A/N - Thanks so much for all your reviews and welcome to the new readers! Enjoy!

Chapter 59

Bumps

9 April 2000

Remus didn't want her to leave. Hermione had stayed for the rest of the afternoon and had dinner with them. She had popped home for a few minutes to feed Crookshanks, then returned to play with Teddy. She and Remus had spent a bit of quiet time by the fire when Andromeda had taken Teddy up for his bath. Hermione had read Teddy his bedtime story and Remus had tucked his son into bed. Now she was standing in front of the Floo.

He didn't want her to go, but he couldn't very well ask her to stay. Knowing Andromeda supported their relationship and asking Hermione to spend the night were two very different things. Not to mention the fact that Remus still felt odd having Hermione in his bedroom, let alone sleeping in the bed he'd shared with his wife.

The talk with Molly had been difficult for Hermione, no matter what she said to the contrary. They hadn't discussed it, but Remus knew by the look she had gotten in her eye over the course of the afternoon. She was replaying the conversation in her head, he was sure of it. Not to mention what had happened with Ron. Remus suspected that Hermione had been hopeful Molly would have been accepting and then would have talked some sense into her youngest son.

If Remus didn't feel so guilty for leaving Teddy with Andromeda again, he would have gone home with Hermione. He suspected the only reason Hermione didn't ask was because she felt the same. He watched as she picked up the pot of Floo powder, fiddling with it in her hands. She looked up at him and he smiled softly at her.

"It's getting late," she finally said. He nodded.

"Would you like to have lunch before the trials start?" he asked. Leland Hughes, former head of the Beast Division, was first, his trial starting tomorrow in the early afternoon. Remus suspected he would get a lesser punishment than the other two, three if they decided to try Umbridge for her crimes as well. She was already serving a life sentence at Azkaban for her crimes against Muggle-borns and the Ministry was reluctant to waste resources on another trial which might have a similar outcome.

"I would love to," Hermione answered with a smile. Remus stepped forward and kissed her, lingering longer than he should have given she was leaving. When he finally stepped back from her, she looked even less like she wanted to leave. He knew exactly how she felt.

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Hermione said and then resolutely threw the powder into the grate. She kissed Remus quickly one more time before she stepped into the flames and disappeared. Remus stood staring at the fireplace, his hands in his pockets.

"She actually left?" Andromeda said as she walked into the living room.

"Yes," Remus said.

"And you did not go with her?"

"Sorry?" Andromeda shook her head in exasperation.

"Honestly, Remus, I would think after everything that happened with Molly you would want to be with Hermione." Remus just stared at his mother-in-law, a bit gobsmacked.

"Well, yes, I, I had thought about it, but I, erm, Teddy," he finished lamely.

"What about Teddy?"

"I wasn't here last night. I can't ask you to watch over him again."

"And why not? He is my grandson."

"I know that, but I'm his father. I need to be here for him." Andromeda rolled her eyes.

"Teddy is asleep and likely will be so until tomorrow morning. At which time I assume you will be returning home, as Hermione has to work tomorrow."

"What if he wakes?"

"If he wakes, then I will get him back to sleep as I always do when you are not here. I do care for him by myself one night a month, if you remember." Of course, Remus remembered, but it wasn't as if he had any choice in whether the full moon came around or not.

"Remus," Andromeda said, her voice softening. "It has been a difficult few days for Hermione. I do not even know the extent of everything, although I have my suspicions." Remus stared at her as she referenced Hermione's breakdown after seeing Narcissa. "It has not been easy for you, either. She needs you and you need her. We will be fine."

"I don't, are you sure?" Andromeda smiled.

"Of course, I am. I raised one Metamorphmagus, I can take care of another for one more night." Remus chuckled.

"All right," he finally agreed. Then, he hugged her. "Thank you."

"We are family, Remus. You do not have to thank me." He kissed her cheek and then stepped back to the fireplace, throwing in a handful of Floo powder before he stepped through.

Hermione was in the kitchen giving Crookshanks more water when she heard the Floo. Frowning, she walked back into the living room to see Remus stepping out of the flames.

"Remus, what are you doing here?"

"I, well, I wanted, I thought that I might…stay. That is, if you, if you want me to." She held herself back from leaping into his arms, but it was a near thing.

"But what about Teddy?" she asked. "I don't, I took you away from him last night."

"Teddy is asleep and as you have to work in the morning, I will be home in time for breakfast." Hermione continued to stare at him and he began to look unsure.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to assume. If you don't want me here-"

"No!" Hermione exclaimed. "Of course, I want you here! I just, I feel a bit guilty I guess."

"Why?" Remus asked.

"Because of Teddy and Andromeda." Remus chuckled and Hermione looked at him quizzically.

"You don't need to worry about Teddy and especially not Andromeda."

"Why not?"

"She all but ordered me to come over here."

"I'm sorry, what?" Hermione said, sure she had heard him wrong. Remus smiled and stepped towards her, putting his arms around her waist.

"I had a hard time wrapping my mind around it too, believe me. But she seems to think that you and I need one another a bit more than Teddy needs me right now." Hermione let her hands rest on his chest. She couldn't believe that not only was he here, but that Andromeda had been the catalyst for sending him. Hermione had wanted him to come home with her, but guilt over taking him away from Teddy two nights in a row had kept her from asking.

"Well, I suppose I'll have to thank her the next time I see her," Hermione said, her hands moving to twine around his neck. Remus smiled and dipped his head to kiss her. When they parted, she sighed in contentment and rested her head on his chest.

"I'm glad you're here." He squeezed her tighter and kissed the top of her head.

"So am I." She looked up at him, mischief glinting in her eye.

"Did you bring your pajamas?" He stared down at her as a smirk formed on his face.

"Who needs pajamas?" She laughed and grabbed his hand, pulling him upstairs.

10 April 2000

Remus stood in the Atrium, waiting to meet Hermione. They had agreed to meet here since they were going to lunch. It didn't make a lot of sense for him to go all the way to her office, just to leave again.

Remus heard the lift and turned to watch for Hermione. His jaw immediately tightened when, instead, he saw a familiar head of red hair.

Ron was nearly past Remus before the younger man noticed him. Ron faltered for a moment, then resolutely continued on, slight scowl on his face. Remus watched him go, his eyes boring holes into Ron's back. He was a bit surprised that the other man didn't turn around under the force of Remus' glare.

He heard the lift again and turned back just as Hermione stepped from it and headed towards him. Her smile faded slightly when she reached him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Remus said immediately. Brow furrowed, Hermione stared at him, looking completely unconvinced. Remus sighed. "I just saw Ron."

"He didn't say anything, did he?"

"No," Remus said. Hermione nodded, but didn't look as happy as she had when she first saw him. Remus had a hard time stopping himself from pulling her to him. Besides the many Ministry employees that were leaving on their lunchbreak, Remus knew that there were already reporters arriving for the trials. While Rita Skeeter wouldn't be able to get into the Ministry in her Animagus form that didn't mean she couldn't disguise herself another way. Until she went through the security checkpoint at the other side of the Atrium, she could be hiding in plain sight. Something Remus wouldn't put past her.

"Shall we go?" he asked. Hermione nodded again and they made their way to the Ministry's exit, being careful not to touch one another. In fact, they barely spoke.

When they finally got outside, Hermione directed him to a Muggle café a few blocks away. It wasn't until they were inside and had both looked around for anyone they knew before they relaxed. Remus took her hand as Hermione wound through the tables to one in the back where they could see the door. He kissed her once before he pulled out her chair for her and then sat down himself.

"Have you spoken to Ron?" Remus asked when Hermione hadn't said anything for several moments.

"No," she said. "And I have no plans to seek him out. When he's ready to apologize, he can come to me." She looked almost defiant. Remus admired her bravado, even if it was just to hide the hurt she felt. He reached across the table and took her hand and felt her relax slightly at his touch. His thumb rubbing small circles on the back of her hand relaxed her further. She opened her menu with her free hand and perused it.

"Are you ready for this afternoon?" she asked a few minutes later once their waitress had taken their order. Remus sighed, grateful for the squeeze of her hand.

"I suppose it will be easier than Warrington's trial is likely to be," he said.

"I'm not sure any of them are going to be easy."

"No," Remus agreed. "Ignoring what was happening is almost as bad as participating."

"Worse, I think," Hermione said. "He could have stopped it before it even got started."

"I'm not sure about that, with Umbridge in charge."

"Well, he could have stopped it once she was in prison then." Remus couldn't argue with that. How many innocent people had met their deaths because Leland Hughes didn't care? Perhaps today wouldn't be any easier. He suddenly wasn't hungry anymore.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said, realizing where his mind had gone. "I shouldn't have brought it up." Remus squeezed her hand in reassurance.

"I'm just glad you're going to be there." She smiled.

"Where else would I be?" Remus smiled back and squeezed her hand again, forcing himself to eat at least a bit of his lunch. He would likely need the strength.

Hermione felt Remus flinch beside her as one of the members of the Wizengamot questioned Hughes about the number of werewolves that could have been saved had he reported what was happening. She took her hand out of her lap and slid it between them to where Remus' hand was braced on the stone bench. He flinched again when he felt her cover his hand with her own and looked at her in surprise. She grasped his hand in hers, knowing that no one was looking at them. Even if they had been, she wasn't going to deny Remus this bit of comfort. He gripped her hand tighter as Hughes was questioned.

"I had no control over what Cyrus Warrington did in his free time," Hughes insisted.

"But did you know what he was doing, is the question, sir." Hughes blustered and hedged, but still didn't answer.

"Mr. Hughes," Kingsley said, his voice booming. Hermione could tell that he was having a difficult time holding his temper. "You will answer the question presented to you or we will have no choice but to rely on the testimony of others." Hughes blanched at that. Satterfield would be the first to throw him under the proverbial bus.

"I had my suspicions," Hughes said grudgingly.

"And why did you not report these suspicions?"

"Because I believed my boss was involved in it too."

"Then why not go to the Minister?" another Wizengamot member asked.

"I-" Hughes began, then paused. Hermione could almost see the gears turning in his head. Remus squeezed her hand harder, having noticed the same thing. Hughes took a breath and let it out, then looked up at the Wizengamot. "I was afraid for my life and my family."

An immediate murmuring broke out over the crowd, as well as some of the court members. Kingsley had to call for order three times before everyone quieted.

"Explain," he said tersely, clearly not believing a word of what Hughes was saying.

"I was threatened," Hughes began, becoming more confident as his story picked up steam. "I was told that if I didn't look the other way, I would regret it."

"And you took this to mean?"

"I took this to mean that my life and my family's lives were in danger. I knew what Warrington was capable of."

"And who made these threats against you?"

"Barnaby Satterfield," Hughes said. The crowd collectively gasped and broke out in whispers. Hermione glanced at Remus. His jaw was clenched, his face hard. She swept her thumb across the back of his hand and he looked at her.

"He's lying," Remus hissed through gritted teeth.

"I know," Hermione said. "Kingsley does too, from the looks of it." Kingsley was glaring at Hughes, a muscle ticking in his jaw. The rest of the Wizengamot, however, was a different story. Some, like Kingsley, clearly didn't believe a word Hughes said. Others looked unsure. But there were some with sympathetic looks on their faces. Hermione couldn't tell if it would be enough to let Hughes go free or with minimal punishment.

"This is going to be a farce," Remus said. "No one cares about werewolves."

"That's not true," Hermione said. "Look at the Wizengamot. There are plenty of people that clearly don't believe Hughes."

When Kingsley had restored order once again, he looked down at Hughes.

"And if we question Mr. Satterfield, is he going to corroborate this story?"

"I don't know why he would," Hughes said. "I can't see Barn-, er, Satterfield helping to add to the charges against him."

"Don't you mean Barnaby?" Kingsley asked. Hughes looked confused. "You started to call him by his first name. That would assume that the two of you had a close relationship."

"Well, I worked with the man for over twenty years. Of course, we were on a first name basis." Kingsley stared at Hughes until the man fidgeted in his seat. Hermione didn't bother to hide a smile.

"But you said that he threatened your family," Kingsley continued.

"That's right." Kingsley looked back at the Wizengamot.

"I'm not sure about anyone else, but I certainly wouldn't be calling anyone that threatened my family by their first name, regardless of what kind of previous relationship I had with them." Kingsley looked down at his notes and Hermione saw some of the Wizengamot members looking at Hughes speculatively. He opened his mouth to say something, but Kingsley interrupted.

"So, it is your testimony that you did not report Cyrus Warrington's actions to anyone because you were threatened by Barnaby Satterfield."

"That's, that's right," Hughes said, but his confidence of a few minutes ago had disappeared.

"Very well. Auror Potter, Auror Longbottom, please escort the prisoner back to his cell." Harry gave Kingsley a nod and walked towards Hughes.

"But, wait," Hughes said. "Aren't you going to deliberate?" Kingsley looked down his nose at Hughes.

"You have given us new information," the Minister said. "We must investigate your claims before we pronounce sentence."

"S-sentence?" Hughes squeaked.

"Sentence," Kingsley repeated, then looked back down at the parchment in front of him, ignoring Hughes as Harry and Neville led him away. Hermione was biting her lip and trying not to laugh.

"As we have had new information presented to us, we will adjourn until tomorrow morning," Kingsley said, dismissing the Wizengamot. The reporters all leapt to their feet, hurrying out of the courtroom to try and catch one of the Wizengamot members for an interview.

Hermione turned to Remus. He was still sitting rigidly, staring at the front of the courtroom. She wondered if he had even heard what had happened in the last few minutes.

"Remus," she said, pulling her hand away from his as more people began to leave the courtroom. He turned towards her. "Come to my office, we can talk there." She rose and waited until he stood as well. He followed her down the steps and out the door. They got into the lift with a crowd of other Ministry employees that had been watching the trials and didn't speak until they were in Hermione's office.

She cast a privacy charm and locked her office door. Remus was leaning against the wall, staring off at nothing.

"I think Kingsley managed to expose Hughes' lies there at the end." Remus shrugged. She stepped towards him and put a hand on his arm. It was tight as a bow string. "Remus?" He sighed and slumped.

"What does it matter if he did?" Remus finally said. "There were still plenty that believed Hughes' load of shite."

"Even if there were, it doesn't mean there were enough to let him go free." Remus snorted.

"I was stupid to ever think that they might actually be punished for what they'd done." Hermione stared at him. She hadn't seen him like this, not even after he'd first found out about Warrington's crimes.

"I don't think that you're giving the Wizengamot enough credit," Hermione said.

"And I think you're giving them too much," Remus returned. "Do you honestly think that they care about what happens to a bunch of werewolves?"

"You know, I used to think the same thing about the Wizengamot and Muggle-borns," Hermione said. "Yet, Umbridge is in Azkaban last I checked."

"Muggle-borns are people, not half-breeds." Hermione ignored the slur against him, although it was difficult.

"Tell that to the Death Eaters," she said. "Not to mention some members of the Wizengamot that I am quite sure still feel the same way about people like me."

"I haven't seen them eager to repeal the werewolf laws," Remus said.

"That's what my proposal is for," Hermione replied. Remus muttered something under his breath.

"Excuse me?" she said. Remus looked at her and sighed, scrubbing a hand down his face.

"Nothing," he said. She didn't believe him. She had thought she'd heard something like 'waste of time'.

"Hermione, you're an idealist, you always have been," he said, a bit patronizingly in her opinion. "But werewolves have been discriminated against since, well, forever. I don't see that changing."

"So, you have no faith in my proposal?"

"No, I have no faith in the government."

"Kingsley is part of the government."

"Kingsley is one man," Remus said. "He can push for punishment all he likes, but if the Wizengamot doesn't agree, there's nothing he can do. Look at Fudge at Harry's farce of a trial in his fifth year." Hermione studied him for a moment before she spoke again.

"No one thought my House-elf proposal had a chance either."

"House-elves and werewolves can't even be compared," Remus said.

"I realize they aren't the same thing," Hermione replied. "My point is, that we can change people's minds." Remus stared at her. He finally shook his head slowly.

"Sometimes, I forget what an optimist you can be." Hermione took a step back, stung. He hadn't made it sound like a compliment.

"Obviously, one of us has to be," she snapped.

"With all due respect," he said, his voice tight. "You haven't had to live with the prejudice your entire life." Hermione took a breath. She wasn't sure what had happened, but she didn't want to argue with him. She knew he was upset and that's why he was acting this way.

"Not my entire life, you're right," she said, her voice quieter. "And not for being a werewolf. But, to say that I haven't lived with prejudice is not true."

"It's not the same," Remus mumbled, a bit petulantly.

"Not exactly the same," Hermione agreed. "Although, other Muggle-borns who were sent to Azkaban a couple of years ago would not agree." He looked away from her. She took a step closer to him. "But that doesn't mean you should give up on trying to change the way people think." He didn't respond. She reached out and touched his arm, but he stayed leaning against the wall, not looking at her. Hermione bit her lip, wishing that he would talk to her, really talk to her instead of just reacting to what had happened in the courtroom.

"I should go," he said instead. Hermione glanced at the clock on the wall. She didn't get off work for another hour, but she didn't think that Margaret would mind if she left early. Not with all the extra time Hermione had been putting in.

"I'll come with you," she said.

"No, you should stay," Remus replied. "And I should spend some time with Teddy." Hermione tried not to let her disappointment show.

"All right." Remus turned and walked to the door. "You can stop by later, if you like. Once Teddy is in bed."

"We'll see," he said. "Good-bye, Hermione." Before she could stop him, he had pulled open the door and walked out. Hermione sat down in her desk chair, watching his retreating back through her open door.

Remus Apparated into his back garden. He probably shouldn't have. Given how he felt right now there was a good chance he might have splinched, but he needed a bit of time to himself before he went inside. He leaned against the oak tree and shoved his hands into his pockets.

It had been stupid to get his hopes up that this time might be different. There had been plenty of complaints against various employees in the Beast Division over the years and none of them ever went anywhere. Werewolves had few rights, and no one ever cared if the rights they did have were violated. He knew Kingsley wanted to change things, but as Remus had reminded Hermione, Kingsley was only one man.

Hermione. He did admire her idealism, but sometimes she was a bit too optimistic. She could research and present facts and figures all she liked, but it wasn't going to change the majority's opinion. Werewolves were dangerous monsters and always would be. Greyback had seen to that.

Sighing, he scrubbed a hand down his face and slowly pushed himself away from the tree. Teddy would be up from his nap and Remus should spend some time with him. Andromeda had been shouldering too much of the responsibility lately. And right now, Remus just wanted to forget about today.

"Hey," Hermione said, as she reached Harry's cubicle.

"Hermione," Harry said with a smile. His smile slowly turned to a frown as he looked at her. "You okay?"

"Not really," Hermione replied. Harry stood and cleared a stack of parchment off the chair by his desk.

"Sit," he said. "What's going on?"

"I'm not sure I even know," Hermione said with a sigh. "And I don't really want to talk about it here." Harry's brow furrowed.

"Remus?" he asked quietly. Hermione nodded.

"Come home with me," Harry said. "Have dinner with me and Gin."

"What about Ron?" Hermione asked. "I just don't have it in me to deal with him tonight."

"Ron and Susan are going somewhere with her friends," Harry said. "He won't be there."

"All right," Hermione said. "I have to stop at home and feed Crookshanks, but I'll be over after that." Harry smiled.

"We'll see you in a bit."

Remus stepped into the house. He could hear laughter coming from the living room and smiled. Time with Teddy was just what he needed.

Remus walked into the living room and Andromeda looked up at him. The smile she wore slowly left her face.

"Are you all right?"

"Fine," Remus said, shaking his head to let her know that he didn't want to discuss it in front of Teddy. At his response Teddy looked up at him, grin on his face. The little boy pushed himself to his feet and ran to Remus. Remus picked him up and hugged him tightly. Teddy began to squirm, and Remus loosened his grip.

"Were you a good boy for Nanna?" Remus asked. Teddy nodded.

"Me have take."

"You had cake?" Remus repeated, amused that out of anything Teddy could have told him about, he chose the cake.

"Yes!" Teddy said excitedly. "More take, Daddy." Remus chuckled.

"I think we had better have dinner first." Teddy's scrunched up his nose in a pout.

"I wonder who he gets his sweet tooth from," Andromeda said dryly, looking pointedly at Remus. Remus laughed again. Teddy put his hands on Remus' cheeks and leaned in close to his father.

"Daddy, you pay me?"

"Of course, I'll play with you," Remus said, biting his lip to keep from laughing. Teddy's nose was almost touching his.

"We have take?" Teddy whispered. Remus heard Andromeda snort.

"Yes, we can have cake," Remus whispered back. Teddy's eyes lit up. "After dinner." Teddy pouted again. Remus began to tickle his sides until his son was howling with laughter.

"Top, Daddy, top," Teddy laughed breathlessly. Remus stopped his torture and Teddy rested his head on Remus' shoulder, catching his breath, still smiling. Remus kissed the top of his son's head and snuggled him closer. This was just what he needed.

Hermione stepped through the Floo into the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. Ginny was pulling something from the oven and Harry was setting the table. They both looked up at Hermione's entrance.

"Hey, Hermione," Ginny said with a smile as she carried the shepherd's pie to the table.

"Hi, Gin," Hermione replied. "Harry." Harry kissed Hermione on the cheek and the three of them sat down to eat.

"Harry told me about the trial today," Ginny said. Hermione sighed.

"I knew that Hughes would likely do whatever he could to save his own skin, but he was clearly lying about being threatened," she said.

"Clearly," Harry agreed. "Kingsley is planning on calling witnesses from the DRCMC to testify how close Hughes and Satterfield were."

"Hughes was part of Satterfield's little lunch club," Hermione said. "So, you know they shared the same views. Satterfield didn't respect anyone that didn't."

"It's too bad that they can't use Veritaserum," Ginny said. The potion wasn't allowed during trials.

"Not always reliable," Harry said. "Don't worry, Kingsley will show Hughes for what he really is."

"I wish Remus thought so," Hermione muttered.

"What happened, Hermione?" Harry asked. Hermione sighed and recounted the conversation she'd had with Remus that afternoon.

"He accused me of being too optimistic."

"What do you mean accused?" Ginny asked. "Being optimistic is a good thing."

"Not the way he said it." Hermione could see the flash of anger in Ginny's eyes. "He was upset."

"That's not an excuse to insult you," Ginny insisted.

"I know it isn't," Hermione said. "But he was, just, apathetic is the best word I can think of to describe it. I've never seen him like that before."

"He dealt with a lot," Harry said. "All those years between the wars when he was on his own and then when he was with the packs."

"I know," Hermione replied.

"That's still not an excuse for what he said," Ginny said again. Hermione smiled at her friend's protectiveness.

"I'm sure he'll apologize when he gets out of this funk. He was going home to spend some time with Teddy. That would cheer anyone up." Harry chuckled, but Ginny didn't look convinced. Hermione changed the subject and the three of them chatted over treacle tart. Finally, Hermione stood.

"I should get home," she said. "I told Remus to come over after Teddy was in bed, if he wanted. Thanks for dinner, Ginny."

"Anytime," she said, hugging Hermione. "You sure you're all right?" Hermione nodded.

"I'll be fine." She turned to Harry. "I'll see you tomorrow, Harry."

"Tell Remus not to worry," Harry said. "I know Kingsley has this under control."

"I will." Harry hugged her as well and she waved as she went back through the Floo.

"Care to tell me what happened?" Andromeda asked after Teddy had been put to bed. Remus sighed.

"What I expected to happen," he said. "Hughes made up some ridiculous story about being threatened by Satterfield and now he'll probably get off. I wouldn't be surprised if the others did as well."

"Well, that is not cynical at all," Andromeda said as she settled on the couch. Remus shrugged.

"Years of experience," he said. "No one cares about werewolves."

"You know that is not true," Andromeda admonished.

"Fine, no one in a position of power cares about werewolves."

"I think that you are being a bit absurd, Remus. There are plenty of those in the government that care about what happened. The Minister for one."

"You sound like Hermione," Remus said with another sigh.

"I will take that as a compliment, although somehow, I do not think you meant it as one."

"She's just very idealistic," Remus said. "I don't think she understands how deep the prejudice and fear runs."

"Given that she is Muggle-born, I believe she might have a better idea that you think."

"It's not the same," Remus said.

"Maybe not exactly the same, but, if you remember, the woman that oversaw this whole scheme also wanted to eradicate people like Hermione." Remus said nothing. Andromeda put a hand on his arm.

"Hermione wants to change the world. It may be idealistic, but you know, I think she just might succeed." Andromeda patted his arm and rose from the couch. She left him staring at the cold fireplace.

Hermione sat on the couch, trying to read. When she had read the same paragraph four times, and still had no idea what it said, she gave it up as a bad job and tossed her book on the end table in disgust. She glanced at the clock on the mantel for what seemed like the hundredth time. It was well after nine, Teddy had been in bed for more than hour and Remus still hadn't Flooed. She sighed.

Crookshanks leapt up from the floor and into her lap. Hermione petted him absentmindedly as she replayed her and Remus' discussion, fight, argument? None of them seemed like a very good descriptor.

She wasn't angry with him, not really. She was hurt more than anything, especially after how well everything had been going between the two of them. Hermione knew that the trials were going to be difficult for him. Listening to whatever excuses all of those accused tried to make was just going to make it even harder. None of them, not even Hughes, thought what they did was wrong. Hughes was only trying to save his own arse with his story about being threatened. Kingsley had to show the man for what he was. If Hughes was convicted, Hermione knew it would help Remus' attitude.

Hermione yawned and repositioned herself and Crookshanks, so she was lying on her side on the couch, the cat curled into her. Hermione pushed one of the throw pillows under her head and stared at the fireplace, continuing to pet Crookshanks until her eyes grew heavy.

Remus tossed and turned in bed for more than an hour before he finally sighed and sat up. He switched on the bedside lamp and leaned back against the headboard. Raking a hand through his hair, he knew exactly why he wasn't sleeping. Hermione.

He'd been an arse to her in her office. He didn't need Andromeda's admonishments to tell him that. He knew Hermione had just been trying to comfort him, but he'd lashed out at her and made her feel like everything she was trying to do was a waste of time. He was an idiot to say that she didn't know what prejudice was like. Of course, she did.

Even after all of that, she had still invited him to stop by after Teddy went to bed and Remus hadn't gone. He had seen Andromeda's disapproving look when he announced that he was going up to bed. He sighed again. He'd probably cocked everything up.

Remus glanced at the clock on his bedside table. It was after midnight and Hermione was surely in bed by now. It was far too late to go to her place and Andromeda was already asleep. Remus didn't want to leave the house without letting Andromeda know. Sighing, he slid back down in bed and yanked up the blankets. He would just have to wait until the morning to talk to Hermione.

After another twenty minutes of trying to get to sleep, Remus threw off his blankets. He stood and pulled on a pair of track bottoms and a t-shirt. He would go downstairs and try to Floo Hermione. If she was in bed, she would have closed the Floo for the night and he wouldn't be able to get through. Then, he would wait until the morning, even if he didn't sleep.

Remus padded quietly downstairs and lit a fire in the grate. He cancelled the locking charm before he grabbed the pot of Floo powder and knelt in front of the fireplace. He stuck his head in and called out for Hermione's. Surprisingly, her living room came into view.

"Hermione?" Remus glanced around the room and finally saw her lying asleep on the couch. She had one arm around Crookshanks and the other tucked under her cheek. Remus smiled softly. He should just leave her be, but she was still in her clothes and the more he looked at her, the less comfortable her neck looked. Plus, the Floo wasn't locked. He would have to wake her.

"Hermione," he said a bit louder. Hermione immediately sat up, throwing Crookshanks to the floor and drawing her wand at the same time. Her eyes swept around the room and Remus swore under his breath. He should have known better than to wake her from a sound sleep that way.

"Hermione, it's Remus. I'm in the Floo."

"Remus?" she said in confusion, still trying to wake fully.

"I'm sorry that I woke you," he said. She finally focused in on him and crossed the room to the fireplace, kneeling down on the floor.

"It's all right," she said. "What time is it?" Remus colored.

"Nearly one."

"Oh, I must have fallen asleep on the couch." Waiting for me, Remus thought guiltily.

"I…couldn't sleep, I," he paused. This wasn't how he wanted to apologize. "Is it all right if I come through for a few minutes?"

"Of course," Hermione said, standing up and moving out of the way. A few seconds later, Remus stepped into her living room. She smiled tentatively at him and he wanted to pull her into his arms, but he didn't know if he should.

"I wanted to…apologize, for the things I said in your office," he said. She stared up at him, worrying her lip between her teeth.

"Do you really think my work on the werewolf proposal is a waste of time?" she finally asked in a quiet voice.

"You heard that?" he said, feeling even worse than he already had. She nodded, looking hurt.

"No, I don't think it's a waste of time," he said, feeling ashamed of himself. "Hermione, I am so sorry that I said that. I know it's not an excuse, but I was so angry about what happened at Hughes' trial, I, I spoke without thinking. I lashed out at you and it wasn't your fault." He stepped closer to her but stopped himself from taking her hands in his.

"I'm sorry if I made being optimistic sound like an insult. It's not. You're brilliant and the work you've done on this proposal is amazing. If anyone can change the Wizengamot's mind, it's you." She looked up at him but didn't speak. "And I was stupid to say that you don't know what prejudice is like. Of course, you do. I-," he sighed and broke eye contact with her. "I understand if you can't forgive me."

"I'm not going to deny that I was hurt," she said. Remus felt worse.

"I'm sorry," he said again. "I wish I could go back and change it." She gave him a small smile.

"I know that you were upset."

"That's not an excuse," Remus said again.

"No," Hermione agreed. "But everyone says things they don't mean or wish they hadn't sometimes. I know I have."

"Not to me," he said. Hermione gave him a half-smile.

"Give me time." His heart lurched. He didn't want to read into that statement, but it sounded as if she was planning on forgiving him.

"Hermione, I, the things I said," he trailed off, unable to articulate just what he wanted to say.

"I know you didn't mean them."

"Still, I-"

"Remus," Hermione said a bit of exasperation in her voice. "We had an argument. Couples do that you know."

"I know, but," he shook his head. "I don't deserve you."

"Don't say things like that," Hermione said, sounding a bit irritated.

"I'm sorry, I-" but Hermione cut him off with a finger to his lips.

"You deserve just as much happiness as anyone else. Don't forget that." She said it so forcefully, he couldn't do anything but nod in agreement. "You've apologized. I know you were upset and spoke without thinking. Let's just leave it at that."

"I promise I won't do it again."

"How about you promise that you're going to try extremely hard not to do it again?" Hermione said, stepping closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her and smiled.

"All right," he agreed. "I promise I'm going to try extremely hard not to do it again."

"Good. I forgive you," she said, then yawned.

"You should go upstairs and get some sleep," he said. "I'll go so you can close the Floo." She nodded but Remus didn't let go of her. He still couldn't quite believe that she had forgiven him.

"You could stay," she mumbled against his chest. He squeezed her tighter.

"I want to," he replied. "But I don't want Andromeda to worry." Hermione nodded in understanding.

"I love you," she said. Remus couldn't speak for a moment.

"I love you, too," he finally replied. She stood up on tiptoe and kissed him. He smiled at her when they parted.

"Meet me in my office in the morning?" Hermione asked. "We can go to the courtroom together."

"All right," he agreed. He kissed her one more time and then stepped back towards the Floo.

"Good night, Remus."

"Sleep well, love."

11 April 2000

Hermione hurried through the Atrium to the lifts. She was running late, having overslept after her late-night conversation with Remus. She wanted to get to her office before he arrived; she had a few things to take care of before the trial started again. Plus, she didn't need him feeling guilty that he'd made her late.

Likely, Ginny would tell her that she had forgiven him too quickly, but Ginny hadn't seen the look on his face early this morning. He had been petrified that what he had done had ruined everything. And Hermione knew how he felt, she tended to snap and be short when she was upset as well. She didn't mean to, but it happened. No one was perfect.

When Hermione reached her office, someone was indeed knocking on her door, but it wasn't Remus.

"Gwendolyn?"

"Oh, Hermione, there you are," Gwendolyn said.

"Sorry, I'm running a bit late this morning," Hermione said, stepping in front of Gwendolyn to unlock her office door. She ushered her friend inside. "What's up?"

"Well, I suppose you've heard that Fiona Campbell has been officially promoted to Head of the DRCMC." Fiona had been named acting Head just after Satterfield was arrested, but it hadn't been until yesterday that Kingsley had officially given her the job.

"I did," Hermione replied, suspecting that she knew where this conversation was going, if Gwendolyn's grin was anything to go by.

"This morning, Fiona asked to meet with me. She's appointed me head of the Being Division." Hermione's grin echoed Gwendolyn's.

"That's amazing, I'm so happy for you!" Hermione hugged the other woman.

"Thank you," Gwendolyn said. "It's all because of you, you know." Hermione looked at her quizzically. "If you hadn't convinced me to stay, I'd be working in my sister's shop by now."

"Well, I'm glad for that, but you deserve this job. That's nothing to do with me." Hermione didn't think that Gwendolyn's smile could get any wider, but it did.

"Oh, I don't know, you had a bit more to do with it, as we both know." Gwendolyn winked. Hermione laughed.

"So, has Ms. Campbell replaced you yet?" Hermione asked as she shuffled through a stack of parchment on her desk.

"No, but I'm going to be stretched thin for a while because Jensen Barbary resigned yesterday." Hermione looked up in surprise. Gwendolyn nodded. "I'm guessing he saw the writing on the wall and decided he didn't want to get caught up in everything with Satterfield." Hermione said nothing, knowing that Barbary had never been involved, at least not in the way Gwendolyn thought. She hoped that Kingsley was going to do something to restore the man's reputation.

"So, Fiona wants me covering the House-elf office as well for the time being," Gwendolyn continued.

"If you need any help," Hermione said. "Just let me know."

"I may take you up on that, once we've hired a replacement. No one knows the new laws better than you do." Hermione smiled and glanced towards the door. She didn't want to be rude, but Remus would be here any minute and she really wanted a few moments with him before they had to head down to the courtroom.

"Are you going to the trial this morning?" Hermione asked.

"I'd like to," Gwendolyn said, her eyes narrowing and a scowl crossing her face. "But I've got too much to do now with this promotion. I will definitely be at Satterfield's, though. I may have to testify." Hermione nodded as Gwendolyn stood from her chair. "I should go." Hermione came around her desk.

"Congratulations again," she said, hugging the other woman.

"We have to have lunch soon," Gwendolyn replied. Hermione agreed and reached to open her door when there was a knock on it. She bit back a curse and opened the door.

Remus smiled widely at her and took a step forward, just as Hermione opened the door wider and Gwendolyn came into view. Remus stopped.

"Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt," he said.

"We were finished," Hermione replied. "Gwendolyn Newberry, Remus Lupin."

"Pleased to meet you," Remus said as he shook Gwendolyn's hand.

"Me as well," she replied, smile on her face that Hermione wasn't sure she liked. "As a matter of fact, I was going to ask Hermione to introduce us. I was hoping to get some input from you on the Werewolf Support Services office." Remus glanced at Hermione, looking slightly confused.

"Gwendolyn has just been named Head of the Being Division," Hermione explained.

"Congratulations," Remus said.

"Thank you," Gwendolyn replied, smiling again and tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. Hermione's eyes narrowed at the look on Gwendolyn's face. "Since the Minister reopened Werewolf Support Services, it really hasn't been utilized much. I was hoping you could give me some insight as to what those who were coming to register needed assistance with the most."

"Oh, well, I'd be happy to help in whatever way I can," Remus replied.

"Lovely," Gwendolyn said with another one of those smiles. "Perhaps we can have lunch and discuss it. I'll owl you?"

"All right," Remus agreed. Hermione clenched her jaw and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Wonderful! Well, I had best be off. Thank you again, Hermione." Hermione gave her a tight smile, but Gwendolyn didn't seem to notice. She was too busy smiling at Remus. He, on the other hand, was completely oblivious. Gwendolyn gave them both a little wave, then walked away, glancing over her shoulder once as she did so. Hermione pulled Remus into her office and shut the door.

"Good morning," he said with a smile. Hermione tried to return it, but when his smile faltered, she knew she hadn't been successful. She was being ridiculous. Yes, Gwendolyn had been flirting with Remus, but he hadn't seemed to notice. He certainly hadn't flirted back. Not to mention that while Gwendolyn knew that Hermione was seeing someone, she had no idea it was Remus. Hermione knew that the other woman would have never acted that way, had she known.

"Hermione, what's the matter?" Remus asked. She was not going to do this. She was not going to turn into some jealous harpy. Especially after she had been upset with Remus for this very thing a few weeks ago.

"It's nothing," she said. He frowned.

"Why don't I believe you?" Hermione forced herself to smile.

"Honestly, I'm just being silly," she said.

"Is this about yesterday?" he asked, looking concerned.

"No," Hermione said immediately. He didn't look convinced. "I promise you, it isn't. We settled that last night."

"Then what is it, love? I can tell something is bothering you." Hermione sighed. She didn't even want to admit her stupid insecurities. Gwendolyn was much closer to Remus in age, being at least ten years older than Hermione. She was smart and funny and beautiful; she had a well-established career and no baggage from the war. The fact that Remus had his own baggage didn't cross her mind.

"Gwendolyn was flirting with you," Hermione finally mumbled. Of course, he had no problems hearing her.

"She was?" Remus' brow furrowed as he appeared to be going over the previous conversation.

"It's not as if she wasn't obvious about it," Hermione huffed, still annoyed.

"Huh," he said.

"Huh?" Hermione repeated. "That's all you have to say?" Remus looked at her and tried to smother a smile. Hermione huffed again. "It's not funny."

"It's a little bit funny," he replied, stepping closer to her. "I do believe you might be jealous, Miss Granger."

"I'm not jealous," she insisted. He chuckled, then wrapped his arms around her. She sighed and returned the embrace. "You really didn't notice?" He shrugged.

"According to Sirius, Dora flirted with me for weeks before I finally got an inkling that she might be interested." Hermione couldn't help the tiny smile that escaped, especially as he talked about his best friend and his wife with no sorrow in his voice. "And I didn't think there could be any way you would be interested in me even after I kissed you under the mistletoe. So, apparently, I am not at all observant about these things." She couldn't help but laugh.

"But I believe that I didn't notice today because you were standing right next to me." She looked at him quizzically and he smiled. "It's a bit hard to notice anyone else when you're around." She shook her head at the sappy sentiment but couldn't help her smile. He leaned down and kissed her. When he pulled back, he was grinning mischievously at her.

"Although, I must say it's a bit refreshing to see that you have a possessive streak as well." She slapped his chest and he winked at her, then kissed her again.

"I do not," she said, when they parted.

"All right, love," he said, clearly not believing a word she said. She scowled.

"You're impossible."

"But you love me." She stared up at him for moment, pretending to contemplate. He frowned and she laughed, then kissed him again.

"I do."