A/N - I really wanted to get Andromeda and Kingsley's dinner into this chapter, but it just didn't happen. It will be in the next chapter for sure though. I'm glad so many of you are excited about it. :) Thanks so much for continuing to read and review!

Chapter 73

Advocate

8 May 2000

Hermione stared at the spot where Remus had just been, completely shocked by what had just happened. She slowly lowered herself into one of the chairs, hurt coursing through her at his last words to her. Was that what she was doing? Outing Will to try and make things better for everyone else, regardless of what it would do to Will and his family? Wasn't that exactly the reason she had pushed away thoughts of the PR campaign, because she didn't want to force anyone to make their status public? Hermione put her face in her hands, hating herself.

She never wanted to hurt Will or his family. They had been through more than enough. She just wanted him and the rest of the children like him to have a chance, the same chances that any magical child in their society had. Hermione was doing the best she could, facing ridiculous prejudice and preconceived ideas. Bringing Caroline Burke to speak before the Wizengamot was the only way she could think of to change that.

That thought stilled her. She was only trying to fight for the same rights for those with lycanthropy. She wasn't going to force anyone to speak or manipulate them into it. Maybe there were people that would want to talk to the Wizengamot if they knew that it could help make their lives better.

Remus was right about one thing. The terror that Greyback and his followers had caused during the war was what most people would think about when presented with someone who was a werewolf. However, that was exactly the point of her proposal, to change people's minds and show them that just because someone was a werewolf, it didn't mean they were a vicious monster. The best way to do that was to have those affected speak out.

She understood that Remus had been taught to be ashamed of what he was. His parents' constant moving and forbidding him to tell anyone about his condition assured that. He was taught that he wasn't as good as everyone else, that at any moment, he could snap and hurt someone.

Will shouldn't be ashamed of what he was. It wasn't his fault that he was taken from his family and given to Greyback. His parents were only trying to do what was right and Will was punished for it. That was no one's fault but Voldemort's and the Death Eaters. That's exactly what Hermione wanted to change and if Remus couldn't understand that, then they had a definite problem.

Her hurt had given way to irritation. She had thought that after everything that had happened, Remus was past all this. He had been awarded the Order of Merlin for god's sake. Minerva was hiring him to teach again. He had a son, a circle of friends and he had her. He knew that she loved him, that she didn't care about the fact that he was a werewolf. She couldn't understand why he still fell back into old excuses.

Sighing, Hermione stood and left the conference room, heading back to her office. She would need to speak to Caroline tonight as the presentation was Wednesday. Taking a detour, she walked towards the lifts instead, intending to head to the mail room. She would send Caroline an owl to see if it was all right to stop by after work.

"Are you going to tell me what is bothering you now?" Andromeda asked when she had come back downstairs after putting Teddy down for his nap. Remus sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face. He had been upset since he got home from the Ministry. He had tried to keep it from Andromeda and Teddy, but apparently, he hadn't been successful.

"It's this proposal," he said.

"Did the meeting not go well?"

"It's not that." He sighed again. "Hermione and I had a difference of opinion."

"Ah," Andromeda said, as if that explained everything.

"She doesn't understand."

"Understand what?"

"What it's like," Remus said.

"I assume you mean having lycanthropy," Andromeda said, brow furrowed.

"Of course, that's what I mean," Remus retorted. At her narrowed eyes, he sighed again. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for."

"I think you should explain what happened." Remus gave her a synopsis of the meeting, as well as the argument between him and Hermione afterward.

"I don't understand how she could ask Caroline to do that after everything they've been through," Remus finished, shaking his head. Andromeda remained silent and Remus looked finally looked over at her. "You don't have any input on this?"

"I do not think that you will like what I am going to say," she said. Remus stared at her for a moment. Did she not understand what he'd just said?

"You think Hermione is right?" he asked incredulously.

"I think you are letting your past cloud your judgement," she said.

"My past?" Remus repeated. "Of course, my past affects my judgement! I'm a werewolf!"

"Remus," Andromeda said gently. "You spent all of your childhood hiding what you were." He scowled at her.

"Of course, I did, Andromeda. Did you miss the part where I said I was a werewolf?"

"Do not give me that look," she said sharply. "Just sit there and listen." He was so taken aback, he simply stared at her, mouth agape.

"I understand why your parents did what they did when you were a child. They thought they were protecting you. But it taught you to be ashamed Remus. Ashamed of something that was not your fault." He couldn't help the heat that rose to his cheeks. "And that shame shaped every interaction you had. You hid your condition from your friends at school. Even after they found out, you were afraid that one day they would change their minds about you."

"How long did it take you to tell Lily Potter about your lycanthropy?" Andromeda asked. Remus looked away, swallowing thickly, regretting that he had told Andromeda this story. Lily had been one of his first friends, even before James and Sirius and Peter. But he had never confided in her. It wasn't until a few months after they'd finished school and James and Lily moved in together that James had convinced him that Lily needed to know. James couldn't disappear every full moon without his girlfriend suspecting something. When Remus had finally gotten up the courage to tell her, she had already known. She had figured it out third year after they had studied werewolves.

"That shame followed you into adulthood," she continued. "It kept you from relationships, from employment, even from friendships, I would guess." Remus looked down at his lap. "It was not until my very determined daughter came into your life that you even considered that you might be worth something." His face colored again.

"Do you want Will to feel that same shame?"

"Of course, I don't," Remus said. "But that's not the point."

"I think it is exactly the point," Andromeda said. "One of the purposes of Hermione's proposal is to change people's minds about how they see werewolves, yes?"

"Yes," Remus said, unsure where she was going with this.

"Then why should she not give them a chance to fight for it if they so choose?"

"I just don't want Will or his mother to have to carry that burden," Remus said.

"Darling, they are already carrying it," Andromeda replied. Remus looked down at his lap again. He knew she was right. But he couldn't help but look at Will and see himself at twelve. He would have been horrified had everyone known that he was a werewolf. And that, he supposed, was exactly what Andromeda was trying to say. He had been taught to be ashamed and Will shouldn't be put through the same thing.

"This war," Andromeda said, leaning forward and putting a hand on his arm. "It took so much from so many. It is time that stopped." When Remus looked up, her eyes were bright. He took her free hand in his and gave it a squeeze. After a few minutes, he sighed and let go of her hand. He raked a hand through his hair.

"I was a complete arse, wasn't I?" he asked.

"If you are referring to Hermione, then yes, I am afraid that you were," she said, amusement in her eyes. He groaned.

"She'll probably never forgive me."

"Do not be ridiculous, Remus. The woman loves you." He stood from the couch.

"I should go back to the Ministry and apologize."

"You should do no such thing," Andromeda said. He looked at her in confusion. "You need to apologize, yes, but wait until she gets home."

"But-" Remus began. Andromeda gave him a quelling look.

"Do you really think this is something she would want to discuss at work?" He sighed.

"No, no, you're right," he said. "I'll wait until she gets home."

"Just so," Andromeda said. She rose from her chair, but Remus took her hand before she could walk away.

"Thank you," he said. She smiled and patted his cheek.

"You just need a bit of reminding, sometimes." He laughed and hugged her, then kissed her cheek.

Hermione came through the Floo into her living room. She sighed as she set her bag down on the chair and shrugged out of her outer robes. When she hadn't heard back from Caroline by the end of her workday, Hermione had come home. She had hesitated for a moment in front of the Floo, contemplating going to Remus' instead. In the end, she decided against it. She couldn't expend the energy she was going to need in making him understand when she needed to talk to Caroline tonight as well.

She had thought about it all afternoon and while she was still upset that Remus had said what he did, she did understand. Asking Caroline to speak to the Wizengamot was a big decision. It would immediately make Will's status public, although just before she'd left for the day, Hermione thought that she might have found a way around that. She needed to check with Margaret in the morning to be sure.

Just as Hermione was about to flop down onto her couch, there was a tapping at the back door. Turning to look over her shoulder, she saw an owl hovering outside. It was likely Caroline's response. She walked to the back door and opened it, gasping when she saw more than the owl outside her door.

"Hello, Hermione," Remus said. He was sitting on the bench next to her back door.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.

"I was waiting for you," Remus said. The owl, obviously tired of waiting for Hermione to take the letter, flew over her head and into the house. Hermione stared at Remus for a few seconds before she turned and followed the owl inside, leaving the back door open.

After she'd removed the letter from the owl's leg and given him a treat, he turned and flew out the open back door. Remus still hadn't come inside. Brow furrowed, she walked over to the door and looked out.

"Aren't you coming in?"

"I thought, under the circumstances, I should wait for you to invite me," he said. Hermione softened a bit as he followed her in. She opened the note from Caroline, who was happy to meet with her at seven. Setting the letter down on the side table, Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Remus.

"I might not have found you out there, you know," she finally said when he didn't speak. "I rarely Apparate home from work anymore."

"I know," he said. "I was intending to knock once I heard the Floo. But when the owl arrived, I figured I would just wait." They stood in uncomfortable silence for a few more minutes before Hermione sighed.

"What are you doing here, Remus?" she asked. She really didn't want to get into another argument with him right now.

"I came to apologize," he said. Hermione stared at him in shock. Not because he'd apologized, he'd done that plenty of times in the past. But he had been so adamant at the Ministry, she never thought he'd change his mind.

"What I said was uncalled for and hurtful and I'm sorry." Hermione's eyes narrowed. So, he hadn't changed his mind, he just regretted the words he'd used? She asked him as much. He sighed and sat down on her couch, elbows on his knees, his hands hanging loosely between his legs.

"I've grown protective of Will," Remus continued. "And I don't want to see him hurt."

"Remus, I would never purposely hurt him," Hermione said. "You have to know that."

"I do," Remus assured her. "But that's part of the reason I reacted the way I did."

"What's the other part?" she asked. He sighed again, scrubbing a hand down his face.

"As you know, growing up, I was made to hide my condition," Remus said. "My father was especially terrified that someone would find out. At the time, my mother told me that they didn't want anyone to take me away from them and for her, that's what the fear was about. But, for my father, it was shame. Shame to have a werewolf for a son." Hermione sat down next to him on the couch, aching to pull him into her arms, but refraining for now. "He may never have said it in so many words, but I knew. I'm sure you can imagine what that does to a child." Hermione put a hand on his back. She had suspected of all this, but she was a bit surprised that he had finally acknowledged it.

"I don't want that for Will, for any child, or adult for that matter, that had the misfortune to be bitten." He finally looked at her. "I suppose that I still let that shame color my reaction to some things."

"Remus," she said, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and resting her forehead against his temple. They sat that way for a few moments, Hermione trying to keep a lid on her emotions. Her heart ached for the little boy that had grown up that way.

"I think you should talk to Caroline," he finally said. Hermione pulled back to look at him.

"You do?" she asked.

"Like you said, she doesn't have to agree. And, I'd like to speak as well, I think." She looked at him in surprise once again. He hadn't sounded all that excited about it earlier. "If Gwendolyn thinks it would help, then perhaps she's right."

"What brought all this on?" Hermione asked.

"I'd like to say that I came to it all on my own, but you're not the only very wise witch in my life." Hermione laughed. Of course, Andromeda would have had something to say about it.

He turned and held out an arm to her. She smiled and let herself be pulled into his embrace.

"I'm sorry," he whispered into her hair.

"I'm sorry, too," she said. He pulled back from her slightly, looking at her in confusion.

"What on earth for?"

"What you said before, while not presented in the kindest terms, it was sort of true."

"Hermione, no, I-" but Hermione stopped him, putting her fingers to his lips.

"What I'm asking Caroline to do, it is going to be a sacrifice."

"But you're not forcing her to do it," Remus countered.

"No, but, given our relationship, do you think that she'll be comfortable saying no? She's always told me that I saved Will, gave him back to her. I don't want that gratitude to make her feel like she has to do this."

"We'll make sure she understands she doesn't."

"We?" Hermione questioned. Remus colored.

"That is, if you want me to, erm, no, no of course not, you should go by yourself." Hermione laughed.

"Of course, I want you to come with me," she said. Remus looked sheepish. "Now kiss me." He didn't need to be told twice. When they parted, she sighed and rested her head against his chest.

"I love you," he said.

"Mm, I love you too."

They Apparated to the cottage a few minutes before seven. Remus took Hermione's hand as they walked towards the front door. She gave his hand a squeeze and he smiled at her. After simply holding one another for a while on her couch, they had a bite to eat and Hermione had told Remus about the obscure passage she'd found in a book about Wizengamot rules and bylaws.

In certain cases, a secrecy vow could be invoked during deliberation of a law. Meaning that the members would agree not to discuss what happened in the chamber with anyone outside of it. This was usually used for things pertaining to their society's security, but Hermione hoped that they could use it when Caroline and anyone else spoke during their presentation. That way, while the members of the Wizengamot would know about Will's and anyone else's status, they wouldn't tell anyone about it. When they spoke to Caroline, they would mention it, but stress that she should assume they wouldn't be able to use it.

They knocked on the front door which was quickly opened by Will. He grinned up at Remus and then hugged Hermione.

"How are you?" Hermione asked, feeling guilty that it had been so long since she'd seen him. "Look at you, I think you've grown a foot!"

"He certainly eats as if he has," Caroline said walking up behind Will, Rebecca at her side. Will just smiled sheepishly, quite a difference from his early reactions to Caroline's teasing. It warmed Hermione's heart to see it. "Oh, hello, Remus."

"I hope you don't mind that I brought him with me," Hermione said quickly, realizing that Caroline was only expecting her.

"Of course not," Caroline said. "Come in, both of you."

"How's that assignment going that I gave you?" Remus asked, putting a hand on Will's shoulder. The boy made a face.

"Does it really have to be a whole foot of parchment?" he asked. Hermione pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at the look on Will's face. He reminded her of Harry and Ron groaning about essays.

"I think you're quite capable of that," Remus said, amusement in his eyes. Will huffed. "Just do your best."

"So, what's this all about?" Caroline asked as they reached the living room. Hermione and Remus glanced at each other.

"It might be best if we spoke to you first, without the children present," Remus said. Caroline immediately looked concerned.

"There's nothing wrong," Hermione assured her. Caroline looked at her for a moment, then nodded.

"Will, take your sister up to her room for a bit please."

"C'mon, Becca," he said, taking the little girl's hand.

"Will you play fairies with me?" Rebecca asked, skipping next to him. Hermione saw Will's eye roll and stifled another laugh.

"Yeah, all right," he said. Caroline watched them fondly as they disappeared.

"They seem to be getting along better," Hermione said. Caroline nodded.

"Yes, thank goodness. Can I get you anything to drink?"

"No, we're fine," Hermione said, anxious to get to the reason they'd come. "I'd like to ask you something, but before I do, I want you to know that I do not want you to feel obligated in any way to say yes. It's completely your choice and no matter what you decide, neither of us will feel any differently about you or Will. It's absolutely optional and-" Remus put a hand to Hermione's arm to stop her babbling. Caroline looked completely confused.

"Why don't you just ask her?" he said.

"Right," Hermione said taking a breath. She began by explaining the werewolf legislation that her department was trying to get passed. As she finished with the new objections by the small faction of the Wizengamot, Hermione could see that Caroline's hope had faded to irritation and then anger.

"These are children they're talking about, not hardened criminals," Caroline said in response to Hermione's statement that there was talk of banning children with lycanthropy from attending Hogwarts.

"That brings me to what I'd like to ask," Hermione said. She looked up at Caroline. "We thought that a personal story from a mother might help sway the vote."

"And I assume you'd like me to be that mother," Caroline said.

"Only if you want to," Hermione said quickly. "As I said, I don't want you to feel pressured."

"You're asking me to announce in front of the Wizengamot that my child has lycanthropy."

"Yes," Hermione said quietly. Caroline sat in silence, looking down at her lap for a few minutes.

"I'm not ashamed of him," Caroline finally said.

"Of course, you're not," Hermione replied. She had never thought that.

"And I know that people will find out eventually. But announcing it on my own," she shook her head. "I don't know about that."

"There is a small possibility that the members of the Wizengamot could take a secrecy vow," Hermione said. "I'm not promising anything because I only just came across the rule this evening, but I plan to speak to my boss about it in the morning. I don't want that to color your decision though. You should assume that we can't use it." Caroline nodded.

"Tell me honestly, what do you think the chances of your proposal passing without me speaking?"

"I really don't know," Hermione said. "This is the second go round. The first time, they approved a few things, but denied the rest. This time, there's talk of pulling back from some of what they've already approved plus more. All I know for sure is that nearly everyone wants the registry." Caroline scoffed at that.

"Of course, they do," she said scornfully. "What better way to be able to blame innocent people for crimes they didn't commit?"

"I know it likely doesn't help, as everyone already knows what I am," Remus said. "But I plan to speak as well." Hermione leaned forward and put a hand on Caroline's arm.

"Think about it," she said. "You don't have to give us an answer tonight. Talk to Will about it if you think you should."

"When would you need to know?"

"The presentation in Wednesday morning," Hermione said as Caroline's eyes widened. "I'm sorry for the late notice, we just found out about this group this morning."

"Hermione, even if I wanted to speak, I don't think that's going to work," she said. "What would I do with the children? I wouldn't want to bring them with me into all of that." Hermione bit her lip in thought.

"I'll have to check with her, but I'd bet that Ginny could do it," Hermione said. "She doesn't go back to Wales until the weekend."

"And if Ginny isn't available, I am sure that my mother-in-law would be happy to mind them," Remus said.

"Thank you both," Caroline said, a bit of emotion in her voice.

"Please, Caroline, don't think you have to do this because you owe me or Remus something," Hermione said. "We want this to be your decision. Do what's best for your family." Caroline nodded. She asked a few more questions and then called the children back into the room. Hermione chatted with Will while Rebecca sat herself in Hermione's lap. Hermione waved off Caroline's admonishment, splitting her attention between the two children as she listened to everything they'd been up to since the last time she'd seen them.

"Do you think Harry would take us to another match?" Will asked.

"Will," his mother scolded. "You can't just ask things like that." Will looked confused.

"Why not?"

"You hafta wait to be 'vited, Will," Rebecca replied sagely. Hermione heard Remus chuckle behind her. "It's p'lite."

"Oh," Will said, his face reddening. Hermione put her arm around his shoulders.

"It's all right," she said. "I'm sure Harry would love to have you at another match. There's always room." Will smiled at her. Hermione looked down at Rebecca. "What about you, little miss? Do you want to see Quidditch this time?" Rebecca rolled her eyes.

"Quidditch is boring." Will looked at his sister indignantly, as Hermione snorted out a laugh.

"You're mental," Will said to the little girl.

"I am not!" Rebecca insisted. "Mummy, Will called me mental."

"Will," Caroline said, fighting a smile.

"Mum, it's Quidditch," Will justified.

"What have I told you?" Caroline asked. Will sighed.

"Not everyone likes the same thing," he said. "Sorry, Bec." Rebecca stuck her tongue out at her brother before snuggling back into Hermione.

"On that note, I think it's bedtime," Caroline said.

"I'll be good," Rebecca immediately said. Hermione and Remus laughed.

"Actually, Remus and I have to be going anyway," Hermione said. She set Rebecca down on the floor and stood from the couch. She hugged Rebecca and then Will. "I promise I won't stay away so long next time, okay?" Will nodded.

"And I will see you on Thursday," Remus said, clapping Will on the shoulder. "With that foot of parchment."

"Yes, sir," Will said begrudgingly.

"You two head upstairs, I'll be there in a minute," Caroline said. She waited until the two children had gone upstairs to speak. "I will think about what you said and let you know tomorrow."

"All right," Hermione said. She reached over to hug the older woman. "Thank you for considering it." Caroline nodded. Remus made his good-byes as well and they left the cottage.

"What do you think she'll decide?" Hermione asked as they walked towards the Apparition point.

"I don't know," Remus said honestly. "But don't fret about it, love."

"Easier said than done," Hermione replied. Remus chuckled. He wrapped his arms around her, kissed her lightly, then turned, Disapparating.

10 May 2000

Hermione took a deep breath as she walked into the Wizengamot chambers. Despite the small gains they had made over the last two days, Hermione still wasn't sure how this was going to go.

After speaking to Margaret about the secrecy rule, Margaret had immediately met with Kingsley and the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Their debate over the rule had lasted for over an hour, but ultimately it was invoked only for the portion of the proceedings where citizens would be speaking. Caroline had agreed to speak before she knew about the decision, something Hermione was eternally grateful for. She still felt a bit guilty about asking the woman at all but knowing that the Wizengamot members wouldn't go spreading Will's status to all and sundry made her feel much better. It wasn't like the Unbreakable Vow, no one would die, or even suffer any injury, if they spoke about Will, but vows, oaths and honor were extremely important to wizards, especially in the Pureblood set. Hermione felt fairly confident that no one would go against it.

The small group that was trying to sway opinions had, apparently, not been able to convince as many as they had wanted to. Most in the middle were waiting to see what Margaret's department came up with before making a decision. Still, Hermione knew that it could go either way at this point.

She had spent the last half hour sitting with Caroline and Remus who were not going to be allowed into the chamber until it was their turn to speak. Caroline was outwardly nervous, pacing and going over what she was going to say quietly under her breath. Hermione could tell that Remus was a bit tense as well, although he was much better at hiding it. Even though everyone knew he was a werewolf, standing up in front of their governing body and announcing it was something else entirely.

Hermione climbed the stone steps and slid into a seat next to Gwendolyn and Declan. A few minutes later, Harry joined them. Given Ron was quitting in a week, he no longer had clearance to attend Wizengamot proceedings. Harry took one look at her and grabbed her hand giving it a squeeze.

"Relax, Hermione," he murmured. "It's going to be fine."

The Wizengamot finally filed into the room. She scanned their faces as they sat down, trying to read body language and facial expressions. She could tell almost immediately who was in the group trying to sabotage the proposals. The sneers and bored looks were easy to read. Harry squeezed her hand again and Hermione realized she'd gone rigid, her shoulders tense with anger. She sat back in her chair and tried to relax.

Kingsley and the Chief Warlock were last to enter. After they were seated, the Chief Warlock called everyone to order and then gave Margaret permission to begin. Things ran smoothly at first, but as soon as Margaret brought up the sanctuary, she was interrupted.

"You have still included the sanctuary in your second proposal but have made no mention of providing the Wolfsbane potion."

"If you would allow me to continue, we have come up with a solution to that," Margaret said, her voice clipped.

"By all means," the wizard said, condescendingly. He reminded Hermione very much of Lucius Malfoy.

"Mr. Harry Potter has generously agreed to provide funds to cover the cost of the potion for those that choose to use the sanctuary for their transformations," Margaret said. "Any students at Hogwarts that are affected by lycanthropy will be provided for similarly."

An immediate murmuring broke out among the Wizengamot members. Hermione had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing at the expression on the wizard's face. Harry squeezed her hand again.

"Excuse me, but how can we be sure that Mr. Potter can continue to provide the potion consistently?" another wizard asked. "If the sanctuary is approved, how do we know that a year from now, funds will not dry up?" Harry didn't even try to hide his snort.

"While Mr. Potter's gift is extremely generous and welcome, it is our intention to continue to contact other donors to help with the cost. We have already received a few donations to this end."

"That didn't answer my question," the man said. "And there is no guarantee that you will get others to donate."

"I don't think that Mr. Potter's financial status is on trial here, nor is it any of your business," another member said.

"On the contrary," the first wizard argued. "If we are to approve such a sanctuary, we need to know for certain that the potion will continue to be provided." Harry let go of Hermione's hand and stood.

"Chief Warlock, Minister, if I may?" Harry said. Kingsley immediately waved Harry forward, although there were complaints about procedure as he walked down the steps.

"I assure the Wizengamot that I have more than sufficient funds to cover this endeavor," Harry said when he reached the front. "For as long as they are needed."

"How can we be sure?" the first wizard sneered.

"I have no plans to provide you with a financial statement, if that's what you're asking," Harry said snidely. "However, I think that many of you are familiar with my father's family and their extensive holdings, as well as Gringotts' talent for growing wealth." There were murmurs and the nodding of heads amongst many of the Pureblood crowd. "My godfather also left me a considerable sum. I will have no problem providing the potion for the sanctuary, no matter how large it gets or how long it is in existence. The same applies to students at Hogwarts." With a nod to Kingsley and the Chief Warlock, Harry turned and walked back up the stairs. Hermione grinned at him when he sat down.

As the first wizard opened his mouth to protest again, Kingsley held up a hand for quiet.

"I think Mr. Potter has covered the issue of funds quite thoroughly, thank you. Let's move on."

When Margaret finished her presentation, Kingsley turned to the Wizengamot.

"We will now hear from two members of the community whom these laws will affect," Kingsley said. "Because of the sensitive nature of what they are going to reveal, we are putting the secrecy vow into effect." There was an immediate uproar. Some of the newer members had no idea what Kingsley was talking about, given the fact that the rule hadn't been used for quite some time. Others who were familiar, were outraged that it would be used in this instance.

"Order! Order!" the Chief Warlock demanded.

"This is not the reason that rule was made," the wizard who had questioned Harry protested.

"Not originally, no," Kingsley agreed. "However, after much discussion between the Chief Warlock and myself, and given the continued prejudice against werewolves, it is our decision to invoke it now."

"Minister, what is this rule?" someone else asked.

"You will vow not to discuss anything you are about to hear with anyone that is not present for the presentation," Kingsley explained. "If you feel you cannot honor that, you may excuse yourself. However, if you are not here for the entire presentation, you may not vote on its outcome." This caused a bit more complaint, but no one left the room and everyone took the vow, albeit some rather grudgingly.

Remus spoke first and Hermione found herself smiling through the entire thing. Harry nudged her once, his eyes dancing with laughter at the goofy grin on her face, but she couldn't help it. This was the first time Remus had ever spoken out about the treatment that werewolves received by both the Ministry and the public in general. She could tell that some were swayed by what he said.

Remus wasn't allowed to stay in the room after he finished speaking, but he caught Hermione's eye and gave her a small smile as he walked out. Caroline was led in and she stepped up to the front of the room, looking nervous. Margaret smiled at her encouragingly and Caroline took a breath, then looked up at the Wizengamot.

"My name is Caroline Burke," she began. "Many of you know who I am and the rest likely recognize the name. During the war, my husband was asked to support You-Know-Who. When he refused, he was told that he would regret it. If he had known what the Death Eaters had in mind, he likely would have taken our family and fled."

"A few weeks later, Death Eaters showed up at our door. They incapacitated all of us and took my son." Caroline's voice broke and she had to take a few moments to compose herself. Hermione could feel the tears forming in her eyes. "They took my son Will and told us we would never see him again. He was seven years old." Hermione saw that everyone looked uncomfortable, many sickened by what they were hearing. "My husband moved us to a remote cottage and spent the rest of his life searching for our son. He was thrown into Azkaban after You-Know-Who took over the Ministry and he died there." Hermione felt a tear roll down her cheek. Harry grasped her hand again.

"A few months ago, Harry Potter showed up at my door with news I never thought I would hear. My son had been found, alive. However, he was now a werewolf." There were a few gasps and horrified looks. "After the Death Eaters had taken Will, he was given to a werewolf pack where he was bitten and turned, with the intention of training him for You-Know-Who's army."

"I was so happy to know that my son was alive, I didn't care about the lycanthropy. Mr. Potter brought Will home to me and it has been an adjustment for both of us. After living with a pack for four years, it has been difficult for him to assimilate to home life again, but we are managing."

"He is being tutored in order to be ready to attend Hogwarts in the fall, something that I have been told may be in jeopardy." She looked up from her notes and met the gaze of a few members of the Wizengamot.

"My son has three siblings, all of whom have or will attend Hogwarts. Why should Will be denied the same opportunity? He is a twelve-year-old boy. He loves Quidditch and flying, being outdoors and playing with his brother. He hates homework, chores and when his little sister forces him to have tea parties." There was a smattering of chuckles and Caroline smiled.

"My son is just like any other magical child, except that once a month, he must take a potion and be locked up while he transforms. This doesn't affect his intelligence or his magical ability in any way. I don't understand why my child should be shunned and punished because of something that happened to him that was beyond his control. Something that was forced on him because my husband chose the right side of the war and dared to go against evil. None of what happened was Will's fault. It wasn't my husband's fault. It was solely the monster that called himself Voldemort." Many flinched when they heard the name and Hermione barely held back an eyeroll.

"If you do not allow my son the same opportunities that every other child in our world has, you are letting Voldemort win. He tried to control all of us with fear and prejudice. I ask you not to let that happen again." Looking at the Wizengamot, Hermione could see that there were quite a few people that were outwardly affected by what Caroline was saying.

"Minister, Chief Warlock, I appreciate the vow of secrecy that everyone here has taken. But, as Will's mother, I release them from their vow. I am not ashamed of my son and I won't hide him away because of what happened. Thank you."

"Thank you, Mrs. Burke," Kingsley said. Caroline nodded once, then hurried from the room. Hermione wanted to follow her, but she also wanted to hear what Kingsley would say.

"Despite the fact that Mrs. Burke has released you from your vow, I request that you still choose to honor it. A child of twelve should not have his life disrupted by reporters and gossipmongers." There were many nods of agreement.

"Deliberation will commence. The Chief Warlock will notify me when you have reached a decision." Kingsley left the courtroom, followed by the court scribe. Those in the gallery stood to leave as Margaret gathered her parchment together.

Once they were outside the chambers, the doors were sealed. The Wizengamot would start deliberating. Hermione wasn't so naïve to think they would have an answer any time soon. After saying good-bye to Harry, Hermione and Margaret, along with Gwendolyn and Declan, made their way to the small side room where Remus and Caroline had been during the presentation. Hermione opened the door to see Remus sitting next to Caroline, his arm around her shoulders. The woman was crying softly.

When Caroline looked up and saw everyone watching her, she reddened and swiped at her eyes with the handkerchief in her hand.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"There's nothing to apologize for," Hermione said as she crossed the room. "I was emotional too."

"I think we all were," Gwendolyn added. She glanced at Declan. "We need to get back to work, but we just wanted to thank both of you for speaking today." Remus inclined his head and Caroline nodded. Gwendolyn and Declan quickly left. Caroline had mostly composed herself and she looked up at Margaret.

"Do you know when you'll hear something?" Caroline asked.

"Unfortunately, no," Margaret said. "It depends on how much they argue with one another." Caroline cracked a smile. Margaret moved across the room to sit on the other side of Caroline. "You released them from their secrecy vow." Remus' eyes widened.

"What I said was true," Caroline replied. "I'm not ashamed of Will."

"The Minister asked them to honor it anyway," Margaret added. "So, hopefully you will not find yourself inundated by reporters." Caroline chuckled.

"Thank you," Margaret continued. "For what you said today. I know that it moved many people."

"Hopefully, it moved them to the right side," Caroline said and Margaret smiled. She looked at Remus. "Thank you, Mr. Lupin. Your status as a war hero will help as well." Hermione could tell that the smile on Remus' face was forced.

"You're welcome," he said.

"Well, I need to get back to the office," Margaret said. "Hermione?"

"I'll be there in a few minutes," Hermione said. Margaret glanced from Hermione to Remus, but must have decided not to say anything, as she simply nodded and left the room.

"I should get home," Caroline said. "Make sure that the kids haven't driven Miss Weasley mad." Hermione laughed.

"Growing up with six brothers, I'm not sure anything could drive Ginny mad." She stepped up to Caroline and took the other woman's hands in hers. "Thank you. For agreeing to this and for everything you said."

"I just want my son to have a chance," Caroline said. Hermione hugged the other woman. Caroline said good-bye to Remus and then left. Hermione turned to Remus and he pulled her into his arms.

"You did very well," she said with a smile.

"Ah, yes, the war hero speaks and everyone listens, even if he is a werewolf."

"Stop that," she said, swatting his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," he said. "It's just the comment from Margaret bothered me more than I thought it would."

"You know that's not the only reason she and Gwendolyn wanted you to speak."

"I know," Remus said with a sigh, pulling her closer to him. "I'm just glad it's over." He kissed her then and she relaxed in his arms, glad that it was over too.

"I have to get back to work," she said regretfully. He smiled at her and kissed her again.

"And I told Teddy I'd be home for lunch."

"I'll see you tonight?" she asked. He nodded.

"Dinner at ours?" he suggested.

"I'll be there." He kissed her once more, then stepped back from her.

"Good-bye, love." She watched him walk out of the room and then followed a few minutes later, going back to her office.

11 May 2000

Hermione walked towards the Auror offices. She and Harry were having lunch today. There had still been no word from the Wizengamot, not that she was surprised. They had taken over a week to decide on the original proposal. Hermione didn't expect this one would take any less time.

She reached to pull open the door to the Auror department at the same time that it swung outward. Hermione stepped back and looked up, apology ready on her lips. The words she was about to say died as she saw who was standing in front of her.

Lucius Malfoy stared back at her, clearly just as surprised as she was. Hermione felt her hand begin to move toward her left arm and she forced it back to her side. She stuck her hand in her pocket and gripped her wand instead.

The former Death Eater looked much healthier than he had during his trial two years ago. The circles under his eyes were gone and while he was always pale, he no longer looked sallow and gray. He had put on a bit of weight, she noticed, the gauntness gone from his cheeks.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, hating how shrill her voice sounded. Malfoy's eyes narrowed and he sniffed.

"I do not believe that I am required to answer to you."

"You're supposed to be locked up in your house."

"Ah, perhaps you have forgotten the date, Miss Granger. My confinement ended today." Hermione pulled her hand from her pocket, wand in hand. She let her arm hand loosely by her side, but Malfoy did not miss the action. She saw his jaw clench, but he didn't say anything.

"Now, if you will excuse me." He walked past her, snakehead cane tight in his grip as he moved toward the lifts. Hermione watched him go, her heart beating a mile a minute.

"Hermione?" Harry said, appearing in the doorway. "I thought we were meeting in your office?" He glanced over her shoulder and grimaced as he saw Malfoy walking away.

"Did you know he was coming here today?" Hermione demanded.

"Yes, that's why I told you I'd pick you up in your office," Harry said. He moved towards her, putting his hands on her upper arms. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," she said, but her hand moved to the word on her arm all the same.

"Are you sure?" Hermione nodded. Harry didn't look convinced. He pulled her into his arms.

"I didn't want you to have to see him today," he said.

"Why was he here anyway?"

"Had to sign some paperwork and have his wand scanned for Dark Magic. You're sure you're all right?" Harry asked pulling back from her.

"I'm fine, Harry." He still looked skeptical, so Hermione plastered a smile on her face and took his hand, pulling him towards the lifts. "Let's eat."

"I know that you do not like to talk about him, but I thought I should remind you that Lucius' house arrest ended today," Andromeda said after they had put Teddy down for his nap. Remus tensed. The last person he wanted to think about was Lucius Malfoy. Remus didn't begrudge Andromeda her relationship with her sister, but Lucius was another story.

"Do you think Hermione will remember the date?" Andromeda asked.

"I don't know," Remus said. "She was quite wrapped up in the proposal. Now that it's done, she's gone back to her research on mind healing." Remus was immediately concerned. After the way Hermione had reacted to Narcissa last month, he had no idea what would happen should she remember about Lucius. Although, the meeting with Narcissa had happened right after they had found out about everything with Warrington and Satterfield, so perhaps it wouldn't affect Hermione as much. And it's not as if she was going to actually see Lucius. She would likely be fine. Still, he would feel better if he knew for sure.

"I'll see her when she gets home from work," Remus said. Andromeda nodded. Remus had never told her specifically about Hermione's scar, but Andromeda was aware of the torture that Hermione suffered at Malfoy Manor. Remus knew that his mother-in-law had been able to put two and two together about Hermione's reaction to Narcissa on Teddy's birthday.

A few minutes after five, Remus picked up the Floo powder intending to see if Hermione was home, when he heard the crack of Apparition outside. Brow furrowed, he went into the kitchen where Andromeda was making dinner.

"You heard that?" she asked. Remus nodded.

"Stay here," he said. "I'll be right back." He drew his wand and opened the back door, warding it behind him when he stepped outside. Looking to the back of the garden, he put his wand back in his pocket when he saw a familiar figure sitting on the swing in the oak tree. Remus hurried towards her.

Hermione didn't look up at his approach, something that immediately gave him pause. She sat on the swing, looking down at the ground. He saw that her knuckles were white where they gripped the ropes.

"Hermione?" he said quietly. When she didn't respond, he squatted down in front of her. "Love?" She raised her head to look at him.

"Did you know that Lucius Malfoy is off house arrest?" she asked, her tone flat.

"Yes," he said.

"I saw him today. At the Ministry." Remus swore under his breath.

"What did he say to you?" Remus immediately asked. If Malfoy had done anything to her, he would regret it.

"Nothing," Hermione said. "I was going to have lunch with Harry and I ran into him outside the Auror Department." She let go of the ropes of the swing and put one arm on her lap, the other covering her scar. Remus reached out and put a hand on top of hers.

"Are you all right?" She stared at their hands for a moment, then looked up at him.

"When is this going to stop happening?" she whispered. Remus tucked a curl behind her ear.

"What, love?"

"When am I going to stop reliving what happened to me whenever I see one of them?" Remus moved to his knees and wrapped his arms around her. Hermione gripped the front of his shirt. "I couldn't concentrate the rest of the afternoon. I just kept seeing it, seeing her." Remus didn't have to ask to know she was talking about Bellatrix.

"She's gone, Hermione. She can't hurt you." Hermione pulled away from him abruptly.

"I know that!" she said. "I know she's gone. I know why the Malfoys didn't help me, why they couldn't. I know all that, but this still keeps happening to me!" She had gone from upset to enraged. Remus sat back on his heels as Hermione jumped up from the swing. She began to pace in front of the oak tree. Remus slowly got to his feet.

"Hermione," he began, but she cut him off.

"I'm not scared of them," she said defiantly.

"I know you're not," he replied. "Just listen to me for a minute." She stopped pacing and crossed her arms over her chest, glaring. He knew she wasn't angry with him, but the situation.

"Your last year in school, you saw Draco quite often, didn't you?" he asked. Hermione nodded. "And did you have this reaction every time?"

"I had nightmares at first," she admitted. That was something Remus hadn't known. "But no, just that time we dueled and I saw the Dark Mark."

"What about Narcissa?" he asked.

"I've only seen her twice," Hermione said quietly. "Once in Flourish and Blotts and then on Teddy's birthday. But I reacted this way to her both times."

"When you saw her at Teddy's birthday, you were having nightmares. That was a horrible week for all of us, you were under quite a bit of stress." Hermione nodded. "What about at Flourish and Blotts?"

"I was with Annie, David and Claire," Hermione said. "We were school shopping. I wouldn't call that stressful."

"Not in the same way that things during Teddy's birthday were stressful, but I'm sure you had mixed feelings about returning to school."

"I did," Hermione agreed.

"Not to mention feeling protective of Claire, David and Annie." Hermione nodded again. "And this was the first time you'd seen Lucius, correct?"

"Yes," Hermione said.

"You can't tell me that this past week hasn't been stressful with the presentation."

"What are you trying to say, Remus?" He moved towards her and pulled her into his arms again.

"I'm saying, I don't think that this is going to keep happening every time. You didn't continually have this reaction to Draco. And I don't think that you'll keep having this reaction to the other Malfoys either." He kissed her forehead. "Don't be so hard on yourself." She sighed and relaxed against him, her cheek against his chest.

"I'm supposed to be a Gryffindor," she said.

"That doesn't mean you never feel afraid," he said. She sighed again and he ran a hand up and down her back, continuing to soothe her.

"Thank you," she finally said. He kissed the top of her head.

"Why don't you come inside?" he suggested. "I think there's someone there that can most definitely make you forget all your troubles." Hermione laughed.

"He is rather good at that," she agreed. She looked up at Remus. "He must get it from his father." Remus smiled and then leaned down to kiss her.

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

"I love you too," he replied. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her inside the house, Teddy's shout of 'My-nee!' making them both laugh.