A/N - Extra long chapter for you! Thank you so much for reading and for all your reviews!

Chapter 66

Awake

17 April 2000

Hermione's eyes slowly opened, blinking against the soft light coming in the window. She turned her head to see Remus asleep beside her. He had a hand resting on her stomach, her hand clasped in his. Hermione smiled, then frowned at the dark circles under his eyes. He obviously hadn't been sleeping.

Wait, she was awake. Then that meant…she turned to look at her injured arm. The skin was pink and shiny, reminding her of the time she had accidentally touched her forearm to her grandmother's hot iron. It hadn't been a bad burn, but when the new skin regrew, it had looked the same.

They must have found the antidote. Her arm was still levitated and shielded, so it was obviously a recent development. And the evidence of the burns went much higher up her arm than she remembered. She wondered what had happened.

Remus shifted and Hermione turned back to look at him. A lock of hair had fallen into his eyes and she wanted to brush it away, but she had no way of doing that without pulling her uninjured hand away from his. That would surely wake him, and she sensed that he hadn't gotten a good night's rest for quite some time.

But she really wanted to know what had happened. Had they caught the person that had done this to her or just found the antidote? How had they found it and how long had she been asleep? It might have been days or weeks, even months for all she knew. Her arms and legs felt stiff like she had spent too long in bed, but it really didn't help her narrow down the time-frame.

Remus moved again, then yawned widely before opening his eyes. He smiled sleepily at her, then sat bolt upright in the bed.

"You're awake," he said. She nodded. He stared at her for a few moments before he leaned down and kissed her, a passionate, toe-curling kiss that had her wishing she had both arms available to wrap around him and pull him to her. When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers and took a hitching breath.

Hermione's brow furrowed in concern, and she hugged him as well as she could with one arm. When he finally raised his head, there were tears in his eyes. She brought her hand to his cheek and he kissed her palm, before covering her hand with his.

"I was so worried," he said.

"Remus, what happened?" He kissed her palm again, the moved slightly away from her so he was lying on his side, head propped up on one hand. He kept hold of her good hand with the other.

"Ron and Neville found the antidote," he said. "Horace brewed it yesterday and they gave it to you last night. Healer Spencer decided not to give you your dose of potions in the middle of the night and let you wake up on your own." There were so many things she wanted to ask about that simple explanation, but she settled on the most pressing.

"How long was I asleep?" she asked.

"Three days," Remus said. Hermione let out a relieved breath. Three days wasn't bad at all. Truthfully, when they had put her under, she expected it to be longer.

"I have a lot of questions." Remus chuckled.

"I wouldn't expect anything less, love."

"Did they catch whoever did this?" Remus' smile slipped from his face.

"Yes," he said grimly, his hand tightening around hers.

"Well?" Hermione prompted when he didn't say anything else.

"Do you remember Delia Wilkes? She was a year behind you." Hermione's brow furrowed.

"I think so," she said. "She did this?" Remus nodded. "But why?"

"That's a question for Harry," Remus said with a sigh. He sat up on the bed and scrubbed a hand down his face. "I would assume he will be here soon to fill us in."

"There's got to be something you can tell me," Hermione pressed.

"Her older sister was a mediwitch here. Delia used Polyjuice to get into your room. She was," Remus trailed off and swallowed thickly.

"Remus?" Hermione put her good hand on his arm. He shook his head.

"She tried to kill you, Hermione." Hermione stared at him in shock.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, she tried to remove the stasis charm to let the potion do it, but it would have had the same result." Remus looked away and Hermione could see him visibly trying to calm himself. She moved her hand to his back.

"I'm all right," she said quietly. He pulled in a shuddering breath.

"I know," he said. He faced her again and grabbed her hand, kissing her fingertips. He then lay back down and moved closer to her, wrapping an arm around her chest and nuzzling her ear. She heard him breathe in deeply and knew that he was trying to calm himself. She waited for a few minutes, letting him get some of the comfort he so obviously needed.

"Tell me the rest," she requested. He sighed and shifted so he could look at her once more.

"To be completely honest, I have no idea why she did it, beyond the fact that she was obsessed with me and convinced that we were supposed to be together. She said that you stole me from her."

"That makes no sense," Hermione said.

"I agree," Remus replied. "Harry arrested her and took her in for questioning last night. Apparently, I did save her life during the battle, but I wasn't aware that I did. That's really all I know."

"But you know about the antidote," Hermione said. "Why did Professor Slughorn brew it? Why not the potions department at St. Mungo's? And where did Ron and Neville find it? And what about-" Hermione was cut off by the door opening. Harry stepped into the room. Remus immediately drew his wand.

"Remus!" Hermione admonished, but he ignored her.

"What did Teddy tell he wanted for his birthday?" Harry laughed.

"A dragon. A live one, so he could ride it." Remus smiled and lowered his wand. Hermione was staring between the two of them in disbelief. Had they both gone mental?

"What in Merlin's name is going on?" she demanded.

"I knew she'd be demanding answers the moment she woke up," Harry teased. Hermione scowled at him as he approached the bed. Remus sat up and moved back from her to give Harry room to greet her.

"I'm so glad you're awake." He leaned down and kissed her forehead, then hugged her, which was a bit awkward given their positions.

"Harry," Hermione said in exasperation. "Are you going to explain why Remus was holding you at wandpoint?" Harry sighed.

"I am, Hermione, but I think we should tell Healer Spencer you're awake first."

"No, I want to know!" Hermione insisted.

"Please, love," Remus said. She looked up at him and at the expression on his face, she knew she couldn't refuse.

"All right," she agreed. Remus stood from the bed.

"I'll be right back," he said as he left the room. Instead of sitting down like Hermione expected him to, Harry began to search the room.

"What are you looking for?" she asked, as Harry opened the drawer in the bedside table.

"A mirror," he said.

"There's one in the loo," Hermione said in confusion.

"Not that kind of mirror," Harry said. Hermione stared at him for few minutes, but he didn't look at her. Then she huffed, loudly, but he still ignored her. He had stuck a hand under the mattress and was squatting down to look under the bed, when Hermione smacked her good arm down on the bed and made a noise of frustration.

"Harry!"

"Got it," Harry said, standing up and pulling the mirror out from under the bed. "She had it wedged up in the springs."

"Who?" Hermione demanded. "And what is that?"

"It's a communication mirror that the Healers and mediwitches and wizards use if there is an emergency with one of the patients," Harry said.

"What was it doing under my bed?"

"Delia Wilkes put it there," Harry said. He gave her no further explanation and Hermione was about to demand that he continue when the door opened. Healer Spencer walked in followed by Remus.

"Miss Granger, it's good to see you awake," the Healer said. She waved her wand and the head of Hermione's bed rose up until she was in a reclined sitting position. Remus adjusted the pillows behind her. The Healer began to run her diagnostics, nodding at the readings she was getting.

"I'm going to remove the shield charm now and examine your arm." Hermione nodded in understanding. Healer Spencer was gentle, but Hermione still flinched when the older woman touched her palm. "It will be tender for a couple of days, especially here on your hand where the damage was the worst."

"How bad was it?" Hermione asked quietly.

"By the end? Quite bad." Hermione glanced at Remus, who looked pained. She wanted to reach out to him but couldn't while the Healer was examining her. "But the good news is, you haven't lost any function in that hand and you should be just fine as soon as the skin has completely repaired itself." The Healer turned to Harry.

"Mr. Lupin mentioned you might have some information, Auror Potter."

"I believe you might be missing this," Harry said, handing the mirror to Healer Spencer.

"Where did you find this?"

"Wedged under Hermione's bed."

"That's how she heard everything?" Remus asked. Harry nodded.

"She had another one on her when we arrested her."

"I wasn't aware we were missing any of these," the Healer said, her mouth in a tight line.

"We think she changed the inventory count the same way she changed the orders in Hermione's chart." Hermione was listening to the conversation and was completely lost. What orders in her chart? And what did Delia need to hear with the mirror?

"Auror Robards has a meeting later today with Director Meadows about changes in security here at the hospital," Harry said.

"As well he should," Healer Spencer said grimly. Hermione glanced between the three of them again, feeling like she was about to scream.

"Will someone please tell me what is going on?" she said, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice. Harry and Remus both looked to the Healer. The woman looked contemplative for a few moments, but finally nodded her head.

"As long as you don't get too upset, Miss Granger, it should be fine."

"I'll be more upset if someone doesn't start talking," Hermione muttered. Healer Spencer chuckled.

"I have to do my rounds," she said. "If you need me, just tell the guard outside the door." Harry inclined his head and Hermione wondered why on earth there was still a guard outside her door.

"Talk," Hermione said as soon as the Healer had left. "Now."

"All right," Harry replied, holding his hands up in surrender. Remus sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Hermione moved into his side and she heard him let out a sigh of contentment. He kissed the top of her head as Harry began to explain.

"I suppose the easiest thing is to start at the Battle," Harry said with a sigh. "Delia was of age and stayed to fight with her Housemates, despite not being the strongest in Defense. She quickly realized she was out of her element and hid on the grounds, near the courtyard. Her best friend was killed in front of her." Hermione's heart squeezed painfully.

"She witnessed the worst of the fighting that took place there, even saw," Harry paused and looked at Remus. "She saw Bellatrix kill Tonks." Hermione saw the pain in Remus' eyes and she squeezed his hand as tight as she could. Remus pulled in a breath and squeezed back. Hermione leaned further into his side.

"She was still hidden when you came into the courtyard, Remus. There was a Death Eater that was nearing her hiding place and she thought he was going to find her when you stunned him. You ran off to duel someone else and she stayed in place until Voldemort called for the cease fire. After you found Cho and carried her inside, Delia followed. She wasn't physically hurt, but Madame Pomfrey kept her with the wounded. I talked to Madame Pomfrey this morning and she told me that Delia was basically catatonic and wouldn't speak to anyone. Her parents and sister showed up later that morning and took her home. Madame Pomfrey didn't see her again."

"She didn't come back to school?" Hermione asked. Harry shook his head.

"I'm not sure if she even took her N.E.W.T.S. She says her mum taught her at home, but whether she actually took the exams, I don't know. I haven't spoken to her parents; Proudfoot was interviewing them when I left. And I haven't talked to Professor McGonagall yet."

"So that's why she was fixated on Remus?" Hermione questioned. "Because he unknowingly saved her life?"

"We're assuming so," Harry said. "It was hard to get coherent thoughts out of her once we started asking her about Remus. She just kept going on about how they were meant to be together and rambling about all these plans they had to run away together somewhere. She got so delusional, the mediwitch on duty gave her a Calming draught and a Sleeping potion. Robards is going to talk to Kingsley about special dispensation for either Veritaserum or Legilimency, just to try to make sense of everything."

"So, she came after Hermione because of this delusion about the two of us?" Remus asked.

"Yes," Harry said. "She was really angry about that article in the Prophet. She sent the cursed letter first and when that didn't work, she sent the potion."

"Once she suspected Hermione was admitted, she Polyjuiced herself as Cressida?" Remus said.

"Actually, no," Harry said.

"No?" Remus repeated. "You mean Cressida was in on it the entire time?"

"Not willingly," Harry replied.

"Imperius," Hermione said. Harry nodded.

"Delia was the Welcome Witch the morning Ginny brought Hermione in. She had working knowledge of the hospital and its procedures, which allowed her to steal the mirror and change the inventory. Delia had Cressida plant the communication mirror and leave the connection open, so Delia could monitor what was being said in the room."

"She heard everything," Remus said with a grimace.

"Yes," Harry said with a sigh. "It's why she used Polyjuice in the end. She knew that we were monitoring for the Imperius."

"Where did she get it?"

"Probably Knockturn, but she hasn't said yet."

"And the coffee?"

"Dosed it and the water for the tea with a sleeping draught. That's why so many people fell asleep in the lounge. Then she cast a compulsion charm on you when you came to visit Hermione that night to make sure you would drink some."

"How did she manage to get a compulsion charm on me?" Remus asked. He looked disgusted that he hadn't noticed.

"I'm guessing she was Disillusioned somewhere on the ward and cast it on you when you arrived." Remus shook his head and Hermione squeezed his hand again. "She was really upset that you woke up early."

"I spilled half the cup when I went to set in on the side table," Remus explained. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have." He shuddered, and Hermione squeezed his hand again.

"Is her sister all right?" Hermione asked.

"We found her stunned and bound in her flat," Harry said. "She's been checked over and she's fine." Harry rubbed at his eyes with his thumb and forefinger.

"Have you been up all night?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," Harry said, trying to stifle a yawn.

"Go home and sleep, Harry," she said.

"I will later," Harry replied. "We still have to search Delia's house."

"Wilkes' cottage?" Remus asked.

"How did you know?"

"Delia mentioned a cottage when I was trying to get her away from Hermione," Remus replied.

"Wait, Wilkes as in the Death Eater?" Hermione asked. Harry nodded.

"Delia and Cressida's father is Wilkes' cousin. There wasn't any other family and so the cottage went to him when his cousin died in the First War. We don't know if the Ministry searched it, then released it to the family, or they missed it all together. Neville is checking the records, but it was chaos back then and Kingsley has said that things were missed. Delia moved into it about a year ago."

"Be careful when you search it," Remus said. "Delia said that her cousin had a lot of books and that they were hidden in the cottage. I assume that's where she found the potions book."

They all fell silent for a few moments. Despite everything that had happened, Hermione couldn't help but feel sorry for Delia Wilkes. She had obviously suffered after the war, likely with post-traumatic stress. The Wizarding world didn't know as much about it or how to treat it as the Muggle world did. Add to that that none of her family had participated in the Battle and likely couldn't understand what she was going through, she probably had felt very much alone.

"I'd better head back," Harry said. Remus stood from the bed as Harry stepped forward. Harry hugged Hermione tightly and kissed the top of her head. "I'm so glad you're all right." Hermione tightened her good arm around him.

"Get some sleep," she admonished when he finally released her.

"Yes, Mum," he smirked. She smacked his shoulder lightly and he grinned. "I'll be back when I know more." Harry waved to the two of them and left the room.

"What orders were changed in my chart?" Hermione asked once Harry had gone. Remus sighed and sat down next to her. She leaned into him and he put an arm around her.

"You were supposed to get the sleeping potion every twelve hours," Remus explained. "After the first two doses, the orders in the chart were changed so that you wouldn't get the next dose for more than eighteen hours."

"I woke up," Hermione said, suddenly remembering.

"Yes, for a few minutes before Healer Spencer was able to give you the potions again. Cressida had been on duty that first night, so I'm guessing Delia must have forced her to change the time in your chart. The mediwitch that took over at seven that morning didn't read the entire chart, otherwise, she likely would have caught the error."

"So, it was her in that photograph then," Hermione said. "Delia?"

"Yes," Remus said. "Once I saw her after the Polyjuice wore off, I recognized her." Hermione fell silent and Remus kissed her temple.

"How are Teddy and Andromeda?" Hermione asked, deciding she didn't really want to hear more about Delia Wilkes right now.

"They're fine, still at the Burrow. Teddy has been anxious to go home though." Hermione tilted her head up to look at him.

"Surely they can go home now," she said. "Delia has been caught."

"I want to wait until Harry has finished his search and she's been questioned again."

"You don't think someone was helping her, do you?" Hermione asked.

"It's not likely," he replied. "But after everything that's happened, we can't be too careful."

"I assume that's why the guard is still outside, and you asked Harry the security question," Hermione said.

"Yes, and I expect you to do the same every time whenever someone comes to visit, even me."

"Do you really think that's necessary?" Hermione said. He stared down at her.

"Yes," he said forcefully.

"All right," she agreed, not wanting to upset him.

"In fact, you should probably ask me something now." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Remus, you've been sitting here with me for quite some time now. Don't you think it's a little late for that?"

"Humor me," he said. Hermione thought about it for a few moments and then hid a grin. She tilted her head up and whispered in his ear. She pulled back to look at him and saw him swallow visibly, his breathing speeding up slightly as his eyes smoldered.

"Well?" she said, eyebrow raised, trying to keep the smirk off her face.

"You are a wicked, wicked woman," he said. She laughed, and he leaned down and kissed her. While he hadn't answered her question, he effectively proved that he was who he said he was anyway.

"Wait, you said I'd been asleep three days?" Hermione said later that morning. She had eaten breakfast and had been allowed to get out of bed to use the loo and clean her teeth. Healer Spencer had removed the levitation charm and had put Hermione's arm in a sling, still protected with a shield charm. Hermione had lamented not being able to take a shower, given her still healing arm. Cleansing charms just weren't the same, he knew. He was sitting on her bed again and she was leaning into his side. Ever since she had woken, he had felt a need to be touching her, maybe to make sure she was really here and all right.

"Yes," Remus replied.

"Then, it's Monday. Satterfield's trial started this morning."

"That's right, it did," Remus said, having completely forgotten about it with all that had happened. Hermione sighed.

"I want to go home," she said.

"I know, love."

"No, I mean it, Remus. My arm is healing fine, I'm perfectly healthy otherwise. There's no reason for me to stay here."

"Healer Spencer wants to monitor you for infection," Remus reminded her.

"I can monitor myself and if there's a problem, I'll come back."

"Hermione," he said, shaking his head. "You were very badly injured. You need to listen to the Healer."

"No," she continued stubbornly. "I want my own things, my own bed. I'm fine."

"You weren't," Remus said, more harshly than he intended. He sighed and kissed the back of her hand. "I'm sorry."

"It's all right, I can't imagine how worried you must have been." He traced his finger over the back of her hand.

"Terrified," he said softly. "When the stasis charm failed and they still hadn't been able to get the block on your upper arm, I thought," he shook his head, not wanting to actually say it.

"I'm fine," Hermione said, entwining her fingers with his and moving closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her and she rested her head against his shoulder. Remus buried his nose in her hair. He knew that the fact that the full moon was tomorrow wasn't helping his state of mind. The wolf's protective instincts were on high alert anyway and adding in what had almost happened to Hermione, well, it was a wonder he hadn't grabbed her and locked her up somewhere to keep her safe. Not to mention that he also wanted to shag her rotten. He shoved those thoughts away and chastised himself for even thinking it. She was in hospital for Merlin's sake. He needed to keep his randy thoughts to himself.

"I know you're fine," he finally said. "But I want you to stay fine." She sighed again.

"Let's just see what Healer Spencer thinks the next time she comes in, all right?" He managed to nod in agreement, but it didn't take away the feeling of wanting to lock her up wrapped in cotton wool. They sat in companionable silence, reclined back into the pillows on the bed.

"Why don't you close your eyes for a little while," Hermione suggested. He hugged her tighter to him. "I'm not going anywhere." He kissed her forehead and did as she bid, relaxing further until he had drifted off, Hermione's fingers still entwined in his.

Remus awoke to a slight buzzing noise. He looked around in confusion, realizing he was alone in Hermione's bed. He began to panic before he saw Hermione and Ginny sitting in two chairs next to the bed, obviously having put a Muffliato around them so they could talk without disturbing him. Hermione was laughing at something Ginny said and Remus couldn't help but smile. Ginny looked up and noticing that he was awake, dropped the charm.

"Hey, Remus," she said.

"Ginny," he greeted. Hermione smiled at him.

"Sleep well?" she asked. He made a noise of agreement and sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed.

"What time is it?" he asked.

"Half one," Ginny said. Remus stared at her. He had slept for more than two hours.

"You needed it," Hermione said, obviously reading his mind. He shook his head and stood up.

"Mum sent some lunch if you're hungry," Ginny said, indicating the small picnic basket sitting by her feet. "Just sandwiches and crisps, but they're from last night's roast beef."

"I'd love one, thank you," Remus said, and Ginny busied herself with the basket. He turned to Hermione. "Are you supposed to be out of bed?" She rolled her eyes.

"What's the difference whether I'm sitting in bed or sitting here?" Hermione asked. "I wanted to talk to Ginny and we didn't want to wake you." Truthfully, Remus was annoyed with himself that he hadn't woken when Ginny came into the room. Moody's admonishment of 'constant vigilance' echoed in his head.

"Did you ask Ginny a security question?"

"Yes," Hermione said, barely holding in her irritation.

"Here," Ginny said, handing Remus a plate, effectively reminding them of her presence and stopping their argument before it got going.

"Thank you," Remus said, taking the plate. He considered conjuring another chair, but there really wasn't room for a third. Hermione stood and sat on the edge of her bed, waving him into her chair. He leaned over and kissed her temple before he sat down. She gave him a small smile.

"How is Teddy today?" Remus asked Ginny. He hadn't left the hospital since the night before.

"He's doing fine, still wants to go home though," Ginny said.

"Hopefully, that can happen later today," Hermione said. "Harry should be here soon with news."

"He stopped by the Burrow about an hour ago," Ginny reported. "He had lunch and was going to go home to shower and change before he came here. Hopefully, he didn't fall asleep in the shower."

"I'm sorry he's gotten so little rest," Hermione said guiltily.

"It's hardly your fault," Ginny said.

"I know, but I still feel badly about it."

"Well don't," Ginny said bluntly. "Harry is doing his job and you would do the same if the tables were turned."

"I suppose," Hermione said. "Do you remember Delia Wilkes?"

"A bit," Ginny said. "She was always really quiet, seemed a bit shy. I never really talked to her much. I'm actually rather surprised that she sent that photograph to you, Remus." Remus nearly choked on his sandwich. "She never seemed the type."

"You know about the photograph?" Remus said, his face heating.

"Harry mutters a lot when he's tired," Ginny said with a grin. He glanced up at Hermione, who looked annoyed.

"I still can't believe women sent you naked photographs," she said with a huff, trying to cross her arms in front of her before she remembered the sling. Ginny snickered and Hermione glared at her. Remus decided to change the subject, but Harry walked in before he could.

After answering the security question, Harry kissed Ginny and then smiled and Hermione.

"You're up and about I see," he said, pointing to the sling.

"Yes, and I hope you have good news, so I can convince Healer Spencer to let me go home." Remus bit back a sigh. He understood her want to be at her own house, but he didn't want her leaving if it would be a risk to her recovery.

"There weren't any accomplices, if that's what you mean," Harry said. Remus breathed a sigh of relief. Andromeda and Teddy could go home. "We've got Auror teams sweeping both your houses now, just to make sure nothing was planted anywhere and then you'll be fine to return." He turned to Hermione. "As long as the Healer says it's all right." She nodded happily.

"Did you find anything at the cottage?" Remus asked.

"Lots of things," Harry said with a grimace. "An entire library of Dark books. We found both the potions book and the one that she got the initial curse out of. But that wasn't the worst bit." Hermione looked at him quizzically and Ginny moved to join Hermione on the bed, so Harry could have her chair. Harry sat down and looked at Remus.

"She had an entire bedroom devoted to you."

"What are you talking about?" Remus asked.

"Newspaper articles, photographs, letters that she had written, but obviously not sent, even essays she'd written for your class with the comments circled," Harry said. "The walls were covered with them." Remus looked horrified, Ginny and Hermione shocked.

"There was also a note that you'd written her," Harry said. Remus' brow furrowed in confusion. "Thanking her for the condolence note she sent for Tonks' funeral."

"I sent dozens of those," Remus said. "They were all the same actually, I just wrote one and then geminoed it."

"Well, she obviously thought that it was written especially for her because it was right in the center of everything." Remus sighed.

"I don't understand," he said. "I never even had any contact with her except the note and that wasn't personal by any means."

"Was she harboring this crush since she was a second year?" Hermione asked, a bit appalled. Sure, Hermione had had a crush on Lockhart second year, something she would never admit to anyone but herself, but it had been short-lived.

"It doesn't seem so," Harry said. "From what we can figure, it started after he saved her life during the Battle and was compounded by her mental state. She's a bit, well, off is putting it nicely."

"Why didn't she approach Remus before now?" Hermione asked.

"Tonks," Harry said.

"Dora?" Remus said. "What about her?"

"She felt that she needed to give you a proper amount of time to grieve before she approached you," Harry said. "She talked almost as highly about Tonks as she did about you. She was hoping to talk to you at the Anniversary memorial this year. But then the article came out about you and Hermione and she sort of lost it."

"That's putting it mildly," Ginny said dryly. Harry nodded.

"She followed you in the press after the war, had every article that even mentioned your name. She must have come to the Order of Merlin ceremony because she had original photographs, not newspaper clippings, although she had those too." Harry paused, looking unsure if he should continue.

"What else?" Remus demanded.

"She had a couple of pictures of you and Teddy," Harry said. Hermione gasped and Ginny looked furious. "It looked like you were at a park."

"She mentioned that last night," Remus said. "She followed me apparently."

"How did she find out where you lived?" Hermione demanded.

"Hospital records, I'm guessing," Harry said.

"We've had Teddy in for check-ups," Remus confirmed. He shuddered. If Delia had decided Teddy was an obstacle to Remus, what might she have done? Remus looked up as Hermione stood from the bed and walked towards him. She perched herself on the arm of his chair and took his hand.

"Her family didn't notice any of this?" Hermione asked. Harry sighed.

"According to her mother, one morning Delia woke up and told them she was tired of their hovering and treating her like an infant. She said she was moving out. Her mother didn't want her to, but she was an adult, they couldn't really stop her. To try and have some control over the situation, her father gave her the cottage. But shortly after she moved in, she changed the wards and wouldn't allow them Floo access. She still turned up for dinner once a week and then Cressida got her the job here. Her father convinced her mother to let Delia have her space and by all accounts, she seemed to be doing all right. There weren't any complaints about her at work and she and Cressida would have lunch together on the days they worked the same shift."

"She was just off her nut," Ginny muttered. Harry nodded.

"Cressida said that Delia talked about Remus quite often, but Cressida just chalked it up to hero worship because Remus had saved her life."

"What happens now?" Remus asked.

"She's been arrested for attacking Hermione," Harry replied. "Not to mention impersonating a mediwitch, the Imperius curse and attacking an Auror."

"So, she's going to Azkaban," Remus said.

"I can't see why she wouldn't." Remus relaxed slightly. He looked up at Hermione, but she looked troubled. He squeezed her hand and gave her a questioning glance.

"It's just, she obviously had some kind of break-down after the war," Hermione said. "She didn't get the help she needed for that."

"You're defending her?" Ginny asked incredulously.

"Of course not," Hermione said. "But it sounds like she went through a lot. Seeing her best friend die in front of her and everyone else in that courtyard. You know it was the center of a lot of the fighting."

"We all went through things, Hermione," Ginny said. "Saw people die."

"I know that," Hermione replied. "But we all had support systems. Friends and family that had been through the same things and could help us, be there for us. It sounds like her family had no idea what to do. And none of them were at the Battle, they couldn't have had any idea of what it was really like. Maybe she was just more emotionally unstable to begin with. Not everyone deals with trauma in the same way." She sighed.

"Muggles have these support groups, for people with all kinds of different problems, grieving parents or for people addicted to alcohol or drugs. Being able to talk to other people that are dealing with the same things as you can really help. It's too bad that the Wizarding world doesn't have something like that." Remus saw the look in Hermione's eye and thought that the Wizarding world just might have those support groups before too long.

Harry yawned and both Ginny and Hermione looked at him in concern.

"Please tell me you're going home to sleep now," Hermione said.

"Yes, Hermione, I am going home to sleep now," Harry said with an eye roll. Hermione scowled at him. Ginny stood and gathered up the picnic basket, holding out a hand to Harry.

"Yes, you are," Ginny said, giving Harry a look eerily reminiscent of her mother. Harry sighed and stood, taking Ginny's hand.

"Let me know what the Healer says," Ginny said to Hermione.

"The Healer?" Harry questioned. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," Hermione replied. "I'm just hoping that Healer Spencer will let me go home this afternoon." Harry met Remus' eye questioningly. Remus sighed and shook his head slightly. Hermione caught the look between the two of them.

"Don't you start too, Harry," Hermione warned.

"Hermione, you haven't even been awake for a day," Harry protested.

"I want to go home, Harry."

"You're still hurt."

"I'm fine," Hermione said firmly. "My arm is healing and otherwise there is nothing wrong with me."

"Hermione," Harry said again, but Ginny interrupted before he could continue.

"Come on, Harry, time for a nap." She pulled Harry toward the door. "We'll see you later."

"Gin," Harry protested, but she had pulled him out of Hermione's room and into the corridor before Remus could hear anything else he said.

Hermione turned to him, challenging look on her face. Instead of saying anything, he pulled her off the arm of the chair and into his lap, wrapping his arms around her and burying his nose in her hair. She relaxed against him a few moments later, fingers of her good hand, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck. They sat that way for several minutes before Remus sighed and leaned his head back against the back of the chair.

"What are you thinking about?" Hermione asked quietly.

"She had pictures of Teddy," he replied. Hermione's hand stilled on his neck. Remus pulled in a breath and let it out. He was having a hard time keeping his anger under control. Only the fact that Hermione was on his lap and he would hurt her if he lashed out, kept him in check.

"Teddy is fine," Hermione said soothingly. "She didn't hurt him." Remus blew out another breath and nodded. Teddy was fine, Ginny had just told him so. He was safe at the Burrow with his grandmother and Molly.

"You should go and see him," Hermione said. Remus looked at her and shook his head.

"I'm sure he's napping now, and I know he's all right." Hermione looked at him skeptically. "I do, it's just," Remus sighed.

"The wolf?" Hermione questioned. Remus looked up at her in surprise. "You mentioned he was a bit overprotective and tomorrow is the moon so," she shrugged.

"That doesn't…bother you?" he asked.

"Why would it?" Hermione asked in confusion. "Teddy is your son, of course you want to protect him."

"Because it's the same with you," he said quietly. Hermione stared at him. She didn't look surprised or upset, but she had been irritated when he hadn't wanted her to go home.

"I know," she said. She moved her hand and took his in her own. "It doesn't bother me that you want to protect me, I want to protect you too." She paused and looked down at their joined hands. "It's just, you've been a bit over the top about it. I really want to go home."

"I'm just concerned that you're doing too much, too soon." She looked at him for a few minutes, then gently pulled away and stood.

"You don't understand," she said, turning her back to him.

"Hermione, of course you want to go home. No one would rather be in hospital than at their own house." He stood as well. "But it won't do you any good to leave and then have to come back because your hand got infected."

"I'm perfectly capable of following instructions," she said crisply. He sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face. Why was she being so stubborn about this?

"I know you, Hermione," he said, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice. "You can't tell me that you're not going to want to go to the trial or go back to work if Healer Spencer lets you go home."

"Of course, I'm going to want to," she retorted, spinning around. "That doesn't mean I will." He looked at her skeptically. She tried to fold her arms across her chest and when she remembered the sling, she made a noise of frustration. "I hate this thing." He opened his mouth to say something, but she continued, her voice rising with each sentence.

"I want to go home! I want to go to Satterfield's trial and then give my werewolf proposal. I want to go to Ginny's next Quidditch match and hold your hand and not care who sees. I want to walk down Diagon Alley with you and take Teddy to the toy store and have lunch at that new café. I want to do normal things!"

"I expected the letters and the Howlers after we announced our relationship. I expected the looks and the whispers at work. But I didn't expect this!" She motioned to her arm. "I'm so angry at Delia Wilkes for what she did, for how she disrupted our lives. But I feel guilty about it because there's obviously something wrong with her, the war broke her and that could have easily been any of us and-" she trailed off, shaking her head. The tears filled her eyes then. Remus stepped forward and tentatively put a hand on her arm. When she didn't protest, he gently pulled her into his arms, careful not to hold her too tight and crush her healing arm.

"This isn't how it was supposed to be," she said, so quietly, he knew he wouldn't have heard her if it hadn't been so close to the moon.

"I know, love." He kissed the top of her head and held her as she silently cried. He carefully walked them back to the chair and sat down, taking Hermione with him. She snuggled into him and he rubbed her back until she had quieted.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"Nothing to apologize for. You've been through a horrible experience," Remus said. She sat up and looked at him.

"Do you understand why I need to go home?" she asked. He tucked a curl behind her head.

"I do," he said.

"So, you're all right with it?"

"Hermione, it was never my choice to begin with," he said.

"But you didn't want me to," she pointed out.

"I'm not going to lie and say that I wouldn't rather keep you here until I know you're completely healed." She opened her mouth to protest, but he put a finger to her lips. "But that's because I was so terrified that I was going to lose you. Logically, I know that you're all right and that you can most likely finish healing at home. What my heart says is a completely different story." She gave him a small smile and then leaned forward and kissed him.

Remus deepened the kiss and Hermione tightened her arm around his neck. One of his hands moved from her back to her hip, pulling her slightly so she shifted closer to him. They snogged for quite some time and it was only the feel of the sling against his chest that kept Remus from getting carried away. He pulled away from her reluctantly, resting his forehead against hers and breathing heavily.

"I hate this thing," Hermione said again, and Remus chuckled.

"The sling notwithstanding, I don't think that we would have wanted Healer Spencer to walk in on us." Hermione snorted and soon they were both laughing. She looked up at him and kissed him softly once more. He smiled at her when she pulled back.

"Let's talk to the Healer and get you home." She stared at him in surprise for a moment before she grinned and then threw her good arm around his neck.

"I love you."

"I love you, too," he said, trying not to get choked up at the thought that he could say the words again and she would hear him. Hugging her tightly to him, he breathed in the scent of her and felt himself settle. She was all right.

Hermione followed Remus out of the Floo into the Burrow's living room. Healer Spencer had released her an hour prior and after stopping at her house to change her clothes and freshen up, she had asked to come with Remus to the Burrow to tell Teddy and Andromeda they could go home.

"Oh, sweetheart," Molly said as she came into the room. She hurried to Hermione and hugged her. "We were so worried." Hermione smiled at the older witch as she pulled back to look Hermione over. The sling was gone, thank Merlin. Hermione's arm was simply wrapped in a bandage which Healer Spencer had told her she could remove the following morning.

"Daddy!" a little voice said, and Molly stepped back as Teddy raced into the room, followed by Andromeda. He made a beeline for Remus who scooped his son up into his arms and hugged him tightly. Teddy turned his head and noticed Hermione. "My-nee!"

"Hi, Teddy," she replied with a smile. Teddy reached for her, but Remus kept a firm hold on him as Hermione kissed the little boy's cheek and gave him a swift hug.

"My-nee, you gots an owts?" Teddy asked pointing to her bandaged arm.

"I do," she replied. "But I'm almost better now."

"I tiss it?" he asked and Hermione grinned.

"I would like that." She held up her arm and Teddy leaned forward.

"Be gentle," Remus said. Teddy place a kiss on the middle of Hermione's forearm.

"It better?"

"A lot better, thank you, Teddy." The little boy grinned widely.

"Hello, Hermione," Andromeda said. She stepped forward and hugged Hermione as well. "I am so glad you are all right."

"Thank you," Hermione said, returning the older woman's embrace.

"Arthur should be home any minute and Harry and Ginny will be here soon for supper," Molly said as Hermione and Andromeda separated. "You'll join us." She looked at Remus and Hermione questioningly. Hermione nodded.

"Of course, Molly, thank you," Remus said. Molly nodded and made her way back to the kitchen, waving off the offers of help.

"Daddy, My-nee, you pay wit me?"

"I have something to tell you first," Remus said, glancing at Andromeda as well. Teddy looked at him expectantly. "How would you like to go home after supper?"

"My house?" Teddy asked, and Remus nodded. "Nanna, we go my house!" Andromeda smiled.

"That sounds wonderful," she said. The Floo flared and Arthur stepped into the living room. His eyes widened at the sight of Hermione.

"Hermione, you're all right."

"I am," Hermione agreed. Arthur hugged her, and Hermione felt her eyes fill. It had only been a few days, but the chance that she might never have seen any of them again hit her in that moment. Arthur looked at her in concern when he released her, but Remus slipped an arm around her waist and she leaned into him, smiling at Arthur in reassurance. Remus kissed the top of her head as Arthur went into the kitchen to greet his wife.

"My-nee, you gots more owts?" Teddy asked. Andromeda bit her lip to keep from laughing as Remus reddened.

"No, Teddy, I haven't hurt my head," Hermione said trying extremely hard not to laugh. Teddy looked confused but before he could ask any more questions Harry and Ginny walked in. Teddy, easily distracted by his godfather, clambered to get out of Remus' arms. Hermione took one look at Remus and started laughing, trying to muffle it behind her hand.

"It's not funny," he said. "How am I supposed to explain this to him? He's two!" He glared at Hermione as another giggle escaped.

"I do not think you need to sit him down and give him a lecture on the subject," Andromeda said dryly. "Just answer his questions when he asks." Remus didn't look very enthusiastic about that.

"It will be fine," Hermione said, finally having gotten her laughter under control. "Harry kisses Ginny in front of Teddy all the time and I don't think Teddy questions Harry about it. I'm sure Teddy just asked about it because of my arm."

"Maybe you're right," Remus said. She took hold of his hand and leaned against him. He looked down and smiled at her.

"Supper!" Molly called and they all made their way to the kitchen.

Hermione had gone home with Remus, Andromeda and Teddy after supper at the Burrow. Teddy had raced from room to room, greeting toys and books that hadn't come with them during their absence. The adults had looked on indulgently before Remus had finally corralled Teddy and informed him it was time for his bath. Hermione had chatted with Andromeda while Remus gave Teddy his bath and got him ready for bed.

Teddy insisted on Hermione reading him a story before bed. Remus had expanded the rocking chair, so Teddy could sit next to Hermione to prevent any injury to her arm. Remus had hovered near the door the entire time, making sure his son didn't get overly rambunctious, but Teddy had simply snuggled into Hermione's good side and listened intently while she read. He had been nearly asleep when she finished. Remus had picked him up and settled him in his cot, Teddy drifting off almost immediately. When they had come downstairs, Andromeda had said good night to both of them and then gone to her room.

Remus had drawn Hermione into his arms and the two of them had stood in front of the fireplace for a few minutes, simply holding one another.

"I should probably get home," Hermione finally said. Remus tightened his arms around her. She looked up at him and he leaned down to kiss her.

"I don't want you there alone," he said when he pulled back.

"I'll be fine," she replied. "You know the Aurors swept the house and the mail ward is still up. Delia is in a Ministry holding cell." He shook his head.

"It's more than that," he said. "It's, the moon is tomorrow and I, I need to know that you're safe."

"Another wolf thing?" she questioned, and he nodded, nuzzling his nose into her hair. She hummed in contentment.

"You could come with me," she suggested. "You could get up early and be back before Teddy wakes up."

"I need to know they're safe too," Remus said with a sigh, meaning Teddy and Andromeda.

"Oh," Hermione replied, realizing the problem. She wasn't going to suggest she stay the night there. As much as Andromeda accepted everything, Hermione would feel too strange about sleeping in the bedroom that Remus had shared with Tonks. Remus was still running his nose along her hairline.

"Maybe," she began, losing her train of thought as Remus' lips moved to her neck. She forced her mind back to what she was going to say. "Maybe if you come over and check the house yourself, then you'll," she gasped as he nipped at her neck, "you'll feel better about, about leaving me there." Remus captured her lips in a searing kiss and Hermione pulled herself closer to him. Her hand was still bothering her a bit, but she ignored the slight pain in favor of the much more pleasant sensations Remus was wringing from her.

He pulled away abruptly a few minutes later, taking a step back from her. Hermione started to follow, but he put his hands on her upper arms to keep her in place.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"What on earth for?" she asked, trying to regain her breath.

"I shouldn't, we shouldn't," he shook his head as if trying to clear it. "You're still hurt."

"I'm fine," she said, reaching for him. He stepped back from her.

"No. Hermione, I can't, I," he was cut off when she managed to get close enough to kiss him again. He pulled away from her once more.

"Remus, I'm fine," she said, a bit exasperated.

"Do you remember what I told you before?" he said. "About how I get just before the moon?" She nodded. Of course, she remembered. "I don't think I, it's, it wouldn't be…gentle." Her breath caught at his words. He looked a bit embarrassed, but Hermione could also see the amber swirling in his eyes. She took a step forward.

"Maybe I don't want gentle," she said. He groaned.

"Don't say things like that."

"Why not?"

"Your arm," he said weakly.

"Is fine," she said. "Healer Spencer didn't give me any restrictions." She stepped closer to him again and he stared at her, eyes almost completely amber now. "You won't hurt me." He stared at her for another moment and then his arms were around her before she even realized that he'd moved. He kissed her fiercely and she melted against him. She was the one to tear herself away from his mouth this time and she grabbed for the pot of Floo powder on the mantel.

"Not here," she said, and he looked at her for a moment before he nodded. Remus waved his wand and a piece of parchment and a quill flew into the room. He scribbled a quick note to Andromeda, set it on the mantel, and stepped into the Floo behind Hermione.

Remus grabbed her as soon as he stepped from the Floo. He pushed her up against the wall next to the fireplace and kissed her again, his hands moving quickly over her. He shouldn't be doing this, he knew he shouldn't, not while she was still injured. But what she had said was true. He would never hurt her. And gods, he wanted her. Not just because of the moon. He needed to know, know that she was still here and whole and with him.

She must have felt the same because she returned his fierce kisses, her hand tearing at his shirt, frustrated when she couldn't get it off him fast enough. Remus picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he braced her against the wall. They weren't going to make it to the bedroom or even the couch. He finally drew his wand and vanished their clothes before casting the contraceptive charm. Throwing his wand to the floor, he kissed her again and then buried himself inside her.

"Fucking hell," he said, stilling for a moment, giving her time to adjust. He needn't have worried. She started moving almost immediately, her good arm wrapped tightly around his neck, fingers pulling on his hair, the other resting lightly on his shoulder. Remus moved quickly and neither of them lasted long. When Hermione gave a shuddering cry and tightened around him, he groaned and pushed into her one last time.

His legs nearly giving out, Remus lowered them both to the floor and they collapsed against one another, catching their breath. He peppered her with soft kisses, completely spent and not sure he could move any more than that. Hermione's head rested on his shoulder and she made small noises of contentment every time his lips touched her.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked when he finally regained his voice.

"No," she said with a dreamy smile.

"How's your arm?"

"It's fine." She lifted her head and put a hand to his cheek, then kissing him softly. He pulled her tighter to him.

"I love you."

"I love you, too." She moved back from him and he summoned his wand, casting a cleansing charm on them both. Getting to their feet, her pulled her back into his arms and kissed her deeply.

"I don't want you here alone," he said again.

"You should be with Teddy and Andromeda," Hermione argued. "I'm perfectly safe here."

"Come back with me." Hermione looked up at him in surprise.

"What?"

"Come back to my house with me."

"I don't, I don't think that I, that I could," she said. He looked at her quizzically. "That was, that's your and Tonks' bedroom."

"We don't have to sleep in the bedroom." Now she looked confused. "I'll transfigure the couch. I just, I need to know that you're safe." Remus watched her face as she thought about it. He knew that she didn't like it when he got overprotective, but she was just out of hospital. The imminence of the full moon wasn't helping matters. He honestly didn't know if he could leave her here alone, but he was equally sure he wouldn't be able to leave Teddy and Andromeda on their own. His skin itched with the need to have them all under the same roof, to protect his pack.

"I'll sneak you out before dawn if you like," he said with a smirk, knowing that part of her hesitation was wondering what Andromeda would think. She slapped his chest and he chuckled, pulling her in closer, very aware that they were both still naked. He pushed away thoughts of another go.

"All right," she finally said. "But we're just sleeping." She glared at him as if she had just read his mind.

"Of course," he said. No matter how accepting Andromeda was, Remus was not about to shag Hermione in the middle of the living room. He shuddered a bit at the thought of his mother-in-law walking in on them.

"Let me just go and get dressed," she said. "And put the salve on my arm." She kissed him one more time, then stepped back. Remus realized that vanishing their clothes might not have been the best plan. He couldn't walk back into his house starkers.

"Hermione?" he said. She looked over her shoulder on her way to the stairs. "I, erm, do you think you can grab me a towel or something?" She laughed.

"I'll transfigure something for you." Remus nodded. He watched her backside appreciatively as she hurried up the stairs.

Fifteen minutes later, Hermione stepped out of the fireplace after Remus. He transfigured the couch into a bed, then went up to get blankets and change into sleeping clothes. Hermione still wasn't completely sure about staying the night, but she understood Remus' need to have her close. Truth be told, she didn't really want to spend the night alone in her house either. Crookshanks wasn't even there, Hermione planned to pick him up at Grimmauld Place the next day. Hopefully, once the moon had passed and Delia had been formally charged, Remus would relax, and things could get back to normal.

He came downstairs a few minutes later, changed into a t-shirt and boxers, carrying blankets and pillows. They made the bed and climbed in. Hermione snuggled into Remus' side, her bandaged arm lying across his stomach. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed the top of her head, idly running his fingertips over the back of her hand. They laid in silence for a few minutes.

"Are you planning on going to the trial tomorrow?" he asked. Hermione was a bit surprised that he'd brought it up. She would have thought this protectiveness would have meant he didn't want her to go.

"As long as Healer Spencer gives me the go ahead," Hermione said. She had an appointment with the Healer in the morning for one last examination of her arm. Hermione didn't expect there would be any problems, her arm had looked nearly healed when she had rubbed the salve into it a little while ago. She felt Remus nod his head.

"Do you want to come with me?" she asked. "It's all right if you don't. I know the day of the moon can be hard for you."

"I should spend some time with Teddy," he said regretfully.

"Of course, you should," Hermione replied. "Ginny said she'd come, so I won't be alone." She propped her chin on his chest, so she could see his face.

"If the moon wasn't tomorrow," he began, but she shushed him.

"Remus, you've been with me nearly all the time for the last few days. Don't feel guilty about wanting to be with Teddy." He leaned up and kissed her. She let herself get lost in it for a few minutes, before remembering where they were.

"Sleep only, remember?" she said, somewhat breathlessly.

"Right," he agreed, equally out of breath. They settled back down in the bed and Hermione sighed in contentment. Remus' lips brushed across her forehead.

"Good night, love."

"Good night," she replied, eyes fluttering shut.