A/N - Thank you all for continuing to read and review!
Chapter 71
Victory
1 May 2000
Hermione walked towards her office, her thoughts still full of Remus and their weekend together. They had both been reluctant to leave on Sunday, as much as she knew that Remus missed Teddy. Last night, after she'd gotten home from the Burrow, she couldn't stop thinking about her Saturday morning epiphany.
Even if it weren't too soon to be thinking about such things, which it was, Hermione doubted she could ever move into Andromeda's house with Remus. It would be too strange sharing the room that used to be Tonks', especially in the house the other woman had grown up in. Hermione's house was plenty big enough, but it was still her parents' house. She could move out; she made enough money at the Ministry to get a nice flat. But she wanted Teddy to be able to have a yard to play in, which, of course, he already did.
That wasn't even taking Andromeda into account. Hermione knew how much having Teddy and Remus living with her had helped the other woman with her grief. Hermione couldn't take that away from her for her own selfish reasons. Similarly, Hermione couldn't ask the woman to move out of the home she'd lived in for over twenty years. Sighing, Hermione pushed open the door to her department, not sure what the solution was.
Margaret was standing near Cecily's desk when Hermione entered.
"Ah, Hermione, good, you're here," Margaret said. "I've heard back from the Wizengamot." Hermione froze. Her boss' face gave nothing away.
"And?" Hermione said.
"And we have much to discuss," Margaret said. "Meet me in my office in five minutes." Hermione nodded, walking into her own office to set down her bag.
Did they have much to discuss because the Wizengamot hadn't agreed to any of the proposal? Or had they changed things so much, it was no longer recognizable? Or, had they agreed to everything and Margaret and Hermione now had to figure out how to implement it all?
Hermione pulled in a breath and let it out. It wouldn't do any good to speculate. Whatever the Wizengamot had decided, they would find a way to work with it. She gathered parchment and quill and made her way to Margaret's office.
After nodding to Cecily, Hermione walked in and closed the door behind her. She sat down in one of the chairs in front of Margaret's desk and looked at her expectantly.
"They did not agree with everything in the proposal," Margaret said. As much as they had expected this, Hermione still felt a pang of disappointment.
"Which parts?" Hermione asked.
"They do not feel the government can afford to provide the Wolfsbane." Hermione nodded. That point was the one thing she was almost positive they would disagree with. The Ministry was still recovering financially from the war. Repairs to Hogwarts and reparations that were made to those imprisoned or killed by Voldemort's regime, not to mention the orphans' fund and the orphanage that was built to house war orphans, had left the government with little extra. Vault seizures and fines of some of the Death Eaters had helped, but the government hadn't been in the best place financially during Fudge's tenure. And Scrimgeour had had more to worry about than budgets during his short stint as Minister.
"The class you want to incorporate into Hogwarts was agreed upon," Margaret continued. "Although, knowing Minerva McGonagall as I do, she wouldn't have gotten rid of it regardless of what the Wizengamot said." Hermione smirked. That was the reason she had gone to Minerva first with the idea for the class.
"They still want some kind of registry," Margaret said looking up at Hermione.
"Before everything that happened with Warrington and Satterfield, I would have said that wasn't an issue. Now though," Hermione sighed and shook her head.
"I agree," Margaret said. "It's probably the biggest issue with the revisions."
"What about the sanctuary?" Hermione asked.
"A mixed bag," Margaret said. "They agree that creating a place for werewolves to come and transform might be possible, but only if those that want to use it have taken the Wolfsbane potion."
"And most that need a facility like that probably don't have access to Wolfsbane," Hermione finished.
"Exactly. They are concerned that without the potion, the werewolves would fight and injure one another."
"That's highly possible," Hermione agreed.
"They have agreed with making ward experts available to check on any individual's transformation location and they don't object to werewolves having jobs, as long as they're registered. They've agreed to the stipulation that no one can be fired for having to take time off around the full moon, but they've changed it from three days to two. And there will be no restrictions on werewolves marrying or having children." Hermione's heart beat a bit faster at the last statement and she shifted in her seat. Margaret seemed not to notice.
"Lastly, they have agreed that the Werewolf Capture Unit should be abolished in its current form. However, they do not agree as to who should take over those duties when they are needed." In the proposal, Margaret and Hermione had recommended leaving it with the Auror department. "They argue that Aurors are not trained to apprehend magical creatures."
"That's simple enough to fix," Hermione said. "A few days of training is likely all they need to be proficient."
"Possibly," Margaret said. "But they may insist that the DRCMC continue to be in charge of it."
"Have they agreed to classify those with lycanthropy as Beings?"
"Yes," Margaret replied. "Although they are unsure were the new capture unit should be housed."
"That's ridiculous, it's extremely rare that werewolves are captured during the full moon," Hermione said. "Normally, if a werewolf commits a crime while transformed, it's not even discovered until after the full moon when the werewolf is a witch or wizard again." That was their argument for using the Aurors in the first place.
"I don't disagree with you, Hermione," Margaret said. "But it is our job to answer their concerns with different solutions."
"I know, I'm sorry," Hermione said. "And I never expected that the proposal would pass in its original form. I'm just frustrated with the number of revisions we're going to have to do." Margaret smiled ruefully.
"Welcome to the world of politics." Hermione sighed.
"Do we have a deadline?"
"Not a specific one, no," Margaret said. "However, I would like to present our changes as soon as possible." Hermione nodded. "Given tomorrow is the Anniversary and the Ministry will be closed, I am hoping that we can have something put together by next Wednesday. Earlier, if we can."
"Do you mind if I speak to Gwendolyn about these changes?" Hermione asked. "Her department will likely be handling all of this, so I'd like to get her input."
"Not at all," Margaret said. "In fact, that is probably a wise idea. I know she has been expanding the Werewolf Support Services."
"I'd also like to discuss it with Remus," Hermione said. "He may be able to help with the registry issue."
"I don't think we could bring him in as an official consultant," Margaret said. Hermione looked up in surprise. She hadn't even thought of actually hiring Remus, simply running things by him. Official consultants were paid. "Given your relationship, it might look like favoritism."
"I understand," Hermione said, a bit disappointed even though she hadn't been thinking along those lines in the first place.
"However," Margaret continued, "Gwendolyn has no such relationship." Hermione grinned at her boss, who winked.
"I'll speak to Gwendolyn this afternoon."
"Good. Now, let's get started, shall we?"
2 May 2000
Remus offered Andromeda his arm as they walked up the path towards the memorial. Hermione walked on his other side, holding Teddy.
"Me walk," Teddy said as they made their way up the sloping lawn past the lake.
"Not today, Teddy," Hermione said. A walk with Teddy could turn into a two-hour adventure with as often as the little boy stopped to inspect things.
"Me walk!" Teddy insisted beginning to squirm in Hermione's arms. He threw himself to the side and Hermione gasped as she nearly dropped him.
"Teddy," Remus said sharply. Teddy stilled at the tone of his father's voice. He looked at Remus, lip quivering. The little boy had been out of sorts all morning, likely sensing his father's and grandmother's moods. He had been clinging to Hermione since she arrived at the house that morning. Remus almost relented at the look on his son's face. But there were too many people and they didn't have enough time to let Teddy explore right now.
"Stop squirming or I will have to carry you," Remus warned.
"No, want My-nee," Teddy said, sniffling. He wrapped his arms around her neck and buried his face in her shoulder. Hermione rubbed his back and gave Remus a sympathetic look. Remus sighed and felt Andromeda tighten her hand on his arm in support.
"See all the people that are here, Teddy?" Hermione said quietly. Teddy lifted his head from her shoulder and looked around. He nodded. "We don't want you to get lost, so that's why I'm carrying you. All right?" Teddy nodded again and rested his head against Hermione's shoulder once more. Remus reached out with his free hand and rested it on the small of Hermione's back. She smiled up at him.
"Look, there's the castle," Hermione said a few moments later when they came around the curve of the lake. Teddy lifted his head up and turned to look at it. He smiled widely. "Some day when you're a big boy, you can go to school here."
"I big!" Teddy insisted. Hermione laughed.
"When you're bigger, then," she said. Sufficiently distracted, Teddy began to look around, chattering away to Hermione about the castle and the lake and whatever else seemed to catch his attention as they walked. Hermione smiled and nodded, interjecting a comment now and then. Remus couldn't keep the fond smile off his face.
They reached the memorial and the rows of chairs set up before it. As soon as Teddy caught sight of Harry and Ginny he again begged to be put down. As they were only a few feet away, Remus acquiesced. Teddy ran into his godfather's arms, giggling as Harry tickled him.
"Hey, mate," Harry said.
"Cassle, Ha-wy, see!" Teddy said pointing.
"I do," Harry said. "I went to school there."
"Me go!"
"When you're bigger," Harry replied.
"I big!" Teddy insisted again. Harry chuckled.
"You are big, but you have to be bigger." Harry turned Teddy towards a group of students, likely second or third years. "Big like those kids, see?" Teddy stared at the students. One girl caught his gaze and smiled, giving him a little wave. Teddy smiled back but then hid his face in Harry's chest.
Turning away from the students, they began moving into one of the rows of chairs. Most of the Weasleys were already seated and Remus greeted all of them as he sat down between Hermione and Andromeda. They found out that Bill and Fleur had elected not to attend. Fleur hadn't been feeling well the night before and wasn't up to traveling much these days anyway.
"She must be getting near to her due date," Andromeda said to Molly after learning about Fleur.
"Yes, any day now," Molly said, her excitement over her first grandchild seeming to temper her grief slightly.
The murmuring of the crowd began to die down as Kingsley and Minerva, along with a few of the other professors and people from the Ministry began to climb the stairs to the dais.
"Who dat?" Teddy asked, pointing at Filius.
"Shh, Teddy," Remus said. "We have to be quiet, remember?"
"Who dat?" Teddy asked again in a very loud whisper.
"That's Professor Flitwick," Hermione said quietly. "He's a teacher at Hogwarts." Teddy studied him for a few moments.
"He little," Teddy said and Remus turned an impressive shade of red as a few people around them chuckled. Glancing at Hermione, he saw that she was trying to hold in her laughter. Clearing her throat, Hermione whispered to Teddy again.
"Professor Flitwick is older than your nanna," Hermione said. "He's just not tall like your daddy or Harry." Teddy sat and contemplated this for some time, obviously confused by what 'big' really meant. They would have to explain things in terms of age, not height, from now on, Remus supposed. Although, he doubted Teddy would really be able to grasp that yet.
Thankful that his son was quiet for the moment, Remus turned his attention to the dais where Minerva was rising to speak.
"Aunt Min," Teddy said happily, once again a bit too loudly. Remus bit back a groan. Perhaps they should have asked Narcissa to mind Teddy during the memorial, something both Remus and Andromeda had contemplated. Remus dug into the bag he had brought along and passed a book to Hermione. They also had a few of Teddy's dragons, but he tended to get a bit loud when he played with them. Hopefully, he would just look at his book quietly.
"Read me, My-nee," Teddy said about five minutes later.
"I can't read that right now, Teddy," Hermione said. "We have to be quiet, remember?" Teddy lifted a finger to his lips.
"Shh," he said. Hermione nodded.
"Shh," she repeated. The speeches on the dais continued. As Kingsley rose to speak, Teddy turned to Remus.
"Me see Ha-wy." Remus glanced down the row to where Harry and Ginny were sitting.
"All right," he said. "But you have to be quiet." Teddy nodded solemnly and Hermione set him on his feet. Teddy walked past his father and Andromeda, then Molly and Arthur, until he reached Ginny who picked him up and put him on her lap. He looked content enough and at least he was quiet for the moment.
The rest of the memorial was punctuated by Teddy walking up and down the row sitting with different members of the Weasley family as well as his own. Remus tried keeping him in one place, but it appeared that the easiest way to keep Teddy quiet was to let him sit with who he liked. None of the adults seemed to mind as he seemed to gravitate towards the ones that needed the most comfort at the moment. Remus just hoped his son wasn't too distracting to anyone else around them.
Finally, the ceremony concluded with Kingsley's speech and then a moment of silence. Andromeda was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief and Teddy crawled up into her lap in concern, snuggling into her and staying quiet. Remus bowed his head and Hermione reached over and took his hand.
Remus couldn't help the slight guilt he felt at being with Hermione, especially today. Not that Dora wouldn't have wanted him to be happy. He felt the ghost of a smile on his face as he pictured her with hands on her hips, rolling her eyes as she told him to stop being stupid. But he still missed her terribly.
After the moment of silence, Kingsley invited everyone to join him at the reception at the Ministry. Remus sighed. He still didn't know if he was going to attend.
When Kingsley left the lectern and began shaking hands with everyone else on the dais, the crowd began to rise, some immediately making their way to the stone monument, others talking quietly with those around them. Andromeda had put Teddy down and he was running back and forth along the row of chairs. Remus felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see an elderly wizard behind him.
"Is that your son?" the man asked pointing at Teddy.
"Yes," Remus said. "I apologize, I know he was probably distracting." The man waved off his apology.
"On the contrary, I applaud you for bringing him. He was a delight on such a somber day."
"Oh, well, thank you," Remus said.
"Daddy! My-nee!" Teddy called as he ran towards them. "No be kyit?" Hermione laughed.
"No, you don't have to be quiet anymore." Teddy grinned and the older wizard next to Remus chuckled.
"Isn't that what the fight was for anyway? For the children to have a better life?"
"Yes, yes, it was," Remus said, looking at Teddy fondly. The wizard shook Remus' hand and then walked off.
"Daddy, we go?" Teddy asked as Hermione picked him up.
"We're going to go look at the monument first," Remus said.
"No, we go," Teddy whined.
"Remember what I told you before?" Remus said. "Mummy's name is there. And Grandad's."
"Mummy?" Teddy questioned. Remus nodded. "I see." Remus turned to Andromeda and offered her his arm once again. They made their way forward with the crowd towards the monument.
Hermione was making faces at Teddy and making him giggle when she heard someone call her name. She turned to see Claire, Annie and David walking towards them.
"I'm so glad to see all of you," Hermione said with a grin as they reached her. Teddy was watching the three students closely.
"Who's this then?" Annie asked.
"This is Teddy, Mr. Lupin's son."
"He's so cute," Claire said. "Hi, Teddy." Teddy hid his face in Hermione's neck as his hair switched to brown curls. It had been black most of the morning, looking like Harry's. David's eyes widened.
"Did he just change his hair?" Hermione glanced down.
"Oh, right," she said. "He's a Metamorphmagus."
"Wicked," David said. Remus chuckled.
"Hi, Mr. Lupin!" Claire said brightly.
"Hello, Claire. It's nice to see you again." Remus turned to the other two teens and greeted them as well, then introduced Andromeda. Claire continued to glance between Remus and Hermione, wide smile on her face.
"What's going on?" Hermione finally asked.
"I knew you liked him," Claire said. Hermione's cheeks reddened, as Andromeda covered a laugh with a cough.
"Claire," David hissed.
"What?" Claire said. "It's not like it's a secret. You read the Prophet too." Annie rolled her eyes.
"Tact, Claire, is not your specialty." Claire huffed and crossed her arms in front of her. Hermione couldn't help but laugh a little.
The three teens walked with Hermione, Remus and Andromeda towards the monument, telling Hermione a bit about their second year. Their moods all became more somber the closer they got to it. Teddy eventually reached out for Remus and Hermione passed him over, knowing that Remus needed the comfort of his son right now.
They stood in front of the monument and Remus pointed to Ted's name and then Tonks'.
"See Mummy?" Teddy said.
"This is her name, right here," Remus said, reaching up to touch it. Teddy ran his little fingers over Tonks' name as well, then looked at his father in confusion.
"I see Mummy, Daddy," Teddy said.
"I said we were going to see Mummy's name, Teddy. Mummy isn't here." Hermione felt a lump in her throat and Andromeda was dabbing at her eyes again. Teddy pouted.
"See Mummy."
"Teddy, I," Remus trailed off looking helpless and Hermione's heart broke. She took his hand, trying to think of something to say when Andromeda spoke up.
"Teddy, we can look at the photographs of your mummy when we get home, all right?" Teddy studied her for a moment before he nodded. Harry suddenly materialized on the other side of Andromeda.
"Hey, Teddy, want to come with me for a bit? I'll show you the Quidditch Pitch." Teddy's eyes lit up and he reached for his godfather.
"Are you sure, Harry?" Remus asked. Hermione thought Harry would have wanted to spend a bit of time at the memorial as well. Harry nodded.
"Gin and I came early, before anyone else was here. I've already paid my respects." Remus passed Teddy over. "You take your time." Harry walked off, Teddy in tow, chattering happily about brooms and Quidditch.
"At least he's easily distracted," Remus said quietly. Hermione put an arm around his waist and leaned into him. They stood and stared at the monument for a few minutes. Hermione knew Remus was seeking out the Potters' names and Sirius', as well as the rest of the friends he lost in the first war. She kept her arm around him, lending him what support she could. Andromeda still held his arm, but stood straight, looking stoically ahead, the occasional dab of her eyes the only thing that betrayed her emotion.
Hermione looked to her left where Claire, David and Annie stood. Claire had leaned into David and her head was resting against his shoulder. As Hermione watched, Annie slipped her hand into David's and squeezed. David's slight, almost imperceptible move towards Annie made Hermione smile. The three of them would take care of each other.
Remus moved, turning to Andromeda and asking if she was ready to leave. The older woman nodded and Hermione dropped her arm from his waist. He looked down at her, kissing the top of her head and the three of them moved away to let someone else take their place. As they passed the teens, the three students followed suit, Annie quickly wiping a few tears from her face.
Remus began leading them towards where Kingsley and Minerva were talking with Molly and Arthur along with a few other members of the Order. Hermione stopped before they reached them and Remus looked down at her.
"You two go ahead," Hermione said. "I want to talk to these three for a bit."
"All right," he said, giving her a smile and leading Andromeda towards the group of adults. Hermione turned back to Annie, Claire and David, hugging each of them in turn.
"I'm sorry I haven't written lately," Hermione said. "How are you all doing?"
"We're fine," Claire said. She glanced at Annie and David and spoke for the three of them. "I mean, it's still hard, but we're really okay." David looked up and nodded. Annie was still holding tightly to his hand.
"Annie?" Hermione said.
"It's better," she said with a smile. She glanced at David. "David, you should tell her."
"Tell me what?" Hermione asked.
"Claire's mum and dad, they, well, they want to adopt me." Claire smiled brightly.
"And what do you think about that?" Hermione watched a small smile form on his face.
"I think that it would probably be good." Hermione smiled. She hugged him again.
"I'm so happy for you."
"Yeah," he said, unable to keep the smile from his face.
"Anyway, we should be asking you how you are," Claire said. "We read about the trial."
"I'm fine," Hermione assured them.
"She really poisoned you? All because of Mr. Lupin?"
"Sort of," Hermione said. "She just, she's not well. The war, it damaged her. More than it did other people."
"Like PTSD?" David asked.
"Similar," Hermione replied. "Remus, Mr. Lupin, made her feel safe the day of the Battle and she just sort of, got stuck on that. I don't think she would have done something like this otherwise."
"Then how come they sent her to Azkaban instead of a mental hospital?" Annie asked.
"The wizarding world doesn't have that," Hermione explained.
"You mean, she's really going to be in Azkaban her whole life? No one is going to help her?" Claire asked sadly. Hermione put her hand on Claire's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"I'm working on it." Their talk turned to school and Quidditch, David having made the reserve team this year. Hermione hadn't even realized how much time had passed until a small body barreled into her legs.
"My-nee, I fwy!"
"You did?" Hermione said, as Harry and Ginny came up behind him. "Broke into the broom shed, did you?"
"Hermione, I'm an Auror, it's not 'breaking in'," Harry said. "It's just, testing the security of the school brooms." Hermione snorted. Ginny and Harry greeted Annie, David and Claire.
"Glad I saw you three, I've got a question for you," Harry said. Hermione grinned, knowing Harry was going to ask them if they wanted to come to a Harpies' match over the summer.
"My-nee, see Daddy," Teddy insisted, tugging on her robes.
"All right, he's right over here," she said. She said good-bye to the three teens and turned to the group of adults. She noticed that many of them had left. Minerva must have gone back up to the school. Remus was still talking to Arthur and Molly. Kingsley and Andromeda seemed to be having their own conversation a few feet away from everyone else. Hermione studied them for a moment, but Teddy's tug on her hand turned her attention back to Remus.
"Daddy, Daddy, I fwy!" Teddy announced and Hermione let go of his hand to let him run to his father. Remus picked him up and settled him on his hip.
"Did you now?" Remus asked. Teddy nodded enthusiastically. Remus smiled at Hermione over Teddy's head.
"Me tell Nanna," Teddy said and squirmed to be set down. Remus complied and watched the little boy run to his grandmother. Hermione saw Remus' eyes narrow as he took in Andromeda and Kingsley standing alone. Hermione put a hand on his arm.
"What's the matter?" Remus stared at the two of them for another moment, then shook his head.
"Nothing," he said, putting an arm around her. "Those three all right?" He nodded towards the second-years as David whooped. Hermione grinned.
"I'd say they're better than all right," she said. "Harry just invited them to a Harpies match." Remus chuckled. "But, yes, I think they're fine. How are you?" Remus sighed.
"I don't know how to make Teddy understand. I think he thought was going to see his mother today." Hermione gave him a sympathetic look and she heard Molly's sharp intake of breath.
"We'll just have to keep talking to him," Hermione said, then bit her lip thinking she might have overstepped with the 'we'. Remus just nodded and put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side. Hermione looked over to see Molly giving her a knowing smile. She felt her cheeks heat.
"He probably won't understand, not for a while, at any rate," Molly said. "But I think Hermione has the right idea." Remus squeezed Hermione's shoulder. "Arthur let's find the children and say good-bye." Hermione didn't ask if they were going to the reception. She already knew Molly had refused.
Once Molly and Arthur had gone, Hermione wrapped her arms around Remus' waist.
"Have you decided?" she asked. He sighed again. She propped her chin in his chest and looked up at him. "Do you want my opinion?"
"Of course, I do," he said with a smile.
"I don't think you should go," she said. He looked at her quizzically. "I think you should take Teddy home and look at pictures and tell him all the wonderful things about his mother and his grandfather." She saw Remus swallow thickly.
"But you'll be alone."
"I won't be," she said. "Harry and Ginny and Ron and Susan will be there. Neville and Hannah too. I'll be all right."
"I want to be there for you."
"I know you do," she said. "But Teddy is more important today. And Andromeda needs you too. The three of you need each other." He sighed again and rested his forehead against hers.
"We need you, too," he said. Hermione's heart swelled at that.
"Then, I'll be there," she said. "As soon as I can." He nodded, then kissed her chastely. When Hermione looked up, Andromeda was walking towards them, holding Teddy's hand.
"Are you ready?" Remus asked. Kingsley was already walking towards the gates.
"I am," she said. Remus turned back to Hermione. She squeezed his hand.
"Go," she said. "I'll be fine." Remus kissed her temple and then released her. Hermione hugged Teddy and Andromeda, then waved and made her way to where Harry and Ginny stood.
"He's not coming?" Ginny asked.
"No," Hermione said. "I told him not to."
"Wish we had the choice," Harry muttered. Hermione took his hand and squeezed it.
"Come on," she said. "Let's find Ron and Susan and get this over with."
Hermione followed her friends into the ballroom at the Ministry. They had run into Hannah and Neville as they were leaving Hogwarts. As they walked inside, the people nearest the door fell silent. The hush became like a wave, rolling back over the crowd as people realized that Harry had just walked into the room. Hermione could see the set of Harry's jaw as he realized what was happening.
As they passed groups of people, the whispering would begin in their wake. People craned their necks to get a glimpse of the Boy-Who-Lived as he walked by. By the time they reached the back of the room where Kingsley was standing, Harry's jaw was clenched so tightly she thought he might break teeth. He hated this kind of attention.
"Harry," Kingsley greeted. "Thank you for coming." Harry gave him a look that clearly said he wouldn't be here if he'd had any other choice. Hermione could see the apology in Kingsley's eyes.
"What do you want me to do?" Harry asked Kingsley, sounding resigned.
"Nothing in particular," Kingsley replied. "Your presence was all I requested."
"You don't want me to make the rounds of the room?" Harry asked bitterly.
"Harry," Ginny said quietly and Hermione saw him relax slightly. He ran a hand through his hair.
"I'm sorry," he muttered.
"I don't need an apology, Harry," Kingsley said. "No one likes this." Harry sighed.
"Right," he said.
"Do what you like for now. In about a half hour, I'll make a short speech and then we'll have a moment of silence to honor the fallen. I'd like the four of you to join me up on the dais for that." He indicated the small raised platform a few feet away. "Afterward, you're free to go."
"I thought you wanted us to stay for an hour?" Hermione said.
"I expect that there will be more than a few people who want to speak with you on your way out," Kingsley said grimly. "By the time you get to the door, it will likely have been an hour." Hermione glanced around and saw more than one group of people looking hopeful. She was sure as soon as Kingsley finished speaking with them, someone would be brave enough to approach.
"There's Dad over there," Ginny said, and Hermione's gaze moved to where Arthur stood with a few people Hermione recognized from the Ministry.
"I thought your parents weren't coming?" Hermione said.
"Just Mum," Ron said. "Dad thought he should as a Ministry employee and an Order member." Hermione nodded.
"Let's go talk to him," Ginny suggested. "The people he's with are harmless enough."
They began to make their way toward Arthur, but they were stopped after only a few moments. To Harry's credit, he was polite and smiled, however fake it was, as he was thanked and fawned over by a group of middle aged witches. Ginny never left his side.
It wasn't long before everyone else began to get the same idea and Hermione, Ron and Neville were also quickly surrounded. Everyone just wanted a glimpse, a chance to say they'd spoken to a member of the Golden Trio or the one that stood up to Voldemort. Hermione knew now how Muggle celebrities felt. It was ridiculous.
Hermione tied to stick close to her friends, but they were all soon separated. Neville looked extremely uncomfortable and if Hannah hadn't been holding his hand, Hermione thought he likely would have bolted. Ron looked comfortable enough, but Hermione could see he was keeping his eye on the rest of them which wasn't difficult given how tall he was. Harry just looked resigned. He greeted people and answered questions, but Hermione could tell his heart wasn't in it.
Realizing that she was on the outskirts of the crowd and that no one was paying her particular attention at the moment, Hermione decided to walk over to the refreshments table and get something to drink. There weren't many people there, so hopefully she wouldn't really have to talk to anyone.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Miss Granger." Hermione closed her eyes for a moment and bit back a groan. Hermione should have expected she would be here. Plastering a fake smile on her face, Hermione turned around.
"I didn't think you would be here, Rita," Hermione said. "Seeing as you can't interview anyone."
"Just doing my duty as a citizen coming to pay my respects." Hermione snorted. Rita's eyes narrowed and she looked around Hermione as if she were searching for something.
"Surely you're not here all alone," Rita said, fake concern in her voice. "No werewolf support today?" Hermione forced her smile not to falter, although she felt like giving Rita the same treatment she'd given Malfoy in third year.
"No, you see, unlike you, Remus actually lost people in the war. He chose to be with his family today."
"And you're not considered part of the family, are you? How tragic." Rita pushed her lips into a pout. Hermione almost laughed at the ridiculous picture she made.
"Oh, Rita, you are occasionally entertaining," Hermione said with a chuckle. The fake smile on Rita's face faltered for a moment before being replaced by a nasty smirk.
"I'm sure that everyone will be quite entertained by my newest book. It's coming out in just a few months you know."
"I'll be sure to pick up a copy," Hermione replied, refusing to take the bait. She was well aware that Rita had been writing a book about Harry, and Hermione wasn't stupid enough to think she wouldn't be included in it.
"I hear your department presented a proposal to change the werewolf laws," Rita said conversationally. Hermione's brow furrowed. She had no idea where Rita was going with this.
"And if they have?"
"Well, I just think that's a bit of a conflict of interest, isn't it? Given who you're currently dating."
"I wasn't the one who presented the proposal," Hermione said, her heart starting to beat a bit faster.
"That's true," Rita said, tapping her finger against her lips. "But rumor has it you made an unscheduled trip to France a few months ago." Hermione crossed her arms in front of her and said nothing. "To, what was it again? Oh yes, you were given a comprehensive overview of France's policy on werewolves." When Hermione remained silent, Rita gave her an evil grin. "It's so useful to have so many contacts."
"Someday, Rita, you're going to-"
"All right, 'Mione?" Ron interrupted, suddenly appearing at her side. Hermione glanced at him, both grateful and annoyed that he arrived when he did. She wanted nothing more than to tell Rita Skeeter were to shove her 'contacts' but knew it would likely only backfire in the end.
"Fine, Ron," Hermione said tightly. Ron looked at Rita, who gave him a saccharine smile.
"Ah, Ron Weasley," she said. "Still looking out for your first love I see. How does your new girlfriend feel about that?"
"Perfectly fine, actually," Susan said, coming to stand on the other side of Hermione and linking arms with her. Ron beamed at his girlfriend, putting a hand to the small of Hermione's back.
"We should get up to the front," Susan continued. "It's almost time for the Minister to make his speech." Hermione gave Rita another fake smile and turned with her friends to walk up to the dais.
"What the bloody hell was that about?" Ron asked when they were far enough away.
"That was Rita being Rita," Hermione said with a sigh.
"What did she say to you?" Ron demanded.
"Mostly rubbish," Hermione said. "But she brought up the werewolf proposal. She knows I went to France."
"So?" Ron said.
"She's trying to connect me to the proposal."
"What's wrong with that?" Ron asked.
"Conflict of interest, Ron," Susan said. She looked at Hermione for confirmation. Hermione nodded.
"What will happen if she does?" Ron asked.
"I don't know," Hermione said. "I haven't done anything wrong, exactly, but if members of the Wizengamot think that I've done this just to help Remus, it could sway their votes." Ron made a noise of disgust.
"Anyway, thank you for arriving when you did. I'm not sure how much longer I might have gone without hexing her," Hermione said.
"I'm glad I didn't let you finish that sentence," Ron muttered.
"Why?"
"Were you or were you not about to threaten Rita Skeeter?" Hermione opened her mouth to deny it, then closed it again. It wasn't going to be a threat, exactly, but Rita would have surely taken it as one.
"Thanks," Hermione said, looking at both Ron and Susan. Susan squeezed her arm and led them to the dais.
Kingsley had finished his speech and they had observed a minute of silence for the fallen. Harry was intent on leaving as soon as possible and Hermione felt the same way. She wanted to get to Remus'.
Of course, their exit was not as easy as all that. They were stopped as soon as they'd stepped down from the platform, more people wanting a little piece of them. Ginny, Susan and Hannah, who had been waiting at the edge of the dais, tried to keep most of the crowd away from them, but it was a bit of a futile effort. Harry looked at her dejectedly and Hermione tried to think of something to do to get her friend out of there. Kingsley had been waylaid by someone himself and couldn't do much to help them at the moment.
Then, a Patronus burst into the room, catching everyone's attention. It stopped in front of Arthur and Hermione recognized Bill's voice.
Fleur's in labor. We've taken her to St. Mungo's.
Hermione glanced at Harry and he smiled widely. Arthur looked around the room, obviously searching for his children. Hermione glanced up at Kingsley and caught his eye. The Minister raised his wand to his throat, casting a Sonorus charm.
"Excuse me, please," he said. "If everyone could move back and allow the Weasley family through, thank you." Ginny gripped Harry's hand tightly and dragged him with her, despite a few complaints from the other attendees. Her glare was enough to silence them. Ron looped his free arm through Hermione's and she grabbed Neville's hand. She wasn't leaving Neville and Hannah here to deal with everyone alone.
She heard people asking why Hermione and Neville were leaving as they weren't Weasleys, but she ignored them and followed Ron's long strides until they had reached the exit. None of them spoke until they reached the lift which Arthur and Percy had cleared and held for the seven of them. As soon as the doors slid shut, Hermione slumped back against the wall of the lift.
"Thank Merlin for Fleur's timing," Ron said and they all laughed.
"Thanks for taking us with you," Neville said to Hermione.
"I wasn't about to leave you to those people," Hermione said.
"Next time Kingsley wants me at one of these things, remind me to quit," Harry grumbled.
"Too right, mate," Ron said. Hermione saw the glint of something in his eye. She looked at him quizzically when Susan squeezed his hand in support. Ron shook his head slightly. Hermione knew she'd get it out of him eventually, but now wasn't the time.
"I can't believe it," Ginny finally said. "Today of all days."
"Perhaps, today might be the best day," Arthur said quietly and they all murmured in agreement. When they reached the Atrium, they walked towards the Floos.
"Hannah and I are going back to the Leaky," Neville said. "Tell Bill and Fleur we said congratulations."
"Of course, we will, thank you, Neville," Arthur said, clapping the younger man on the shoulder. Neville followed Hannah through the Floo.
"Coming, Hermione?" Ginny asked as Arthur and then Percy disappeared.
"No," Hermione said. "The family should be there right now."
"Hermione, you are family," Ron said. She smiled up at him.
"I know, but I need to go see Remus. Keep us updated and we'll be there once the baby is here, yeah?" Ron nodded and stepped into the Floo, pulling Susan with him.
"You're sure?" Ginny asked.
"I am," Hermione said. Ginny hugged her before she followed her brother.
"Harry," Hermione said, putting a hand on Harry's arm before he could Floo as well. He turned to look at her and she wrapped her arms around him. He hugged her tightly to him.
"I'm sorry about today," she said. He nodded into her shoulder.
"You're sure you won't come?" he asked when he pulled away. She shook her head.
"Remus needs me." Harry smiled and kissed her cheek, then stepped into the Floo. Hermione watched him disappear, then stepped in and called out for Remus'.
Remus heard the Floo and walked into the living room from the kitchen. Hermione stepped from the grate and looked around. When she spotted him, she hurried towards him, practically throwing herself into his arms.
"That bad?" he murmured into her hair.
"Worse," she replied. They stood in silence, holding one another until Hermione finally let go a sigh and looked up at him. He leaned down and kissed her and she sighed again, melting against him.
"Some good news though," she said when they parted.
"Oh? What's that?"
"Fleur's in labor." Remus smiled. "Everyone went to St. Mungo's."
"Except you."
"I wanted to be here. I told Harry to keep us informed," she said. "Maybe we can go over later?"
"Of course, love."
"Where's Teddy?" she asked.
"Napping," Remus said. "Just got him down a few minutes ago. He's still a bit out of sorts."
"Still asking to see Tonks?"
"No, but today has been difficult for Andromeda. Teddy senses that. She went up to lie down."
"Difficult for you as well." Hermione reached for his hand. He nodded. She wrapped her arms around him again and Remus breathed in the scent of her.
"I'm glad you didn't come with me today," she said a few minutes later.
"What happened?"
"It was…overwhelming," she said. "More for Harry than the rest of us, but we were all talked to and fawned over and questioned." She made a face. "Rita Skeeter was there." Remus frowned and looked down at her.
"Did she talk to you?"
"Of course, she did," Hermione said with a sigh.
"What did she say?"
"It's not important."
"Hermione," Remus said and she sighed again.
"At first, it was the usual barbs, which honestly don't bother me. But she found out that I went to France and talked to the Head of their Werewolf Support Services division." Hermione bit her lip and looked up at him.
"She knows you wrote the proposal."
"She suspects," Hermione said.
"And she'll likely make trouble."
"Probably," Hermione agreed. Remus studied her for a moment.
"Is she blackmailing you again?"
"No," Hermione said. "Not yet, anyway. Besides, I don't know what she'd want. She's finished her book on Harry, apparently. Told me it was coming out in a couple months." Hermione shook her head. "She just wants to cause problems for me. You know how much she hates me."
"I thought after her cooperation with Satterfield, she might have let that go." Hermione snorted.
"Not likely." She moved closer to him and rested her head on his chest. "I don't want to talk about Rita anymore." Remus kissed the top of her head and then released her, tugging lightly on her hand to lead her to the couch.
"Me either," he said, pulling her down next to him. Hermione snuggled into his side and he reclined back into the corner of the couch. They didn't say much, but Remus was grateful for her silent support. She had been right earlier. Today had been difficult, made more so by Teddy's insistence on seeing his mother at the memorial. Remus knew the little boy still didn't understand why he couldn't, but that would only come with age. They would just have to explain as well as they could until then.
Hermione had fixed a simple dinner, not wanting Andromeda to have to do it. The older woman had been in her room most of the afternoon, only emerging after she heard Teddy's squeals of laughter from below. She had protested Hermione cooking, but Hermione refused to take no for an answer. Andromeda had cooked plenty for her over the last few weeks. It was time for Hermione to return the favor.
After dinner, Andromeda wouldn't let Hermione help clean up, insisting that she join Remus and Teddy in the living room. Hermione finally acquiesced, coming in to find Teddy climbing all over Remus, who was lying on the floor.
"I get Daddy, My-nee!" Teddy said in triumph as he sat on his father's stomach. Hermione laughed.
"I can see that." Teddy bounced a little and Remus groaned.
"Teddy, we just ate." Teddy giggled and did it again. Remus looked up at him and in one swift movement, grabbed his son around the waist and began to tickle him mercilessly. Teddy shrieked in delight and Hermione almost didn't hear the Floo over his shouts.
"Harry!" she said as the flare of green caught her eye. Remus stopped his torture of his son and sat up, bringing Teddy with him.
"Ha-wy," Teddy said, still panting from the round of tickling.
"Hey, mate," Harry said with a smile.
"Well," Hermione said.
"It's a girl," Harry announced. Hermione's face broke into a wide smile.
"And they're okay? Fleur and the baby?"
"Both perfectly fine," Harry said. "We haven't seen her yet; Bill and Fleur wanted some time first. And you know Molly will be the first one in after that." Remus chuckled.
"Does she have a name?"
"Not yet," Harry said. "Are you going to come see her?"
"Is it all right?" Hermione asked. The Weasley clan could be overwhelming on a good day. Hermione didn't want to add more stress for Fleur after she'd just given birth.
"Of course, it is Hermione. You're all family." Hermione glanced at Remus. He nodded.
"All right, we'll be there in a bit."
"See you soon," Harry said as he pulled his head from the Floo.
"Ha-wy go?" Teddy asked.
"He had to go back to Ginny," Remus said.
"Me see Ha-wy," Teddy pouted.
"We could take him with us," Hermione suggested to Remus.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Remus said.
"Andromeda should come too," Hermione said.
"I don't know if she'll be up to it," Remus replied.
"If who will be up to what?" Andromeda asked as she walked into the room. "Did I hear the Floo?"
"Yes, it was Harry," Hermione explained. "Fleur's had the baby. A girl." Andromeda smiled and put a hand on her chest.
"Oh, how wonderful."
"We've all been invited to the hospital."
"See Ha-wy!" Teddy shouted. The three adults laughed.
"Would you like to come?" Remus asked his mother-in-law.
"Oh, I do not want to intrude," Andromeda said quickly.
"You won't be," Hermione said. "You're family." Hermione saw the emotion cross the other woman's face before she nodded.
"All right, then." Teddy put a hand on each of Remus' cheeks and turned his father's face towards him.
"Daddy, we see Ha-wy?" he asked. Remus laughed.
"Yes, we're going to see Harry." Teddy grinned. Remus set him down. "Go get your shoes."
"Ha-wy!" Teddy called as soon as they stepped out of the lift onto the maternity wing. Remus set his son down and Teddy ran towards his godfather. Harry picked him up and settled him on his hip. Everyone else looked around, smiling at their arrival.
"Congratulations, Molly," Hermione said as she hugged the other woman.
"Oh, thank you, dear," Molly said.
"Have you seen her yet?"
"Yes, Arthur and I were just inside. She's just beautiful."
"Does she have a name?" Andromeda asked after she had greeted Molly as well.
"They're still discussing, but Bill is planning to bring her out in a few minutes to meet everyone." Hermione saw Ginny and walked over to hug her friend.
"Hello, Auntie," she said. Ginny laughed. "How's Harry doing?"
"Much better now that horrible reception is over," Ginny said. "What about you? I saw Skeeter corner you just before Kingsley's speech." Hermione shook her head.
"Just the same veiled insults," Hermione said. This was a happy occasion and Hermione had no intention of letting Rita Skeeter ruin it. Hermione looked around. "Aren't Fleur's parents here?"
"They should be in about an hour," Ginny said. "They wanted to get Gabrielle from school first." Remus walked up to the two of them, slipping his hand into Hermione's. Ginny smiled at them as a door opened on the other side of the corridor.
Bill walked out holding a small, pink bundle. Ginny hurried forward, beating all her brothers to Bill's side. Andromeda stepped up next to Remus.
"Oh, Bill," Ginny said, as Bill passed the baby off to his little sister. Hermione saw a small fist wave in the air and she leaned into Remus. "She's beautiful."
"I'd like you all to meet Victoire Gabrielle Weasley." Hermione and Andromeda gasped at the same time, Andromeda bringing a hand to her mouth.
"What is it?" Remus asked in concern.
"Her name," Hermione said and she could feel the tears gathering in her eyes. Before she could say anything else, Andromeda spoke.
"It means victory." Remus' hand tightened on Hermione's and his free arm went around Andromeda's shoulders. Hermione could see the tears running down Molly's cheeks and Arthur cleared his throat more than once.
"Very fitting," Arthur finally said, clapping his son on the shoulder.
"It's the perfect name," Molly agreed, hugging her eldest son. Everyone else was quiet as they looked at the newest member of their family and processed the significance of her name.
"Who dat?" Teddy finally demanded. breaking the silence. Hermione couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up. Remus shook his head in exasperation, as Andromeda chuckled.
"This," Ginny said, holding the baby closer to Teddy, "is Victoire." Victoire let out a small mewl and Teddy wrinkled his nose, staring at her. He didn't look overly impressed. Still, he reached out a hand towards her.
"Be gentle," Harry said. "You have to be careful with babies." Teddy touched the tiny hand that had escaped the blankets and Victoire grasped his finger. Teddy's eyes widened and he looked at Harry. Angelina was holding a camera and she took a picture.
"I think she likes you," Ginny said and Teddy grinned.
Hermione looked up at Remus with a smile and then leaned into him, still holding his hand. Remus kissed her temple and they both watched his son greet the newest member of their rather extended family. Squeezing Remus' hand, Hermione was glad that now, there would always be something happy to focus on, amidst the sadness of the day.