A/N - Hello all! Thanks so much for continuing to read and review!

Chapter 53

Confessions

27 March 2000

Hermione hesitated before she Disapparated. She should go home and wait for Minerva's Floo call or owl, but Hermione knew all she would do was pace and fret. She thought about going to see Remus, but it was Teddy's bedtime and Hermione didn't want to interrupt. Teddy would likely be excited to see her and it would make it that much more difficult for Remus to get him down for the night. Instead, she turned and landed on the top step of Grimmauld Place.

She knocked on the front door despite Harry and Ron's insistence that she just let herself in. While Hermione knew she wouldn't be subject to any amorous displays from Harry and Ginny, as Ginny was in Wales, she had no such guarantees about Ron and Susan. Hermione didn't think Susan was one to be an exhibitionist, but she didn't know the woman all that well.

"Miss," Kreacher said with a bow as he opened the door. "Sir is in the kitchen."

"Harry isn't here?" Hermione asked, knowing that Kreacher referred to Ron as 'sir'.

"Master Harry is working," Kreacher explained as he shut the door.

"Thank you, Kreacher," Hermione said, but the elf had already disappeared. He still hadn't forgiven Hermione for bricking over Mrs. Black's portrait. Hermione made her way to the kitchen, smiling as she saw Ron wolfing down a sandwich.

"'Mione," he said around the mouthful of food, but thankfully swallowed before he spoke again.

"Hi, Ron," she said. Ron stood from the table and gave her a peck on the cheek before sitting back down and returning to his food.

"Want something?" he asked, indicating his sandwich before he took another bite.

"Do you have wine or something?" Ron studied her as he chewed. Then he rose and went to the ice box, pulling out a bottle of ale. He poured it into a glass before he set it in front of her.

"Wasn't your Hogwarts presentation tonight?" he asked. She nodded. "Didn't go well?"

"No, it was fine," she said, taking a sip of the ale. She grimaced slightly; it definitely wasn't her favorite. Ron crossed his arms in front of him and leaned back against the sink, waiting for her to go on.

"It was just…strange," she said.

"Strange how?" Hermione sighed.

"Remember that one board member, Hubert Fawley?"

"The one who didn't want the werewolf class?"

"Yes, well, apparently, he resigned from the board this afternoon." Ron's eyebrows rose.

"Why?"

"I don't know," Hermione admitted. "Minerva said it was for personal reasons."

"Then, I don't understand the problem." Ron said.

"Well, don't you think the timing is a little odd?"

"I suppose," Ron agreed. Hermione fidgeted and took another sip of the ale. "What is it?"

"It's just, a conversation I had with Andromeda after my presentation," Hermione said, biting her lip. "I got the impression that she knew something. Maybe the real reason he resigned."

"Did you ask her about it?" Ron asked.

"Yes, and she said that maybe it was because he realized that things were going to change at Hogwarts and he didn't want to be a part of it."

"Makes sense to me," Ron said.

"I don't know, Ron, I just didn't get that impression from him."

"Hermione, isn't it good for you that he resigned? I mean, he was against your proposal."

"Well, yes, but I," she trailed off and shook her head. Ron returned to the table and sat down.

"You just wanted to be able to convince him that your idea was a good one," Ron said with a smirk.

"No," she said with a sniff. Ron looked at her skeptically. Hermione huffed. "Fine, maybe."

"Or, maybe you just wanted to see his face when the rest of the board voted yes."

"I'm not allowed to stay for the vote," Hermione muttered. Ron laughed. She scowled at him.

"Look, Hermione, I know that you want to bring everyone around to your way of thinking and that's admirable, it is. But it's not realistic. Just be happy he's not there to cause more problems and celebrate that your proposal passed."

"It hasn't passed yet," Hermione reminded him. He snorted.

"Technically." He returned to his sandwich and Hermione smiled fondly at him. She moved to pick up the glass of ale again, made a face and passed it to Ron.

"Sorry, that's all we've got except Firewhiskey," he said. "Want me to send Kreacher out for something?"

"No," Hermione said immediately. She stood from the table and went to the ice box, pulling out a butterbeer instead.

"How's Susan?" she asked. A slight blush creeped up Ron's neck.

"She's good," he said with a small smile. Hermione grinned and she moved back to the table.

"That's all I get?" she teased. Ron looked up at her and shook his head.

"It's just weird talking about this with you." Hermione smiled softly and put a hand on his arm.

"I'm really happy for you, Ron." Ron smiled at her, then reached over and hugged her.

"Thanks, Hermione." He took another huge bite of his sandwich and a swig of ale, then looked at her. "What about you?"

"What about me?" she said, stomach tightening.

"Seeing anyone?"

"Not really," Hermione said, busying herself taking a drink of her butterbeer. She should have never brought up Susan. Hermione should have known it would lead Ron to ask about her own love life. She wasn't ready to tell him about Remus yet. She could feel Ron's eyes on her and she forced herself to keep a neutral expression on her face while she met his gaze.

"Somehow, I'm not convinced that's true." Hermione shrugged and tried to look nonchalant.

"All right, keep your secrets," Ron said. "I'll find out eventually." He winked at her and she laughed, hoping he didn't notice how breathless she sounded. Soon, she promised herself. She would tell him soon.

Andromeda came through the Floo with a wide smile on her face. Remus felt his own lips turning up in response.

"It passed I take it?"

"Five to one," she said smugly. Remus' brow furrowed. Five to one? But there were seven members on the Board of Governors.

"Did someone abstain?"

"No," Andromeda said with a smirk. "Hubert resigned this afternoon."

"Resigned," Remus repeated. The smirk was still on Andromeda's face. So, she'd gotten him to resign all together, instead of just blackmailing him for his vote.

"Yes, I suppose giving up his board seat was a small price to pay to avoid a cell in Azkaban." Remus' stomach twisted. While Remus was happy the man was off the board, he should be in Azkaban.

"Andromeda," he began, but she interrupted.

"You know, I was thinking that I should tell Harry he might want to speak to Narcissa." Remus' brow quirked in question. "She does have so many interesting stories to tell about the war." Remus smothered a smile. Just because Andromeda had likely sworn that she wouldn't tell anyone about Fawley's financial involvement if he resigned, didn't mean she couldn't lead someone else to discover the same information.

"I'm sure she does," Remus replied.

"Teddy is asleep?" Andromeda asked.

"Yes, just."

"Well, then, there is likely a young lady who is up for a bit of celebration. Or will be soon." Remus felt his face heat. It was one thing for Andromeda to support his relationship with Hermione, but another to make suggestions like that to him.

"Yes, well," he said, clearing his throat. "I think I'll wait until she contacts me. I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise."

"Suit yourself," Andromeda said, not trying to hide the smile on her face. Remus rubbed the back of his neck nervously. Andromeda chuckled and kissed his cheek. "Good night, Remus."

"Good night." She smiled one last time before she left the room.

Remus sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face when she'd gone. Merlin save him from devious Slytherins.

There was an owl waiting for her when Hermione arrived home. She and Ron had talked and laughed for over an hour and it had been like old times. She wondered if it would still be that way once Ron found out about Remus. Deciding not to think on that right now, Hermione took the note from the owl's leg and offered it a bit of leftover ham as apology for making it wait so long.

The note was from Minerva, as Hermione had expected, and Hermione couldn't help the laugh of delight when she read that the proposal had been approved. Minerva asked Hermione to contact her to set up a time to discuss specifics.

Hermione went immediately to the Floo and called the headmistress. She apologized for not being home to take Minerva's Floo call earlier, but the professor waved off Hermione's apology.

"Congratulations, Hermione," Minerva said with a smile.

"Thank you," Hermione replied. "But I couldn't have done it without your help."

"I would like to set up a meeting later this week, so we can discuss specifics on moving forward."

"Of course," Hermione said, the two of them agreeing on a time. Hermione bade the headmistress good night and pulled her head from the Floo. She sat back on her heels and smiled. Glancing up at the clock, Hermione decided that it wasn't that late, and Remus would likely still be awake. She was sure that Andromeda had already given him the news. Maybe he was even waiting for her to call him. Smiling, she grabbed a bit more Floo powder and threw it in the grate.

"Remus?" she called softly when his living room appeared. She looked around. There was a glass and a book on an end table, but no one appeared.

"Andromeda?" Hermione called. No one answered. Hermione waited a few minutes, but when the house remained silent and no one came into view, she pulled her head from the Floo in disappointment.

Remus sat in the armchair reading his book and glancing up at the clock every few minutes, hoping that Hermione would call. Andromeda had been home for nearly an hour, surely Hermione would have gotten word by now. It wasn't that late, he doubted that Hermione would think Remus had gone to bed already.

Just as he was thinking about calling her himself, there was a scream from upstairs. Remus jumped out of his chair and raced up the stairs, reaching Teddy's room just as Andromeda did. They both rushed inside to find Teddy sitting in his cot, tears running down his face as he screamed.

"Dad-dy," he sobbed, breath hitching. Remus immediately picked up his son.

"What is it, Teddy? Are you hurt?" Teddy buried his face in Remus' shoulder, and clutched at Remus' shirt. He babbled nearly incoherently as Andromeda began to cast diagnostic spells over him.

"He seems to be all right," she said in relief. "No fever or injuries." Remus let out a breath and tried to get control over the pounding of his heart while he continued to rub Teddy's back.

"Shh, it's all right. Daddy's here." Teddy's sobs gradually stopped, though he still sniffled and hiccoughed occasionally.

"What's the matter, darling?" Andromeda asked as she stroked his hair. Teddy looked at her from the safety of Remus' chest.

"Na-na," he whispered.

"Yes, love, Nanna and your daddy are both here." Teddy gave a hitching breath, then closed his eyes and snuggled into Remus. In a few moments, Remus could feel Teddy's breathing even out and the little boy was asleep again. He moved slowly to the rocking chair in the corner and sat down in it. Andromeda ran her hand once more over Teddy's head.

"Likely a nightmare," she said. Remus nodded. Once Andromeda had determined that nothing was physically wrong with Teddy, it had been Remus' first thought as well. Teddy likely wouldn't even remember it in the morning.

"I will head back to bed if you are all right here?"

"We're fine," Remus said, beginning to rock Teddy. "Thank you, Andromeda." Andromeda gave him a smile, placed a kiss on top of Teddy's head and left the room. Remus finally began to relax into the chair as he rocked his son. He turned and kissed Teddy's forehead and continued rubbing his back, unaware that Hermione was trying to Floo him downstairs.

28 March 2000

Hermione hurried down to the Atrium towards the Floos. She was planning on meeting Remus after work and she was running late. After not being able to contact him the night before, Hermione had sent him an owl this morning, inviting him to dinner. They were planning to meet at her house and Hermione was going to take him to her favorite Italian restaurant. She had intended on getting home in time to change and get herself ready. Now, she would be lucky if she got there before he arrived.

Grumbling at the line at the Floos, Hermione tapped her foot impatiently. She should have Apparated, but by the time she got to the Apparition point now, it would be her turn to Floo. When she finally stepped into her living room, she was irritated, disheveled and sweaty.

Rushing upstairs, she began to strip off her clothes before she had even reached her room. Casting a cleansing charm as there was no time for a shower, she had just pulled on a short-sleeved top when she heard a knock at the back door. Blowing out a breath in exasperation, she yanked on her skirt and then grabbed a cardigan before she ran back downstairs to let Remus in. She was still pulling on the cardigan when she opened the back door.

"Hello, Hermione," Remus said with a smile.

"Hi," she said, still trying to pull herself together. The left sleeve of her cardigan had twisted and she was having a hard time getting her arm through it. She ushered Remus into the house and then shoved her hand as hard as she could. Her hand shot through the end of the sleeve and it bunched up on her forearm. Hermione hurriedly yanked it back down to her wrist as she closed the back door.

"I'm sorry, I kept you waiting. I left work late and then I needed to change and," she trailed off and shook her head at Remus' amused expression. "Sorry, I'm rambling."

"I hardly had to wait," Remus said, walking towards her. "Congratulations. Andromeda told me your proposal passed." Hermione grinned.

"Thank you," she said, reaching over to take his hand. He leaned down and kissed her. Hermione sighed into his mouth and relaxed against him, resting her free hand on the back of his neck. She smiled at him when they parted, the irritation from work completely gone.

"I tried to Floo last night to tell you about it," she said. "But everyone must have already been asleep."

"Actually, Teddy had a nightmare," Remus said.

"Oh, no," Hermione replied. "Is he all right?"

"Perfectly fine this morning," Remus said. "I don't think he even remembered it. I can't say the same for Andromeda and myself."

"I can imagine," Hermione said sympathetically, squeezing his hand. Remus gave her a smile and raised their joined hands, kissing the back of hers. She smiled and glanced at the clock on the mantel. "We had better be going if we're going to make our reservation. There's an alley a street or so away. I can take you side-along."

She kept hold of Remus' hand and locked the back door once they'd left. He stepped closer to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She reached up on tiptoe and kissed him quickly before they turned and Disapparated.

They landed in a dingy alley and Remus immediately looked around to make sure no one had seen them. He offered Hermione his arm and they made their way out of the alley and then walked to the restaurant.

When Hermione had answered the door, Remus saw the same glamour on her arm that he'd seen at Ginny's birthday party the summer after the war. At the time, he had thought that maybe it was an injury from the war that she was keeping covered until it was fully healed. But that had been a year and a half ago. Which likely meant it was a scar she was covering. Remus was well aware of the desire to keep scars hidden, he had plenty of his own he'd like to get rid of. He couldn't fault her for that. He hoped that she might tell him about it one day, however.

Hermione gave her name to the host at the front of the restaurant and they were led back to a small, corner table. It was far enough away from the other patrons that they wouldn't have to be worried about being overheard. Remus wondered if Hermione had requested in specifically. He was sure she wanted to talk about her presentation without having to sensor what she said around the Muggles.

They perused their menus and Hermione made recommendations based on her previous visits. Remus deferred to her on the wine, not knowing much about Muggle vintages. When they had ordered and the waiter had brought the wine, Remus raised his glass to her.

"To the success of your proposal," he said. Hermione smiled and clinked her glass with his. The two of them chatted about the presentation and the questions the board had asked until their salads arrived. Hermione's face turned pensive as she took a bite.

"Something wrong?" Remus asked.

"It's just, did Andromeda mention that Hubert Fawley wasn't at the meeting?" Remus swallowed and tried not to react to her question.

"She did," Remus confirmed. "She said he resigned."

"I thought that was extremely odd," Hermione said.

"How so?"

"He was so adamant about not passing my initial werewolf proposal," Hermione said. "Yes, he tried to make it about being fair to other beings and creatures, but I was aware of his prejudice. I just find it strange that he would resign the very day my new proposal was coming up for a vote." Remus took a sip of his wine before he answered.

"Maybe he realized that the proposal was going to pass with or without him and decided to distance himself from something he didn't support." Hermione sighed.

"Andromeda said the same thing, but," she paused and bit her lip. "I just can't help thinking that there had to be another reason."

"Even if he had been there to vote, it sounds as if it still would have been five to two," Remus pointed out. "So, it would have still passed."

"I know," Hermione said, "Ron as good as told me I was being silly about it."

"Ron?" Remus questioned, wondering when she had spoken to her ex-boyfriend.

"Yes, I went to Grimmauld Place after the meeting. I wanted to talk to Harry, but he was working. Ron was there, and we had a good talk." She smiled and then glanced at Remus. He was trying not to react to the fact she hadn't come to see him after her presentation. He understood how close she and Harry were, but Remus couldn't deny that it stung that after not finding Harry at home, Ron had been the first one she had discussed it with. But he was being ridiculous, of course. Ron was one of her best friends, naturally, she was going to talk to him about the presentation

"Of course, I would have come to your house," Hermione continued. "But it was Teddy's bedtime and I didn't want to get him all wound up again." Remus felt a blush creep up his neck and Hermione reached across the table and put a hand over his.

"I appreciate that," Remus said. He felt like an idiot. Hermione simply smiled and returned to her salad.

The discussed a variety of topics over dinner and before Remus even realized it, nearly two hours had passed. It was a good thing it was a weeknight and not the weekend or he was sure they would have been getting glares from the waitstaff for occupying the table for so long.

When the check was delivered, Remus reached for his wallet, but Hermione stilled him with a hand on his.

"I invited you, remember?" she said.

"Hermione," he protested, but she shook her head.

"This was my idea, my treat," she insisted. Remus wanted to keep arguing with her, but he knew he would likely lose.

After Hermione had paid the bill, he stood and pulled her chair out for her and he guided her to the front of the restaurant with a hand at the small of her back. They made their way back to the alley and Remus took her in his arms once more, although they were both capable of Apparating back to her house. When they landed, he stole a kiss before following her to the back door.

Once inside, Hermione went into the kitchen to get them something to drink and Remus sat down on the couch in front of the fireplace. There was a piece of parchment on the side table and he glanced at it when he recognized the handwriting as Minerva's. When Hermione came into the room with two glasses of wine, she saw what had drawn his attention.

"Minerva and I are meeting on Thursday to discuss specifics about the new class," Hermione explained. Remus nodded and Hermione fell silent again. He reached a hand over and tucked a curl behind her ear.

"What's the matter?" She shook her head and sighed.

"I know I shouldn't keep dwelling on it, but I can't get Fawley's resignation out of my head." Remus felt guilty once more.

"Hermione," Remus began, but she interrupted.

"It's like a puzzle that I can't solve and it's driving me mad." She sighed again and stood from the couch, beginning to pace. "I know he wasn't in favor of my proposal and it doesn't make any sense that he wouldn't have fought to keep it from passing. He was successful in blocking the werewolf seminar even after everyone was convinced that it would be approved. I just don't understand." Remus looked down at his lap. He couldn't let her keep going on about this when he knew what had happened.

"Hermione," he said quietly. "I know why Fawley resigned." Hermione immediately halted.

"What?" she asked in confusion.

"I know why he resigned," Remus said again. Hermione's brow furrowed.

"You know?" Remus nodded. "How?"

"Please," he said. "Sit down." Hermione took her seat once again and looked at him.

"Some information came to light," he began.

"What kind of information?" Hermione interrupted. Remus sighed.

"Apparently, Fawley was funneling money to Voldemort during the war." Hermione's mouth dropped open. "He never took the Mark or verbally endorsed him, as far as I am aware, but he did support him financially." Remus looked down at his lap, loathe to tell her the rest. "Fawley was made aware that someone had this information and he resigned shortly after." Remus glanced up at Hermione and he could see her brain working. He was not planning on implicating Andromeda in all of this, if he could help it. Hermione was likely going to be upset with him for not telling her, he didn't want her to be angry with Andromeda too. Of course, it didn't surprise him that she figured it out on her own.

"This is what Andromeda wasn't telling me at the meeting," Hermione said, almost absent-mindedly. She looked back at Remus. "She had the information, didn't she?" Remus stared at her for a moment. She didn't look angry, but he couldn't be sure.

"I, well," he hedged. Hermione laughed. It wasn't bitter laughter either. Remus looked at her in surprise. She looked genuinely amused.

"I wish I could have seen his face," Hermione said. Remus was gobsmacked.

"You're, you're not…upset about this?"

"Well, I would have liked to have had him there for the proposal, just to see his reaction when it passed."

"Hermione, I," Remus trailed off, unsure what to say.

"He supported Voldemort, Remus," Hermione said. "Andromeda let him off easy." A smile played about Remus' lips.

"I believe that Harry is going to be encouraged to talk to Andromeda's source." Hermione laughed again and nodded.

"Good." Remus took her hand in his.

"Are you truly all right with this?" Remus asked. "Not the outcome, that I think we're all fine with, but the method. I know it likely seems a bit…unsavory." He was surprised when Hermione snorted and shook her head.

"Do you remember the conversation we had the other day about Gwendolyn and her transfer?"

"Yes," he said, confused by the change in topic.

"I," Hermione paused and bit her lip. Remus looked at her encouragingly.

"I kept Rita Skeeter in a jar for over a week at the end fourth year," she blurted. There was silence in the room as Remus tried to process what she'd said.

"Sorry?" he finally said. Hermione blew out a breath.

"You remember all those horrible articles she was writing about Harry during the Tri-Wizard Tournament?" Remus nodded. "Well, I couldn't figure out how she was getting her information. Most of it was said in private with only a few people around, none of whom would have betrayed Harry to her. Then, she reported something that Viktor said to me, but only he and I were present when he said it. I finally realized she was an Animagus. Unregistered, of course. I spotted her in the hospital wing, she's a beetle, after the third task and I, well, I put her in a jar with an unbreakable charm on it." Hermione was wringing her hands in front of her.

"I, I kept her there until we got back to London on the Hogwarts Express and before I let her go, I made her promise that she wouldn't write anything for a year. Or I'd report her to the Ministry. That's who I went to see the other day. I want her to spy on Satterfield at lunch." Hermione had been staring at her lap, but now she glanced up at Remus. He couldn't speak. Hermione, at fifteen, had kept a reporter in a jar?

"I probably shouldn't have," Hermione said. "I should have just turned her in to the Ministry, but they knew I supported Harry, so I doubt they would have believed anything I had to say and I really just wanted her to leave Harry alone. She heard everything Fudge and Dumbledore argued about and she saw Sirius transform and she saw how upset Harry was and-" before she could continue, Remus put his fingers to her lips. Her rambling speech halted and she looked up at him, apprehension clear on her face.

"You really are completely brilliant," he said. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"You're not, you don't, I mean, what I did, I," but Remus shook his head.

"I'm not upset." Hermione stared at him for a few moments before she nearly sagged in relief. "I am a bit scared of you now, to be honest." Hermione's head shot up and her mouth opened in surprise. When she saw his smile, she relaxed again, realizing he was teasing her. She slapped his shoulder and he chuckled. He gathered her into his arms and she sighed in relief and wrapped her arms around him before resting her head on his shoulder. He ran a hand down her curls.

"Did you really think that I would be angry with you about this?" he asked after a few minutes.

"Not…angry, exactly," she said. "More like horrified." He snorted.

"We've all done things we're not proud of, Hermione." She sighed again, but it sounded different this time. He pulled back to look at her and she bit her lip, refusing to meet his gaze. "You are proud of it?"

"Not proud, no," she said. She finally looked up and met his eyes. "But I don't regret it." He smiled softly at her.

"You were trying to protect Harry," Remus said. "I can't blame you for that." Hermione studied his face for a moment, then moved forward and kissed him. He returned it, pulling her closer to him, her arms leaving his back to twine around his neck.

"Thank you," she said, when they finally pulled apart. He kissed her temple and leaned back into the couch, pulling her into his side.

"Tell me about Satterfield."

"He takes long lunches quite often and he's nearly always drunk when they're over. I know that Victoria, his secretary, keeps sobering potions in his office, but I also know that he's conducted business while drunk at least once. I can't imagine that it hasn't happened more often."

"Is Kingsley aware of this?" Remus asked.

"Yes, but," she paused and sighed. "Satterfield signed off on my House-Elf proposal while he was drunk."

"And Kingsley didn't want the Wizengamot to reconsider if they found out that the proposal didn't really have Satterfield's support."

"Exactly," Hermione said. She reached out and began running a finger around one of the buttons on Remus' shirt. "Kingsley has his own investigation going, but it's taking too long. I'm sure Gwendolyn isn't the only one thinking about quitting. The Ministry can't afford to lose good people."

"No, they can't," Remus agreed. He tightened his arm around Hermione. "I just don't want you to be implicated in this."

"Rita won't give up her sources because then she'd have to admit how she got her newest information," Hermione said confidently.

"I hope you're right," Remus said. Hermione propped her chin on his chest and grinned. He chuckled. "I suppose now you're going to say something about always being right." She shrugged.

"I didn't say it." He laughed and leaned down to kiss her again.

30 March 2000

Hermione sat down to breakfast and unrolled the Daily Prophet. She glanced at the headline and dropped her fork.

Ministry Head – Drinks at Lunch a Larger Problem?

by Rita Skeeter

Barnaby Satterfield, Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, was spotted having lunch at The Golden Phoenix yesterday. While this, in and of itself, is nothing unusual, the owner informed me that Mr. Satterfield often lunches in his establishment, the fact that the department head polished off almost an entire bottle of Firewhiskey on his own is something else altogether.

Sources tell me that Satterfield was dining with two other colleagues, both of whom enjoyed one glass of the potent liquor with their meals. The bottle, however, was completely empty once the bill was paid. Satterfield was observed weaving unevenly on his return to the Apparition point in Diagon Alley and this reporter questions how he managed to return to the Ministry without Splinching himself.

One wonders if the Minister is aware that one of his long-standing department heads is spending his lunches intoxicated and if this state continues once he resumes his duties at the Ministry. Perhaps in his zeal to rid the Ministry of You-Know-Who's followers and supporters, Minister Shacklebolt has forgotten about the other codes of conduct for employees.

Hermione blew out a breath and leaned back in her chair. The article was mostly what she wanted, except for the dig against Kingsley. However, she couldn't deny that it would likely make Kingsley all the more intent on getting rid of Satterfield. Hermione hurriedly ate her breakfast and was crossing through the living room to head back upstairs to get dressed when the Floo came to life.

"Hermione?" Gwendolyn's voice said.

"Gwendolyn," Hermione replied, dropping to her knees in front of the fireplace. Gwendolyn had a wide smile on her face.

"This was your plan, I take it?"

"Yes," Hermione replied. Gwendolyn laughed.

"Things are definitely going to be interesting at work today."

"I think that's probably an understatement," Hermione said with a smirk.

"Care to meet me after work for a drink?" Gwendolyn asked. "I'll fill you in on the inevitable fireworks."

"Absolutely," Hermione said.

"There's a pub next to that café we had lunch in last week," Gwendolyn said. Muggle London again which was probably the best idea, considering.

"I'll see you there." Gwendolyn ended the call. Hermione couldn't help but smile. Hopefully, getting rid of Satterfield would get Gwendolyn her old job back.

Remus stared at the headline in the Prophet again. He had known it was coming, of course, but that didn't make him any less worried. Kingsley would start a formal inquiry, he wouldn't have a choice, but Remus was still concerned that any proposals Satterfield had signed would come under scrutiny now. While unlikely, given how much work had already been done, the Wizengamot could reverse their decision on the House-Elf bill.

He was sure that Hermione was right; Rita wouldn't give up her sources and not just because she was an illegal Animagus. She was also a journalist and, sensationalist or not, journalists did protect their sources. He doubted that anyone would try and force her to anyway. It seemed that Satterfield wasn't very careful about who saw him in his inebriated state. Any number of people could have been Rita's source.

Remus hadn't had a chance to read more than the headline while giving Teddy his breakfast earlier. It wasn't until just a short time ago that he had sat down to read the full article. Hermione would already be gone to work, he knew. Remus would have liked to take her to lunch, but they were still keeping their relationship quiet and Remus couldn't think of a reason to show up at the Ministry, let alone ask Hermione to lunch. It would have to wait until after work then.

"Daddy," Teddy called, racing into the room. "Go park!" He already had his coat on.

"I did tell you we could go to the park today, didn't I?" Teddy nodded vigorously as Andromeda walked into the room and tried to put a cap on his head. Teddy had the tendency to shift his hair color as he played, not even realizing he was doing it. Caps were a must when they went to the Muggle park down the street.

"All right," Remus said with a chuckle as Andromeda finally got the hat on Teddy's head. Remus transfigured his cloak into a coat and picked Teddy up.

"No!" Teddy said squirming in Remus' arms. "Me walk!" It was going to be one of those days, Remus thought with a sigh. A day when his son insisted on doing everything for himself, regardless of how long it took. Remus set the boy on his feet and took his hand instead.

"Have fun," Andromeda said, giving Remus a sympathetic look. It would take them three times as long to get to the park now that Teddy had insisted on walking.

"Bye Nanna!" Teddy said, yanking on Remus' hand and pulling him out the door.

Hermione walked into the pub where she and Gwendolyn had decided to meet, looking around for the older woman. Hermione spotted her at a table near the back and began to make her way over. A man stepped away from the bar and Hermione, too close to stop, bumped into him. He had been carrying two glasses of ale and some of it sloshed out of the glasses and onto his hand.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Hermione said.

"Not your fault," the man replied with a smile. "I wasn't paying attention."

Hermione automatically went for her wand to cast a drying charm but stopped at the last moment when she remembered where she was. Instead, she reached over to the bar and grabbed a few napkins, trying to dry off his hand and sleeve.

"Thank you," he said when she'd finished. She glanced at Gwendolyn who had risen from her chair and looked to be on her way over. Hermione waved her off. The man glanced back at Gwendolyn and then looked again at Hermione.

"I was just on my way back to my mate there," he said indicated a table a few feet away, where another man sat. "You and your friend care to join us?"

"Oh, thank you for the invitation, but no," Hermione said with a polite smile. The man shrugged.

"Maybe next time." He winked and Hermione smiled again, leaving to join Gwendolyn.

"Who was that?" she asked.

"No one I know," Hermione replied. "I bumped into him on my way over here." Gwendolyn continued to watch the man as he walked back to his table.

"Rather good-looking, isn't he?" she asked, glint in her eye.

"I didn't really notice," Hermione said with a shrug.

"Didn't notice?" Gwendolyn repeated in disbelief. "How could you not?" Hermione chanced a glance at the man again and supposed that he was attractive.

"I don't know, I guess he isn't my type."

"Not your type? With those eyes and that dimple?" Gwendolyn studied her. "I didn't think you were seeing anyone." Hermione shifted in her seat and before she could say anything Gwendolyn continued. "You are seeing someone?"

"I didn't say that," Hermione replied, but her eyes shifted away.

"It's all right," Gwendolyn said. "It's none of my business." She tried to smile, but Hermione could tell it was forced.

"It's not that," Hermione insisted. "It's just, we're keeping it quiet right now."

"I see," Gwendolyn replied. Hermione could almost see the gears turning in her head.

"Not for any untoward reason," Hermione said. Gwendolyn held her hands up in surrender.

"As I said, none of my business." There was a smile playing about her lips. Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Can we stop talking about my love life?" Gwendolyn laughed as a waitress appeared at their table. Hermione ordered a glass of wine.

"Tell me what happened today," Hermione requested once the waitress had left.

"Well, everyone was talking about the article, of course," Gwendolyn began. "I saw Mr. Satterfield come in just before nine. He didn't look pleased. He holed himself up in his office all day, didn't even leave for lunch, but he did call in both Barbary and Mr. Hughes at one point."

Hermione wasn't surprised about Hughes. He was the head of the Beast Division and was one of Satterfield's closest allies, as far as Hermione could figure. She was a bit surprised that he would have spoken to Barbary, however. Barbary must have gotten much closer to Satterfield than Hermione had thought. She wondered how much information Barbary had already given Kingsley. The waitress returned with Hermione's wine and she took a sip, looking thoughtful.

"What's that look for?" Gwendolyn asked.

"Nothing," Hermione said. "Did you ever file that grievance with the Minister?"

"I did, just Monday, actually," Gwendolyn replied. "I got a memo from the Minister's office just before I left asking me to be in his office tomorrow morning. I assume he wants to discuss it with me." Hermione nodded.

"I wonder if Satterfield has been summoned," Hermione said with a smirk.

"If he has, he's kept a tight lid on it," Gwendolyn said. "And that's saying something considering how gossip spreads around the Ministry."

"Well, here's to hoping that the Minister will finally get rid of Satterfield for good," Hermione said, raising her glass. Gwendolyn clinked hers against Hermione's and the two began to speculate as to who might take over the DRCMC if Satterfield was sacked.

Nearly an hour and two glasses of wine later, Hermione decided she had better head home. She hadn't eaten anything since lunch and drinking two glasses of wine on an empty stomach wasn't the smartest of ideas. She laughed at something Gwendolyn said as they passed by the man that Hermione had run into earlier. He winked at her and she smiled, buoyed by the alcohol. As she and Gwendolyn were making their good-byes outside the pub, the man came outside. Hermione didn't pay him much mind, but as she turned to leave after Gwendolyn had walked off, he grasped her arm. Not expecting it, Hermione stumbled and fell into him. He let her lean against him longer than was necessary and Hermione shot him a look as she regained her footing.

"Sorry," he said as he steadied her. "I just hoped that you would stay and let me buy you a drink. My friend's left as well."

"Thank you, but no," Hermione said again. "I really need to get home."

"Oh, come on, just one," the man said, putting a hand on her arm again.

"I'm sorry, no."

"How about your number then?" he said. He had moved rather close to her and Hermione was starting to get annoyed.

"I believe I said no," she said firmly, shaking the man's hand off. She put her hand into her pocket and grasped her wand, ready to hex him if he didn't take the hint.

"All right, all right," he finally said. "Maybe I'll see you around sometime."

"I doubt it," Hermione muttered. She spun on her heel and hurried toward the Ministry Apparition point, wanting nothing more than to get home.

Remus arrived outside Hermione's back door and knocked. After a few moments, Remus knocked again, but there was still no answer. He should have Flooed first to be sure she was home. Sighing, Remus turned to go when there was a crack and Hermione appeared next to him.

"Remus," she said, looking quite relieved to see him there. Before he could say anything, she threw herself into his arms. Remus pulled her towards him.

"Hermione, what's the mat-" he trailed off as he got a whiff of her scent. He could tell she'd been drinking, but there was something else there. Someone else. It wasn't unusual for Remus to smell other people's scents mingled with Hermione's. She worked in the Ministry and came into casual contact with a variety of people throughout her day. But this was much stronger than it should have been for only casual contact and it wasn't one Remus recognized. His nostrils flared as he pulled away from her.

"Hermione, why do you smell like men's cologne?"