A/N - Hello all! Sorry for the bit of a cliff-hanger last chapter. You'll get some answers in this chapter, but not all. Thanks so much for reading and for all your reviews!

Chapter 62

Burn

13 April 2000

Remus ran from the lift and down the corridor toward the mediwitch's station. The woman behind it looked up at him with a smile, but he ignored her when he heard his name.

"Remus." He looked over to see Ginny outside one of the rooms. He rushed towards her.

"Is she in there?" he asked and Ginny nodded. Remus went to walk around her, but Ginny stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"You can't go in."

"Why not?" he demanded.

"They're working on her now, trying to figure out what this is. No one is allowed in except Healers and staff."

"What the bloody hell happened?" Ginny explained what she knew so far.

"What was it?" Remus asked.

"They don't know for sure," Ginny said. "It's some kind of flesh-eating potion, but it's nothing they've seen before."

"Why did she open it?" Remus asked, knowing that both he and Harry had told her not to open anything.

"She didn't," Ginny replied. "Harry thinks it might have been spelled to release as soon as someone touched it. They've got it at the Ministry right now, trying to analyze what it is."

"How is she?"

"It's not burning her anymore, they've managed to stop that, but she says it still feels like it is. They're trying to get a handle on the pain, but none of the traditional pain potions seem to be working for long." Remus swore.

"I'm going in," he said, moving towards the door.

"Remus, you can't," Ginny insisted.

"The hell I can't," he snapped and pushed past her into Hermione's room, ignoring Ginny calling after him.

Hermione was surrounded by Healers, who seemed to be arguing over what they should try next. Her face was a mask of pain and she cried out as one of the Healers touched her injured arm. When she noticed him standing in the doorway, the tears began to roll down her cheeks. Remus hurried to her side, pushing his way between two Healers to get to her.

"You can't be in here," one of the Healers insisted. Remus turned towards him with a glare.

"Try and get rid of me," he growled. The Healer visibly swallowed and took a step back and Remus sat down on the edge of Hermione's bed. He took her good hand in his and kissed her fingertips.

"Remus," she whispered and he squeezed her hand.

"You're going to be all right, love."

"It hurts, so much," Hermione said.

"I know, Harry and everyone else is working on it."

"I'm glad you're here," she said and then leaned back against the pillows and closed her eyes. Remus held her hand and rubbed small circles on the back with his thumb. He watched her face, saw every grimace, and heard every whimper.

"Can't you give her something?" he demanded.

"We've given her too many pain potions as it is," one of the Healers said. "The only thing to do now is identify the potion and find an antidote."

"Then quit poking and prodding at her and figure it out," he snapped. The woman turned her full glare on him.

"Our researchers are working with the Ministry analysts to discover just what we are dealing with, Mr. Lupin. Unless you would like me to call Magical Law Enforcement and have you escorted from this room, I suggest you remember that we are all doing our jobs to the best of our ability." Remus stood and glared at her. Some of the other people in the room, stepped back warily, but the woman crossed her arms in front of her and returned his glare.

"That's not good enough! She's in pain, you need to help her!" he snapped. Hermione opened her eyes.

"Remus," she chided. He bit back the snarl that was trying to escape his throat and looked down at Hermione. She put her hand on his arm and he sighed, raking a hand through his hair.

"I'm sorry," he finally muttered.

"I understand your frustration," the Healer said. "Believe me, I do not like to see my patients in pain." Remus nodded. The Healer, clearly in charge, dismissed everyone else in the room and continued her examination of Hermione's hand and arm. The flesh was red and peeling, her skin sloughing off in places. They had cast some kind of shield around it, Remus could see the shimmer of the magic. He surmised it was to prevent infection.

"What about a cooling charm?" he asked.

"We've tried them and they help a bit, but only for a short time. They have to be renewed every thirty minutes or so. I should have done it a few minutes ago, I'm sorry."

"I'll do it," Remus said. The Healer studied him for a moment, then nodded. Remus cast the charm and Hermione sighed in relief.

"Does it still hurt?" he asked.

"Yes, but not as much," she said.

"You just tell me when you need it again, love." Hermione nodded, closing her eyes again. Remus watched the Healer finish her examination of Hermione's arm. She cast a levitation spell, so the arm floated a few inches above the bed. He could see the relief on Hermione's face when the spell was cast. Remus was sure that it was painful resting on the blankets, regardless of the shield charm. The Healer turned and began writing notes on a piece of parchment.

Remus couldn't believe this had happened. He knew that people would have issue with their relationship, but he never expected that anyone would try to hurt her this badly. He thought back to what Hermione had said the night before, that a letter she had gotten yesterday had a curse in it that Ron couldn't identify. Remus wondered if they had found out what it was and how dangerous it would have been.

The more he thought about it, the less sense it made. If anyone should have been cursed or poisoned it should have been him. He was the werewolf, he was the one that was older, the one that had been her professor. Why would someone want to hurt Hermione and not him? Even as he thought it, all the blood drained from his face. Andromeda.

"Hermione?" he said and she opened her eyes. "I need to talk to Ginny for a minute, all right? I'll be right back." Hermione nodded. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then quickly left the room.

"Ginny," he said as he stepped into the corridor.

"How is she?"

"They can't give her any more pain potions, but cooling charms help slightly. They still don't know what it is."

"Can I see her?"

"In a minute, I need you to do something for me first."

"Of course."

"Floo Andromeda and tell her not to touch any of the mail that comes in, not even with dragonhide gloves. Let the bloody owls sit in the damn garden until an Auror can get over there to look at them." Ginny gasped and put a hand to her mouth.

"You think that you might get one too?"

"I don't know, but I'm not taking any chances. Please, hurry." Ginny nodded.

"Why don't I just have her go to the Burrow? Then they're out of the house completely."

"That's a good idea, thank you," Remus said. Ginny smiled and gave him a quick hug.

"She's going to be all right." He nodded. Ginny hurried toward the public Floo at the end of the corridor and Remus walked back into Hermione's room.

"I'm just going to get these notes to the Auror Department," the Healer said. "I'll check on their progress while I'm there."

"Thank you, Healer," Remus trailed off realizing the woman had never introduced herself.

"Spencer," the woman said with a smile. "There will be a mediwitch at the station at all times if she needs anything. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Thank you," Remus said again. She nodded in acknowledgement and left the room. Remus resumed his seat on the edge of Hermione's bed and took her hand again. Hermione's eyes fluttered open.

"Do you need another charm?" Remus asked. She shook her head.

"Not yet."

"I'm so sorry, love," he said, kissing her fingers again.

"For what?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"For what's happened to you."

"You didn't send me the letter." He smiled slightly. "You didn't get one, did you?"

"No. Not yet anyway." Hermione's eyes widened.

"Remus, you have to tell Andromeda," she began, trying to sit up straighter in the bed, looking panicked.

"Shh," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder and pushing her back gently. "Ginny is taking care of it. She's going to send them to the Burrow."

"But are they all right? You should check on them, Remus."

"Hermione," he said. "You need to calm down. They were fine when I left, and I haven't been here all that long. Just relax, love." She finally settled back against the pillows.

"What time is it?" she asked a few minutes later.

"A little past eight, why?"

"Court convenes at nine," she said. "You should go."

"I'm not leaving you," he said, incredulous that she would even suggest it.

"I'm not going anywhere," she said. "And you should be there to find out what happens to Warrington."

"I can find out later."

"But-"

"Hermione," he said a bit more sharply than he intended. "I am not leaving you, all right?" She finally nodded.

"All right." There was a quiet knock on the door and Ginny stuck her head inside.

"Hey," she said as she came into the room, smiling at Hermione. "How are you?"

"It still hurts, but Remus is helping." He squeezed her hand and looked expectantly at Ginny.

"They're at the Burrow," she said. "Andromeda said another owl had arrived. She was just about to let it in when I Flooed. It was quite perturbed when she left it outside, but she didn't touch it."

"Thank Merlin," Remus said.

"I told her to stay at the Burrow until either you or Harry gives her the okay to go back."

"Thank you, Ginny."

"How are you doing, Hermione?" Ginny asked. Hermione tried to smile, but Remus could tell it was forced.

"I'm okay, thanks, Gin."

"Can I do anything? Get you anything from home?" Hermione started to shake her head, then stopped.

"Actually, there is one thing you could do for me."

"Anything," Ginny said.

"Would you go to the trial today?" Ginny looked a bit surprised. "I just, I need to know what happens."

"Sure, Hermione. It's at nine, right?" Hermione nodded. "I'd better get home and get ready then."

"Crookshanks?" Hermione asked.

"He's at Grimmauld. Susan gave him some breakfast before she went into work." Remus could see Hermione's brow furrow in pain. He cast the charm again and she squeezed his hand gratefully.

"Thanks, Ginny." Ginny stepped forward. Remus stood up to give her space to say good-bye to Hermione.

"Harry will figure this out," Ginny said quietly as she hugged Hermione. "I know he will." Hermione nodded with watery eyes when Ginny pulled away. Her eyes were bright as well. Remus put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze just before she left.

When Remus sat back down, the tears that Hermione was trying to hide began to spill down her cheeks. He sat down next to her and gathered her to him as best he could without moving her injured arm.

"It's going to be all right, love," he said, kissing the top of her head. He suspected he was trying to convince himself as much as her.

Healer Spencer returned an hour later. There hadn't been any change in Hermione's condition and Remus was still reapplying the cooling charms every half hour. He found out that what he had thought was a shield charm on Hermione's arm was actually a stasis spell. It was the only way they had been able to stop the burning from spreading. If it was removed, the potion would continue its work. The Healer didn't have much more information about the potion. The experts had taken her notes and were still searching for what the potion could possibly be. She assured both of them they wouldn't stop looking until they found it.

Ginny came back just after ten with the news from the trial. The look on her face let Remus know that Warrington had indeed been convicted, but she didn't look completely happy about it.

"He got fifty years," Ginny said.

"That's it?" Hermione demanded, her voice rising an octave. "He won't even be ninety when he gets out. He could live another hundred years!"

"I know," Ginny said. "Kingsley did not look happy. Neither did some of the Wizengamot members."

"I can't believe this!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Hermione," Remus said in concern. "Don't get yourself worked up over this."

"Don't get myself worked up? Aren't you angry?"

"Yes," Remus admitted. "But fifty years is still a long time. He could have gotten off all together." Hermione shook her head. "Remember that there is still a great deal of mistrust of werewolves. The fact that the people that Warrington attacked after the war were loners with no family like Greyback probably makes many of those on the Wizengamot feel a lot safer." A tear ran down Hermione's cheek and Remus leaned forward to wipe it off with his thumb.

"There's something else," Ginny said after a few minutes of silence.

"What?" Hermione asked. Ginny glanced from Hermione to Remus, looking unsure if she should say anything. "Gin, what happened?"

"Skeeter was scanning the crowd from the time I walked into the courtroom until Kingsley called things to order. She tried to corner me afterward, but I pretended I hadn't heard her calling me."

"She was looking for us," Remus said with a sigh. Ginny nodded.

"I think so."

"Who knows about what happened to me?" Hermione asked.

"Besides the family and Susan, no one outside of St. Mungo's and the Auror department. Oh, except your boss, Hermione. Harry told her but made her swear to keep it to herself."

"Margaret won't tell anyone," Hermione said confidently.

"There's going to be plenty of gossip though," Ginny said. "I'm sure everyone was wondering why the two of you weren't there." Hermione made a noise of frustration, then grimaced and Remus cast another charm.

"Don't worry about any of that now," Remus said. He looked up at Ginny. "Thank you for doing this for us."

"Don't mention it," Ginny said, taking Remus' hint. "I've got to get to the Burrow, I promised Teddy I'd take him for a fly."

"Give him a hug for me?" Hermione asked.

"Absolutely," Ginny replied. She leaned down and kissed Hermione's cheek. "I'll stop back this afternoon and see you."

"Thanks, Gin." Ginny waved to both of them and left the room.

"Satterfield's trial starts Monday," Hermione said once Ginny was gone.

"You'll be fine by then," Remus said, smiling and hoping it looked convincing. Hermione nodded, but she didn't meet his eye. He kissed the back of her hand. "Rest, love." She sighed and settled back into her pillows again, closing her eyes.

Hermione had finally fallen into a fitful sleep when Harry arrived. He looked exhausted and angry and a bit scared all at the same time. Remus cast another cooling charm on her and then followed Harry out of the room.

"Have you found out anything?" Remus asked

"We haven't identified the potion yet," Harry said. He glanced around the corridor and at the mediwitch station. He cast a Muffliato around the two of them. "It's obviously something obscure because no one from St. Mungo's or our own experts recognized it."

"Dark magic that no one recognizes sent to a Muggle-born?" Remus scoffed. "Not too difficult to figure that out, is it?"

"That's where my thoughts went as well," Harry said. "Until we found the other letter."

"Other letter?" Remus repeated, doubly glad now that he had gotten Andromeda and Teddy out of the house. "Well, a half-blood werewolf is no better than a Muggle-born after all."

"It wasn't sent to you," Harry said.

"What are you talking about, Harry?"

"The rest of Hermione's mail, the letters she got the first day that Ron went through? One of them had a curse embedded in it that Ron didn't recognize."

"Right, she told me about that."

"Well, most of the letter that had the potion in it was eaten away by the potion itself, but we compared the bit we had left, and the handwriting is the same as the letter with the curse." Remus stared at Harry, dumbfounded. Someone had tried to curse Hermione and when that hadn't worked, they'd sent another letter with the potion?

"What was the curse?" Remus asked.

"It would have definitely disfigured her, we're just not sure how badly. We're guessing that when she showed up at work and went to the trial with no obvious injury, this person decided to send her something else." Remus wanted to punch something. He wanted to find whoever had done this and kill them with his bare hands. The wolf roared in the back of his mind and Remus' hands clenched and his jaw set. He heard a growl escape him.

"Remus," Harry said quietly, and Remus pulled in a breath, forcing himself to calm. It was difficult with the moon being less than a week away.

"I'm sorry," Remus said, scrubbing a hand down his face and trying to banish the thoughts of revenge from his mind.

"Trust me, I've been having the same thoughts," Harry said darkly.

"What's the next step?" Remus asked, still trying to ignore the wolf's insistence on maiming something or someone.

"We're still analyzing the letter with the curse, trying to find any clues as to who this person might be. I've redirected all of Hermione's post, as well as yours, to the Ministry. The Auror Department has a containment area for this kind of thing. We're hoping that this person will send something else and we can put a tracking spell on the owl. Also, we're stationing an Auror outside her room."

"You don't think they would come here?"

"I don't know what they'd do. I'd rather be safe than sorry." Remus nodded.

"What about the potion?"

"Professor Slughorn is coming in to see if he recognizes it, although I didn't tell him it was Hermione that was affected by it. Healer Spencer is contacting a colleague of hers in France that might know something. The researchers have identified some of the ingredients in it and they're working on coming up with an antidote." Harry paused. "How is she?"

"Still in pain. Cooling charms help." Remus walked back into Hermione's room, Harry following behind. Hermione was beginning to stir. She sighed as her eyes fluttered open.

"Harry," she said softly.

"Hey, Hermione," Harry said as he approached her bed, sitting down on the edge. "How are you feeling?"

"All right," she said. "Remus has been helping." She smiled up at him. "Have you found anything?"

"Not about the potion," Harry said.

"But," Hermione prompted. Remus could tell that Harry didn't want to say anything.

"Don't worry about it, Hermione, we're working on it."

"I want to know, Harry." Harry sighed and glanced at Remus before he looked back at Hermione.

"That other letter? The one with the curse?" Hermione nodded. "It was from the same person." Hermione stared at Harry in shock. Remus moved to the head of the bed and took her good hand in his again.

"Well," she said with a self-deprecating laugh. "I guess someone really doesn't like me."

"We're going to catch the person that did this, Hermione," Harry swore. She smiled at him, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Are you up for some questions?"

"Go ahead."

"The owl that brought the letter this morning, do you remember what it looked like?" Hermione's brow furrowed.

"I think it might have been a tawny," she said. "But I'm not positive. As soon as I took the letter off it, it flew away. Didn't wait around for a treat or anything. And it was rather snooty."

"Did it look like any of the owls from yesterday?" There was a noise at the door and a mediwitch walked in.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said, taking in Harry's Auror robes. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"That's all right," Harry said. "Can you give us a few minutes?"

"Of course, Auror Potter," she said. "Just let me know when you've finished." He nodded and waited until the door had closed completely before turning back to Hermione.

"I'm sorry, Harry, I just don't know. There were so many owls waiting for me yesterday, I didn't really pay attention to what they looked like." Harry nodded, but Remus could see the disappointment in his eyes. Hermione must have as well, for she let go of Remus' hand and took Harry's.

"I really am sorry."

"It's not your fault, Hermione." He smiled genuinely at her. "I'd better get back to the Ministry. I'll come by later and give you an update."

"Thanks, Harry," Hermione said. Harry bent down and kissed her forehead.

"I'll walk you out," Remus said. The two men left the room. Remus glanced at the mediwitch who was back at her station and nodded to her. She smiled and began to walk toward Hermione's room.

"You'll keep me informed?" Remus asked.

"Yes," Harry said. "If she remembers anything else, no matter how insignificant, you'll let me know?"

"Of course."

"We'll figure this out, Remus."

"I know you will," Remus replied. Harry clapped him on the shoulder and walked away. Remus watched him for a few seconds before turning to go back into Hermione's room. Just as he entered, Hermione made a noise of pain.

"Let me cast the charm again," Remus said, drawing his wand.

"It's…not that," Hermione said teeth gritted against the pain.

"I'm so sorry," the mediwitch said immediately.

"What happened?" Remus demanded, rounding on her.

"I was running the diagnostics and I completely forgot about the levitation charm. I accidentally cancelled it." Remus glanced over and saw Hermione's injured arm lying on the bed.

"Well, recast it!" he snapped.

"Yes, sir," she said immediately, pointing her wand at Hermione's arm and whispering the spell. It rose a few inches off the mattress. Remus immediately cast a cooling charm and Hermione relaxed slightly.

"I apologize, Miss Granger."

"It's all right," Hermione managed. "It was an accident."

"One that you'll be sure won't happen again," Remus said, his voice hard. After his reaction to everything that Harry had told him, he was having a harder and harder time not overreacting.

"Of course not, Mr. Lupin." With another glance at him, she scurried from the room.

"You shouldn't be so hard on her," Hermione said softly once the woman had left.

"She should know how to do her job," Remus said gruffly.

"It was an accident."

"That caused you pain," Remus pointed out. Hermione gave him a chastising look. Remus sighed and sat down next to her. "I'm sorry, love. How are you feeling?"

"The same," Hermione said. She looked down at her lap and Remus could see her lip begin to tremble. He moved on the bed until she was partially reclined on his chest, still holding her good hand, his other arm wrapped around her shoulder, but being careful not to jostle her bad arm. She rested her head against his shoulder and sniffled a few times, but she didn't cry.

"It's going to be all right," he murmured into her hair.

"How do you know?" she whispered.

"Because Harry isn't going to give up until he figures this out. And neither am I." She sniffled again and then closed her eyes. "Sleep, love. I've got you."

The Auror arrived just after lunch, taking up a position outside Hermione's door. Remus ate a sandwich without really tasting it, while he helped Hermione with her lunch. It was her right arm that had been burnt and she had trouble doing things with her left hand. He had also noticed that he was having to cast the cooling charms sooner than before. It was more like every twenty minutes now, rather than thirty. Hermione didn't seem to notice and he didn't say anything. He didn't want to upset her. Healer Spencer returned just after they had finished eating.

"We're no further than we were earlier, I'm afraid. A colleague I contacted was at a loss as well. I've contacted other Healers in other hospitals on the Continent. I hope that one of them will have an idea."

"What about Horace Slughorn?" Remus asked. "Harry told us that he was going to take a look at it."

"He had no idea either. Our researchers are still working on an antidote and he offered to assist." Remus nodded in disappointment. "I wish I had better news. But we aren't going to stop trying to solve this. Please believe that."

"Thank you, Healer Spencer," Hermione said.

"Yes, thank you," Remus echoed dully. The Healer did a quick exam and then left them alone. The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes.

"Don't give up," Remus finally said. Hermione gave him a wan smile.

"I'm not," she said, but he wasn't convinced. Before he could say anything else, there was a knock on the door and Harry and Ginny poked their heads into the room.

"Up for some visitors?" Ginny asked. Hermione smiled genuinely as the two of them walked into the room.

"How's Teddy?" Remus asked.

"Napping," Ginny said with a grin. "Tired him out good and proper flying." Remus chuckled. "Andromeda sends her love."

"With the mail ward up now, do they even need to stay at the Burrow anymore?" Hermione asked.

"I think they should for now," Harry said. "I'm actually on my way over to Remus' place from here. I've got to pick up a few things for them. Andromeda didn't pack intending to stay overnight."

"What's going on, Harry?" Remus asked, suspecting there was something Harry wasn't telling them. Harry sighed.

"Just because owls can't get in doesn't mean someone might not try and hand deliver something," he explained. "We've got Magical Law Enforcement watching both houses." Remus shook his head. How had it come to this? Were they so undeserving of a bit of happiness that their families were being threatened now? Hermione reached over and took his hand. He looked up at her and she smiled, obviously knowing where his thoughts had gone. Harry had noticed the exchange as well.

"We're going to get them, I swear it."

"Of course, you are," Ginny said, kissing his cheek. Harry smiled at her gratefully.

"Slughorn didn't recognize the potion," Harry said. Hermione nodded.

"Healer Spencer just told us."

"I was hoping that he would have," Harry said with a sigh.

"Horace was always a competent teacher and brewer," Remus said. "But he was never that imaginative. I doubt he would have ever researched Dark potions in depth, beyond what he was expected to know for his Mastery or for teaching. He's Sacred Twenty-eight, but like the Weasleys or Longbottoms are Sacred Twenty-eight. He was never Dark."

"That's another reason we think it might be one of Voldemort's sympathizers," Harry said. "Someone with easy access to Dark magic spells or books."

"They must be skilled with charms as well, to be able to spell it to release only when someone touched it," Hermione said. "So, someone good with Potions and Charms?"

"Not necessarily," Remus said. "There are potions that are relatively easy to brew, despite their purpose. We won't know about this one until we figure out what it is." Hermione huffed in annoyance, then grimaced and Remus cast another Cooling Charm.

"Hermione, we've kept everyone from coming to see you because we're trying to keep it quiet that you're here. But, if you want anyone else to visit, I can let them know." Remus knew that a week ago, Hermione would have likely said Ron, but she just shook her head.

"No, that's all right, Harry. The fewer people coming in and out of here, the better." Harry nodded.

"I had better go," Harry said. "I've got to get back to the Ministry and I still have to pick up those things for Andromeda." Hermione looked at Remus.

"Why don't you do that?" she suggested. Remus began to shake his head, but Hermione put a hand on his arm. "You'll know better than Harry what they need, and Ginny can stay with me."

"No, Hermione," Remus said.

"You need to see Teddy," she said. "I'm sure that he's confused as to what's happening."

"He's two," Remus said. "I'm certainly not going to try and explain any of this to him. Besides, Ginny said he was napping." Hermione continued to look at him and he wondered if she was trying to get rid of him for some reason. Ginny glanced at Harry and motioned to the door with her head.

"I'll be right back, just going to say good-bye to Harry," she said and the two left the room. Remus turned back to Hermione.

"Do you want me to leave?" he asked, trying not to sound hurt. He obviously wasn't successful, as Hermione immediately grasped his hand and shook her head.

"No, it's not that. I just, you've been with me so much this past week and then with the trials and everything, I thought, well, Teddy might need you." Remus gripped her hand tighter.

"Love, Teddy has Andromeda and now Molly. Somehow, having two grandmothers around to spoil him and Ginny to take him flying, I don't think he'll miss me all that much." She laughed. "You need me right now."

"I do," she agreed. "And I'm so glad that you're here." She teared up a little. "But you also need to take a break sometimes. I won't be responsible for you ending up in here too because of sheer exhaustion."

"Hermione, it's only been a few hours."

"It's been nearly seven hours, Remus," she argued. "And you haven't eaten anything besides that sandwich earlier. Please?" When she looked at him pleadingly, he couldn't bring himself to deny her.

"All right," he finally agreed. "But I'm not going to be gone long." She nodded. He leaned over and kissed her, pulling back only when he heard the door to her room open.

"Sorry," Ginny said.

"You'll stay?" Remus asked.

"Of course," Ginny said.

"Cooling charms, whenever she needs them," he reminded her. She nodded.

"We'll be fine." Remus turned back to Hermione and kissed her again, more quickly this time.

"I love you," he said quietly.

"I love you, too."

"I'll be back soon." He stood and left the room, not looking back at her lest he be unable to go. Harry was still in the corridor.

"I'm coming with you to the house," the younger man said.

"Why? I thought you said there was an Auror posted outside?" Remus asked in confusion as they made their way to the lifts.

"There is, but we're not advertising that fact." Remus nodded in understanding. They were hoping to flush out whoever was doing this.

"How much more post has there been today?" Remus asked as the two of them got on the elevator.

"Since we set up the mail wards, only a couple of letters from Hermione's. Another Howler from yours, plus four more letters." Harry looked over at him. "Did you know you were getting propositioned in some of these?"

"Yes," Remus said. "Andromeda and I each opened a letter yesterday. The one I read also had a…photograph."

"Naked?" Harry asked, his cheeks a bit pink.

"No, but there wasn't much left to the imagination," Remus replied, face just as pink. His brow furrowed.

"What is it?"

"Nothing, really. I only glanced at the picture for a moment, but she looked familiar somehow." He shrugged. It didn't really make a difference.

"Do you still have it?" Harry asked.

"No, we burned all of them after I'd checked them. Why?"

"Just wanted to keep all the evidence together." Remus frowned. From the look on Harry's face, it seemed as if he might have thought of something. But what he'd said made sense. The lift reached the first floor and they stepped out, then walked to the Floo. Remus glanced at Harry one more time before he stepped in. He didn't miss the thoughtful look on the younger man's face as Remus disappeared in the flames.

Remus landed outside the Burrow's wards and walked towards the back door. Harry had gone back to the Ministry from Remus' house. The back door opened just as Remus reached it.

"Oh, hello, Remus. I was expecting Harry."

"He had to go back to the Ministry." Molly opened the door wider to let him inside.

"Remus, how is Hermione?" Andromeda asked as she rose from the kitchen table.

"Still the same," Remus said. "Ginny is sitting with her."

"Let me guess, she insisted you take a break for a bit?" Andromeda asked.

"Of course, she did," Remus said. "Stubborn woman." Andromeda and Molly both laughed. "Is Teddy still asleep?"

"Yes," Andromeda replied. "He had quite the morning with Ginny in the orchard. Nearly fell asleep on his lunch." Remus chuckled and found himself needing to see his son.

"Maybe I'll just look in on him," he said.

"In Ginny's room, dear," Molly said. Remus nodded his thanks and walked up the stairs. The door to Ginny's room was slightly ajar and the cot that Teddy had slept in once before, set up near her bed.

Teddy had Padfoot hugged close to his chest, other hand on the stuffed wolf that he also slept with. His hair had reverted to its usual medium brown as it always did when he slept. Remus reached out a hand and laid in gently on his son's head. Teddy fidgeted for a moment, then relaxed back into sleep. Remus watched him for a few more minutes before quietly leaving the room.

"Has there been anything new?" Andromeda asked Remus when he reentered the kitchen.

"No," he said with a sigh. "None of the people that the Ministry has called in so far had any idea. They're still working on an antidote and Healer Spencer has extended the request for help. But so far, nothing."

"Someone will know something," Molly said, patting Remus hand. Remus nodded, wishing he could be as optimistic. The longer they went with no one having any clue as to what the potion had been, the more worried he got. While the cooling charms still seemed to be working, the time between them had gotten shorter. He had mentioned it to Healer Spencer earlier and she was concerned, both of them afraid that they eventually wouldn't work at all. And he knew that Hermione was making less of her pain. He had seen her brow furrow, felt her hand tense, even after he had applied the charm.

The Healers had continued trying different pain potions on her throughout the day, but none of them seemed to work for long, if at all. Even temporary relief, however, was enough to make Remus want Hermione to keep trying them, even after she complained that it was a waste of time.

"I should get back," Remus said, starting to rise from the table.

"Nonsense," Molly said. "Sit down, I'm going to fix you something to eat. I'd wager you haven't had anything all day."

"Molly, that isn't necessary, I-"

"Sit," Andromeda insisted. "You will be no good to Hermione if you make yourself ill." Molly turned her 'mother' look on him as well. He sighed and sat down, knowing he wouldn't be able to fight both of them. He wouldn't put it past Andromeda to tie him to his chair if he tried to leave.

Molly busied herself in the kitchen, reheating something she pulled from the ice box. The smell made Remus' mouth water as she brought it to the table. He supposed he was hungrier than he'd been letting on. He dug into the stew, ignoring the knowing looks from the two witches.

"Thank you," he said when he finished. "Now, I do need to get back. I told Hermione I wouldn't be gone long."

"All right, dear. Give her my love, will you?"

"Of course, Molly." Andromeda stood when Remus did.

"I will walk you out." Remus said good-bye to Molly and followed Andromeda out the back door.

"Why can we not go home now that Harry has set the mail wards?" she asked. Remus sighed.

"Harry is concerned that whoever is doing this will try to deliver something by hand when they realize owls aren't getting through."

"He still thinks you will be a target as well?"

"He isn't sure," Remus admitted. "Although, just before we left the hospital, he looked like he had another idea. He didn't share it with me." Andromeda looked at Remus in concern.

"You be careful," she said. "If the person doing this finds out that Hermione is in hospital, they may come and try to finish the job."

"Now that they know the cursed letter was from the same person, Harry has had an Auror stationed outside Hermione's room. And someone will always be inside with her."

"Good," Andromeda said. Her expression softened. "How are you doing? Truly?" Remus sighed and raked a hand through his hair.

"I'm fine."

"Somehow, I doubt that is true."

"I just want someone to figure out what is going on and help her," he said in exasperation. "And I'd like to find who did this and kill them, slowly and painfully." Andromeda nodded, not looking shocked at all by his admission. Of course, he knew she had felt the same way when Ted died. If Bellatrix hadn't already been dispatched by Molly, Remus wondered just what his mother-in-law would have done to her sister.

"I know it is difficult, but you must trust the Auror department and the staff at St. Mungo's. Someone will find something." Remus nodded, hoping she was right. She pulled him into her arms.

"I'm sorry about all this," he said. Andromeda waved off his apology.

"Teddy is having quite the time and I enjoy talking with Molly. We will be fine." She released him and looked up at him. "Please give Hermione my love. And make sure you keep us informed."

"I will," Remus promised. He kissed her cheek and then stepped outside the Burrow's wards to Disapparate.

Hermione's eyes fluttered open, wondering why the pain in her hand and arm had returned. Turning her head to the side, she saw the answer. Remus had dozed off in the chair he was sitting in, one hand still holding hers. A glance at the window told her it must be quite late, probably even after midnight.

Hermione looked at her injured hand again. She had tried to avoid it as much as possible as it wasn't a pleasant sight by any means. Her fingers were all blistered, her thumb missing a chunk of skin. The potion's effects had spread past her hand to a few inches above her wrist before the Healers had been able to contain it. The skin there was red and raw-looking, but at least it did not appear to be peeling off as it was on her palm. She took a shuddering breath and closed her eyes.

Something was going to have to change, she knew. Remus could not stay up all night casting cooling charms on her. Hermione was aware that he had been casting the charm closer and closer together. By the time she had a bit of dinner, it was every fifteen minutes and she was almost certain it was even shorter than that now.

Hermione hadn't told him yet, but while he had been gone this afternoon, Healer Spencer had come in to discuss that very thing. The Healer wanted to put Hermione into a medically-induced sleep until they could find an antidote for whatever it was that was eating away at her arm. It would be easier to keep the stasis spell in place if she were unconscious and not moving her arm at all.

If they ever found an antidote. She was trying to be positive, but the thought that they might not be able to help her lingered in the back of her mind. She knew Harry and Healer Spencer were doing everything they could think of, but also knew that it might not be enough. She might very well lose her hand and perhaps even part of her arm. Shivering, Hermione tried not to think about it.

While she was loath to wake him, the pain was getting too great to ignore anymore. She looked over at Remus again.

"Remus," she said quietly. His eyes opened almost immediately and he sat up, looking around the room as if trying to orient himself. "I need the charm again." He quickly cast it.

"How long was I asleep?" he asked.

"I'm not sure," she said. "I woke up about fifteen minutes ago, I think."

"Why didn't you wake me right away?" he chastised gently.

"You needed your sleep."

"I'm fine," he insisted, covering his mouth to try and hide a yawn.

"You're exhausted," she said.

"Just need some coffee," he said. "I'll be fine."

"Remus," she admonished.

"Don't argue with me, Hermione. You need someone here to cast the charm. The mediwitches and the Healers are too busy to come in every ten minutes. I'm not leaving. Ginny can take over for a bit in the morning while I have a kip." Hermione shook her head.

"It's down to ten minutes now, is it?" Remus opened his mouth, then closed it again. She could tell he was upset he had said that. "I've known since lunch that the time was getting shorter between." He sighed.

"We need to talk about something," Hermione continued.

"What?"

"Healer Spencer wants to put me in a medically-induced sleep and I think, I think maybe she's right." Remus stared at her for a moment.

"We'll set up a schedule," Remus said. "Ginny, Molly and Andromeda would take a few hours, probably even Susan. I'm sure the rest of your friends would be willing to help too. We'll-" but Hermione put her fingers to his lips.

"She also said that it would be easier to maintain the stasis spell if I wasn't moving it."

"You've barely been moving it," Remus said.

"Remus," she said softly. He looked up at her and she could see the anguish in his eyes. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her palm, then held it to his cheek.

"If you have to cast the charm every ten minutes now, there's a good chance it will stop working all together." He shook his head stubbornly. "And since the pain potions only work for a short time, but they can't continually give them to me, this is probably the best option."

"It will only be for a little while," she continued. "Just until they can find an antidote." Remus nodded, but Hermione knew what he was thinking. What if they put her into a sleep, but couldn't bring her back out because they never found an antidote?

"Teddy needs you. You can't end up a patient here too because you're not sleeping." He nodded again. There was a lump in her throat that she couldn't swallow around.

"Not tonight," he finally said, but his voice sounded strained. "Just, can we wait until morning? To see if Harry or Healer Spencer has found anything? The researchers, they might have an antidote by then, even."

"All right," she whispered. He climbed into the bed with her and pulled her as close to him as he could without moving her injured arm.

"I love you," he whispered into her hair.

"I love you, too," she croaked as the tears began to run down her cheeks. She felt dampness on the top of her head and knew that he was shedding a few tears of his own. She squeezed his hand as hard as she could and he kissed the top of her head. They sat that way for the rest of the night, the only words spoken between them the whispered words of the cooling charm.