A/N - This chapter's title was inspired by the Christina Perri song of the same name. Thank you all so much for the all the reviews last chapter!

Chapter 46

Distance

11 February 2000

Remus stepped out of his fireplace and immediately walked into the kitchen. He pulled down a bottle of Firewhiskey and a glass, pouring himself a generous amount. He drank it down in two swallows, then filled the glass again. He drank half of it before he heard movement on the stairs. He immediately put the bottle away and rinsed out the glass, not wanting questions about why he was drinking, just before Andromeda walked into the kitchen.

"How was Hermione?" she asked as Remus moved away from the sink.

"Fine, she was fine," he said.

"What did she want?" Andromeda asked, picking up his glass and cleaning it with magic before putting it away in the cabinet. If she smelled the liquor, she didn't say anything.

"She, ah, had a few questions," Remus said. "About Will, the boy I told you about. Things she could tell his mother that might help." Andromeda looked at him strangely. Likely because it was an asinine response to her question. He had no doubt that Hermione already knew much of what Remus could tell her.

"They were questions about living with the pack," Remus continued, deciding that even as intelligent as Hermione was, she had no experience with pack life and Remus hadn't exactly been forthcoming about it to anyone. "Things that might affect his ability to settle back in to living with his family." Andromeda seemed mollified by this explanation. She looked at him again just when he had started to relax.

"Are you sure you are all right?" she asked.

"Yes," Remus said. She studied him for a moment before she nodded. She patted his arm as she walked into the living room and picked up her book, settling down on the couch to read. Remus let out a breath and turned back to the sink, bracing his hands against it.

The look on Hermione's face when he had left had nearly broken his resolve. She had looked so…sad. Sad and disappointed. He closed his eyes and gripped the edges of the sink.

He had been tempted, so tempted to continue that final kiss she had given him. He had responded for a few seconds before pulling away from her. But he couldn't do that to her, he couldn't take the chance that being with him would ruin the reputation she had. She was going to go far in the Ministry, Remus knew that. She could likely even be Minister for Magic one day if she wanted to. The public might elect a Muggle-born, but not if she was involved with a werewolf.

Remus sighed, pushing away from the sink and walking out of the kitchen. He stuck his head into the living room as he passed and told Andromeda he was tired and was going up to bed. She looked at him in concern but didn't ask any questions. Remus reached his bedroom and toed off his shoes before lying down on his bed.

He folded his hands over his stomach and looked up at the ceiling. Hermione would get over him and find someone much more suited to her. It was for best, he just had to keep telling himself that.

As he drifted off, a small voice in his head asked if it was for the best, then why did he feel so wretched?

12 February 2000

Hermione was woken by Crookshanks, pushing himself into her side. She opened her eyes and scowled at her cat.

"It's barely light out," she groused, pulling the covers over her head. She was exhausted. She hadn't slept much and when she had it felt like all she had done was dream about Remus. Hermione huffed as she felt the tears gather again. She was not going to keep crying about this. Remus had made his feelings perfectly clear. Crying about it wasn't going to change anything.

Hermione sighed as Crookshanks became more insistent. Groaning, she threw the covers off and stood, pulling on a jumper that was lying on the chair next to her bed. She yanked on a pair of socks and padded downstairs, filling up her cat's bowl with food.

"If this is you punishing me for leaving you for a few days, you can stop now," Hermione said. "I couldn't help it." She crossed her arms over her chest. Crookshanks ignored her, continuing to eat his breakfast. Hermione rolled her eyes and pulled out the coffee maker. If she was going to go to Harry's today and pretend like nothing was wrong, she was going to need caffeine.

Hermione came through the Floo into the kitchen at Grimmauld Place. Harry and Ginny were sitting at the kitchen table and both looked up as she stepped out of the fireplace.

"Hermione!" Ginny exclaimed, jumping up to hug her.

"Hey, Gin," Hermione said, trying to keep her voice even. Ginny stepped back and gave her a searching look. Hermione plastered a smile on her face, but she wasn't sure the redhead was convinced. Before Ginny could say anything, Hermione turned to Harry.

"Where's Ron?"

"He's working today," Harry said. "Day shift." Hermione nodded and sat down at the table, just as Kreacher began to serve them lunch.

"So, tell us about your trip, Hermione," Ginny said. Hermione glanced at Harry, not knowing how much he had told Ginny. "Harry told me that Kingsley sent you off on a work-related trip until everything calmed down here."

"Well, first, did you know that I was transferred to a different department?"

"Yes, Harry mentioned that," Ginny said. "Something about research and the Wizengamot?"

"Right, basically I'm going to be doing what I wanted to do when I was in the DRCMC, working on the werewolf laws. So, Kingsley thought I should talk to the French Ministry and see how they handle werewolves there. It's not at all like we do it here and the number of werewolf attacks is nearly non-existent as a result."

"What do they do differently?" Harry asked.

"Well, firstly, they have a completely different attitude about werewolves' place in society," Hermione said. "They're not treated as some disgusting half-breed, but as witches and wizards with an illness, something that isn't their fault. They have a registry like ours, but it's used to offer assistance, not punishment.

Their Ministry provides Wolfsbane for free and they have a facility where werewolves can come to transform if they don't have an appropriate place at their own homes. They will also send Ministry officials out to help with wards and make sure that wherever the werewolves have chosen to transform is safe and protected. There aren't any laws prohibiting those with lycanthropy from working or getting married or having children. No one can be fired for having to take time off at the full moon.

They even have a seminar at Beauxbatons that is required for first years, explaining the myths and misconceptions about werewolves. Because of all of this, there have only been three new werewolves in the last five years, all turned by the same werewolf, who was subsequently arrested and imprisoned."

"That's amazing, Hermione," Ginny said.

"It is," Hermione agreed.

"So, what do you think the chances are of getting some of those same policies implemented here?" Harry asked. Hermione sighed.

"The biggest obstacle will be public opinion," she said. "And unfortunately, I think it's going to take some time for that to change, especially after the war. But I want to talk to Professor McGonagall about starting a similar seminar at Hogwarts."

"I'm not sure about the Ministry providing the Wolfsbane, Hermione," Harry said. "After all the rebuilding from the war, I'm don't think the Ministry can afford that."

"I know," Hermione said. "That's going to be another big issue. But I'm hoping if we can start out doing some of these smaller things, we can eventually get to the same place. I know it's going to take time."

"If anyone can make it happen, it's you," Harry said with a smile. Hermione tried to return it, but all the talk of werewolves had just made her think about Remus. She nodded and looked down at her bowl, before taking another bite of the stew Kreacher had made.

"Hermione?" Ginny questioned. "Are you all right?" Damn it, Hermione thought. Her friends were too observant by half. She pulled in a silent breath and raised her head.

"I'm just tired," she said. "I didn't sleep well last night." Harry immediately looked concerned.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, just one of those nights." She gave them both a wan smile and was quite sure neither one of them believed her. "And then Crookshanks had me up at dawn, demanding his breakfast. I'm sure it's his way of punishing me for leaving without saying good-bye." Harry chuckled and returned to his lunch. But Ginny continued to glance at Hermione from the corner of her eye.

Hermione successfully changed the subject to Ron and Susan and they finished lunch speculating about the new relationship.

"We should probably get going," Harry finally said. "I told Will's mother we'd be there around one." Hermione rose from the table and carried her dishes to the sink.

"I'm just going to use the loo before we go," she said and hurried up the stairs. Once in the bathroom, Hermione sighed and splashed some water on her face, trying to look less tired and drawn. She knew both her friends had noticed, although Harry had seemed to believe her excuse about not sleeping well. Ginny, however, would have more questions.

When she was finished, Hermione opened the door and was not surprised to see Ginny leaning against the wall opposite the loo, waiting for her.

"Are you going to tell me what's really going on?" Ginny asked.

"Nothing, Ginny, I'm fine," Hermione said.

"Liar," Ginny replied. Hermione sighed and looked at her friend.

"I can't talk now," Hermione said. "But will you come to mine after we get back from visiting Will?"

"Of course," Ginny said. She stepped forward and hugged Hermione and it took everything Hermione had not to burst into tears. When Ginny pulled back, she looked at Hermione in concern. She squeezed Hermione's hand. "Whatever it is, we'll figure it out."

"Thanks, Gin," Hermione said around a lump in her throat.

"Ready, Hermione?" Harry called up the stairs.

"Coming, Harry." Hermione put a smile on her face and walked down the stairs, taking her cloak from Harry before they stepped outside. Harry held out a hand to her and Hermione took it, Harry Disapparating seconds later.

"How are you?" Hermione asked as she gave Will a hug. They had arrived at a large cottage surrounded by forest. There didn't seem to be any neighbors nearby and Harry explained that Will's father had moved the family here after Will had been taken, hoping to hide the rest of his family from Death Eaters.

"I'm okay," Will said, giving her a smile. A woman walked into the entry and Will turned towards her. "This is my mum. Mum, this is Hermione."

"Caroline Burke," the woman said, holding out a hand. Hermione shook it.

"Hermione Granger."

"Yes, I know who you are," Mrs. Burke said with a laugh. "I would even if Will didn't talk about you every five minutes." Will colored and looked at the floor. Mrs. Burke's smile immediately disappeared.

"Will, I'm sorry, I was only teasing," she said, putting a hand on his arm. Will looked up at her with uncertainty and Hermione felt a wave of sympathy for both of them. It would take Will a while to learn to live in a family again. Will finally nodded, and his mother put an arm around his shoulders, giving him a squeeze.

She ushered them all into a cozy sitting room, where a tray of tea and biscuits waited. They all settled into seats and Mrs. Burke prepared them all tea. Hermione took a sip of hers, watching Will from the corner of her eye while she spoke with his mother.

He seemed unable to sit still and he ate his first biscuit in one bite. After a look from his mother, gentle, not reproachful, Hermione was glad to see, he ate the second biscuit in smaller bites. But Hermione could tell that he was having a hard time with it. She remembered how he quickly he had eaten the sandwiches Kreacher made for him. At the time, Hermione had contributed it to him being hungry, but it likely had more to do with the eating habits he was taught by his pack.

"Can I go outside now?" Will asked during a lull in the conversation.

"Of course," his mother replied. "But be sure to put on your boots and your cloak."

"Mum," Will complained.

"William," his mother replied. Will sighed and looked at Hermione.

"Do you want to come outside with me?" he asked hopefully.

"I do," Hermione replied. "But can I talk with your mother for a few more minutes?"

"Okay," Will said.

"I'll come out with you, Will," Harry said. Will's eyes lit up.

"Will you show me that trick again?" he asked. Harry chuckled.

"Sure, if I can borrow your broom again." Will looked at his mother.

"Just be careful." Will grinned and hurried out of the room. Harry thanked Mrs. Burke for the tea and biscuits and followed Will to the entry where Hermione could hear the boy pulling on his boots.

"I can't get him to wear a cloak for anything," Mrs. Burke said with a sigh. "He'd run around without shoes too, if there wasn't snow, I'm sure of it."

"It must be difficult for both of you to adjust," Hermione said, taking another sip of her tea.

"It has been," Mrs. Burke agreed. "As you saw when you first arrived, he doesn't understand teasing. It's like he thinks I'm angry with him or scolding him."

"Yes, I expect that his Alpha did not tolerate teasing or joking," Hermione said. Mrs. Burke shook her head.

"I never expected he would be so, so…I don't know, wild isn't really the word I'm looking for, but I can't think of any other way to describe it. His table manners are atrocious, and he doesn't seem to feel the need to bathe every day or change his clothes." Hermione wasn't surprised. Living rough didn't give you a lot of options for staying clean.

"He seems to have a problem being in the house," Mrs. Burke continued. "He wants to be outside as much as I'll let him." Hermione nodded. After Dobby had rescued them from Malfoy Manor and they had stayed at Shell Cottage, she had been restless. At the time, she had figured it was because of how many people were cramped into such a small space, not to mention the anxiety at what they were about to attempt at Gringotts. But later, she realized after being in the tent for so many months, the cottage felt confining.

"Don't misunderstand me," Mrs. Burke continued. "I cannot even express how overjoyed I am to have him back, but it has been difficult at times."

"How are his siblings handling it?" Hermione asked.

"Rachel and Paul were shocked, of course, but elated all the same. It's been hardest on Rebecca. She never knew Will and she's used to having me all to herself during the school year. So much of my attention has been taken up by Will lately. Will seems wary of her, almost as if he doesn't know how to treat her."

"He told me he was the only child in the pack," Hermione said. Mrs. Burke nodded.

"I'm so grateful to you," she said, looking up at Hermione with tears in her eyes. "If you hadn't been there that day, I might never have gotten him back."

"You don't have to thank me," Hermione said. "I'm just glad it all turned out all right. Will was worried that you wouldn't want him." The older woman nodded.

"Harry told me that," she said. "I know it's going to be an adjustment with his lycanthropy, but I would never reject him. I just wish his father would have known. The guilt was well on his way to killing him, before the war did." Hermione waited. She didn't want to pry, but she was curious about what had happened to trigger Will's kidnapping.

"I suppose you're wondering how it all happened," Mrs. Burke said a few moments later.

"You don't have to tell me," Hermione said quickly.

"No, it's all right." She sighed. "My husband's great-great-uncle was Caractacus Burke of Borgin and Burkes. Because the Burkes are Sacred Twenty-Eight, You-Know-Who assumed that my husband would want to support his cause. But Stuart's branch of the family had never much cared for all that Pureblood supremacy nonsense. In fact, Stuart's mother was a Muggle-born. When they came knocking, he refused. He was told that he would regret it, but we never thought that they would take one of the children." Mrs. Burke paused and took a breath, trying to compose herself.

"After Will was taken, Stuart went to Avery. They had been at Hogwarts together and had been friendly before Avery became a Death Eater. Stuart was told that it was better just to forget about Will. That if he wasn't already dead, he would be soon. It broke my husband."

"He moved us here to try and hide us, never knowing if they would return again. He went out in search of Will every day, hoping to find some trace of him. One day, a little over a year after Will was taken, Stuart didn't come back. I didn't find out until after the war that he had been taken to Azkaban. He died there."

"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Burke," Hermione said, her eyes full of unshed tears. The other woman pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes.

"Thank you," she said. "And please, you must call me Caroline." Hermione nodded giving the woman a few moments before she continued.

"I'm wondering if you've thought about sending Will to Hogwarts next year?" Caroline looked surprised.

"I wasn't sure they would allow him to go," she said. "And to be honest, I'm not sure if I want to let him out of my sight. It is only because we are so isolated here that I even let him outside alone."

"I completely understand that," Hermione said. "But, if you would like him to attend, I'm sure that he could. I can have Headmistress McGonagall contact you if you'd like."

"But he'd be a year behind."

"There are quite a few students that are behind a year right now. Most of the Muggle-borns that missed a year, as well as a few who chose to repeat that final year before the end of the war. Will wouldn't be unusual in that regard."

"He can barely read," Caroline said. "Not to mention maths or anything else he would need to understand before he went. And I'm concerned about him being cooped up in the castle all the time. As I said, I can barely keep him in the house for more than an hour or so at a time. I've found him sleeping on the floor under his open window every morning since he came back to us."

"He likely just has to get used to living indoors again," Hermione said. "But he has nearly seven months to do that. As for his studies, if you have need of a tutor, I know someone who might be able to help." Hermione felt the familiar pang in her chest at the thought of Remus. "He's actually a werewolf himself, so it might be beneficial for Will in that regard as well."

"Are you speaking of Remus Lupin?" Caroline asked. Hermione nodded, surprised that the woman knew who she was talking about. "Will mentioned that he'd come to the Ministry with you. And I remembered that he was the Defense professor when Rachel was just a first year. He tutored for her O.W.L.S. as well, I believe."

"Yes, that's right," Hermione said. "I can speak with him and let you know."

"I would appreciate that." Hermione smiled and stood from the couch.

"I should go outside and watch Will for a bit." Caroline rose as well and reached out and took Hermione's hand in her own.

"Thank you," she said again. "Thank you for bringing my son back to me." Hermione couldn't speak around the lump in her throat, so simply squeezed the other woman's hand. Hermione took her cloak from the chair she had laid it on and joined Harry and Will outside.

Will was on the broom, flying slowly around the clearing behind the house. Harry was encouraging him and giving him tips on how to stop and start. Hermione stood and watched them for a while, imagining Harry with his own children. He was going to be a wonderful father one day. When Will turned and began to fly back towards Harry, Hermione smiled and took a few steps forward.

"You're doing very well," she said as Will came to a stop beside her. The boy grinned. Hermione saw that he had shed his cloak at some point. He didn't look cold, however and she suspected Harry had cast a warming charm.

"Would you like to take a walk and show me around a little?" she asked.

"Okay," Will said, getting off the broom and handing it to Harry.

"I'll put this away for you, mate," Harry said. "I told your mum I'd help her with a few wards, so you two go ahead."

They walked in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the crisp winter air as they walked into the woods. Will led her to an area where the trees were more tightly packed together. Hermione wasn't overly surprised to see that he had begun to build a make-shift shelter out of pine boughs and stout branches.

"Do you come out here a lot?" she asked as they settled on two stumps, the remains of a fire in front of them.

"Yeah," Will said. "I don't like it sometimes, in the house."

"How is it being back here?" Will squinted up at the sun.

"It's different," he said. "I like the food a lot better." Hermione chuckled. He smiled at her, then looked down at the ground and frowned.

"I don't think my sister likes me," he said. "The little one, Rebecca."

"She's used to having your mum all to herself when Rachel and Paul are at school," Hermione said. "She's probably just feeling a little jealous right now." Will seemed to contemplate that.

"Sometimes she wants me to play with her, but when I tried, she cried and ran to Mum," Will said.

"Why?" Hermione asked. He shrugged his shoulders.

"I was trying to teach her to fight," he said matter-of-factly. "But Mum said I couldn't do that anymore."

"Did you fight a lot when you were with the pack?"

"Just for practice, for when I got older," Will said. "Michael always told Felix and Simon to play with me and that's what we did. Rebecca didn't like it though." He looked a bit confused. Hermione's heart broke for him.

"Do you remember what things were like before you went to live with Michael and the pack?" she asked. Will's brow furrowed.

"Some," he said. "I remember my mum tucking me in at night. And my dad teaching me to fly on a broom. Sometimes me and Paul would hide under Rachel's bed and then jump out and scare her." He laughed. "She would get so mad and chase us, but we were always faster than her." The smile slowly slid from his face and soon he was looked forlorn.

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

"They look at me strange now, like I'm some kind of freak or something." He sniffled. "And I guess I am."

"No, you're not," Hermione asserted. "You're still their brother, Will. But you've been gone for four years. Everyone thought you were gone for good. It's going to take time for all of you to get used to one another again. But I know your mother loves you and she's so, so happy to have you back." Will sniffled again.

"I wish my dad was here," he whispered. Hermione put an arm around him and leaned her head against his.

"I know." They sat that way for a bit, Will sniffling every few moments.

"We should go back," she said, a while later. "Your mum is probably getting worried." Will nodded, and they walked back to the house in silence. Will stopped before they reached the back door.

"Will you come back and see me again?" he asked. Hermione smiled.

"Of course, I will." He hugged her again before opening the back door and letting them into the house. Everyone was gathered around the kitchen table and Hermione was introduced to Will's siblings as Caroline passed around hot chocolate. Hermione was glad to see Paul engage Will in conversation and Rachel seemed to be listening to them intently. When Caroline sat down, Rebecca immediately slid into her lap and wrapped her arms around her mother's middle, clearly trying to stake her territory.

"If you'd ever like me to come over and spend some time with Will so you can have time to yourself," Hermione said with a significant look at Rebecca. "I'd be happy to."

"Yes, Mummy, yes, let her come and play with Will. Then you could play with me." Rebecca said insistently. Hermione hid a smile behind her mug.

"We'll see, all right?" Caroline said, kissing the little girl on the top of her head. She mouthed a thank you to Hermione.

"Is it all right if I ask them?" Harry said to Caroline. She smiled.

"Of course," she said.

"Ask us what?" Will asked.

"Well, remember I told you that my girlfriend plays Quidditch for the Harpies?" Will nodded.

"She does?" Paul said in astonishment. Rachel rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, Paul, don't you know anything?"

"Oh, like you do?" Paul retorted. "Who's his girlfriend, then?" Hermione noticed that Will had cringed away from his brother, likely by the tone of both of their voices. Hermione, who was next to him, reached out a hand and put in on his shoulder. He looked up at her and relaxed at her reassuring smile.

"Ginny Weasley," Rachel said in exasperation. "She was the captain of the Gryffindor team last year." Paul looked at Harry for confirmation and Harry nodded. Rachel gave Paul a smug look.

"Anyway, she's got a match coming up in a few weeks and I was wondering if you all would like to go," Harry said.

"Really?" Paul asked excitedly.

"Sure," Harry said. "I always get a box, so there will be plenty of room."

"That would be brilliant," Rachel said. "Do you think the Headmistress would let us?"

"I think I can talk her into it," Harry said with a smirk. Will was sitting quietly, watching the conversation.

"Will, how about you?" Hermione asked. He looked at his mother.

"Can I?"

"Of course, sweetheart," Caroline said, looking a little teary-eyed. Will's grinned widely.

"Mummy, I don't like Quidditch," Rebecca said with a pout. Paul rolled his eyes and shook his head. Hermione distinctly heard the word 'mental' muttered under his breath. She bit her lip to keep from laughing.

"Maybe you and I will just stay home," Caroline said. Rebecca's eyes lit up and she hugged her mother tightly. "If that's all right with Harry and Hermione."

"Of course," they both said at the same time. Harry chuckled.

"We'd be happy to take them," Hermione assured her. She checked her watch. "We had better be going, Harry."

"I'll owl you with the details and don't worry, I'll talk to Professor McGonagall," Harry told Caroline.

"Thank you," she said.

They all said their good-byes and Will and Caroline walked with them to the front door. Hermione gave him one more hug before she and Harry walked outside.

"You'll come back, right?" Will said. "Before Quidditch?"

"I will," Hermione promised. He smiled and Caroline put an arm around his shoulders. Hermione and Harry moved past the Anti-Apparition wards Harry had put up.

"I'm just going to go home, Harry," Hermione said. "Let Ginny know she can come over, will you? She and I were going to talk this afternoon."

"You all right?" Harry asked in concern. Hermione nodded.

"Just girl stuff," she said. Harry looked a bit uncomfortable and Hermione couldn't help but laugh. She grinned at him and Disapparated.

Hermione was just coming in from the kitchen with a pot of tea when Ginny came through the Floo. She siphoned the ash off her clothes and joined Hermione on the couch. Hermione prepared the tea and handed Ginny her cup before the redhead said anything.

"Are you going to tell me what's got you so upset?" Ginny asked.

"Are you going to explain to me why you pulled that stunt at Grimmauld Place a few weeks ago?" Hermione returned.

"What stunt?" Ginny asked, looking innocent.

"I think you know," Hermione said.

"I'm sure I don't." Hermione sighed in exasperation.

"Having me come over to mind Teddy because you had to get back for practice and no one else was available," Hermione said. "Ring a bell?"

"Hm, maybe," Ginny said. "But I don't know why you think it was a stunt."

"It was obvious by Remus' reaction when he got there that you hadn't even tried to contact him before you called me."

"I didn't?" Ginny replied, brow furrowing in confusion. "I thought sure I had."

"Ginevra Weasley you are impossible!" Hermione exclaimed. Ginny smirked. "Did you even have to go back to Wales?"

"Yes, actually," Ginny said. "Gwenog called an early meeting."

"But you didn't try to Floo Remus?"

"If he says I didn't, then I guess I forgot." She shrugged.

"Right," Hermione said, rolling her eyes. She sipped at her tea and ignored Ginny's look of anticipation.

"Well, are you going to tell me what happened?"

"Nothing happened," Hermione said. Ginny's eyes narrowed as she studied her friend.

"You're lying," she finally said. Hermione shook her head in exasperation.

"How do you do that?" she demanded. Ginny shrugged a shoulder.

"It's a gift."

"Fine, we had a…moment, but nothing came of it."

"What do you mean, 'a moment'?" Hermione sighed again.

"Teddy's toys fell out of his bag and we both reached for the same one. It was…I thought that he might kiss me, but then Teddy woke up." Ginny sighed.

"The two of you need to be alone together, without Teddy," Ginny said. Hermione averted her eyes, which Ginny immediately picked up on. "You have been alone together? When was this?"

"Not alone, exactly. Remus showed up at Grimmauld when I was there with Will," Hermione finally said. "He came looking for one of Teddy's toys. Kreacher told him I was there with someone and before I could explain, he jumped to conclusions."

"What conclusions?" Ginny asked. Hermione gave her a look and Ginny's eyes widened. "What did you do?"

"I was angry, so I just grabbed his arm to take him to the sitting room. I was going to introduce Will and explain, but Remus stopped before we got to the stairs. When I looked at him, he looked so jealous, I just didn't even think about it."

"Think about what?" Ginny asked, but the widening smile on her face led Hermione to suspect that she already knew.

"I kissed him," Hermione said.

"And he kissed you back, didn't he?"

"Yes," Hermione nearly whispered.

"I knew it!" Ginny exclaimed.

"No, Gin, it's not," Hermione shook her head. "It's not like that."

"What do you mean it's 'not like that'?" Ginny demanded. "You kissed him, he kissed you back, what is it like?"

"I talked to him last night," Hermione replied, growing quieter. "He told me that it would be a mistake for us to be together."

"For fuck's sake, why?" Hermione shrugged.

"The usual reasons. But now he's got Teddy too."

"What about Teddy?"

"Remus has to protect him, doesn't he?" Hermione said. "If things didn't work out between us, he wouldn't want Teddy to suffer for it."

"How could Remus even think that you would cut Teddy out?" Ginny sounded completely incensed. "You would never do that!"

"I know," Hermione replied. "But think about how awkward it would be." Hermione wasn't sure why she was repeating Remus' arguments, when she hadn't agreed with them in the first place.

"Rubbish," Ginny said. "It's not like there wouldn't be ways around that. You could see Teddy when he's with Harry. And besides, who says that things wouldn't work out between the two of you?"

"I just, it doesn't matter," Hermione said. "Remus has made his feelings perfectly clear."

"Well, that much is true," Ginny said. Hermione looked up at her in confusion and saw the smirk on her face. "He has made his feelings known."

"Not in so many words," Hermione replied.

"He didn't have to," Ginny said. "He was jealous when he thought you were at Grimmauld with another man and he kissed you back. And when he was telling you all these reasons that the two of you shouldn't be together, did he ever say it was because he didn't fancy you?"

"No."

"Well, then, now we just have to decide what your next move is going to be," Ginny said. She began to spin various scenarios, but Hermione wasn't really listening. The truth was, the more she thought about everything that had happened, the sadder she became.

"So, which do you think?" Ginny asked.

"What?" Ginny cocked her head.

"You haven't been listening, have you?"

"I'm sorry, Gin, I just," Hermione shook her head and pulled in a breath. "I don't think I'm going to do anything."

"What? Why?"

"Because there doesn't seem to be much point. Even knowing that we have feelings for each other, he still doesn't want to pursue anything. I can argue his reasons until I'm blue in the face, but that's not going to change how he feels. If something is going to happen between us, I don't want it to be because I wore him down or everyone else meddled or he just gave in. I want him to want it."

"It sounds like he already wants it, he just won't let himself have it."

"Regardless, I'm not going to chase after him," Hermione said. "A girl can only take so much rejection." She tried to smile at Ginny and failed miserably. Ginny moved towards her on the couch and put an arm around her.

"We'll figure this out, Hermione."

"I think it's better if I just forget about it. Promise me you're not going to do anything to try and force us together.

"Hermione-" Ginny began, but Hermione shook her head.

"Promise me, Ginny." Ginny sighed.

"Fine, I promise."

"Thank you." Hermione let her head fall to rest on Ginny's shoulder and the two of them sat in silence while Hermione tried to convince herself that this was for the best.

"I'd really like it if you'd be there," Harry said from the Floo. Remus bit back a sigh. He and Andromeda had an open invitation to the weekly Weasley dinner on Sundays and they had attended a few times in the last year. But Remus was sure that Hermione was going to be there and after their talk the night before, Remus wasn't ready to see her just yet. But Harry was nearly begging him to come.

"What's this about, Harry?" Remus asked, wondering if this was more meddling from Ginny.

"I just really want my whole family to be there tomorrow," Harry said. "It's important." Remus felt a lump form in his throat when Harry called him family. It was what they were, Remus had always felt the same, but it was the first time Harry had said it aloud.

Remus studied Harry's face and he looked so earnest; Remus couldn't refuse. Somehow, he didn't think this was another attempt to force him and Hermione together.

"All right, we'll be there," Remus said. Harry grinned widely.

"Thanks, Remus. I'll see you at five." Remus nodded and Harry disappeared.

13 February 2000

Hermione arrived at the Burrow at four. She had gotten into the habit of helping Molly and Ginny in the kitchen before Sunday dinners. Hermione had often helped her parents prepare meals growing up, as they tended to take turns cooking, and didn't realize how much she had missed it.

When Hermione walked into the house, however, Molly was alone in the kitchen.

"Hi, Molly."

"Oh, hello, dear," Molly replied, busy setting carrots and potatoes to chopping. She wiped her hands on her apron and then gave Hermione a hug. Hermione held the embrace a bit longer than she normally did and when Molly pulled back, she looked concerned. She put a hand on Hermione's cheek.

"Are you all right?" Hermione barely managed to keep the tears at bay.

"I'm fine." Molly studied her for a few more seconds before patting her cheek gently.

"Ron and Harry told us all about that mess at the Ministry last week." Molly clucked her tongue. "Absolutely ridiculous, trying to arrest you." Hermione smiled.

"Technically, I did break the rules."

"Well, who wouldn't have? Honestly, treating a child that way." She huffed. "I'm glad you got him away from all that."

"So am I," Hermione said. She looked around the kitchen. "What can I do?" Molly immediately began giving instructions and Hermione set to work putting together the salad.

"Where's Ginny?" she asked after a few minutes of chatting.

"Harry swept her off somewhere," Molly said. "Told us they wouldn't be back until five." Hermione immediately dropped her head to hide her grin. He must be asking her today!

"You should have called me; I would have come over earlier to help."

"Oh, it's no trouble, dear, I've been doing this for many years, you know." She winked and Hermione laughed before returning to her task.

The rest of the family slowly began to trickle in starting around half four. Everyone stopped in the kitchen to say hello to Hermione and Molly. Fleur joined them to help for a bit before Molly insisted she get off her feet.

"She ees as bad as Bill," Fleur muttered to Hermione. "I am pregnant, not an invaleed." Hermione stifled a laugh. Fleur looked even more beautiful than usual, if that were possible. She definitely had that pregnancy glow about her. In fact, when Ron came into the kitchen his eyes glazed over like they used to in fourth year. Hermione hit him in the back of the head and Fleur sighed.

"It ees ze 'ormones," she said. "I cannot 'elp it."

"Sorry," Ron said sheepishly before heading into the living room.

Hermione glanced up at the clock and saw that it was nearly five. She grinned in spite of herself, excited to see everyone's reaction to Harry and Ginny's news.

"Hello, Molly," a voice said, and Hermione whipped around to see Andromeda coming into the kitchen.

"Andromeda, I'm so glad you could make it," Molly replied, giving the other woman a hug. Hermione swallowed. If Andromeda was here, that meant Remus was likely here as well. Of course, Harry would have wanted them to be here the night he announced his engagement.

"Hermione, how are you?" Andromeda asked.

"I'm, I'm fine," Hermione said, giving her a weak smile. Andromeda looked at her in concern, but Hermione turned quickly to Molly.

"What else can I do?" she asked.

"Nothing," Molly said as she looked around the kitchen. "Everything is finished. We'll just wait on Harry and Ginny and then I'll get it all on the table. Go and enjoy yourself." Molly turned back to Andromeda.

Hermione washed her hands as slowly as she could. She knew that Remus would be in the living room along with everyone else. Hermione remembered what she had said to Ginny and decided that she needed to follow through on it. She wasn't going to try to force him. Squaring her shoulders, she walked out of the kitchen and into the living room.

Remus sensed the moment Hermione stepped into the room. He forced himself to continue his conversation with Bill and not look her way. His son, however, had no such compunction.

"My-nee!" the little boy called, running towards her as fast as his chubby legs could carry him. "My-nee pay." Hermione laughed.

"Of course, I'll play with you, Teddy," she said, following Teddy to the corner of the living room. Remus watched as Teddy began to dig through the basket of toys that Molly had brought down from the attic, one of his ever-present dragons held tightly in his other hand.

Remus turned his attention back to Bill and tried not to let his eyes wander to the corner. At Teddy's giggle, however, he couldn't help but look. Hermione had built an entire city of blocks over which all of Teddy's dragons were flying, along with a small stuffed hippogriff. Hermione had shrunk Teddy's stuffed wolf, dog and deer and they were currently chasing each other through the city of blocks. She was holding the charm on the hippogriff while still making the wolf, dog and deer run. Remus couldn't help but stare.

"Fancy bit of magic," Bill said with a grin, seeing where Remus' attention had been drawn. Hermione looked up at the two men and smiled before she turned her attention back to Teddy who had grabbed Padfoot from the ground, the wolf and the deer still chasing each other. Remus continued to watch the two of them as Teddy gave Hermione Padfoot. Hermione kissed the dog's nose and then gave it back to Teddy. Remus watched his son follow suit and then giggle.

"Remind me to call Hermione if Fleur and I ever need someone to watch the baby," Bill said with a chuckle.

"Yes, she is quite good with Teddy," Remus said fondly. He watched them for a few moments longer before turning his attention back to Bill. The younger man was looking at him a bit strangely. Remus swore in his head, realizing he had been too obvious. He was going to have to get his feelings under control. He changed the subject to Gringotts and studiously ignored Hermione.

"I don't understand why I can't start getting the food on the table," Molly said a few minutes later. Remus looked up to see Harry and Ginny ushering her into the living room. "You're late."

"I'm sorry, Molly, this is just going to take a minute." Remus watched the scene in confusion. He glanced at Hermione and saw she was watching Harry and Ginny excitedly, anticipation shining in her eyes. And then Remus understood. He hid a grin as Harry turned to everyone gathered in the living room.

"Today, Ginny and I, that is, I wanted, erm," Harry rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"We're engaged!" Ginny announced, and Harry turned to her, his expression part exasperation that she had just blurted it out and adoration at her having accepted his proposal. There was silence for a split-second and then pandemonium as everyone cheered and Harry and Ginny were surrounded by family wanting to hug them. Remus stepped forward to offer his own congratulations and Hermione appeared at his side, holding Teddy.

He shifted nervously, although she didn't seem to be paying him any attention, trying to explain the excitement to Teddy instead. Teddy, of course, had no idea what was going on, but was feeding off everyone else's enthusiasm, clapping his hands and laughing. His hair was cycling through colors quickly, as it usually did when he was excited.

Remus watched as the two of them reached Harry and Ginny. Harry took Teddy and threw him up into the air while Hermione hugged Ginny and then exclaimed over the ring. Then, Harry handed Teddy off to Ginny and she rubbed noses with him, while Hermione hugged Harry tightly. She had tears in her eyes when she pulled away.

"I'm so happy for both of you," Hermione said as Remus approached.

"Daddy!" Teddy shrieked with a giggle when Ginny tickled his sides.

"Congratulations," Remus said, leaning forward to kiss Ginny's cheek. He held out a hand to Harry who ignored it and pulled Remus into a hug instead. Hermione was smiling at both of them when they separated. Her eyes were still bright with unshed tears of happiness and Remus lost his breath for a moment. It wasn't until he was accidentally jostled by George that he looked away from her and took a step back.

Busying himself with taking Teddy from Ginny's arms as Molly called them all to the table, Remus didn't look at Hermione again. As he washed Teddy's hands, Remus realized that it was going to be much harder than he thought to get over her.

Before Hermione could follow the rest of the family to the kitchen table, Ginny grabbed her arm and pulled her aside.

"Did you see that?" Ginny demanded quietly so no one would overhear.

"See what?" Hermione asked, although she was well aware of what Ginny was talking about.

"That look Remus gave you just now."

"Oh, that."

"Yes, that," Ginny said in exasperation.

"I did, but it doesn't change anything," Hermione said with a shrug.

"How can you say that?"

"Because we've already established he has feelings for me. He just refuses to act on them."

"That was some look, Hermione."

"It still doesn't change anything." Ginny sighed.

"If you would just-" but Hermione shook her head to interrupt.

"I told you, I'm not going to do that. Just let it go."

"Fine," Ginny pouted.

"We'd better get to the table, I'm sure someone wants to make a toast." Ginny grinned, glancing down at the ring on her finger. She looped an arm through Hermione's and the two of them made their way to the table.

Hermione sat down next to Ginny, Ron on the other side of her. When Arthur stood to make a toast, Hermione looked up to face him and she could see Remus from the corner of her eye. Although he appeared to be paying attention to what Arthur was saying, Hermione could see his eyes shift towards her every few seconds.

What Ginny had said was true. Hermione had seen the heat in his look after she had congratulated her friends. She hadn't been lying to Ginny when she told her she wasn't going to chase after Remus. But after seeing his reactions to her today, perhaps there was a bit of hope. Being his friend wasn't chasing after him after all. Hermione hid a smile. She would just have to see what happened.