A/N - Hello all! I have to say, I quite enjoyed reading all of your reviews for the last chapter as most were some variation of "Finally" or delighted squealing. :) Both equally appropriate! Honestly, I am just as surprised as the rest of you that it took forty-eight chapters to get to this point.

Thanks so much for reading and continuing to review! I love hearing what you think.

Chapter 49

Talk

10 March 2000

"I'll take care of that," Andromeda said. "It is your birthday." Remus waved his wand to send the glasses to the sink.

"I don't mind helping," he said. The party had finally wound down, everyone going home about twenty minutes ago.

"Did Hermione ever find you?" Andromeda asked, her back to him.

"Ah, yes, yes she did." Remus tried to keep the color from his face. It wasn't that he didn't want Andromeda to know what had happened between him and Hermione. He just wanted to speak with Hermione about everything first.

"Was everything all right?" Andromeda asked. "She looked a bit…unhappy when I spoke with her." She turned towards him and he looked away from her, pretending he was searching for more glasses.

"Yes, everything was fine," he said. "She was just a bit tired, I think."

"Mm," Andromeda said noncommittally. Remus chanced a glance at her from the corner of his eye. She was looking around the room, checking for anything else out of place. "I suppose we have gotten it all."

"Thank you, again, for the party," Remus said. "It wasn't necessary."

"Ah, that is exactly the reason to do it then, is it not?" She smiled as Remus chuckled.

"I suppose so. Do you have any plans for tomorrow?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

"No." Remus nodded.

"I need to speak with Hermione in the afternoon. I'll wait until Teddy is napping."

"Oh?" Andromeda said. "What about?" Remus turned towards the table they had set all the drinks on, wishing there was something there to occupy him. He settled for waving his wand and sending it back to the opposite side of the room where it usually sat.

"Something about her werewolf proposal, I believe. She really didn't give me too many details."

"I see," Andromeda said. Remus could almost feel her smirk. "Well, I suppose you had better see her then."

"I shouldn't be long." He turned back to his mother-in-law, who simply smiled at him with a knowing look in her eye.

"Take all the time you need." Remus didn't respond for a moment, then gave her a tight smile.

"I think I'll head up to bed." Andromeda nodded, the smile still on her face.

"Happy Birthday, Remus."

11 March 2000

Hermione lay in bed, smile on her face. After she had left Remus last night, she hadn't been able to keep the grin off her face and she wondered if she had been smiling the entire time she'd been asleep. Of course, the dreams she'd had likely helped with that.

She glanced at the clock and was surprised to see that it was nearly nine. She normally didn't sleep this late, even on the weekend. She vaguely remembered Crookshanks coming in to bother her before it was even light out, but she had pulled the blankets up over her head and ignored him. He must not have been too persistent if she had been able to drift off again so quickly.

She couldn't deny that as happy as she was, she was still a bit nervous about talking with Remus later today. He had a habit of talking himself out of things if given the opportunity. Still, he had admitted to her that he didn't want to run away anymore. He had never even hinted at that before.

Hermione wondered what had changed his mind. She got the feeling that his concerns about Teddy were likely settled after what had happened with the Floo. And it was looking like he might have a job in the fall. But his other reasons still existed. There was nothing Hermione could do about the fact that he was a werewolf or that he was older than she was. She had no control of what other people thought of their relationship either.

Biting her lip, Hermione wished that she had stayed at the party just a bit longer. She had given Remus quite a lot of time to think about things and reconsider. And he wasn't going to be here until at least half twelve. That was plenty of time to change his mind.

Huffing at herself for getting worked up, she threw off the blankets and climbed out of bed. Lying here worrying about it wasn't going to do her any good. She padded downstairs and fed Crookshanks his breakfast, who was most disgruntled at the late hour. Hermione made herself some tea and toast, stomach doing too many flips to allow for anything else.

She was going to need a distraction if she intended to make it through the morning without driving herself completely mad. She glanced around the kitchen. While she usually kept everything clean with magic, it had been quite some time since she had given the kitchen a good scrubbing the Muggle way. Cleaning would give her plenty to do without really have to concentrate too much. She was sure that her thoughts were going to be wandering quite a bit today.

Decided, Hermione went upstairs to put on some sweatpants and a t-shirt, then set to work in the kitchen.

"Hermione?" a voice called from the living room. Hermione swore. She had forgotten that Ginny told her she would come over to talk today. It wasn't that Hermione didn't want to tell her friend about what had happened with Remus, but she wanted to speak with him first before she told anyone. Biting her lip, Hermione wasn't sure if she was going to be able to hide it from Ginny. The woman had inherited her mother's ability to ferret out the truth with a simple look. Sighing, Hermione set down her rag and walked into the living room.

"Hey, Gin," she said. Ginny looked up at her.

"Oh, Merlin, it's worse than I thought," the redhead muttered, taking in Hermione's sweatpants and the rubber gloves she was wearing.

"Sorry?" Hermione said in confusion.

"You're cleaning," Ginny said. "Without magic."

"Oh, well, yes, the kitchen needed a good scrub."

"I'm coming through," Ginny said.

"No, Ginny," Hermione began, but Ginny had already pulled her head from the fire. Hermione sighed again as the Floo flared and Ginny stepped out.

"Are you all right?" she asked, then shook her head. "No, of course, you're not."

"I'm fine, Ginny." Ginny looked at her incredulously.

"Hermione, you're wearing those glove things," Ginny said. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Because I'm cleaning the cooker," she said. "They're to protect my skin."

"Or, you could just use magic and not have to worry about your skin at all."

"You know I like to do things the Muggle way sometimes," Hermione defended.

"Yes, when you're stressed or worried or upset," Ginny replied. "Otherwise, you use magic."

"Not always," Hermione grumbled. Ginny gave her an exasperated look.

"Yes, always."

"All right, fine," Hermione finally said. "But I don't want to talk about it." Ginny looked surprised.

"You don't?"

"Not now," Hermione said.

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

"Please, Gin."

"All right," Ginny finally agreed. "But come over to Grimmauld at least. You shouldn't be by yourself."

"I'm a mess, Ginny," Hermione said.

"So," Ginny said. "Take a shower and come over. I'll wait."

"I have to finish the kitchen."

"Just finish it with magic, Hermione."

"No, I, I just want to do it this way." Ginny narrowed her eyes and studied her.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing," Hermione insisted. Ginny's eyes narrowed further. Hermione tried to keep a neutral look on her face.

"I think you're lying," Ginny said. "But I don't know why you would. I know you're upset about last night. You don't have to pretend." Hermione looked away, trying to keep the smile off her face.

"I just want to be by myself for a while," she said, looking at the ground. There was no way she could meet Ginny's eye. She would give it away in an instant.

"Hermione," Ginny said, much more softly. "You don't have to do this alone." She stepped forward and glanced at the gloves on Hermione's hands. Ginny made a face, but hugged Hermione anyway. Hermione bit her lip to keep from laughing. She hugged Ginny with her elbows, keeping her hands away from Ginny's back.

"I know," Hermione said. "And I will talk to you about it, but I just, I need some time first. Okay?"

"All right," Ginny agreed, stepping back. "I don't like it, but I'm not going to force you. We'll be at Grimmauld all day, so just come over if you want. Or call if you'd rather talk here without Harry around."

"I will," Hermione assured her. Ginny looked at her for another few moments.

"Are you sure there's not something else going on?"

"No," Hermione said. Ginny's gaze didn't waver. Hermione tried not to fidget. Ginny finally nodded and turned back to the Floo. Hermione breathed a silent sigh of relief but had to quickly force a smile again when Ginny looked back over her shoulder.

"Bye, Gin," Hermione said. Ginny shook her head, clearly still suspecting something, but waved and stepped into the flames all the same. When she had gone, Hermione sat down on the couch and blew out a breath. Remus couldn't get here soon enough.

Hermione stood in front of her wardrobe shifting from foot to foot. She had finished cleaning the kitchen and then done the bathroom as well. She had showered and now she was trying to decide what to wear.

She was being ridiculous. It's not like Remus was expecting her to primp and dress up just to have a talk. She finally pulled on her nicest pair of jeans and a blue top that could have been dressier if she'd worn it with trousers or a skirt. After staring at herself in the mirror for a few minutes, she took off the top. It looked like she was trying too hard. She made sure the glamour on her arm was in place before she put on one of her nicer jumpers and made her way back downstairs.

It was nearly half twelve, but Hermione didn't know exactly when Remus would get here. She probably should eat something, but the butterflies in her stomach wouldn't let her. Instead, she made more tea, if only to have something to do while she was waiting. Since Remus hadn't arrived when the tea was finished, she put the kettle under a warming charm.

Hermione settled on the couch and tried to read, but after reading the same paragraph for the fourth time and not remembering any of it, she sighed and gave up. She began to chew on her lip as she stared at the Floo, willing Remus to come through.

Glancing at the clock on the mantel, she saw that it was after one o'clock. Maybe he had changed his mind and he wasn't coming. Her stomach flipped at the thought. But no, he wouldn't do that to her. He would at least call and tell her.

She got up and began to pace. What if something else had happened and someone was hurt? What if something had happened to Teddy? Oh gods, what if they were on the way to St. Mungo's right now? Hermione ran to the fireplace and grabbed the Floo powder, jumping when the flames turned green before she could throw the powder in. Remus' face appeared in the flames.

"Hermione?" he questioned. Hermione stared at him for a moment, unable to answer. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest. She forced herself to take a breath.

"Remus," she said. "Hi."

"Are you all right?" he asked in concern.

"Yes, I, I'm fine," she said. He didn't look convinced.

"Is it all right if I come through, then?"

"Yes, yes of course," she said. Remus' head disappeared from the Floo.

Get a grip, Hermione, she thought to herself even as Remus stepped out of the Floo. She gave him a tentative smile that he returned.

"Hi," she said again, feeling incredibly nervous for some reason.

"Hello," he replied, putting his hands in the pockets of his trousers. His eyes flicked away from her for a moment before they returned. Neither of them said anything, just stood there staring at each other uncertainly.

"Um, would you…like some tea?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, that would," he cleared his throat. "That would be nice, thank you." She nodded and moved into the kitchen.

For Merlin's sake! she huffed at herself. She was being utterly ridiculous. It was just Remus. Except there was no 'just' about it. It was Remus and he was here to discuss their relationship. Oh, Merlin. She bent over the counter and tried to take a few deep breaths to calm herself.

Remus cursed himself in his head after Hermione had gone into the kitchen. He was acting like an idiot. Last night, he had snogged the woman in his house while his friends and family were downstairs and now he was nervous? He was forty years old, for fuck's sake. Not some teenager that was out on his first date.

Still, it was Hermione. He had been pushing her away for months and now they were going to talk about their relationship. Shite, he needed to sit down.

He sunk down onto the couch, taking a few deep breaths and trying to force himself to calm down.

Hermione returned from the kitchen, carrying the tray with the tea things. He stood as she came in and she gave him a small smile before setting the tray on the coffee table. He sat back down on the couch and Hermione joined him, although there was still quite a bit of space between them.

Hermione picked up the teapot to pour the tea and Remus saw that her hands were shaking. She gripped the handle tighter, but it didn't seem to matter. Setting the pot down, she shook out her hand and then picked it up again. Her hand was still shaking and she bit her lip. It looked like she was about to cry.

Remus reached over and covered her hand with his, stilling the teapot. She looked up at him as he guided her hand to set the teapot back on the tray. Then he picked it up himself and began to pour.

"I'm sorry," she said shaking her head.

"Whatever for?" he asked.

"I don't, I'm just," she trailed off, shaking her head again. He stared at her for a moment and then looked back to the tray. Hermione took her teacup and added a bit of sugar and cream, then stirred the tea idly. Her hand was still shaking a bit.

Say something you tosser!

"Hermione, I," he began, but trailed off just as quickly when she looked up at him. He opened his mouth again, but nothing came out and he closed it. She looked away, biting her lip again. Well, this was just getting ridiculous.

"Hermione," he said again. She turned towards him and he took her hand in his, giving it a squeeze. She exhaled and blushed. She gave him a shaky smile.

"I don't know why I'm so nervous," she said with a breathy laugh. She brought her free hand to her face and pressed it against her cheek as if trying to cover her blush.

"No more than I am." She looked at him in surprise and then she began to laugh. He held onto his composure for a few more seconds before he joined in. They laughed loudly for several minutes.

"Oh, gods" she said trying to catch her breath, arm wrapped around her stomach. He had finally stopped, but the grin wouldn't leave his face. "What is wrong with us?"

"I'm not sure," he said with one last chuckle. She finally composed herself and looked over at him.

"I'm glad you changed your mind." He smiled at her, blushing slightly.

"I have to ask," he said. "Are you, are you sure about this?"

"Of course, I am," she said, sounding a bit exasperated.

"I don't mean to upset you," he said, reaching for her hand and clasping it between both of his. "But, Hermione, I want you to think about this. There will be talk, likely lots of it. I know that you have ambitions within the Ministry and I don't want to be the cause of you not being able to accomplish everything you want to do." She gave him another one of those sweet smiles before she put her free hand on top of his.

"I've told you before that none of that matters to me. And as far as my job, all the success in the world isn't worth anything if I don't have anyone to share it with." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. "And, Remus, you've got to stop that. You're a war hero. You were awarded the Order of Merlin. Anyone would be lucky to be with you."

"We both know that awards mean nothing when minds have already been made up. I am still a werewolf, Hermione."

"And I'm a Muggle-born," Hermione countered. "For all you know, being with me, could hold you back." She smirked at him and he chuckled. She moved closer. "I don't care what anyone else has to say about it. You're the one I want." He looked down at her and couldn't believe how lucky he was. Smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her again.

Hermione leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his neck. They snogged on her couch until she was practically in his lap. When he finally had to pull away to breathe, she looked up at him and blushed, moving away from him slightly. He turned and picked up his tea, taking a sip to calm himself before sitting back again. She had tucked her legs up under her and turned to face him, elbow propped on the back of the couch.

"What did make you change your mind?" she asked.

"It wasn't any one thing," he replied. "I suppose I began to realize that some of my reasons for staying away weren't valid, really. I was foolish to think that you would ever stop spending time with Teddy." Hermione took hold of his free hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I need to apologize for that," he continued. "And for the way that I've treated you these last couple of months."

"You haven't-" she began, but he shook his head to stop her.

"I have," he replied. "It wasn't fair to you, the way that I acted."

"It's all right, Remus," she said. She looked down at their clasped hands. "Even though I never agreed with your reasons, I did understand why you felt the way you did." She paused and met his gaze. "Just don't change your mind again." She looked so serious, that Remus knew that if he did, he wouldn't get another chance. He nodded in understanding.

"Any other reasons?" she asked, leaning her head into her hand that was resting on the back of the couch.

"Well, there was the matter of the talking-to I received."

"Talking-to?"

"Yes, Andromeda was quite adamant that I was being particularly daft." Hermione sat up quickly, dropping his hand, her eyes wide.

"Andromeda knows?" Remus chuckled.

"Apparently, we were not as surreptitious about the way we looked at each other as we thought we were. She figured it out quite some time ago."

"And she, she wasn't upset?"

"No," Remus said, brow furrowing. "What's the matter, Hermione?"

"It's just that, well," she bit her lip and looked up at him from under her lashes. He reached forward and gently pulled her lip from her teeth. He gave her a smile, but she still looked unsure.

"She likes you very much," he said.

"I know, but…Tonks was her daughter."

"Ah," Remus said, realizing the reason for Hermione's worry. He felt a flash of guilt. Dora hadn't even been gone for two years and here he was, already trying to move on. He pushed it away, however. Remus knew that Andromeda was right in that Dora would have wanted him to be happy. He cleared his throat to get a handle on his emotions and took hold of Hermione's hand again.

"Dora would have wanted me to move on and be happy, as I would have wanted for her. Andromeda knows this and feels the same."

"Are you sure Andromeda is all right with all this? Because I know that the two of you are close and I wouldn't want to cause problems between you." Remus squeezed her hand in his.

"She essentially told me that I was being tedious by continuing to deny my feelings for you." Hermione laughed at that and Remus smiled. She leaned back against the couch with a smile, her apprehension forgotten. Remus threaded their fingers together, content to just sit and be close to her. Hermione seemed to feel the same way as she moved a bit closer to him, her knees resting against the edge of his thigh.

"Do you suppose anyone else knows?" she wondered.

"Besides Ginny?" he replied. Hermione sat up again, another look of shock on her face.

"How did you know about Ginny?" He chuckled.

"I've suspected for quite some time, but she only confirmed it for me the other day." Hermione's eyes narrowed.

"What did she say?"

"Only that I was on the verge of losing you and she said, and I quote, 'don't be stupid'." Hermione scowled.

"I told her not to meddle."

"Ah, yes, I'm guessing she set up our encounter at Grimmauld Place in January?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "And I told her off for it. She promised me she wasn't going to interfere again."

"Don't be too angry with her," he said. "It was me remembering what she said that gave me that last push to stop you last night."

"Don't ever tell her that," Hermione said immediately. "She'll never let us forget it." He laughed. "Although, she's going to suspect anyway and be just as insufferable about it." Hermione huffed. Remus smiled and reached up to tuck a wayward curl behind her ear. Hermione leaned into his hand slightly and he let it slide down to her neck, pulling her gently forward to kiss her again.

"In answer to your question," Remus said once they had parted. "No, I don't think anyone else knows. Unless Ginny has told Harry?"

"No," Hermione said, with a shake of her head. "Harry would have said something. And I swore Gin to secrecy." Remus nodded.

"Would you," he paused and cleared his throat. "Do you want to tell Harry?" He wasn't so sure he wanted to tell the man yet. It wasn't that Remus was ashamed of Hermione, far from it. He knew, though, that Harry's approval would be very important to her. Remus just wanted a bit more time for the two of them to establish being a couple before they started telling everyone and possibly being rejected.

"Yes," she said. Remus bit back a sigh. "But not yet."

"Not yet?" he repeated, surprised.

"No," Hermione said. "I just, I want to…enjoy this for a bit before we get everyone else involved." She looked up at him. "Does that make me sound selfish?"

"Not at all," he said, rather relieved. "I feel the same way, to be honest."

"You do?" she asked, sitting up straighter now. He nodded. "Why didn't you just tell me that you didn't want to tell Harry then?"

"I didn't want you to think that I was ashamed of you." Hermione looked horrified.

"You don't think that I'm ashamed of you, do you?" He chuckled.

"No, of course not," he said. "As I said, I understand your reasons. Besides, I don't want to have to start defending our decision to everyone just yet."

"We shouldn't have to defend it to anyone. It's none of their business, after all," she insisted. Remus smiled. He wished he had the ability to not worry about what anyone thought of him. Actually, he didn't care what anyone thought of him, but he wanted to protect Hermione.

"While that may be true, I don't think that you want to have to cut anyone out of your life," he said. Hermione shrugged.

"If they're that close-minded about it, then I don't need them in my life anyway." Remus admired her bravado, but he knew she would want her parents' approval, along with Harry's and likely Ron's, perhaps even Molly's. All Remus worried about was Andromeda and Harry. Andromeda had made her position clear and with Ginny's support, Remus didn't think it likely that Harry would take long to come around. He had no idea about everyone else, however.

"I don't think I'll be able to keep it from Ginny, though," Hermione continued. "I talked to her this morning and she already suspects something. She's like a Niffler after treasure when it comes to finding out the truth." Hermione rolled her eyes and Remus chuckled.

"Yes, she does seem to be able to pick up on just about anything," he agreed. "I don't mind if Ginny knows. Do you think she'll mind keeping it from Harry?" Hermione chewed on her lip again and Remus once again pulled it gently from her teeth. She smiled sheepishly at him.

"I'm not sure," Hermione said. "She hasn't seemed to have a problem keeping the fact that I had feelings for you from him, but now that we've decided to go ahead with things, I don't know. I suppose if she does, we'll have to discuss it then?"

"Of course," he said. Hermione nodded. They sat in silence for a few moments. Just as it was starting to get awkward, Remus spoke.

"Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" Hermione looked at him in surprise.

"But I thought we weren't telling anyone yet."

"There are plenty of restaurants in Muggle London," he said with a smirk. She blushed.

"Right," she said with a laugh. "I'd love to have dinner with you."

"I'll pick you up at seven?" She nodded.

"I should probably get back," he said. "Teddy will be up from his nap soon and I want to explain to Andromeda before that." But he made no move to leave.

"I thought you said she knew," Hermione said, brow wrinkled in confusion.

"Yes, well, I may have told her that I was coming here to discuss your werewolf law project," he said. Hermione laughed. "I am quite sure that she didn't believe me, however."

"I told Ginny I would come over later," Hermione said. "If I don't, she'll come here looking for me again."

"Then, I suppose I really should leave."

"I suppose you should." She stared up at him for a few moments, before moving the last few inches to kiss him. Remus pulled her into his arms and deepened the kiss. He wasn't sure how long they sat there snogging, but he was gasping when he finally pulled away. He rested his forehead against hers.

"I have to go," he said. He knew if he stayed for one more minute, things would progress further than he thought they should just yet.

"I know," she replied. She didn't sound very convincing. Remus kissed her forehead and forced himself to stand. He walked to the Floo as Hermione stood as well.

"I'll see you in a few hours."

"Give Teddy a hug for me." Remus smiled and nodded, before throwing in the Floo powder. He smiled at her one last time before stepping into the flames and disappearing.

Hermione flopped back onto the couch, smile on her face, after Remus had left. While things had certainly been awkward when he first arrived, their discussion had gone well. She was glad that they were thinking similarly about things. She ran a finger over her lips and smiled.

Hermione really hoped that Ginny would be willing to continue to keep things from Harry, at least for a bit longer. Harry would be shocked; Hermione was quite sure of that. And while he would likely come around, there was a tiny bit of Hermione that was afraid Harry would be upset with her. Despite what she had said to Remus about not caring what other people thought, Hermione wasn't sure if she could lose Harry. He was her best friend, her brother really. The thought of Harry not approving of Remus made Hermione's heart ache.

She shook her head. She wasn't going to think about that right now. She was being silly anyway. Harry loved her and he loved Remus. He would be happy for them; Hermione knew he would.

Glancing at the clock on the mantel, she realized she had better talk to Ginny before the redhead sought her out. Hermione had a few hours before she needed to start getting ready for her date. She grinned at the thought. Perhaps she should have Ginny come here instead of going to Grimmauld. It would be easier for them to talk without having to worry about Harry and Ron overhearing and Hermione could always use a bit of advice about what to wear.

Decided, she stood from the couch and grabbed the Floo powder. She stuck her head in and called out for Grimmauld Place. Harry was the only one in the kitchen when Hermione looked up.

"Hi, Harry," she said.

"Hey, Hermione," Harry replied. "Gin said you might be coming over. Just come through, you know you don't have to call first."

"About that, is Ginny around?" she asked.

"Yes, why?"

"I just need to talk to her for a minute." Harry frowned.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Harry," Hermione said. "I just need to talk to Ginny."

"All right, I'll get her." Harry looked back at her one more time before he climbed the stairs to find his fiancée. Hermione sighed. It was going to be harder to keep things from Harry than she thought.

A few minutes later, Ginny came into the kitchen. Thankfully, Harry wasn't with her.

"Hermione, why don't you just come through?" Ginny asked.

"I was hoping that you could come to mine instead," Hermione said.

"Are you still wearing those glove things?" Ginny asked, wrinkling her nose. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"No, Gin, I'm not cleaning anymore."

"Thank Merlin for small favors."

"Are you coming or not?" Hermione huffed in frustration.

"Yes, just give me a minute. I have to tell Harry."

"All right, I'll see you in a bit." Hermione pulled her head from the fireplace and waited for Ginny to arrive.

Remus stepped out of the fireplace and glanced around the living room. Relieved to find it empty, he let out a breath and ran a hand through his hair. He'd had a very hard time pulling away from Hermione just now and he needed a bit of time to get himself together before the inevitable interrogation from Andromeda.

"I thought I heard the Floo," Andromeda said a few minutes later as she walked into the living room.

"Andromeda," Remus greeted. "Is Teddy still asleep?"

"Yes, he shouldn't be for too much longer though," she replied, smirk on her face. Remus was getting a bit disconcerted at all the smirking she had been doing lately. "So, how did the work on the proposal go?"

"Oh, uh, fine, just fine," Remus said. She nodded, knowing glint in her eye.

"I am sure that Hermione appreciates your…expertise," Andromeda continued, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. Remus' eyes narrowed. Was she teasing him?

"Yes, well, she has had quite a few questions." Andromeda nodded and then sighed, shaking her head at him, although she looked amused.

"Come now, Remus," Andromeda said. "Let's not pretend that I do not know why you went to Hermione's this afternoon." Remus wasn't sure what to say. He didn't think that Andromeda knew what had happened between him and Hermione last night, although she had come into the kitchen while they were still upstairs.

"And why do you think I went there?" he asked, hoping his voice didn't betray anything.

"I assumed it had something to do with the rather giddy expression Hermione had on her face when she left here last night." Remus looked up at her in surprise. "I was in the kitchen when she left."

"Oh," Remus said, unsure what else to say.

"Before she found you, I must say she looked quite sad," Andromeda continued. "It was quite the difference in just a few minutes." She smirked at him again. Remus sighed. He wouldn't have been able to hide it from her anyway, given he was taking Hermione out to dinner this evening.

"I didn't really go over to her house to talk about the werewolf proposal," he finally admitted.

"I never would have guessed," Andromeda said dryly. Remus shook his head and smiled.

"I'm taking her out to dinner tonight," he said. "If that's all right with you."

"Of course, it is," she replied. Remus nodded.

"I, we're going to Muggle London," he said.

"Oh?"

"Yes, we both thought that we might keep this to ourselves for the time being." Andromeda frowned.

"Remus, I hope this is not because you are still having reservations about the woman."

"No, it's not that, not at all," Remus said. "In fact, Hermione was the one that suggested it first. We would both just like a chance to see how things go before we involve everyone else. Not to mention the press. You know we wouldn't be able to go anywhere in Diagon Alley without reporters showing up."

"If that's what you want," Andromeda said, although she still looked a bit concerned.

"It is," Remus replied. "For now, anyway. So, I would appreciate it if you would keep this to yourself."

"All right."

"Thank you." Before Remus could say anything else, Teddy called out. Remus climbed the stairs to his son's room, grateful for the interruption.

Ginny came through the Floo a few minutes later. She joined Hermione on the couch.

"Are you feeling better?" Ginny asked.

"Yes, much," Hermione replied, trying to keep the wide smile from her face.

"What happened?" Ginny demanded.

"Well, Remus was here." Ginny's eyes widened comically.

"You're joking." Hermione shook her head, biting her lip to keep from laughing. "Tell me everything."

Hermione began explaining what had happened at Remus' party the night before. When she finished, Ginny was grinning, her eyes alight with excitement.

"I can't believe it!" she said. "He actually said he didn't want to run anymore?" Hermione nodded. "So, what happened today?"

"We talked about things," Hermione said. "And he's taking me out to dinner tonight."

"Really?" Ginny said. "I'm surprised he wants to go public with it already."

"Oh, we're going out in Muggle London," Hermione clarified. Ginny's brow furrowed. "We're not telling anyone just yet."

"Wait, what?"

"We decided that we want to keep it to ourselves for now," Hermione explained. Ginny frowned.

"You mean he decided?" she said.

"No," Hermione replied. "We both decided. In fact, I was the one that brought it up."

"Why?"

"Because, it's just, new, and we want to have time to ourselves before everyone finds out. And let's face it, people are going to talk," Hermione said. "I don't care what they say about me, but I don't want Remus to be vilified by the press. He might be getting that job at Hogwarts and I don't want some stupid reporter to ruin it for him."

"If he does get that job, he won't start working until the fall. That's nine months from now, Hermione. Are you going to keep it a secret all that time?"

"No, of course not," Hermione said. "I just, we need some time, Ginny."

"Are you expecting me to keep this from Harry?"

"If you really think you need to tell him, then we will," Hermione said. "I don't want to put you in that position. But if you think we can wait, even just a little while, I'd like to."

"You know Harry is going to be okay with this, right?"

"I know, but," Hermione paused and bit her lip.

"Hermione," Ginny said. "He will be."

"What if he's not?" Hermione whispered. She looked at Ginny with tears in her eyes. "He's my best friend, Ginny. I can't, I can't lose him."

"You wouldn't," Ginny assured her, pulling Hermione into a hug. "Harry loves you. He's not going to care who you date, as long as they treat you right."

"Even if the person I want to date was one of his father's best friends?"

"Well, it's probably going to be a bit of shock for him," Ginny admitted. "But he would never abandon you, Hermione. No matter what." Hermione nodded. "I won't say anything to him, but don't wait too long to tell him, yeah?"

"We won't," Hermione promised. "Thanks, Gin."

"Of course," she said, hugging Hermione again. "Now let's talk about the really important stuff. Like what you're going to wear tonight." Hermione laughed and Ginny jumped up from the couch, towing Hermione upstairs to her bedroom.

Remus Apparated into Hermione's back garden instead of coming through the Floo. If they were going out on a date, he should do it properly. He knocked on the back door and waited, shifting nervously. Hermione opened the door, looking a bit surprised at first, then smiling widely.

"Hello, Remus." She stepped back to usher him inside. He took a few moments to look at her. The dress she wore hugged her curves and Remus felt his stomach flip. She had done something to her hair, its normal unruliness tamed to soft curls.

"I wasn't sure where we were going," Hermione said, obviously wondering at his scrutiny. "Is this, am I dressed all right?"

"You look beautiful," Remus said softly. Hermione blushed, but smiled.

"Thank you." He cleared his throat and tried to stop staring at her.

"There's an Apparition spot a few blocks from the restaurant if you don't mind walking a bit," he said.

"I don't mind." She smiled at him again and reached for her cloak.

"Let me," he said, first transfiguring it into a long coat and then helping her slip into it. It wasn't too cold this evening, but Remus cast warming charms on both of them anyway. They stepped outside and he turned to Hermione, holding out his arm. She ignored it, however and moved closer to him, wrapping her arm around his waist. He took her free hand and smiled as he turned.

Hermione laughed as she took another sip of her wine. Despite their initial nervousness, they had been talking and laughing for most of the meal. The food had been excellent and they had shared a dessert, although Remus had eaten most of it. Hermione didn't mind, she knew his penchant for chocolate. He had looked a bit sheepish when he realized that he had eaten more than his share, but Hermione just laughed and leaned over to kiss him.

When the bill arrived, Hermione reached for her handbag to pay for her meal. Remus stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"I invited you," he said.

"But," Hermione began to protest. At Remus' look, however, she acquiesced. The last thing she wanted was to offend him.

Once the bill had been settled, Remus stood and pulled out her chair for her, once again helping her with her coat. He held out his arm to her when they walked outside. Hermione looped her arm through his, huddling a bit closer to him. The wind had picked up and they couldn't very well cast warming charms on themselves here.

They walked towards the alley, not speaking much, just enjoying one another's company. When they reached the Apparition spot, Remus lowered his arm. Hermione figured they would Apparate separately, however, Remus reached out and pulled her to him, kissing her softly before he Disapparated.

When they landed in her back garden, he kissed her again, lingering this time. The kiss soon turned heated, and Remus tangled one hand in her hair as the other moved to her hip, pulling her closer to him. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathing heavily. Hermione rested her head on his shoulder as she spoke.

"Would you like to come in?" Remus blew out a breath.

"I would very much like to come in," he said. "But I don't think I should." She looked up at him and he smiled, brushing the hair back from her face before kissing her one more time. Hermione was surprised to find she was a bit relieved at his answer. Things between them were so new, as much as she wanted it, she wasn't sure that taking it further already was a good idea.

"Are you going to the Weasley dinner tomorrow?" Hermione asked when they had parted again.

"I hadn't thought about it," he admitted. "But I'll speak to Andromeda." She smiled, then frowned. Remus looked at her quizzically.

"We aren't telling anyone," she said. He studied her for a moment.

"Would you like to change your mind about that?" She thought for a moment.

"No," she finally said. "It will just be hard to be near you and not be able to touch you." She pouted a bit and Remus chuckled.

"Maybe I shouldn't come," he teased. "Keep you from your frustration."

"No!" Hermione said immediately and he laughed again. He pulled her closer to him and she sighed in contentment in his embrace. They stood that way for a few minutes before Remus tilted her head up to his and kissed her again.

"I've got to go," he said reluctantly when he broke the kiss.

"I know," she said with a sigh. She gave him one more quick kiss before she stepped out of the circle of his arms.

"I will likely see you tomorrow," he said. She nodded. "Good night, Hermione."

"Good night." He smiled as he turned and disappeared. Hermione sighed happily as she walked into the house, locking the door behind her.