A/N - Hi everyone! Next chapter for you. We're finally wrapping up all the trials in this one. Their little getaway will be in the next. Thanks for reading and continuing to review!

Chapter 69

Verdict

21 April 2000

Hermione fidgeted nervously. She was sitting between Remus and Gwendolyn waiting for the Wizengamot to file in. Satterfield's trial had ended yesterday and the verdict was set to be read this morning. Warrington had gotten fifty years, but Hughes had only gotten five. Hermione had no idea which way the Wizengamot would lean.

She felt Remus' hand cover hers where it rested on the stone bench. He squeezed her fingers lightly before he let go. She looked over at him and smiled.

Last night had been a wonderful respite from all the stress of the previous day. They'd had dinner at a small Italian place that Hermione knew of and then gone to the cinema. Losing themselves in a mindless comedy had been just what they needed. Remus had stayed the night, returning home just before Teddy would wake for the day.

She had already begun thinking about their weekend away. At dinner, she had remembered Ginny's match the following weekend, so they had decided on Wales for their getaway. While they could Apparate to the stadium from anywhere, Hermione hadn't visited Wales since she was a young child. Remus' mother was originally from Cardiff and they had visited his Muggle grandparents a few times when Remus was small. Once he was bitten, however, the visits became few and far between until they eventually stopped all together. Except for attending the match, they had decided they would act as Muggle tourists for the weekend.

The Wizengamot had settled and Satterfield was finally led in. He had lost some of the arrogance he'd had two days ago, although Hermione could tell he was still trying to put on a confident façade. Once he was seated in the accused's chair and the chains had snaked their way up his arms and legs, the clerk stood.

He once again recited the charges against Satterfield, to which Satterfield looked stoically ahead, not meeting anyone's eye. When the clerk was finished, the Chief Warlock turned to the Wizengamot. He went through each charge individually, asking for a vote of innocent or guilty. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as the majority voted guilty on each one. When all votes had been taken, the Chief Warlock looked down at the parchment in front of him and then turned back to Satterfield. Hermione felt Remus's hand cover hers again.

"Barnaby Satterfield, you have been found guilty on all charges." Hermione held her breath. "This court hereby sentences you to fifty years in Azkaban prison." She felt Remus' hand tighten over hers and she let out the breath she'd been holding. She heard Gwendolyn do the same. Satterfield would be a very old man before he was released from Azkaban, if he didn't die there.

"He deserved life," Gwendolyn muttered. "So did Warrington."

"I won't argue that," Hermione replied. "But fifty years is still a long time." Remus squeezed her hand again as they stood to leave the courtroom.

Thankfully, all the reporters were gone when they reached the doors, all hurrying back to their respective offices to write up their stories. As they stood waiting for the lift, Gwendolyn turned to Hermione.

"I ran into Jensen Barbary yesterday," Gwendolyn said.

"Really? How did that go?"

"I apologized, but you were right, he didn't expect me to." Gwendolyn smiled ruefully. "Did you know that his brother plays guitar for the Weird Sisters?"

"No," Hermione said. She didn't keep up much with the Wizarding bands.

"They're going on a world tour and Jensen is going to go with them, get out of Britain for a while."

"Jensen, huh?" Hermione teased. Gwendolyn rolled her eyes.

"It's not like that," she said. "I just admire what he did, that's all. It can't have been easy."

"No," Hermione agreed. "I'm sure it wasn't." The lift arrived and they fell silent, stepping in amidst quite a few other people.

Hermione felt Remus' hand against her thigh and she linked her little finger with his until they reached the Atrium. Remus gave her hand a quick squeeze and said good-bye before he stepped off the lift. Hermione bit back a sigh, glad that the hearing on her Werewolf proposal would be next week. She was tired of having to be careful around him in public.

She said good-bye to Gwendolyn at the fourth floor, promising to meet for lunch soon and then rode in silence to the second. Mind occupied thinking about meeting with Margaret on a few last-minute revisions to the proposal, Hermione made her way to her office. She startled when she felt a hand on her arm and whipped around, drawing her wand.

Cecily stared at her in shock, taking a few quick steps back. Hermione didn't even remember arriving in her department. She lowered her wand.

"I'm sorry, Cecily." The woman looked at Hermione warily. "You just…startled me."

"I called your name three times," Cecily said.

"I'm sorry, I was lost in my thoughts." She gave the other woman a smile. "What can I do for you?"

"Ms. Fawcett would like to see you in her office."

"All right, thank you," Hermione said. She changed course to head for Margaret's office. Cecily hurriedly returned to her own desk, glancing at Hermione from the corner of her eye. Hermione sighed as she knocked on Margaret's door.

"Enter," Margaret called.

"You wanted to see me?" Hermione said as she walked in the door. Her boss indicated the chair in front of her desk.

"The verdict?" Margaret asked.

"Guilty on all charges, fifty years in Azkaban."

"Once Warrington only got fifty years, I knew they wouldn't give Satterfield more than that," Margaret said with a sigh. "Pity." Hermione tried to cover her snort with a cough, but Margaret winked at her.

"I got a memo from the Minister this morning after you had already left for the courtroom. He is moving the proposal up to Monday." Hermione blinked in surprise.

"Did he say why?"

"He wants the proposal heard before the trial for Delia Wilkes begins." Hermione sat back in her chair. While the two didn't appear to have anything to do with one another, Hermione was quite sure that Kingsley wanted the proposal heard before the public's attention was drawn back to Hermione and Remus' relationship. Even though Hermione wasn't giving the presentation any longer, it was no secret in her department that she'd been working on it. Given how many people knew, it was likely at least some of the Wizengamot would be aware of that fact.

"Very shrewd of the Minister," Hermione said.

"I thought so," Margaret replied with a smirk. "However, that means you and I are going to have to do a bit of work this weekend. I want everything to be perfect." Hermione nodded. Margaret shuffled through the parchment on her desk. "I'd like to clarify this point with a bit more research." She handed Hermione the section in question. Hermione read through her boss' notes and nodded.

"Cecily can get you whatever you need from the Archives or the library," Margaret said. Hermione smiled wryly. Margaret's brow furrowed at her expression.

"I think I may have frightened Cecily just a bit," Hermione said.

"How so?"

"I wasn't paying attention when I came back into the department. Cecily called my name a few times, but I didn't hear her. She put a hand on my arm to get my attention."

"And got the business end of your wand in her face?" Hermione's cheeks colored as she nodded.

"It's…instinct."

"One I wish someone as young as you didn't have," Margaret said with a sigh. "Don't worry about Cecily, I'll speak to her. Now, get working on that and I'll check with you later this afternoon. If you need anything beforehand, let me know."

"All right," Hermione agreed, taking the parchment and walking back to her office.

"Something is bothering you," Andromeda said as she handed Remus a cup of tea. "Is it the verdict?"

"No," Remus said, smiling gratefully as he took the tea. "I didn't expect the Wizengamot would give Satterfield longer than they did Warrington who did the actual killing." A shiver went through him as he sipped at his tea. Andromeda's lips thinned in anger.

"I do not know what they were thinking. Only fifty years for that atrocity."

"I'm grateful it was that long, to be honest."

"Remus," she chided, but he shook his head.

"You know as well as I there are plenty on the Wizengamot that don't even consider us people. Beasts or half-breeds at best." Andromeda sighed.

"So, this is about Hermione's proposal, I take it?"

"Partly. Or, well, it's all connected, I suppose." Andromeda waited in silence for him to continue. Remus wasn't sure if he wanted to. While Andromeda knew that he loved Hermione, he didn't know if he was ready to confess the depth of his feelings. When he still didn't say anything, Andromeda spoke.

"Is this about not being worthy or some such rot?" Remus sighed.

"Not exactly. I," he trailed off shaking his head. "What can I offer her, Andromeda?" Andromeda's brow furrowed.

"As far as what?"

"A future." The slight widening of Andromeda's eyes was the only indication she was in any way surprised. If Remus hadn't known her as well as he did, he wouldn't have even noticed it. "I don't have a job, not a full-time one anyway. After the reaction we got just announcing our relationship, I can't ask her to marry me and subject her to more of that or worse."

"Have you spoken to Hermione about this?"

"Of course not," Remus said. "It's far too soon to even consider."

"Then why are you considering it?" Remus scrubbed a hand down his face and sighed.

"Because," he looked up at her. "I want it." A small smile played around Andromeda's lips.

"Hermione has an excellent job that pays well," Andromeda said. "I do not think that money is an issue, if that is your concern." He opened his mouth to protest, but Andromeda held up a hand. "I do hope you are not the kind of man that assumes he must make the money."

"I," Remus began, then frowned.

"Somehow, I do not think Hermione will expect that."

"That's not the point," Remus said.

"Then what is?"

"I, it's just," he trailed off in frustration. "It's important to me."

"I understand wanting to provide for your family," Andromeda said. "But I would wager that Hermione feels the same way about providing for hers. And there are other ways to provide, besides monetarily. Even now, you are raising Teddy to be the kind of man any parent would be proud of. That is no small feat." Remus colored slightly.

"I didn't mean to imply that making money was more important."

"I know you did not, darling," she said with a smile. "As for the rest, well, that is something that only you and Hermione can decide. But even after everything that has happened, it seems to me that she has no intention of going anywhere."

"Like I said, it's too soon to consider."

"You know what is best, I am sure," Andromeda said, with a pat to his hand. Remus was sure she didn't mean it to sound as patronizing as it did. "In any case, it seems to make no sense to worry about these things until you know the outcome of the presentation." Remus sighed again.

"I suppose you're right."

"Of course, I am, darling." She sat back in her seat with a smirk. Remus snorted and picked up his tea. Taking a sip, he looked at her over the rim of his cup.

"Thank you, Andromeda."

23 April 2000

Remus opened his eyes, blinking in the darkness, trying to determine what had woken him. He was in Hermione's bed. She and Margaret had worked late into the night on Friday and nearly all of Saturday. It was past nine when Hermione had Floo called, asking him if he wanted to come over. Remus had been more than happy to join her. Unfortunately, Hermione had been so knackered, she hadn't been able to stop yawning and Remus had insisted she go to bed. He had joined her, but she had been asleep nearly before her head hit the pillow. He hadn't minded, Teddy had been up unusually early that morning and Remus had drifted off to sleep shortly afterward.

Now though, something had woken him. He glanced over at Hermione. She was lying on her side facing him, still sleeping. Perhaps it had been Crookshanks wandering around downstairs. Remus had just closed his eyes when he heard it again. A whimper coming from Hermione. He grabbed his wand from the bedside table and cast the same dim 'Lumos' he used in Teddy's room when he checked on him in the night.

Hermione's brow was furrowed and the hand that lay on her pillow near her face was twitching. She whimpered again and her eyes squeezed tightly shut. Remus shifted closer to her when she called out.

"No, please!"

"Hermione," Remus said quietly, not wanting to scare her when she was obviously having a nightmare. She continued to whimper. He put a hand on her arm. "Wake up, love."

She flinched away from him, her arm flying up, the back of her hand catching his jaw. It hurt, but he was more afraid she was going to hurt herself. He grabbed for her flailing arm.

"Hermione wake up," he said a bit more forcefully. She tried to pull away and he managed to get his arm around her, pulling her into his body. She struggled in his arms. "It's all right. It's just a nightmare. Wake up, Hermione, please." He shook her shoulder and her eyes flew open. She stared at him, looking terrified.

"It's Remus, love, I've got you."

"Remus?" she questioned in confusion.

"You had a nightmare," he said, kissing her temple and pulling her close to him. She melted against his chest, letting out a shuddering breath. He could feel her trembling as he rubbed her back. "It's all right, you're safe. I've got you." She finally relaxed, her breathing back to normal, the shaking gone. Remus kissed the top of her head.

"Are you all right?" he asked. She nodded against his chest. "Do you want to talk about it?" She stiffened again and he went back to rubbing her back.

"It was…Delia," she finally whispered. Remus forced himself to stay calm. "She was, she was trying to hurt you."

"Me?" he said in surprise. He had assumed that she was reliving everything with the letter. Hermione nodded.

"She had the potion and she said that she was going to use it on you if I didn't go away and leave you alone." Hermione hitched a breath. "She said, she said if she couldn't have you, no one could." Remus felt wetness on his chest and he knew she was crying.

"It's all right, love, I'm fine. She can't hurt anyone anymore. It was just a dream." He held her tightly, continuing to rub her back and whisper soothing words to her. When she had finally quieted, she pulled back from him.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"You don't have to apologize," he said, brushing a lock of hair out of her face.

"It's so stupid," she muttered.

"What is?" he asked.

"Dreaming about her," Hermione replied, sounding almost angry. "I know she's locked up and she can't hurt you."

"Hermione, you had a traumatic experience and you've been under stress with everything going on with Satterfield's trial and this proposal. You've barely gotten any sleep the last couple of days. It's no wonder you're having nightmares."

"You went through the same traumatic experience and I don't see you having nightmares," she said huffily.

"Are you angry with yourself for having a dream?" he asked, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice. This wasn't the time to tease her.

"No, it's just," she sighed. "I don't know what I am."

"What you are is exhausted," Remus said, gathering her into his arms again. He leaned down and kissed her. "Go back to sleep, love. I'll keep you safe."

"I love you," she said quietly as she settled herself into his arms.

"I love you too." Remus lay in silence long after she fell asleep, wondering how he could ever let her go if it came to that.

24 April 2000

Hermione sat nervously next to Harry, waiting for the Wizengamot to file in. Harry had the day off today but had come in to sit with her during Margaret's proposal. Hermione had wished that Remus could attend, but presentations of new laws were only allowed to be observed by Ministry employees, and usually only by those in departments the new laws might affect. It was how Harry and Ron had been able to watch her House-Elf proposal, given that just about every law affected the DMLE in some capacity. And, of course, why Harry had been able to join her now.

The Auror department was still handling the Werewolf Capture Unit duties. Kingsley had no plans to return the responsibility to the Beast Division in the DRCMC until the current proposal was heard and voted on. Fiona Campbell, new Head of the DRCMC, agreed that even if the Werewolf Capture Unit was returned to the Beast Division, any new employees would need more training and rules than they'd had under Satterfield.

"Relax, Hermione," Harry whispered.

"Sorry," she muttered back, trying to still her bouncing foot.

"You weren't this nervous before your House-Elf presentation," Harry said.

"Yes, but I actually gave that one, didn't I?"

"You don't trust Margaret?"

"No, I do, it's just," Hermione sighed.

"You'd be more confident doing it yourself," Harry finished. Hermione bit her lip and nodded. Of course, her boss was more than capable of giving this proposal. She was more qualified than Hermione to do it. But this proposal was hers, and it had so much more potential to hurt people she cared about if it didn't pass. Harry reached over and took her hand.

"You've worked so hard for so long on this," Harry said. "It's going to pass."

"You don't know that, Harry."

"But I know how brilliant you are," Harry said. "How could it not?" Hermione gave him a half-smile and bumped his shoulder with hers. Harry squeezed her hand and they both turned to face the Wizengamot as Kingsley called the room to order.

Remus stood as Hermione came through the Floo. He couldn't read her expression, but when she threw herself into his arms without saying anything, his heart sunk. He hugged her tightly and kissed her temple.

"It didn't go well, then?" he finally asked when a few minutes had passed and she hadn't said anything. She pulled back from him immediately.

"No, no, it went fine." He searched her face, perplexed. "It went better than I expected, actually."

"I have to admit, I'm confused," he said. She sighed and took his hand, leading them both to the couch.

"I can't believe it's finally over, for one thing," she said. Remus put an arm around her and she settled into his side. "It's just, I've been working in this for so long and now, it's out of my hands and I have no more control over what happens." Remus made a noise of understanding.

"And Margaret did a wonderful job of it, not that I suspected she wouldn't," Hermione continued. "The Wizengamot asked a lot of questions, but most of them were good questions, intelligent questions. I feel like they're really going to consider everything that was said."

"Then what's the matter?" he asked. She sighed again.

"I'm afraid," she admitted.

"Of what?"

"That despite everything that happened with Satterfield and Warrington, the Wizengamot will fall back on old prejudices and dismiss all of it out of hand." Remus tightened his grip on her shoulder. Truthfully, he had the same fear. Hermione tilted her head back to look up at him.

"I just want you to have the opportunities you deserve. You and Will and all the others that haven't done anything wrong. I just want things to be fair." Remus tucked a curl behind her ear, his fingers trailing down her neck.

"I know you do, love," he said, giving her a small smile. "But you've done all you can do. Now we just have to wait and see what happens." She sighed for the third time.

"You know I'm not good at that." He chuckled, then leaned down and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and they snogged for a few minutes. Remus finally pulled away from her and rested his forehead against hers. "Teddy is in the kitchen with Andromeda. I'm sure it won't be long before he comes in." She nodded and caught her breath, kissing him quickly one more time before they heard the patter of feet.

"My-nee!" Teddy shouted. Remus pulled away from her as Teddy ran across the room and jumped into Hermione's lap. He hugged her around the neck. Remus saw the tension leave Hermione's face, replaced by a wide smile for his son. Teddy tended to have that effect.

"What did you do today?" Hermione asked once Teddy had released her.

"I hep Nanna mate bistits."

"What kind of biscuits?" Hermione asked.

"Chocat chip!" Teddy said, throwing his hands up in the air.

"Your favorite," Hermione said with a smile. Teddy nodded.

"My-nee lite chocat chip?"

"I do like chocolate chip," Hermione replied.

"I get bistit," Teddy said scrambling down from Hermione's lap. She watched fondly as the little boy ran back into the kitchen. Remus reached for her hand and kissed the back of it. Teddy was back in just a few moments, holding a chocolate chip biscuit. He thrust it at Hermione. She took a bite.

"Mm, very good," she said. "You did an excellent job." Teddy beamed and climbed back into her lap.

"I has bite?" he asked.

"I think you'd better ask your daddy about that," Hermione said, amusement on her face. "It's almost time for dinner, isn't it?" Teddy turned to Remus.

"Daddy, I has bite?" he asked in his most polite voice. Remus heard Hermione cough trying to cover her laugh.

"One," Remus said, trying not to laugh himself. He held up one finger and Teddy nodded, holding up his own finger. Teddy turned back to Hermione expectantly and she broke off a piece of the biscuit. Teddy took it happily.

"Would you like a bite?" Hermione asked cheekily, holding the rest of the biscuit out to Remus. He winked at Teddy before he opened his mouth and bit off the rest of the biscuit except for the small piece where Hermione was holding it.

"Daddy eats all!" Teddy said with a giggle. Hermione popped the last bite into her mouth before she put her hands on her hips and gave Remus a mock glare.

"What do you think we should do with him?" Hermione said. Teddy giggled again. Hermione leaned forward and whispered in his ear. Teddy nodded enthusiastically. "Ready? One, two, three!" At three, they both pounced on Remus and began to tickle him. Teddy was screeching madly as Remus grabbed him around the waist and returned the tickle torture. Remus grabbed Hermione's hand with his free one and pulled her towards him. Remus toppled backwards and Hermione followed, laughing. Remus still had a grip around Teddy's waist and the little boy ended up lying on his chest, Hermione resting half against the back of the couch, half on Remus. They were all grinning, faces red from laughing. Remus leaned up and kissed Hermione.

"What is all this noise?" Andromeda's voice said from behind them. Hermione pushed away from Remus, face reddening again, trying to make herself look presentable. Teddy scrambled up until he was sitting on Remus chest.

"Daddy eat My-nee's bistit," Teddy exclaimed. Andromeda had her hands on her hips, but Remus could see the look of amusement on her face. She leaned forward and swiped at the bit of chocolate smeared on the corner of Teddy's lip with her thumb.

"I think you had a bit of Hermione's biscuit as well, young man." Andromeda tapped the end of his nose with her finger. Teddy covered his mouth with his hand and giggled again.

"I not yun man, Nanna, I Teddy."

"Yes, well, Teddy, you need to wash up for supper."

"Tay!" Teddy said, jumping up on Remus' chest and holding his arms out to his grandmother. Remus groaned at the movement.

"Serves you right, you know," Hermione said once they'd left. Her cheeks were still pink with embarrassment.

"Because I stole your biscuit?" Remus said in amusement as he sat up and moved closer to her.

"You stole more than that," she said in admonishment. Remus chuckled and moved towards her once again.

"If I ask nicely will you indulge me?" She rolled her eyes, but he could see the smile playing at her lips. She leaned in and kissed him once more. He smiled when they parted, then rose from the couch and held out a hand to her, leading her into the kitchen for supper.

25 April 2000

"Hermione?" She looked up and saw Harry standing in the doorway of her office.

"Hey, Harry," Hermione said, waving him in. "What's up?"

"Official business, unfortunately." Harry closed the door to her office. Hermione's brow furrowed.

"What kind of official business?" Harry sighed and sat down in the chair in front of her desk.

"Delia Wilkes' trial is starting tomorrow at ten o'clock." He slid a piece of parchment across her desk. Hermione looked down at the summons to appear in court the next day. "You need to arrive at the witness rooms outside the courtroom at half nine. They'll keep you in one of them until you testify. Then you can watch the rest of the trial if you like."

"Who else has to appear?"

"Hermione, you know I can't tell you that," Harry said apologetically.

"Right, sorry," she replied. It wasn't as if she didn't have a relatively good idea. Harry, of course. And Remus. Likely Ron or Neville, Healer Spencer and the researchers from St. Mungo's. Probably even Cressida Wilkes.

"All right?" Harry asked when she hadn't said anything for a few minutes. Hermione sighed.

"Yes, it's just," she shook her head. "I wish all this was over."

"That makes two of us," Harry said. They sat in silence for a few moments, Hermione staring at the parchment in front of her.

"Do you ever think that maybe she doesn't belong in Azkaban?" Hermione asked. Harry looked at her incredulously.

"Hermione, she tried to kill you," Harry said.

"I don't mean that she didn't do anything to deserve Azkaban," Hermione said. "But she needs help, Harry."

"I'm sure she does, but again, Hermione, she tried to kill you."

"I honestly don't think she meant to kill me," Hermione said. "I think she was just trying to hurt me so Remus wouldn't want me anymore."

"I can't believe you're saying this."

"Think about it, Harry. That first letter she sent with that curse wouldn't have killed me. It just would have disfigured me somehow. I think that's what she meant to do with the potion too."

"That doesn't matter, Hermione. Even if she didn't intend to kill you, she meant to cause you serious bodily harm that might have resulted in your death."

"Don't Auror-speak me," Hermione said with a roll of her eyes.

"She Imperiused her own sister, Hermione."

"Look, Harry, I'm not saying she shouldn't be punished. I just feel like sending her to Azkaban and doing nothing else to help her isn't going to do any good. When she gets out-"

"If she gets out," Harry interrupted.

"Fine, if she gets out, she's not going to be any better off. Worse, most likely." Hermione looked up at him. "If the war hadn't happened, she probably never would have done something like this. She's nineteen years old, Harry." Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"It's not that I don't understand what you're saying, but that's not how the system works, Hermione."

"Then the system is broken," Hermione said with a huff. A small smile formed on Harry's face.

"You just found your next project, didn't you?"

"What? No, I," Hermione paused and sat back in her chair. "Maybe." Harry chuckled.

"I've got to get back," Harry said. "You going to be okay?" Hermione nodded. Harry dropped the Muffliato, then stood and stepped around her desk to kiss her cheek.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Harry said.

"Bye, Harry."

Remus sighed as he opened the window to let the owl inside. The mail ward was still up, so this must be something official from the DMLE as they were the only ones that were able to bypass it. And Remus had a relatively good idea what this letter would be about. He took it from the owl's leg, seeing the official Ministry seal on the back.

"Did I hear an owl?" Andromeda asked as she walked into the kitchen. There was no reason for Remus to answer as the owl flapped its wings and flew back out. "From the Ministry?" Remus nodded as he opened the envelope.

"It's my summons to appear tomorrow."

"What time?"

"Half nine, but the trial doesn't start until ten."

"Let me just Floo Cissy. I am sure that she would mind Teddy." Remus tried not to bristle at the other woman's name. While he had gotten over his initial rage and even understood Narcissa's reasons for not intervening when Bellatrix was torturing Hermione, Remus didn't know if he would ever be able to fully forgive her.

"You don't have to come, Andromeda." She turned to looked at him.

"You do not want me there?" she asked.

"That's not what I said," Remus replied. "It's just, you don't need to trouble Narcissa."

"Teddy adores her, you know," Andromeda said. "She would never let any harm come to him."

"I know that," Remus said. Andromeda cocked her head and studied him.

"Do you?" When he didn't respond, she sighed. "I have seen the glamour on Hermione's arm. I know what she is hiding under it." Remus looked up at her sharply. "Cissy told me what happened that day. All of it."

"I understand your anger and there is nothing I can say that will excuse what happened to Hermione. I do not want to try. But Teddy is family. You have seen what lengths Narcissa will go to, to protect her family." Remus sighed.

"I know Narcissa wouldn't do anything to hurt Teddy," he said. "And she helped us when we were trying to find the antidote for Hermione. Even offered access to the Malfoy library if Severus didn't have what we needed." Andromeda looked shocked at that. Apparently, Narcissa hadn't given her that bit of information. "So, I am grateful to her for that. But I don't think I can ever forgive her for what happened. Not completely."

"I am not asking you to," Andromeda said. "Nor does Narcissa expect it. If you would rather she not mind Teddy, I understand. But she is still going to be a part of my life."

"I know," he said. "It's all right, go ahead and Floo her."

"You are certain?"

"Yes," Remus said. "Like you said, Teddy adores her and I'd like it if you were at the trial." Andromeda smiled and squeezed his hand. Before she could leave the room, he called her name and she looked back at him.

"Thank you." She smiled again and then walked into the living room to Floo her sister.

Hermione walked into the house with a sigh, sinking down onto the couch. Crookshanks leapt up and climbed into her lap. Hermione smiled and ran a hand down his back and up his tail after he had settled himself.

She leaned her head against the back of the cushions and stared at the ceiling, her conversation with Harry playing through her mind. As common as madness seemed to be in some of the Pureblood families, one would think that the Wizarding world would have developed a better mental health program. But Hermione was aware that if it couldn't be treated with a spell or a potion, wizards were wary to trust any other kind of treatment.

Calming draughts were a common treatment, of course, in various strengths. The strongest ones were almost like Muggle tranquilizers. She supposed if they couldn't cure the madness, they figured they might as well keep them as docile as possible.

But someone like Delia could be treated and likely, recover, if given the proper help. The problem was Hermione didn't think the Wizarding world had the proper help. And she highly doubted that Delia's family, especially as they were Purebloods, would be open to Muggle methods. Even the Weasleys, as indulgent as they all were about Arthur's Muggle obsession, would consider Muggle doctors dodgy. Hermione remembered how upset Molly had been when they'd tried to close Arthur's snakebite with stitches.

Even if her family were willing to try a Muggle psychiatrist, Delia couldn't very well tell them about what had actually happened. Not only would it violate the Statute of Secrecy, the moment Delia started talking about witches and wizards, she'd be locked up as delusional.

Hermione sat up as the Floo flared and Remus' head appeared. She smiled.

"You heard, I assume," he said.

"Yes," she replied with a sigh.

"I see you're looking forward to it about as much as I am." She smiled ruefully.

"You can come through, you know." He shook his head.

"Supper is about ready," he said. "You can join us."

"I think I've imposed enough lately."

"You're not an imposition, Hermione. You know that."

"I do, it's just," she shook her head. "I'm not feeling very social right now." Remus' brow furrowed.

"I changed my mind; I am coming through." Before she could say anything, his head disappeared. He stepped through moments later. Hermione gently pushed Crookshanks off her lap. She stood and then wrapped her arms around Remus' waist, resting her cheek against his chest.

"It's going to be all right, love," he said. "We'll deal with this." She nodded. They stood in silence, one of Remus' hands tangled in her curls, the other rubbing soothingly up and down her back. Hermione stood on tiptoe and kissed him. She smiled when they parted.

"Are you sure you won't come to supper?" he asked, looking at her in concern.

"No," she said. "But you can come by later, if you like."

"I don't like leaving you alone when you're like this."

"Like what?"

"I don't know, melancholy, I suppose." She gave him a half-smile.

"I'll be fine," she said. "I've got Crooks to keep me company." The animal in question flicked his tail where he lay on the couch. Remus moved his hands up to cup Hermione's face.

"I'll be back once Teddy is in bed." She nodded. He kissed her again and she sighed in contentment as she melted into him. "I love you."

"I love you, too." She smiled reassuringly. He didn't look all that convinced but turned and grabbed the Floo powder all the same. She waited until he had disappeared, then flopped back on the couch next to Crookshanks, wishing tomorrow was over.

26 April 2000

Hermione made her way to the lifts to head to the courtroom. She'd lost count of how many times in the last two weeks she had made this same trip. She had stopped in her Department first, wanting to know if Margaret had heard anything about the proposal. Apparently, the Wizengamot was still deliberating.

Hermione was glad that Delia's trial wouldn't be in front of the full Wizengamot. A smaller, five-member panel would hear the case instead. The DMLE had deliberated about it for some time, given the nature of Delia's crimes, including her use of the Imperius curse. But in the end, it was decided that it was still primarily a case of one citizen attacking another and not something the full Wizengamot would usually deal with. They were mostly a lawmaking body, only acting as the high court when it came to crimes against society, such as with the Death Eaters. There had even been some argument before Satterfield, Warrington and Hughes had been tried that the full body shouldn't preside over the trials. Hermione suspected that it was only because of Umbridge's involvement, as well as Satterfield's additional charges, that the Wizengamot handled it.

Remus had returned last night and had reacted much the same way Harry had when Hermione expressed her reservations about sending Delia to Azkaban. Hermione couldn't blame him. If the situation were reversed, she would have a hard time showing compassion for Delia as well.

"Miss Granger," a voice said and Hermione looked up to see the clerk that had been at Satterfield's trial.

"Good morning," Hermione said. The clerk made a note on the parchment he held.

"If you'll just follow me, I'll take you to one of the witness rooms." He paused and looked over Hermione's head. "Ah, Mr. Lupin as well." The clerk made another note. "I'll take you both back." Remus slipped his hand into hers as they followed the clerk down the corridor. He stopped in front of an open door.

"Miss Granger, you'll be in here." Hermione glanced into the room and saw a table, chairs and a tea service. Otherwise, it was empty. "And Mr. Lupin, just down here."

"We're not in the same room?" Hermione questioned.

"No, I'm sorry, we keep all of the witnesses separated in cases like this," he said. "So you can't discuss your testimony beforehand? Protocol, you see." He indicated that Hermione should enter the room. She turned to Remus.

"I'll see you after," she said. He nodded and squeezed her hand. Without even a glance at the clerk, Remus leaned down and kissed her. She smiled when he pulled away, squeezed his hand one last time, and walked into the room. The clerk followed her in.

"If you need anything, simply activate the mirror like so," the clerk said. He showed her how to use the communication mirror. "Otherwise, someone will come for you when it's your time to testify. Afterward, you are welcome to leave or sit in the courtroom to hear the rest of the case. Any questions?"

"No, thank you." She waved to Remus as the clerk closed the door, sealing it with a spell. Hermione rolled her eyes. She supposed that was protocol too, but it wasn't as if she intended to sneak out. Sighing, she made herself a cup of tea and sat down to wait, wishing she had brought a book with her.

When Hermione walked into the courtroom, she was surprised to see not only Andromeda, but also most of the Weasleys, including Ginny. Only Bill and Fleur and Charlie were absent. Even Angelina and Susan were there. Hermione forced herself not to tear up at the show of support.

As she settled herself into the witness chair, Hermione chanced a glance at Delia Wilkes. She sat in a chair similar to the one in Courtroom Ten, although she wasn't chained to it. Hermione suspected a containment spell. Delia glared at her but didn't say anything.

The questioning began, as Delia watched sullenly. Hermione had a bit of a difficult time when she was asked how the decision was made to put her in a magically-induced sleep, but she managed not to break down. Delia's expression didn't change the entire time.

When she was excused, Hermione walked up to join the Weasleys and Andromeda. She sat down between Molly and Ginny. Molly patted her arm and Ginny gave her hand a squeeze.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione whispered as the next witness was brought in.

"Got the day off," Ginny said with a shrug.

"You've a match in three days."

"You're more important." Hermione gave her a watery smile.

"Thank you." They turned as Harry was brought in. Ginny winked at him and Harry smiled as he sat down.

"Auror Potter, please tell us what you found when you were called to Miss Granger's home on the morning of the thirteenth of April." Harry began his testimony. Hermione watched Delia, but she looked almost bored as Harry described the series of events and what they had found in Delia's cottage when they searched it.

After Harry finished, he joined them to watch the rest of the trial. Healer Spencer, Ron and Cressida Wilkes were all questioned. After Cressida finished, she moved to sit behind Delia next to an older man and woman that Hermione figured must be her parents. And then they finally called in Remus.

The change in Delia was immediate. She sat up straighter in her chair and stared at Remus as he walked in, look of longing on her face. Harry, who had sat down between Hermione and Ginny, immediately took Hermione's hand. Molly, on the other side, put her hand on Hermione's arm. Remus glanced at her just before he sat down and she smiled at him encouragingly.

While Hermione and Remus had discussed what had happened, Remus had never gone into detail. He had talked mostly about being scared of losing her. Listening to him describe the events that occurred when Delia got into Hermione's room under Polyjuice was more difficult to hear than Hermione had thought. Harry's hand tightened and Molly gripped her arm harder as Remus described wrestling Delia away from Hermione as the stasis charm began to fail. Hermione could hear the emotion in his voice and she swallowed around a lump in her throat. When he finally finished, the courtroom was completely silent. Hermione saw Molly wipe a few tears from her face with her free hand. Susan was doing the same, Ron's arm around her shoulders.

"Thank you, Mr. Lupin. You are excused." Hermione watched as Remus stood and Delia followed his every move. "At this time, we will call a short recess before we finish our questioning." The panel members immediately stood and moved out of the courtroom through a back door. Delia was led away, still looking over her shoulder at Remus.

Hermione stood and moved to the end of the row as Remus hurried up the steps toward her. He pulled her into his arms and buried his face in her hair. Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist, her face in the crook of his neck, and breathed in, trying to calm herself. Behind them, she heard the click of a camera, but couldn't bring herself to care.

"Hermione, Remus," Harry said quietly. "Let me take you somewhere more private." Hermione stepped back from Remus but didn't let go of his hand. They allowed Harry to lead them out of the courtroom and back to the witness room she had waited in. She wasn't sure how many photographs were taken of them along the way.

"I'll be outside," Harry said, closing the door behind him. Hermione immediately returned to Remus' arms.

"I'm sorry you had to go through all that again," she said quietly a few minutes later. Remus' hold on her tightened, but he didn't say anything. When she looked up at him, he captured her lips with his own. The kiss was fierce and demanding and Hermione's arms quickly moved up his back to tangle in his hair, pulling him closer to her. Remus' arms tightened even more, almost painfully, but Hermione didn't protest. When they finally parted to breathe, she looked up at him, putting a hand gently on his cheek.

"I'm all right," she said. Remus blew out a breath and nodded. His grip loosened and she pulled in a proper breath. "It's over now."

"It's not," he said. "They haven't finished."

"You don't have to stay." Remus immediately shook his head.

"I won't leave you."

"Neither of us has to stay." He searched her face.

"Is that what you want?" Hermione bit her lip.

"I don't know." He studied her again.

"I think we should stay."

"You're sure?" she asked. He nodded.

"We need to see this through, put it behind us for good." She took a breath and let it out.

"All right." He kissed her again, but it was much softer, gentle even.

"I love you," Hermione said when he pulled away.

"I love you, too," he replied, kissing the top of her head.

Remus had thought it would be difficult to listen to Delia's reasons for what she did, but all she continued to repeat was that Remus had saved her and they belonged together. She didn't seem to feel any remorse for what she'd done, except that she hadn't been able to finish the job. She wasn't even sorry that she'd used her sister and put Cressida's position at St. Mungo's at risk.

In the end, it was a bit anticlimactic when the panel sentenced her to life in Azkaban. Hermione gasped, but with the use of the Imperius curse, the fact that she tried to kill Hermione, and that she didn't appear to regret it, Remus wasn't surprised.

"Please!" a voice rang out in the courtroom. Remus looked down to see Delia's mother standing, looking beseechingly at the panel. "Please, you can't send her to Azkaban. She's sick, she doesn't understand what she did! Please!" The woman broke down in sobs. Delia showed the first bit of uncertainty.

Hermione put a hand to her mouth, tears running down her face. Glancing around at those that had gathered to support them, Remus could see that everyone was affected by Mrs. Wilkes' outburst. Even Percy, who sat looking stoically ahead, flinched when the woman fell to her knees, still begging the panel to reconsider.

"Aurors, clear the courtroom and remove the prisoner," the head of the panel ordered, trying valiantly to ignore the sobs of the distraught woman in front of him. Harry and Ron walked down the stairs to usher the press outside. As Proudfoot and Savage moved to pull Delia from the chair, she looked at her mother in confusion.

"Mum?" she said as the Aurors began to lead her away. "Mum? Mummy!" A fresh round of sobs came over Mrs. Wilkes and Hermione buried her face in Remus' shoulder.

Mr. Wilkes managed to get his wife to her feet with Cressida's help. Mrs. Wilkes slumped against her husband. Remus had to turn his head away from the distraught family as Harry and Ron returned.

"Hermione," Remus murmured. "It's over." He felt her take a shuddering breath. Remus conjured a handkerchief and handed it to her. She sat up to compose herself. Molly was dabbing at her eyes as well and Susan had her face hidden in Ron's chest. From the corner of his eye, Remus could see Mr. Wilkes leading his wife from the courtroom. Everyone began to stand, making their good-byes. Hermione and Remus were hugged more times than he could count. Molly insisted that everyone come to dinner at the Burrow that night.

"Come on, love," Remus said, pulling Hermione to her feet.

"There's going to be press outside," Harry warned. Hermione pulled in another breath and squared her shoulders. Remus grasped her hand as they walked towards the door of the courtroom. Once outside, the reporters began firing questions at them and Remus could hear the click of cameras. They ignored the questions and managed to get in a lift. Remus put his arm around Hermione and kissed the top of her head.

"Back to work?" he asked. She shook her head.

"I just want to go home." Remus nodded.

"Andromeda," he said.

"Teddy will be fine," she said.

"All right if I stop by, Andromeda?" Harry asked. "I'm off this afternoon."

"Of course, Harry," Andromeda said with a smile.

"Do you need anything from your office?" Remus asked Hermione. She shook her head. They reached the Atrium and Harry held out an arm to Andromeda, Ginny holding his other hand. Most everyone left the lift, save Arthur, Percy and Ron who were returning to work. The reporters swarmed them immediately. They hurried quickly to the Floos, ignoring the questions and the stares, and Remus didn't even hesitate when he pulled Hermione into the Floo with him, calling out for her house.

They stepped out into the living room, stumbling slightly as Remus still had his arms around Hermione's waist. He was sure the photograph of their escape would be in the Prophet tomorrow. They kicked off their shoes and Remus reclined back on the couch, pulling Hermione with him.

"It's over, love," he said again. She tightened her arm around his waist and pulled herself as close to him as possible. "It's over."