A/N - Hi everyone! Thank you for all your reviews last chapter and to everyone who has been reading. Enjoy!

Chapter 78

Missing

28 May 2000

Remus, Hermione, and Andromeda sat at the kitchen table. Hermione had returned from Grimmauld Place with a sleepy Teddy who had been put down for a nap. Remus and Bill had finished with the wards.

Kingsley had returned briefly with the news that one of his staff, Alan Radford, had been on duty three of the four times that Kingsley had seen Andromeda - their picnic, the date at Kingsley's flat, and yesterday when they took Teddy to the park. Hermione and Remus had been surprised by this revelation, but they had been even more so when Kingsley had spoken about the security measures that were taken, even when he was in Muggle areas and did not have security with him.

"There is always at least one person who knows where I will be. Plus, there are charms." Kingsley stopped abruptly and glanced at all three of them, then shook his head as if it didn't matter and continued. "There are charms that will alert that person if I'm disarmed or cast certain offensive spells. And there's a tracking charm on this." He pulled a watch fob from his pocket. "So they can find me if needed." They were all surprised.

"After the war, there were threats," Kingsley explained. "Remember that we hadn't rounded up all the Death Eaters and Voldemort's other supporters yet. Precautions were taken. Once everyone was in prison, I wanted to decrease security. But there are always threats for one reason or another."

"Kingsley," Andromeda said in concern, putting a hand on his arm.

"Nothing credible, as far as I'm concerned," he said. "Otherwise, we never would have been without security." He picked up her hand and kissed her fingertips. "But the head of DMLE insists."

After eating a bit of lunch with them, Kingsley left to bring his staff in for questioning. He promised to return as soon as he knew anything.

"Narcissa was here," Andromeda said without preamble once Kingsley was gone. Hermione tensed slightly and Remus reached for her hand. He squeezed it and she relaxed again.

"I have the feeling that Draco may know about Skeeter being an Animagus," Andromeda continued. Hermione sat back in her chair and brought her free hand to her forehead.

"Of course, he does," she said. "He was one of her sources during the Triwizard tournament. I can't believe I forgot to mention that. There were a few Slytherins that knew. They all gave Rita information for those articles she wrote."

"Well, that explains it," Andromeda said.

"Explains what?" Remus asked.

"Narcissa was very concerned about what we were going to do with the information about Skeeter."

"You told her Hermione knew?" Remus asked incredulously.

"Of course, I didn't," Andromeda said, a bit snappishly. Remus gave her an apologetic smile.

"Then, I don't understand," he said.

"We talked around it, of course," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "But Cissy was quite nervous."

"Draco didn't keep her in a jar," Hermione said. "Or ask her to spy on his boss."

"No, but Draco was a Death Eater," Remus said.

"Not when he was talking to Skeeter he wasn't," Hermione said.

"It likely will not matter," Andromeda replied. Hermione sighed. She held no affection for Draco Malfoy, but he had been thrown into a war that should have been fought by adults, just as surely as she, Harry and Ron had. Yes, Draco had been on the wrong side, but she knew that he hadn't been given a choice. That final year at Hogwarts, after the war, he had kept his head down and just tried to fulfill the terms of his probation. She hadn't seen or heard anything about him since. She could only assume he was trying to move on with his life like everyone else.

"She also told me that Skeeter is writing another book," Andromeda said, her face grim. "This one is about Harry."

"Damn," Hermione swore. "I was afraid of that."

"You knew?" Andromeda asked.

"Suspected," Hermione said. "When I spoke to Skeeter about Satterfield, she told me she was writing another book. She said it was about the war and she wanted quotes from 'the Golden Trio'. I refused, of course."

"She contacted Draco and asked for an interview. He declined."

"Well, that's something," Remus said. Hermione nodded. She wasn't surprised, really. If the shoe had been on the other foot, she was sure that Harry wouldn't have wanted to be interviewed about Draco either.

"Narcissa was quick to remind me that not everyone would likely refuse," Andromeda said. Hermione sighed.

"No, I'm sure there are some that would love to dish dirt on Harry, true or not."

"That might have been who Rita was meeting when she saw the two of you in London," Remus said. "If this person Kingsley was talking about isn't the culprit, that is."

"Yes," Andromeda agreed. "And that is not illegal." They all sat in silence. Hermione still thought they should tell Kingsley everything, but she was worried about what the outcome of it all would be. Hermione knew that if she hadn't sent Rita after Satterfield, she likely wouldn't have as much to be concerned about. But Hermione would never regret stopping him and Warrington before they could hurt more werewolves. She would go to Azkaban twenty times over if she had prevented even one more person dying.

Remus reached over and took her hand again, lifting it to his lips and kissing the back of it. He seemed to understand what she was thinking about. She smiled at him gratefully.

"Do you really think that someone on Kingsley's team would have spoken to her?" Hermione asked. If it were true, the man would lose his job, but Hermione didn't know if he would face any further punishment. Andromeda was right, it wasn't illegal to talk to a reporter. And it still didn't solve the problem of Rita Skeeter.

"Anything is possible," Remus said.

"Why though?"

"A million reasons," Remus said. "He might have been upset with Kingsley for some reason or maybe she offered him money for information."

"Blackmail," Andromeda said. "I am sure that Skeeter has no problem finding dirt if it is there to find."

"That just seems like a lot of work for little gain," Hermione said, brow furrowed. "I realize that Rita enjoys scandals, but the two of you dating is hardly one. You're both single, there's nothing sordid in either of your pasts. Beyond the initial surprise, I can't see the public being against the two of you for any reason. What could Rita possibly have to gain by going to those lengths?"

"Connecting Andromeda to the Minister, connects both of us to him," Remus said. "Indirectly, yes, but you could argue that his relationship with Andromeda allowed either of us to try and influence him on the werewolf proposal. Since your name wasn't on it, I would be the likely choice."

"Or, that I influenced Kingsley myself. Everyone knows that Remus was married to Nymphadora," Andromeda said.

"But you weren't even dating when the proposal was heard," Hermione argued.

"But they were before the Wizengamot had made their decision. And the public has no idea how long they have been," Remus reminded her.

"Stirring up trouble is Rita's specialty," Hermione agreed. "But still, Kingsley only gets a vote if there's a tie in the Wizengamot, which there wasn't."

"He has influence, however," Andromeda said. Hermione sighed and nodded. "That is why Kingsley and I will need to make a statement as soon as possible."

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Remus asked.

"No, but I will not have that legislation questioned for any reason," Andromeda replied. "Obviously, it will have to wait until he finishes questioning his staff." The three of them fell silent once again, all wondering if a member of Kingsley's security team had betrayed him or if Rita was simply up to her usual tricks.

Kingsley returned before dinner. One look at his face and Andromeda knew that he did not have good news. She had been just as surprised as Remus and Hermione when Kingsley had told them that he thought there was a leak on his team. Knowing Rita's Animagus status, Andromeda had just assumed the woman had stumbled upon them by accident and had been spying on them ever since. She supposed it made sense if someone had given her the information initially. London was a large place; it was highly unlikely they would have been in the same area by coincidence. Andromeda took his hand.

"Come and sit down," she said, leading him into the living room.

"Ting!" Teddy shouted and ran towards him. A genuine smile crossed Kingsley's face as he leaned down and ruffled Teddy's hair.

"Hello, Teddy." When Kingsley sat down on the couch, Teddy climbed up beside him. Andromeda gave Teddy a fond smile as she sat down on his other side.

"Drink?" Remus asked. The Minister shook his head.

"As much as I'd like to, I have to go back to the Ministry later this evening." He looked at the three of them. "I found the leak. It was Radford." Hermione's mouth dropped open and even Andromeda was surprised.

"He actually spoke to Rita Skeeter," Remus said incredulously.

"Well, he hasn't admitted to that yet," Kingsley confessed. "But he did speak about my plans to someone else."

"Who?" Hermione asked.

"His girlfriend," Kingsley said.

"So, she spoke to Skeeter?" Andromeda said.

"Radford swears that she would never do that, but we haven't been able to question her yet," Kingsley said. "She was visiting family in Scotland and is on her way back." At their confused expressions he continued. "She's Muggle-born and took the train. It arrives at King's Cross in two hours. She will be met at the station and brought in for questioning."

"Tain!" Teddy said and scrambled off the couch, running to his toys. He came back with a miniature version of the Hogwarts Express and showed it to Kingsley. He examined the toy and made the appropriate compliments before handing it back to Teddy. "You pay?"

"I'm sorry Teddy, I can't play with you right now," Kingsley said apologetically.

"Teddy, why don't we take your train outside," Hermione suggested. "You can drive it on the patio." Teddy ran back to his toys and tried to gather the rest of the train cars. Hermione walked over to help him, then followed the little boy as he ran out of the room. They heard the door open and then close a few seconds later.

"Do you believe him?" Andromeda asked once they were gone. "That he did not tell Skeeter?"

"If you had asked me before today, I would have unequivocally said yes. But as it is," Kingsley trailed off, shaking his head. "I don't know what to think."

"What's going to happen to him?" Remus asked.

"Even if he didn't tell Skeeter, he still told his girlfriend," Kingsley said with a sigh. "Who could have then told any number of people, including Skeeter. He'll lose his job at the very least."

"What if neither of them told her?" Andromeda asked. "What if she simply overheard a conversation?"

"While that's possible, it makes it even more irresponsible," Kingsley said. "Skeeter could have only overheard them if they were in public. Telling his girlfriend my business in the privacy of his home is one thing, but discussing it in a public place where anyone could have heard them?" Kingsley shook his head again. "It shows extremely poor judgement."

"Did he explain himself?"

"Apparently, it's a relatively new relationship. Radford didn't say in so many words, but I think he was trying to impress her." Kingsley ran a hand over his head in agitation. "Of all the ridiculous reasons." Remus had to agree. It was a stupid decision, but sometimes people did stupid things for love. He looked at Andromeda who had moved closer to Kingsley once Teddy had left. Deciding they could use a bit of privacy, Remus excused himself and joined Hermione and Teddy outside.

"Did I miss anything important?" Hermione asked as he closed the back door.

"No," Remus said. "Except that he probably told his girlfriend to try and impress her." Hermione shook her head. Remus watched Teddy as he made train noises, pushing the toy along the edge of the patio.

"I still feel guilty not telling Kingsley," she said. Remus stepped up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned back into him.

"I know, love," he said.

"What if this isn't how Skeeter found out?" Hermione asked.

"Let's just wait and see what happens," Remus said.

When Remus left the room, Andromeda put a hand on Kingsley's arm. He looked up at her and gave her a half-hearted smile.

"Do not blame yourself for this," she said.

"He's on my staff," Kingsley replied. Andromeda took his hand in hers.

"You cannot control every single thing your staff does."

"Perhaps not, but I hired him in the first place."

"Kingsley," she said a bit exasperated. "Yes, we were exposed sooner that we would have liked. It is not the end of the world."

"I know, I'm sorry," he said with a sigh. "I'm overreacting, aren't I?"

"Well, you do need to make sure that your security team is not out revealing your movements to all and sundry, but a bit, yes." He chuckled and brought her hand to his lips, kissing her palm. She smiled.

"I was thinking," she said. "Perhaps we should give an interview." His eyes widened in surprise.

"You want to talk to the press?"

"Not particularly, no," she admitted. "But I like even less that the only information anyone has is what Skeeter has told them. Which, of course, was written to try and cast as much suspicion as possible."

"Of course," Kingsley agreed.

"If we do not say anything, it looks as if we do have something to hide." Kingsley sighed again.

"You're right," he said. "Did you have a publication in mind?"

"Well, the Prophet would reach the most people, but I find myself less than enthusiastic about giving them the privilege."

"I have to agree," Kingsley replied, thoughtful look on his face. "We could just hold a press conference. Get it over in one go."

"We would have no control over the questions then," she pointed out.

"No, but we don't necessarily have to answer any questions," Kingsley said. "I could read a prepared statement and leave it at that."

"That might cause more speculation."

"It might," Kingsley agreed. "We could always take a few questions and end it if someone asks something we don't want to answer. I have a relatively good idea who will be less intrusive in their questioning. I could start with them." Andromeda thought about it for a few moments and then nodded. "Shall I set something up for tomorrow morning?"

"Do you think that we could do it tonight?" she asked. "Then, it will be in all the papers tomorrow morning." Kingsley thought about it for a moment before he nodded.

"All right," he said. "I'll arrange it." He looked back at her. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" She smiled and clasped his hand.

"Yes," she said, surprised to find that she was being completely truthful. While she knew there would be issues related to dating the Minister for Magic, she found she did not much care anymore. The secret itself was already out. Kingsley grinned and drew her to him, kissing her.

"Stay for dinner?" she asked when they finally parted. She was a bit breathless.

"I'd love to, but if I'm going to get this press conference organized, I should head back to the Ministry." He kissed her once again and then pulled away rather reluctantly.

"Eight?" he asked. She nodded. "I'll come and get you half seven."

"All right," Andromeda agreed. He stood and she followed suit, opening the Floo for him. After leaning in for one last quick kiss, he stepped into the Floo and disappeared.

Andromeda blew out a breath and walked to the garden to inform Hermione and Remus of their decision.

Andromeda's hand tightened on Kingsley's arm as they stepped into the Atrium. Members of Kingsley's personal security team surrounded the dais. Aurors were positioned at the back of the crowd. The number of reporters standing in front of the dais waiting for them shocked Andromeda. She hadn't known there were this many publications in Britain. She looked around for Rita Skeeter, but didn't see her. Just as well, Andromeda thought.

Kingsley released her arm, then stepped up to the podium. She stood next to him, avoiding making eye contact with anyone by looking out over the crowd's heads. Kingsley cast a Sonorus charm and thanked everyone for coming.

"As you are all aware, an article was published this morning in the Daily Prophet, revealing a relationship between Andromeda Tonks and myself. This is true." Kingsley turned to her and smiled. Andromeda dipped her head and smiled back. Murmurs immediately broke out amongst the crowd and Andromeda could see many of the reporters scribbling quickly at their parchment.

"The speculation in the article that I was hiding something was completely false, however. Knowing the amount of attention any relationship I entered into would generate, Mrs. Tonks and I decided to stay in Muggle areas. This was simply a matter of trying to protect our privacy as we got to know one another, nothing more."

"Mrs. Tonks and I had every intention of disclosing our relationship to the public when we were ready to do so. It is unfortunate that the Daily Prophet chose to ignore our privacy and print an article without asking for comment from either of us. We have decided to clear up any confusion the article may have caused by speaking to you today. We will take a few questions."

"Minister, how long have the two of you been dating?"

"Just two weeks," Kingsley replied. There was more muttering from the crowd. Clearly, the press was expecting that they had been hiding it longer than that.

"Are things serious between the two of you?"

"Did you miss my answer to the last question?" Kingsley asked dryly. Andromeda bit back a laugh.

"Minister, when you were asked after the state dinner about Mrs. Tonks, you said you were just friends. Was that a lie?"

"No," Kingsley said. "We were not dating at that time. Our relationship began shortly after."

"Mrs. Tonks, did your decision to pursue the Minister have anything to do with your former son-in-law's status as a werewolf?" Kingsley glared at the man and opened his mouth to speak, but Andromeda put a hand on his arm and amplified her own voice.

"Firstly, Mr. Lupin is still my son-in-law, I do not know why you use the word 'former'. Second, I assume you ask this question in reference to the recent legislation that was passed by the Wizengamot?" The reporter nodded. "Considering the Minister does not have a vote unless there is a tie in the Wizengamot, I am not sure how dating him would have influenced anything. If that were my goal, I think I likely would have chosen someone from the voting body, would I not?" She smiled sweetly at the reporter and there was a smattering of laughter from the rest of the crowd. She felt Kingsley squeeze her hand where it was hidden by the podium. The reporter scowled but did not give up.

"It is common knowledge that the Minister's opinion holds sway amongst some members of the Wizengamot. Do you deny this?"

"No," Andromeda said. "But as the Minister's views on this topic were always the same as my own, something which all of you here are aware of, there was nothing to influence."

"Next question," Kingsley said when the reporter opened his mouth for a third time.

"Is there a chance of a proposal in the future?"

"I repeat, it has been two weeks," Kingsley said. Andromeda wondered how he managed to keep the exasperation out of his voice. "That will be all for this evening, thank you all for coming." He held out his arm to Andromeda even as questions continued to be shouted at them as they walked out of the Atrium. They didn't speak until they were in the privacy of his office.

"You were absolutely brilliant," Kingsley said, grinning at her as he pulled her into his arms. She laughed and he kissed her.

"At least someone asked something unrelated to marrying us off," she said when they had parted. He rolled his eyes.

"Two weeks," he said again. She laughed once more. They glanced at one another and then looked away.

"Do you have to stay?" she asked, changing the subject. Kingsley sighed and released her.

"Unfortunately, yes," he said. "We still have both Radford and Fiona Murray in the interrogation rooms."

"Has she said anything?"

"She vehemently denied telling Rita Skeeter anything, or anyone else for that matter."

"Do you believe her?" Kingsley had been an Auror for years before he became Minister. He was well acquainted with determining guilt or innocence.

"Honestly? I'm inclined to." He scrubbed a hand down his face. "Radford has admitted that he may have mentioned something to Fiona when they were in Diagon Alley, which could have been overheard, but he doesn't remember exactly. She hasn't said anything to confirm or deny that. I had to leave for the press conference before they started questioning her about it."

"Perhaps you should just let them go and be done with it," Andromeda said. Kingsley looked at her quizzically. "You have already fired him and there are not any criminal charges to be filed. He broke confidentiality, but he did not do it maliciously." Kingsley sighed.

"You're right," he said. "I had just hoped to get some kind of proof that this was how Skeeter found out."

"Does it matter?" she asked. "It will not change the fact that she did. We just had a press conference because of it."

"I know," Kingsley said with another sigh. There was a knock on the door and Kingsley walked over to open it. He spoke to whoever was on the other side for a few moments, then nodded and closed the door once again.

"I have to go," he said apologetically. She nodded. Closing the distance between them, he leaned in and kissed her slowly. When they parted, he stared at her for a few moments.

"Thank you," he said.

"For what?" she asked.

"For handling all of this the way that you have," he said. He cupped her cheek in his hand. "Some women would have run as far and as fast as they could."

"I am not most women," she quipped. He chuckled.

"No, you most definitely are not." He kissed her once more, then led her to the Floo. "Good night, Andromeda."

"Good night, Kingsley."

A cloaked figure approached the house with an acid green door. Looking furtively around, they crept to the back garden. Wand raised, wards were tested and a few dismantled before the figure stepped to the back door and replaced the wards. A whispered 'alohomora' had the door opening with a soft click. Slipping inside, the door was closed silently behind them.

A quick scan of the house revealed no one inside and the figure stepped into the shadows to wait. Less than a half hour passed before the rush of the Floo was heard. The cloaked figure stepped into the corridor and made their way on silent feet towards the front of the house. As they approached, quiet muttering could be heard. As they stepped into the doorway, a woman with blonde curls came into view. She was bent over a table that was scattered with parchment and books, digging through a crocodile skin handbag. The blonde woman froze, then turned swiftly around, hand groping her pocket for her wand, eyes widening at the figure standing in the doorway.

"Hello, Rita."

29 May 2000

"I'm not surprised," Andromeda said as she finished reading the Prophet's article about the press conference the previous evening. "He was a little annoyed with me." She smiled wickedly and Remus laughed. The reporter who had asked Andromeda about influencing Kingsley on the werewolf vote had been from the Daily Prophet. The article definitely had a more suspicious slant than any of the others they had read. Kingsley had sent over a package of newspapers from all over Britain that morning. The rest had all simply repeated what Kingsley and Andromeda had said at the press conference. Some were complimentary, some speculated about their future, of course, but only the Prophet seemed to think there was something dubious about their relationship.

"It is interesting that Skeeter was not there," Andromeda said.

"She doesn't actually work for the Prophet, I don't think," Remus said. "Just sells articles to them."

"Still," Andromeda said. "I would have thought she would have wanted to see the results of her handiwork."

"True," Remus agreed. It was a bit strange. Andromeda shook her head.

"I should be glad instead of questioning it." She took a sip of her tea.

"Did you hear anything else from Kingsley?" Remus asked. He had been upstairs changing Teddy when the papers arrived. After getting Teddy's breakfast and sitting down to eat himself, Remus' attention had been taken by the newspapers and he had forgotten to ask.

"Yes," she said with a sigh. "After a bit of prodding, Ms. Murray remembered that Mr. Radford did indeed speak to her about our picnic while they were walking through Diagon Alley. She was adamant that there was no one else around when he said it, but the consensus is that she just did not notice Skeeter. Which, as we both know, is highly possible. Whether Skeeter began spying on us after that or continued to followed Mr. Radford around to get more information is anyone's guess. In the end, it really doesn't matter."

"He's been fired then?" Remus asked.

"From Kingsley's team, yes," she said. "He's been moved to the Department of Magical Transportation. A large demotion, but at least he is not out of a job entirely." Remus nodded.

"Done, Daddy," Teddy said. Remus looked over at his son and chuckled. Small bits of egg clung to his cheek. Teddy grinned and giggled as Remus wiped his face and took him out of his highchair.

"Is Hermione coming to dinner?" Andromeda asked.

"If that's all right," Remus said.

"Of course, it is," Andromeda replied. "I believe Kingsley is coming as well." Her cheeks tinged pink.

"My-nee! Ting!" Teddy said with a grin.

"Sounds like an enjoyable evening," Remus said, not commenting on her blush as he carried Teddy to the sink to wash his hands. He did, however, smile widely as soon as his back was to her.

"I can see you smiling," she said and Remus laughed as he shook his head.

"Only because I'm happy for you," Remus said as he returned from the sink and leaned down and kissed her cheek. Teddy followed suit. She shook her head fondly at the both of them and then shooed them upstairs so Remus could get Teddy dressed for the day.

"Hermione, how is the search for a brewer for the sanctuary going?" Kingsley asked that evening as they ate.

"Not well, I'm afraid," she said with a sigh. "We are just going to have pay the ridiculous fee brewers are asking for if we want to open in June. The potion will have to be started in a week in order for it to be ready in time. I know we can continue the search for the future, but Gwendolyn has exhausted every avenue she can think of.

The biggest problem is that the potion is difficult to brew. There are a limited number of brewers that will even attempt it, which overall is a good thing, but not for us. Then, while it only takes a few days to brew, it is time-consuming in short bursts, with longer times of simmering in between. It's difficult for apothecaries to do it and still run their business. And most researchers or independent brewers don't want to take time away from their other projects." Kingsley nodded.

"What we really need is someone who is skilled and doesn't mind working part-time," Hermione continued. "That's why Gwendolyn was contacting retired brewers. But either they weren't qualified or they weren't interested." She sighed again.

"Have you thought about Caroline?" Andromeda said.

"Caroline Burke?" Hermione questioned. "Will's mother?"

"Yes," Andromeda said.

"I knew she was helping you make the potion for Remus and Will, but does she know how to brew it herself?" Hermione asked.

"She has not made it from start to finish on her own, no," Andromeda said. "But she is getting close to doing so. She did the majority of the work last time. I would be willing to help for a few months, until she is competent to do it on her own."

"I can't ask that of you, Andromeda," Hermione said immediately.

"You are not asking," Andromeda said. "I am offering."

"Do you think she would be interested?" Hermione asked. She didn't want to get her hopes up, but if Caroline was willing to do this, it would solve all their problems.

"Remember she told us she was planning on going back to work before we found Will," Remus reminded her.

"That's true, but," Hermione bit her lip, thinking.

"This could be the perfect solution for her, at least right now," Andromeda said. "Rebecca is still young and while Caroline does need the money, she also wants to be there for her youngest as she was for the others. It has been adjustment for Rebecca as well, having Will back."

"Just ask her, Hermione," Remus said. "If she says no, you're no worse off that you were before."

"If she cannot do it, I will," Andromeda said. Hermione looked at her in surprise.

"Are you sure?" Hermione said.

"I want you to be able to open the sanctuary."

"But what if we can't find anyone to take over for you?" Hermione said.

"We will cross that bridge if we come to it," Andromeda replied. "I have a feeling you won't be needing me for long, anyway."

"Andromeda, thank you, I'm sorry I didn't ask you before. It's not that I didn't trust your brewing, I just didn't want you to feel obligated or that I was using our relationship to get you to agree, or-" Andromeda cut her off by putting a hand on her arm.

"Hermione," she said with a smile. "I understand." Hermione looked sheepish for a moment, then leaned forward in her chair and embraced the older woman.

"Thank you," she said. "Thank you so much."

"You are welcome."

"My-nee," Teddy said. When Hermione looked up, Teddy was holding out his arms to her. She laughed and walked over to his highchair. The rest of the adults chuckled.

"You want a hug too?" she asked. He nodded vigorously and she leaned down and hugged him tightly. Teddy grinned at her when she let him go. She kissed his forehead and went back to her chair. She smiled widely at Remus as she picked up her fork, excited to tell Gwendolyn in the morning.

"Do you think she'll do it?" Hermione asked Remus later after Teddy was in bed. They were sitting outside in the chaise Remus had Transfigured from one of the patio chairs. While it was getting warmer, the nights were still a bit chilly and Remus had cast a warming charm around them. Andromeda and Kingsley were still inside.

"Caroline?" Remus asked. Hermione nodded. "I hope so." She snuggled back into him further. He tightened his arms around her and kissed her temple.

"How has the post been today?"

"There's been a lot of it, if that's what you're asking," Remus said with a sigh. Hermione began to run her fingers back and forth over his forearm soothingly. "It's mostly been requests for interviews. A few letters, but nothing malicious so far."

"I can't see why there would be," Hermione said.

"No," he agreed. "Their situation is quite different than ours." She shook her head against his shoulder.

"I didn't mean it like that."

"I know, love," he said. Hermione stared out across the garden.

"I dreamed about her again," she said softly.

"Who?" Remus asked in concern. Hermione hadn't had a dream about Bellatrix for months.

"Delia." He tightened his arms again and waited for her to go on. "She keeps asking me to help her."

"You're doing your best," he said. Hermione sighed.

"It seems hopeless," she said sadly. Remus kissed the top of her head. They sat in silence for a few minutes, Remus trying to offer her as much support as he could.

"Do you think it's odd Skeeter hasn't written anything else about Kingsley and Andromeda?" Hermione asked. Remus shrugged.

"She's probably working on her book."

"It just doesn't seem like her. You know how much she likes causing chaos."

"Well, she did force a press conference and get someone fired, so maybe she's moved on."

"Maybe," Hermione said, but Remus could tell she wasn't convinced.

"Don't borrow trouble, Hermione." She sighed again and tilted her head to look up at him.

"I know, you're right. I just feel like we're waiting for the other shoe to drop or something." He made a noncommittal noise and leaned down to kiss her. Hermione's arms went around his neck and he deepened the kiss. When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers, both of them breathing heavily.

"Right, don't borrow trouble," Hermione said. He smiled and kissed her again.

31 May 2000

"Thank you for coming with me," Hermione said to Andromeda as they walked towards the Burke cottage. Hermione had owled Caroline yesterday to set up a meeting. Andromeda smiled.

"I want Caroline to know I have complete faith in her abilities." Hermione knocked and waited a few moments until the woman in question answered the door.

"Hello, Hermione," Caroline said. "Oh, Andromeda, I didn't realize you were coming." She looked a bit confused.

"Hello, Caroline," Andromeda said. "I hope you do not mind."

"Not at all," Caroline said, ushering them both inside. "Rebecca and Will are working on some schoolwork in the kitchen. We can talk in here." They stepped into the sitting room. Hermione and Andromeda sat down on the couch, Caroline taking the chair opposite.

"What is this about?" Caroline asked. "Your note didn't say."

"We still haven't found a brewer to make the Wolfsbane potion for the Sanctuary," Hermione said.

"Oh, Hermione, I'm so sorry," Caroline said. "Are you not going to be able to open in June?"

"Well, that depends on you," Hermione said. Caroline looked confused.

"Me? What does it have to do with me?"

"Andromeda suggested that you might be willing to take the job." Caroline's mouth dropped open in shock.

"But I've never brewed Wolfsbane," she said.

"Nonsense," Andromeda said. "Last month you did nearly everything yourself. Except the stirring in the middle of the night and one section of ingredient additions."

"But, to do it all myself, I, I'm not sure about that, Hermione," Caroline said apologetically.

"Andromeda has offered to help you for as many months as you need to feel proficient." Caroline looked to Andromeda, who nodded.

"You are more than skilled enough," she said. "I have no doubt you will need only a month or two of my assistance."

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

"You don't have to give me an answer right now," Hermione said. "But I will need to know in the next few days, if we're to get the ingredients and get things started for June."

"Where would I be brewing?"

"For this month, at Andromeda's," Hermione said. "We intend to set up a lab in the manor house at the sanctuary, but we were waiting until we found a brewer. Since the werewolves must come to the sanctuary to get their daily doses, it makes the most sense. If you accept the position, the lab will be yours to design."

"What about the children?"

"Remus has volunteered to watch them as he has in the past months when you've been assisting me," Andromeda said.

"I, this is all so," Caroline shook her head. "How many werewolves?"

"So far, we have six that have expressed interest," Hermione said. "But we expect that number to go up the longer the sanctuary is open." Caroline nodded. Hermione handed her a piece of parchment.

"This is what we were thinking as far as salary," Hermione said. "But, it's negotiable." Caroline's eyes widened.

"Hermione, this is, this is too much."

"No, it isn't," Hermione said firmly. "This is going to be a lot of work, even if it's only for one week a month. You should see what some of the brewers we spoke to wanted to be paid. Of course, if the number of werewolves increases significantly, the salary will go up as well."

"But I haven't even had any formal training, I," she shook her head again.

"Caroline," Hermione said, leaning forward and putting a hand on her arm. "If we don't have a brewer, we don't have a sanctuary. That was a firm stipulation by the Wizengamot. If you agree to do this, you are worth every knut. Trust me." Caroline looked up at Andromeda.

"You really believe I can do this on my own?" Andromeda smiled.

"I have every confidence. If I didn't, I would not have suggested you to Hermione." Caroline looked down at the parchment again.

"I have to admit that I'm a bit overwhelmed right now. I need some time to think about it."

"Of course," Hermione said with a smile. "You'll let me know by Friday?" Caroline nodded, looking again at the parchment Hermione had given her. "Is it all right if I say hello to Will and Rebecca before I go?"

"Go right ahead," Caroline said with a smile. As Hermione left the room, she heard Caroline ask Andromeda something about the potion. Hermione smiled and made her way to the kitchen.

3 June 2000

"Mm," Hermione said as Remus kissed her shoulder. "Morning."

"Good morning." She turned to face him and he kissed her properly.

"What time is it?" she asked with a yawn.

"Just after eight," he said, brushing a curl out of her face. She snuggled into him, closing her eyes again. Remus chuckled.

"Aren't you supposed to meet Ginny this morning?"

"Later," Hermione said.

"How much later?" Remus asked, propping himself up on one elbow and looking down at her. She smirked at him.

"Plenty of time later." He smiled and leaned down to kiss her again, pulling her flush against him. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and hooked a leg over his. Remus pushed his hand under her top, running it up her bare back. Hermione shivered and pulled herself tighter against him. Her lips moved to his neck as his hand travelled around to cup a breast.

He released her long enough to pull her shirt over her head, then went back to kissing her, both sets of hands continuing their exploration of one another. When they were finally naked, he rolled her to her back and pushed into her with a groan. Her breath hitched when he began to move and then she was meeting his movements.

"Hermione," he gasped out as he went over the edge and she cried out as she followed. He rested his head on her chest as he recovered and she ran her fingers idly through his hair.

When he had his breath back, he propped himself up on both elbows and leaned down to kiss her. She sighed in contentment when they parted and smiled lazily at him. Rolling to the side, he pulled her to him.

"What are you and Ginny doing today?" Remus asked. Hermione propped her chin on his chest.

"We're tasting cakes," she said.

"Molly is letting someone else make the cake?" he asked in surprise.

"Ginny doesn't want Molly making anything," Hermione said. "She insisted that Molly just enjoy the wedding."

"And Molly agreed?"

"Of course not," Hermione said. "She thinks that we'll taste cakes and not find anything as good as what she can make and Ginny will change her mind." Remus chuckled. Hermione smiled and then kissed him again.

"I should shower," she said. She kissed him one more time, then threw the sheets back and got out of bed. She ignored her dressing gown and walked to the doorway of the bedroom, then turned around, looking at him coyly. "Care to join me?"

Remus stared at her for a moment, before nearly flying out of bed. He grabbed her around the waist and she shrieked with laughter as he hurried them into the bathroom.

Hermione walked into the kitchen, her hair still damp from the shower, and wrapped her arms around Remus' waist. She placed a kiss between his shoulder blades and he squeezed her hand where it rested on his stomach.

"Eggs?" he asked as he cracked another into the bowl.

"Yes, please," she said. "Somehow I worked up quite the appetite." He smirked at her over his shoulder. She shook her head as she released him, but the smile never left her face. It was good to see her this happy.

Caroline had agreed to brew for the Sanctuary. She was still a bit nervous about it, but Andromeda had full confidence in her. Hermione had been ecstatic, Gwendolyn just as excited. They had gone out to the Leaky to celebrate and Hermione and Remus had continued their celebration privately when they had gotten back to Hermione's. Rather enjoyably, too.

The attention about Andromeda and Kingsley had also died down. Witch Weekly was still angling for an interview, they had contacted both of them nearly every day since the press conference, but most everyone else had left them alone. And Rita Skeeter hadn't had anything else to say either. Which was a bit strange, but Remus wasn't complaining.

There was a tapping on the window and Hermione walked over to let in the owl that had just arrived with the Daily Prophet.

"I don't know why I keep paying for this, honestly," Hermione said as she paid the owl and it flew off. She carried the newspaper over to the table and unrolled it.

"Oh my god," she whispered a few seconds later. Remus turned around, his brow furrowed in concern.

"What is it?" he asked. Hermione shook her head and held up the paper so he could read the headline.

Rita Skeeter Missing!

Reporter Has Not Been Seen in Almost a Week!