A/N - I am so happy that everyone seems to be loving Andromeda/Kingsley! More from Andromeda's POV in this chapter. I am having too much fun writing them not to. Lots of fluff in this chapter too, just a little bit of plot, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 75

Court

15 May 2000

Andromeda read through the note again, small smile on her face. The owl had arrived while Remus was upstairs getting Teddy dressed for the day. It was from Kingsley, of course, thanking her for the previous evening. He had asked her to dinner again on Friday. She had read the note twice and then sent the owl back without a response.

The full moon was on Thursday and Remus was tired and sore the day after. He would need help with Teddy and Andromeda couldn't just abandon them. Of course, Hermione would be more than happy to come and help with Teddy while Remus rested. Andromeda couldn't really use Remus as an excuse.

So, why then, hadn't she accepted right away? Trying to write it off as Pureblood etiquette, a lady should never look too eager, Andromeda snorted. It had been over thirty years since she had followed any Pureblood courting rules. Ted hadn't known what they were and while he was always respectful and polite, keeping their relationship secret meant that any courting rituals were basically meaningless.

It had nothing to do with Kingsley's actions either. He had been a perfect gentleman the night before and gave her no indication that he expected anything from her that she wasn't ready to give.

There was a bit of guilt, even though she knew that Ted would never have wanted her to spend the rest of her life alone if she found someone who could make her happy. Andromeda laughed wryly as she realized those were nearly the same words she had said to Remus months ago. Remus had said as much to her the other day, but she had brushed it off.

In reality, it was only her own nervousness that kept her from accepting the invitation. She still wasn't sure if she was truly ready for another relationship. But she found herself seriously considering it and that scared her more than anything.

She had been with Ted for almost thirty years. Imagining someone else in his place was difficult, no matter how much she thought she might want it. She knew it was just dinner, Kingsley wasn't proposing to her for Merlin's sake. But the possibility of something lasting was hard to wrap her mind around.

"You look rather serious," Remus said as he walked into the kitchen. Andromeda could hear Teddy digging into his toys in the living room. Remus noticed the parchment in her hand. "Everything all right?"

"Yes, it is a note from Kingsley thanking me for last night," she replied. "And he has asked me to dinner again." Remus smiled.

"That's wonderful."

"I am not sure if I am going to accept."

"Why not?" Remus asked in confusion.

"He wants to have dinner on Friday and that is the day after the full moon."

"I can manage," Remus said. "And I'm sure Hermione would stay to help with Teddy if I asked her." When Andromeda didn't respond, he frowned.

"What is it?" She sighed and shook her head. Remus sat down next to her and took her hand. "It's all right to be scared."

"I don't know why I am having such a difficult time with this," she said.

"Thirty years is a long time," Remus said. "Kingsley understands that."

"He is a good man," she agreed.

"I know I can't tell you what to do," Remus said. "But I think you should go." She smiled at him and squeezed his hand.

"Thank you, Remus."

"Daddy!" Teddy called from the other room. Remus rose from the table with a smile. He squeezed her hand once more before he let go and went to join his son.

16 May 2000

Hermione walked to her office with a smile on her face. She had been thoroughly ravished by Remus last night and again early this morning. While she would never complain about their activities in the bedroom, she had to admit that the full moon did have one advantage.

Margaret was standing outside her office when Hermione walked in. Hermione had been trying not to think about the proposal, as much as she had been trying not to think about Rita Skeeter's threat at the Anniversary reception. The fact that there hadn't been an article in the Prophet within a week of the threat had made Hermione relax slightly. But she knew never to count Skeeter out completely.

"Has something happened?" Hermione asked her boss.

"The Wizengamot has come to a decision," Margaret said. Hermione felt the breath leave her. "They will announce it at the beginning of their session this morning." Hermione knew that was at ten o'clock. She also knew that the full Wizengamot did not always sit in on announcements like this. Most of the time, the Chief Warlock met with the department head and gave him or her the decision. Hermione wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. Her worry must have shown on her face because Margaret put a hand on her arm.

"Don't read anything into this, Hermione. It is likely just for convenience sake. They are hearing another proposal this morning." Hermione nodded and tried to will her heart to stop pounding. She had the urge to Floo Remus but decided against it. She wanted to see which way things went before telling him.

"We can walk down together a little before ten."

"All right."

"Try not to worry." Hermione nodded again and walked to her office. Sinking down into her chair, she blew out a breath, knowing that in an hour she would either be extremely happy or extremely upset. She certainly hoped it was the former.

Hoping to distract herself, she pulled a book towards her and opened it, deciding to do some work on her mind healing project. After rereading the same two sentences multiple times and still not taking in a word, she gave up and sat back in her chair. She stared at the ceiling, going through all the possible scenarios and trying to determine just which one the Wizengamot would choose.

Remus was just taking Teddy out of his highchair after lunch when there was a crack outside. He and Andromeda looked at one another, both shaking their heads. Remus handed Teddy to his grandmother and she immediately took him into the living room. Remus drew his wand, walking to the back door. He cast a spell to make a small section of the door transparent and saw Hermione hurrying towards the house. Remus frowned. What was Hermione doing here in the middle of the day?

"It's Hermione," he called to Andromeda. Pulling open the door, he looked at Hermione in concern. When she saw him, he could see that her eyes were shining. Before he could even process what was happening, she ran across the garden and threw herself into his arms. When she started to cry, he hugged her tighter.

"Hermione, what is it? What's happened?" She said something, but it was muffled in his shirt. He pulled her with him back into the house and closed the door, locking it behind them.

"My-nee!" Teddy shouted as he and Andromeda walked back into the kitchen. Andromeda shushed him.

"I didn't hear you, love," Remus said. He was near to panicking. Something must be seriously wrong to bring her here in the middle of the day in this state.

"The proposal," she mumbled. His heart sank. After all the work she'd put in, everything they'd done, it hadn't passed. He shouldn't be surprised, not really. But there was a small part of him that had hoped, well, he just shouldn't have.

"I'm sorry, love," he said, kissing the top of her head. She pulled back slightly and looked up at him, shaking her head. She had a smile on her face despite her tears. He was very confused.

"It passed," she said. Andromeda gasped.

"It passed?" he asked as his eyes widened. She nodded, laughing and crying at the same time. "All of it?"

"Well, most of it," she said, wiping at her eyes. "They're still not supplying the Wolfsbane to everyone, but everything else, yes." Remus stared at her in complete astonishment. "And it was all due to what you and Caroline said. A few of the members told Margaret privately that the personal stories really swayed their decision."

"I can't believe it," Remus breathed. "It really passed?" She brought a hand to his cheek.

"It really passed."

"My-nee," Teddy said again, reaching for her. Andromeda stood immobile, as shocked as Remus was. "Nanna, see My-nee." Remus looked at his son, unable to process what was happening. "Daddy, see My-nee!"

"Remus?" Hermione said in concern. Remus thought he might pass out.

"My-nee!" Teddy said insistently.

"Just a minute, Teddy," Hermione said, grabbing Remus' arm and pulling him to one of the kitchen chairs. She pushed him gently into it, then turned to Andromeda. Remus was vaguely aware of Hermione taking Teddy from Andromeda's arms and leading Andromeda to another chair.

"Oh, Merlin," Andromeda whispered.

"Remus are you all right?" Hermione asked. Remus felt as if she were talking from far away. The blood was pounding through his head and he was having trouble focusing. "Remus!" He felt her hand on his shoulder, pushing his head toward his knees.

"Sit with your nanna, Teddy," Hermione said and Teddy made a noise of complaint. Hermione appeared in front of Remus, kneeling on the floor, taking his hands in hers. "Breathe, Remus." He took in a gulp of air and his vision started to clear. Hermione continued to hold his hands as his breathing returned to normal. He finally sat up, but she was still looking at him in concern.

"I'm fine," he said. He looked at Andromeda who had tears on her cheeks.

"Why cy, Nanna?" Teddy asked, brushing her cheek with one of his hands. "You gots an owts?" She just laughed and hugged him to her. Teddy wrapped his arms around her neck.

Remus looked down at Hermione and grabbed her hand, pulling her to her feet and then into his lap. Not caring that his mother-in-law and son were sitting right next to them, Remus kissed her for all he was worth.

"Daddy tiss My-nee!" Teddy said with a giggle. Remus laughed and pulled away, resting his forehead against Hermione's.

"Teddy, we still need to wash your hands," Andromeda said, finally recovering enough to give them a bit of privacy.

"You are the most brilliant witch I have ever known," Remus said once they'd gone. "I love you." She laughed and kissed him again.

"I love you too. But I didn't do this all myself you know. If you and Caroline hadn't spoken up, it probably wouldn't have passed."

"I'm sure that had more to do with Caroline than with me," Remus said.

"Don't discount your part in this," she admonished. "Yes, Caroline's speech was very powerful, but yours was just as important for different reasons." He finally nodded his head in acknowledgement. She sat wrapped up in his embrace until Teddy raced back into the room.

"My-nee, you pay!" he insisted. She smiled and stood from Remus' lap, bending to pick Teddy up.

"I have to go back to work," she said apologetically. Teddy pouted. "Besides, isn't it almost time for your nap?"

"No nap," Teddy said.

"Oh, yes, nap," Andromeda said. "But would you like to invite Hermione to have dinner with us tonight? I think we have a bit to celebrate."

"My-nee, you have dinner?"

"I would love to have dinner with you," Hermione said, rubbing her nose with Teddy's. Teddy giggled again and then willingly went to his grandmother. After a kiss from his father, Andromeda carried the little boy upstairs to his room.

Remus took Hermione's hand and walked her to the Floo.

"What happens now?" he asked.

"Well, the logistics of everything haven't been figured out," Hermione said. "That's up to Gwendolyn and Declan now, although I told her that I'd be happy to help if she needed it. I'm sure she's going to want to talk to you again, ask for your input. I think she's going to try and contact a few others on the Registry as well."

"I still can't believe it," Remus said. "I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime." Hermione smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me," she said.

"I do, Hermione. The work you put into this, even just attempting it in the first place, that's," he shook his head. "There aren't many people out there who would want to take this on." She blushed and didn't reply. Remus leaned down and kissed her, softly and sweetly.

"I really have to go," she said reluctantly when they parted.

"I know," he said.

"I'll see you a little after five. Earlier if I can manage it."

"I'm sure Teddy will be waiting anxiously," he said with a smile.

"Just Teddy?" she asked cheekily. He kissed her again, leaving her breathless.

"Does that answer your question?"

"Completely."

19 May 2000

Hermione stepped quietly through the Floo. Andromeda was dozing on the couch, but opened her eyes when Hermione stepped out.

"Good morning," Hermione whispered.

"Hello, Hermione," Andromeda said quietly.

"Go ahead and get some sleep," Hermione said. "We'll be fine down here."

"You know you don't have to do this," Andromeda said. "Especially with you being here again this evening."

"I want to," Hermione replied with a smile. Andromeda didn't argue. Hermione wondered if she was nervous for her date tonight with Kingsley.

"I will see you in a couple of hours then," Andromeda said as she rose from the couch. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Hermione replied. She walked into the kitchen and put the kettle on for tea, then lowered the wards and walked down the stairs to the cellar. Remus was sitting up, leaning against the wall, his robes over his lap. He had his eyes closed, but he opened them when she came down the last step and gave her a half smile.

"Good morning, love."

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"Tired, mostly. Bit sore as usual. It was a rather quiet moon." She walked towards him, bending down to kiss him softly before picking up his robes. She put them over her shoulder and then reached down with both hands to help him up. He groaned and put a hand on the wall to steady himself once he was standing. Hermione helped him into the robes.

"Are you ready to go up?" she asked.

"Just give me a minute," he said. She waited quietly until he nodded, then put an arm around him to help support his weight. He dropped heavily into one of the chairs at the table when they reached the kitchen. Hermione made toast and tea, setting them in front of him a few minutes later. When Remus had finished eating, she helped him upstairs to his bedroom.

"You should try and sleep a bit," he said after she'd rubbed the healing salve into his joints. "Teddy won't be up for another hour or so."

"Don't worry about me," she said. "One early morning isn't going to hurt anything." He grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles, then settled himself in bed. "Sleep and I'll see you tonight after work. Tell Andromeda not to cook, I'm bringing takeaway." Remus nodded, yawning and closing his eyes. She kissed his forehead and then quietly left the room, closing the door behind her. She cast a silencing charm, then set her wand to chime when Teddy woke and made her way downstairs.

Back in the living room, she reset the wards on the Floo and then laid down on the couch. Despite what Remus said, Hermione knew she wasn't likely to sleep. Her thoughts were too consumed with both the werewolf proposal resolution and her new project.

They had already acquired a large piece of land to serve as the werewolf sanctuary. It was mostly wooded, which was fine for their purposes, although they would clear out some of the trees and underbrush, and it was isolated. The closest neighbor was at least ten miles away. It had belonged to an elderly wizard that had died with no heirs. Although he had left all his money and belongings to friends and various charities, he had left his property, including a large manor house, to the Ministry. He had given whoever the current Minister was at the time of his death power to determine what happened to the property, with the stipulation that the Ministry couldn't sell it to profit from it. Kingsley had immediately designated it for the sanctuary's use after touring it. Hermione, Gwendolyn and Declan had seen it two days ago.

A large wall would have to be built, of course, and wards set to both keep the werewolves in and others out during the full moon. But they were hoping they could have it up and running before the next full moon in June. Members of Magical Law Enforcement would be trained to run it and there would a Healer on staff to tend to any injuries the morning after as well.

Right now, the house was in too much of disrepair for any use, something Kingsley had suggested was the reason it was left to the Ministry in the first place. The previous owner probably thought he was saddling the Ministry with an unusable property. But Hermione hoped that they could fix it up and let those that had transformed sleep for a few hours after the sun rose if they so chose, perhaps even offer temporary housing to werewolves that were in need. As it was, they were going to have to at least repair the main floor where the Floo was located so that the werewolves could get to and from the sanctuary. Apparating just after the full moon was just asking to be splinched, not to mention, not everyone could Apparate. All in all, though, Hermione was pleased with the location.

The only issue was the Wolfsbane potion. Declan was starting to interview brewers, but they needed someone that was skilled at making the potion and wouldn't charge them an exorbitant amount of money to do it. Even though Harry could afford it, Hermione didn't want him to be taken advantage of. If they couldn't find someone to do the brewing in the next couple of weeks, they wouldn't be able to open the sanctuary in June.

Most of the rest of the changes to the law were more straight-forward and, for the most part, would only require education of the public at large. An incentive for businesses to hire those with lycanthropy had been discussed but it was something that would have to be approved by the Wizengamot if they decided to move forward. For now, making sure that employers knew they couldn't discriminate against those afflicted was the main goal.

As smoothly as things with the werewolf laws seemed to be going, Hermione's other project had stalled. She had done as much research as she could and had discovered nothing overly helpful. The most she had found was information about the Janus Thickey Ward at St. Mungo's, which, of course, was for long-term damage caused by spells, not trauma. From what Hermione had read and experienced herself the time that they had been mistakenly thought to be visiting Lockhart in fifth year, there wasn't any therapy going on. For the most part, it was just keeping their patients comfortable, locked in, and trying to reteach them things they had forgotten. Nothing like the treatment Delia and others like her needed.

She had made an appointment to talk to Healer Spencer this afternoon, but Hermione didn't expect to learn anything new. If Hermione wanted St. Mungo's to be able to treat people like Delia, Hermione was going to have to create the program herself. Unfortunately, she had no idea how to do that. While she was an expert researcher, she couldn't research something that didn't exist.

Sighing, Hermione rolled to her side and stared at the empty fireplace. Her parents had a friend that was a psychiatrist, but he had no idea magic existed. Short of Obliviating him after speaking to him, something she had no intention of doing as she'd had enough of memory charms after what she'd done to her parents, she couldn't really talk to him. Besides, she wasn't sure what help he would be, as he would have no idea how to integrate magic with his techniques.

Although, maybe they didn't really need to integrate magic. Therapy could be done without the use of medications, or potions for that matter. But that didn't change the fact that they couldn't have witches and wizards going to Muggle psychiatrists or psychologists for treatment without breaking the Statute of Secrecy. Not to mention, many wouldn't anyway, given the therapists were Muggles.

Hermione would just have to wait and see what Healer Spencer had to say. Perhaps she would have a suggestion Hermione hadn't thought of yet. Sighing again, Hermione closed her eyes after making sure her wand was lying next to her so she would hear Teddy. She supposed she should at least try to get a bit of sleep before the little boy woke.

"My-nee," Teddy said excitedly as Andromeda opened the back door that evening.

"Hi, Teddy," Hermione said as she stepped inside.

"Here, let me take that," Andromeda said, reaching for the bag Hermione held.

"It already has a stasis charm on it," Hermione said. Andromeda nodded and carried the food into the kitchen. Hermione turned back to Teddy and picked him up. "Did you have a good day?" He nodded.

"Daddy tired," he said.

"Yes, your daddy had to rest today," Hermione agreed. She followed Andromeda into the kitchen.

"Remus is still resting," Andromeda said. "But I believe he is awake. I think I will go upstairs and get dressed if that is all right?" Andromeda said.

"Of course," Hermione replied. "We'll be fine." Andromeda smiled and left the kitchen.

"We eat My-nee?" Teddy asked.

"Are you hungry?" Teddy nodded. "Let's go up and see if your daddy is hungry too."

"Daddy pay?" Teddy asked.

"I'm not sure if he'll be able to play tonight, but he could probably read to you." She began to climb the stairs, listening to Teddy chatter about his toys. When they reached Remus' room, Hermione put her finger to her lips and Teddy quieted. She knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in," Remus called.

"Daddy, you wake?" Teddy said as Hermione opened the door. Remus chuckled.

"Yes, I'm awake." Teddy squirmed to be put down and Hermione set him on the bed.

"Be gentle," she admonished just before Teddy appeared ready to jump on Remus' lap. Teddy instead crawled up and settled next to his father. Remus put an arm around him and leaned down to kiss the top of his head. Remus looked up at Hermione.

"Hello," he said. She smiled.

"Hi." She leaned in and kissed him.

"How was work?"

"I'll fill you in later?" he nodded.

"Daddy, you hungy?" Teddy asked.

"I am a bit," Remus said.

"We eat My-nee?" Hermione laughed.

"Yes, we can eat." She looked at Remus. "Do you want to join us or shall I bring you a tray?"

"I think I'm tired of being in this bed," Remus said.

"That didn't exactly answer my question," she said with a smile.

"I'll come down." She nodded and scooped Teddy off the bed, setting him on his feet. Remus threw off the blankets and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. "Can you hand me my trousers?" Hermione picked them up off the chair where they lay and Remus pulled them on with only a slight grimace. He was already wearing a t-shirt. She almost moved to help him stand, then waited, knowing that he didn't like to be coddled.

"All right?" she asked once he was standing.

'I'm fine, love, thank you." He reached for her hand and squeezed it.

"All right, Teddy, let's go have dinner," Hermione said. Teddy cheered and scampered out of the room, Hermione and Remus following behind.

When they reached the kitchen, Remus managed to get Teddy into his highchair, then sat down a bit gingerly. Hermione made a mental note to rub more of the salve into his knees and hips after supper.

She shook her head as she pulled out the takeaway containers in the kitchen. She would ask Remus first if he wanted her to do it. She was acting like his keeper. Or his wife, a little voice in the head said. Hermione shook off that thought and levitated the containers to the table, carrying of stack of plates in her free hand.

They had just finished eating when Andromeda walked into the room. She was wearing black trousers and a deep green jumper. Her hair was loose around her face. She looked a bit self-conscious.

"Kingsley said to dress casually," she said. "Do you think this is all right?"

"I think it's perfect," Hermione said. Andromeda gave her a grateful smile.

"You look very nice," Remus agreed.

"Did Kingsley say where you're going?" Hermione asked.

"We're having dinner, but no, he didn't specify."

"Nanna, you eat wif me?" Teddy asked. Hermione pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at the mess on his face.

"I'm sorry, darling, I am having dinner with Kingsley tonight." She flicked her wand and the mess was gone from Teddy's face and hands.

"You give me baf?" Teddy said, little brow furrowing.

"Hermione is going to give you a bath tonight," Andromeda said. Teddy looked as if he was having problems deciding if he should be upset that his grandmother was leaving or happy that Hermione was filling in for her. "But I will see you in the morning for breakfast. Shall I make you pancakes?"

"Yes!" Teddy said excitedly and Andromeda chuckled. Hermione heard the chime of the Floo and Andromeda hurried into the living room to remove the ward from the fireplace. Kingsley stepped out a few moments later. He kissed Andromeda's cheek and even from the table, Hermione could see the blush on the older woman's face.

"We'll have to Apparate again," Kingsley said. Andromeda nodded and led him into the kitchen.

"Hello, Kingsley," Hermione said with a smile.

"Hermione," Kingsley replied. "Remus. Hello, Teddy." Teddy studied the Minister solemnly. Clearly, he wasn't sure what to think about the man's recurring presence in his house. Hermione had been in Teddy's life since he was an infant, and Teddy had never questioned her increased presence once she and Remus starting dating. Kingsley, on the other hand, was someone new and it was clear that Teddy wasn't sure if he should like the man or not. Teddy's grandmother always left with him, after all. Remus stood a bit stiffly and lifted Teddy from his highchair.

"Can you say hello, Teddy?" Remus asked.

"Hello," Teddy said quietly, resting his head on Remus' shoulder. He continued to watch Kingsley, but he didn't say anything else.

"Well, I suppose we should be going," Andromeda said. She leaned towards Remus and kissed Teddy's cheek. "Sleep well, darling."

"Enjoy yourselves," Hermione said. Good-byes were said and the older couple left the house, Disapparating a few moments later.

"Where Nanna go?" Teddy asked.

"Remember she told you she was going to have dinner with Kingsley?" Remus said. Hermione began to clean up the table, pausing when she saw Remus grimace. He moved back to one of the chairs and sat down again.

"Would you like me to get the salve?" Hermione asked.

"No, no, I'm fine," Remus said. Hermione didn't think he was, but she decided not to push things just now.

"Nanna eats wif me," Teddy said, his lips in a pout.

"Nanna does usually eat with you, but tonight she's going to eat with Kingsley."

"No," Teddy said, crossing his little arms over his chest. He scowled.

"You'll see your nanna in the morning," Remus said. "She's going to make you pancakes, remember?"

"No," Teddy repeated, still scowling. Remus looked at Hermione over the top of Teddy's head. She mouthed 'pudding' to him and he nodded.

"How about pudding?" Hermione said trying to distract the toddler. "I brought cake." Teddy perked up at the word cake. "It's chocolate." Teddy immediately lifted his arms to Hermione, so she could put him back in his highchair. She laughed as she picked him up, then levitated the cake from the kitchen and gave Teddy a slice.

Sufficiently distracted from his annoyance about his grandmother's departure, Hermione looked over at Remus. Every time he shifted in his chair; she saw the pain on his face. Reaching over, she put a hand on his arm.

"Are you sure I shouldn't get the salve?" she asked quietly. He sighed.

"I don't want to go back to my room," he said stubbornly. "I've been up there all day and I want to spend some time with the both of you."

"You don't have to," she said. "I can bring it downstairs. You can put it on in the bathroom and then sit on the couch." Remus thought for a moment, then nodded. She squeezed his arm, going back to her cake.

Kingsley and Andromeda landed in yet another alley, although, she realized, it wasn't the same one as the week previous. They were in a different part of London and Kingsley led her to a park.

"I thought a picnic might be nice," he said when they reached an open area near a pond. Andromeda smiled.

"And I suppose you have a picnic basket stowed away somewhere," she said.

"As a matter of fact, I do," Kingsley replied with a grin, pulling something from his pocket. He glanced around, but no one was paying them any attention. Flicking his wand, which was still mostly concealed in his sleeve, the basket grew to its normal size. Another flick of his wand had a handkerchief expanding to the size of a blanket. Kingsley spread it on the ground, then held out a hand to her. Andromeda settled herself, legs folded to the side as Kingsley knelt and opened the basket, pulling things out.

"I must say, I am appalled that the Minister would use magic in front of Muggles," Andromeda said in mock indignation. "Shall I expect the DMLE to come down upon us at any moment?" Kingsley chuckled.

"How do you know they aren't already here?" he asked, winking at her as he began opening containers and spooning food onto plates. Andromeda stared at him for a moment, then began to look around the park. She had no idea if he had a security detail with him or not. If he did, she wasn't sure how she felt about that. While she was sure that any law enforcement official assigned to protect the Minister would use the upmost discretion, it would still be a bit unnerving to have someone watching them on their date.

"I was joking," he said, seeing the look on her face. "I never bring security with me when I go into Muggle areas. Frankly, I don't see the need for it, especially when I have such lovely company." She smiled, fighting the reddening of her cheeks. She didn't think she'd blushed this much since she was a fifth year. "But as far as the public knows, I always have security with me. Safer that way, I suppose."

"That is good to know," she said. "I'm not sure how I would feel knowing we were being watched." Kingsley handing her a plate.

"Exactly why I haven't allowed them with me when I've been with you," he said. "Although they always protest, vehemently." Her brow furrowed in concern.

"Are you sure that it's safe for you?" she asked.

"No one knows that I'm here, nor would they expect me to be," Kingsley said, finishing with his own plate. "Anyone who would want to do me harm would never believe that the Minister, member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, would sit on the ground in Muggle London and eat dinner." Andromeda laughed. That was definitely true. She hadn't even known what a picnic was until she married Ted. It had been a favorite activity of theirs when Nymphadora was small.

"That's a rather wistful look on your face," Kingsley said.

"Just remembering," she said fondly. "Nymphadora loved picnics." Kingsley smiled softly. Andromeda sometimes forgot that he had worked with her daughter for a number of years.

"She was one of a kind," he said.

"That she was," Andromeda agreed. They fell silent for a few moments, both lost in their thoughts as they began to eat. "This is wonderful. Did you make it?" It was Kingsley's turn to blush.

"Some of it," he admitted. "I do have a House Elf, but over the years I've found that I enjoy cooking." Andromeda wondered again why he was single. Although they were, as Kingsley had said, both Sacred Twenty-Eight, their paths had never crossed much. While they didn't have the financial challenges the Weasleys did, the Shacklebolts were similar in that they had never felt that Purebloods were superior. As such, they hadn't been invited to many Pureblood events when Andromeda was growing up. After she had been blasted from the family tree for marrying Ted, she had become focused on her husband and daughter and paid little attention to the society pages in the Prophet. Still, she thought she would have known if Kingsley had ever been married. But she didn't want to pry. He would tell her if he wished to.

They chatted easily as they ate their dinner and drank their wine. Andromeda found herself laughing more than she had in quite some time. Kingsley had a wonderful sense of humor. And, she found that she was much more relaxed than she had been on their first date.

"Finished?" Kingsley asked sometime later.

"Yes, thank you," she said handing him her plate. "It was delicious." He smiled at her as he packed up the food containers and the dishes, setting the basket on the grass next to them. He reclined back on his arms, his legs crossed at the ankle and stared out at the pond. Andromeda leaned back on one hand, the other holding her glass of wine that she was still sipping at.

"It's a lovely night," she said, the sun beginning its descent.

"It is," he agreed, but when she glanced at him, he wasn't looking at the sky, but at her. She wasn't sure what made her do it, maybe it was the wine, but she leaned towards him slightly. He closed the remaining distance and brushed his lips softly over hers. When he pulled back, he smiled at her, then covered her hand with his and looked out over the pond again. She shifted until their shoulders were touching and leaned against him slightly, watching the sunset.

Hermione carried Teddy into his bedroom, wrapped in a fluffy towel. Remus smiled at them from the rocking chair. Hermione set the little boy on Remus' lap while she retrieved a nappy and his pajamas. Teddy snuggled up to him and yawned. Remus kissed the top of his head, breathing in the clean scent of his shampoo.

"What story should we read tonight?" Hermione asked when she returned with his pajamas and lifted him off Remus' lap. Once he was dressed, Teddy ran over to his bookshelf and pulled out a book, then carried it back to her. Remus waved his wand to transfigure the rocking chair into a small couch. Hermione picked up Teddy and the book and settled them next to Remus.

"My-nee read me," Teddy insisted.

"Hermione is going to read to you, I'm just going to listen," Remus replied, putting an arm around her shoulders. Teddy looked at his father for a few moments, then finally nodded, settling onto Hermione's lap. Remus heard her try to stifle her laughter. She cleared her throat and opened the book.

Before she was even halfway through, Teddy's eyes started to droop. He was asleep before she read the last page. Hermione quietly closed the book and shifted, leaning further back into Remus.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?" she asked.

"No, love, you're fine," Remus said, brushing his lips across her temple. "Do you want to put him down?"

"Not just yet," she said, snuggling Teddy closer to her. He muttered something in his sleep and gripped the front of her jumper in one hand. Remus reached down and brushed a lock of hair out of his eyes. It slowly morphed from brown curls, as it had been in most of the night, to Teddy's own lighter brown. Remus felt quite content, the three of them sitting there together.

"Tired?" Remus asked.

"Hm, a bit," she said. "I forget how much energy he has." Remus chuckled.

"That is an understatement." Hermione smiled up at him and he leaned down to brush his lips over hers. They sat that way for a few more minutes until Hermione stood and laid Teddy in his cot. She pulled a blanket up over him, made sure he had Padfoot in his arms, and smoothed his hair down. Remus stood and put a hand on his son's back, wishing him a quiet good night before they both left the room. They walked back downstairs and settled themselves on the couch. Hermione rested against his side, entwining their fingers, as Remus idly played with her curls with his free hand.

"You were going to tell me something about work," he said.

"I had a meeting with Healer Spencer today," Hermione said.

"Did you learn anything new?" Hermione sighed.

"Not really. Calming draughts and a few other similar potions are about the extent of mental health treatment in the wizarding world."

"What did Healer Spencer have to say about your ideas?" Remus asked.

"She was sympathetic but didn't seem all that enthusiastic about a new branch of Healing. Not that she would have any idea what to do or how to start it. She told me I should speak to the Director of St. Mungo's, but I'm not sure what good that will do if I don't have a starting point."

"You need to find someone who is familiar with the wizarding world and also a therapist or a psychiatrist," Remus mused.

"Right," Hermione agreed. "It would likely have to be a parent or sibling of a Muggle-born or else a Squib. You don't know anyone who fits that category do you?" He shook his head.

"Sorry, love."

"I wonder if Mrs. Figg would know anyone," Hermione mused.

"Arabella?" Remus said. "It wouldn't hurt to ask I suppose."

"Is she still living in the Dursleys neighborhood?"

"As far as I know. Minerva would likely know for certain." Hermione nodded, then relaxed back into Remus. He smiled in contentment. She'd been right about the salve. His joints felt much better than they had at dinner. He was still a bit sore, but by tomorrow he expected he would feel just fine.

Letting go of her hand, he put his fingers under her jaw and tipped her head up, leaning down slightly to kiss her. She wrapped her arm around him, pulling herself closer for a few seconds, then stilled, pulling away. At his quizzical look, she bit her lip.

"I just don't want to hurt you," she said.

"Hermione, I'm fine," he said, a bit annoyed. She knew he didn't like to be treated like spun glass after the transformation. "If I'm in pain, I'll tell you."

"I'm sorry, it's just, I know that you were still in pain at dinner." Biting back his irritation, he smiled at her, tucking a curl behind her ear.

"I was," he agreed. "But your suggestion of putting on more of the healing salve was the right one. I feel much better now." She stared up at him for a moment, then leaned forward and kissed him again. He wrapped both of his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. The kiss deepened and one of Remus' hands moved to her side, sliding under her jumper to the bare skin of her back. Hermione shivered against him. His other hand slid into her hair, tangling in her curls as he continued to kiss her. Despite the lessening of his pain, he knew he wasn't going to be up to more than this tonight. Not to mention the fact that Andromeda could return at any time. Still, he wasn't complaining. There were few things he enjoyed more than kissing Hermione.

They landed in the back garden with a quiet crack. Instead of offering her his arm, Kingsley took Andromeda's hand in his and they walked toward the house. When they reached the door, Kingsley turned towards her and took her other hand as well, before smiling at her.

"Once again, I very much enjoyed myself."

"As did I," Andromeda said, returning his smile. He lifted her left hand and kissed the back of it. She felt a fluttering in her belly as he stared at her. Leaning in, he kissed her again. While it was still chaste, it lasted longer than the first kiss and Andromeda found herself stepping closer to him, putting a hand on his upper arm.

"I want to see you again," he said when they parted, still standing rather close to her. She could feel her cheeks grow warm and hoped it was dark enough that Kingsley wouldn't notice. Honestly, the blushing was getting ridiculous.

"I would like that," she replied.

"Sunday?" he asked. "I'd like to make you dinner."

"Oh," she said feeling a bit nervous. Going out to dinner and the picnic in a public park were fine, but she was unsure about being alone with him in his flat. Not that she thought he would try and take things further than she was ready for, Kingsley wasn't one to take advantage.

"I've made you uncomfortable," he said, stepping back a bit.

"No, you haven't, I just," she trailed off, unsure how to explain it to him.

"Andromeda," he said. "I understand." She looked up at him. "You and Ted were together for a long time. I have no intention of rushing you into anything."

"I did not mean to imply, I don't, I," she shook her head and looked away.

"It's all right," he said. "I know that's not what you meant. I just want you to know that I will take things as slowly as you like." She looked at him again and he smiled. "I'm not in any hurry." She managed a smile.

"Thank you," she said.

"So, Sunday?"

"Actually, Sunday is the weekly Weasley dinner," she said apologetically. "We do not always attend, but Molly is celebrating Ron going into business with George."

"Ah, yes, today was Ron's last day at the Ministry, I believe."

"It was," Andromeda said.

"You know, I have a standing invitation to that dinner," Kingsley said, with a wink.

"Perhaps you should help us celebrate, then," she said.

"Perhaps I should."

"And maybe you could make dinner for me another night next week?" she suggested tentatively. He smiled widely.

"I think that could be arranged." He kissed her gently one last time.

"I'll check my schedule and let you know. Good night, Andromeda."

"Good night, Kingsley."

Hermione pulled away from Remus abruptly when they heard the crack of Apparition outside. Her hair was disheveled and her lips swollen from his kisses. She quickly pulled down her jumper and he saw her adjust her bra. They might have gotten a bit carried away there at the end he thought as he pulled down his t-shirt.

He grimaced as his back protested when he sat up. All right, they had definitely gotten a bit carried away. Hermione frowned as she attempted to tame her hair.

"I thought you were going to tell me if you were in pain," she said.

"Well, I wasn't then," Remus reasoned. Hermione rolled her eyes and huffed out a breath. "Are you going to tell me that you weren't enjoying what we were doing?" She blushed and he hid a grin. That he could still make her blush after everything they'd done together amused him a bit.

The back door opened and they heard Andromeda's quiet good night to Kingsley, then the door close again. Hermione and Remus pretended to be extremely interested in the cold fireplace when Andromeda walked into the room.

"Hello," Andromeda said.

"How was your night?" Hermione asked.

"It was very nice, thank you. How were things here?"

"They went fine," Remus said, deciding not to tell Andromeda about Teddy's protests that his grandmother had left. He didn't intend to make her feel guilty about moving on with her life. Teddy would get used to it. The three of them chatted for a bit and then Andromeda excused herself to her room, saying she was tired. Remus was sure that she was trying to give them some privacy.

But he was a bit tired himself, despite the fact that he had slept a good part of the day away. It was always this way after the moon. He tried and failed to stifle a yawn.

"I should get going," Hermione said.

"You don't have to," he said, wanting to spend more time with her. In fact, he wouldn't object if they went back to what they were doing before Andromeda got home.

"You should sleep," she said. "You know how early Teddy gets up these days." Remus groaned. He certainly hoped the six o'clock wake-up time was just a phase that Teddy was going to outgrow soon. Hermione took pity on him and leaned down to kiss him again. They got lost in the kiss for a few minutes, but she eventually pulled away. They both stood from the couch.

"Thank you," he said. "For helping tonight."

"You don't have to thank me," she said. "I'm happy to do it."

"Teddy loves you, you know." She smiled.

"I love him."

"I love you, too," Remus said. Still smiling she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him one more time.

"And I love you." She picked up the Floo powder from the mantel and threw it in the fireplace. "Call me tomorrow?" He nodded and pulled her to him again, kissing her as thoroughly as he could.

"Good night," he said with a smirk. She muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like 'incorrigible' and stepped into the fireplace, Remus chuckling as she disappeared.