A/N - Thank you all so much for continuing to read and review. Enjoy!

Chapter 72

Changes

5 May 2000

Hermione sat at her desk reading through another memo from Gwendolyn. They had been discussing ideas about the proposal since their meeting the day after the Anniversary. Currently, they were contemplating asking for private donors to supply the Wolfsbane potion to any werewolves that might use the sanctuary to transform.

Fundraisers in the form of a ball or some kind of party are the usual protocol when trying to raise money for any type of cause. In this case, though, I think that contacting donors privately might be a better idea. Unlike raising money for war orphans or disadvantaged Hogwarts students, werewolves aren't going to evoke that 'pull at the heartstrings' feeling amongst donors, unfortunately. I doubt we could even find anyone to host such an event.

Hermione sighed. She knew that Gwendolyn was right. The typical practice would be to pitch their idea to a group of rich, usually pureblood, ladies who would then decide who would sponsor the ball or dinner. Their equally rich friends would be invited, donations would be made, and the cause would be funded for another year or two. In this case, that wasn't going to happen.

Hermione set the memo aside and sat back in her chair. She was extremely glad it was Friday. The last three days they had worked non-stop on brainstorming new ideas and revising the proposal, even staying late both the previous two days. Hermione was determined to leave on time this evening. She and Remus hadn't spent any time together since the Anniversary. In fact, if it hadn't been for the fact that she'd seen him yesterday at their joint meeting, she wouldn't have seen him at all.

Gwendolyn had thought hiring Remus as a consultant was a great idea and had sent the owl immediately after she and Hermione spoke on Wednesday morning. Remus had come in on Thursday and sat in on the meeting with Hermione, Margaret, Gwendolyn and Declan O'Reilly, the new head of Werewolf Support Services.

It had been Declan that had brought up the idea of donations to provide the Wolfsbane to the sanctuary. Margaret had wondered if the offer of receiving the Wolfsbane would cause more werewolves to come to the sanctuary to transform, even if they had an adequate place to do it elsewhere. Most werewolves couldn't afford to buy the potion from an Apothecary and given the skill and time needed to brew it, most couldn't do it themselves either.

"It's always possible," Remus had said. "But if it did happen, I doubt it would be for some time. Most werewolves aren't going to trust that the sanctuary is truly that, Wolfsbane or no. They'll see it as some kind of trap by the Ministry to round them up." Hermione had cursed Umbridge, Satterfield and Warrington again, the sentiment echoed by everyone in the room.

As for the registry, Remus had agreed that it would help that the Ministry had agreed to classify werewolves as Beings rather than Beasts. That the Registry had been moved to the Being Division and was now being run by two people who'd had nothing to do with it in the past was also a point in their favor.

"It is still going to be extremely difficult to get werewolves in to register," Remus had said. "Only time is going to solve that problem, I'm afraid."

The expectation was that those who were already registered would begin to find employment. They were aware that it wasn't going to be an easy process, however. Prejudice and fear wasn't going to go away overnight. Once the Ministry changed the laws and businesses were aware they couldn't discriminate, word would spread to the werewolves that the Ministry might be able to be trusted. It wasn't going to be a quick process, however.

Hermione wondered if they could do a PR campaign of sorts in a few months. Perhaps with interviews of werewolves and their employers to dispel the belief that it was unsafe to hire werewolves. She pushed that thought aside a moment later. It would likely only work if everyone involved could remain anonymous. Hermione didn't want anyone to have to make their status public if they didn't want to. And anonymity would defeat the purpose, as the stories could have easily been made up with no names attached to verify. Hermione sighed and looked up at the ceiling.

"It can't be that bad," a voice said and Hermione looked up to see Ron standing in her doorway.

"I'm not sure bad is the right word," Hermione said as she sat up. "Frustrating certainly. What are you doing here?"

"Wondering if you want to have lunch with me," he said. Hermione glanced at the clock on the wall. She hadn't realized it was that late. She looked at the mess of parchment on her desk. She really shouldn't if she wanted to get out of here on time tonight. Then again, she could just as easily read memos and revisions at home.

"Actually, that sounds like a perfect idea." She started to straighten up her desk, then threw her hands up and decided to forget it. Ron chuckled.

"Proposal revision not going well?" he asked, as Hermione pulled her bag from her desk drawer and walked towards him.

"It's not that, exactly, it's just a bigger job than I expected. And Margaret wants things done by Wednesday." She and Ron left her office, Hermione closing and warding her door behind her.

"Harry joining us?" Hermione asked as they headed to the lifts.

"No, he's out on a case."

"Is Susan meeting us then?"

"No, she's busy today." Hermione looked at him, puzzled. She couldn't remember the last time she and Ron had had lunch together, just the two of them. It might not have been since they were dating.

"Is something going on?"

"Can't I have lunch with my best friend alone?" Ron returned.

"Of course, but," Hermione trailed off. Ron looked a little nervous, but she had no idea why he would be. "Ron?" The lift arrived and they stepped in. Hermione didn't press him any further as the lift slowly began to fill. When they finally reached the Atrium, she put a hand on Ron's arm to stop him.

"Not here, Hermione, all right?"

"Just tell me that everything's okay."

"It is, I swear." Hermione relaxed slightly. She followed him out of the Ministry and instead of turning at the small magical café that they usually frequented, he walked further down the street to a Muggle sandwich place. Hermione had taken him and Harry here a few times, but Ron always picked the café if given the choice.

"Can you do the money?" Ron asked pulling a few bills from his pocket. "I still don't really understand it." She nodded, but her brow furrowed. Ron had obviously planned this, having gotten Muggle money in advance. They ordered and Hermione paid, then followed him to a table to wait for their lunches to be brought out.

As they waited, Ron told her that Fleur and Victoire had come home from St. Mungo's the day before. Charlie was coming home that weekend to see his new niece and would be at the Weasley family dinner on Sunday. While Hermione was happy to hear about Victoire and Charlie, she knew it wasn't the reason that Ron had asked her to lunch. She was about to demand he get to the point when their sandwiches were brought out. Ron busied himself with his napkin and drink, shooting furtive glances around the place. It almost reminded Hermione of the way Harry had acted when-

"Are you going to ask Susan to marry you?" she blurted out, Ron's behavior reminding her so much of Harry's the day he had told Hermione he was going to ask Ginny the same thing.

Ron, who had taken a bite of his sandwich, began to choke. Hermione slipped her wand from her sleeve as Ron grabbed his water and took a drink. When she decided he was going to be all right, she put her wand away and looked at him impatiently.

"Blimey, Hermione, warn a bloke before you ask something like that." He cleared his throat one more time and took another drink of water.

"Well? Are you?"

"No! Merlin, I just told the woman I loved her last week." Hermione sat back in her chair, smile on her face. "What the bloody hell made you think that?" His eyes narrowed. "What's the grin for?"

"You told her you loved her," Hermione said, smiling wider. Ron's ears turned red and he looked down at the table.

"Yeah," he finally said. When he looked up, he was smiling too.

"Are you asking her to move in?" Hermione said.

"What? No. What is wrong with you?" Hermione shrugged.

"You're acting all twitchy just like Harry did when he told me he was going to ask Ginny to marry him."

"It's not about Susan, all right?"

"What is going on then, Ron?"

"I'm quitting the Aurors." Hermione's mouth dropped open in shock.

"You're what?"

"Quitting," Ron said.

"Why?" Ron sighed.

"I just don't feel the same way about it as I did at the beginning." Hermione looked at him quizzically. "I mean, at first, it was like cleaning up after the war, you know? Rounding up the rest of the Death Eaters and other supporters, making things safe again. Now though, it's different. I mean yeah, there are still people out there doing bad things and they still need to be stopped. I just don't want to be the one to stop them anymore." He paused for a moment, examining his plate.

"We spent seven years fighting with Harry against Voldemort in one way or another. And now Voldemort's gone and most of his supporters are gone and I just want to do something else." He looked up at her. "That makes me sound selfish, doesn't it?"

"Of course not," Hermione said. "You shouldn't keep doing a job, especially one like being an Auror, if your heart isn't in it any longer."

"Harry doesn't feel that way," Ron said.

"You're not Harry," Hermione said. Ron looked up at her, eyes narrowed. "Oh, don't give me that look, you know I didn't mean it like that. I'm just saying that being an Auror is as much a part of Harry as running a joke shop is a part of George. It's his thing, you know?"

"Yeah," Ron replied. "I know." Hermione reached across the table and squeezed Ron's hand.

"It's okay if it's not yours." Ron smiled at her. "So, do you have an idea what you do want to do?"

"Well, speaking of George, I've been spending a lot of time at the shop lately. Mostly helping out in the front so George can work on projects, but I've been working a bit on my own too."

"Really? That's great, Ron."

"It's kind of strange really. I hated their pranks when we were growing up, mostly because they always experimented on me." Hermione chuckled. "But they really were brilliant. And George has missed having someone to bounce ideas off of. I know I'm not Fred, but," he trailed off and Hermione squeezed his hand again.

"You don't have to be Fred," Hermione said. They were silent for a few minutes before Ron cleared his throat.

"Anyway, I'm going to start part-time next week, on my days off from the Ministry. George is talking again about buying the old Zonko's store in Hogsmeade. If he does, I'll probably run it." He grinned. "It'll drive Filch mental." Hermione laughed.

"I'm really happy for you, Ron."

"Thanks, Hermione." He picked up his sandwich and took a bite, while Hermione started on her own lunch.

"So, what did Harry say when you told him?" Ron choked again and Hermione's eyes narrowed. "You didn't tell him?"

"Not yet," Ron wheezed out, gulping down more water.

"Ron," Hermione chided.

"I don't know what to say," Ron said gloomily.

"Just tell him what you told me," Hermione replied. Ron sighed.

"He's going to be upset."

"He'll miss working with you, yes," Hermione agreed. "But he's not going to be angry with you for quitting a job you don't really like."

"I know, you're right. Still doesn't make me look forward to telling him." Ron looked up at her hopefully. "I don't suppose you'd want to help me with it." She rolled her eyes.

"No, Ronald, I'm not going to do your homework for you." Ron snorted and she laughed. "Just take him to the pub after work and tell him." Ron nodded.

"Yeah. Yeah, all right." With one last squeeze to Ron's arm, Hermione returned to her lunch.

Hermione came through her Floo and dropped the pile of parchment in her hands on the coffee table. She'd left on time but had to bring work home as she'd suspected. She knew that Margaret and Gwendolyn were doing the same, Hermione just wished it wasn't necessary. She fed Crookshanks, then wandered upstairs to change.

She heard the Floo as she came back down the stairs and smiled as she walked into the living room.

"Hey," she said to Remus.

"Hello," he replied with a smile of his own. She stepped into his arms and sighed in contentment as she settled against him.

"Rough day?" he asked.

"Just busy," she said. "And as you can see, it promises to be a busy weekend as well." She indicated the pile of parchment on the table. She reached up and put her arms around his neck. "But I don't want to talk about work right now." He smiled knowingly.

"And what would you like to talk about?"

"Hm, I didn't exactly have talking in mind at all." Remus smirked and leaned down to kiss her. Hermione sighed into his mouth. Three days was far too long to go without kissing him. Even though she'd seen him yesterday, she couldn't exactly snog him in the middle of the Ministry.

When they finally parted, she rested her cheek against his chest and sighed again. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his waist.

"I missed you," she said. Remus leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"I missed you too, love." His hand travelled lightly up and down her back. After a few minutes, she looked up and kissed him again.

"Are you hungry?" she asked, staring into his eyes.

"No," he said before he pulled her tighter to him once again. "Are you?" he asked when he released her lips and moved to her neck.

"No," she said, closing her eyes and tilting her head to give him better access.

"Work?" he mumbled from somewhere near her collarbone.

"Later," she said, gasping as he nipped her neck. She looked up at him, his eyes swirling green and amber. Kissing him one more time, she grabbed his hand and pulled him up the stairs.

6 May 2000

Remus woke alone in the bed. He yawned and looked at the clock on the bedside table which read three in the morning. Thinking Hermione had just gotten up to use the loo, he closed his eyes again and laid back into the pillows.

When she still hadn't come back fifteen minutes later, Remus sat up in concern. He stood from the bed and stepped into his trousers. Walking into the corridor, he saw the door to the loo was open, the room dark. Frowning, he stopped and listened when he heard a quiet, scratching noise. Summoning his wand from the bedroom, he made his way silently to the stairs and listened again.

There was a dim light coming from the living room and the sound of scratching was louder now. Remus walked quietly down the stairs, avoiding the one in the middle that creaked. When he reached the bottom, he could see Hermione wrapped in a robe and sitting on the couch, writing quickly on a piece of parchment.

"Hermione," he said quietly so as not to startle her. She jumped anyway, grabbing for her wand.

"Remus," she said when she saw him, setting her wand back on the table and putting a hand to her chest.

"I'm sorry, love, I didn't mean to scare you," he said, putting his wand into his pocket and walking towards her. "What are you doing up at this hour?"

"I woke up and had a thought," Hermione said. "I wanted to write it down before I forgot it. Did I wake you?"

"No," he said. "How long have you been down here?"

"I don't know, what time it is?"

"After three."

"Oh," Hermione said in surprise. "A bit, I guess."

"How long?" Remus repeated.

"A couple of hours."

"Must have been some thought," he said. She blushed.

"Well, the first one sort of led to another and then another and well," she shrugged. He shook his head fondly.

"Come back to bed," he said, holding out a hand to her.

"I will, just give me one minute to finish this," Hermione said. She leaned back over the parchment and continued to write. Remus watched for a few moments, then sat down beside her when it became apparent she was going to need more than a minute. When another fifteen minutes had passed, however, and Hermione showed no signs of stopping, Remus bit back a sigh. He knew how focused she could get when working on a project. And as much as Remus admired her single-mindedness at times, he also knew that she tended to neglect herself when she was so absorbed. Sleeping and eating become unimportant.

While he would have liked to be able to spend the entire weekend with her to make sure she took care of herself, it wasn't possible. But he was here now and he wasn't going to let her stay up the rest of the night when she could easily finish after she'd gotten some sleep. His own selfish reasons didn't even enter into it. Much. Remus lightly grasped her wrist to stop the movement of her quill.

"It will still be there in the morning," he said. Hermione looked over at him and opened her mouth to protest. "Come back to bed." She stared up at him and then finally nodded. Finishing her sentence, she waved her wand over the parchment to dry the ink. Then Remus stood and held out a hand to her. Hermione took it and he led her back upstairs.

Remus slipped out of his trousers and Hermione tossed the robe onto the back of a chair. They climbed back into bed and Hermione kissed him before snuggling into his side, resting her head on his chest. Remus wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead.

"I love you," she mumbled into his chest. He could feel her eyes closing already.

"I love you too," he replied.

"Hermione," Remus said softly, not wanting to wake her, but not wanting to leave without saying good-bye either. Teddy would be up soon and Remus had told Andromeda he'd be home for breakfast.

"Mm," Hermione muttered in her sleep, gripping him tighter. Remus smiled down at her, running a hand down her back. He felt her shiver and tried not to react to it. They didn't exactly have time and she was still asleep at any rate.

Remus shifted to his side and kissed Hermione's temple. He moved a curl out of her face and smiled down at her.

"Hermione," he said again, a bit louder this time. "Wake up, love." Her eyes blinked open sleepily.

"Mm, time is it?" she mumbled.

"Nearly seven," Remus said. "You can go back to sleep, but I wanted to say good-bye."

"S'early," she muttered, closing her eyes again.

"Not so early for Teddy," he said in amusement. She opened her eyes again and looked up at him.

"S'pose not," she said with a yawn. Then she smiled and leaned up and kissed him. As she deepened the kiss, Remus bit back a groan. The thin t-shirt she wore left nothing to the imagination pressed up against him as she was. He should have gotten dressed before he woke her.

"Hermione," he said, breaking the kiss. "Love, I have to go." Her hand left his chest and moved down his body to his hip, even as she peppered his neck with kisses.

"Hermione, we don't have ti-" the rest of what Remus was going to say was drowned out by a moan as her hand slipped into his boxers and found its target. She smirked at him as he tried to form a coherent thought.

"We don't have time, love," he finally managed to stutter out, although time was becoming much less of a concern the longer she had her hand wrapped around him.

"We can be quick," she said, letting go of him and pushing him onto his back. She grabbed her wand to cast the contraception charm, then stripped off her shirt and tugged down his pants. She straddled his body and engulfed him in one go. Remus gave up all protest, letting her movements wash over him for a few moments. Then he sat up, pulled her flush against him and kissed her deeply. She continued to move and he let his hands roam, finally settling on her hips to help guide her movements. She cried out and bit his shoulder and he followed moments later.

"Gods, Hermione," he panted as her head flopped down on his shoulder. She lazily kissed his neck and then his cheek, finally finding his lips. She gave him a sated smile when she pulled away, then glanced at the clock on the bedside table.

"Look at that, you're not even late." He laughed, then kissed her again.

"Merlin, I love you," he said and she grinned.

"I love you too," she replied, brushing a lock of hair off his forehead.

"I really do have to go," he said.

"I know," she replied, kissing him once more before she moved off him. She cast a cleansing spell on them both, then laid back down on the bed as he got up to dress, her head propped up on one arm. He had to stop what he was doing twice to kiss her.

"Go, she finally said against his lips, sitting up to shrug into the robe she'd discarded the night before. "Or I'll lock the Floo and set up wards to keep you here all day." He kissed her quickly one last time, then put on his shoes and moved to the door. He stopped when he reached it and looked back.

"If you need a break later," he said. "You know you're always welcome."

"I do," she replied with a smile. "I'll Floo later, regardless." He nodded and then forced himself to walk down the stairs when he would have much rather stripped off his clothes again and crawled back into bed with her.

Hermione was sitting on the couch, parchment spread out on the coffee table in front of her. She was rereading a note from Margaret when she heard the Floo. Looking up, she saw Harry's face in the fireplace.

"Oh, you're busy," he said.

"I was just getting ready to take a break, actually," Hermione lied. "What's up?" Harry sighed.

"Can I come through?"

"Of course," Hermione said. Obviously, Ron had told Harry. Seconds later, Harry stood in her living room.

"You talked to Ron," Harry said. Hermione nodded.

"You okay?" she asked.

"Yeah," Harry said.

"You don't look it," Hermione said with a small smirk. Harry made a face at her and then threw himself into the armchair. "It's okay to be upset about this, Harry."

"I had no idea," Harry said, "that he wasn't happy."

"I didn't either," Hermione pointed out.

"But you don't work with every day, do you?"

"No," Hermione conceded.

"I'm a horrible friend."

"You are not," Hermione said. "I think he kept it hidden from everyone, except maybe George."

"Susan knew," Harry replied. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Well, of course, Susan knew. If it had been you, Ginny probably would have known before you did." Harry snorted. Hermione stood from the couch and walked over to the large armchair, perching herself on the arm.

"Are you okay with this?" she asked.

"How can I not be, Hermione. I don't want him to stay in a job he doesn't like."

"I know that, but how do you feel about it?" Harry shrugged.

"Going to be strange, is all," Harry said. "I've seen him nearly every day since we were eleven." Hermione gave him a commiserating smile. That had been the hardest thing about deciding to go back to Hogwarts without the boys the year before. It definitely hadn't been the same without them there and she'd missed them terribly.

"You still live together," Hermione pointed out.

"Yeah, but I'm getting married soon," Harry said. "Gin and I have been talking about finding a house somewhere with some land around it. You know, for Quidditch."

"Or for all the little Potters you plan on having," she teased. Harry's cheeks colored.

"Yeah, that too. But I thought at least Ron and I would still see each other at work." Hermione ran a hand over his messy hair. "I mean, I'm happy for Ron, really," Harry said.

"You just wish things didn't have to change?"

"Yeah," Harry said with a sigh.

"We're adults now, Harry. It was bound to happen sometime."

"Yeah, well, sometimes being an adult sucks." Hermione laughed.

"That is very true." Harry reached up and grabbed her hand. She smiled down at him. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yeah," Harry said, returning her smile.

"Ron's going to be much happier working with George."

"I know. Thanks for listening to me whine."

"What are sisters for?" she asked. Harry smiled and stood from the chair. He hugged her tightly.

"I'll let you get back to work," he said, kissing her cheek. "We'll see you Sunday?" Hermione nodded. Harry walked back to the Floo.

"Love you, Hermione."

"Love you too, Harry."

7 May 2000

Remus opened the window for the large owl that was fluttering outside. They had finally had the mail wards lifted just before the Anniversary. He still received letters about Hermione sometimes, but at least the Howlers had stopped. Remus didn't recognize the owl, so he cast a protection spell on his hands before taking the letter from its leg. The owl accepted the bit of bacon Remus gave him from the breakfast plates, then turned and took flight, disappearing out the window again.

Remus turned the envelope over and immediately dropped it on the kitchen table as he saw Andromeda's name on the front. He hadn't recognized the owl and he didn't know the handwriting either. Raising a ward on the doorway from the kitchen to the living room to keep Andromeda or Teddy from walking in, Remus began scanning the letter.

"Remus?" Andromeda said in confusion as she tried to walk into the kitchen but was stopped by the ward.

"Stay there," Remus said grimly, still going through his series of scanning spells. From the corner of his eye, he saw Andromeda turn and cast something at Teddy, presumably a shield. When Remus finished and realized the letter was clean, he blew out a breath.

"It's all right," he said and he dropped the ward. Andromeda dropped the shield around Teddy and then walked into the kitchen.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Post for you." She looked up at him in surprise. She didn't get much post, a note from Narcissa or Molly now and then. But Remus would have recognized either woman's handwriting. Andromeda stared at the letter but didn't move to touch it.

"Do you want me to open it?" Remus asked.

"Oh, I, no," she finally said, reaching for it herself. She slit open the envelope and pulled out the letter inside. Remus saw her eyes jump to the bottom as she unfolded the parchment. "It is from the Minister."

"Kingsley?" Remus said. Andromeda smirked.

"He is the Minister," she said as she began to read. Remus couldn't imagine why Kingsley would be writing to Andromeda. Remus' mind immediately went back to the day of the memorial service and the long conversation that Kingsley and Andromeda had been immersed in. He watched her as she read it, her face giving nothing away. When she finished reading, she folded the parchment up and put it in the pocket of her robes. Remus waited for a few moments, but she didn't say anything.

"What does he want?" Remus finally asked, unable to help himself.

"He has invited me to dinner," she said. Remus' eyes widened.

"Dinner," he repeated. "He's asked you on a date?"

"Of course not," Andromeda replied, laughing. "The Ministers from France and Germany are coming for a visit and bringing their wives. Kingsley asked if I would mind having dinner with them, so as to even out the numbers."

"That sounds like a date," Remus said. Andromeda laughed again.

"Darling, it is a formal dinner. Kingsley knows I am aware of the protocol for that. Merlin knows it was pounded into my skull enough throughout my entire childhood."

"So, you're doing him a favor?"

"Something like that," Andromeda said. Remus nodded, then realized how surprised and somewhat accusatory he'd sounded. Andromeda's life was her business. If she wanted to date Kingsley or anyone else, she could. Hadn't she accepted Hermione with open arms?

"Well, if it were a date, I think that's wonderful." Andromeda smiled.

"It is not a date," she reiterated. "I do not know if I am, or will ever be, ready for that. But thank you." She squeezed Remus' arm and walked back into the living room. Remus leaned against the doorframe, watching as she ran a hand over the top of Teddy's head, smiling as the little boy grinned up at her. Andromeda deserved to have someone in her life, someone besides Remus and Teddy.

8 May 2000

Hermione settled into the meeting room with Margaret, waiting for the rest of the team to arrive. Hermione was nearly vibrating with excitement to share her news. Margaret had news of her own, but she had elected to wait to share it until everyone else was present. She had asked Hermione to do the same.

Hermione wasn't sure she could wait. She had spoken to Harry the night before at the Weasley dinner about the Wolfsbane problem with the sanctuary. He had immediately offered to fund the entire thing.

"Harry, that's an awful lot of money," Hermione said. "A donation would be fine.

"Hermione, you don't realize how much money I actually have," Harry said. "The Black vaults alone could do it with plenty left over. And then there's the Potter vaults as well."

"Potter vaults?" Hermione questioned. She had been with Harry to his vault and while there was a substantial amount of money in it, she didn't think he could fund the whole project indefinitely.

"The one you've seen isn't all of it," Harry said, looking a bit embarrassed. "I haven't even seen everything yet, according to the goblins I've been working with."

"Why are you just now finding out about all of this?" Hermione asked.

"The Potter vaults didn't transfer to me until I came of age," Harry explained. "And we were a bit busy then, yeah?" Hermione snorted at the understatement. "After, I just, I couldn't deal with it right away, you know? And when I finally sat down and started to read some of the things Gringotts was sending me, I was overwhelmed, so I ignored it for a while longer. Plus, they weren't exactly excited to speak with me after all the damage we did breaking out, not to mention the Imperius I used." Hermione could relate. The goblins still glowered at her every time she went into the bank, even after she, Ron and Harry had arranged for the sphinx that they requested to replace the dragon. She supposed Harry had paid for it, as well as the damage they'd done. Hermione avoided the bank as much as possible.

"I'm making regular donations to the orphanage and the war widows fund," Harry said. "I tried to get Andromeda to take some of it, she's a Black after all, but she refused, said she didn't want anything from the family that disowned her. So, I set up a trust fund for Teddy. I'm talking to Minerva about doing some kind of scholarship program for families that can't afford supplies and robes and such. Even if Gin and I both quit our jobs and never worked again, I couldn't spend everything in five lifetimes. I want to do this. My dad and Sirius would want it."

"Most of the rest of the Blacks are probably rolling in their graves," Hermione said.

"All the better," Harry replied with a grin. "And if you need anything else, tell me."

Hermione wouldn't forget the emotion on Remus' face when she told him about Harry's offer. He hadn't been surprised by Harry's generosity, but neither had Hermione. Harry had grown up with nothing. While some would have used the money as an excuse to buy whatever they wanted to make up for what they'd never had, Harry wasn't one of those people. Family and friends had always been more important to him than money.

There were voices outside in the corridor and Hermione looked up as Gwendolyn, Remus and Declan walked in. They all greeted one another, Remus giving Hermione a small smile as he sat down. It was a bit silly, everyone in the room knew they were dating, but keeping things professional at work was important to both of them.

"Hermione, why don't you begin," Margaret said, obviously sensing that Hermione wouldn't be able to keep her news in much longer. Hermione wondered what that meant about Margaret's news. Pushing that thought aside, Hermione told everyone about Harry's offer, met with smiles and excitement all around. Margaret, however, seemed a bit subdued.

"Margaret?" Gwendolyn finally said, when the excitement from Hermione's news had died down. The older woman sighed.

"While Mr. Potter's agreement to supply the Wolfsbane potion is certainly a mark in our favor, I have less encouraging news."

"What is it?" Hermione asked.

"There has been pushback," Margaret said. "From a small section of the Wizengamot. A previously rather influential section of the Wizengamot."

"Not exactly a surprise," Gwendolyn said.

"No," Margaret agreed. "But a problem nonetheless. They have been courting those in the middle, many of whom are either undecided or have issue with parts of our plan. I have heard there was a gathering over the weekend."

"What kind of gathering?" Hermione asked.

"The kind where influence is peddled and promises are made," Gwendolyn said with a sigh.

"Exactly," Margaret replied.

"Are they trying to kill the proposal entirely?" Gwendolyn asked.

"With the exception of the registry, I believe so," Margaret said. "There has also been talk of barring children with lycanthropy from attending Hogwarts."

"Minerva would never let that happen," Hermione insisted.

"She may not have a choice," Margaret said. "As history has proven, the Ministry can interfere at Hogwarts if they choose."

"Maybe when Fudge or Voldemort were in charge," Hermione said. "But Kings-, erm, Minister Shacklebolt would never do that."

"Be that as it may," Margaret replied, choosing to ignore Hermione's slip, "we must prepare for every possibility." Hermione rubbed her forehead with her fingertips. Merlin, she hated politics.

"So, what do we do?" she asked.

"Well, as I said, Mr. Potter's generous donation will definitely help. If we can ensure that the Wolfsbane potion will be available, the sanctuary may be approved."

"I'm sure Harry could cover any Hogwarts students as well," Hermione said quickly.

"Do we know how many there are?" Margaret asked Declan.

"So far, only two," Declan said, looking down at the notes in front of him. "A first-year and a seventh-year." Hermione knew that Will was the first-year, but she had no idea who the other student was.

"Well, adding two students shouldn't be a problem," Margaret said. "That may take care of the Hogwarts issue."

"But without the potion being available to the public at large, they may pull back on the other allowances they've already made," Hermione guessed.

"Unfortunately, yes," Margaret said. Hermione sighed.

"We could still ask for donations," Gwendolyn suggested. "On top of what Mr. Potter is offering, we may be able to help more people."

"But how do we prioritize who gets help without causing resentment?" Hermione asked.

"We could start with those on the registry," Gwendolyn said. "It might give more people an incentive to register."

"Or it may have the opposite effect and keep new registrants away," Remus said, speaking up for the first time.

"How so?" Margaret asked.

"Trust between werewolves and the Ministry was never high to begin with, but it is at an extreme low right now," Remus explained. "If they think the Ministry is trying to bribe them to get them to register, many are going to balk, thinking the Ministry has an ulterior motive." Hermione frowned. As much as she didn't like it, she knew it was true.

"What do you suggest?" Gwendolyn asked. Remus sighed.

"I honestly don't know if there's a good solution here," he said. "Time might be the only answer."

"The longer nothing horrible happens to werewolves that do register, the more that might come in, you mean," Hermione said. Remus nodded.

"The problem is, the Wizengamot wants this registry and they want it now," Margaret said.

"Trying to force registration will not work in your favor," Remus said.

"No, it won't," Margaret agreed. They all sat in silence for a few moments. Hermione's mind went over what she had been thinking about the other day, about the PR campaign. She had dismissed the idea then, but perhaps a slightly different approach would work.

"What about a personal appeal?" Hermione finally asked.

"If you're referring to me," Remus began, but Hermione shook her head.

"No, I wasn't," she replied.

"Although, that might not be a bad idea," Gwendolyn said. Remus looked at her in question. "You're already on the registry, everyone is aware of your status and you're a war hero."

"I am also dating Hermione, an employee of the department trying to pass the legislation," Remus said. "I don't think that would be a point in your favor."

"Hermione's name isn't on the legislation," Gwendolyn countered. Remus opened his mouth to argue, but Margaret interrupted.

"At the risk of being insensitive, Remus is not a typical werewolf. At least not as the Wizengamot sees it."

"Margaret is right," Remus said. "I went to Hogwarts and I've lived in wizarding society all my life. With the exception of the months I spent undercover during the war, I haven't lived in a pack. Those are the werewolves the Wizengamot is targeting with the registry, the ones they are afraid of."

"But you are an example of how those with lycanthropy can live the same kind of life as everyone else in wizarding society," Gwendolyn pressed. Remus stared at her for a moment before he tipped his head in acknowledgement.

"If you feel it would help, I can speak in front of the Wizengamot."

"Hermione, what were you thinking?" Margaret asked.

"A mother," she said.

"Explain," Margaret said.

"A mother whose child was taken from her by Voldemort and given to the werewolves because her husband refused to help the Death Eaters. A mother who lost her husband during the war but got her child back. A child that is now a werewolf. A mother that just wants that child to have the same opportunities as his siblings regardless of his lycanthropy." Hermione glanced at Remus. He was looking down at the tabletop, but she could tell that he didn't think it was a good idea.

"You have someone in mind, I assume?" Margaret asked.

"Yes," Hermione said. "If you think it would help, I'll speak with her. But I can't promise she'll do it."

"You would out her entire family," Remus said, his voice tight.

"Will is already on the registry," Hermione said quietly.

"The contents of which are unknown to anyone except Gwendolyn and Declan," Remus said, clearly upset.

"I know," Hermione replied. "Which is why I said I couldn't promise anything. But, Remus, regardless of how Minerva decides to handle students with lycanthropy, it won't stay a secret forever. Your friends figured it out when they were only twelve." He glared at her for a moment, then looked away. Hermione bit her lip but turned back to the rest of the people in the room.

"Would it help?" Hermione asked. Margaret pursed her lips.

"It could very well sway those in the middle, yes."

"Then I'll speak to her."

"Remus," Hermione called as Remus strode toward the door. There hadn't been much left to discuss after Hermione's suggestion and the meeting had adjourned soon after. Gwendolyn and Declan had already left, but Margaret was still in the room. Remus contemplated pretending he hadn't heard Hermione call his name. He was angry that she would even think about putting Caroline Burke in that position. Still, he paused in the doorway.

He glanced over his shoulder and saw Margaret gathering up her notes. She looked from him to Hermione and quickened her movements.

"No one else is using the room until this afternoon," she said as she left, closing the door behind her.

Remus and Hermione stood in silence. She finally moved around the table towards him.

"I know you're upset with me," she said.

"Do you know what kind of position you are going to put her in?" Remus demanded.

"I'm not going to force her to do anything," Hermione protested.

"But, by asking, you are forcing her to choose between Will and the rest of her family."

"Will is part of her family."

"Hermione, you don't understand," Remus said in irritation.

"Then explain it to me," she snapped.

"Right now, very few people know that Will is a werewolf. They're isolated where they live, there's no real chance of anyone finding out. But the moment that Caroline Burke speaks in front of the Wizengamot, everyone will know. You'll put a burden on Will before he even starts Hogwarts. He'll be shunned by some, ridiculed by others, feared by many. His brother will face the same fate. Rachel will likely escape some of it as she finishes school this year, but it will still follow her. She may lose jobs or friends because of what her brother is."

"What her brother is?" Hermione repeated. "Remus, he's a twelve year old boy. He's not Greyback."

"But others won't see that, Hermione!" Remus shouted. "Don't you understand? They will look at him and see Greyback and only Greyback." Hermione's brow furrowed.

"Where is this coming from Remus?" she asked. Remus sighed and raked a hand through his hair.

"What do you think the Wizengamot is going to assume when they find out Will lived with a pack for four years?"

"Will is a child," Hermione retorted. "He didn't fight for Voldemort."

"No, but others in his pack did. And that's what the Wizengamot and everyone else will see."

"You don't know that," Hermione protested.

"Why do you think my father constantly moved us when I was a child?" Remus asked.

"I thought he was afraid of anyone finding out about your lycanthropy."

"That was part of it, yes," Remus said. "But it was also so Greyback wouldn't find me. My father knew that if I were taken back to the pack, not only would they never see me again, but I would become just like Greyback. It's why he bit children, so he could take them and train them and mold them the way he wanted them to be. That's what everyone will see when they find out about Will." Hermione was quiet for a moment.

"But Greyback was never Will's alpha," she finally said.

"That doesn't matter," Remus said. "Michael was Greyback's and while he might not have been as vicious, he is still in Azkaban for fighting for Voldemort." Hermione's eyes widened. "I did a bit of digging after I started working with Will."

"What happened to Ophelia?"

"Dead," Remus said. Hermione sighed.

"I understand everything you're saying and I'll be sure to explain all of that to Caroline when I talk to her. I am not going to force her, Remus. And I'll be sure that she understands that I won't feel any differently about her and Will if she decides not to speak. But if there's a chance that what she says will sway people in our favor, shouldn't we take it?" He stared at her for a few moments before he spoke again.

"Less than two months ago, you accused me of thinking of the 'greater good' when we spoke about Gwendolyn's transfer to the Pest Advisory Board," he said, his voice low and hard. "But isn't that exactly what you're doing now? Sacrificing one for only the possibility of the good of the rest?" Hermione's mouth dropped open. Remus stared at her for a few moments before he turned on his heel and left the conference room, ignoring the stab of guilt at the look of hurt on her face.

A/N 2 - In case you need a refresher on the incident Remus is referring to here, it occurs in Chapter 52 on March 24.