw Remus clap Arthur on the shoulder again and Hermione smiled. There was no hiding the pure joy on Arthur's face.

When the Harpies Seeker finally caught the Snitch almost five hours later, winning the game against the Kestrels 290-120, Hermione was thrilled, but exhausted. The match had been tight all the way through, both teams exchanging goals almost evenly. Ginny had scored four of the teams fourteen goals. Harry was nearly hoarse after all the shouting he'd done. George and Ron were well into their cups by the time the match was over and were loudly singing the Harpies team song. Molly continued to try and shush them, but they simply ignored her and sang louder.

Ginny flew up to the box and Harry stood on his chair and snogged her quite thoroughly. Hermione was thankful there was a charm on the box that kept people from falling out of it.

"Congratulations, Ginny," Hermione said once Harry had finally released her.

"Thanks," Ginny said with a grin. "I'll see you all in a bit, yeah?" She kissed Harry one more time and then flew off to join the rest of her team in the changing rooms. Hermione left her seat to get something to drink. Remus was standing there when she reached the table.

"Great match," Hermione said with a grin as she reached for a bottle of butterbeer.

"Here, let me," Remus said, opening it for her. His fingers brushed hers as he handed her the bottle. He let go of it quickly and Hermione, who hadn't gotten a good grip on it yet, dropped the bottle. They both jumped when it hit the floor.

"Shite," Remus swore under his breath. He quickly vanished the mess. "I'm sorry."

"It's all right," Hermione said. He opened another bottle and handed it to her, this time holding it by the neck and being sure not to touch her. Once she had it in her hand, she gave him a tentative smile. Remus returned it, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. He looked nervous for some reason, but Hermione couldn't figure out why.

"I should probably head home," he said.

"Oh, but don't you want to wait for Ginny?"

"It's late and Teddy has been, uh, giving us problems about going to bed, so I should, I should go home and help Andromeda." Hermione frowned. Harry had kept Teddy overnight a few days ago and Hermione had been there when Harry was putting him to bed. The little boy hadn't made a fuss at all. Not to mention that it was still an hour before Teddy's bedtime.

"Just, please tell Ginny I said congratulations and I, I'll speak to you later." Remus turned and hurried out of the box, Hermione looking after him in confusion.

"Where's Remus?" Harry asked as he came up to her a few minutes later.

"He left," Hermione said.

"He did? Without saying good-bye?" Hermione nodded.

"He said he had to get home and help Andromeda with Teddy."

"Oh, well, I can understand that." Hermione thought about telling Harry what Remus had said about putting Teddy to bed but decided against it. Perhaps the little boy was only giving his father and grandmother trouble. Besides, Hermione had the distinct impression that Remus had been uncomfortable around her.

Remus swore under his breath as he left the stadium. Harry was sure to know the pathetic excuse Remus gave wasn't true. Harry had just kept Teddy overnight a few days ago.

Remus was sure that Hermione suspected something. After he'd practically jumped a foot when their fingers brushed, Remus had acted like an awkward thirteen-year-old around his first crush. He was a grown man, for fuck's sake. He could certainly be around an attractive woman without completely losing his head.

Remus reached the Apparition point and took a deep breath. He needed to calm down or he was going to end up splinching himself. Hermione was Harry's best friend. She was always going to be at family events and Remus needed to get used to that. If he continued to act the way he had tonight, she was going to catch on and that was the last thing that Remus wanted. He didn't need her to feel sorry for him.

Avoidance seemed to be the best idea. He would just make sure he was around her as little as possible. He ignored the voice in his head that reminded him that hadn't worked with Dora and Disapparated.

19 October 1999

"It's finally come through," Gwendolyn said as Hermione walked into their office.

"The directive?" Hermione asked and Gwendolyn nodded.

"Yes, Mr. Satterfield has scheduled a meeting for this afternoon to begin discussing the implementation." Hermione grinned. While her proposal had been accepted on the first, it took another two weeks for Kingsley to sign off on it and the Wizengamot to decide how it would be implemented. Usually some discretion was left up to the department, but Hermione knew that many of the Purebloods on the Wizengamot owned House-Elves and she was sure they would have quite a bit to say about her proposal's implementation.

"What time is the meeting?" Hermione asked as she went through the memos on her desk.

"At two o'clock," Gwendolyn replied, her brow furrowing. "Didn't you get the memo about it?"

"No," Hermione said as she went through her pile of mail again.

"That's odd." Gwendolyn stood and walked to Hermione's desk, going through the stack herself. When there was no memo, she frowned. "Maybe he just sent it to me and expected that I would let you know."

"Maybe," Hermione said, but Mr. Satterfield's threat to her in the elevator after her presentation rang in her head.

"Well, no matter, the meeting is at two o'clock in the conference room." Hermione nodded, not trusting herself to say anything. She was quite sure that Mr. Satterfield had excluded her on purpose.

Hermione walked with Gwendolyn to the conference room. She wondered what her boss would have to say about her being there. Hermione didn't think he would cause as scene, as the author of the proposal surely had a right to be at the meeting about its implementation.

As they walked into the room, Mr. Satterfield's eyes narrowed when he saw Hermione. He didn't say anything, however, as she and Gwendolyn sat down. The head of the Being Division, as well as a few of the other employees were also present.

"The Wizengamot has set down very specific guidelines as to how these new measures are to be implemented," Mr. Satterfield said as he started the meeting. "They are going to mean some long hours for us." There was a bit of grumbling and Mr. Satterfield looked pointedly at Hermione. She held his gaze.

"Also, the budget we've been given isn't likely to be enough. I may have to reassign a few people. I am currently working on this with the Division Heads and will keep you all informed of our decision." Her co-workers began glancing nervously at one another.

Hermione tried not to let any emotion show on her face, but this was something she hadn't expected. She knew that the initial execution of her plan would be a bit costly, as they would have to inspect every household that employed House-Elves. Once that had been done, however, the costs to keep things running would be low. She assumed the Wizengamot would realize this and budget accordingly.

"For now, everything will be run through the House-Elf Relocation Office," their boss continued. "As we become more familiar with the inspection process, this may change." Hermione glanced at Gwendolyn, who looked troubled. Hermione had made sure to suggest that the House-Elf Relocation Office become the House-Elf Liaison office, knowing that Gwendolyn already had much of the knowledge that would be needed to run such a department. She wasn't sure why Mr. Satterfield would want to do something differently.

"As you can see by the information in front of you, this is going to be quite the undertaking. I do hope you are all up for the challenge." He looked directly at Hermione when he said this. She sat up straighter in her chair, refusing to look away from him.

"Take the materials and review them. We will meet again tomorrow morning at ten to discuss any questions. That is all." Everyone stood and began gathering up their piles of parchment. One woman gave Hermione a dirty look as she left the room. Hermione sighed and picked up her own parchment, scanning the instructions from the Wizengamot.

"Miss Granger, a word," Mr. Satterfield said. Hermione nodded and walked towards him. He waited until everyone else had left the room. "I do not believe I sent you a memo inviting you to this meeting." Hermione stared at him in shock.

"I assumed that was an oversight," she finally said.

"It was not," he replied.

"But this is my proposal, sir."

"I am aware of that, Miss Granger."

"Then, I don't understand."

"You did hear what I said about reassignment?" he questioned, looking smug.

"Yes," she said carefully.

"I wouldn't get too comfortable in your office, if I were you."

"Are you telling me that you are not going to allow me to work on the implementation of my own proposal?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"As I said in the meeting, Miss Granger, changes may be necessary." She stared at him and he smirked. "You may go." She turned and left the conference room. Mr. Satterfield's threat on the elevator hadn't been an idle one, apparently. Hermione might have very well made her one and only presentation to the Wizengamot.

31 October 1999

Remus and Andromeda stood in front of the gate to the cemetery at Godric's Hollow. Remus pulled in a breath, his chest tight, lump in his throat. It had been a long time since he had visited James and Lily's grave. If Harry hadn't asked, he likely wouldn't be here now. The pain of losing them was always greater on this day, and Harry's addition wasn't going to make it any easier.

Harry had approached him a few weeks ago, just after Ginny's Quidditch match, about getting a headstone for Sirius. There was a plot next to James and Lily that was available and Harry had purchased it. They had never had any kind of memorial for Sirius and Harry wanted to put up a headstone next to his parents. Remus had agreed that it would be the appropriate place to honor his friend.

Eighteen years, Remus thought as he and Andromeda finally walked into the graveyard. He couldn't believe it had been so long. Andromeda slipped an arm through his as they made their way across the cemetery, Remus' feet seeming to know the way without him having to direct them.

"Remus, Andromeda," Harry greeted as the two of them reached the small group. "I'm glad you're here." Remus smiled. Ginny was next to Harry, holding tightly to his hand and Ron and Hermione stood nearby. Most of the rest of the Weasleys were there as well, save Charlie who was back in Romania and Molly who had volunteered to watch Teddy. Remus knew that she still had difficulty with memorials. A few moments later, there was a small pop and Kingsley emerged from a copse of trees. Minerva followed shortly after him.

"Thank you all for coming," Harry said once everyone had arrived. "I've been wanting to do something for Sirius for a while now and this seemed like the most appropriate." Harry waved his wand and the charm fell from the headstone that sat next to James and Lily's.

Sirius Orion Black

Born 3 November 1959

Died 18 June 1996

Friends are the Family We Choose for Ourselves

The lump in Remus' throat grew larger and made it difficult to swallow around. Harry had chosen a very fitting inscription. They had been family, the four of them. Remus had to include Peter because he had been their brother, once. Four boys, thrown together by the Sorting Hat, had come to mean everything to one another. For a little while, anyway.

Andromeda kept her hand on his arm as Kingsley stepped forward to say a few words. Remus could hear the sniffling and throat clearing throughout those gathered around the graves. Ginny leaned a head on Harry's shoulder, Hermione held his hand on the other side and Ron stood next to his sister, arm around her shoulders. Minerva stood next to Remus and looked stoically ahead, but she couldn't hide the brightness in her eyes. Lily had always been one of her favorites and as much as she protested otherwise, Remus knew that the Marauders always held a special place in their Head of House's heart. Remus shifted and put a hand on her back. Minerva glanced to the side and smiled at him gratefully, patting his arm with her other hand.

When Kingsley finished speaking, they all stood in silence for a few minutes and then began to move apart. Remus pulled in another breath, trying to gather himself. Andromeda squeezed his arm one more time, then moved away a few steps to speak with Minerva. The Headmistress would need to return to Hogwarts before the Halloween Feast began.

"Remus," Harry said quietly.

"Yes, Harry?"

"Do you think," Harry paused and fidgeted a bit. "Do you think Sirius would have approved?" Remus smiled.

"Yes, Harry, I think he would have been quite pleased." Harry nodded and turned back to the headstones. He conjured two bouquets of flowers and placed them at the base of each headstone. Remus put a hand on Harry's shoulder as the two of them paid silent tribute to their family.

"Ginny wants to see the memorial in the square and the one at the house," Harry said. "If you'd like to join us."

Remus had seen the statue in the square the few times that he had visited the cemetery over the years. The devastation to the house, however, had been too much for Remus to bear. He had seen it once, just after Sirius had been sent to Azkaban and hadn't returned since. He had no idea there was any kind of memorial.

Remus didn't know if he could once again stand in front of the house where two of his best friends had met their end. Where Sirius had run off after the traitor and Hagrid had taken Harry away to grow up in a loveless, abusive household. Remus glanced at the man beside him, the man who had never gotten a chance to know his parents and Remus knew that he could not refuse. More than that, Remus had a responsibility. A responsibility to tell Harry about all the laughter, happiness and love that house had been filled with.

"All right," Remus said. He followed the small group towards the memorial in the square. Andromeda remained behind, intending to spend a little time at Sirius' headstone and then go to the Burrow to help Molly with the dinner she had invited everyone to afterward.

When the statue came into view, Remus smiled at something Sirius had said about James' likeness. The year Sirius had been on the run, he had come to Godric's Hollow in the middle of the night as Padfoot. All he had to say about it later was that they hadn't got it right, as James' hair was much too neat.

They moved towards the edge of town, following a path Remus hadn't stepped foot on for many years. His thoughts drifted back to those days when he'd been gone with the werewolf packs so often and Sirius had been so suspicious. Lily never had, she had trusted him completely until the end, insisting that it couldn't have been any of them that had turned traitor.

Remus looked up as the house came into view. His heart leapt into his throat at the sight of the familiar cottage, the upper floor nearly destroyed. He had come here as soon as he'd heard, the news even reaching the pack he had been with in the forests of northern Scotland. He remembered the smell of charred wood and something else, Dark Magic residue he later learned, lingering in the air. He had taken one look at the house and proceeded to retch into the street. Falling to his knees, Remus had stared at the house for what seemed like hours, not quite able to accept that his friends were gone.

Now, all those emotions rolled back over him in a wave and Remus had a hard time continuing to put one foot in front of the other. Hermione, who had been walking a bit ahead of him, turned back and frowned at the expression on his face. She moved back towards him, taking his hand in hers and giving it a squeeze. Remus looked down at her gratefully, the tightness in his chest easing just a bit. He walked with her to the house and Harry grasped the gate. The sign rose from the ground, but Remus didn't need to read it. He had lived it.

He stood there for quite some time, staring at the house, Hermione's hand clasped firmly in his own. When Harry and Ginny finally turned to go, Remus remained. Hermione seemed willing to linger with him, as she didn't follow her friends. When he was finally ready, Remus looked at Hermione.

"Thank you," he said. She smiled at him and his chest was tight for a different reason.

"You're welcome," she said. Remus stared at her for a few seconds before he cleared his throat.

"We should get back." He dropped her hand and took a step away from her. Hermione's face clouded for a moment before she nodded.

They made their way back to the cemetery in silence, Remus berating himself in his head the entire way. Holding her hand was definitely not avoiding her. And now they would both be at the Burrow for the evening. Remus thought about going home, surely Harry would assume it was due to his grief, but Andromeda was already at the Burrow and he didn't want her worrying about him.

Remus glanced at Hermione as they all crossed the cemetery once more, heading for the small copse of trees so they could Disapparate. There were going to be plenty of people at the Burrow. Surely, Remus wouldn't have any trouble avoiding her.