A/N - Thanks for all your reviews and for everyone who is reading!

Chapter 64

Uncertainty

14 April 2000

Remus' eyes burned from staring at the tiny script in the leather-bound journal he held in his hand. He rubbed at his eyes with a thumb and forefinger before peering back at the nearly illegible scrawl. Frowning, he set the journal aside in disgust. Flesh-eating slugs again.

They had been looking through Severus' books for hours and were no closer to finding anything than they had been when they first arrived. Of course, that might have been due to the sheer number of books in his library. Remus had been shocked when they'd walked in.

Every wall in the sitting room, from floor to ceiling, was covered in bookshelves, save the wall where the fireplace was located. There were stacks of books on the floors and end tables as well. He had known that Severus was an avid reader, but this was far beyond what Remus was expecting.

Two of the researchers from St. Mungo's, as well as Proudfoot from the Auror office, had come with them. After Harry and Proudfoot had checked for wards or hexes on the bookshelves, they all set to work. It had been slow, even with the charm, given that many of the books were on potions and quite a few of them had some reference to flesh-eating something in them. They had stacks of books to go through after just emptying the first wall.

Harry had called Kreacher to bring them a bit of dinner which Remus had barely eaten, still trying to look through books at the same time. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for a moment.

"Remus," Harry said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You should go home and sleep."

"I'm fine," Remus said as he picked up another book.

"You're not," Harry said. "You barely ate any dinner and you've been at this for hours."

"So have you," Remus pointed out.

"Yes, but I actually slept a bit last night, unlike you."

"I dozed off a few times," Remus said defensively.

"With having to cast the charm every five to ten minutes, that's hardly rest," Harry said. Remus shook his head.

"There are still books to go through. I'm fine."

"Remus," Harry said. "Robards allowed you to come along at my request, but I can always rescind that." Remus glared at him.

"You wouldn't do that."

"I will if you refuse to leave on your own."

"I have to help, Harry."

"And what help will you be if you're so tired you miss something?" Harry asked.

"I'll have Kreacher bring me some coffee," Remus said stubbornly. Harry looked at him in exasperation. "You don't understand, I have to do this. It's my fault she's hurt."

"Your fault?" Harry repeated. "How is it your fault?" Remus looked at him incredulously. Had Harry gone daft?

"This woman is trying to get Hermione out of the way to get to me," Remus said. "Stalker remember?"

"How many times did you tell me that things Voldemort did weren't my fault?" Harry asked.

"That was different," Remus muttered.

"How?" Harry asked. "Except that Voldemort wanted me dead and this woman wants to have your babies apparently." Remus snorted in spite of himself. "They both still hurt people we loved to get to us." Remus sighed.

"Go home, Remus," Harry said. "Get some rest. We'll take care of this."

"It will take you longer without me," Remus argued.

"I'm leaving in a few minutes to give Robards an update and bringing a few more people back with me," Harry said. "Ron and Neville are coming, along with a Healer from St. Mungo's." Remus sighed.

"Fine, I'll go, but I'm not going to the Burrow. I'm going to St. Mungo's."

"Remus," Harry said with a sigh.

"I have to relieve Molly anyway," Remus said. "She's been there since after supper."

"Ginny can," Harry began, but Remus shook his head.

"I need to see her, Harry," he said.

"All right," Harry finally said. "But sleep, yeah?"

"I will, I promise," Remus replied. "You'll let me know the minute you find anything, no matter what time it is."

"I will," Harry said. Remus stood and swayed on his feet. Harry grabbed his elbow.

"Okay, you're not going anywhere until you eat something," Harry said. Remus opened his mouth to protest, but Harry glared at him. "You know who Hermione is going to blame when she wakes up and finds out you've run yourself into the ground?" Remus scowled but didn't say anything.

"Me, that's who," Harry continued. "Sorry, mate, but I'm not dealing with that because you refused to eat or sleep and then splinched yourself. Now sit down, I'll get you one of the sandwiches that Kreacher brought." Remus huffed and sat back in the chair. Harry brought out a plate and a glass of water a few moments later. Remus begrudgingly ate the sandwich and crisps, realizing that he really was hungry. He was not about to tell Harry that, however. He waited a few minutes after he'd finished and then stood again, feeling much less light-headed.

"All right?" Harry asked.

"I'm fine," Remus replied.

"Sleep remember?" Harry said. "You don't want Molly or Andromeda on your case." Remus' eyes widened.

"You wouldn't," he said.

"If I have to," Harry returned.

"Traitor," Remus muttered. Harry smirked.

"Go see Hermione," he said, clapping Remus on the shoulder. "I'll let you know if we find anything."

"Thank you, Harry," Remus said, thanking him for more than just looking at books. Harry smiled.

"I love her too," he said. "I'll stop by in the morning if you haven't heard from me." Remus nodded and turned to leave the house. He was exhausted, Harry wasn't wrong about that. But he needed to see Hermione. Picturing St. Mungo's in his mind, Remus turned and Disapparated.

There was a mediwitch in Hermione's room when Remus arrived. It was the same one that had accidentally cancelled the levitation spell on Hermione's arm the first day. She glanced up at Remus when he walked in, then blushed and looked away.

"Remus," Molly said as she stood from the chair next to Hermione's bed. "You look exhausted. Have you eaten?" Remus smiled at Molly's mothering.

"Kreacher brought us supper," Remus said.

"Have you found anything?" she asked. The mediwitch looked up in interest.

"Not yet," Remus said. "We're not finished looking, however." Molly nodded. "Thank you for staying with her."

"Of course, dear," Molly said. "Why don't you go home and rest?"

"Thank you, but I'd rather stay." Molly opened her mouth to protest, but Remus continued. "I promised Harry that I would sleep."

"Well, all right then," Molly said, although she didn't look convinced. She turned back to the bed and leaned down, kissing Hermione's forehead. When Molly stood, she patted Remus' arm. "Sleep well, dear."

"Please tell Andromeda I'll speak with her in the morning."

"All right. Good night, Remus."

"Good night." Molly left the room and the mediwitch finished up with her diagnostics. She was familiar to Remus for some reason and not just because of what had happened yesterday. His brow furrowed as he tried to place her. The mediwitch glanced up at him, then away and turned to leave the room.

"Wait, please," Remus said. "Miss-" She stopped and looked up at him in surprise.

"Wilkes," she said. Remus' brow furrowed.

"Cressida Wilkes?" Remus questioned. She nodded nervously. "You were in my seventh-year class."

"Yes, I was," she replied still looking nervous. No wonder Remus had thought she looked familiar. He had been a bit surprised to see the name on the class roster. The only other Wilkes he'd known had been a Death Eater and the same age as Remus. Wilkes would have had to have gotten someone pregnant while they were still at Hogwarts for Cressida to be his daughter. After questioning Minerva about it, he had discovered that Cressida was a cousin's daughter, a branch of the family that was never known to support Voldemort. He would have suspected anyway, the first time he saw Cressida. Dark-haired, tall, and willowy, she looked nothing like the Wilkes Remus had known, who had been blond, short, and stocky.

"I wanted to apologize," Remus said. "For the way that I snapped at you yesterday. I was upset, but that was no excuse for my behavior."

"It's all right," the mediwitch said shyly. "I understand you were worried about Miss Granger. And I shouldn't have been so careless." She looked embarrassed, but Remus gave her an encouraging smile.

"How is Hermione doing?" he asked.

"Still the same," Miss Wilkes said. "The stasis spell is still holding well, and the rest of her vitals are very good." Remus nodded in acknowledgement.

"Can I get you anything?" she asked. "Tea or something to eat?"

"No, thank you," Remus said with a smile.

"Well, if you change your mind, just let me know. I'm working all night." Remus nodded again. She smiled widely at him and then left the room. Remus looked down at Hermione for a few moments and then stood from the bed, toeing off his shoes and shedding his robes. He waved his wand to widen the bed and then laid down next to Hermione in his shirt and trousers. He kissed her temple and put an arm around her waist, careful not to move her injured arm.

"I love you," he said quietly, before he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Remus woke to the sound of movement in the room. His eyes snapped open and he immediately reached for his wand. He cast a non-verbal Lumos and came face to face with Cressida Wilkes. Her mouth was open in surprise and she jumped when she saw the wand pointed at her face.

"I'm sorry," Remus said, lowering his wand, but not cancelling the Lumos spell. It was quite dark in the room.

"I didn't mean to wake you," Miss Wilkes said. "I was just checking Miss Granger." Remus sat up and scrubbed a hand tiredly down his face.

"What time is it?" he asked gruffly.

"Around two," the mediwitch said, still looking at him a bit warily.

"I'm sorry about that," he said again. "It was...instinct."

"It's all right," she said. She bit her lip and looked up at him. The mannerism reminded him so much of Hermione, Remus' heart ached. "Is it, because of the war?" He stared at her for a moment and she shook her head. "I'm sorry, that was, I shouldn't have asked you, I, I'm sorry." She began to move towards the door.

"Yes," he found himself saying, wondering why he was admitting it to her. Perhaps he still felt a bit guilty about the way he had treated her the day before. She stopped and turned back to face him.

"My younger sister was there, that night," she said. Remus cocked his head in thought. That was right, she did have a younger sister, Delia, she had been a second-year when Remus was teaching. She must have been of-age at the time of the battle and stayed to fight.

"She said that you, that you saved her," Cressida continued. Remus looked puzzled. He didn't even remember seeing Delia Wilkes that night. "She was hiding and a Death Eater was about to come upon her hiding place, but you stunned him. She shouldn't have stayed, she was never the strongest in Defense, but the rest of her classmates stayed so she thought she should too."

"Well, I'm glad I was there, then," Remus said.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," Remus said with a smile.

"I'll let you get back to sleep," she said. "I won't need to come back in until six or so." Remus gave her a nod and she smiled once more before she left the room. Sighing, Remus sat back against the pillows. He had no idea he had unknowingly saved Delia Wilkes. Her sister was right, Delia had been a good student, but not overly gifted at Defense. Remus knew that she hadn't been in the D.A. either. He was just glad he had been in the right place at the right time. They had lost enough young lives as it was.

Settling back, Remus closed his eyes again, reaching down to hold Hermione's hand as he fell back to sleep.

15 April 2000

Remus was awake the next time Cressida came into the room. He had moved from the bed and returned it to its original size, before settling in the chair next to it. She smiled at him as she ran her diagnostics. Remus smiled absently back, but he didn't pay her much attention. He was too busy worrying about Harry and why he hadn't stopped by yet. If they were going to find something in Severus' books, surely, they would have found it by now. Remus was trying to stay positive, but it was getting more and more difficult.

He knew that even if they didn't find anything at Snape's, Narcissa had offered the Malfoy library. Remus had no doubt that it was extensive. The Malfoys had lived in Wiltshire for hundreds of years and had likely continually added to the library. If they were going to find the antidote anywhere, it would probably be there.

Still, Remus hoped it wouldn't come to that. He had no desire to set foot in Malfoy Manor and he suspected Harry and Ron would have a difficult time going there as well. Not to mention the fact that Remus was quite sure that Lucius wouldn't want them there, especially if he knew that it was to help Hermione. Despite Narcissa's apparent change of heart, Remus had no illusions that Lucius felt any differently about Muggle-borns than he had from the start.

"Can I get you anything?" the mediwitch asked when she had finished. "Tea or a bit of breakfast?"

"No, thank you," Remus said. She smiled at him and put a hand on his arm, giving it a squeeze before she left the room. Remus reached for Hermione's hand. She had only been asleep for a day and it already felt like a month.

"Remus," Harry's tired voice said a few minutes later. Remus turned quickly in his chair, looking at Harry expectantly. Unfortunately, Harry didn't look happy.

"You didn't find it," Remus said, feeling his gut begin to churn.

"We don't know yet."

"What does that mean?"

"We didn't find it in the books in the sitting room," Harry said. "At least, we don't think we did. There was one potion that one of the researchers wanted to show to Healer Spencer, but he doesn't think it's what we're looking for."

"If you didn't find it in Severus' books, then why do you say you don't know yet?"

"Because just before we were going to leave, we found another cache of books concealed in the cellar." Remus just stared at Harry. He sighed and scrubbed a hand tiredly down his face.

"After we'd finished going through the books, Ron and I decided to check the rest of the house, just to be sure. Snape had a potions lab in the cellar. There were few books there, but nothing of consequence. We were just about to go back upstairs when Ron decided to run a scan on the entire cellar. We found a hidden room with more bookcases." Harry looked grim.

"What aren't you saying?" Remus asked.

"We're sure there were wards on the room that failed when Snape died. The room was still very well concealed, though. We wouldn't have noticed it without the scan. It's only because of the amount of magic that the scan picked up that we found it." Harry paused. "A lot of the books are Dark and many of them have their own inherent spells or enchantments. It's going to take us a while to even be able to touch anything." Remus was reminded of the book Hagrid had used for Care of Magical Creatures that bit unless its spine was stroked.

Remus swore. The answer had to be there, he knew it did, but who knew how long it would take to be able to search the books.

"The DMLE's curse breakers are heading over there this morning, but I'm also going to stop by Shell Cottage and talk to Bill before he goes into work." Remus looked at Harry, eyes narrowed.

"You need sleep," Remus said. "You've been up all night."

"I'll sleep later," Harry said.

"Might I remind you what you said to me last night?" Remus asked. Harry sighed. "Go talk to Bill, then go home and sleep, Harry."

"How is she?" Harry asked.

"The same," Remus replied. "Any news on Charlotte?" Harry grimaced.

"We compared the handwriting and while it's not a perfect match, it's similar enough that Robards wants her questioned. He thinks she could have altered her handwriting a bit when she sent you both the letters."

"You don't agree," Remus said, studying Harry critically.

"If there had just been one letter, then maybe," Harry said. "But for three letters to match exactly? That would be quite a feat if it wasn't her normal writing. Plus, there's the memory of the photograph."

"What about it?" Remus asked.

"I've looked at it multiple times," Harry said. "And while the woman's face isn't distinct, given the angle of her head and the fact that the memory isn't all that clear, it just doesn't look like Charlotte to me. Robards looked at it too, but he thinks it could be her, so she'll be questioned today."

Remus pursed his lips in thought. What Harry said about the handwriting made perfect sense. It would be extremely difficult to replicate the same altered writing three times. Not impossible, of course, especially with magic, but difficult. And one would think that a secretary working for the Auror office would have picked up a few things while working there. Namely, not sending a photograph showing her face, no matter how shadowed. Of course, the woman that sent that letter might not be the same one that sent the potion to Hermione. It was entirely possible that they were dealing with two different women and no way to check for certain since Remus had burned the first letter. It was only Harry's suspicions that had them investigating the photograph. Although, Harry's instincts were usually right.

"You're right, it probably isn't her," Remus said with a sigh. "I let myself get too fixated on the fact that she was blonde."

"It's not your fault, Remus," Harry said. "She was acting a bit oddly around you. It's better to question her and find out it's not her, then miss something. And it's entirely possible that I'm wrong about it being the same woman that sent the potion. I could be following up with the photograph for nothing."

"Don't start doubting yourself, Harry," Remus said. "Like you said, I'd rather you investigate too much than not." Harry nodded, then yawned.

"Go home, get some sleep," Remus said.

"Do you want me to send Ginny over?" Harry asked.

"Maybe later this morning," Remus said. "I slept for a few hours last night, so I'm all right for now. But I'd like to spend some time with Teddy later."

"Ten all right?" Harry asked.

"Perfect, thank you, Harry." Harry leaned over and kissed Hermione's cheek, then clapped Remus' shoulder and left the room. Remus turned back to Hermione, picking up her hand again. While he didn't like the fact that it was going to take even longer to determine if Severus had the right book in his library, Remus was more encouraged by what Harry and Ron had found. Remus just hoped there would be an answer soon.

"Daddy!" Teddy cried as Remus stepped from the Floo and into the Burrow's living room. Teddy jumped up from where he was playing on the floor, Andromeda watching over him, and ran at Remus full speed. Remus reached down and picked the boy up, hugging him tightly. Teddy returned the embrace.

"Where go, Daddy?" Teddy asked, his voice muffled in Remus' neck. Remus drank in the scent of him and hugged him tighter.

"I've been busy helping Harry," Remus said, knowing there was no way to explain to Teddy what was happening.

"We go my house?" Teddy asked, pulling back to look at his father.

"No, you're going to stay here for a little while longer."

"My house, Daddy," Teddy whined. Andromeda stood from her chair and walked towards the two of them.

"Teddy, I think Molly might have the biscuits ready. Did you want to help with the icing?"

"Yes!" Teddy said excitedly, quickly distracted. Remus set him on his feet and Andromeda guided the little boy into the kitchen, then returned a few moments later.

"He has been asking to go home all morning," she said with a sigh.

"Is there something he wants?" Remus asked. "I'm sure Harry could stop by and pick it up for him."

"Not specifically, no," Andromeda said. "I think he is just missing his normal routine."

"You are too, I'd guess," Remus said.

"I am fine," Andromeda replied. "Molly does not allow me to help as much as I would like, but she has been very kind to us."

"I'm sorry about all of this." Andromeda waved away his apology.

"How is Hermione?" It was Remus' turn to sigh.

"The same."

"Did they find anything at Severus' house?" Andromeda asked.

"Not in the main library," Remus replied. "But Harry and Ron found another room in the cellar with all kinds of Dark books." Andromeda looked hopeful.

"They suspect that the answer might be there?"

"Yes, but it presents a new set of challenges. Many of the books carry enchantments and they will have to proceed cautiously." Andromeda nodded.

"Have you seen the Prophet this morning?" she asked a few moments later.

"No," Remus said warily.

"That Skeeter woman has printed another article."

"I thought she might after I was at the Ministry yesterday. What ridiculousness is she reporting now?"

"She wonders if you have broken Hermione's heart and she has run off in despair since she has not been seen at the Ministry since Wednesday," Andromeda said dryly. Remus rolled his eyes.

"Wonderful, that shouldn't increase the amount of mail I've been getting at all."

"Molly was quite incensed by the whole thing. She sent a Howler to the editor this morning." Remus couldn't help but laugh. Andromeda smiled.

"Daddy!" Teddy called from the kitchen. "See bikket, Daddy!"

"I suppose we should have a look at Teddy's decorating skills," Remus said. Andromeda followed him into the kitchen.

"Any news?" Remus asked Ginny as he walked into Hermione's room. He had stayed at the Burrow through lunch and put Teddy down for his nap before coming back to St. Mungo's.

"Harry just went back to Snape's about an hour ago," Ginny said. "Robards forced him to take the morning to sleep. I haven't heard anything yet." Remus nodded. He was hoping to find out what had happened when Charlotte was questioned, but if they had found anything, Remus suspected that he would know already. After a few minutes silence, Ginny looked up at Remus.

"Ron stopped by." Remus brow rose. "He wanted to check in on Hermione and he told me that he wants to talk to you."

"Does he?" Remus said, surprised, as he was sure that the younger man would blame Remus for what happened.

"He wanted to know when you'd be back, but I didn't tell him. I thought I should ask you about it first."

"I appreciate that," Remus said. "But Ron doesn't owe me anything. It's Hermione he needs to apologize to."

"While I don't disagree about Hermione, he should apologize to you too," Ginny said. "He was just as much of an arse to you."

"I'm not his best friend."

"No, but he was still out of line."

"If he wants to speak with me, I suppose it would be all right."

"I'll let him know," Ginny said. She gathered up her things. "Would you like me to come back before dinner, so you can eat with Teddy?"

"Actually, yes, I'd like that," Remus said. He needed to spend more time with his son, especially after Teddy's request to return home this morning. Ginny nodded and squeezed Hermione's hand, then kissed Remus' cheek.

"I'll see you later."

"Thank you, Ginny." She waved and left the room. Remus sat down on the bed and picked up Hermione's hand. He kissed her palm and held her hand between his.

"I'm back, love." He brushed a curl from her forehead and watched the even rise and fall of her chest. He hoped that Harry would find something today. Who knew if they did find a cure how long it would take to brew? Some potions took days.

Hermione's hand flinched in his. Remus frowned. She hadn't moved at all since they had given her the potions to make her sleep. He ran his thumb over the back of her hand and watched her closely. She lay still once more and Remus decided it must have just been an involuntary movement.

He looked out the window next to her bed and let his thoughts drift. He wondered if he had gotten another letter from whoever had done this. He wished he would have gotten a chance to speak to Harry. Perhaps if Ron really did stop by, he would have news.

Remus wondered what the redhead would have to say. Remus wasn't even sure exactly why Ron didn't approve of the two of them. Obviously, the age difference was a factor, but it had to be more than that.

There was a whimper from the bed. Remus looked down at Hermione, brow furrowed. She shouldn't be having a nightmare, there was Dreamless Sleep in the potions they had given her. In fact, he doubted she should be making any noise at all. Her hand flinched again in his and he watched as her brow furrowed. Something was wrong.

Remus called for the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol officer that was guarding Hermione's room. The man opened the door, peeking his head in.

"Get a Healer," Remus ordered tersely. "Something's wrong."

"I'm not supposed to leave my post," the man said.

"I don't care, she needs help!" Hermione had begun to shift slightly on the bed, her face looking pained. "Now!" The man left and Remus put a hand on Hermione's forehead, trying to soothe her.

A few moments later, a mediwitch hurried into the room. It was the nurse on the day shift that had taken over for Cressida.

"What's happened?" she asked as she hurried toward the bed, drawing her wand and beginning to run a diagnostic.

"I don't know," Remus replied. "Her hand flinched and then she whimpered and started moving around." The movements were getting more frequent now and the whimpering had returned.

"She's coming out of the sleep," the mediwitch said.

"What? How?" Remus demanded. They had been spelling potions into her regularly to keep her unconscious. He tried to remember when the last dose had been. The mediwitch pulled a mirror out of her pocket.

"Healer Spencer, I need you in Miss Granger's room immediately." She shoved the mirror back in her pocket and picked up Hermione's chart. "I checked this morning; she shouldn't need another dose until three o'clock. That's not for over an hour." She looked at the first page in the chart.

"When was her last dose?" Remus asked. One hand had moved to Hermione's shoulder, trying to reassure her and keep her still.

"It would have been twelve hours ago," the mediwitch replied. "So, three o'clock this morning." She began to turn to the next page.

"I don't think that's right," Remus replied. Before the woman could ask why, Healer Spencer hurried into the room. Hermione was almost thrashing on the bed. Remus put both hands on her shoulders, trying to hold her down. Her legs thrashed more violently.

"Get the potions, now!" the Healer ordered and the mediwitch dropped the chart and ran out of the room. "Miss Granger, Miss Granger, can you hear me? You have to stop moving." Hermione's eyes snapped open and she looked straight at Remus.

"Burns!" she cried, tears leaking out of her eyes. Remus stared at her in horror.

"I'll have to put her in a body bind," the Healer said. "She's going to disrupt the stasis spell." She drew her wand and cast the spell. Hermione immediately froze, looking at Remus, terrified.

"It's all right, love," he said. He let go of her shoulders and put one hand on her cheek, the other gripping her good hand tightly. "Healer Spencer doesn't want you to break the stasis charm on your arm. They're bringing your potions. Just try to relax." The tears continued to run out of Hermione's eyes and she looked panicked. Remus couldn't imagine how disconcerting it must have been to wake up and be in so much pain and then immediately bound. He continued to try and soothe her as he watched Healer Spencer examine the stasis charm. She looked grim.

The mediwitch finally returned with the potions. The Healer didn't even attempt to try and get Hermione to drink them, just spelled them into her.

"I love you," Remus said as her eyes began to flutter. He kissed her forehead and let his lips linger there until she went limp. Healer Spencer cancelled the body bind and Remus gently wiped the tears from Hermione's face.

"What in the bloody hell happened in here?" Healer Spencer demanded, rounding on the mediwitch.

"I just double-checked her chart, it said that she wasn't supposed to get another dose of her potions for more than an hour." The Healer's brow furrowed.

"That can't be right," she said. "I gave her the initial dose around eight o'clock yesterday morning. She is supposed to receive another every twelve hours." She turned to the mediwitch.

"I checked her chart as soon as I got in," the woman defended. "It says three o'clock." She picked up the discarded chart and handed it to the Healer. Healer Spencer flicked through a few pages. She frowned and then her mouth narrowed into a thin line.

"Someone changed my orders," she said.

"But, that's your handwriting, Healer Spencer." The mediwitch pointed to an entry in Hermione's chart.

"That may be my handwriting, but I did not write this," the Healer insisted. "Look." She flipped back a couple of pages and pointed out the first time she had administered the potions to Hermione herself.

"When was the last time she had the potion?" Remus asked.

"Last night at eight," Healer Spencer said grimly.

"I'm sorry, Healer Spencer," the mediwitch said. She looked ashamed that she hadn't caught the error.

"Please wait for me outside," the Healer said crisply. "We will discuss this shortly." The young woman nodded and left the room. Healer Spencer sighed and rubbed and her forehead with her fingertips.

"How did this happen?" Remus demanded. He was trying not to lose his temper, but it was difficult, especially only three days from the full moon. Either the Healer had written down the wrong instructions or someone had deliberately changed them.

"I don't know," Healer Spencer said. "She was given the potion last night and she should have received it again this morning at eight. You were here then, correct?"

"Yes, but no one gave her anything. Mediwitch Wilkes came in around six and did a diagnostic scan, but that was all." Healer Spencer nodded.

"She left at seven and Mediwitch Bradenburg came on shift. She should have read the entire chart since Miss Granger was a new patient for her. If she had, she likely would have seen the discrepancy. I will get to the bottom of this, I promise you."

"What about Hermione?" Remus asked.

"Right now, everything is all right," Healer Spencer said. "But we will need to monitor the stasis spell closely for the next few hours."

"Can't you just recast it?"

"It's not as simple as all that," Healer Spencer said. "I would have to cancel the current charm and cast another. With as aggressive as this potion is, there is a great possibility that it would continue its work before I could cast another. We had an exceedingly difficult time keeping it from spreading initially. As it has been simply lying in wait, for lack of a better term, I don't want to risk it unless it is absolutely necessary." Remus sighed and raked a hand through his hair.

"I've had the guard outside notify the Auror department," she continued.

"You think this was deliberate and not just a mistake?" Remus asked.

"I know that I did not write those instructions in Miss Granger's chart," Healer Spencer said.

"Can Hermione be moved?" he asked abruptly.

"I wouldn't recommend it," the Healer said in confusion. "Why would you want to move her?"

"She obviously isn't safe here," Remus said.

"Mr. Lupin, I understand your reaction, but I have to advise against it. Any of the smaller hospitals around Britain would just refer you back here. The closest wizarding hospital with the same capabilities as St. Mungo's is in Ireland. And given Miss Granger's condition, it would not be a good idea to try and move her that far."

"What about private care?" he asked. He could take her to Grimmauld. It was so well-warded no one could get in without their knowledge. He knew it was expensive, but Harry would likely insist on paying for it anyway.

"That is surely an option, but I would assume that you would want to fully investigate any Healer you would hire and that takes time. If you would like to pursue that avenue, I can give you some names, but I encourage you to leave her here in the meantime."

"I'll speak to Harry and let you know," Remus finally said.

"All right," she replied. "Now, I have a few staff members to speak to. I will return as soon as I have spoken to everyone." Remus nodded and the Healer left the room. Remus blew out a breath and slumped down in the chair next to Hermione's bed. He had to keep her safe, no matter what it took.

"Hermione," Harry said, his face frantic as he skidded into the room.

"She's fine for now," Remus said. Harry hurried to the bed, taking her hand and looking her over. After a few minutes, he closed his eyes and pulled in a breath, then blew it out.

"What the fuck happened?" he demanded.

"A mix-up with her potions," Remus said. "She hadn't gotten them since eight last night, so she woke up."

"How?" Harry nearly growled. Remus shook his head.

"No one seems to know. Healer Spencer insists she didn't write the instructions. Bradenburg didn't read the entire chart, so that's how she didn't catch the discrepancy and Wilkes went off shift before Hermione was supposed to be given the potion this morning."

"Wilkes?" Harry repeated. "As in the Death Eater Wilkes?"

"Cousin," Remus said. "Well, her father was, anyway. She was a seventh year when I taught at Hogwarts, a Ravenclaw. She doesn't seem to hold to the Death Eater agenda." Remus looked up at Harry. "I asked about moving Hermione out of St. Mungo's."

"What was the response to that?"

"Ireland has the closest hospital that could handle her case and it's too far for her to travel in her current state. I asked about taking her home and giving her private care."

"We could take her to Grimmauld," Harry said. Remus nodded.

"Healer Spencer offered to give us names, but she pointed out we'd have to vet them all first and she's right, it would take time."

"Did you get the impression that she was too insistent about not having Hermione moved?"

"No," Remus said. "I think she was honest and simply worried about Hermione's well-being. Plus, she's the one that notified the Aurors about what happened." Harry nodded.

"What about the other two?"

"I haven't spoken more than five words to Bradenburg. She seems efficient, comes in and does her job, then leaves. Although, she obviously didn't read Hermione's full chart, which, according to Healer Spencer, she should have. Wilkes, Cressida, and I talked a bit last night. She was the one that accidentally cancelled the levitation charm on Hermione's arm the first day." Harry looked at him sharply.

"I apologized for snapping at her when it happened, she apologized again for her mistake. She also has a younger sister, Delia, she was in Ginny's year. Apparently, I inadvertently saved her life during the Final Battle. Cressida was grateful."

"A little too grateful?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"It didn't seem like it," Remus said with a shrug. "Besides, she's not blonde." Harry sighed again.

"I don't know if we should be ruling anyone out just because they aren't blonde," Harry said.

"While I agree, what changed your mind?"

"It's possible the first letter isn't related to the rest." Harry looked pensive.

"But you still feel that it is," Remus said.

"I don't have any evidence that says it is," Harry replied.

"That's not what I asked." Harry sighed again.

"Yes, I still feel like it is." They were quiet for a few moments, both staring at Hermione.

"None of the three women we've been talking about are blonde," Remus said.

"No," Harry agreed. "But it could be someone else entirely. Polyjuice, Imperius, glamour, even a simple hair-color changing charm." The hopelessness of the situation threatened to overwhelm Remus. There had been no more letters. Obviously, whoever had sent them knew they were being watched and had stopped. He had no idea how they were going to find whoever had done this. And if they didn't find an antidote soon, well, Remus didn't want to think about that.

"I think we should get some names, but I don't know if they should come from Healer Spencer until we're sure she didn't have anything to do with it," Harry said breaking the silence.

"I could speak to Poppy," Remus said. Harry nodded in agreement.

"I know we'll have to interview them and investigate their backgrounds, but I would feel better having Hermione at Grimmauld where I know we can protect her."

"I feel the same way," Remus said. He looked up at Harry. "You haven't found anything then?"

"It's been slow-going," Harry admitted. "The curse-breakers are doing a good job, but they have to examine each book individually before we can look at them."

"I was thinking about Narcissa's offer," Remus said. "Maybe it would be better if we started searching the Malfoy's library while we're finishing up at Severus'." Harry stared at the ground. "I know you'd have a hard time going back there, Ron too, but maybe the two of you can stay at Severus' and someone else could go to the Malfoys. If we get a start there, it won't take as long if we don't find anything at Snape's." Harry nodded.

"I was thinking the same thing, actually. I'll talk to Robards." Remus stood and moved back to the bed, taking Hermione's hand in his again.

"I can't lose her, Harry," Remus said quietly. "I can't, I can't do it again." Harry put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

"You're not going to lose her," he said determinedly. "None of us are."

Remus still sat on Hermione's bed, holding her hand. Harry had left an hour ago to return to the Ministry. Healer Spencer had been in twice to check the stasis charm, which was still holding. A different mediwitch had been assigned to Hermione, one that assured Remus she had read Hermione's entire chart. This woman was older, and actually reminded him a bit of Poppy.

There was a quiet knock at the door. Remus stood and drew his wand. Crossing the room, wand held in front of him, Remus stopped at the closed door.

"Who is it?" he asked.

"Er, it's Ron." Remus closed his eyes and pulled in a breath. He had forgotten all about Ron stopping by. Remus opened the door, wand still raised.

"What did you give Teddy for his birthday?" Ron looked surprised for a moment, then answered the question. Remus nodded and lowered his wand and allowed Ron into the room.

The younger man looked uncomfortable and Remus didn't find himself particularly upset about it.

"Harry told me what happened earlier," Ron said.

"Hence the reason for the security question," Remus replied. Ron nodded.

"Is she all right?"

"You're concerned about her now?" Remus asked before he could stop himself.

"Of course, I am," Ron retorted. "She's my best friend." Remus' brow rose. Ron sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, I've been a complete wanker about this whole thing." He gestured vaguely between Remus and Hermione.

"This 'whole thing'?" Remus questioned.

"You and Hermione," Ron muttered. "Your relationship." Remus waited. With upset as Hermione had been about the entire thing, he wasn't about to make this easier for Ron.

"I said some things," Ron continued. "Things I shouldn't have said."

"You did," Remus agreed, still feeling a flare of anger about what Ron had insinuated. "Although, Hermione is the one that should be hearing your apology."

"I plan to talk to her as soon as I can," Ron said. Remus nodded and fell silent. Ron fidgeted for a few moments and then sighed.

"Look, I know that you and Hermione weren't involved back then," Ron said. "It was stupid of me to think it then and it was even stupider of me to accuse you now."

"I won't argue with you," Remus said. Ron snorted, and Remus felt a smile ghost across his face.

"I was a right idiot, that night when I found out," Ron said. "I was more upset that Harry knew than anything, even though I did have reservations."

"About the age difference?"

"A bit, yeah. But it was more, well," he trailed off, glancing at Remus from the corner of his eye.

"Go ahead and say it," Remus said. "I'm sure it isn't something I haven't thought myself."

"You know I'm not prejudiced where werewolves are concerned," Ron began. "But that doesn't mean that others aren't. And I know that Kingsley and Hermione are working to change the laws, but," Ron shrugged.

"But just because laws change, doesn't mean that minds do," Remus finished.

"Right," Ron said. "And I didn't want Hermione to have to deal with that prejudice."

"Believe me, Ron, I've thought the same thing dozens of times. I've said the same thing to Hermione. She didn't care. But obviously, those thoughts aren't without merit given where we are now." Ron looked at him curiously.

"This isn't your fault," Ron said gesturing to Hermione.

"Isn't it?" Remus asked.

"Some crazy bint is trying to get Hermione out of the way because she thinks then she'll have a chance with you. Which, if she knew you at all, she would know wouldn't work. She's demented. And it has nothing to do with you being a werewolf."

"You can't deny that if Hermione wasn't with me, this would never have happened," Remus said.

"That still doesn't make it your fault," Ron said. His eyes narrowed. "Are you trying to get me to blame you?" Remus sighed.

"No," he said. "I just, I feel responsible."

"I know how you feel," Ron said. "I felt the same way after Malfoy Manor."

"You couldn't have done anything," Remus insisted.

"Still feel guilty though," Ron said.

"I know the feeling." Remus decided that this was one of the oddest conversations he had ever had. He'd gone from being angry to guilty to commiserating with Ron in less than five minutes. He was feeling a bit disconcerted.

"Comes with loving someone, I suppose," Ron said. Remus looked at Ron for a long moment before he answered.

"I do love her," Remus said.

"I know," Ron replied. "I love her too." Remus bristled and the wolf snarled in his head. Remus managed to hold back his growl, but it was a near thing. Ron turned to look at him.

"I'm not in love with her. Not anymore." He looked a bit sheepish. "Took me a while to figure that out." Remus forced himself to calm.

"I'm sorry for what I said that night and the way I acted," Ron continued. "It's just, she's Hermione, you know?" Remus smiled.

"I know."

"Anyway, I should get back to helping Harry."

"Is there any news?"

"Still going through the books," Ron said. "Nothing yet."

"What about Charlotte?" Ron shook his head.

"It's not her," Ron said. Remus sighed. He wasn't overly surprised after the discussion he'd had with Harry about it, just disappointed that the lead had led to nothing.

"Ron," Remus said before the younger man could leave.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you," he said. "For everything you said." Ron nodded.

"We're going to figure this out, Remus," Ron said. "Harry and I won't stop until we do."

"I know," Remus replied.

"Keep her safe," Ron said. Remus nodded. Ron smiled once more and then left the room. Remus moved back to the bed and sat down, taking up Hermione's hand again. He would talk to Poppy about recommendations once Ginny arrived to sit with Hermione. Until they figured out who had changed Hermione's dosing instructions, Remus couldn't even trust Hermione's Healer. The woman hadn't given him any indication that she had anything but Hermione's best interests at heart, but Remus wasn't taking any chances. He leaned down and kissed Hermione's forehead, squeezing her hand. He would keep her safe.