A/N - Thanks to everyone for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 81

Opinions

17 June 2000

Harry had gone home and Teddy was in bed for the night. Remus and Hermione sat together on the couch, but given they had both been stifling yawns for the last half hour, Remus knew that they would be heading to their respective beds soon.

"Don't you think it's odd?" Hermione said, breaking the silence.

"What?"

"Skeeter," Hermione elaborated. "I mean, I understand not wanting to give away her secret in front of Cuffe, but if someone were coming after me with a book, I think I'd change my mind rather quickly."

"Maybe she froze," Remus said.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, tilting her head to look at him.

"Well, if she was frightened enough, she might not have been able to change back." He paused, swallowing. "It happened to Peter once. James had to cast the spell to force him back into human form." Hermione squeezed his hand and Remus tightened his arm around her. He still didn't like talking about Peter.

"Maybe," she said. "But even if that is what happened, why didn't she change back later? Why hasn't anyone found her yet?"

"She got hit with a book, Hermione," Remus reminded her. "Hard enough that Cuffe thought she was dead."

"That's the thing though," Hermione said. "If she were dead, they'd have found her outside her house. If she were injured badly enough that she couldn't fly off or something, I can't imagine her magic would hold. She would have likely transformed back as well."

"If she were only stunned, when she woke up, why wouldn't she have changed back? It's been two weeks, Remus. It doesn't make sense."

"If she did have a head injury, she might have forgotten how. She might have forgotten she was a witch at all," he said.

"I don't know," Hermione replied. "If she has some kind of amnesia, wouldn't her magic let go as well? She wouldn't be able to concentrate on staying in beetle form." Remus' lips pursed in thought.

"It's possible, I suppose, but she's been transforming for so long I think it's second nature to her. I don't think there's a lot of concentrating that you have to do to stay in that form. I know that Sirius didn't when he was in Azkaban."

"Maybe," Hermione acknowledged. "I just think it's strange."

"Well, maybe Fleur's suggestion is truer than we think," Remus said in amusement.

"But as soon as she was dead, she would have transformed back." Hermione shuddered at the thought and Remus grimaced at the sight that would have been.

"Not necessarily." They both turned to see Andromeda standing in the doorway to the kitchen, holding a cup of tea in her hands. "Just as there are spells to force someone out of their Animagus form, there are spells to force someone into it." Remus' brow furrowed as Andromeda walked into the room. She settled in one of the armchairs.

"If someone forced Skeeter into her beetle form and then cast a binding spell, she would not be able to transform back unless that person cancelled the binding." They both stared at her.

"Are you saying that someone did that?" Remus finally asked.

"I am not saying anything, Remus," Andromeda said. "I thought we were merely speculating as to Skeeter's possible fate." She looked at the two of them. "Perhaps Cuffe is lying."

"About what?" Remus asked, brow furrowed.

"About what really happened. Maybe he did kill her as a beetle, she transformed back and then he disposed of her body in a panic." She sipped her tea.

"I don't know," Hermione said. "Kingsley said he was pretty upset when they showed him that picture of Skeeter as a beetle, thinking he might have killed her."

"Guilt, perhaps?" Andromeda said.

"Could have been," Remus agreed. He studied his mother-in-law. She was the picture of composure, sipping calmly at her tea. But there was something beneath the surface.

"If someone did bind her in her beetle form, it would have to be someone that knew what she was," Hermione said. She didn't look accusatory, simply thoughtful.

"I am sure that list is longer than we realize," Andromeda said.

"What makes you say that?" Remus asked.

"Well, she trusted fourth-year students with her secret during the Triwizard Tournament," Andromeda said. "I find it hard to believe there were no other situations over the years where she would not need an 'inside man', so to speak."

"That's true," Hermione agreed. "There are probably a lot more people that know than we're aware of." She looked at Andromeda and Remus thought he saw something pass between them, something like understanding, but he couldn't be certain. "And we all know that Skeeter would turn on anyone, informant or not, as long as she benefitted from it."

"Just so," Andromeda said with a smile, nodding her head at Hermione. She took another sip of her tea. "Well, I am rather tired. I think I will go to bed. Good night."

"Good night, Andromeda," Hermione said, smiling at the older woman.

"Good night," Remus echoed. He waited until she had left the room, then turned to Hermione. She leaned back against him and let out a satisfied sigh.

"Your questions have been sufficiently answered, I take it?"

"Just so," Hermione said, repeating Andromeda's words. Remus shook his head fondly, then tightened his arm around her. He knew he could figure out their previous exchange if he tried, but the fate of Rita Skeeter no longer interested him. Beetle or not, dead or not, as long as she left them alone, Remus couldn't care less what happened to her.

18 June 2000

"Andromeda," Remus said the next morning as Teddy was busy with his newest toys. Harry spoiled the boy far too much.

"Yes?" she said. Remus cleared his throat, putting his hands in the pockets of his trousers.

"I've made a decision." Andromeda looked at him for a moment.

"You're taking the job at Hogwarts." Remus nodded, unable to answer out loud. There was a large lump in his throat. She smiled at him. "I knew you would." She stepped forward and hugged him. When she stepped back, her eyes were bright.

"Congratulations," she said. "I'm very happy for you."

"Andromeda," Remus began, but she shook her head, still smiling. He knew it was forced, the expression in her eyes far more telling than the look on her face. She reached for his hands, gripping them tightly.

"Have you spoken to Minerva yet?"

"No, I wanted to tell you first." Andromeda nodded, squeezing his hands. "I'm not planning on leaving until August. I don't have to be at the school until two weeks prior to term. I can do my lesson plans just as easily here." She nodded, still with that too bright smile on her face.

"Well, I am sure that you want to tell Hermione," she said. "And speak to Minerva."

"I don't need to do that immediately," Remus said, concerned about the fact that the smile seemed to have frozen on her face.

"Nonsense," she said. "We will be fine here."

"Andromeda, I-" he began but she shook her head.

"We will be fine," she repeated. Remus glanced at Teddy, then back at Andromeda.

"If you're sure."

"Of course, I am. We will see you later." She leaned in and kissed his cheek, then moved towards Teddy, asking him something about the toys Harry had given him. Remus looked at the two of them, the lump in his throat growing larger, then hurried to the back door.

Hermione looked up when she heard the crack outside. Brow furrowed, she walked into the living room and saw Remus walking quickly to her back door. She opened the door before he could knock.

"I wasn't expecting you this morning," she said with a smile. It faded when she saw the look on his face. "Remus?" He stepped into the house with a sigh, rubbing at his forehead with his fingertips.

"I've decided to take the Defense job," he said.

"Oh, Remus, that's wonderful!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. He pulled her close, burying his face in her hair. She frowned. "Isn't it?"

"Yes," he said. She pulled back slightly.

"Then, what's the matter?"

"I told Andromeda just before I came over here."

"Oh," she said, understanding immediately. She hugged him to her again. She knew it would be a big adjustment for all three of them once Remus and Teddy moved to Hogsmeade, Andromeda especially.

Remus sighed as he released Hermione. He stepped further into the living room, running a hand through his hair. Hermione reached for his hand and then tugged him gently to the couch.

"Is she all right?"

"She's putting on a brave face," Remus said. "But no, I don't think she is."

"And you're sure she won't move with you?"

"She says no," Remus replied. "And her reasons are good ones. It's just, it's going to be harder than I thought." Hermione rubbed her thumb across the back of his hand. He leaned his head back against the couch. "I'm doing the right thing, aren't I?"

"Do you want to take the job?" she asked.

"Yes," he said. "I love teaching."

"Then, yes, you're doing the right thing."

"Then why do I feel like I'm being selfish?"

"Because you're Remus," she said simply. He turned his head to look at her. "You always worry about everyone else before yourself." She scooted closer to him, propping one elbow on the back of the couch and looking down at him. He smiled up at her and she leaned down and kissed him.

"It won't be easy, at first," she said. "But everyone will adjust. And you'll still see Andromeda every day." He put a hand to her cheek and pulled her to him for another kiss.

"How did you get so wise?" he asked.

"Brightest witch of her age, I'll have you know," Hermione said cheekily. Remus chuckled before he kissed her again.

"Can I use your Floo?" he asked. "I need to call Minerva." Hermione nodded.

Hermione had come with him to look at the cottage. He had asked Andromeda as well, but she had declined and stayed home with Teddy. The cottage was away from the High street tucked into a quiet little corner of the village. There was little chance of any Hogwarts students wandering past. Minerva had paused at the front gate, before taking a deliberate breath and walking up the path to the front door. A few whispered spells later and the door was open.

"I sent some of the Hogwarts elves to clean it, so all should be in order," said as she ushered them both inside.

Remus was surprised to see it was furnished, although it made sense if Minerva had left with just her personal belongings when she moved back to the castle. There was a sofa in deep blue in front of the fireplace, two matching armchairs flanking it. Colorful carpets dotted the hardwood floors and there were three bookshelves along the side wall. They were empty, but Remus knew they wouldn't be for long. The room was cozy and inviting with a large picture window that overlooked the street.

The kitchen, with a small dining area, and a small study made up the rest of the main floor. Upstairs there were three bedrooms. The master bedroom had an en suite and the other two bedrooms had a shared bathroom.

"You may use the furniture or replace it as you'd like," Minerva said once they had finished the tour. "I expect that you will want to bring Teddy's bedroom furniture at the least."

"To start," Remus agreed. He had been thinking of moving Teddy from his cot to a regular bed but moving would be hard enough on his son. Having his own bed and other furniture would make it easier for the little boy to adjust.

"Anything you don't wish to keep can be moved into storage," Minerva said. "Let me show you the garden."

They walked out the back door into a quaint little garden. There was a patio with a table and chairs, along with a blooming flower garden. A large weeping willow tree took up most of the back property line, but there was still plenty of open space for Teddy to play.

"It's lovely, Minerva," Hermione said.

"We enjoyed it here very much," Minerva said, her voice a bit wistful. She shook herself out of her reverie a few seconds later. "I'm glad it will be in use once again."

"Thank you, Minerva," Remus said.

"I will have your employment contract drawn up, Remus," she said. "Will you stop by on Tuesday to sign it?"

"Of course," Remus said.

"Excellent. We can discuss you taking possession of the cottage at that time as well. The wards will need to be changed." Remus nodded and they walked back into the house and out the front door. Once the cottage was locked, Minerva made her good-byes and Disapparated. Hermione and Remus chose to walk through the village.

"What did you think?" Hermione asked as she took his hand.

"It's very nice," he said. "It will be perfect, I think."

"I think so too," she said with a smile. "And there's an extra bedroom, in case Andromeda changes her mind." Remus nodded, although he didn't think his mother-in-law was going to change her mind. He looked at Hermione who was admiring the other houses as they walked past. He had a sudden urge to ask her to move in with him. He squashed it down. Three months, that's all it had been. Although, with all they had been through in those three months, it seemed like far longer. Still, it was too soon.

"Sorry?" he said, realizing she had asked him something.

"I asked if you wanted to stop at the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer," she said. She cocked her head, studying him. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, love," he said, raising their clasped hands and kissing the back of hers. "A butterbeer sounds perfect." She smiled and they walked toward the High street, Remus banishing all thoughts of them moving in together.

Andromeda stepped out of the Floo into Kingsley's flat. She was not in the best frame of mind for dinner, but they had made the plans before the full moon. And truthfully, she could use a distraction from thinking about Remus and Teddy leaving.

She had meant everything she said to Remus the other day. She had never thought that he and Teddy would live with her permanently. She was so happy that Minerva had hired him to teach again. She knew how much he had enjoyed it the first time around. Speaking to Caroline about the progress Will had made, Andromeda knew that Remus was an excellent teacher.

Still, it was true that she would not have made it through the past two years without him and Teddy. They had given her a purpose, something to focus on, as she dealt with her grief over Ted and Nymphadora. And while Andromeda knew that they were not leaving her entirely, that she would still see them regularly, it would not be the same.

Kingsley stepped into the room, smiling as he greeted her. Andromeda forced her thoughts away from Remus and Teddy. She and Kingsley had not seen one another all week. He had been busy with the opening of the Sanctuary, among a myriad of other things, and had worked late nearly every evening. She did not want to ruin their time together with her melancholy.

After a soft kiss, he led her into the kitchen. He poured them each a glass of wine as she took a seat on one of the stools at the counter.

"How was the moon?" he asked.

"Uneventful," she said. "Remus had one of his better transformations."

"I've gotten the preliminary reports from the Sanctuary and it seems all went well there. Just one minor mishap," he said.

"That is what Hermione said." Andromeda took a sip of her wine. "I am so glad that it all went well." Kingsley turned and leaned against the counter next to the cooker, looking at her for a few moments. She tried not to tense under his scrutiny.

"As am I," he finally said. "I can only hope it helps a bit with some of the damage that Satterfield and Warrington did." She nodded.

"I hope so too."

"How was the rest of your week?" he asked, turning to the cooker to stir something in one of the pots on top. Andromeda contemplated for a moment before making sure her smile was firmly in place.

"Minerva offered Remus the Defense Against the Dark Arts position." Kingsley turned around to look at her. She continued to smile. "He accepted this afternoon."

"Well, that's amazing news." Andromeda nodded.

"Yes, he was rather happy about it. He enjoyed teaching very much and I know he misses it."

"He was very well-liked by the students I've heard."

"Yes, he was," she said, genuinely smiling now.

"I suppose this means that he will have to move to the castle," Kingsley said.

"No, actually. Minerva has a cottage in Hogsmeade that she offered him. Remus did not want to raise Teddy in the castle. He saw it this afternoon and says it is quite nice." Kingsley studied her again.

"You're not going with him." It wasn't a question.

"No, I am not." The fake smile was back in place and Andromeda hoped that Kingsley did not see through it.

"Did he offer?"

"Of course, he did," she replied. "But I declined." She twisted the stem of her wine glass, watching the red liquid swirl inside. Kingsley pushed himself away from the counter and moved to sit on the stool next to her. He turned to face her and waited.

"I know they were never meant to live with me forever. And that is as it should be. I will still be minding Teddy during the day, so I will see them regularly." Kingsley didn't say anything for a few moments.

"Well, that makes sense, at least," he finally said. She looked at him in confusion.

"What makes sense?"

"Why you've been wearing that fake smile and trying to pretend that everything is fine."

"I am not pretending," she said, trying not to marvel at how he could read her so well, after such a short time. He gave her a disbelieving look. "Everything is fine, Kingsley."

"Andromeda," Kingsley said softly. Andromeda swallowed past the lump in her throat. She gripped her glass tightly in her hand, not looking at him. She had nothing to be upset about; this was a wonderful opportunity for Remus. Things were as they should be.

"You don't have to do this," Kingsley said.

"Do what?"

"Pretend you're not upset," he said.

"I am not upset," she said, standing abruptly from her stool. She walked towards the window, looking out into the night, crossing her arms in front of her. Kingsley waited for a few moments before he stood and walked up behind her. He put his hands on her shoulders.

"You'll miss them," Kingsley said.

"I won't have time to miss them," she said with a laugh that sounded brittle, even to her ears. "I told you I would still be minding Teddy. I will see them every day."

"You'll miss them," Kingsley said again. She was quiet for a few moments.

"I should not be upset."

"Why not?"

"Because it is selfish," she snapped. "Remus is a grown man. He has his own life." Kingsley's hands moved to her upper arms and he squeezed gently. She closed her eyes and felt the sting of tears behind her eyelids. She was not going to break down. She was being ridiculous.

"It isn't selfish," he said. "They've lived with you since before Teddy was born. He's a living link to Ted and Tonks." She squeezed her eyes shut tighter. Kingsley's hands moved slowly up and down her arms. "It's all right to be sad."

"Not if it keeps Remus from leaving," she said.

"Did he give you any indication that it would?"

"This is Remus we are talking about," she said. Kingsley chuckled and took a step closer to her, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

"Well, Remus isn't here," he said. "And I promise not to tell him." She leaned back against him. She could feel the tears beginning to leak from her eyes.

"I should not want them to stay," she whispered.

"You love them," Kingsley said. "We always want the ones we love to stay. That doesn't make you selfish. It just makes you human." Andromeda bowed her head and the tears ran faster. Kingsley gently turned her in his arms and gathered her into his chest. She made little noise, but the flow of tears did not slow. She knew that Kingsley was right, but it didn't make her feel any less guilty. Kingsley ran a hand up and down her back, whispering soothing words in her ear. When she had finally quieted, he kissed her temple, but didn't release her.

They stood that way for a few minutes before Andromeda took a step back and looked up at him. He smiled at her, wiping a few remaining tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. Then he dipped his head and kissed her. She relaxed into the kiss, stepping closer to him again. She was not sure how long they would have stood there, but a small ping interrupted them.

"The chicken is done," Kingsley said, resting his forehead against hers and trying to catch his breath. She laughed lightly and kissed his cheek, then stepped back from him. He turned to move back to the cooker, but she grasped his hand before he could.

"Thank you," she said. He smiled and kissed her palm, then went to tend to the food.

20 June 2000

Hermione was walking through the Atrium, heading for the Floos. She planned to stop at home to change before going to Remus' for dinner.

"Miss Granger?" a voice said. Hermione turned and looked around. A woman stepped out from behind the memorial fountain and Hermione immediately reached for her wand. Cressida Wilkes stood in front of her.

"I'm sorry to bother you," Cressida said quickly. "But I wondered if I could speak with you for a few moments." Hermione forced herself to calm. This was not Delia Wilkes under Polyjuice. This was Cressida who hadn't done anything to Hermione of her own free will. Delia was in Azkaban. Hermione took a breath but kept her hand on her wand.

She glanced around the Atrium. There were plenty of people there, but most were on their way home for the day, just as she had been. It would be nearly empty in a quarter of an hour. Hermione didn't think that Cressida Wilkes meant her any harm, she hadn't heard anything from the woman or anyone in her family since Delia's trial, but Hermione couldn't help but be a bit nervous.

"I have plans, actually," Hermione said.

"Please," Cressida said. At the look on her face, Hermione's resolve faltered. The woman looked completely defeated.

"I, all right," Hermione agreed. Cressida glanced around the Atrium as well.

"Can we speak in private?" Hermione might have agreed to talk to her, but she wasn't stupid enough to do it alone. She thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Follow me." Cressida fell into step beside her and Hermione led her out of the Ministry to the streets of Muggle London. They walked down the street until they came to the café that Hermione and Harry frequented for lunch. It was Muggle so no one would recognize them and there were booths where they would have privacy to talk, but still be in a public space.

"Tea?" Hermione asked once they walked in. Cressida nodded and Hermione ordered for both of them. She led Cressida to a booth in the back. The café was fairly empty. There were only two other tables that were occupied and they were well away from the booth Hermione had chosen.

"What can I do for you?" Hermione asked once they were seated.

"It's about my sister," Cressida said. Hermione stiffened but said nothing. "They finally allowed us to visit her in Azkaban last week." In the wake of the war, Kingsley had ordered improvements made to the formidable prison. The Dementors were gone and the Minister had ordered repairs be made so that it was not so horribly damp and drafty. It couldn't escape that completely, of course, given where it was located, but things were better. The prison was now staffed completely by wizards and witches.

Hermione knew that every prisoner was allowed some mail privileges, which varied depending on their crime and sentence. All were permitted at least two visits from family a year, some more. She had no idea what the specifics for Delia were, but given she had been in prison for almost two months and her family had just been allowed to see her, Hermione figured she didn't have many.

"She was," Cressida paused shaking her head. "I've never seen her like that. She doesn't understand why she's there. She begged my mother to let her come home. It was worse than it was at the trial." Hermione could see the tears shining in the other woman's eyes.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said. Cressida looked up at her, mouth quivering.

"I know that my sister did horrible things to you. And I have no right to ask you for anything. But I am. I'm asking for your help."

"Ms. Wilkes, I," Hermione began, shaking her head.

"Please," Cressida said, putting her hand on Hermione's arm. "She's my little sister, I, I'm supposed to protect her. She's going to go mad in there, please." Hermione took a breath, staving off her own tears by the narrowest of margins.

"I want to help, believe me I do," Hermione said. "But there's nothing I can do."

"You can," Cressida insisted. "You could talk to them. You're a war hero, part of the Golden Trio, they'll listen to you!" Hermione sighed and rubbed at her forehead with her fingertips.

"Since your sister's trial, I've been looking into her case. I agree that she shouldn't be in Azkaban." Hope lit Cressida's face.

"Then you'll talk to them," she said, even as Hermione shook her head.

"They won't listen," she said. "Because the wizarding world doesn't have any kind of mental health treatment." Cressida looked confused and Hermione sighed again. "Are you familiar with Muggle healing at all?"

"Not really," Cressida said.

"In the Muggle world, there are special healers that help people like your sister." Hermione bit her lip trying to decide how to explain it exactly. "Sometimes when someone has experienced a traumatic event, like the war for example," Hermione paused again. She didn't want to get too technical in her explanation.

"It can cause problems with the way that the person thinks about things. They might act perfectly normal one minute and then think they are back in the event the next." Cressida's eyes widened in recognition. "They can have dreams or flashbacks about what they experienced. Muggles have healers that, well, try and heal their minds so that they can better deal with what happened to them. Unfortunately, we don't have anything like that in the wizarding world."

"So, if we had these mind Healers then my sister might have gotten help and never done this at all?"

"I can't say for sure," Hermione replied. "She seemed to fixate on Remus rather strongly. But it's possible."

"Maybe we can take her to one of these Muggle Healers," Cressida said. "If they can fix her, I know my parents would be willing. You could talk to the Wizengamot, get them to understand," but Hermione was shaking her head. "Why not?"

"The whole basis of Muggle therapy, mind healing," Hermione corrected when she saw Cressida's blank expression, "is to get the person to talk about what happened so they can work through the feelings and emotions surrounding it and eventually come to terms with it. Delia could never talk to a Muggle Healer about the war without breaking the Statute of Secrecy. And even if she did, they'd likely think her completely insane and we wouldn't be any better off."

"So, it's just, talking?" Cressida said dubiously.

"Well, there's more to it than that, but that's a big part of it, yes," Hermione said. "I've been doing research and I've spoken to Healers at St. Mungo's, but we don't have anything like it. Calming draughts are about the extent of our dealing with mental health."

"So, there's nothing you can do?" Cressida asked sadly.

"I haven't given up," Hermione said. "But right now, it doesn't look very promising." She reached across the table and put a hand over the other woman's. "I'm truly sorry. If there was anything I could do, I would." Cressida nodded.

"Thank you for your time." She slid from the booth and walked out of the café, leaving Hermione feeling nearly as wretched as she had after the trial.

Remus studied Hermione as she read to Teddy. She had arrived later than she'd intended that evening and told him she would tell him about it later. He was concerned. She had been quieter than usual and had gotten lost in her thoughts more than once during the evening.

When they had finally gotten Teddy to bed, Remus took her hand as they stepped out into the corridor. She looked up at him and then stepped into his arms, sighing against his chest.

"What is it, love?" he asked, running a hand up and down her back.

"Let's go downstairs," she said. She stepped back and took his hand, leading him back to the living room. When they had settled on the couch, she turned towards him, one leg tucked underneath her.

"I saw Cressida Wilkes today." Whatever Remus had been thinking she might say, that had never even crossed his mind.

"Where?"

"At the Ministry when I was leaving. She wanted to speak to me." Remus felt his hands fist and his jaw clench.

"About what?" he growled out, although he was quite sure he knew the answer.

"Delia."

"I hope you told her no," he said, trying to keep his anger reigned in. The look on Hermione's face was enough of an answer. He sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face.

"You should have seen her, Remus," Hermione said. "She looked…broken. I couldn't just ignore that."

"Yes, you bloody well could have," he snapped. "At least tell me you talked to her at the Ministry." Hermione looked at him defiantly.

"No."

"You went somewhere alone with her?" he asked incredulously. "What were you thinking?"

"We went to that Muggle café where Harry and I have lunch," she said in exasperation. "We were hardly alone."

"Hermione," he began, but she cut him off with a scowl.

"I can take care of myself, Remus." He took a breath, forcing himself to calm before he said something that he would regret. Because right now, he wanted to point out that she hadn't done a particularly good job of taking care of herself the day she got that letter. And that, he knew, would be incredibly stupid. It wasn't her fault. Instead, he took another breath and looked at her.

"What did she want?"

"She's seen Delia, they were finally able to visit her." Hermione hesitated. "She isn't doing well."

"She's not supposed to be doing well, she's in prison."

"Cressida wanted my help." Remus stared at her, already knowing what she was going to say. "She wants me to try and get Delia out."

"Please tell me that you told her no."

"I told her that I couldn't get Delia released." Remus relaxed slightly. "But I said that I agreed with her." He sighed and shook his head. "I don't understand why you're upset." He stared at her incredulously.

"Delia tried to kill you."

"But you agreed with me that she probably did that because of the war," Hermione protested. "If she'd gotten the help she needed, she wouldn't have."

"We don't know that," Remus said. "I agreed with you that we need some kind of mental health treatment, but I never said that Delia should be released from prison." Hermione huffed out a breath. Remus turned to her and took her hand in his.

"I know that this is important to you," he said. "But, Hermione, I don't think I'll ever agree that that woman should be released from prison. She tried to kill you." He held up a hand when Hermione went to interrupt. "Whether she would have followed through or not, or whether she wouldn't have done it if she'd had some kind of therapy doesn't really matter. She tried. And I don't know if I can ever forgive her for that, no matter what happens." He ran a thumb across Hermione's knuckles. "If it were me, how would you feel?" He could tell by the set of her jaw that she didn't want to answer.

"Probably the same way," she finally muttered. He tugged lightly on her hand and she moved towards him.

"I love you," he said, pulling her into his arms. "And I'm glad that you've decided to take this project on. I will support you in it however I can." He felt her relax against him. "But please don't ask me to agree about Delia Wilkes. I almost lost you because of her."

"You didn't lose me," she said, putting a hand to his cheek. He leaned down and kissed her, pulling her tight against him. They were both breathless when they separated. He rested his forehead against hers.

"And I would never advocate for her to be released unless I was sure that she wasn't going to hurt me or anyone else. I just want to help," Hermione said. Remus sighed.

"I know you do, love," he said, then pulled back and smiled at her. He cupped her cheek and kissed her once more. "I'm sorry I got angry."

"It's all right," she said. "I understand." They shifted so they were both reclined on the couch, Hermione lying against his side. Flashes of her time at St. Mungo's were running through his mind. Hermione, as if sensing his distress, pulled herself closer to him and Remus tightened his arm around her. She nuzzled her nose into his neck and he kissed her forehead. They stayed that way until they both drifted off to sleep, only waking when Andromeda came home from Kingsley's.

21 June 2000

Remus stepped out of the fireplace into Hermione's living room. He was glad that she had called and asked him to come by after Teddy was in bed. She had seemed fine when she left the night before, but Remus wanted to be sure that she wasn't still upset about their argument.

"Be right there," Hermione called from the kitchen. Remus was still standing in front of the fireplace, hands in his pockets, when she came into the room. She gave him a bright smile and crossed the room to kiss him. He relaxed when he realized she was perfectly fine and obviously not upset about the previous evening.

"How was your day?" he asked after she'd offered him something to drink. He joined her on the couch.

"Long," she said. "Meetings mostly and boring ones at that." She took a sip of her wine. "Yours?"

"I've started getting some things together for next year," he said. "I've got a meeting scheduled with Angus for tomorrow, to go over where all the years are in their studies. I want the transition to be as smooth as possible. I remember what it was like having a new Defense teacher every year." Hermione nodded in agreement.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you," she said. "Ginny has everything set for Luna's party. Eight o'clock on Friday." Remus frowned and Hermione's brow furrowed. "Andromeda doesn't have plans, does she?"

"Not that I know of," Remus said.

"Oh, good," she said. "It will be great to see Luna."

"I'm sure you will all have a wonderful time." He smiled thinly. Hermione looked at him quizzically.

"What do you mean 'you all'? You're coming, aren't you?"

"I don't think so," he said.

"Why not?"

"I don't think that your friends want their former professor there."

"I'm sure they don't care," Hermione said. "Besides, I want you there."

"I know that you do, but you have to admit, it would be awkward."

"Why?"

"Because I was their teacher," Remus said.

"But everyone loved you."

"That may be, but I was still their teacher." Hermione stared at him.

"We've had dinner with Harry and Ginny and Ron and Susan before."

"That was different," Remus said.

"Why, because we stayed at Grimmauld Place?"

"No," he said, then shook his head. "Partly, I suppose. But Harry is, well, he's more like a nephew than just your friend. He's Teddy's godfather. I don't feel like-" but Remus trailed off at the look on Hermione's face. She looked…hurt.

"Are you ashamed to be seen with me?" she asked.

"What? Of course, not!"

"Then why won't you come with me to Luna's party?"

"I've told you why," he said.

"Well, that's a ridiculous reason," she snapped. Remus bristled.

"I don't think it is."

"Everyone knows we're dating," she said. "It's been splashed all over the papers."

"It's not about that." He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. He couldn't believe they were having their second row in as many days.

"Then what is it about?" Hermione demanded. "Because you're not making any sense."

"I know that everyone is aware that we're together," he said. "But I'm sure that you haven't talked to all of them since they found out."

"No," she acknowledged.

"Then, I think it's better that I'm not there," he said.

"Even if you're not there, they still know," she said, sounding irritated. "You don't have to be there for them to pass judgement if that's what they're going to do."

"At least if I'm not there, we won't be smacking them in the face with it."

"Three days ago, we sat in The Three Broomsticks and had a drink," she said, clearly furious. "You didn't seem to be worried about 'smacking anyone in the face with it' then."

"That was a completely different situation," he said.

"How?"

"Because we didn't know anyone in The Three Broomsticks!" he snapped. She blinked, staring at him.

"Let me get this straight," she said, her voice low. "It's fine if we're seen together by people that don't know us, but you don't want to be seen with me around people we do know?"

"No! That's not-" He scrubbed a hand down his face in frustration and stood from the couch. Crossing the room, he braced his hands against the mantel and took a breath. She was taking everything he said the wrong way, although he was doing a shite job of trying to explain, he had to admit. He needed to get his thoughts in order.

"Do you remember that night at the Leaky Cauldron? The night we had Bradley take the photographs?" he finally asked as he turned around. She nodded. "And you had the confrontation with those women in the bathroom?"

"Yes," she said, clearly confused as to what he was getting at.

"I remember how upset you were," he said. "Even if you pretended not to be. Imagine what it would have been like if those women had been people you knew. People that you considered friends."

"Well, I like to think that none of my friends would be so crass as to say something like that to my face," she replied dryly.

"Hermione-" but she held up a hand to stop him.

"Remus, I understand what you're getting at. But the people that matter, Harry and Ginny, Ron and Susan, George, even Neville and Hannah, they all accept that we're together. To be perfectly honest, besides Luna and everyone else I just mentioned, I'm not close to anyone else that will be there. And somehow, I can't imagine Luna having any kind of problem with us." She gave him a faint smile, which Remus returned.

"No, I can't imagine she would."

"Then the rest of them really don't matter," Hermione said. "I would be disappointed if they couldn't accept it, but it wouldn't change my life. These are not people I talk to on a consistent basis."

"I want you to enjoy yourself," Remus said. "I don't want you to have to worry about what people are saying behind your back."

"Trust me, if I worried about that, I'd be worried all the time," she said wryly. Remus couldn't bring himself to return her humor. Hermione sighed and stood from the couch.

"I know you want to protect me. But I promise you, I don't care what people think. Everyone I care about has given us their support. That's all that matters to me." She took her hands in his. "And like I said before, you not being there isn't going to be a guarantee that no one will say anything. It's not like it's a secret." She squeezed his hands and he looked up at her. He released one of her hands and tucked a curl behind her ear.

"So, will you come?" she asked. He stared at her for a moment.

"I don't know," he said honestly. He could see the annoyance in her eyes.

"Why on earth not?"

"I go back to my earlier statement about it being awkward."

"Remus," she said rolling her eyes.

"No, just listen," he said. "I'm not talking about us now. I was their professor, Hermione. I'm far older than any of them, I'm a father."

"You're overthinking this," she said. "Go back to that same night at the Leaky you were talking about before. It was a bit awkward with Neville at first, but when I came back from the loo, the two of you were talking easily." Remus couldn't argue that point. "You talk to Harry and Ginny, Ron and Susan all the time and it's not awkward with them either." She stepped closer to him and his arms automatically went around her waist.

"If you come and it's uncomfortable, you can leave and I swear I won't be upset," Hermione said.

"I'll come if you promise me something."

"What?"

"If anyone says anything insulting to you, you'll tell me." She stared at him for a few moments.

"Only if you promise to do the same." He almost said 'no' by reflex. He was used to slurs and insults, given his condition. He didn't need Hermione being upset by them too. But he knew that would not go over well and he truly didn't want to argue with her anymore.

"All right," he agreed. She smiled.

"Thank you." She stepped into him and he hugged her to him. She pulled back slightly after a few seconds but didn't let go of him completely.

"You know," she said conversationally. "I have heard that making up after an argument can be rather fun."

"Have you now?" he said with a smirk. She nodded. "Perhaps we should test that theory."

"I think it would be the wise thing to do," she said, trying to look serious while hiding a grin. Smiling himself, Remus leaned down and kissed her breathless, then took her hand and pulled her upstairs.