A/N - Once again, thank you to everyone for reading and reviewing and I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 68

Care

19 April 2000

"Good morning, Hermione," Andromeda said as Hermione stepped out of the Floo. It was just before dawn. Hermione knew that Andromeda rarely slept the night of the full moon, not to mention Hermione was concerned about what Remus had said about this moon being difficult after everything that had happened to her. She had spoken to Andromeda yesterday and arranged to come early to check on Remus. Hermione intended to help with Teddy as well, so Andromeda could take a short nap before Hermione had to leave for the Ministry.

"Good morning," Hermione said, purposely pushing all thoughts of yesterday afternoon from her mind. "How was everything?"

"As quiet as it always is, but that would be the silencing charm," Andromeda said. "I have no idea how he actually fared." Hermione sighed. She wished Remus wouldn't insist on the charm. If anything happened, no one would know he was hurt until the next day. Although, he would argue that they wouldn't be able to do anything anyway. With the Wolfsbane, though, Hermione would take the risk, despite the fact that he would be extremely angry if she did.

"Why don't you go upstairs and sleep for a bit? I'll take care of Teddy when he gets up," Hermione said.

"Oh, that is quite all right," Andromeda said. "I know you have to get to work and the trial."

"Not until a little after eight," Hermione replied. "You have plenty of time." Andromeda looked hesitant. "Please, let me do this, you've been so supportive of us these last few weeks."

"All right," Andromeda finally nodded. "You can lower the wards in about ten minutes. Thank you, Hermione." She smiled and patted Hermione's arm as she left the room.

Hermione waited until she had gone and then walked into the kitchen and sat at the table, staring at the door that led to the cellar. She had spent the night at Grimmauld Place last night. Susan had joined them for dinner and the five of them had laughed and talked until quite late. The looks that had passed between Ron and Susan only cemented Hermione's belief that they two were completely besotted with each other. She hoped Ron took her advice soon.

When the ten minutes had passed, Hermione dropped the wards on the cellar and quietly made her way downstairs.

"Remus," she said as she reached the bottom. He looked up at her in surprise, still lying on the small carpet in one corner.

"Hermione? What are you doing here?" Hermione could see he was about to panic.

"Everyone is fine," she said. "I just thought I'd come early and let Andromeda get some sleep before I had to go into work."

"You didn't have to do that," Remus said, pushing himself into a sitting position with a grimace.

"I wanted to," she said with a small smile. "How are you this morning?"

"Sore," he said. "Tired. The usual."

"Nothing worse than usual?" He looked up at her with a smile.

"No, love, I knew you were safe." She bent down to help him stand, which he did with a groan. Hermione grabbed his robes which were folded on a shelf the wolf couldn't reach. She slid them up his arms and then fastened them for him. He put his arms around her waist when she'd finished. Smiling up at him, she kissed him softly.

"Let's get you upstairs." She helped him up the stairs of the cellar and he sat down at the kitchen table. Hermione prepared him a cup of tea and some toast. Later, after he'd napped, he'd want a bigger breakfast, but his stomach was always a bit temperamental right after the transformation.

"Thank you," he said, taking a sip of his tea. He stared at her for a few moments.

"What?" she finally asked.

"I'm glad you're here." She smiled and reached across the table to take his hand. He ate half his toast and drank the rest of his tea, then yawned.

"Bed?" she asked. He nodded. "Is the salve upstairs?"

"Yes," he replied. He stood, and she put an arm around him as she led him to the stairs. He leaned against her, but not as heavily as he had when they came up from the cellar.

When they reached his bedroom, he stripped off his robes before he sank down onto his bed. Hermione took the pot of salve that Remus rubbed into his joints from his bedside table. He reached for it, but she didn't release it.

"I'll do it," she said quietly so as not to wake Teddy yet.

"I usually do it myself," he said.

"I know." She unscrewed the cap and began to rub it into his shoulders. He groaned. "Did I hurt you?"

"No," he said, letting his head hang. "Feels better." She continued down his arms and then moved to his hips and legs, finally ending at his ankles. When she stood, Remus took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"We might have to make this a regular thing," he said and she smiled.

"Lie down," she said. He obeyed and she pulled the blankets up over him. She sat down on the edge of the bed and he took her hand again. "Do you need anything else?"

"No," he said. "Thank you for coming over this morning."

"You don't have to thank me," she said. "But, you're welcome. Get some sleep." She leaned forward and kissed him again. He smiled at her when she pulled away. "I'll stop by after work today."

"Stay for dinner," he said.

"All right," she agreed. She squeezed his hand and stood.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you, too." She walked to the door and when she looked back, his eyes were already closed. Hermione smiled and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

Hermione made her way through the Atrium to the lifts. Ginny was coming in with Harry and meeting Hermione in her office before they went back to Satterfield's trial. The redhead had to go back to Wales that afternoon, so she was spending the morning at the trial, then having lunch with Harry before she headed back.

Hermione smiled to herself as she stepped into the lift. Teddy had been extremely excited when she had walked into his bedroom that morning. She had eventually had to cast a Muffliato around the two of them to keep him from waking up Andromeda or Remus as he chattered on to her about what he wanted for breakfast and what they would play afterwards. He had been a bit upset when she'd had to leave, but after she explained she would be back for dinner, he had calmed down.

The lift arrived at Level Two and Hermione stepped out, ignoring the whispers that started as soon as she did so. She rolled her eyes as she made her way to her office, wondering how long it would take until the next scandal diverted the attention away from her and Remus.

"Good morning, Cecily," Hermione said pleasantly before walking into her office. She frowned when she saw the letter lying on her desk. The envelope was thick, almost bulging, and only her name was scrawled across the front. Taking a step back from it, Hermione forced herself to pull in a breath and let it out.

"Cecily," Hermione said as she stepped back into the main office. "Do you know where this letter on my desk came from?" Cecily's brow furrowed.

"Letter?" she said. "What letter?" Hermione's heart began to pound.

"What time were you here this morning?"

"Eight o'clock as usual," Cecily said.

"Did anyone come in?"

"Not that I saw," Cecily said. "But I was in the back room for about fifteen minutes getting a few files for Ms. Fawcett." Hermione nodded and swallowed hard. She turned back to her office and cast a shield charm and as many wards as she could think of over her desk. She shut the door to her office behind her.

"Don't let anyone into my office until I get back," Hermione said. Cecily looked worried.

"Miss Granger, what's the matter?"

"Maybe nothing," Hermione said. "But I need to get Harry." Cecily nodded as Hermione hurried from the office.

She practically ran to the Auror Department and ignored the secretary, heading straight for Harry's desk.

"Hermione?" he said as soon as she saw her. "What's wrong?" Ginny stood next to him looking concerned.

"There's a letter," Hermione said. She could feel her hands shaking.

"Letter?" Ginny repeated. "But I thought the mail wards were still up?"

"It's on my desk," Hermione managed. Harry's expression hardened and he pushed past her.

"Ron," he called. Ron stood from his desk a few feet away.

"What's up?" Ron asked. "Oh, hey, Hermione." His brow furrowed as he saw the expression on Hermione's face.

"Hermione's got a letter on her desk," Harry said. Ron's eyes widened and then his mouth thinned.

"Come on, then," he said to Harry and the two of them began to walk out of the office.

"Hermione?" Ginny questioned. When Hermione didn't answer, the younger woman moved to stand in front of her. Seconds later, she pulled Hermione into a hug. "It's all right. Harry and Ron will get it sorted." Hermione nodded and took another breath.

"I should go with them. I put up wards." The two witches made their way back to Hermione's office.

Harry and Ron were already inside, casting all manner of spells on the letter lying on her desk. Hermione and Ginny stood in the doorway along with Cecily and Margaret. As Hermione's other co-workers arrived, they congregated near her office as well, until Margaret insisted that everyone get back to work, even Cecily. Margaret remained at Hermione's side.

"It's clean," Harry finally said and Hermione felt herself slump in relief. Ginny, who had an arm wrapped around her waist, gave her a squeeze and Margaret put a hand on Hermione's shoulder. Harry looked up at Hermione.

"Do you want me to open it?" he asked. Hermione bit her lip but nodded. Harry slit open the envelope and pulled out the parchment inside. Ron read over his shoulder.

"It's all right," Ron said. "It looks like it's something about your werewolf proposal. From the Archives."

"Oh, I completely forgot about that," Hermione said.

"The Archives," Margaret repeated. "Why wouldn't they have just sent a memo?"

"I was looking for some specific records," Hermione explained. "And they couldn't find them straight away. Geoffrey told me that he would send them up as soon as they found them. With everything that's happened in the last week, it just, slipped my mind." Hermione shook her head. "I'm sorry, Harry, I," she blew out a breath and felt her hands shaking again. Ginny and Margaret led her to one of the chairs in front of her desk and sat Hermione in it. Harry conjured a glass and filled it with water from his wand. He handed it to her and then squatted in front of her.

"It's all right, Hermione," he said. She shook her head, blinking rapidly to try and stave off the tears. She was being ridiculous. Harry looked up and Ron nodded, gesturing for Margaret and Ginny to leave the two of them alone.

"Hey," Harry said when everyone had gone.

"I'm sorry," Hermione whispered. "I'm being stupid."

"No, you're not," Harry said. "You were right to come get me." Hermione sniffed. Harry took her hands in his.

"Am I going to do this every time I get mail now?" she asked bitterly.

"Hermione, you've only been out of hospital for two days," Harry said gently. "After everything that happened to you, I'm not surprised that you reacted the way that you did." Hermione sniffed again, annoyed with herself. She had been practically terrified by a stupid envelope from the Archives for Merlin's sake.

"Besides," Harry continued. "Why did they put the records in an envelope anyway? They should have just laid them on your desk."

"It's personal information," Hermione said with a shrug. "I'm sure they didn't want it just lying around." Harry stood and pulled lightly on Hermione's hands. When she rose, he pulled her into his arms.

"It's all right, Hermione," Harry said. Hermione clung to him; her hands fisted in the back of his robes as she swallowed around the lump in her throat. "It's okay to be scared." Hermione squeezed her eyes shut. She would not cry, not again. Pulling in a breath, she let go of Harry and stepped back. He looked at her in concern, but she swiped her hand across her eyes and then put a smile on her face.

"I'm fine." She knew that Harry didn't believe her, but he didn't say anything. She glanced at the clock on the wall. "Ginny and I should get down to the courtroom." Harry nodded.

"Ron and I are supposed to bring Satterfield in." Hermione looked at him for a few seconds and then hugged him again.

"Thanks, Harry." Harry squeezed her tightly. When he let her go, she opened the door of her office to an anxious looking Ginny and Ron. Margaret was talking to Cecily but looked over in concern as Hermione stepped out of her office.

"I'm fine," Hermione said immediately. "I'm sorry for worrying everyone." Gods, could this be any more embarrassing? "Gin, we should get to the courtroom."

"Are you sure, Hermione?" Ginny asked.

"Of course," Hermione said. Ginny didn't look any more convinced than Harry had, but she nodded all the same.

"Miss Granger," Margaret said, "are those the files indicated in your notes in section two?"

"Yes," Hermione replied.

"I'll just review them then," her boss said.

"Can we discuss it during the lunch break today?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, I think we should."

"All right, I'll come to your office." Margaret tipped her head in acknowledgement and went into Hermione's office to retrieve the files. Hermione looked back at her friends.

"I'm fine, I promise," she said. Ron still looked worried, but Harry grabbed his arm.

"We need to get down to the holding cells, Ron."

"Right," Ron said, giving Hermione a small smile before following Harry out of the office. Hermione blew out a breath and turned to Ginny.

"Ready?"

"If you are," Ginny replied. Hermione nodded and the two witches left the office for the lifts.

As they stepped into the courtroom, Hermione noticed Gwendolyn seated a few rows up. Hermione and Ginny walked up the steps towards her and Gwendolyn smiled widely.

"Hermione, how are you?" she asked.

"I'm fine, thanks. Have you met my friend Ginny Weasley?"

"I haven't, but I do know your father. He speaks highly of all his children," Gwendolyn said to Ginny as Hermione made the introductions. Hermione and Ginny settled on the bench next to her.

"You testified the other day?" Hermione asked the older woman.

"Yes," Gwendolyn replied. "I didn't see you here."

"I wasn't," Hermione said. Gwendolyn looked at her questioningly. "It's a long story." Hermione could tell that Gwendolyn was curious, but the courtroom wasn't the place to discuss it. "We were here yesterday though."

"I had a meeting, so I didn't make it down. I heard I didn't miss much."

"You didn't," Ginny said. "Complete waste of time."

"Hopefully, today will be different," Hermione said. She turned to Gwendolyn. "How is the new job going?" The three women chatted for a few minutes until Kingsley and the Wizengamot entered the courtroom. They looked up expectantly, but the side door didn't open.

"Where are they?" Ginny whispered after ten minutes had passed and Harry and Ron still had not brought in Satterfield. Hermione bit her lip and shook her head. After a word from Kingsley, the court clerk hurried out of the room.

Five minutes later, Harry strode into the courtroom, followed by the clerk. Harry motioned to Kingsley, then cast what Hermione knew was a Muffliato. Harry and Kingsley spoke for a few minutes, Kingsley's expression turning more furious by the second. Hermione wished she could read lips.

Harry dropped the spell and left the courtroom once more as Kingsley turned to face the Wizengamot.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry for the delay. It appears Mr. Satterfield may have taken ill. I ask for your patience as he is examined by a Healer." There was murmuring and grumbling throughout the Wizengamot and the spectators.

"Taken ill my arse," Ginny said with a snort. Hermione sighed. This entire trial was turning into a farce.

"I have to admit, I'm surprised he didn't try this earlier," Gwendolyn said.

"What did they cover on the first day?" Hermione asked.

"Mostly Satterfield's drinking and the complaints against him in the department. They never got to the monetary support of You-Know-Who or the werewolf, well, executions." She gave Hermione an apologetic glance.

"It's what they were," Hermione said. "You don't need to censor anything for me."

They waited for another twenty minutes before Harry came back into the courtroom and had another conference with Kingsley. When Harry left, the Minister once again rose to his feet.

"The defendant will be joining us in just a few moments." True to his word, Harry and Ron led in Satterfield a few minutes later.

"Really playing it up, isn't he?" Ginny asked. Satterfield was doing his best to appear ill. He clutched at his stomach periodically with a look of pain on his face. He grimaced with every other step. Ron and Harry pushed him into the chair in front of the Wizengamot none too gently and the chains rose up to wrap around his arms.

"Are you ready to begin?" Kingsley asked.

"I'm sorry, Minister, I need a moment," Satterfield said, grimacing and shifting in his seat as if trying to find a comfortable position. Hermione rolled her eyes. She could tell that Kingsley was quickly losing his patience.

"Mr. Satterfield, you have been examined by a qualified Healer who found nothing wrong with you." Kingsley turned to the clerk. "We will proceed."

The court clerk read out the accusations against Satterfield pertaining to his financial support of Voldemort and the situation with the werewolves.

"How do you respond to these accusations?" the Minister asked. Satterfield, looked up, confused look on his face.

"I'm sorry, Minister, I wasn't paying proper attention," he said. "Could you repeat the accusations?" Hermione looked at Ginny and Gwendolyn incredulously.

"If Kingsley doesn't murder him before the day is over, I'll be surprised," Ginny whispered. Hermione bit her lip to keep from laughing. Kingsley stared directly at Satterfield as the list of accusations was read again. Anytime Satterfield grimaced or closed his eyes, Kingsley held up a hand to stop the clerk, only allowing him to continue when it looked as if Satterfield was paying attention.

"How do you respond?" Kingsley asked again once the clerk had finished for the second time.

"Well, it's a bit overblown," Satterfield said.

"How so?" one of the Wizengamot members asked. Satterfield paused with a pained look on his face.

"I'm sorry," he said, and Hermione saw that quite a few of the Wizengamot were getting irritated. "Could you repeat the question?"

"Minister, this is ridiculous," one of the members, who Hermione recognized as Ernie Macmillan's father, said. "It's obvious that Mr. Satterfield is just trying to stall." Others echoed the same sentiment.

"The man is obviously in pain," a woman argued.

"He's been cleared by a Healer," Mr. Macmillan retorted.

"Look at him," she said with a wave of her hand. "He can barely sit up." A wave of arguing broke out. Hermione watched Satterfield's face and saw the hint of a smirk before he covered it with another grimace.

Kingsley put up the privacy ward and the rest of the chamber fell silent before the spectators began to talk quietly amongst themselves. The Wizengamot was clearly still arguing and Hermione wondered if they would be able to come to a consensus.

"I don't understand why Satterfield is trying to prolong this," Ginny said. "I mean, surely they have enough evidence to convict him even if he doesn't answer any of their questions." Hermione bit her lip in thought.

"I think it's just the spectacle," she finally said. "He does seem to revel in causing chaos." She looked at Satterfield again. A smile played around his lips whenever he thought no one was looking.

"He's being an arsehole just to be one?" Ginny asked in disgust.

"Wouldn't be the first time," Gwendolyn muttered. Hermione sighed. She suddenly wished she hadn't attended the trial today. She could be talking to Margaret about the paperwork Hermione had received and the revisions to her proposal because of it. Satterfield obviously wasn't going to admit to anything he'd done, at least not where Voldemort or the werewolves were concerned.

Kingsley dropped the privacy ward and called for order. Satterfield appeared to have given up on his act for the moment.

"As Mr. Satterfield seems unwilling to help in his own defense, we will proceed with other testimony," Kingsley said.

"Finally," Ginny muttered under her breath. Hermione looked at Satterfield, but his face was blank and she was too far away to see the look in his eye. He seemed to have given up on his illness charade though.

"Let us continue, then," Kingsley said as he sat down. Testimony given by Hughes and Warrington concerning Satterfield's involvement was read into the official record. Records from Gringotts were introduced showing a transfer from Umbridge's vault to Satterfield's shortly after Voldemort took control of the Ministry. Victoria, Satterfield's former secretary, was questioned about the visits Umbridge made to Satterfield's office. And then Jensen Barbary was called into the courtroom. He had testified in Warrington's trial, of course, but that had been limited to what Barbary witnessed when he was working with Werewolf Capture Unit.

"I can't believe they didn't arrest him as part of all of this," Gwendolyn said fiercely. Hermione bit her lip. She knew about Barbary's real status in the department as Kingsley's mole, but obviously that had not come out yet.

"What happened to him after Satterfield was arrested?" Hermione asked.

"He just stopped coming into work," Gwendolyn said. "I figured he'd done a runner." Hermione didn't say anything as Barbary was seated in the witness chair.

"Please tell the court in what capacity you worked for the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," Kingsley said.

"I was initially hired as part of the Werewolf Capture Unit," Barbary said. "Eventually, I was promoted to Head of the House-Elf Support Services Office." Hermione saw Gwendolyn stiffen. Kingsley opened his mouth to ask another question, but one of the Wizengamot members spoke up before he could.

"Isn't that a strange transfer?"

"Yes," Barbary replied. "Mr. Satterfield made it clear to me when I was hired that if I supported him, he would support me." Hermione glanced at Gwendolyn from the corner of her eye. The older woman's jaw was set in anger. There was a smattering of whispering in both the crowd and the Wizengamot.

"However, my true purpose for being there was to gain Mr. Satterfield's trust and then report back to the Minister." The courtroom erupted. Hermione smirked at the look of shock on Satterfield's face. She looked at Gwendolyn again and her face nearly mirrored Satterfield's.

"Order!" Kingsley shouted again. The crowd slowly quieted, but the Wizengamot was still in an uproar. Kingsley threw up the privacy ward again and attempted to calm everyone down.

"What the bloody hell?" Gwendolyn said disbelievingly. She looked at Hermione, then narrowed her eyes. "Why don't you look surprised?"

"Because I already knew," Hermione said. Gwendolyn looked even more shocked.

"How?"

"Remember the boy I helped escape from the Werewolf Capture Unit? Will?" Gwendolyn nodded. "Well, in the course of all of that, the Minister explained who Barbary really was. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I was sworn to secrecy. We couldn't risk Satterfield finding out." Gwendolyn blew out a breath and looked back at Barbary, who still sat in the witness chair waiting for his questioning to resume. Satterfield was staring daggers at Barbary and Hermione was extremely glad her old boss was chained to his chair.

The privacy ward was dropped, the Wizengamot back in their seats and relatively quiet. Kingsley turned back to Barbary and began questioning him once again. They went back over Barbary's testimony at Warrington's trial, namely that Barbary had suspected Warrington was inventing charges to give him the right to bring in werewolves for questioning. But it was clear that Barbary had had no idea what Warrington was really up to. Barbary had also witnessed the close relationship between Satterfield and Warrington. He was quite sure that Satterfield was aware of what Warrington was doing.

"I suspect the promotion to the House-Elf Support Services office was to get me out of the Werewolf Capture Unit," Barbary said. "I believe that Mr. Satterfield was getting worried that I would find out about the executions, given I was becoming more suspicious of Warrington. While Mr. Satterfield felt that I supported him, it's clear to me that he wasn't sure how I would react to finding out about Warrington's activities."

"That's ludicrous!" Satterfield suddenly shouted.

"Mr. Satterfield, you have not been recognized by the Wizengamot. You will keep silent," the clerk said.

"The hell I will!" Satterfield retorted. "There was a spy in my department!"

"And if you had nothing to hide, that wouldn't have mattered, would it?" Kingsley asked, clearly trying to keep his anger in check. Satterfield's face turned nearly purple with rage.

"He's lying!" he yelled.

"Mr. Satterfield, you will have your chance to respond to the charges," the Head of the Wizengamot said. "For now, you must follow protocol and be quiet."

"I'm responding now," Satterfield insisted. "And I say he's ly-" But he didn't get chance to finish his sentence as Kingsley waved his wand and silenced the man. Hermione shook her head at the enraged look on Satterfield's face. The man began yanking on the chains that bound his wrists and struggling in his chair. Kingsley ignored him and resumed his questioning.

When they had finally finished questioning Barbary, it was nearly time for lunch. Kingsley stared at Satterfield for a moment but must have decided that the man needed a bit longer to calm down because he called for a recess until two o'clock that afternoon. It was clear that Satterfield was protesting as Harry and Ron led him from the courtroom, but Kingsley didn't release the silencing spell.

"I suppose I owe Barbary an apology," Gwendolyn said wryly as they left the courtroom.

"I'm sure he doesn't expect one," Hermione said. "He took the job knowing what was likely to happen."

"Still," Gwendolyn said. The three made their way to the lifts in silence, Hermione's mind already on the documents she had received from the archives. Depending on what was in them, small changes might need to be made to her proposal.

"Hermione?" Ginny said, and Hermione looked at her friend. "All right?"

"Sorry," she said. "Just thinking."

"Do you have time for lunch?" Gwendolyn asked.

"No, actually," Hermione replied apologetically. "I have to meet with Margaret about a few things. Are you going back to the trial this afternoon?"

"Yes, shall I meet you?"

"Outside my office?" Hermione suggested. Gwendolyn agreed and said good-bye to both of them as she stepped off the lift at the fourth floor. Hermione and Ginny continued to the second. They paused outside the Auror office.

"Thanks for coming with me, Gin," Hermione said.

"You'll keep me posted on the outcome?" Hermione nodded. "And you and Remus will be at the match next week?"

"Of course, we will." Ginny smiled, and they said their good-byes. Hermione continued to her office to speak to Margaret about her proposal.

Apparating into the back garden, Hermione made her way to the house. She was immensely glad today was over. The afternoon had been nearly as irritating as the morning. She fervently hoped the trial would be over tomorrow as Kingsley expected, and the verdict would be delivered on Friday at the latest.

Hermione knocked on the back door and it was only moments before she heard the patter of small footsteps inside.

"My-nee!" Teddy exclaimed as the door was opened, Andromeda standing behind him.

"Hi, Teddy," Hermione said, bending down to pick the little boy up. She kissed his cheeks and Teddy giggled. "Hello, Andromeda."

"Hello, Hermione. How was your day?" Hermione sighed and hugged Teddy. Andromeda smirked. "That good, was it?"

"Worse," Hermione said.

"My-nee, you see my books?"

"I would love to see your books," Hermione said.

"We took a short trip to Diagon Alley today to give Remus a bit of peace," Andromeda explained. "Teddy found a few things at Flourish and Blotts." Teddy squirmed in Hermione's arms and she set him down. He grabbed her hand and began to pull her towards the living room.

"Just a minute, Teddy," Hermione said. She turned to Andromeda. "Can I help with anything?"

"Keeping Teddy occupied would be a tremendous help," she said immediately. "Remus is still tired." Hermione frowned at that and let the two-year-old lead her into the living room.

Remus was reclined on the couch, a blanket tucked around him, his head resting against the armrest, eyes closed.

"Daddy!" Teddy called, and Remus flinched.

"Your daddy is resting, remember?" Hermione said. "We should be quiet." Teddy nodded solemnly and made his way to Remus' side.

"Daddy?" he whispered. Remus opened his eyes and smiled at his son, then up at Hermione.

"Yes?" Remus said.

"My-nee here, Daddy."

"I can see that," Remus said in amusement.

"I get my books," Teddy said and ran off to the small side table near his toy basket. Hermione sat down on the coffee table and took Remus' hand.

"How are you?" she asked in concern.

"Just tired," he said. She frowned, and he lifted their clasped hands, tugging her towards him. He kissed her softly and smiled when she pulled away.

"Daddy, no tiss My-nee," Teddy said. "She see my books." Hermione laughed and turned to look at Teddy who held three new books in his hands. She picked him up and moved to the chair near the couch. Settling him into her lap, she admired the new books and then waited while Teddy decided which they should read. Looking up at Remus, she smiled over the top of Teddy's head, then shifted her attention back to Teddy when he held up one of the books.

Remus watched as Hermione read to Teddy. Teddy was snuggled into her arms and listening raptly. He shifted his hair to match Hermione's and the breath caught in Remus' throat. He'd seen it before, of course, Teddy was constantly changing his hair to match those around him, but in that moment, it was different. Remus could picture another curly-haired child sitting on Hermione's lap while she read a story. Their child.

It all hit him like a Bludger then. He wanted that, wanted everything, with her. Marriage, children, all of it. But it was too soon, far too soon. They had only been dating for a little over a month, for Merlin's sake. Hermione was only twenty, she was just starting her career with the Ministry, he doubted she wanted marriage and a family already. Not to mention that the old laws were still in place. If they weren't changed then Remus shouldn't even be entertaining the notion of marriage. And if he couldn't give her that, should he even be entertaining the notion of a future with Hermione at all?

Hermione looked up from the book for a moment and she caught his eye. Her brow furrowed and he gave her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. He didn't think he was all that convincing, however, as she continued to glance up at him from time to time, concern etched on her face.

When they had finished two of the three books, Teddy announced they would now play dragons. Hermione set him down and encouraged the little boy to get the toys out and she would be there in a few minutes. As soon as Teddy was occupied, she moved to sit on the coffee table again.

"Are you all right?" she asked Remus, brushing a lock of hair off his forehead.

"I'm fine, love," he said, smiling again.

"You don't look it," she said.

"Don't mind me," he said. "It's just the moon, makes me a bit… reflective, sometimes."

"And what are you reflecting on?"

"Just this and that," he said. Hermione didn't look convinced. He took her hand and entwined their fingers. "I promise you, I'm fine."

"You're rather tired this month," she said in concern. Remus shrugged.

"That happens sometimes too," he said. "Likely the stress just before the moon." She immediately looked guilty and he shook his head, giving her hand a squeeze. "It wasn't your fault."

"I know," she said with a sigh. She disentangled their hands and took his in both of hers, rubbing the back of it with her thumbs.

"Come here," he said quietly. She leaned forward and he kissed her again, deeper than the first, his free hand cupped behind her head. When he pulled back, she smiled lazily at him and squeezed the hand she was still holding.

"My-nee!" Teddy called.

"You're being summoned," Remus said. Hermione laughed and leaned forward to kiss him once more. When she pulled back, the concern was gone from her face and Remus was glad for it. The last thing she needed was to hear his broody thoughts.

"My-nee, pay!" Teddy insisted.

"Coming, Teddy." Hermione said. With one last squeeze to Remus' hand, she let go and moved around the couch to join his son.

Andromeda had taken Teddy up for his bath and Hermione had joined Remus on the couch. He had come to the table for dinner, but Andromeda had sent him back to the living room as soon as he had finished eating. Hermione was still worried that he seemed so much more tired than he had the month before.

"Stop worrying," Remus admonished. "A good night's sleep tonight and I'll be good as new." She had curled into his side after repeatedly making sure that he wasn't still sore. He was, a bit, but nothing that he couldn't handle. Plus, he wanted her next to him far too much to admit to any pain. "Tell me what happened today." Hermione sighed. They hadn't had a chance to discuss it yet, not wanting to do so around Teddy.

"Satterfield is a complete arse." Remus snorted.

"I think we both knew that already, love." Hermione proceeded to recount the events of the day to Remus.

"Barbary was Kingsley's plant?" Remus asked in surprise when she reached that revelation. Hermione nodded. "You knew?"

"Harry and I both did," Hermione said. "Kingsley told us during that whole mess with Will."

"Rather smart on Kingsley's part," Remus said. "I am a bit surprised that he let it come to light though. He must have had others."

"I asked Harry about that," she replied. "Kingsley did have people in other departments, but all of those investigations have finished."

"Still, he won't be able to use that tactic again."

"I don't think he wants to," Hermione said.

"No, I suppose not," Remus agreed. Hermione finished her recap of events and they lay in silence for a few minutes.

"Well, Satterfield can't be doing himself any favors, acting the way that he is," Remus said. "I can't imagine it won't influence the Wizengamot against him."

"I hope so," Hermione replied.

"Did they finish the questioning today?"

"No," Hermione said. "There's a bit more tomorrow, but it should wrap up late morning. Kingsley is hoping for a verdict by Friday."

"Do you want me to come with you to the trial tomorrow?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm even going to go," Hermione said. Remus shifted so he could see her face.

"Why not?"

"It's just going to be more of the same," Hermione said. "And Margaret and I have a few more things to go over on my proposal." Remus kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry you won't be able to present it." Hermione had told him and Andromeda the status of her proposal at dinner.

"Don't do that," Hermione admonished, seeing the guilt in his eyes no doubt. "If it's not my fault that you were under stress just before the moon, it's not yours that we went public with our relationship. And before you say it, it's not your fault you're a werewolf either." He couldn't help his smile.

"I love you," he said.

"Good, then kiss me," she replied. He laughed and complied.

20 April 2000

Neville led Hermione down the corridor towards the same room she and Ron had talked in a couple of days ago. He had come to her office, requesting that she come to the Auror Department to make her official statement about what had happened with Delia. Although she knew it was necessary, Hermione was in no way looking forward to it.

"Are you going to take my statement?" she asked Neville.

"No, it will be Proudfoot."

"Oh," she said. At least it wasn't Williamson.

"I'm sorry, Hermione," he said, looking regretful. "Robards won't allow Harry, Ron or I to do it. He says we're too close to you and the case."

"I understand," Hermione said. And she did, but that didn't mean that she liked it. Ron and Harry would still at Satterfield's trial anyway. Hermione had decided not to attend this morning, for the reasons she had given Remus the previous evening. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves and jumped when Neville put a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you all right, Hermione?" he asked. She nodded. She was being stupid. It was just a few questions after all. He looked at her in concern. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she said. "It's just, I don't really like to think about it."

"I understand," Neville said. "There's a lot of things I'd rather not think about either." Hermione reached for his hand and squeezed it. Neville smiled at her.

They reached the room and Neville moved to open the door when another door across the corridor opened. Hermione looked up as Remus stepped out. He looked like he had the day she'd woken up in St. Mungo's, relieved and terrified all at once.

"Hermione," he breathed and she hurried towards him. Not caring who was watching, she let him gather her into his arms. His nose immediately went into her hair and she heard him breathe in deeply.

"You gave your statement?" she asked quietly and she felt him nod. Her arms tightened around him.

"Miss Granger," a voice said and Hermione pulled back slightly. Proudfoot stood behind Remus. "I'm sorry, but I need to take your statement."

"All right," she said. Remus stepped back from her. She looked at him searchingly. He gave her a reassuring smile that she didn't believe for a second. While she wasn't looking forward to talking about her ordeal, it must have been even worse for Remus. Hermione had been unconscious for much of it, after all.

"I'm fine," he said, squeezing her hand.

"You could wait in my office," she suggested, but they both knew that wasn't a good idea. She bit her lip as he shook his head.

"I'll be fine, love," he said. "Are you going to be all right?" She nodded.

"Gryffindor, right?" He smiled at her and kissed her cheek, squeezing her hand before he let her go.

"Miss Granger," Proudfoot prompted.

"Right, sorry," she said. She looked at Remus again. "Dinner at mine tonight?" He nodded and she turned to follow Proudfoot into the room.

Remus Flooed to Hermione's just minutes after five. He wanted to be sure that she was all right after giving her statement to Proudfoot. Merlin knew he hadn't been. Talking to Andromeda about it while Teddy napped had helped, but until Remus could see for himself that Hermione was all right, he felt on edge.

"Hermione," he called after realizing she wasn't in the living room or the kitchen. The Floo had been open though, so she must be home.

"I'm upstairs," she called. "Down in a minute." Remus tried to wait, he honestly did, but after his gaze continued to be drawn to where he knew the letter had been, he gave it up as a bad job. Hermione had fixed the carpet, but the image of the hole had burned itself into Remus' brain. He hurried to the stairs, taking them two at a time.

Her bedroom door was open and she was standing with her back to him in her bra and knickers, just slipping a jumper over her head. He followed the fabric as it slid down the smooth skin of her back and settled just above the swell of her arse. She turned her head slightly to pull her hair from the back of the jumper and caught sight of him. She jumped in surprise.

In two strides he was in the room and had her back in his arms. She sighed in contentment.

"I'm sorry I startled you," he said into her hair. "How did it go?"

"It was fine," she said, but he had felt her go a bit rigid.

"Hermione," he admonished. She sighed.

"It was…upsetting while I was talking about it, but I'm fine now." She looked up at him and ran her fingers down his cheek. "What about you?" When he didn't answer, she gave him a look.

"It just brought…everything back," he finally said. She tightened her arms around him. They stood that way for a few minutes until Remus put his fingers under her chin and tilted her head up. He leaned down and kissed her, needing the reassurance that she was still there, that she was all right. When they finally parted, Hermione looked up at him.

"I'm here, Remus and I'm fine." He nodded, resting his forehead against hers. After a few moments, she pulled away and took a step back. She pulled the jumper back over her head and then reached out a hand to him. Taking it, he let her pull him to her as she slowly divested him of his clothes, as well as hers. She pulled him to the bed and he covered her body with his, trailing kisses from her lips, down her neck to her shoulder. It was not the frenzied, rough coupling of the day of the moon, but slow and gentle, both seeking solace from the other. Still, it wasn't any less intense, perhaps more so, and he wasn't any less spent when they were finished.

He rolled to his side, taking Hermione with him so they were facing one another. Their legs were tangled together, her nose in the hollow of his throat. He ran his fingertips up and down her back, making her shiver. He smiled and kissed the top of her head.

"I love you," he said.

"Mm, I love you, too." Remus closed his eyes. Hermione kissed his chest before he felt her eyes close as well. They drowsed, content and secure in the fact that the other was there, whole and safe.

Hermione woke first, shifting back from Remus slightly so she could see his face. He looked much more peaceful than he had earlier and she was glad for it. She was dreading the upcoming trial for Delia Wilkes. Having gone over it again with Proudfoot today, Hermione realized she wasn't as over what had happened as she'd thought. The way she had reacted to the letter she'd gotten from the Archives should have been proof enough of that. Something she still hadn't told Remus about.

She knew that she should. Harry, Ron and Ginny all knew and it was likely that one of them might mention something, not realizing that Remus didn't know. But she still felt like an idiot for the way she'd reacted.

"I can hear you thinking," Remus said. Hermione glanced up at him. He still had his eyes closed, but his lips were curled up in a smile. She sighed and snuggled back into him. He shifted and wrapped his arms more tightly around her. "What is it?"

"Nothing," Hermione said, her voice muffled in his chest.

"Why don't I believe you?" He pulled back from her slightly, although she tried to stubbornly stay burrowed into his chest. "Love?" She sighed again and tipped her head back.

"Yesterday, when I got into work there was a letter lying on my desk." She felt his arms tighten and his legs go rigid against hers. "I, well, I didn't react well."

"I'm not surprised," he murmured, not loosening his grip.

"I went and got Harry and Ron and they came to my office to scan the letter. It was nothing, just some paperwork I requested from the Archives for my proposal that I'd forgotten about." She felt Remus relax and he looked down at her.

"Why didn't you tell me this yesterday?"

"Because it turned out to be nothing and I didn't want to upset you."

"Hermione," he said in that admonishing tone.

"I know, but you were tired and frankly, I just didn't want to deal with it."

"I can understand that," he said. "But you know you can always talk to me."

"I know." He kissed her forehead.

"Do you want to talk about it now?" She was silent for a minute, tracing one of the scars on his chest.

"I just want to forget about all of this."

"I know the feeling," he said.

"Today, I just, I'm not looking forward to having to go through everything again at the trial."

"No," he agreed. They lay in silence for a few minutes. She could hear the steady beat of Remus' heart against her ear and it calmed her. He nuzzled her temple and ran a hand down her back again.

"Let's go out," she said impulsively. He looked down at her quizzically. "For dinner. And then maybe see a film. I don't want to think about Delia or Satterfield, or the Ministry at all, for that matter. I just want to go on a date with you and do normal couple things." He smiled at her.

"I think that sounds like an excellent idea." She grinned and leaned up to kiss him. "Remember that getaway that you talked about?" She nodded. "Let's do that. Next weekend." She smiled widely.

"I love you, Remus Lupin." He smiled and kissed her again.