A/N - This story now has over 1000 reviews! I cannot believe it, but I am so grateful to all of you who have reviewed along the way. So, thank you all for that! I hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks for reading!

Chapter 70

Getaway

26 April 2000

Hermione wasn't sure how long they had been lying there in silence, Remus' fingers running soothingly up and down her arm. She couldn't get the scene in the courtroom out of her head. All she could hear were Delia's mother's pleas as Delia was led out of the room. Delia had looked so confused and scared. It only reinforced Hermione's belief that the girl needed therapy, not prison.

"All right, love?" Remus asked as he kissed her forehead.

"No," Hermione said. "I'm not." Remus tightened his arm around her.

"I know it was difficult, testifying and hearing everything that happened while you were asleep."

"It's not that." He shifted so he could look at her.

"What then?"

"Delia shouldn't be in Azkaban."

"Hermione," he said with a sigh. She knew how he felt about the situation, but she didn't agree. She sat up and looked down at him.

"She was sentenced to life, Remus. Life in prison."

"Delia used an Unforgiveable," Remus countered, sitting up as well. "And she tried to kill you."

"Warrington actually did kill people. Fifteen in fact. And he only got fifty years."

"I'm not saying that Warrington's sentence was right, but we both know why he only got fifty years." Hermione didn't want to start an argument about werewolves right now. Besides, she knew that Remus was right.

"I don't think that Delia really wanted to kill me," Hermione said. Remus looked at her incredulously. "Think of how many chances she had to actually do it. You can't tell me that the book where she found that potion didn't have lethal potions in it that would have done the job immediately." Hermione stood from the couch and began to pace.

"She had her sister, a qualified mediwitch, under the Imperius curse. She could have had Cressida slip me any number of potions that would have done the job. For Merlin's sake, when Delia was in my room under Polyjuice, she could have used the killing curse." Remus flinched. "But she didn't do that. Instead, she wasted time trying to get rid of the stasis spell. She wanted to hurt me, yes, but I do not believe that she wanted me dead."

Hermione stopped pacing and crossed her arms over her chest, turning to look at Remus. He sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face.

"Hermione, she felt no remorse for what she did," Remus said. "I think if she could have figured out a way to do something to you in the courtroom, she would have."

"Because she needs help, Remus."

"That may be, but right now, she's where she belongs." Hermione glared at him and he sighed again, then rose from the couch.

"Love, I don't want to fight with you," he said, putting his arms around her waist. She allowed him to pull her closer. "I know that you don't like it and I agree that the system needs work. Probably a lot of work. But you're here and you're all right and the person that hurt you can't do it again. And right now, that's all that matters to me." She looked up at him and he leaned down and kissed her. When they parted, Hermione relaxed against him, wrapping her arms around him.

"I'm sure you're going to want to talk to Margaret about this tomorrow," Remus continued. She looked up at him again. "But for now, can we put this day behind us and think about other things?"

"What other things?" she asked with a knowing look.

"I have a few ideas," he said, kissing her once more. Hermione smiled and pulled him back to the couch.

27 April 2000

The owl tapping at the window interrupted the quite thorough good-bye kiss Remus was giving her.

"I thought the mail ward was still up," Remus mumbled against her lips. Hermione pulled away reluctantly, although there was a tiny part of her that was glad for the interruption. She likely would have been late for work otherwise.

"Only the DMLE can get around that," Hermione said in confusion as she opened the window. Her bewilderment only increased when she saw the owl was carrying a newspaper in addition to a note. She untied both and handed the paper to Remus as she read the note.

Hermione,

Thought you should see this before you got to work today. Kingsley has arranged for you to Floo directly into his office from your place at 8:45. The connection will only be open for five minutes.

Love, Harry

"How bad is it?" she asked Remus as he stared down at the paper.

"Made the front page this time," he said, handing her the Prophet.

Three photographs adorned the front of the newspaper. One was Delia being led away after the verdict was given. The other two were both of Hermione and Remus. The first was the two of them embracing in the courtroom after Remus finished his testimony and the second was the two of them stepping into the Atrium Floo, Remus' arms around her.

The accompanying article, which was not written by Skeeter, thank Merlin, was a fair representation of the trial. Hermione and Remus' reactions had been sensationalized a bit, apparently Remus had clung to Hermione for several minutes after his testimony and Hermione had sobbed into his chest when the verdict was read. But overall, she couldn't find much fault with it. Harry's talk with Cuffe must have made an impression. Still, she was grateful for the use of Kingsley's Floo. Hermione wasn't looking forward to the reactions she was going to get at work today. She told Remus as much.

He took the paper from her hands and tossed it on the couch. He put his arms around her once more and began to kiss her neck.

"You could avoid it all together," he said, kissing his way up her jaw. "Spend the day with me and Teddy." He nipped at her earlobe and Hermione shivered.

"As tempting as that sounds," she managed. "I've missed too much work already." He stopped what he was doing and looked at her, then nodded. He kissed her one more time and Hermione nearly changed her mind.

"Two days," she said, resting her forehead against his chest after she pulled away from him once again. He groaned.

"Two days," he agreed. She gave him one last kiss and then waited while he stepped into the Floo. Pulling in a breath and letting it out, Hermione hurried upstairs to dress for work.

A half hour later, Hermione Flooed into Kingsley's office. The Minister was behind his desk when she arrived.

"Can't seem to stay out of the news, can you?" he said with a smirk.

"You know me, Kings," Hermione quipped. "Ever the attention whore." Kingsley laughed, rich and deep, and Hermione smiled.

"I've ordered the press be kept in the Atrium," Kingsley informed her. "There are no trials today, so there is no need for them to be wandering the Ministry."

"Thank you, Kingsley."

"Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do about your fellow employees." Hermione sighed, wondering how many visits she was going to get from colleagues who were ostensibly there to discuss 'work-related' projects, but really just wanted gossip.

"Any chance I can use your secret doorway to go straight to my department?" Hermione asked.

"Of course," Kingsley replied, drawing his wand. A door appeared next to the Floo. "I've also set up a meeting with you at five, so you can use the Floo to go home."

"You know I'm only delaying the inevitable," Hermione said with a sigh. Kingsley shrugged.

"Your personal life is your business, Hermione. Just because you're a war hero doesn't give them the right to stick their noses where they don't belong." Hermione impulsively leaned down and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Kings." He patted her arm.

"Go, make new laws," he said, waving her off. She laughed as she stepped through the door into her department.

Margaret sat back in her chair after Hermione had finished explaining what she hoped her next project would be.

"That's quite the undertaking," Margaret said.

"I know," Hermione replied. "And to be perfectly honest, I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to accomplish it, or if I even will. But I'd like to start doing some research to see if it's feasible." The older woman studied her for a moment.

"I have to admit, I am surprised that you seem to want the woman that attacked you out of prison."

"I don't want her out of prison, exactly," Hermione said. "But she needs mental help and she's not going to get that in Azkaban."

"I don't know where she would get it outside Azkaban either," Margaret pointed out.

"I know," Hermione replied with a sigh. "That's why I said I need to do some research."

"Quite a bit of research, it seems to me."

"You're not wrong," Hermione said wryly. Margaret pursed her lips and looked up at the ceiling, contemplating for a few minutes.

"I will approve your research," Margaret said, "under one condition."

"What is the condition?"

"That this is a secondary project," Margaret said. "If you have nothing else to work on, then by all means. But if there is something else that I need you to focus on, that takes precedence. I am quite sure that the werewolf proposal is not going to pass as we wrote it, so there will be revisions and compromises that need to be made, as well as help implementing what does pass."

"Of course," Hermione said. "Have you heard anything from the Wizengamot?"

"Not officially, no," Margaret said. "But, as always, there are rumors."

"Positive rumors?"

"Some," Margaret said. "And some not, which is why they are rumors. I don't expect to hear anything before the weekend, at any rate. So, you may use these next two days for your new project, at least."

"Thank you," Hermione said with a wide smile.

"I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything about the werewolf proposal." Hermione recognized the dismissal for what is was and stood. As she neared the door, Margaret spoke again.

"Hermione." Hermione turned to face her boss. "I do admire what you want to do." Hermione smiled again and left Margaret's office for her own.

When Hermione walked into Kingsley's office a few minutes past five, she was surprised to see Ron, Harry and Neville there as well.

"What are you all doing here?" Hermione asked after they had all greeted one another.

"The Minister called us in," Harry said, glancing at Kingsley's secretary. Hermione's brow furrowed. She knew that Kingsley had scheduled the 'meeting' with her so that she could use his Floo to go home, but that didn't explain her friends' presence.

"Any idea what it's about?" Hermione asked. All three shook their heads.

"The Minister will see you now," Miss Stebbins said, indicating the door to Kingsley's private office. Hermione followed Harry and the four of them stepped inside.

"Thank you all for coming," Kingsley said and Hermione's heart skipped a beat at the look on his face. He didn't look happy. He conjured two more chairs and indicated they should all sit.

"What's going on, Kingsley?" Harry asked.

"I've been meeting with some of the Wizengamot and Department Heads about the upcoming anniversary." After everything that had been going on, Hermione had nearly forgotten the second anniversary of the end of the war was in less than a week.

"There will be another memorial service at Hogwarts in the morning," Kingsley continued. "But many feel there should be some other kind of ceremony to mark the day." Ron's eyes narrowed.

"What kind of ceremony?" he asked.

"There will be a reception held in the Ministry's ballroom following the memorial service." His pronouncement was met with complete silence. And then Harry exploded. He jumped up from his seat and stared at Kingsley incredulously.

"You cannot be serious," Harry said. "They want a party?"

"They wanted a ball," Kingsley said. Neville made a noise of disbelief and Hermione felt sick. "The reception was our compromise." Ron swore under his breath. Harry slumped back into his chair. Hermione put a hand on his arm.

"I suppose none of these people were actually at Hogwarts that day," Harry spat. "Because no one that was there would want to have a ball."

"No," Kingsley said. "They weren't."

"Wankers," Ron said. Hermione gave him a chastising look, but she caught Kingsley's smile.

"It's only been two years," Hermione said quietly.

"I realize that and believe me, there were some that were adamantly against this. But the rest, well," he sighed. "People want to move on, especially if they weren't personally affected. To them, the end of Voldemort is something to celebrate."

"I don't argue that," Neville said. "But our friends died. I don't understand why the memorial service isn't enough."

"Like I said, I refused the ball for those very reasons," Kingsley said. "The reception will be presented as a less structured memorial service. There will be a moment of silence for the fallen and there won't be an orchestra or music. There will be food, but no alcohol. If members of the press would like to attend, they may as regular citizens. No interviews or photographs will be allowed. It is not supposed to be a festive atmosphere."

"You can dress it up all you like," Harry said. "It's still a party." Kingsley sighed again and rubbed at his forehead with his fingertips. Hermione had a bad feeling about why the Minister had called the four of them together to discuss the reception.

"Kingsley, why did you call us all in?"

"I wanted you to be forewarned before the announcement was made tomorrow," Kingsley said. Hermione suspected it was more than that. He braced his elbows on his desk, looking at the four of them over his clasped hands. At the look on his face, Hermione knew.

"No," Harry said immediately. "No way." Neville looked from Harry to Kingsley, a bit confused. Ron's eyes were still narrowed, but Hermione saw the dawning comprehension on his face.

"I'm sorry," Kingsley said.

"What?" Neville asked.

"We're being required to attend," Ron said, crossing his arms and sitting back in his chair in disgust. Neville's mouth dropped open.

"I cannot believe this," Harry snapped.

"If I had any choice, you know I wouldn't do this," Kingsley said.

"You're the bloody Minister!" Harry shouted, jumping out of his chair again. "You have every choice!"

"I do not!" Kingsley retorted, rising as well. Hermione sometimes forgot how imposing he could look. "You don't realize how many people sitting on the Wizengamot would love nothing more than to see me gone! You know the election has been set for August, now that the Wizengamot feels things have stabilized.

If I want to stay Minister, I must make compromises. I do not like this Harry, no more than you do. I do not want to celebrate the day we lost so many good people. But if I fight them on this, I will lose on something else. Something that is much more important. And I am not prepared to do that." He blew out a breath and lowered his voice.

"I'm sorry, Harry. But I need your cooperation on this." Harry glared at him. "You, Ron and Hermione are heralded as the three that brought down Voldemort and Neville is the one that stood up to him when all hope seemed lost. The four of you are the face of the war."

"The rest of the Order," Neville began, but Kingsley cut him off.

"Will be strongly encouraged to attend. But I need the four of you there." He stared at them for a few moments, then sighed again. "I don't want to require it as part of your employment, but if you force my hand, I will."

"Then maybe I should just quit," Harry said petulantly. Kingsley sank back into his chair. He looked tired and Hermione wondered how much sleep he had lost over this decision.

"Obviously, that is your right," Kingsley said. "But I hope that you know you are an extremely valuable member of the Auror department and I wouldn't want to lose you." He looked at the rest of them. "I wouldn't want to lose any of you. The four of you and those of your generation are the ones that are going to change this place, our world, for the better. I hope you won't give up on that already."

It was a bit of a guilt trip, Hermione knew that. But she couldn't help but feel sorry for Kingsley. Politics, as she had recently learned, were not fair. He was walking a fine line between trying to reform the wizarding world and keep as many people content as possible. The last thing they needed was to lose Kingsley and have someone with beliefs like Lucius Malfoy put in charge.

"Harry," she said quietly. Harry turned towards her, look of betrayal on his face.

"No, Hermione," he said.

"Harry, please." She looked to Ron for help.

"Mate," Ron said.

"Not you too," Harry said angrily.

"Listen, I know, all right. I know." Ron didn't say Fred's name, but he didn't have to. "But Kingsley's right. Think about what tosser could get elected if Kingsley loses." They all fell silent. Hermione knew that Harry would do what he had to in the end, but he wasn't going to give in that easily.

"Harry," Kingsley said, his voice much softer than it had been. "I am sorry. I know that I'm asking too much of you, that our world has always asked too much of you." He paused and cleared his throat. Hermione could see the regret and remorse in his eyes.

"I won't force you to stay the entire time, I'm only asking for an hour. I wish I didn't have to make these kinds of decisions, but the truth is, there are more people than not who just want to celebrate that fact that we're free from Voldemort and forget about the war. My hands really are tied." Kingsley glanced around the room at the resigned looks on the rest of their faces and sighed once more.

"Why don't you all go home. You can let me know your decisions in the morning. You can use my Floo." Harry was the first to stand, grabbing the Floo powder from the mantel and disappearing. Kingsley looked at the rest of them apologetically. "I really did try to talk them out of it."

"We know, Kingsley," Hermione said. "And deep down, Harry does too." Kingsley nodded once and gestured to the Floo. Neville said good-bye to all of them and then took the Floo to the Leaky Cauldron, to commiserate with Hannah no doubt.

"Are you going home?" Hermione asked Ron.

"Yeah," he said.

"I'd give him a bit to cool off." Ron nodded.

"Too bad Gin's not here," he sighed. Ginny's presence definitely would have helped. Ron hugged Hermione and said good-bye to Kingsley before he disappeared.

"Hermione," Kingsley said before she could follow. "May I ask a favor?"

"You want me to tell Remus," she said. He nodded.

"I thought hearing it from you would be easier. And yes, I realize that makes me a coward." She smiled a bit at that.

"I planned to tell him anyway," she said. "I wouldn't want him to read about it in the Prophet." Kingsley winced a bit at the dig.

"I plan to send owls to the rest of the Order tonight."

"Good," Hermione said. "No one should be blindsided with that." He nodded. "For what it's worth, as much as I hate this, I understand your position."

"Thank you, Hermione." She gave him a half-smile and then stepped into the Floo, deciding just before she threw down the powder to head to Remus' instead of her own.

Remus looked up in surprise as Hermione stepped out of the Floo. His smile turned to a frown as he saw the look on her face.

"What's happened?" he asked.

"My-nee!" Teddy called and he ran to hug her. Hermione picked him up and snuggled him to her. Remus' concern grew as she closed her eyes and hugged Teddy tightly.

"You kwish me, My-nee," Teddy giggled.

"Sorry," Hermione said, loosening her grip and giving him a small smile.

"You pay?" Teddy asked. Hermione glanced at Remus.

"Teddy, why don't you go in the kitchen and tell your Nanna that Hermione is here."

"Tay," Teddy said and Hermione set him on his feet. Remus looked at her in concern as soon as Teddy had disappeared. Hermione sighed and he pulled her into his arms.

"What's the matter, love?"

"Kingsley met with Harry, Ron, Neville and I just after work today."

"What about?" Remus asked in confusion.

"The anniversary." Remus' arms tightened around her. "There's going to be a memorial service at Hogwarts again. But then-" she trailed off.

"Then what?" She pulled back slightly at looked up at him.

"There's to be a reception at the Ministry." Remus' brow furrowed.

"A reception?" She nodded.

"Kingsley said that they wanted a ball." Remus stared down at her incredulously. She shook her head in disgust. "It's only been two years and they want to pretend like none of it happened, just be happy that Voldemort is dead."

"You're not going to go, obviously," Remus said. Hermione looked up at him sadly. "You are going to go?"

"The four of us are being required to attend. We are the 'face of the war' according to Kingsley. The rest of the Order is going to be strongly encouraged to be there." Remus dropped his arms from around her waist and stared at her in shock.

"A party?" he said. "They're having a party and they expect us to be there?" Hermione nodded, then sank down on the couch with a sigh.

"Kingsley did what he could, there won't be music or alcohol, just food. The press is allowed to attend as private citizens, but they can't ask questions or take photographs. And he's only asked us to stay for an hour. But he couldn't stop it all together." She rubbed her forehead with her fingertips and Remus realized she looked both exhausted and resigned.

"This is ridiculous," he said.

"I agree, but Kingsley doesn't have much choice. You know that the majority of the population wasn't at the Battle at all and most of the those that were, came in at the very end. They didn't see the heavy fighting." Remus sat down on the couch next to her, elbows braced on his knees and head in his hands.

"He's asking me to celebrate my wife's death." That wasn't true, Remus knew it, but it's how it felt. Hermione leaned her head against his shoulder, rubbing his back with one hand.

"For what it's worth, Kingsley doesn't want this. Not at all. You can tell just by looking at him." Remus nodded. He knew Kingsley was in a tight position, politically. The election had been ordered for August and while Kingsley appeared to be a popular Minister, there were more than a few that were disgruntled with some of the new laws that were coming out of his office. Given the chance, the opposition could mount a successful campaign.

"How is Harry taking all this?" Hermione sighed again. "That well, eh?"

"He threatened to quit the Auror department and then he stormed out."

"He won't quit," Remus said.

"I know he won't," Hermione replied. "And he'll show up to the reception, as much as he'll hate it. I just hope this doesn't damage his relationship with Kingsley."

"Ron and Neville?"

"Don't like it, but they understand," Hermione said.

"And you?" Remus asked, taking her free hand. His thumb rubbed small circles on the back of it.

"I hate it," Hermione said. "I think it's despicable a ball was even suggested. The fact that Kingsley was able to get them to agree on just this reception doesn't make it any better."

"There will be a ball at some point," Remus said. Hermione made a noise of agreement.

"Hopefully by then the public will have had their fill of gawking at the Boy-Who-Lived and his friends and we won't have to go." Remus kissed her temple just as Andromeda came into the room with Teddy. She looked from one to the other, concern on her face, but Remus shook his head. He would fill her in later.

"Dinner is ready," Andromeda said.

"Oh, I should get going," Hermione replied.

"Nonsense, Hermione," Andromeda said. "We always have plenty." Remus looked at her, hoping she would stay.

"My-nee, sit by me!" Teddy said in excitement. Hermione laughed.

"How can I refuse that?" Remus kissed her temple once more and they stood, following Teddy into the kitchen.

29 April 2000

The sun shining through the small gap in the curtains woke Hermione. She could feel Remus' breath on the back of her neck and from the steadiness of it, she surmised he was still asleep. Smiling, she moved her hand to rest on top of his where it laid on her stomach.

They had arrived in Cardiff later than they'd intended the night before. Hermione had been late getting home because she'd gotten so involved in her research. And then Remus had been late getting to her house because Teddy had protested his leaving. Only, Remus said, because he had made the mistake of telling the toddler he was going with Hermione for the weekend. Still, it had taken Remus some time to calm Teddy down and he'd felt guilty for leaving at all.

"We don't have to go," Hermione said quietly, her arms wrapped around his waist as they stood in her living room.

"No, we've both been looking forward to this for days," Remus said.

"Teddy is more important," Hermione said. "I don't want him to be upset."

"Teddy will be fine," Remus said, sounding as if he was trying to convince himself as much as her. "I spent every night with you while you were in hospital." Hermione didn't remind Remus that he'd seen Teddy during the day, even when he wasn't with him at night. She didn't want to make him feel worse.

"And besides, he wasn't upset about me leaving so much as not getting to come along and see you." She smiled.

"If you're sure," she said.

"Sure I want to spend the weekend with you? Of course, I am." He leaned down and kissed her.

Despite their intention to play Muggle tourist, they had still decided to stay in a wizarding hotel. As much as Hermione still did many things the Muggle way, there was some magic that was second-nature to her, even more so with Remus. They didn't want to bring the Ministry down on them for using magic in a Muggle hotel, even if it was only in their own room.

They'd had a late dinner once they had arrived and then gone up to their room. Hermione had tried to stay awake, but she had been up late the night before working and the three glasses of wine she'd had at dinner hadn't helped. She'd fallen asleep still dressed while Remus had been in the bathroom. When he had come out of the bathroom, he had just kissed her forehead, helped her out of her clothes and tucked her into bed. She didn't even remember him climbing in.

She'd have to make it up to him this morning, she thought with a sly smile. Although, judging by the sun coming in the window, it was still rather early. And she was quite sure that Remus was still asleep. Moving slightly, she snuggled further back into him. She was contemplating going back to sleep when she felt his hand slide from her stomach. He kissed her shoulder and she smiled.

"Are you awake?" he whispered.

"Yes," she said and his hand slid into her knickers.

"Do you want me to stop?"

"No," she said, hitching a breath as his fingers began to explore.

"Good," he said as his other hand slipped under her tank top, cupping a breast.

"Remus," she breathed and he continued until she was shuddering in his arms and crying out his name. He kissed her shoulder again as she regained her breath but held her in place when she tried to turn. She heard the whispered contraception spell and then her knickers and top disappeared. He slid into her from behind, his hands continuing their ministrations. She reached an arm behind her, wrapping it around his neck. Remus sucked and nipped at her neck as he rocked into her.

"Fuck, Hermione," he groaned, speeding up slightly as she began to tense once again. He finished just after she did, both panting, his forehead resting between her shoulder blades.

"Holy hell," he said as they lay limp and thoroughly spent.

"Mm," was all Hermione could manage. When he slipped from her, Hermione turned in his arms, kissing him softly. They lay recovering for a few minutes until Remus fumbled for his wand and cast a cleansing spell on them both before drawing the sheet up over them.

"Good morning," he said a few minutes later.

"Morning," she replied, smiling at him. He leaned down and kissed her. "I was going to apologize for falling asleep on you last night, but if this is the thanks I get the next morning, maybe I won't." He chuckled and she snuggled closer to him, tangling their legs together and tucking her face into the crook of his neck.

They lay quietly, Remus running a hand up and down her back. She melted further into him wondering how long it might take before he was ready for another round. She kissed his neck and he hummed appreciatively. She wished they could wake up like this every morning. Not to sex, necessarily, although, she thought with a smile, it was a rather pleasant way to start the day. But just…together. At that thought, her eyes snapped open. Where had that come from?

"Hermione?" Remus said in concern. She realized that her body had gone rigid. She forced herself to relax. "What is it?"

"Nothing," she said. He pulled back slightly to look at her. She smiled at him, hoping it looked natural. He didn't look convinced.

"I just, um, thought of something for my research."

"Do you want to write it down?"

"No, it was nothing, really." She reached up and kissed him, her hand on his cheek. She smiled at him when they broke the kiss. He searched her face for a few moments, then kissed her again, before tucking her head back into the crook of his neck.

Hermione lay quietly in Remus' arms musing on her previous thought. There had been times over the last few weeks where she wished he could have stayed the night, but she had slept alone plenty and never really had an issue with it. But, just now, it had been more of a yearning, a need, to have him with her all the time.

Of course, Hermione had thought about their future, but not in any kind of concrete way. It had been more vague musings on various points of their relationship. What would happen when they went public or when the werewolf laws were revised, or if they weren't. She'd never really sat down and thought about living together or getting married or anything else that went along with those things. Now, though, she couldn't get it out of her head.

But it was far too soon for that. They hadn't even been dating for two months, most of their friends and family had only known for a few weeks. Yes, she loved him and she knew that he loved her, but neither one of them were ready for more than what they already had, surely. She needed to put those thoughts out of her head. Remus would think she'd gone round the twist.

She yawned, the slow drag of Remus' fingers along her back, lulling her into a state of sleepiness. She kissed his chest and felt him kiss the top of her head before she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

They never made it out of their room that morning, all plans for sight-seeing flying out the window when Remus woke for the second time to Hermione kissing her way down his chest. Finally managing to shower, albeit together, which took quite a bit more time than it would have normally, neither could ignore the protests coming from their stomachs any longer. They had lunch in the hotel's restaurant and then Disapparated from the hotel lobby to the Harpies' stadium.

Their wands were scanned at the VIP gate, their names checked off the list for Harry's box, and the attendant waved them inside. Before they'd even made it to the stairs for the boxes, Hermione pulled Remus into a side corridor.

"Hermione, what-" he began, but he was cut off by the very thorough snogging Hermione gave him. When she finally pulled away from him, she looked up, face flushed and lips swollen.

"I may not get another chance to do that for hours," she said by way of explanation. Remus laughed and kissed her again. Taking his hand, Hermione led him from the corridor and back to the stairs.

Most of the Weasleys were already there once they arrived. Percy seemed to be the only one missing. And Bill and Fleur of course, although Remus had known that they weren't coming. Fleur was much too close to her due date. They were greeted by Molly and Arthur who spotted them first and then everyone else followed suit. Harry turned and waved, but remained standing at the railing of the box, watching the Harpies as they ran a few practice drills.

"How is he?" Hermione asked Ron.

"Still angry," Ron said. "He refused to speak to me at all on Thursday night. Just locked himself in his bedroom."

"I tried to find him on Friday to see if he wanted to get lunch, but he wasn't there," Hermione said. Ron nodded.

"He was on second shift yesterday, didn't get to the Ministry until after three. I talked to him a bit before I went home, but it was mostly about work. He hasn't said much today." Hermione sighed.

"I should talk to him."

"No," Remus said. "Let me." She looked up at him in surprise, but then nodded. Remus squeezed her hand and made his way to the front of the box to stand next to Harry. They watched the team in silence until the coach blew his whistle to call them in.

"I heard about the reception," Remus finally said when it was clear that Harry wasn't going to say anything. Harry let out a derisive snort.

"I suppose you feel the same way as Hermione and Ron," Harry said.

"No," Remus replied. "I think it's a ludicrous idea, actually." Harry turned to look at him. "I don't want to celebrate the day I lost my wife." Remus saw Harry's hands tighten on the railing.

"You're not going then?"

"I haven't decided," Remus said truthfully.

"At least you have a choice," Harry said bitterly. Remus put a hand on his shoulder.

"As much as I agree with you about this whole thing, I do know that Kingsley is in a tough position." Harry sighed.

"I know that. And I don't blame him, not really. It's just," he shook his head. "I just want to live my life." Remus' hand tightened slightly on the younger man's shoulder.

"I know you didn't ask for any of this, Harry. And I wish you didn't have to deal with it."

"But," Harry said.

"But, nothing," Remus replied. "I can't tell you what to do." Harry sighed again.

"I don't want to quit my job."

"You are very good at it," Remus said. Harry gave him a half-smile.

"Kingsley said we'd only have to stay for an hour." Remus nodded. He knew Harry would go, in the end. He probably would have even of his job wasn't threatened. Despite his hatred of being in the spotlight, Harry always did what was expected of him. To his detriment at times, but Remus wasn't sure how to change that. He suspected it had as much to do with growing up at the Dursleys as it did with Harry's inborn nature. Remus tightened his hand on Harry's shoulder once more.

"You won't be alone, Harry."

"I know," Harry said. "Thanks, Remus." Remus clapped him on the back, just as Hermione walked up on Harry's other side.

"All right, Harry?"

"Yeah," Harry said. He put an arm around her and gave her shoulder a squeeze. She looked over at Remus and smiled, mouthing 'thank you' behind Harry's head. Remus nodded and walked off to speak to Arthur, leaving the two friends to talk.

The match was over rather quickly for a professional game. The Harpies' Chasers were far better than the Kestrals but the Kestrals' Seeker was amazingly quick and caught the Snitch only an hour and a half into the match. The Kestrals won by fifty points.

Given they hadn't been there all that long, everyone remained in the box waiting for Ginny. Remus had gone to get them something to drink when Molly approached Hermione.

"How are you doing, dear?" she asked in concern.

"I'm fine, Molly," Hermione said with a smile. "Thank you again, for coming to the trial."

"Of course," Molly said. She sighed. "That poor woman." Hermione knew she was referring to Delia's mother. Hermione shivered a little, still unable to forget Mrs. Wilkes' pleas in the courtroom. Remus walked up holding two bottles of Butterbeer and looked at her in concern. She gave him a wan smile and he put an arm around her.

"I hope to see the two of you at the family dinner tomorrow night," Molly said, smiling at them. Hermione nodded. They had already planned to meet Andromeda and Teddy at the Burrow.

"We'll be there," Remus said.

"Good," Molly replied, patting Remus' arm before she walked away.

"All right, love?" he asked Hermione once Molly had gone. Hermione leaned into him.

"I'm fine," she said. "Molly just brought up Delia's mother." Remus tightened his arm around her waist. Hermione looked up at him. "How long do you think we have to stay?" Remus chuckled.

"I think we should probably at least wait for Ginny to get here." Hermione sighed. She knew she was being a bit selfish, but she had enjoyed having Remus all to herself this morning. Now that the match hadn't lasted that long, she was impatient to have the rest of the afternoon and evening to themselves as well. Remus smirked at her, obviously knowing what she was thinking.

Ginny finally came into the box, clearly upset about the loss. Harry pulled her into a hug, as everyone else clapped and cheered. She had scored seven goals after all. It didn't take long until Hermione saw a smile on the younger woman's face.

"You didn't have to stay," Ginny said a few minutes later as she joined Hermione. Remus had been pulled into a conversation with Percy. "I know this is your weekend with Remus."

"We wanted to see you before we left," Hermione said, feeling a bit guilty that she had wanted to leave earlier.

"You'd rather be talking to me than shagging your boyfriend?" Ginny asked, waggling her eyebrows.

"Ginny!" Hermione said, slapping her friend's arm.

"What? You're not shagging him?"

"Oh my god, just stop, please." Ginny laughed as Hermione rolled her eyes. "Honestly, you're worse than George sometimes." Ginny grinned. Hermione caught sight of Harry across the room. She pulled Ginny a bit further away from everyone.

"Did you see the Prophet yesterday?" Hermione asked. Ginny shook her head.

"No, total news blackout the day before a match, you know that. We're only notified if there's an emergency." Hermione sighed and glanced at Harry again. "Why, what's happened?" Hermione quickly filled Ginny in on the meeting with Kingsley.

"Shite," Ginny said, glancing at Harry herself. "How bad was it?"

"About what you'd expect," Hermione said. "Remus talked to him earlier and I think that helped." Ginny nodded.

"Listen, can you do me a favor?" Ginny asked.

"Of course," Hermione said.

"Ask Ron to stay at Susan's tonight." Hermione nodded. "Thanks, Hermione." Ginny hugged her quickly, then crossed the box to where Harry stood. She put an arm around him and he pulled her into his side. Whispering something into his ear, Harry looked at her, brow furrowed. He asked her something and Ginny nodded. He kissed her forehead, then turned to everyone else.

"Feel free to stay and finish your drinks, but Gin's tired, so we're going to head home." George opened his mouth to say something inappropriate, no doubt, but a glare from his mother stopped him. As they watched Harry and Ginny make their good-byes, Remus murmured in Hermione's ear.

"Are you ready to leave?" She smiled up at him.

"I thought you'd never ask." He took her hand and after talking quickly with Ron and another round of farewells, they made their way to the Apparition point and Disapparated.

Remus took another sip of his wine, free hand playing idly with one of Hermione's curls. They had indeed done the touristy thing in the afternoon, visiting a few of the more popular sights around Cardiff. After dinner at one of the restaurants near the waterfront, they had bought a bottle of wine and come back to the hotel. Remus had transfigured one of the chairs on the balcony to a chaise and sat with Hermione between his legs, leaning back against him.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked him.

"How relaxed I am right now," he said, which was the truth. Although, he was thinking about far more than that. He was thinking about a place of their own, with a chair just like this on their patio where they could sit every night and enjoy the stars.

"Mm," she said in agreement. The hand that had been playing with her curls wrapped around her middle instead, pulling her tighter against him. She sighed in contentment.

"I wish we didn't have to go back tomorrow," she said a few minutes later. Remus forced himself not to react. She was only saying she was enjoying their holiday, not that she was having the same fantasies he was. She suddenly tilted her head back to look at him. "I didn't mean I don't miss Teddy. That probably sounded horrible." Remus chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose.

"It didn't," he assured her. "And as much as I love him, it is nice to have some time to ourselves without worrying that I need to get back." She put her arm over his and entwined their fingers. Remus set his wine glass on the side table and wrapped his other arm around Hermione as well.

"Have you thought more about the reception?" she asked.

"I've thought about it too much," Remus admitted. Hermione's hand squeezed his. "I still haven't decided."

"I don't blame you for not wanting to go," she said. "If I had the choice, I wouldn't."

"I'm sorry you don't," he said quietly. She sighed.

"As long as I remind myself, I'm doing it to support Kingsley, it makes it easier to swallow." Remus hummed in agreement, nuzzling her temple with his nose. She closed her eyes and relaxed further into him. She tilted her head back again and Remus leaned down and kissed her. She smiled when he pulled away.

"I love you," she said. He smiled.

"I love you, too. Let's go to bed, love." Hermione stood and held out a hand to him, pulling him out of the chair. Waving his wand to return it to its original form, Remus pulled Hermione to him. He kissed her again, then took her hand and led back into their room, closing the curtains with a flick of his wand.