A/N - Hello everyone! Thanks for all your reviews last chapter, I hope you enjoy this one as well. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 84

Introductions

6 July 2000

"Harry?" Hermione called as she came through the Floo. There was movement on the stairs and Harry stepped into the kitchen.

"Hermione," he said with a smile. "How was your trip?" He crossed the kitchen to hug her.

"It was really good," she said, hugging him back. Ginny walked into the kitchen a few moments later. "Hi, Ginny. I thought you'd be back in Wales by now."

"As I see," Ginny replied, trying for stern. "Trying to steal my man, Granger?" Hermione laughed and released Harry, hugging Ginny instead.

"I've got one of my own, thank you," she said.

"How was the holiday?" Ginny asked.

"Good," Hermione said soft smile on her face. Ginny studied her for a moment.

"Spill."

"Spill what?" Hermione asked innocently.

"I know that look, Hermione," Ginny said. "You've got a secret." Hermione bit her cheek trying not to smile, but she wasn't very successful.

"Remus asked me to move into the Hogsmeade cottage with him." Ginny squealed and hugged her again as Hermione laughed.

"Whoa," Harry said, looking at her in surprise. "That's, I mean, that's a big deal, Hermione. Are you sure?"

"Harry," Ginny admonished.

"No, it's all right. I know it's soon, but," Hermione paused, biting her lip and looking at Harry. "It's what I want." He studied her for a few moments before he nodded.

"Then I'm happy for you," he said. She smiled and he took her hand, squeezing it.

"All right," Ginny said. "Tell me everything."

"Excuse me," Harry said. "Tell you everything?" Ginny flapped a hand at him.

"Fine, tell us everything." Hermione immediately blushed and Ginny got a knowing look in her eye. She smirked. "All right, maybe not everything."

"Oh, gods," Harry said with a groan. "I did not need to hear that."

"Blame Hermione," Ginny said. "She can't hide a blush to save her life." Hermione tried to huff in indignation, but she was far too happy for it to be very successful.

"Is there any way this conversation is going to end without me having more information than I ever wanted to know?" Harry asked.

"Yes, it is," Hermione said, staring pointedly at Ginny. "I'm not giving you all the details." Ginny pouted.

"Fine then," she said with a dramatic sigh. "Just tell us about the trip." Hermione recounted their holiday, leaving out the initial argument with her mother over sleeping arrangements and the details of her and Remus' last night together.

"The last night we were there, my parents had gone to bed and Remus and I were alone. That's when he asked me. I'm moving some time in August." Both Harry and Ginny smiled.

"What did your parents say about it?" Ginny asked. Hermione bit her lip and looked at her lap. "You didn't tell them?"

"I will," Hermione said. "I just don't know how they're going to take it and I didn't want to leave on an argument."

"I thought they liked Remus," Harry said.

"They do, but," she sighed. "I'm sure they're going to think it's too soon."

"Sounds like my mum," Ginny said with a roll of her eyes. "At least they'll be all the way in Australia so you won't have to deal with it much."

"That's the thing," Hermione said. "They're moving back."

"You're joking." Hermione shook her head. "I thought they loved it there."

"They're only moving back for part of the year," Hermione said, explaining their plans. "But they're coming home next month, staying through October."

"When are you going to tell them?" Harry asked.

"I don't know," Hermione said with a sigh. "I think my dad already knows. Or suspects, anyway. I mean I did tell him that I was going to get my own flat once they came home. I'll tell them soon. I just want to enjoy it a bit first." Ginny nodded.

"Just don't wait too long," Harry warned. "You don't want them showing up and finding the house empty of all of your things."

"I won't," Hermione replied with a smile. Ginny was studying Hermione with that look in her eye that said she knew there was more to the story. Harry glanced between the two of them.

"I'll just got get Crookshanks' things together, shall I?" Harry said.

"That sounds like a perfect idea," Ginny said. "Thank you." Harry rolled his eyes and looked at Hermione.

"Congratulations again," he said. "Now please, if you ever loved me at all, let me get upstairs before you give Gin the long version." Hermione laughed and hugged him again.

"Thanks for taking care of Crooks for me."

"Anytime," Harry said, kissing her cheek. He kissed Ginny on his way out of the kitchen. The two women waited a few moments before Ginny turned to Hermione in anticipation.

"I don't know what else you think you're getting out of me," Hermione said with a sniff. "There's nothing else to tell."

"Bollocks," Ginny said. When Hermione didn't say anything, Ginny shrugged. "That's all right, I'll just draw my own conclusions."

"You're incorrigible," Hermione said. "Well, first of all, my parents put us in separate bedrooms." Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Also sounds like my mum."

"Yes, well, you know how busy I was before we left. Remus was too and we hadn't seen much of each other."

"Then five more days of no shagging once you got to Australia," Ginny continued matter-of-factly. Hermione ignored that statement.

"So, when I said that my parents had gone to bed and we were alone when Remus asked me, that was true. But I had sort of, snuck him into my bedroom and," she trailed off. Ginny knew what she was getting at. "Anyway, that's when he asked me."

"When, exactly?" Ginny asked.

"I told you, I'm not giving you details," Hermione said.

"Before, during, after?" Ginny pressed.

"I am not telling you that," Hermione insisted.

"Drawing my own conclusions, right," Ginny said, looking across the kitchen and smiling wickedly. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"After, all right?" she huffed. "He sort of whispered it. He told me later he hadn't meant to say it out loud." Ginny's brow furrowed.

"So, he didn't want to ask you?"

"No, he did, he just thought that I might think it was too soon. Anyway, I looked at him, shocked, and then he asked me again." Hermione smiled at the memory. "I'd been thinking about it too that night. So, I said yes." Ginny grinned.

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

"Thanks, Gin."

"Oh, look, I found Crookshanks," Harry's voice said very loudly from the stairs, obviously warning them of his presence so they would stop their conversation. "I'm sure that Hermione will be very happy to see you."

"It's fine, Harry," Hermione called. "We're done talking."

"Thank Merlin," Harry said as he opened the kitchen door and Crookshanks sauntered through. "I love you, Hermione, but I do not want details of your private life."

"Unlike your nosy fiancée," Hermione said. Ginny simply smiled sweetly. Hermione turned her attention to her cat. She picked him up and snuggled him to her. "Did you miss me, Crooks?"

Crookshanks looked at her indifferently but didn't struggle to be put down. It was as much of an acknowledgement as Hermione was likely to get. She chuckled and kissed the top of his head.

"I'd better get going," she said, stifling a yawn. "Still trying to get used to the time change. If I don't get some sleep, I'll be worthless at work tomorrow." She put Crookshanks into the basket Harry held out for her.

"You're going in?" Harry asked. "I figured you'd take the whole week off."

"I was going to," Hermione replied. "But I want to finish up a few things so I can concentrate on my mind healing project. I think Rolf's cousin is coming home from holiday this weekend, so I'm hoping to talk to him early next week."

"I still can't believe how that all happened," Ginny said.

"Me either," Hermione replied. "Although, if anyone was going to meet their future husband in the middle of the wilderness, it was going to be Luna."

"You're not wrong about that," Harry said with a laugh.

"Anyway, I'm hoping that he'll also agree to see Delia Wilkes," Hermione said without thinking. She swore in her head. She knew how Harry and Ginny felt about the woman. The smile slid from Harry's face and Ginny tensed.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because she needs help, Harry," Hermione said.

"That may be true, but Hermione," Harry sighed and shook his head.

"You're not trying to get her out of prison, are you?" Ginny asked flatly, her arms crossed in front of her.

"Not right away, no," Hermione replied.

"Not right away," Ginny repeated. "But you do want her out?"

"If Rolf's cousin agrees to see her and she recovers, then at some point, yes," Hermione said coolly.

"I can't believe you, Hermione."

"Gin, listen to me," Hermione began, but the redhead shook her head.

"After what she did to you? What she did to her own sister?"

"She's ill, Ginny," Hermione snapped. "She went through a lot."

"And the rest of us didn't?" Ginny demanded. "I'm sorry, Hermione, but we all went through a hell of a lot more than that girl ever did."

"Gin," Harry began, but she whirled on him.

"No, Harry. You know I'm right. For fuck's sake, you lost your parents and Sirius and had Voldemort chasing after you since you were eleven. You had to fight him and," Ginny trailed off shaking her head and Harry drew her into his arms.

"I know, Ginny, I know," Hermione said, trying to placate her friend. This wasn't how she wanted this visit to end. "I swear that I'm not trying to excuse what she did. But not everyone reacts to the situations in the same way. I'm not saying that she shouldn't be in prison. But they sent her there for life, Ginny. Life. She's nineteen." There was silence in the kitchen. Even Crookshanks, who had been protesting being put into his basket, was quiet.

Finally, Ginny sighed. She moved away from Harry and towards Hermione. Ginny stopped in front of her. Hermione bit her lip until Ginny took hold of her hand.

"It's not that I don't think what you're doing is a good idea," Ginny said. "Merlin knows I could have used some help like that after my first year and after the war. Most of us could. But she hurt you, Hermione. She wanted you gone."

"I know," Hermione said. "And I swear, Gin, if Rolf's cousin helps her and she still doesn't care about what she did or wishes she would have succeeded, then I will leave her in Azkaban and not look back. But I have to try."

"But why?" Ginny pressed.

"If it was one of your brothers or Harry or me, wouldn't you want someone to help them?" Ginny sighed again.

"Yes," she finally said.

"Some people are beyond help," Hermione said. "But I have to be sure that Delia is one of them before I give up." Ginny nodded. Hermione looked at Harry who was watching them closely. "Harry?"

"I know, Hermione," he said. "Trust me, I do." Hermione nodded. If anyone would understand, it would be Harry. He'd always had a thing about saving people.

"So, we're okay?" she asked Ginny. Ginny looked up at her and gave her a small smile.

"Yeah, we're okay." Hermione smiled back and squeezed her hand but Hermione could tell that the redhead wasn't completely convinced. Crookshanks meowed in irritation.

"I better go," she said as she stepped back. "When are you going back to Wales?"

"Tomorrow," Ginny said.

"I'll see you next weekend then, after the match."

"The kids are all coming," Harry reminded her.

"Good, I can't wait to see them." She looked at her two friends. "Thank you again, for watching Crooks."

"We love you, Hermione," Harry said, hugging her. "Don't forget."

"I won't," Hermione said, voice cracking a bit. "Thanks, Harry. Bye, Gin." Hermione picked up Crookshanks' basket and his bag of food and walked to the Floo. Harry threw in the powder for her and she stepped in, calling out for home.

Remus climbed the stairs with a yawn. It was early, only a little after eight, but he could barely keep his eyes open any longer. After staying up nearly the whole night the night before and the time change, he was completely knackered. It felt like six in the morning to him, after all.

He'd taken a nap this afternoon while Teddy napped, which had helped, for a while anyway. But even though Teddy had been ready to sleep for the night when they had put him down for his nap, they had woken him about three hours later. The little boy had been extremely tired and out of sorts the rest of the afternoon and evening. Not that Remus could blame him, his internal time clock was completely off. They'd had to put him back to bed around seven. Remus fully expected a middle of the night wakening. Andromeda insisted she would take care of her grandson so Remus could sleep and he could take over in the morning.

Remus had nearly reached the top of the stairs when he heard the noise of Apparition. He frowned. Andromeda hadn't mentioned that Kingsley was going to be stopping by. Deciding to check to be sure, he began making his way back down the stairs.

"It's Hermione," Andromeda said from where she stood at the window as he reached the back door.

"Hermione?" Remus repeated in confusion. He'd spoken to her after supper just before she was going to leave to pick up Crookshanks. She told him she was going to go home after and go to bed early as well. He opened the door before she reached it.

"I wasn't expecting to see you tonight," he said with a smile. She attempted to return it, but he could tell her smile was forced.

"What's wrong, love?" he asked as she came inside.

"Nothing," she said, but stepped into his arms all the same. Andromeda excused herself to the living room.

"It doesn't seem like nothing," he said.

"I wanted to say good night to you," she said. "I've gotten used to doing it this past week." Her smile this time was genuine and she rose up on tiptoe to kiss him.

"I'm glad you decided to come by," he said when they parted. "But I have a feeling there's something else going on." She sighed and rested her cheek against his chest. He kissed the top of her head and tightened his arms around her.

"Ginny and I had a row." Remus stared at the top of her head in surprise. She and Ginny rarely even disagreed.

"About what?" he asked. Hermione sighed again.

"I don't want to tell you," she mumbled into his chest.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't want to argue with you too."

"Now you're worrying me." Hermione hesitated, then continued.

"It was about Delia." Remus tried not to tense, but he couldn't help it. Hermione stepped back from him.

"That's why I didn't want to tell you."

"I'm sorry," he said, reaching for her again. "You just surprised me. Why were you fighting about Delia?"

"I mentioned having Rolf's cousin speak to her and Ginny got angry."

"I can understand why," Remus said.

"I know, I understand too, it's just," she shook her head. "I'm tired of having to justify myself."

"It's only because she loves you, Hermione," Remus said.

"I know," she said with another sigh.

"How did you leave it?"

"We made up, I guess," Hermione said. "But she's leaving for Wales tomorrow and I won't see her for over a week."

"Maybe that's a good thing," Remus said. Hermione looked up at him in question. "It will give Ginny some time to think about what you said and you time to recover from our holiday. I'm sure it will be fine the next time you see her." Hermione nodded, but Remus saw the tears forming in her eyes. He pulled her to him again, rubbing a hand up and down her back trying to soothe her.

"I don't even know why I'm crying," she said.

"You're exhausted, love. We were up almost all night and with the time change," he said, "you just need some sleep." She clung to him for a few minutes, crying into his chest. When she quieted, Remus conjured a handkerchief and handed it to her.

"I'm sorry," she said as she stepped back.

"You don't have to apologize," he replied. "It's been a busy few days." He smiled. "Everything will look better in the morning, I promise." She wiped her face and nodded. He held his arms out to her again and she moved back into his embrace.

"Let me take you home," he said.

"No, I'm fine," she said. "You need to sleep too."

"I'll be fine for a bit longer, I had a nap this afternoon," he said. "You, on the other hand, look like you might fall asleep standing here. Just let me tell Andromeda." Hermione nodded and Remus stepped into the living room.

"I'm going to make sure Hermione gets home all right," Remus said. "I don't think she should Apparate alone."

"Is she all right?" Andromeda asked in concern.

"Just overtired and emotionally drained," Remus said.

"Are you all right to Apparate?"

"I'm fine," he said. "I'll be back soon."

"You do not have to come back if she needs you," Andromeda said. "I already told you I would get up with Teddy." Remus glanced towards the kitchen and then back at Andromeda.

"Are you sure?"

"Remus, we will be fine. One night of interrupted sleep is not going to hurt me."

"I'll be back early tomorrow," he said. "Hermione is going to work in the morning."

"All right," Andromeda said. "Sleep well."

"Thank you, Andromeda." She smiled and kissed his cheek, then sat down on the couch and picked up her book. Remus walked back into the kitchen. Hermione was sitting at the table, head in her hand, eyes closed.

"Hermione," he said quietly and she jumped, looking up at him. "Let's get you home." He took her hand and helped her up from the table. They walked into the back garden to the oak tree, Hermione yawning widely.

"Are you ready?" he asked when he'd wrapped his arms around her. She nodded and Remus turned and Disapparated.

The landed in her back garden and she unlocked the back door. Remus took her hand and led her upstairs. She stripped out of her clothes, pulling on her pajamas and slipping into her bed. When she saw Remus unbuttoning his shirt she sat up in bed.

"What are you doing?"

"Going to bed," he said. "Unless you'd rather I didn't stay."

"No," she said with a smile. "I just didn't realize that you wanted to."

"I always want to," he said.

"But Teddy," Hermione said.

"Andromeda insisted she would get up with him. Said I needed a good night's sleep." Hermione nodded and he finished undressing down his boxers, then climbed into bed beside her.

"Good night, love," he said as she scooted into his side.

"I love you," she mumbled, her eyes already closed.

"I love you too." He kissed the top of her head and tightened his arm around her. His eyes closed almost immediately and they drifted off to sleep.

7 July 2000

Hermione woke before her alarm was set to go off. Remus was still sleeping beside her. She smiled and moved closer to him, putting an arm over his chest. He was right, she did feel much better this morning.

The argument with Ginny still bothered her a bit, mostly because they rarely ever fought. She did understand how Ginny felt, how Remus felt, likely how everyone that cared about her felt. If she were in their position, she would feel the same way. But she was still intent on doing what she could for Delia Wilkes.

Remus stirred under her arm and she propped her chin in his chest as he opened his eyes. He smiled at and leaned forward to kiss her.

"Good morning," he said.

"Morning." He tucked a curl behind her ear.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"Much better," Hermione said. "You were right."

"It's been known to happen," he said with a smirk. She laughed.

"I hope that Ginny feels better about it," she said, face turning serious.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Hermione said.

"I'm not trying to upset you again, but can you explain why this thing with Delia is so important to you?" Hermione traced a finger over one of the scars on his chest.

"It's hard to explain," she said. Remus waited, not saying anything while Hermione gathered her thoughts.

"After," she began, then stopped. She blew out a breath and cleared her throat. "After what happened to me at Malfoy Manor, I, no one knew what to do. Harry and Ron, they tried to talk to me, but Harry just felt guilty and Ron, Ron was so angry. Not at me, but at himself and Bellatrix and the Malfoys." Remus turned her arm over where it lay across his stomach and began to rub his fingers lightly over her scar. Hermione stared at it for a moment before she continued.

"We were busy, of course, plotting with Griphook, and that kept my mind off things. But when I was alone," she paused and shook her head. "It would have been so easy. I can see exactly how it could have happened."

"What, love?" he asked quietly.

"I could have fallen into myself, into my own mind," she said. "If the house hadn't been so crowded and if we hadn't been planning the break-in at Gringotts, I would have." She shifted to lay her head on the pillow and Remus rolled to his side facing her.

"If I had, I don't know what would have happened," she said. "Bill was always kind to me, talked to me about his scars to try and help me feel better about mine. Maybe I would have become obsessed with him like Delia did with you. Maybe I would have wanted Fleur out of the picture." Remus shook his head.

"You never would have done something like that," he said.

"No, because I had people around me to help," she said. "And I knew I had a job to finish, a purpose, something to keep me from dwelling on what happened to me. But what if I hadn't?"

"But Delia wasn't tortured, she was barely even hurt in the battle," Remus argued.

"She wasn't hurt physically," Hermione said. "But her best friend was killed in front of her while she hid. She saw so many people die that day, right in front of her. And before you say it, I know that we all did, but she obviously handled it differently. She went through a different kind of torture." They both fell silent, Remus resuming the tracing of her scar.

"I want to help her because I see myself in her," Hermione said quietly. "What could have happened to me if I hadn't had all of you. Do you see?" She looked at him and he stared at her for a few moments before he nodded. He pulled her to him and Hermione rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

When he pulled back, she looked up. He smiled and cupped her cheek, then lowered his head to kiss her. Hermione made a noise of contentment. The buzzing of her alarm clock interrupted them a few minutes later.

"Work," she said with a sigh. He kissed her forehead.

"I told Andromeda I'd be home early. I'm sure Teddy has probably been up for hours." Hermione nodded, then kissed him again.

"Will you come for dinner tonight?" he asked when they parted.

"Yes," she said with a smile. He gave her one last quick kiss and they both rose to get ready for the day.

11 July 2000

Hermione followed the secretary down the corridor to a small office. The woman knocked on the door and at the invitation to enter, opened the door and stepped inside. Hermione followed behind her.

"Hermione Granger for you," the secretary said. The man at the desk looked up and smiled. Standing, he walked out from behind his desk, holding out a hand to Hermione.

"Aaron Chadwick," he said as Hermione shook his hand.

"Hermione Granger," she replied. He ushered her towards a chair in front of his desk.

"Can I get you anything?" he asked.

"No, I'm fine, thank you," Hermione replied. He nodded to his secretary who left the room, closing the door behind her.

"Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me, Dr. Chadwick," Hermione said.

"Aaron, please, Miss Granger."

"Then please, call me Hermione," she replied. He nodded in acknowledgement. "I'm not sure how much Rolf told you about my project."

"He told me you'd like to start a mental health program in the Wizarding world," Aaron said. "And that you'd like me to help."

"Yes, that's the gist of it," she said with a smile.

"It's an admirable goal," he said. "But unfortunately, I'm not a teacher. I've never had any experience training anyone."

"I understand that," Hermione said. "But you have been trained yourself. You went to school and followed a program."

"Well, yes."

"I'm simply looking to work within that framework. My biggest obstacle so far has been finding someone who has been trained as you have, but also knows about the Wizarding World. I'm sure you're familiar with the Statue of Secrecy."

"I am," he said. "Although my family has never followed it as a hard and fast rule." He smiled and Hermione laughed.

"I got that impression from Rolf. As it is, I still wouldn't have approached you had he not told me that your daughter was a witch. I don't want to get anyone in your family into trouble with the Ministry."

"I appreciate that," he said.

"How old is your daughter if you don't mind me asking."

"She's nine," he replied. "Been showing signs of magic since she was two." Hermione bit her lip in thought. Technically, Aaron shouldn't know about magic until someone visited to explain about his daughter's acceptance into Hogwarts. But given who his family was, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to think that one of them would have explained to him much sooner. It was a grey area where Squibs and Half-bloods were concerned. She would need to speak to Margaret about it. She explained as much to Aaron.

"I'm not going to use your name until I've spoken to my boss," she said. "But would you be interested in helping me?"

"What, exactly, would you want me to do?" Hermione began her explanation as to how she hoped that Aaron would be able to help with her project. Truthfully, she hadn't entirely worked it out herself. She had no experience with the schooling to become a counselor or psychiatrist. Given they would have to adapt everything to the wizarding world, she wasn't entirely sure just how things would go. She wanted to form a committee of Healers to help with the process, something she hadn't done yet, as she'd had nowhere to start from before she'd found out about Aaron.

They discussed possible ideas for over an hour before Aaron apologetically looked at his watch.

"I've got a patient coming in about fifteen minutes," he said. "We'll have to table this for now." Hermione nodded.

"There is just one other thing I'd like to ask you," she said.

"Go ahead."

"Would you be willing to take on any wizards or witches as patients?" He sat back in his chair, looking at her thoughtfully.

"They're aware of what Muggle therapy entails? That it isn't a magical fix. There are no spells or potions."

"Yes," she said. "And truthfully, I only have one person in mind right now."

"Then I would be willing to give it a try. You can have them call my office."

"That's the problem," she said.

"No telephones, right," he said.

"No, it's not that," Hermione said. "The witch is question is in prison right now." His eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "There's no possibility that she could come to you. If I can get permission from the Ministry, would you be willing to go to her?"

"I'll admit that you've piqued my interest, Hermione," he said. "But I would need more information before I would agree."

"I understand," she said. "I need to speak to the Ministry anyway, I'm not sure they would even allow it. Plus, I'd like to discuss it with her family."

"Of course," Aaron said. "Would you like to meet next week at the same time? That will give me time to get some information together for your program."

"That would be perfect, thank you." He stood from his desk and Hermione rose as well. Aaron walked her to the door.

"It was very nice to meet you," he said, shaking her hand. "I look forward to working with you." Hermione smiled.

"Me as well." She thanked him one last time and then left the office. The grin refused to leave her face.

15 July 2000

Remus and Hermione landed at the stadium, Paul and Will in tow. Rachel landed shortly after they did, able to Apparate on her own. Harry, Ron, and Susan were bringing David, Claire, and Annie, although Hermione suspected they were already here. Harry liked to get to the matches in time to watch the warm-ups.

"Thank you again, Hermione, for letting us come with Will," Rachel said. "We haven't been to a professional match since the last one Mr. Potter invited us to."

"Don't let Harry hear you call him that," Hermione said with a laugh. "He's not that much older than you are, you know." The girl smiled.

"How is your job going?" Remus asked.

"I really like it so far," Rachel said as they walked towards the stairs to the box Harry always reserved. Rachel had recently started her job at the Ministry, in the Department of International Magical Cooperation.

"Are you getting excited for Hogwarts?" Hermione asked Will as they climbed the stairs.

"Kind of," he said.

"Just kind of?" Will shrugged.

"I want to go but," he trailed off. Hermione stopped and put a hand on his shoulder.

"It's going to be all right, Will."

"Everyone is going to know," he said quietly.

"Not if you don't want them to."

"They'll figure it out," he said.

"Maybe," she replied. "But Remus is going to be a professor, remember? He'll help you if you need it." Will relaxed slightly and nodded. "And I'm going to introduce you to Annie, David, and Claire today, so you'll know someone. Plus, Paul will be there."

Hermione suspected that Will would go to Gryffindor and it would be good for him to have the third years looking out for him. If he followed his older siblings to Ravenclaw instead, his brother could watch out for him. With Remus there as well, Hermione was certain that the boy would be all right.

"And I'll be living in Hogsmeade so if you need anything, you just send me an owl, all right?" Will smiled at her and they continued climbing to the box.

When they stepped inside, it was more crowded that it had ever been. The entire Weasley family was there, plus Luna and Rolf, the three Muggle-borns and Will and his siblings. Paul and Rachel were already standing by the front rail and Remus was talking to Arthur. Hermione felt Will move closer to her when he saw the number of people that were there. He was much better in crowds that he had been, but he still sometimes got a bit nervous. It didn't help that the full moon was tomorrow and he was a bit jumpy because of it. She squeezed his shoulder in support, then looked around the box.

"Hermione!" Claire called, hurrying towards her and throwing her arms around Hermione.

"Hey, Claire." Annie and David made their way over as well. After Hermione had hugged them all, she turned to Will.

"Will, this is Claire, Annie and David."

"Hi, Will," Claire said with a smile. David shook his hand and Annie said hello as well.

"Hermione said you'll be a first year next year," David said.

"Yeah," Will replied.

"What house do you want?"

"My sister and brother were in Ravenclaw, my mum too, so she says I'll probably go there," Will said. "But Gryffindor would be good."

"That's where we are," David said with a smile. "Do you play Quidditch?" Will's eyes lit up. The boys were soon discussing the game. David had been on the reserve team this year and was hoping to move up to the regular team in the fall.

"How were exams?" Hermione asked. Annie groaned.

"Do we have to talk about exams?" she said. "We just got out of school." Hermione laughed.

"I didn't think they were that hard," Claire said.

"You never do, Claire," Annie replied. Hermione grinned at the two of them.

"Hey, Will," Paul said, stepping up beside his brother. "They're about to announce the teams." Paul glanced at the other three teenagers standing with his brother. Hermione quickly introduced them.

"Gryffindor, right?" Paul said and the three nodded. He looked at Claire. "I've seen you in the library." Hermione hid a smile when she saw the slight blush on Claire's cheeks. The boys didn't seem to notice, but Annie did. She nudged her friend when the boys started walking towards the front of the box. Claire slapped Annie's arm and shook her head. Well, that was interesting.

Hermione grabbed a bottle of Butterbeer from the table before walking towards the seats. She moved in next to Ron and Susan. Harry was standing with the kids at the front waiting for Ginny. The redhead always flew past the box after she was introduced.

"Hi, Hermione," Susan said.

"'Mione," Ron said. Hermione rolled her eyes and Susan smacked his arm.

"Thanks for helping Harry with the kids," Hermione said.

"No problem," Susan said. "It looks like they're all getting along." Hermione glanced up at the rail where the six of them stood. Rachel was talking to Harry, but the other five were all laughing at something. Hermione smiled. Will had no friends outside of his siblings. If he could make a few before school started, it would be good for him.

Hermione also didn't miss how Claire kept glancing at Paul, looking away quickly when he caught her eye. Although only going into her third year, she was already fourteen because of missing her first year when Voldemort was in power. Hermione smiled when Paul looked at Claire again.

Hermione looked up as Remus slid into the seat next to her. He smiled and took her hand after greeting Ron and Susan.

"Everything go all right?" Remus asked indicating the five students.

"Just fine," Hermione said with a smile. "In fact, I think there might be a bit of a budding romance."

"Really?" Remus said, looking at the kids again. He watched as Claire tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled tentatively at Paul. Remus chuckled. "I think you might be right." He put an arm around Hermione.

The introductions began and Ginny flew past the box, blowing Harry a kiss and waving to the kids. She caught Hermione's eye and winked and Hermione blew out a breath in relief. Remus squeezed her shoulder and kissed her temple. Remus had been right. Ginny was obviously over their row.

The match had been going on for quite some time when Remus and Hermione got up to get something to eat. Annie and Claire were standing near the food table, whispering to one another. When Claire saw Hermione, she nudged Annie and they fell silent. Hermione hid a smile, quite sure she knew what, or rather, who, they had been talking about.

"Hi, Mr. Lupin," Claire said.

"Hello, Claire, Annie," Remus said. They all busied themselves filling their plates.

"Are you going to do more tutoring this year?" Claire asked.

"Actually, no," Remus said. "But I am going to be up at the school."

"Doing what?" Annie said.

"Teaching Defense," he said.

"Professor Higgins is leaving?"

"He is," Remus said. "He's decided to retire, so I'm the new professor."

"Brilliant," Annie said.

"What's brilliant?" David asked, as he and Will walked up to get something to eat as well.

"Mr. Lupin is going to be our Defense professor."

"Really?" David said with a smile. Remus nodded.

"Mr. Lupin has been tutoring me for a while now," Will said. "He's a good teacher."

"How come he was tutoring you?" Claire asked. Annie elbowed her.

"Claire," she hissed.

"What?"

"That's none of your business."

"I was just asking," Claire said with a huff. "He's not at school yet." Will looked nervously at Hermione. She smiled encouragingly. He seemed to be getting along rather well with David, the two had been talking for nearly the entire match. Hermione knew that none of the three would judge him, but she wasn't going to force Will into anything.

"It's up to you," she said very quietly, turning her head so Annie, David and Claire wouldn't see her speak. She knew Will would be able to hear her given it was so close to the moon. None of the others would though, save Remus.

"I was supposed to start school last year," Will said. "But, I, erm, I was, somewhere else."

"We're supposed to be going into fourth year," David said, indicated the girls and himself. "But we're Muggle-born. We were in Azkaban our first year." Will stared at them in shock. Hermione was a bit surprised he had brought it up as well. Claire and Annie nodded solemnly.

"It's okay if you don't want to tell us, though," Annie said, correctly reading Will's hesitation.

"No, I, erm," he looked up at Hermione again. She put a hand on his shoulder. "Death Eaters took me from my parents and I was living with, with a werewolf pack." He whispered the last part and immediately looked at the floor. Hermione squeezed his shoulder.

"So, you're a werewolf then?" David asked. Will nodded, still not looking at anyone.

"Wow," Claire said. Hermione felt Will flinch. "How old were you when it happened?"

"Seven," Will mumbled.

"You must have been really scared," Claire said. Will's head whipped up in surprise. All three Muggle-borns were looking at him sadly, but it wasn't pity in their eyes. It was understanding.

"How did you get back to your parents?" Annie asked.

"Hermione found me and took me to the Ministry. Harry found my mum and my brother and sisters."

"What about your dad?" Claire asked.

"He was in Azkaban," Will said. "He died."

"Mine too," Annie said. "And my mum. Death Eaters. I live with my sister."

"My mum too," David added. "I live with Claire's family now." Hermione could feel the tears gathering in her eyes. Remus' hand slipped into hers and she tightened her hold on Will's shoulder.

"Is it okay if we ask you about being a werewolf?" Claire said. Paul walked up just as Claire asked the question. He glared at the girl, then looked accusingly at Hermione and Remus.

"You don't have to answer that, Will," Paul said. "Maybe we should ask Harry to take us home."

"No, Paul, it's all right," Will said.

"How do they know?" Paul demanded, still glaring at Claire. She looked like she was about to cry. Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but Remus gripped her hand, shaking his head.

"I told them," Will said. Paul looked at his brother incredulously.

"What? Why?" Will shrugged.

"I wanted to," he said.

"But you told me you didn't want anyone to know," Paul said. He glanced at Hermione and Remus, then lowered his voice. "Did someone make you tell?"

"No!" Will said, getting angry. "Mr. Lupin or Hermione would never do that."

"Then, I don't understand."

"We were talking about Mr. Lupin being our new Defense professor and I said that he'd been tutoring me. Claire asked why." Paul glared at Claire again and she moved closer to Annie and David. Annie took her hand and David put an arm around her. They both glared back at Paul. "I didn't have to answer, but I wanted to."

"We're not going to tell anyone," Claire said quietly.

"Of course, we won't," David said. He stared at the older boy defiantly.

"It's okay, Paul," Will said. "They…understand." Paul's eyes narrowed.

"What do you mean they understand? Are they-" he trailed off, looking worried that he'd just put his foot in it somehow.

"No," Will said. "But they've been through…stuff." Will glanced at David. David looked to the girls then gave a quick nod. "They're all Muggle-born. They were in Azkaban for a year." Paul looked horrified.

"I'm sorry," he said immediately. "I didn't know, I, I'm sorry." They were all silent for a moment until Claire spoke up.

"It's all right," Claire said. "He's your brother."

"But I shouldn't have assumed." He turned to Hermione and Remus. "I practically accused you, I'm sorry, I," he shook his head, his face turning red.

"It's all right, Paul," Hermione said. "You were just trying to protect Will. We understand."

"You've been so nice to us, helped Will so much, I should have known you wouldn't." Paul shook his head again.

"We accept your apology," Remus said putting a hand on the boy's shoulder and giving it a squeeze. "Will is lucky to have someone looking out for him." Paul finally nodded and then looked at Claire, Annie, and David. Although, Hermione noticed, his gaze lingered on Claire.

"I shouldn't have reacted the way I did without knowing," he said with a sigh. "I'm sorry." David and Annie nodded in acknowledgement, but Claire gave him a small smile. Paul returned it tentatively.

"And they've seen the Snitch!" the announcer yelled. The children all rushed towards the front of the box, food and argument clearly forgotten. Remus and Hermione stepped forward, standing behind the last row of seats and turning their attention to the pitch. They watched as the Harpies' Seeker outraced the Tornados' to capture the Snitch and end the match.

A wave of cheers erupted in the box. Paul and Will high-fived each other and then Paul turned to David and held out his hand. David stared at it for a moment before shaking it. The tension between the boys seemed to disappear. Hermione shook her head as Remus chuckled.

"Honestly," Hermione said. "They were practically shooting daggers from their eyes two minutes ago and now everything is fine thanks to Quidditch." Remus chuckled. They watched as Paul moved next to Claire. Claire smiled shyly at him. Hermione couldn't help but smile herself.

Ginny was suddenly at the box, giving Harry his usual after-game snog. Molly tutted at the two of them, also per usual. Ginny greeted the kids before promising to be up to the box shortly and then flew off to join her team. Remus wrapped an arm around Hermione's shoulders and she smiled as David, Will and Annie began dissecting the game, Paul and Claire still in their own world, talking quietly to one another. Rachel was watching both her brothers with a soft smile on her face, as she chatted with Luna and Rolf. Hermione looked up at Remus.

"It's been a rather good day, hasn't it?"

"It has," he agreed. "I'm hoping it's a rather good night, as well."

"Why Mr. Lupin, are you propositioning me?"

"Perhaps," he said with a smile. Hermione grinned and kissed him.