A/N - Hello all! I hope you all enjoy the dinner with the parents. :) Thanks to everyone who continues to read and review!

Chapter 55

Revelations

4 April 2000

Hermione sat at her desk, once again unable to concentrate. This time, however, it didn't have anything to do with Remus. She was still a bit worried about the dinner tonight, but her mother had assured her that both her parents would be on their best behavior. Hermione's mind was occupied with Satterfield and whatever was happening.

Hermione knew the man had spent the night in one of the Ministry's holding cells. Harry couldn't give her any details, but for them to actually arrest her old boss and keep him overnight, something bigger than abuse of power had happened.

Gossip was running rampant, of course. Hardly anyone had any concrete information, however, and those that did weren't talking. Harry had told her about the arrest, but he hadn't given her any other information. Hermione had asked him why the Auror office was involved, as their investigations were usually only about Dark wizards or magic. Other issues were handled by the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol. Harry had given her an apologetic look and hadn't said anything else.

Hermione tried to go back to her work, but after a few minutes, gave it up as a bad job. Sighing, she leaned back in her chair and contemplated the ceiling, wondering again, just what Satterfield had done.

"Hermione," a voice said from her doorway and Hermione sat up straight as her boss walked into her office.

"Margaret," Hermione said, shuffling parchment on her desk and trying to look like she hadn't just been staring off into space. Margaret chuckled and sat down in the chair in front of Hermione's desk.

"Don't worry, I don't think many of us are getting a whole lot done today." Hermione smiled sheepishly, then looked at the older woman.

"Have you heard anything?"

"I have heard many things," Margaret replied. "Whether they are true or not remains to be seen." Hermione smiled and nodded.

"Yes, I suppose it's the same for me."

"I do have a bit of information, however. Something I think might be a bit more credible than most of the other rubbish I've heard today." Hermione cocked her head in question.

"Obviously, Satterfield will not be returning as Head of the DRCMC. Regardless of what happens with this investigation, I highly doubt the Minister would have kept Satterfield locked up overnight if he wasn't sure he could make whatever the charges are stick." Hermione nodded. "So, of course, speculation has been running rampant as to who will take over."

"I can't say I haven't wondered myself."

"Going by seniority alone, Jasper Nithercott is the obvious choice." Hermione nodded. The head of the Spirit Division had been with the Ministry even longer than Satterfield. "However, I know Jasper quite well and I am confident that he will turn down the job. He is perfectly happy in the Spirit Division and really does not want more responsibility at this point in his life."

"No, he seemed quite content where he was when I worked for him," Hermione said.

"It's also quite obvious to anyone with eyes that Leland Hughes is in Satterfield's back pocket, so I'm guessing he will be passed over, if he even has a job himself after all of this is said and done." Hermione couldn't help but agree. Promoting the head of the Beast Division wouldn't be any different than still having Satterfield in charge, as far as she was concerned.

"Which, if they do not intend to bring someone in from another department, leaves only Fiona Campbell."

Fiona Campbell was the head of the Being Division. While not particularly warm and friendly, she had always seemed competent to Hermione and she didn't always agree with Satterfield. Hermione's House-Elf proposal was a prime example of that. Gwendolyn had never had anything bad to say about her supervisor.

"Ms. Campbell would be a good choice," Hermione said. She wondered, though, what the point of this conversation was. Margaret had said that she had a bit of information. So far, nothing she'd said was news to Hermione.

"Rumor has it that Gwendolyn Newberry is being recommended for Head of the Being Division if Fiona is promoted." Well, that was news.

"Really?" Hermione said, excited for her friend.

"So, I've heard," Margaret said. "Which means, of course, that Gwendolyn's old job will be available." Margaret paused. "Your name has come up." Hermione's brow furrowed. She had no desire to work for the Pest Advisory Board, head or not. She told Margaret as much.

"I am not speaking of the Pest Advisory Board, Hermione. I meant the House-Elf Liaison Office."

"But Gwendolyn isn't head of that office, anymore," Hermione said. "Satterfield transferred her to the Pest Advisory Board and put Jensen Barbary in charge of the House-Elf office."

"Jensen Barbary who has also cozied up to Satterfield. Don't you think the Minister is planning on completely cleaning house?" Hermione was quite sure that Kingsley planned to do just that, but she couldn't tell Margaret that Barbary had really been planted by Kingsley. Still, Hermione supposed that Kingsley wouldn't leave Barbary in the DRCMC once all was said and done. He likely wouldn't be trusted by anyone.

"I suppose," Hermione finally said. Margaret studied her for a few moments.

"I know that your House Elf legislation is what brought you to the DRCMC in the first place," the older woman finally said. "I know it is a cause that is dear to your heart." Hermione finally understood what her boss was asking her.

House-elves had been the first creatures that Hermione had wanted to champion, true. And while it would be a promotion and likely more money if she was head of the House-Elf Liaison office, Hermione felt as if she'd done everything she set out to do there.

"It is," Hermione agreed. "But I feel as if I've accomplished what I wanted to as far as House-Elf rights. Running the office would be nice, but it's not what I want to do long-term. There are plenty of other creatures and beings that I'd like to help. I have no plans to leave this department." Margaret smiled at her.

"I suspected as much," she said. "But I wanted to be sure."

"You're stuck with me for the foreseeable future," Hermione joked. Margaret chuckled.

"I do not consider that a hardship, Hermione." Hermione blushed slightly. Her boss stood from the chair. "Perhaps you shouldn't mention this conversation to Ms. Newberry just yet."

"Of course not," Hermione said with a smile.

"I will speak with you later." And with that, her boss was gone. Hermione leaned back in her chair again. Once, she would have been thrilled to be the head of the House-Elf Liaison office. Now, though, her werewolf research was much more important to her. She sat up and pulled her stack of parchment towards her, wondering just what Satterfield had been up to.

Hermione was just tidying up her desk, ready to go home and get ready for her dinner, when Harry walked into her office. He shut the door and threw up a Muffliato. Hermione dropped the quill she was holding and sat back down in her chair.

"Well?" she asked.

"He's done," Harry said with a small smile. Hermione sighed in relief. A part of her had been worried that she'd forced Kingsley's hand with Skeeter's article and that Satterfield would find his way out of trouble once again.

"Charges?" Hermione asked, studying Harry's face. He didn't look as happy as she expected him to.

"Forthcoming," Harry said, but didn't elaborate. Hermione's eyes narrowed.

"How bad?"

"Bad, Hermione," Harry said with a sigh.

"But you can't tell me anything else." Harry shook his head apologetically.

"This, there's more to it than we thought," Harry said. Hermione stared at her best friend. She knew that the want to tell her everything was currently warring with the oath he'd taken for his job as an Auror.

"It's okay, Harry," she said with a smile. "I understand."

"As soon as Kingsley gives me the okay, I swear that I'll come straight to you and explain." Hermione laughed.

"I know you will." She glanced at her watch. "Oh bugger, I've got to go."

"Hot date?" Harry asked, waggling his eyebrows. Hermione stuck her tongue out at him.

"Remus is coming for dinner to meet my parents." Harry stared at her for a moment.

"Oh, well, that's going to be," he trailed off.

"Nerve-wracking, terrifying, a disaster?" Hermione said, grabbing her cloak from the hook behind her desk. Harry grimaced. "Trust me, I've been through the gamut of emotions on this."

"Do they know, you know, everything?" Harry asked.

"Not that he's a werewolf," Hermione said with a sigh as she pulled on her cloak. "They know everything else though."

"When are you going to tell them?"

"If they ask about his scars, we'll tell them tonight," she said. "Otherwise, I don't know, later, maybe."

"Hermione, they love you and Remus is a great person," Harry said. "It will be okay."

"I hope so," she said. Harry pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek before dropping the privacy spell. They left her office together.

"Good luck," he said once they had reached the doors to the Auror offices.

"Thanks, Harry." She smiled and continued to the lifts, stomach in knots.

Remus walked up the pavement towards Hermione's. He had Apparated to the small park down the street and walked. To Apparate into her back garden or Floo seemed, presumptuous, somehow.

He climbed the front steps nervously, clearing his throat unnecessarily as he rang the bell. Andromeda had thrust a bottle of wine into his hands just before he left. Remus would have to remember to thank her later as he hadn't even thought of bringing a hostess gift with him.

The door opened, and Remus relaxed somewhat as Hermione smiled brilliantly at him.

"You could have Flooed," she said as she ushered him inside. Remus shrugged and she stepped forward and kissed him lightly. His eyes darted around, searching for her parents as soon as she stepped back. Hermione took his hand and squeezed it.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Not even remotely," Remus replied and Hermione laughed, then kissed him again before leading him into the living room.

Her father was standing by the fireplace looking solemn, and Remus was glad he hadn't decided to Floo. Mr. Granger glanced down at their clasped hands and Remus felt himself releasing his grip. Hermione refused to let go, however. Her mother was seated on the couch and stood as they came into the room.

"Mum, Dad, this is Remus Lupin," Hermione said. "Remus, these are my parents, Richard and Jean Granger."

"It's very nice to meet you, Remus," Mrs. Granger said. Remus reached forward and shook her outstretched hand.

"Likewise," he said. "Thank you for inviting me. This is for you." He handed her the bottle of wine.

"Thank you," Mrs. Granger said, smiling as she took the wine. "I'll just get a few glasses, shall I?" She disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Remus and Hermione with her father.

"Mr. Lupin," Mr. Granger said. He stepped forward and held out a hand. He gripped Remus' hand harder than was necessary, but Remus made no complaint.

"Please, call me Remus," he said. Mr. Granger nodded his head in acknowledgement but did not return the offer. Hermione's mother returned with wine glasses and a corkscrew.

"I can do that, Mum," Hermione said, waving her wand and uncorking the bottle. Her mother poured the wine and Hermione passed the glasses around. They settled onto the couch and chairs, except for Mr. Granger who remained standing by the fireplace.

"This is very good," Mrs. Granger said as she took a sip of her wine.

"My mother-in-law recommended it," Remus said, deciding not to tell them that Andromeda had given him the bottle.

"Yes, Hermione told us that you live with her. She helps care for your son?"

"Yes," Remus said. "I don't know what I would have done without her these past two years."

"Do you have a picture of him?" Mrs. Granger asked.

"Yes, of course," Remus said, pulling the photograph from his pocket. Hermione had warned him that her mother was likely to ask. Remus handed the photo to Mrs. Granger. It had been taken a few weeks ago. Teddy was playing with his dragons but laughed when he looked up and saw the camera. His hair also cycled from black to Remus' sandy brown just as the photo was snapped.

"Oh," Mrs. Granger said in surprise.

"He's a metamorphmagus," Remus explained. "His mother was one as well. She could change her appearance at will. Teddy has just begun to be able to control the change in his hair color. When he was younger, it would just cycle at random." Mrs. Granger handed the picture to her husband, whose eyes widened as he saw Teddy's hair change.

"He's an adorable child," Mrs. Granger said.

"Thank you," Remus replied.

"That must be hard to manage," Mr. Granger said. Remus' brow furrowed in confusion. "Or do you just stay in wizarding areas?"

"Oh, no, we live in a non-magical neighborhood actually," Remus said. "Teddy just wears a cap when we take him outside. When he's a little older, we'll explain to him about controlling it when we're out in public." Remus smiled as Mr. Granger handed the photograph back to him, but the other man didn't return it.

The sound of a small bell from the kitchen had Mrs. Granger getting to her feet.

"That will be the roast," she said. "Richard, help me in the kitchen, please. Hermione, can you show Remus to the dining room?"

"Of course, Mum." Hermione rose from the couch and took Remus' hand as her parents disappeared into the kitchen.

"All right?" Hermione asked when they reached the dining room.

"Fine," Remus said. She stepped towards him and he let himself wrap his free arm around her, breathing in her scent and calming slightly. Hermione smiled at him as she stepped back, setting her wine glass on the table. She took Remus' from his hand and set it down as well. Remus pulled out her chair for her just as her father walked in with a platter holding the roast. He glanced at Remus before setting it on the table. Hermione's mother followed behind with two serving bowls.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" Remus asked.

"Oh, no, that's all right," Hermione's mother said, setting down the potatoes and vegetables on the table. "Richard is just going back for the bread. Sit down, please." Remus pulled out Mrs. Granger's chair for her and then sat down himself as Hermione's father returned from the kitchen.

The next several minutes were spent passing dishes around the table and the clink of cutlery as they all served themselves and then finally tucked in.

"Hermione says that you really enjoy Australia," Remus said after they had been eating in silence for a few minutes.

"We do," Mrs. Granger agreed. "I'd rather it wasn't so far away from England, so we could see Hermione more often, but I am glad we decided to stay. Perhaps after Richard finally retires, we'll spend more time here. I do hope the two of you will come and visit us sometime. Maybe you could bring Teddy with you." Remus saw Mr. Granger look up from his plate and stare at Remus, as if waiting to see what he was going to say.

"I think I would enjoy that," Remus said. He seemed to have passed some kind of test because Hermione's father nodded almost imperceptibly and went back to his dinner.

"I hear you may be going back to teaching next fall," Mrs. Granger said.

"Yes, I hope to," Remus said. "I very much enjoyed the year I taught at Hogwarts."

"Yes, that was where you first met my daughter, wasn't it?" Mr. Granger put in.

"It was," Remus agreed, forcing himself not to squirm. He had known this would come up at some point.

"Hm," Mr. Granger said, staring Remus down. Remus returned the man's gaze.

"Richard," Mrs. Granger said and Hermione's father looked at his wife, then sighed and returned to his dinner. He stabbed at a carrot like it had done him a personal disservice.

Most of the rest of dinner was spent in conversation, mainly between Hermione, Remus and her mother. Her father did interject every now and then, but for the most part he simply listened and watched Remus. Remus got the feeling the man was studying the scar on his face and the ones on his hands and had to force himself not to hide his hands under the table. If Mr. Granger wanted to know what they were, he would have to ask.

"And you're doing some tutoring right now?" Mrs. Granger said when they had all finished eating and were letting their dinner settle before pudding.

"Yes," Remus replied. "I'm helping a young man prepare for Hogwarts."

"Oh, is that something that's normally done?" Hermione's mother asked.

"No, this particular child needed a bit of…extra help," Remus said, hoping it could be left at that.

"His parents didn't teach him?" Mr. Granger asked. "I thought magical children that weren't Muggle-born were homeschooled before Hogwarts."

"Yes, that's the usual way of things," Remus said. He glanced at Hermione from the corner of his eye. She was biting her lip and looked nervous. "Will was…taken during the war. He has recently been reunited with his family."

"Oh, how awful," Mrs. Granger said.

"But, if he wasn't a Muggle-born, why was he taken?" Mr. Granger asked. Remus glanced at Hermione again.

"Will was taken by Death Eaters, Dad," Hermione said. "His parents were Purebloods and the Death Eaters were upset that his father wouldn't join them. Taking Will was his punishment." Hermione's mother looked horrified.

"Where was he all that time?" Mrs. Granger asked. "In that prison? Azkaban?"

"No," Hermione said quietly. "He was given to a werewolf pack. Will is a werewolf." Her parents sat in stunned silence.

"Sorry, a what?" Mr. Granger finally asked. Remus tried not to shift in his seat. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. Hermione sighed.

"He's a werewolf, Dad." Mr. Granger leaned back in his chair with a sigh.

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised," he said. "Knowing everything else we always thought was just fantasy that we've since found out was real."

"I don't understand," Mrs. Granger said, horrified look returning. "How can he live with his family if he's a werewolf?"

"He's only a werewolf on the full moon, Mum," Hermione said. "Otherwise, he's just a normal boy." Her mother looked shocked.

"But, doesn't he want to…eat them or something?" Remus looked down at his plate, his appetite suddenly gone. Hermione huffed in exasperation and Remus felt her hand on his leg, trying to give him comfort. He pulled in a breath and let it out silently.

"Merlin, Mum, it's not like the movies."

"Well, how is it then?" her mother asked, voiced clipped.

"On the full moon, yes, Will turns into a werewolf. And if given the chance, he might bite someone. But he isn't given the chance. There's a potion that he takes that lets him keep his human mind and he's locked and warded into a shed in the backyard. With the potion, it really isn't necessary, but his mother takes extra precautions, just in case."

"What about when he was with the other werewolves?" Mr. Granger asked. "Was he biting people then?" Hermione turned quiet.

"He doesn't think so," she said. "But he can't remember everything that happened. The packs don't take the potion."

"And you're comfortable teaching this boy and letting him go to Hogwarts?" Mrs. Granger asked Remus. Remus looked up at Hermione's mother and then her father. He looked at Hermione again, who squeezed his leg under the table.

"I am very comfortable doing so," Remus said. "I went to Hogwarts too, after all." He fell silent and watched the Grangers. Her mother figured it out first, gasping and bringing a hand to her mouth. Her father did more than that. He suddenly jumped up from his chair, looking between his wife and daughter as if trying to figure out who to protect first. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Sit down, Dad."

"I will not sit down," Mr. Granger insisted. Hermione sighed.

"Honestly, we've been sitting here eating dinner for the last hour. If Remus was going to attack any of us, don't you think he would have done it by now?"

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

"No, Mum, you're both being ridiculous."

"Hermione," Remus said, and she looked at him, fire flashing in her eyes. "It's all right."

"It's not!" Hermione insisted.

"Someone had better start explaining, right now!" Mr. Granger snapped. Remus squeezed Hermione's hand under the table and then looked at Hermione's father.

"When I was four years old, I was attacked by a werewolf. My father heard my screams and managed to drive the wolf away, but not before I was bitten. I then became a werewolf myself." He saw Hermione's mother bring a hand to her mouth again, but she looked saddened instead of afraid this time.

"Four?" she repeated and Remus nodded.

"My childhood was spent moving from place to place, as my parents were terrified that someone would discover my secret. When I turned eleven, Professor Dumbledore came to visit and assured my parents that I could indeed attend Hogwarts. He had set up a special place for me to transform that kept the students protected from me and me from them. The potion that Hermione spoke of was not yet invented, so I needed to be contained."

"When I returned to Hogwarts to teach, our potions master began to make the potion for me and the full moon nights were much more peaceful after that. My mother-in-law makes it for me now, but I am still locked in the cellar, which is also warded to prevent my escape."

"I completely understand your concern," Remus continued. "Even in the wizarding world, werewolves are feared by many. Unfortunately, the werewolf that turned me has done much to perpetuate this fear. He was known to attack people, even in his human form, and used as a weapon by Voldemort in the war." Mrs. Granger shuddered. "He lost his humanity and while I would rather he died in the war, I suppose a life sentence is Azkaban is the next best thing." Remus fell silent and Hermione smiled at him.

"I don't like this," Mr. Granger said after a few minutes.

"Dad, I'm perfectly safe," Hermione said. "Remus has never bitten anyone."

"If this potion makes you so calm, why do you still lock yourself up?"

"Habit, mostly," Remus said. "But also, as an added measure of security. There is always the slim chance that the potion could fail."

"The very slim chance," Hermione said. "Like a billion to one." She looked at both of her parents. "It isn't Remus' fault he was bitten. He deserves the same chance at happiness as anyone else."

"Of course," Mrs. Granger said. "I, this is just, a bit of a shock, Hermione."

"He's not any different than the man you thought he was a before this conversation," Hermione said. There was an uncomfortable silence and Remus looked at Hermione.

"Perhaps I should go," he said. "And let the three of you talk."

"No!" Hermione insisted. She looked pleadingly at her mother.

"I'm sorry," Mrs. Granger said. "We have been a bit rude, haven't we? Please don't think we want you to leave." She looked at her husband, who was still standing and had his arms crossed over his chest. "Richard?"

"No, you don't need to leave."

"Didn't you have that chocolate torte for afters, Mum?" Hermione asked. She had a death grip on Remus' leg.

"Yes, of course," her mother said. "Why don't you help me with that, Hermione?" Hermione glanced between her father and Remus.

"Erm, maybe Daddy should help you with it," she said.

"Go and help your mother, Hermione," her father said. Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Remus covered her hand with his.

"It's all right," he said. Hermione did not look convinced at all, but she stood from the table and followed her mother into the kitchen. When the two women were gone, Mr. Granger stared at Remus.

"Go ahead and ask," Remus finally said.

"What about the scars?"

"Without the potion, the wolf doesn't appreciate being locked up," Remus said calmly. "I would attack myself." Mr. Granger grimaced.

"What about after?"

"After?" Remus repeated.

"After the full moon. Do you have to…recover?"

"The transformation is extremely painful," Remus said. "When I was younger, I would spend a couple of days recovering, depending on how badly I injured myself that month. Even now, with the potion, I am still quite tired and sore afterwards."

"And this has been going on since you were four years old?"

"Yes," Remus said. Mr. Granger shook his head and sighed. He finally sat down in his chair and when he looked up, his face was troubled.

"How have you managed to deal with it all these years?"

"I haven't had much choice," Remus said wryly.

"No, I suppose not," Mr. Granger agreed. "Magic can't do anything to help this?"

"As much as we would like it to, magic cannot cure everything," Remus said.

"But what about this potion that you've talked about? If that is successful, isn't it possible that someone could find a cure?"

"Anything is possible," Remus said. "But werewolves are looked down upon by much of our society. No one has exactly been enthusiastic about doing research into a cure." Mr. Granger nodded.

"Prejudice is everywhere, I suppose."

"Indeed," Remus agreed. Hermione's father studied the tabletop for a few moments before he looked up again.

"I need your word that my daughter is safe with you." Remus could hear the emotion behind his words.

"Our relationship isn't public knowledge yet," Remus said. "Your daughter is quite famous in our world and I am definitely not unknown. There will be those that won't approve."

"That's not what I asked," Mr. Granger said.

"I would protect Hermione with my life." The unspoken words sat between the two men for a few moments and finally Mr. Granger reached across the table and held out his hand again. Remus shook it and Mr. Granger nodded once before he stood.

"Call me Richard." Remus nodded in acknowledgement. "We might as well clear the table before Jean comes out here upset that we haven't." Remus chuckled. Richard grabbed two plates and Remus waved his wand to levitate the others, following Hermione's father into the kitchen.

Hermione followed her mother into the kitchen, still worried about what her father was going to say to Remus. Hermione had known they would be shocked to hear about Remus' lycanthropy, especially since they'd had no idea that werewolves even existed before tonight. She supposed that answered her question of whether she had told them about Remus when she was still in school.

Still, they hadn't asked him to leave and her mum had realized they weren't being very welcoming. She supposed that was something, even if her dad was likely bombarding Remus with questions right now.

"You can't do this, Hermione," her mother said, suddenly whirling on her daughter.

"Do what?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"You cannot date this man. It isn't safe." Hermione stared at her mother in shock. Her parents had always been fairly open-minded, and Hermione had never known either of them to be prejudiced.

"Mum, did you not hear what I said before?" Hermione asked. "Remus is only dangerous on the full moon. And really not even then as long as he has taken his potion."

"You can't tell me that this can't be spread in…other ways," her mother insisted. Hermione's brow furrowed. She wasn't sure what, exactly, her mother was getting at.

"What other ways?" Hermione asked. Her mother's cheeks colored slightly.

"Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about."

"Mum, I don't," Hermione began, but trailed off when she realized what her mother was getting at. "Oh my god, Mum!"

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

"No!" she insisted. "Merlin, Mum, it's not a sexually transmitted disease."

"And how do you know?" her mum demanded, hands on her hips. Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Besides the fact that I've read pretty much everything ever printed about werewolves, he was married, Mum. His wife did not have lycanthropy. And before you ask, no, Teddy is not a werewolf either." Her mum didn't look convinced.

"Hermione, I," but Hermion interrupted once more.

"I know that this has come as a shock to you and I completely understand. But Remus is not dangerous. He is one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever known. He would be horrified if he knew you thought this about him. It's something he's been running away from his whole life. It's kept him from relationships and friendships, even. He doesn't want to hurt anyone, ever."

"I never said he wanted to hurt anyone. But, Hermione, I," her mum sighed and rubbed at her forehead with her fingertips. "You're my daughter, Hermione. I find out well after the fact that you've been in danger since you were eleven and now you're telling me that the man you're dating is a werewolf." Her mother sank down into one of the chairs at the kitchen table. "It's a lot to take in."

"I know it is, Mum," Hermione said, sliding into a chair across from her mother. "But if you hadn't found this out about Remus, would you have had any issue with me dating him?" Her mum looked up at her.

"No," she admitted. "It's not hard to tell that he cares for you, very much. And I've never seen you quite as smitten either." Hermione blushed a bit. Her mum reached across the table and took hold of one of her hands. "That doesn't mean I don't worry."

"I know, Mum, I understand. But he's lived with Andromeda for more than two years now. She has seen him through dozens of full moons. He's never once tried to hurt anyone. I'm perfectly safe, I swear."

"And the scars?" her mother asked quietly. Hermione felt her eyes tear up.

"Most of them self-inflicted," Hermione said. "Before the potion was invented, the wolf would get angry about being confined and take it out on Remus." Her mother looked saddened at this.

"What about the others?" her mum asked. Hermione glanced up at her in question. "You said most of them were self-inflicted." Hermione sighed.

"During the war, Voldemort was trying to recruit the werewolf packs to his side. Professor Dumbledore sent Remus to the packs to try and get them to side with the Light. Some of them weren't very welcoming." Her mother shuddered.

"He's had a hard life, Mum. But now the war is over and I'm working on the ridiculous werewolf laws that were put in place. Remus deserves some happiness."

"And you make him happy," her mum said, squeezing Hermione's hand. Hermione blushed again.

"He makes me happy," she said. Her mum smiled and stood from her chair, pulling Hermione up as well. Hermione went willingly into her mother's outstretched arms and hugged her tightly.

"Can you forgive my momentary lapse into protective mother mode?" her mum asked. Hermione laughed.

"Is it really only momentary?" Her mum pulled back and glared at her. Hermione smirked.

"Cheeky," her mum said and Hermione laughed again. Her mother shook her head.

"We had better get this torte served," her mum said. "And save Remus from your father." Hermione paled. She had nearly forgotten about that.

"Maybe I should just check-" she began, turning to head out of the kitchen, but her mum put a hand on her arm.

"Leave them be," her mum said.

"But," Hermione protested, as her mother shook her head.

"If Remus is half the man you say he is, a few questions from your father will not bother him." Hermione bit her lip. Her mum was right, Remus could hold his own against her dad, but she just didn't want him to have to.

"Besides," her mum continued as she pulled the torte from the refrigerator. "Your father is just as kind and caring as you claim Remus is. You don't need to worry." She turned and handed two plates to Hermione. "But since I know you still will, take these out. I'll bring the rest."

Hermione gratefully took the plates and turned to leave the kitchen when Remus and her father walked in. Her dad had a handful of plates and dishes and Remus was directing the rest with his wand. Her dad even had a smile on his face. Hermione looked from one to the other in disbelief.

"Close your mouth, Princess," her dad said. "You'll catch flies." Remus chuckled as he settled the dishes he was levitating on the counter next to the sink.

"Is that for me?" he asked, indicating the plate in Hermione's hand.

"Oh, yes," Hermione said, handing Remus one of the plates. Her dad took the other.

"One thing you'll soon learn about my wife, Remus," her dad said as clapped Remus on the shoulder and guided him towards the living room. "She doesn't often let us have sweets, but when she does, she makes the best chocolate torte you'll ever taste." The two men left the kitchen together. Hermione turned around and stared at her mother.

"I, I don't, but," Hermione said, unable to form a coherent sentence. "What?" Her mum laughed and handed Hermione another plate.

"I told you," she said, eyes twinkling. She walked towards the living room, leaving Hermione standing in shocked silence in the kitchen.

5 April 2000

Hermione was deep in thought as she walked to her office the next morning. Remus had stayed for another hour or so after dinner and things had gone very well. Remus had been quite relaxed when he left, enough to even return the kiss she gave him at the front door without looking around for her parents the entire time. He had refused to tell her what he and her father had talked about while she was in the kitchen with her mother, saying only that they had come to an understanding. Hermione wasn't sure what that meant, but since her dad had insisted that Remus call him by his first name and the two seemed comfortable around each other the rest of the evening, Hermione hadn't pressed it. She was just glad that she'd been able to make her mother see sense. Having her parents' approval was a large weight off her shoulders.

Hermione was passing the Auror office on the way to her own, when Harry stepped out the door. He looked exhausted but smiled when he saw her.

"I was just coming to see if you were in yet," Harry said. "Kingsley is going to file charges this morning."

"Have you been here all night?" Hermione asked. Harry shrugged.

"I left for dinner, but yeah." Harry glanced around and took Hermione's arm. "Let's go to your office." Hermione let him lead her there, then watched as he put up not only a Muffliato, but a few other privacy spells for good measure.

"Are you sure it's okay to tell me whatever you're going to tell me?" she asked dubiously as she watched him layer the wards on her office.

"This is more for you than me," he said. Hermione's brow furrowed. Harry sighed again and flopped down in the chair in front of her desk. "You're not going to like it, Hermione." Hermione slowly sank into her chair with the realization that Harry had put up so many wards, not to protect the information he was going to give her, but to protect everyone outside her office from what he assumed would be her reaction to the news.

"What's going on?" she demanded.

"Andromeda came to me last week with a suggestion that I talk to Narcissa Malfoy," Harry said. Hermione sat up a bit straighter in her chair. She had suspected that Andromeda's 'contact' that had given her the information about Hubert Fawley had been her sister.

"And?" Hermione said.

"And she had some interesting information to give me about Satterfield."

"Such as?"

"Such as the fact that he was funneling money to Voldemort's cause." Hermione blew out a breath and sat back in her chair. She couldn't say that she was shocked to hear this, but one thing bothered her.

"If he was a Voldemort supporter, Harry, why did he hire me? I mean, everyone knows I'm Muggleborn."

"After questioning him, we don't think he was a true supporter, per se," Harry said. "It was more that he was keeping all his bases covered. He didn't become a Death Eater or even vocally support Voldemort's cause, but he figured his financial backing would help him if Voldemort won. On the other hand, if the Light won, he thought that no one would ever find out he'd been making donations."

"And since he hadn't spoken out in support of Voldemort, no one would be the wiser," Hermione finished. That made much more sense to her. Satterfield was nothing if not an opportunist.

"So, we started digging into his finances and found something much more disturbing," Harry said. He sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face. Hermione wondered just how bad this was.

"When Umbridge was put in charge of the Muggleborn Registration Commission, she started a little…side project that hardly anyone knew about." Harry looked up at Hermione with sadness in his eyes.

"What?" Hermione asked warily.

"She wanted to eradicate quite a number of beings," Harry said quietly. "Centaurs were at the top of her list, but, unsurprisingly, she didn't get anywhere with that." Harry paused and Hermione was almost afraid of what he was going to say. "Werewolves were next." Hermione's heart began beat faster in her chest. "She paid off Satterfield for access to the Registry and used the Werewolf Capture Unit, namely Warrington, to bring in werewolves off the list."

"Oh gods," Hermione whispered. Harry nodded grimly. Hermione didn't need him to tell her what had happened to the werewolves that they brought to Umbridge.

"Right after Voldemort was defeated, Kingsley and Arthur were most concerned with getting all the Death Eaters out of the Ministry and restoring order. When Umbridge was arrested, she never said anything about the werewolves. Warrington and Satterfield certainly didn't either. But after things died down and the trials were over, Warrington decided that he had rather enjoyed his little project and continued with it. Hughes and Satterfield looked the other way." Hermione brought a hand to her mouth in horror. Harry raked a hand through his hair.

"When Kingsley passed the bill granting werewolves the right to work as long as they were registered, Warrington had a whole new list to work from." Hermione felt the bile rise in her throat. "He had to be more careful, of course. He couldn't go after anyone who had a family or would be missed right away. But there were plenty of others on that list that have since disappeared. At first, no one thought much of it. Apparently, quite a few werewolves who came in to register ended up going back to their packs, eventually. The bill Kingsley passed couldn't change long-held prejudices and many of them, even though they were now employable, still couldn't get jobs. So, no one was really looking for them."

"Gods, Harry, how many?"

"We're not sure, but at least fifteen," Harry paused and looked up at her. "Maybe as many as thirty or forty." Hermione's stomach gave a lurch. She turned to her rubbish bin and promptly lost the contents of her stomach. She cursed Umbridge, Warrington, Hughes and Satterfield to all the fiery pits of hell. Harry was immediately at her side and he vanished the mess, then hugged her.

"I can't believe this, Harry," she said as she clung to him.

"I know," Harry said with a sigh. Hermione pulled away from him and swiped at her eyes.

"Are you sure Kingsley can't find a Dementor somewhere?" Hermione asked, her voice hard, even as the tears ran down her cheeks.

"Believe me, I asked him the same question." Hermione wiped at the tears on her face.

"Will was right," she said after a few moments.

"About what?" Harry asked.

"When Remus and I were still at Grimmauld Place with him, Will told us that some of the werewolves in his pack wanted to register, but Felix, the alpha, said no because the Ministry was just trying to lure them in and then was going to kill them." She laughed bitterly. "I promised Will that it wasn't happening."

"First, it wasn't the Ministry," Harry said. "And second, there's no way you could have known."

"Gods, Harry, what about Remus?" Hermione asked. "He personally brought in some of those werewolves to register after the war." Her tears began again at the horror Remus would feel when he found out. He would feel like he had killed them himself.

"I know, Hermione," Harry said, hugging her again. Hermione let herself cry into her best friend's shoulder for a few minutes. When she had put all of this in motion, she had never expected that this would be the outcome.

Her werewolf reform was even more important than before, she realized. When this all came out, werewolves were not going to trust the Ministry at all and with good reason. Hermione was more determined than ever to get her proposal finished and before the Wizengamot.

"When is Kingsley filing the charges?" she asked, pulling away from Harry and drying her tears. She cast a spell on her face to get rid of her red eyes and blotchy skin.

"We arrested Warrington and Hughes early this morning," Harry said. "Everything has been written up and Kingsley will file it with the Wizengamot in an hour or so. He wants them in Azkaban as soon as possible." Hermione nodded.

"I need to talk to Remus," she said. "I want to tell him before he reads about it in the Prophet."

"Can you wait until lunch?" Harry asked. "I'll run it past Kingsley, but everything should be in place by then. Kingsley is going to want to talk to Remus anyway, see if he has any information that might help find some of these people that we can't locate."

"All right," Hermione agreed. "I'll send him an owl and have him meet me here." Harry nodded.

"Kingsley is also getting rid of the Werewolf Capture Unit," Harry said. "He's turning those duties over to the Auror Department for now." Hermione nodded in approval. At least Aurors had training and actual rules about how to treat suspects and prisoners.

"Was anyone else in the Capture Unit involved in this?" Hermione asked.

"We don't think so," Harry said. "Or if they were, it was unwittingly. Most of this was done on Warrington's own time. If he did anything on Ministry time, his co-workers thought it was a legitimate complaint. Warrington was always the one to escort prisoners to holding cells. After that, the rest of the Capture unit thought it was turned over to the DMLE. They never asked what had happened to any of the werewolves they brought in." Hermione supposed that was something. As Harry turned to go, she pulled a piece of parchment towards her to write a quick note to Remus.

"Hermione," Harry said from the door as he cancelled all the privacy spells he had put up. Hermione looked up. "Let me know if you need anything. Or help explaining to Remus."

"Thanks, Harry." Harry gave her a small smile and left her office. Hermione sighed and returned to her note, hating what she was going to have to tell Remus.