A/N - Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

Chapter 88

Adjusting

15 August 2000

"We'll be fine," Hermione said again as Remus hesitated at the Floo. The moon would rise in a little over an hour and Remus was heading to Andromeda's for his transformation. Hermione had elected to stay at the cottage with Teddy. She would bring him to his grandmother in the morning before she went to work.

"Are you sure?" Remus said. "You know how he can be at night." While Teddy seemed perfectly fine in the cottage during the day, they sometimes had trouble getting him down for the night. He also occasionally woke up crying in the middle of the night, not realizing where he was. Hermione glanced at the little boy who was standing in front of the bookshelves in his pajamas, choosing a book for Hermione to read to him.

"And he always calms down as soon as he sees one of us," Hermione reminded him. "We'll be all right."

"If you need to, you can always come to the house." Hermione stepped forward and put a hand on his arm.

"I know," she said. "Now, go. I don't want you to run out of time." He nodded and then leaned in and kissed her. She stepped closer to him, memories of the last few days flying to the forefront of her mind. Thanks to the impending full moon, they had christened nearly every room in the cottage in the last three days. Hermione shivered remembering last night in front of the fireplace. Remus, likely sensing where her mind had gone, broke the kiss and blew out a breath. He took a step back from her and looked at her with such want in his eyes, Hermione had to force herself not to throw her arms around him again.

Remus took another breath and she saw him forcibly calm. He took another step back and then cleared his throat.

"Teddy, I'm leaving."

"Bye, Daddy," Teddy said, not looking away from the books. Remus shook his head fondly at his son.

"Be a good boy for Hermione, all right?" Teddy finally turned to look at his father.

"Daddy, you go?" he asked.

"Yes, I'll see you tomorrow." Teddy ran towards him and Remus crouched down to catch the little boy in his arms. "I love you."

"Love you, Daddy," Teddy said. Remus hugged his son and then handed him off to Hermione. He kissed her quickly one last time before resolutely grabbing the Floo powder and stepping into the fireplace.

"Did you find a book?" Hermione asked Teddy once Remus was gone. Teddy shook his head and she put him down. He ran back to the shelves while she replaced the wards on the Floo. When she was finished, Teddy was running towards her, book in hand. She smiled and picked him up, then settled on the couch and began to read.

Hermione extinguished the lamps, made sure the doors were locked and climbed the stairs to their bedroom. It was strange being here without Remus. Even though it had only been a little over a week since they'd moved in, the cottage already felt like theirs. Sleeping in their bed alone didn't seem right.

She would have to get used it to though. Remus would have to spend a couple of nights each month at Hogwarts, not to mention the full moon. Hermione stopped at Teddy's door, walking in to check on the sleeping toddler. He had gone to bed rather easily. She hoped that meant he was getting used to being here. He still asked for Andromeda at least once a day. Once Remus was recovered from the moon, he was planning on spending a part of each day at the castle. There were staff meetings and other preparations that needed to be made for the new school year. So, Teddy would see his grandmother regularly.

Hermione smoothed Teddy's hair back from his forehead and pulled the blanket up around him. He shifted in his sleep but didn't wake. She kissed his forehead lightly and then left the room.

Sighing, she walked into her bathroom to get ready for bed. She resolutely avoided looking at the shower where she had spent a rather pleasurable early morning this morning. Teddy had still been asleep when Remus had woken her pressed against her back. Their attempt to clean up afterwards had just turned into another round against the shower wall. Their plan to nap while Teddy did that afternoon had come to naught when Remus had trapped her against the kitchen counter while she attempted to clean up from lunch. Not that she was complaining. But she was rather tired and a bit sore if she were honest.

She finished cleaning her teeth and pulled on her pajamas. Hermione crawled into bed, pulling Remus' pillow close to her and breathing in his scent. She waved her hand to turn out the lamp and closed her eyes, falling asleep almost immediately as her exhaustion caught up with her.

A sharp cry had Hermione sitting bolt upright in bed. She glanced around the room trying to orient herself when she heard the cry again. She jumped out of bed and hurried to Teddy's room. He let out a third shriek when she stepped through the door.

"It's all right, Teddy," she said soothingly, reaching into his cot and picking him up. He clung to her, sniffling into her shoulder as she rubbed his back. "Shh, it's okay."

"Pa'foot," Teddy mumbled into her neck and Hermione grabbed the toy from his cot, handing it to him. He clutched it against his chest and burrowed his face back into her neck. Unconsciously, Hermione began to hum under her breath, continuing to rub Teddy's back until he quieted. She knew the moment he fell back to sleep. His body fully relaxed into hers and his mouth parted slightly. She could feel his even breaths against her neck. She waited a few minutes and then walked to his cot and began to lower him back in.

"No," he immediately protested, hand gripping the front of her t-shirt. "No bed."

"Okay," Hermione said, soothing him again as his eyes fluttered shut. She walked to the rocking chair and sat down in it, figuring she would rock him for a bit and make sure he was completely asleep this time. Settling into the chair, she shifted Teddy until she was comfortable and then began to rock, humming the same tune under her breath.

She tried twice more to put him back to bed, but each time he woke and began to cry again. She sighed and went back to the rocking chair, summoning her wand to cast a cushioning charm on it. She grabbed the blanket that was folded on the window seat and covered Teddy with it, hoping that the third time would be the charm.

16 August 2000

Something was buzzing. Hermione swatted around her head but the noise didn't stop. She felt a weight on her chest and her brow furrowed in confusion as the buzzing went on. She should probably open her eyes, but she was so tired. The weight on her chest moved and she yawned. Seconds later, her eyes snapped open. She was in Teddy's room. Why was she in Teddy's room? And that was her alarm clock that was buzzing. Scrubbing at her eyes, she realized the weight on her chest was Teddy and she remembered the previous night. She must have fallen asleep in the rocking chair.

Yawning again, she fumbled for her wand and muttered a spell to turn off the alarm. She needed to take a shower, but she wasn't sure how Teddy would react to her putting him down again. She had set her alarm to go off before the little boy was typically awake, so she could shower while he slept. But she hadn't planned on sleeping in this chair in his room.

She looked down at him and smiled. He was still sweet, even if he had kept her up half the night. She wondered what it was that had kept him from wanting to sleep in his bed. Likely, Teddy wouldn't even know.

Hermione went to stand and realized that the arm that had been around Teddy all night was asleep. She carefully shifted him to the other arm and shook out her right one. She grimaced at the pins and needles as the feeling began to come back to it. Walking gingerly to Teddy's cot, Hermione gently laid him back down. Teddy's brow furrowed for a moment before it relaxed again. Releasing the breath she'd been holding, Hermione tucked him in and cast the monitoring spell. Her wand would alert her if he woke while she was in the shower.

She tiptoed back across the corridor and closed her bedroom door before walking into the loo to get ready for the day.

"Good morning," Hermione said as she and Teddy stepped from the Floo. Teddy held out his arms for his grandmother and she took him.

"How was your night?" Andromeda asked.

"A little rough," Hermione admitted. "I think Teddy will probably be ready for a nap earlier than usual."

"What happened?" Andromeda asked in concern.

"He went down fine," Hermione said. "But he woke up around one and didn't seem to want to sleep on his own. Every time I tried to put him down, he'd cry again. Eventually, I just fell asleep in his rocking chair while I was holding him." Andromeda hugged the little boy to her and looked at Hermione.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. Are you all right?" she asked.

"Tired," Hermione said. "But I'm fine. Just a bit worried about Teddy. He's been rather quiet this morning." Andromeda frowned and brought a hand to Teddy's forehead feeling for a fever.

"He doesn't feel warm. Did he eat breakfast?"

"Yes, seemed to have his normal appetite."

"Nanna, where Daddy?" Teddy asked, still clutching Padfoot.

"Your daddy is sleeping right now," Andromeda said. "We'll see him later."

"See Daddy," Teddy insisted.

"I wanted to peek in on him anyway," Hermione said. "I can take Teddy with me."

"All right," Andromeda said. She turned to her grandson. "But you have to be quiet." Teddy nodded solemnly and Andromeda passed him back to Hermione.

"We'll be right back." They climbed the stairs to Remus' old bedroom. Hermione reminded Teddy to be quiet and then pushed the door open. Remus was asleep, but his eyes fluttered when the door opened. Hermione swore in her head, she hadn't meant to wake him.

"Hermione?" he said sleepily.

"Hi," she said. "I'm sorry, we didn't mean to wake you."

"Daddy!" Teddy said, leaning out of Hermione's arms toward the bed. She reached to grab him before she dropped him. "See Daddy!"

"It's all right," Remus said. Hermione set Teddy down on the bed and he immediately snuggled into Remus' side. Remus looked up at her in concern.

"We had a bit of a rough night," Hermione said. "He woke up around one and didn't want to sleep by himself." Remus ran a hand over Teddy's head and Hermione watched the little boy's hair change to match Remus' own.

"Where did he sleep?"

"I fell asleep in the rocking chair and we slept there."

"I'm sorry, love," Remus said, reaching out his free hand to her. Teddy's eyes had already closed and he seemed to be asleep.

"It's all right," she replied, squeezing his hand. "I didn't mind." They both looked at Teddy. "Do you want me to take him to his room?"

"No, he's fine," Remus said, running a hand over his son's head again. "Will you let Andromeda know he's in here?"

"Of course," Hermione said. She leaned down and kissed Remus softly, then kissed Teddy's forehead. "I'll see you after work." Remus nodded.

"I love you," he said. Hermione smiled.

"Love you, too."

Hermione landed in Andromeda's back garden and walked towards the house. She was, in a word, exhausted. She was extremely grateful Andromeda had invited them to stay for dinner tonight. Hermione definitely had no energy to cook and Remus likely wouldn't be in any shape to do so either.

She hoped Teddy was all right. She wondered why he had been so upset the night before. He had spent the night at Harry's before and hadn't had any problems. Although, that was before the move. She supposed that the change to his routine had him a bit out of sorts.

The door was opened before she reached it and Hermione was glad to see Remus standing there. It meant he'd had an uneventful transformation. She smiled.

"Feeling all right?" she asked. He nodded.

"A bit sore as usual, but nothing out of the ordinary." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "How was work?"

"Tiring," Hermione said with a sigh, not leaving the circle of his arms. Remus kissed the top of her head and pulled her gently into the house, closing the door behind them.

"I'm sorry about last night."

"Don't be," she said, looking up at him. "I don't mind. And work would have been tiring regardless. Rewriting laws is not as exciting as it sounds." Remus chuckled. "How was Teddy today?"

"He seemed fine," Remus said. "He isn't coming down with anything, at least." They walked towards the living room.

"My-nee!" Teddy said excitedly. "You home?"

"Yes," Hermione said with a smile. Teddy jumped up and ran towards her. Hermione knelt down to hug him. She looked up at Remus who had a thoughtful look on his face. Before she could ask him about it, Teddy pulled her towards his toys and she was involved in a rather elaborate game involving dragons and toy cars.

"Are you ready to go home, love?" Remus asked, seeing the look of exhaustion on Hermione's face. She nodded. After dinner, Andromeda had taken Teddy up to give him a bath before they went home. Remus was still a bit too sore to do it and Hermione was practically asleep on her feet.

"You can go now if you like," Remus said. "I can bring Teddy back myself."

"No, I'll wait," Hermione replied. "It won't be much longer." Remus sincerely hoped that his son would sleep tonight.

A few minutes later, Teddy came down the stairs followed by his grandmother. Already in the pajamas that Andromeda kept for him at her house, he grinned at his father and scrambled into his lap.

"You read me, Daddy?"

"Yes, you can have a story when we get home," Remus said. Teddy looked up at him.

"I seep my bed?"

"Yes, you're going to sleep in your bed," Remus said, hoping this meant that Teddy wouldn't fight them tonight.

"Nanna, I seep my bed," Teddy said excitedly. Her brow furrowed as she glanced at Remus. Remus was confused as well. Teddy was never this excited to go to sleep.

"I suppose we had better get going then," Remus said. Hermione stood from the couch and picked up her Ministry robes and briefcase. Remus stood with Teddy and reached for the Floo powder.

"No, Daddy, I seep my bed!" Teddy exclaimed.

"We are going home to sleep in your bed," Remus said. "We're going to the cottage." Teddy shook his head.

"No!" Teddy insisted. "Nanna eats wif me!" He sniffled and looked at his grandmother. "Nanna, you eat wif me?"

"Oh, Teddy," Andromeda said, look of anguish on her face. Hermione looked equally upset.

"Remus, maybe," Andromeda began, but Remus cut her off with a shake of his head. Whatever they decided to do, they weren't going to discuss it in front of Teddy.

"Hermione," Remus said quietly and she glanced between Remus and Andromeda, then nodded.

"Teddy, come with me for a minute," Hermione said. At the toddler's distressed look, she explained. "We're just going into the kitchen." She took Teddy from Remus' arms and carried him into the kitchen.

"He can stay here tonight," Andromeda said.

"Somehow, I don't think that's going to work," Remus said with a sigh, rubbing his eyes with a thumb and forefinger. "I think Teddy's got it into his head that he's not home unless you and I are both there with him."

"That is what I was afraid of," Andromeda said. "Although, I suspect that Hermione is part of that equation now as well." Remus nodded. It was what he had thought when Teddy had asked Hermione if she was home earlier.

"As easy as it would be to stay here tonight, Teddy really needs to get used to the cottage," Remus said. "You aren't going to be living here much longer either." Andromeda nodded in agreement.

"What do you propose?"

"Would you be opposed to staying the night at the cottage tonight?" Remus asked. "I wouldn't ask, but I think we all need some sleep. The guest room is already made up." Andromeda smiled.

"I would not mind at all," she said. "I just need to get a few things together."

"Of course," Remus said. He put a hand on Andromeda's arm before she could turn to leave. "Thank you."

"I would do anything for Teddy," Andromeda said. "You as well." She patted his cheek and left the room. Remus sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face. That solved their problems for tonight, but Andromeda couldn't stay at the cottage every night. They would have to figure something out, hopefully after everyone had gotten a good night's sleep.

17 August 2000

Remus woke before Hermione's alarm, realizing they had all slept the entire night, Teddy included. Breathing a sigh of relief, he shifted on the bed, trying not to wake Hermione. She had fallen asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow the night before.

Remus contemplated the situation with Teddy. He wondered if Andromeda staying for a few nights would help or hinder their efforts. It might help Teddy get used to sleeping here, but Remus wasn't sure that was the problem, exactly. Teddy had been just as happy to come back to the cottage last night once they told him that Andromeda was coming with them, as he had been to stay at Andromeda's. It didn't seem like it was the physical place that made the difference, just the people in it.

Teddy had resisted going to sleep until Andromeda had promised him that she would still be there in the morning for breakfast. Remus was actually a bit surprised that his son hadn't woken in the night to be sure that his grandmother was still there.

He wondered if it would help if Andromeda was here in the evenings until Teddy went to bed and then again in the morning for breakfast. That was asking an awful lot of her, however. Remus didn't want to interfere in her time with Kingsley. Not to mention that it wasn't a long-term solution.

Hermione moved and he looked over at her. She put an arm over his chest and snuggled closer to him.

"You're thinking awfully loud," she said with a yawn. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Still worried about Teddy?" Remus nodded.

"I'm glad we all got to sleep last night, but we can't do this every night. I think it would just make things worse when Andromeda moves."

"I think you're right," Hermione said. "What are we going to do then?"

"Just keep going as we have been, I suppose," Remus said. "I don't want Teddy upset, but I don't think we have much of a choice."

"Change is hard sometimes," Hermione said. "Especially when you're too little to really understand." Remus' hand drew random patterns on her back.

"We'll just have to keep explaining to him," Remus said. Hermione propped her chin on his chest.

"He'll be all right." He smiled and kissed her just as her alarm began to buzz. She sighed and waved her wand to shut it off. Remus kissed her again before she could get out of bed.

"Work," she mumbled against his lips. "Shower." He laughed and released her. She got out of bed, then leaned over and kissed him one more time. "I'll be downstairs in a bit."

Remus watched her walk to the loo, then sat up in bed just as Teddy called out for him.

25 August 2000

Glancing at the clock, Hermione began to gather up the parchment on her desk. She had a meeting with Aaron in less than thirty minutes and then she was home for an entire weekend, thank Merlin. She had stayed late every day this week working on her proposal on the mind healing program. Since the pilot program was set to end on the seventh of September, Hermione was presenting to the Wizengamot next Thursday the thirty-first of August. They would need time to consider the proposal and it was Hermione and Kinsgley's hope that if it was approved, there would be no disruption for Delia.

St. Mungo's was completely on board with the program and had already begun to reconfigure the locked ward that Delia was being housed in. Half of it would remain a locked ward for any cases like Delia's and the other half was being converted into therapy and consultation rooms for those that were there voluntarily.

Of the three witches and wizards that had been seeing Aaron, two had agreed to speak in front of the Wizengamot, although one insisted on remaining anonymous. It was easy enough; a simple Disillusionment charm would be used and the woman's voice would be disguised. Hermione had met with both of them the day before to discuss what they would say as well as prepping them for any questions the Wizengamot would likely ask.

St. Mungo's was sending some of the Healers that were currently being trained, as well as the head of the hospital to give their backing to the program. Hermione was feeling better about it than she had a few weeks ago. Although St. Mungo's didn't need approval of the Wizengamot to implement the new training, it would be helpful to have their support. And, of course, Delia's therapy, as well as that of any other person convicted of a crime did have to be approved by the Wizengamot. They needed a full explanation as to what was involved in both training and treatment.

As Hermione left her office and said good-bye to Cecily, her thoughts drifted to Teddy. Remus had started going up to the school every day almost two weeks ago and Teddy had been spending mornings, and sometimes the afternoon as well, with Andromeda. Some days Andromeda came to their house afterwards for dinner and stayed until Teddy went to bed. Other days, she was there when Teddy woke up, but she hadn't stayed the night since after the full moon and there were days that she wasn't there at all. Teddy was adjusting slowly, but his nighttime waking had decreased in the last few days. Remus was cautiously optimistic.

Last weekend, Hermione had gone to Diagon Alley with Claire, David and Annie. It seemed to have become a yearly tradition to shop with them for their school supplies which Hermione thoroughly enjoyed. She wasn't overly surprised when they ran into Will and his family. She knew Paul and Claire had been writing one another since the Quidditch match; Annie had let that slip as soon as Hermione had arrived. The two families and Hermione spent about an hour together, finishing their shopping. Hermione didn't fail to notice that Paul and Claire were walking rather closely to one another, their arms and hands brushing. Neither, it seemed, did Sarah, Claire's mother. It was Caroline, however, that put an end to things before they started. She sent Rebecca to walk between Paul and Claire, who held their hands and generally was a bit of an annoying little sister. Hermione had to stifle her laughter at the look Paul sent his mother.

There had been more excitement on Sunday at the Weasley family dinner when Percy and Audrey had announced their engagement. They planned on marrying the following spring. Molly was over the moon, of course, at the thought of another wedding. However, Percy had made it quite clear that the likelihood of them marrying at the Burrow was small. Audrey was a Muggle-born and wanted to get married in the church she'd grown up in. Molly suggested that they have the reception at the Burrow, to which Percy replied that they would see. Hermione suspected that Molly was going to be in for a bit of a disappointment.

Percy's news did cause Molly to give pointed looks to George and Angelina, as well as making a few comments which they both pointedly ignored. Ron seemed to escape his mother's scrutiny, although he looked terrified every time she turned his way. Hermione guessed it was only because Ron and Susan had been dating for less than a year that Molly left them alone. Hermione laughed as she remembered the look on Ron's face when Molly first glanced his way after saying something to George. Ron might be asking Susan to move in, but he obviously wasn't ready to entertain marriage yet.

Reaching the Atrium, Hermione walked purposefully toward the Apparition point. Given she was leaving early, there wasn't much of a line and a few minutes later she was Disapparating to Manchester.

"Hermione, it's good to see you," Aaron said after his secretary had shown Hermione to his office.

"You as well," Hermione said with a smile. Aaron gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk and Hermione sat down. "Did you get the proposal?"

"I did," Aaron said. Hermione had sent it through regular post a couple of days ago, so Aaron would have time to go over it before they met.

"What did you think?"

"It's very thorough," Aaron said with a smile. Hermione blushed slightly. Too much information was still a weakness of hers.

"Yes, well, it's been revised a bit since I sent it to you," she said. "My boss felt the simpler I kept things, the better."

"Given the situation, I have to agree," he said. "Although there are some technical bits that should be left in."

"Yes, I've got the revised version here," she said pulling a packet from her briefcase. "Most of the changes were made in sections three and five." Aaron nodded, skimming a few pages before he set it aside.

"I'll take a look at it this weekend."

"I've met with your two patients that are willing to speak," she said. "They seem prepared." Aaron nodded.

"We've been discussing it at their sessions," he said. "They gave me permission to tell you that. You're sure that Cora will be protected?" He sounded concerned.

"Yes," Hermione said. "We'll disguise her voice and keep her Disillusioned." At his quizzical expression, she explained. "It keeps her virtually invisible. When she moves, they'll catch glimpses, enough to know someone is there, but they won't be able to see her." Aaron nodded. They spoke about the proposal for a bit, Aaron giving suggestions about certain passages. When they had finished, Hermione hesitated.

"I have an idea what you're going to ask," he said.

"How is she?"

"I'm sorry, Hermione, but I really can't tell you anything," he said apologetically.

"I know," she replied. "Can you tell me if it's helping, at least?"

"I think so, yes," he said. She nodded.

"That's good to hear." Aaron met her gaze.

"There's something you need to know," he said. "When I speak to the Wizengamot about Delia, she doesn't want you there." Hermione stared at him in surprise. "It isn't just you. She requested that no one be there that doesn't have to be. She knows the Wizengamot and the Minister and likely a few support staff will need to stay, but otherwise she would like the room cleared. I am unsure if that's allowed, but it was her one request."

"Oh, I, erm, I'm sure that would be fine, I, I'll have to check with the Minister of course, but," Hermione trailed off.

"Hermione," Aaron said softly. "This isn't about you personally. It's about Delia trying to exert some control over her life." He hesitated, then shook his head. "I'm sorry, I wish I could tell you more."

"Of course, I understand."

"Do you?" Aaron asked.

"Yes," Hermione said, although she really didn't. "She has every right to make that request." Aaron studied her for a few moments and Hermione knew he wasn't convinced. He didn't press the issue, however.

"Well, I suppose that's it," she said, getting to her feet. "I'll let you know what the Minister says, but it really shouldn't be a problem."

"And I'll be sure to read through the revised proposal," he said. "We can meet sometime early next week?" She nodded.

"I'll give you a call." He walked her to the door and they made their good-byes. Hermione hurried to the alley a few blocks away and Disapparated.

Remus had been home for less than a half hour when he heard a pop outside. Hermione's meeting must have ended sooner than she'd expected.

"Hermione's home," he said to Teddy. Teddy jumped up and ran towards the front door.

"My-nee, you home!" Teddy said as Hermione opened the door and came through. She smiled at him and set her briefcase down before picking him up and hugging him to her. Remus frowned when she looked over Teddy's shoulder at him. She looked upset.

"Did you have a good day?" Hermione asked Teddy. He nodded.

"Me see tassle!" he said.

"You saw the castle?" Hermione said questioningly, looking at Remus.

"We took a tour of my office this afternoon after his nap," Remus explained.

"My-nee, me see dost," Teddy whispered. Remus chuckled.

"Sir Nicholas wanted to introduce himself," he said.

"I hope he didn't give him the full introduction," Hermione said with a grimace, remembering her first year when Nick had shown her just why he was nearly headless.

"No, thankfully," Remus said. He stepped towards her and kissed her. Teddy squirmed to be put down and Hermione obliged. "How was your meeting?"

"Oh, it was fine," she said. Her smile disappeared. "Aaron is going to look over the revised proposal and we'll speak early next week." She busied herself shedding her Ministry robes and hanging them on the coat rack by the door.

"Love, what's the matter?" Remus asked, putting a hand on her arm.

"Nothing," she said. He looked at her doubtfully. "Nothing important, anyway."

"If it's upset you, then it's important." She shook her head and he pulled her into his arms. "Is it Delia?" Hermione's sigh was all the answer he needed. Remus glanced at Teddy, but he was engrossed in his toys again.

"What happened?" Remus asked.

"It's silly," Hermione said.

"Tell me anyway."

"When Aaron is speaking to the Wizengamot about Delia, she asked that anyone nonessential be cleared from the room."

"Which means you," Remus guessed. Hermione nodded.

"I know I shouldn't be upset about it. She has every right to her privacy and it's none of my business what Aaron has to say about her. I'm not the one making the decision on the proposal after all. But," Hermione paused, biting her lip.

"But what?" Remus prompted, tucking a curl behind her ear.

"I wanted, I don't know, I wanted to know if it was helping, if the therapy is making a difference. If she's," Hermione shook her head trailing off again.

"If she's sorry?" Remus said.

"I want to know if I was right to help her," Hermione said quietly. Remus pulled her closer to him and she sighed again. "It's stupid."

"It's not stupid," Remus said, rubbing a hand up her back.

"I'm just afraid," she whispered.

"Of what, love?"

"That the reason she doesn't want me there is because she's not sorry and she still hates me. That everything I've tried to do hasn't mattered. That I was wrong about her all along." Remus held her tighter.

"What does Aaron say?" Remus asked.

"He can't tell me anything specific, but he did say that he thinks the therapy is helping. And he told me not to take it personally. He said that it's her way of trying to exert some control over her life." Remus nodded.

"Maybe it's not that she still hates you," he said. "Maybe it's that she's embarrassed." Hermione pulled back and looked at him in question. "If the therapy is helping then maybe she is ashamed of what she's done." Hermione thought about it for a moment.

"I suppose you could be right."

"And even if that isn't it," Remus continued. "What Aaron said makes sense. She was in Azkaban, now she's locked up in St. Mungo's having every decision about every bit of her life made for her. If this is something she can control, maybe it's just as simple as that." Hermione nodded. He kissed her forehead. "Try not to worry so much." She sighed again and he pulled her close once more.

"My-nee, My-nee, look!" Teddy called. Remus gave her one last squeeze and she stepped back from him, looking over at Teddy. He was standing in front of another tower of blocks with a grin on his face. Hermione smiled widely and walked towards him, praising his building skills. Remus watched the last of her worry melt away as she sat down to play with Teddy.

31 August 2000

Hermione took a deep breath and walked into the Wizengamot chamber. The members were still filing in and she took the time to arrange her notes and try to calm her quickly beating heart. She felt more ready for this presentation than any other she had ever given, but she was more nervous than she ever had been before as well. If she had a better idea of what Aaron was going to say about Delia specifically, she might have been calmer. As it was, she was just going to have to trust that his input would only help things.

Kingsley entered the room and sat down, giving her a quick wink as he did so. Hermione covered a smile, feeling better already. Kingsley would do whatever he could to help this proposal pass. She knew that he had been meeting with various members of the Wizengamot over the past few weeks.

Once everyone was seated, the Chief Warlock called the session to order. He turned to Hermione with a nod.

"Miss Granger, you may begin."

There were a few rumblings as Aaron was escorted into the chamber. There were still those in the Wizengamot that were appalled that a Muggle had not only been allowed into the Ministry but had also been allowed to speak in front of them. Kingsley had classified Aaron as a Squib, which, as far as Hermione was concerned, he was. Given that Mrs. Figg had been allowed to speak at Harry's trial about the Dementors, there was no rule against it. However, since Aaron was two generations removed, some thought Kingsley had manipulated the rules for his own benefit. Hermione was certain that it was only because Aaron's daughter was a witch that he was allowed here at all.

Hermione relinquished the podium to Aaron, shaking his hand as she stepped back. She seated herself behind him and to his left so she could observe the chamber as he spoke. He started with an overview of how he conducted therapy, making sure to keep things from getting too technical, as Hermione had requested. Most everyone seemed to be paying attention at least, although she was sure that there were some that had already made up their minds. Nothing Aaron had to say would change that.

Things ran smoothly for a while. The wizard and witch that Aaron had been seeing spoke and Hermione could see that more than a few people were affected by what they said. Most of the Wizengamot members had relatives or friends or at least knew of someone that had been affected by the war. When his patients had finished and Aaron took the podium once again, he explained that he had been working with Delia Wilkes in a pilot program approved by the Minister. Even though the entire Wizengamot was aware of what had been happening, there was still a wave of protest.

"I renew my objection to this program," one wizard said as he stood. "This woman was convicted of an Unforgiveable. There should be no exceptions made to her sentence and we certainly should not be entertaining the idea of releasing her."

"No one is suggesting that," Kingsley said.

"Not yet," the man retorted. "But you parade this Muggle here and expect us to swallow his explanations about something that, quite frankly, sounds like a load of dragon dung. And you want us to approve of the fact that a convicted criminal escapes Azkaban for a comfortable bed and weeks of coddling at St. Mungo's?" Hermione bit her cheek to keep from responding. She couldn't speak to any members of the council unless they asked her a direct question no matter how much she wanted to.

"We are not here to debate the merits of the program," Kingsley said. "That is for your deliberations once the presentation is complete. Right now, we are simply here to listen to what Dr. Chadwick and others have to say." Kingsley stared unblinking at the other wizard until the man sat down with a huff.

"Minister, I would ask that the chamber be cleared of all non-essential witnesses before I present the information about Miss Wilkes," Aaron said. A wave of muttering rose among the Wizengamot once more as Kingsley stood. Not only would the chamber be cleared, but the Wizengamot would be asked to take a privacy vow so as to not discuss any of the details about Delia with anyone except their colleagues. Some were opposed to this, of course.

"Good luck," Hermione whispered to Aaron as she walked past. He gave her a smile and looked back at his notes. As Hermione left the chamber, she glanced back at Kingsley. He nodded once and she returned it as she walked out the door.

It was nearly an hour later when the doors to the Wizengamot chamber were finally reopened. Hermione stood from the bench she had been sitting on and walked quickly back into the room. She was followed by the Healer that was the head of the training committee at St. Mungo's. She would be the last to speak. Aaron had an unreadable expression on his face as he gathered up his notes.

"All right?" Hermione asked under her breath as she reached him. He glanced at her and gave her a faint smile.

"Didn't realize it would be such an interrogation," he whispered. He glanced up at the seats where some of the members were watching them. "We'll talk later." She nodded as a security wizard arrived to escort Aaron back to one of the witness rooms. Hermione watched him go, then glanced at Kingsley. The Minister looked irritated and didn't meet her gaze. She sighed and settled back into her seat as the Healer stepped up the podium.

Instead of listening to the presentation, which she had heard already, Hermione spent the time observing the members of the Wizengamot. There were a few that she could tell thought the entire thing was a farce, as well as those that she thought were definitely going to vote in favor of it. The majority though, she couldn't read. Most of them looked interested in what the Healer had to say, but Hermione had no way of knowing which way they would vote.

When the Healer finished, Hermione stepped up to the podium for any final questions. There were only a few and most were requests for clarification of certain points. When she had answered the last one, Kingsley nodded to the Chief Warlock.

"This session is officially closed," he said. "We will begin our deliberations and notify the Minister when we have come to a decision. Thank you, Miss Granger."

"Thank you for your time," Hermione said as she picked up her notes. She quickly left the chamber to find Aaron. She was anxious to hear what had happened.

They left the Ministry and walked to the Muggle café down the street, having decided not to discuss it until they were seated at their table.

"What happened?" Hermione asked once they had ordered lunch.

"A few people seemed more concerned with my background and what qualified me to be treating a witch at all, than what I was actually doing." Hermione rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure I can guess who," she said.

"Yes, the one that raised the initial objection was one of them. He seems to have a little following. They were all less than complimentary in their questions."

"No wonder Kingsley looked so irritated." Aaron nodded.

"He had to redirect the questioning quite a few times."

"I'm sorry they treated you that way," she said. He shrugged.

"It's not as if you didn't warn me," he said. "A few insults aren't going to drive me away from this, trust me." Hermione smiled.

"How did it go otherwise?"

"As well as it could have," he said. He hesitated. "Hermione, I don't want you to get your hopes up." She looked at him questioningly. "I got the feeling that this spell Delia used is carrying more weight right now than anything I had to say." She sighed.

"I was afraid of that."

"You've explained it to me and I understand why they classify it as unforgiveable, but there were some very strong reactions when we were discussing it in there." Hermione glanced around before she spoke. There was no one sitting near them, but she lowered her voice anyway. They'd discussed the war quite a bit when Aaron had agreed to see patients from the Wizarding world, so he had a basic knowledge of what had happened.

"There were some Death Eaters that claimed they were under that particular curse during the first war and therefore, anything they did was against their will. There was no way to prove it one way or the other and most of them were set free. Once the second war began, it turned out that very few of them had really been under it at all. They hurt and killed a lot of people." She paused.

"Not to mention those that actually were put under the curse did horrible things on someone else's orders. It's, the war hasn't been over for that long and it's still fresh for a lot of people. If Delia hadn't put the curse on her sister, if she'd used Polyjuice potion or a glamour or something and done everything herself, it might be different. Not that it would make it any better, what she tried to do, but, well, she wouldn't have involved an innocent person."

"Polyjuice potion?" Aaron questioned.

"It turns you into someone else," she said. "An exact replica." Aaron stared at her for a moment before he shook his head.

"I should be used to hearing about things like this by now, but," he trailed off and shook his head again. Hermione smiled. "It seems to me using something like that would be just as punishable, if not more so. Turning into someone else to commit a crime?"

"There are plenty of spells and potions that I think should be classified differently than they are. I suppose the difference with Polyjuice is that even if you look like someone else, it's still you doing whatever you're doing. And it only lasts an hour, so without drinking it again, you turn back into yourself. With the Imperius, you're using someone else against their will, sometimes for months or even years."

"Well, yes, but what if the person you pretended to be gets arrested for your crime?" Aaron argued. "That's still using someone against their will, even if you are the one that did it."

"Trust me, I agree with you," Hermione said. "Polyjuice is regulated by the Ministry, but only in that apothecaries can't sell it to the public. It's difficult to brew and also time-consuming, so not everyone can do it. There are books with the instructions for someone that wants to use it and has the ability to make it, but that number is small. On the other hand, most people can cast and control the Imperius curse. And it's directly using another person, instead of indirectly like Polyjuice."

"Semantics," Aaron said. Hermione nodded in agreement.

"The wizarding government isn't any more perfect than the Muggle one, I'm afraid." She paused, trying to decide how to frame her next question so that Aaron would answer it.

"I know you can't give me specifics," Hermione said. "And I'm not asking for any. But if this proposal fails will she…will she be all right?" Aaron sighed and pursed his lips in thought for a few moments.

"She understands why she's been convicted," he finally said. "It's my understanding that she didn't when the trial was going on."

"It didn't seem so," Hermione said remembering Delia's reaction when the Aurors took her from the courtroom after the verdict had been read. Aaron nodded

"That, in and of itself, will help. She's healthy physically, which will also work in her favor. She's responded well so far, but," he stopped and shook his head. "I just don't know, Hermione." Hermione was prevented from saying anything as their server arrived with their food. Her appetite had completely vanished and the salad that was set before her looked anything but appetizing.

"If I could keep seeing her, then maybe," Aaron said.

"What do mean?" she said. "If they don't approve the program, they'll take her back to Azkaban."

"I'm aware," he said. "If I could continue to see her there, it would help." Hermione sat back in her chair and stared at him. Of course! She had been so focused on keeping Delia in St. Mungo's, she had completely forgotten about Azkaban and her initial plan.

"Aaron, do you mind if we take this food to go?" she said.

"Oh, no, not at all." He looked at Hermione strangely, but she didn't reply, simply looked for their server and motioned her over.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said to the other woman. "But something has come up and we have to leave. Can we get our lunches boxed up?"

"Of course," the server said and took both their plates, walking back to the kitchen.

"Hermione, has something happened?"

"I just thought of something I should have put in the proposal in the first place," she said. "I just hope it's not too late to add it." Their server retuned with their boxes and the check. Hermione paid it quickly, ignoring Aaron's protests.

"I'll take you back to your office." They left the café and began walking quickly to the Ministry's Apparition point.

"Hermione, please tell me what's going on." She turned to him and smiled.

"Aaron, you don't get seasick, do you?"