A/N - Here it is the final chapter! It's a long one too! Thank you to all who have been reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting. I appreciate all of you!
Chapter 91
Wedding
20 September 2000
Hermione hurried across the back garden to Andromeda's, the journal clutched tightly in her hand. The conversation they'd had a few months ago kept running through her mind. They had speculated as to why Rita hadn't been found yet and Andromeda had mentioned forcing someone into their Animagus form and binding her to keep her there. Hermione had read between the lines and had a relatively good idea of what Andromeda had been insinuating.
She knocked perfunctorily on the back door and then stepped inside. Andromeda looked up from the dinner she was preparing in the kitchen.
"Hermione," she said. "Did you get Remus' note?"
"I did," Hermione said. "I'd love to stay for dinner."
"My-nee!" Teddy said, racing into the kitchen. She caught him before he barreled into her legs.
"Did you have a good day?" she asked. Teddy nodded. The magazine in her hand caught his attention.
"What dat?" Teddy asked, pulling on it.
"That's something I brought to show your nanna," Hermione said. Andromeda looked up as Hermione passed the journal to her. The older woman's brow furrowed in confusion. "Page seventeen." Andromeda flipped to the indicated page and froze. She glanced up at Hermione who nodded.
"Where did you get this?" Andromeda asked.
"Luna sent it to me. She said that she and Rolf had come across it. It wouldn't surprise me if both Rolf and his grandfather regularly read Muggle zoological journals, just in case."
"My-nee, you pay?" Teddy asked, clearly bored of the adults' conversation.
"Of course, I can," she said. She looked at Andromeda again. The older woman nodded. Hermione took Teddy into the living room where his toys were scattered. She sat down on the floor with him and listened to his chatter with half an ear. Her mind was full of the implications of Skeeter's predicament.
There was a part of her, a large part, if she were honest, that didn't really care about the woman's situation. In fact, Hermione thought it was rather fitting punishment. However, Skeeter wasn't a new species of beetle, she was a transformed witch. If the binding spell ever failed, it could cause a much bigger problem.
The easiest solution would be to show Kingsley the magazine and let the Aurors and the Obliviators handle it. Skeeter would be taken to Azkaban for being unregistered. However, that wouldn't solve the problem of the information she carried with her. In addition to the entire issue with Satterfield, the fact that Skeeter likely knew who had bound her gave Hermione pause. She wasn't sure why she was trying to protect Narcissa Malfoy of all people. Andromeda hadn't said it was Mrs. Malfoy in so many words, but it was the only thing that made sense.
"My-nee," Teddy whined and Hermione realized she had stopped paying attention to the little boy.
"Sorry," she said, forcing thoughts of Rita Skeeter from her mind and turning back to Teddy. She would think about this later, after she'd talked to Remus and Andromeda about it. Right now, there was an adorable, pouting two-year-old that needed her attention.
By unspoken agreement, neither Hermione nor Andromeda discussed the situation in front of Teddy. When supper was over and Remus still wasn't home, Andromeda offered to give Teddy his bath.
"I can put him down here as well," Andromeda said. Hermione suspected she was just as anxious to discuss the article in the journal. Hermione nodded and Andromeda picked up her grandson and took him upstairs.
Hermione stood from her chair and began to pace. The myriad of things that could go wrong, no matter what decision they made, were running through her mind. There was never going to be a perfect solution. And despite her initial feelings on the matter, Hermione wasn't sure she could just leave the reporter where she was.
Hermione walked into the kitchen and picked up the magazine where Andromeda had laid it on the counter. Flipping back to the article, Hermione studied the photograph once again. There wasn't much of an expression on the beetle's face which she thought was odd. She knew from experience that even transformed, Rita was quite capable of expressing her displeasure in a look. It was her eyes more than anything. Now, they just looked, blank. And Hermione could not imagine that Rita wouldn't mind that she had been captured and was now being studied by Muggle scientists. Hermione wondered if the reporter had suffered some kind of head injury when Cuffe had hit her with the book.
Teddy's voice caught Hermione's attention and she walked back into the living room.
"He insisted that you read him a story," Andromeda said. Teddy already held a book in his hands. Hermione smiled and took the little boy from his grandmother, settling the two of them into one of the armchairs. Andromeda smiled at them and went back into the kitchen. Hermione could hear the turning of pages and knew the older woman was looking at the article again as well.
When she finished reading to Teddy, his eyelids were drooping. Shifting him on her lap, he cuddled into her and yawned widely.
"Pa'foot, My-nee," he mumbled sleepily. Hermione summoned the dog and put it in Teddy's arms. She kissed the top of his head as he relaxed against her, eyes closing completely.
"Would you like to take him upstairs?" Andromeda asked, smiling as she walked back into the room.
"In a few minutes," Hermione said, snuggling the warm little body slightly closer to her. He had one arm around Padfoot, the other curled against her side.
"Any ideas?" Hermione finally asked. Andromeda sighed.
"I have to admit that I had hoped the woman had gotten herself eaten." Hermione snorted and tried to hold back her laughter so as not to disturb the sleeping toddler on her lap.
"I had visions of her flying into the windscreen of a car," Hermione said. Andromeda chuckled.
"If only we could have been so lucky." She smiled wryly at Hermione.
"There is something about that photograph that bothers me," Hermione said.
"Only one?" Andromeda quipped and Hermione laughed quietly.
"Something that stood out, I suppose I should say," Hermione amended. Andromeda looked at her expectantly. Hermione shifted Teddy slightly. "When I kept Rita in that jar, she was, as you would expect, furious. Beetles don't have much for facial expressions, but I could see it in her eyes. Now, though, she looks…blank." Andromeda pursed her lips in thought. She rose and went back into the kitchen, returning with the journal. She stared at the photograph again.
"You are right," she finally said. She looked up at Hermione. "Head injury?"
"It's highly possible," Hermione said. "Cuffe did hit her with a book and she hit the window rather hard, according to him." The Floo pinged and both women looked up. Andromeda lowered the wards and Hermione expected Remus to step out. He had probably gotten back and not finding her in the cottage, assumed she was still at Andromeda's. She did wonder why he would take the Floo instead of walking over. Teddy stirred and Hermione looked down at him to be sure he hadn't woken.
"Andromeda, I have the most wonderful news," a woman's voice said and Hermione's head snapped up. Narcissa Malfoy wore an expression of equal shock when she realized Hermione was in the room. She schooled her features quickly, however. "Miss Granger."
"Cissy, this is not a good time," Andromeda said, glancing from her sister to Hermione. Hermione was frozen in her chair, arms tightening around Teddy. She forcefully pushed down her reaction and took a breath.
"I am sorry for interrupting," Narcissa said. "I will speak with you tomorrow, Andi." She had turned toward the Floo when Hermione finally found her voice.
"Wait!" Narcissa paused and looked over her shoulder at Hermione.
"Hermione, it's all right," Andromeda said. "We can visit tomorrow."
"No," Hermione said. "I think she should stay." Hermione glanced pointedly at the magazine still in Andromeda's hand. Andromeda glanced down at it, then up at her sister. Hermione stood carefully from her chair.
"I'll just put Teddy to bed," she said. "And let you two talk for a minute." Andromeda ran a hand over Teddy's head and then nodded. Hermione glanced behind her when she reached the stairs and saw Andromeda handing Narcissa the magazine.
Hermione closed Teddy's door and leaned back against it, blowing out a breath. Looking down, she slowly pushed up the sleeve of her top and cancelled the glamour on her left arm. 'Mudblood' stood out in stark relief. It had faded only slightly over the last two years. Running her fingers over the slur, Hermione pulled in another breath. It was just a word and the woman that gave it to her was gone. No one that was in this house was going to hurt her. Hermione wouldn't allow it, nor would Andromeda. She was safe.
She replaced the glamour and rolled her sleeve down. Narcissa Malfoy was a part of Andromeda's life and by extension, Teddy's. Hermione was likely going to run into her from time to time. She refused to panic every time that happened. Squaring her shoulders, Hermione made her way back downstairs.
Andromeda and Narcissa were sitting on the couch, talking quietly. The open journal lay on the coffee table in front of them. They both looked up at Hermione's arrival. She crossed the room and settled into the armchair once again.
"You've read it," she said to Narcissa without preamble.
"Yes," Narcissa said.
"And?"
"I am not sure what you want me to say, Miss Granger."
"Let's drop the Slytherin double-speak, shall we?" Hermione said. "I'm aware that you forced Rita Skeeter into her Animagus form and then cast a binding spell to keep her there. I also know why you did it. Draco was one of Skeeter's informants during the Triwizard tournament and as such, knows she's an Animagus. I have no intention of that information leaving this room." Narcissa stared at her. "What I would like is your opinion on what we should do now that the Muggles have discovered her." There was silence in the room for a few moments.
"My first thought was to give this to the Minister," Hermione continued, indicating the magazine. "However, I am sure that Skeeter is aware you are the one that bound her. Not to mention all the other information she has on a variety of people, myself included. That could turn into a headache that none of us want." Narcissa hadn't stopped staring at Hermione, her expression calculating. Hermione tried not to fidget under the other woman's gaze.
"Narcissa," Andromeda began, obviously growing a bit uncomfortable herself. Narcissa held up a hand to interrupt.
"Do I have your word that nothing leaves this room?" she asked.
"Unless we all agree to tell someone else, yes," Hermione said. "I'll take a vow if you like."
"That will not be necessary," Narcissa said. Her eyes finally left Hermione's. "Ms. Skeeter is not aware of much, anymore." Hermione's eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean?" Andromeda asked.
"Do you not remember what I told you when her disappearance first came to light?" Narcissa asked.
"You said that you would find her," Andromeda replied.
"How?" Hermione asked. "She's a beetle." Narcissa studied her for a moment.
"Perhaps it is better that you do not know all of the particulars, Miss Granger." Hermione stared at her. "Suffice it to say that magic can be tracked, if one has the appropriate…materials." Narcissa was right, Hermione didn't want to know.
"I located Ms. Skeeter some time ago," Narcissa continued. "When the Muggle boy found her, it was not difficult to satisfy my curiosity."
"Curiosity about what?" Hermione asked, eyes narrowed. She was aware that there was a bit of accusation in her voice, but she couldn't bring herself to care. Despite their escape from most punishment, she doubted the Malfoys still had any use for Muggles.
"I assure you, Miss Granger, I have no intention of breaking the terms of my probation," Narcissa said tightly. She stared at Hermione for a minute before she looked away. Narcissa cleared her throat and continued.
"The boy's mother, like many mothers everywhere, was not very enthusiastic about keeping an insect in the house, in a jar or not. As such, the jar remained outside the majority of the time. It did not take much to get into their garden once the family had gone to sleep and check the binding spell."
"It's obviously still intact," Andromeda said.
"Yes," Narcissa agreed. "Since I had her trapped, I decided to take a look inside Ms. Skeeter's mind."
"You can used Legilimency on an animal?" Hermione asked in interest.
"If the animal is an Animagus, yes," Narcissa said. "Transforming may change the body, but the mind is still the same." Hermione nodded in understanding. "Ms. Skeeter has little recollection of anything."
"She did suffer from some kind of head injury," Hermione mused.
"It appears so," Narcissa said. "Her thoughts were completely disjointed, most of them focused on her basic survival needs. She retains some memories but few are complete and they do not seem to be ordered in any way. Her mind was, in a word, chaos."
"I'm not an expert on Animagi," Hermione said. "Or head injuries, for that matter. But if she remains a beetle will she eventually lose all of her human memories?"
"I do not know," Narcissa said.
"Neither do I," Andromeda said. The three sat in silence for a few moments.
"She needs medical help," Hermione said. Narcissa bristled.
"Are you saying that you want her to get her memories back?" she asked.
"No," Hermione admitted. "But she's a person, Mrs. Malfoy. We can't allow her to continue to be studied as she is. It's cruel and not just to her. The Muggle scientists think they've discovered a new species."
"Hermione, it's not just a matter of Obliviating a few Muggles anymore," Andromeda reminded her. "They've published an article. Granted, I am sure that this journal doesn't have an overly large readership, but we cannot possibly find every single person who has seen this."
"No, but we can get her out of the lab," Hermione said.
"And do what with her?" Narcissa asked. "Turn her into the Ministry? Simply hope that her memory does not return or the Legilimency experts in the Ministry cannot piece together enough fragments to determine what happened to her?" Hermione eyes narrowed at Narcissa's tone.
"Might I remind you, Mrs. Malfoy, that we would not be in this mess if you hadn't decided to cast a binding charm on her." Narcissa bristled. "I understand that you thought you were protecting your family, but you went a bit far, don't you think?"
"And if I had not, you might very well be sitting in a cell in Azkaban right now," Narcissa snapped. Hermione looked at her in surprise.
"Let's all just calm down," Andromeda said. Hermione hadn't stopped staring at Narcissa.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked. Narcissa sniffed and looked away for a moment.
"Surely you are aware that if Skeeter had been arrested, she would likely have revealed that you knew about her Animagus ability."
"Of course, I am," Hermione said. She didn't get the impression that's what Narcissa had meant, however. The older witch looked up at her and met Hermione's gaze. Narcissa stared at her for a moment before she spoke again.
"Family is all that matters, Miss Granger." Hermione said nothing, simply stared back at her in shock. Surely Narcissa couldn't be insinuating that she considered Hermione family.
"Andromeda is my sister and you are her family," Narcissa continued. Hermione opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again. She had no idea what to say. She felt that way about Andromeda, certainly, but she had no idea the other woman felt the same. When she glanced at Andromeda, she gave Hermione a small smile. Hermione turned back to Narcissa.
"I…don't know what to say." Narcissa looked away again for a few moments. When she faced Hermione once more, her back had straightened and there was a determined air about her.
"You were tortured in my home and my family did nothing to help you," Narcissa said. Hermione froze, her right hand involuntarily moving toward her left arm. She saw Andromeda's look of concern out of the corner of her eye.
"Narcissa, perhaps this isn't," Andromeda began, but Narcissa held up a hand to stop her.
"I know that nothing I say will change what happened, but I am sorry." Hermione gripped her left forearm and saw Narcissa's eyes flick downward towards it. "I do not expect absolution, or even forgiveness, but I do mean what I say. I am truly sorry." Hermione forced herself to keep breathing normally. Narcissa stood from the couch.
"There is something I must check on in regard to Skeeter. I will let you know what I find, Andi." She nodded to Hermione. "Miss Ganger." Seconds later, she disappeared in a flash of green flame.
Hermione stared at the now empty fireplace, keeping her grip on her arm. She closed her eyes and clenched her jaw as flashes of memory flew through her mind.
"Hermione?" Andromeda said quietly. Hermione jumped as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She opened her eyes to find Andromeda looking at her in concern. "Hermione, let go." Confused, Hermione simply stared at her. Andromeda moved her free hand to Hermione's right arm. Hermione looked down to see that she was gripping her left arm so hard, her knuckles were white.
"Let go, Hermione," Andromeda repeated. Hermione loosened her grip and saw the red finger marks on her arm. She flexed her hand and stared at her forearm. She moved to cover it again, but Andromeda stopped her. "It's all right, darling." The older woman tentatively put an arm around Hermione's shoulders. When Hermione didn't protest, Andromeda pulled her closer. Hermione took a shuddering breath and laid her head on Andromeda's shoulder.
"It's all right," the other woman said again, arm tightening around Hermione. They sat that way until they heard a quiet knock on the back door. It opened seconds later and Remus stepped into the kitchen. Hermione sat up, moving away from Andromeda as Remus walked into the living room.
"I'm sorry I'm so late," he said. "I figured you'd be home-" Remus trailed off as he caught sight of them. He moved immediately to Hermione's side. "What's happened?"
"Nothing, I'm fine," she said, trying to wave off his concern.
"It doesn't look like it," he said, sitting down next to her. Hermione shook her head again and Remus pulled her into his arms.
"Andromeda?" he said when Hermione didn't say anything.
"Take her home, Remus," Andromeda said. Hermione wanted to protest that she was fine; that neither of them needed to worry. But the words wouldn't come.
"Teddy?" Remus said.
"Teddy is fine. Leave him here tonight." Remus hesitated. "The Floo is open. Take Hermione home." Hermione couldn't see either of their faces, but she guessed that Andromeda must have convinced him because seconds later, he was pulling her to her feet.
"Come on, love," he said. "Let's go home."
Remus had led Hermione to the couch in their living room once they had come through the Floo. He'd pulled her back into his arms and began to rub her back and whisper soothing words to her.
"Please tell me, love," he said a few minutes later.
"I found Rita Skeeter," Hermione finally said.
"What?" Remus questioned. That was the last thing he had expected her to say. Hermione explained about the journal that Luna had sent and the fact the Skeeter was being studied in a Muggle lab as some new species of beetle. If Hermione hadn't been so upset, he would have laughed harder than he'd laughed in quite some time. As it was, he couldn't quite keep in the snort that escaped. He felt Hermione smile against his chest and a bit of his anxiety about what was going on lessened.
"I showed Andromeda the article and we were discussing it when the Floo chimed. We thought it was you, so Andromeda lowered the wards."
"Who was it?" Remus asked when Hermione didn't continue.
"Narcissa," Hermione said in a quiet voice. Remus' arms tightened around her.
"What did she want?"
"She said something about wonderful news, but she never got to that. We talked about Skeeter."
"What about Skeeter?"
"I can't tell you," she mumbled.
"Why not?"
"I promised I wouldn't," she said. "Unless we all agreed."
"Hermione, what in Merlin's name is going on?" She sighed.
"It's not about Skeeter anyway."
"Then what is it about?" Hermione began to play with the button on the front of his shirt.
"She apologized to me," she said in a small voice.
"Narcissa?" Remus asked. Hermione nodded and Remus saw her hand to move to her forearm. He tightened his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
"It's all right, love," he said. "You're safe now." He felt her shudder.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"What on earth for?" he asked.
"It's been more than two years. I shouldn't still get this upset."
"Hermione," he said. "You have every reason for this to still bother you. What you went through that day, I would be more concerned if it didn't still upset you." She sniffed and gripped the front of his shirt. Remus' hand rubbed up and down her back and he kissed her temple.
"What did she say to you?" he asked, lips still in her hair.
"She said that she didn't expect absolution or even forgiveness, but that she was truly sorry that she didn't help me."
"Did you believe her?" he asked. Hermione pulled away and looked up at him. A single tear made its way down her cheek and he wiped it away with his thumb.
"Yes," she said, then leaned up and kissed him. Remus pulled her tightly to him, trying to pour all his love and reassurance into the kiss. When they parted, she looked up at him. "Take me to bed." Remus shifted and picked her up in his arms, then stood from the couch. He carried her upstairs and laid her down on their bed. She pulled him down to her and kissed him fiercely.
He knew what she was doing; that she wanted to forget. She wanted things fast and hard so that she would be so caught up in the sensations she wouldn't have to think. But she couldn't forget, not forever anyway. He let her control the kiss for few moments before he gradually slowed it down. When she bit at his lip to try and make him move faster or lose a bit of his control, he simply soothed the cut with his tongue and kissed her again. He didn't react when she nipped at his neck or bucked underneath him to get him to move.
"Slow down, love," he finally said when she tried to flip them for the second time.
"I don't want to," she said with a scowl. He moved a hand to her left arm and pulled it from around his neck. His fingertips grazed the spot where he knew the slur to be. She flinched.
"Badge of honor, remember?" he said, referring back to their very first conversation about her scar. She hitched in a breath and bit her lip. Remus reached down and pulled it gently from her teeth then kissed her. When he pulled back, she nodded. He brushed away the tears that ran down her temples into her hair.
When she kissed him again, he finally felt her body relax. She sighed into the kiss and he smiled as he moved to her neck.
"Don't think that you," she began, but shivered when he kissed the spot behind her ear.
"Don't think what, love?" he mumbled from the hollow of her throat. His hand moved under her shirt to her breast.
"Ne-never mind," she said, hitching a breath. He hid a grin as he pulled her shirt over her head.
He took his time, worshipping her with his hands and his mouth, stripping her as he went. She managed to unbutton his shirt, but little else, not that he minded.
"Remus, please!" she finally begged. He looked down at her, flushed and panting. He quickly cast the charm, then rid himself of the rest of his clothes and hovered over her again. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and pushed at his arse with her heels. He kissed her again and then pushed into her. She made a noise of relief and he chuckled. She swatted his shoulder but didn't break the kiss. She met his thrusts as soon as he started to move.
"I love you," he said. She pulled him down for another kiss.
"I love you, too." It didn't take either of them very much longer, Hermione falling over first and Remus following shortly afterward. When he tried to roll to the side, she held him in place and he relaxed against her for a few minutes. When he tried to move again, she still resisted.
"Love, I'm crushing you."
"Don't care," she mumbled. He smiled again and managed to shift most of his weight off of her. He pulled her tightly to him and kissed her forehead. She kept their legs entwined and Remus cast a cleansing charm, then pulled the duvet up over them.
"I've got you," he whispered into her hair. She moved impossibly closer to him. Burying her face in his neck, she kissed his throat and then sighed. "And I won't let go." He felt her relax and they both drifted off to sleep.
25 September 2000
Hermione made her way through the back garden to Andromeda's cottage. Remus was on patrol tonight and staying at the castle, so Hermione was her on way to pick up Teddy. She knew Remus was still a bit worried about her, although she hadn't had a nightmare since that first night. He'd caught her looking at her scar a few times, though. Hermione had been leaving the glamour off it more often than usual. She still put it on for work, of course, but at home, she was more apt to leave it. She wasn't sure why, exactly, it wasn't as if she enjoyed looking at it. And even though she kept hearing Remus' words in her head, she certainly wasn't proud of it. But it was part of her and always would be. And not only had she survived, but she'd lived after Bellatrix had done her damnedest to prevent that. And that was something to be proud of. She didn't want to talk about it though, not just yet, and that's likely what Remus was concerned about.
Hermione reached the back door and knocked.
"Come in!" Andromeda called. Hermione stepped inside and immediately had an armful of Teddy. She laughed as she picked him up.
"How was your day?" she asked.
"My-nee, lookit!" Teddy said, holding something up to her. It looked like a chocolate frog card. "It Ha-wy!" Hermione took the card from Teddy and saw Harry's face looking back at her. He was wearing his Auror robes. She couldn't help but laugh.
"Harry's got a chocolate frog card?"
"Apparently," Andromeda said in amusement. "We went to the high street today and there was a large display in the window at Honeyduke's." She glanced at Hermione and her mouth twitched. Hermione's brow furrowed. Andromeda turned back to her grandson. "Tell Hermione who else you saw."
"My-nee!" Teddy said.
"Yes?" Hermione said.
"See My-nee!" Teddy said. "And Won!" Hermione's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.
"No," she said looking at Andromeda. Andromeda nodded.
"Yes," she said. "Your photographs were also on the promotional poster near the display."
"How can they do this without asking us?" she demanded.
"They used your official Ministry photographs," Andromeda said. Hermione groaned. Just what she needed. It wasn't like she didn't get recognized enough, now she was going to have people asking her to sign their chocolate frog cards. Harry was going to be horrified.
"Harry is just going to love this," she said.
"Indeed," Andromeda replied. Hermione could still see the amusement in the older woman's eyes. She supposed it wasn't the end of the world. Just highly embarrassing. She turned her attention back to Teddy.
"Are you ready to go home?" she asked.
"Actually, why don't you stay for dinner? I know that Remus is not home tonight."
"All right," Hermione agreed. She knew that Andromeda really didn't like to eat alone. The four of them ate together quite often. She put Teddy down and he ran back into the living room, still carrying Harry's card.
"Hermione," Andromeda said. When Hermione looked at her, the older woman looked much more serious. "I spoke with Narcissa today." Hermione controlled the flinch, but only just. "She has news of Skeeter and wondered if she might stop by tonight and share it with us."
"Of course," Hermione said, sounding much surer than she felt.
"Hermione, I," Andromeda began, then stopped, shaking her head. "Forgive me, it is none of my business."
"No, go ahead," Hermione said. She knew this was going to come up at some point.
"I hope you know that Cissy was genuine in her apology."
"I do," Hermione said.
"I am not trying to excuse what happened, please do not think that."
"I don't," Hermione said with a smile for the other woman. "Andromeda, she's your sister. I'm glad that the two of you were able to repair your relationship."
"Narcissa has many faults," Andromeda said. "But her love for her family, especially Draco, isn't one of them. And I do believe that her mind is changing about some things." Hermione nodded. She doubted she would ever be friends with Narcissa Malfoy, but what she said to Andromeda was true. She would never begrudge her a relationship with her sister. And perhaps, the more time Narcissa spent around her much more tolerant and loving sister, the more Narcissa would change because of it. And really, wasn't that what they all hoped for in the wake of the war, that minds would be changed?
"I'm happy to hear that," Hermione said. "Now, what can I do to help with dinner?"
Teddy was in bed and Hermione and Andromeda were chatting in the living room when the Floo flared. Narcissa stepped out, greeting them both.
"What is your news, Cissy?" Andromeda asked, getting right to the point.
"Skeeter has been taken care of," Narcissa said.
"What do you mean, 'taken care of'?" Hermione asked warily.
"She is no longer a beetle and no longer being held by the Muggles."
"Then, where is she?"
"It is better if you do not know, Miss Granger. But I can assure you that she is alive, safe and being cared for. She remembers nothing about her life, at least as far as I can tell through Legilimency. She certainly had no idea who I was."
"I appreciate that you've taken care of it, Mrs. Malfoy, but I'd like a bit more information if you don't mind," Hermione said.
"She has been moved out of the country," Narcissa finally said. "To a private property where she is under the care of a Healer. She will remain there indefinitely."
"And her memory?"
"Likely will not return, according to the Healer," Narcissa said. "She had quite a bit of damage to that area of her brain, thanks to Cuffe. However, if her memory does return, I will be notified."
"And then what?" Hermione asked.
"It does no good to speculate about something that is unlikely to happen," Narcissa said. Hermione stared at her for a few moments, then nodded. She was right. It was time to put this behind her.
"I will be given monthly reports as to her condition, but the Healer does not expect any change."
"Are you protected, Cissy?" Andromeda asked in concern. Hermione had wondered the same but didn't want to ask.
"Yes, Andi, do not worry," she said. "I had no part in any of it and no magic was used to get her out of the Muggle building. Reports are being made to a company that I cannot be linked to." Hermione had to admit she was impressed. She had no idea that Narcissa was quite so familiar with such things. They sat in silence for a few moments.
"I need your permission to tell Remus about this," Hermione said. "I won't give him specifics, but I want him to know that she's no longer a threat." Narcissa studied her for a moment.
"All right," she said. "If Andi agrees."
"It is fine with me, Hermione."
"Thank you." There was a bit of an awkward silence.
"I should get home," Narcissa said. She stood and said good-bye to Andromeda, then nodded to Hermione.
"What was the news?" Hermione blurted out before Narcissa could throw in the Floo powder.
"I'm sorry?" Narcissa said.
"The other night, you said you had wonderful news." Hermione realized what she'd said and her face heated. "I don't know what made me ask that. It's none of my business." Narcissa's face softened.
"Draco and Astoria Greengrass are betrothed."
"Congratulations," Hermione said, genuinely meaning it.
"Thank you, Miss Granger," Narcissa said with a smile. She stepped into the Floo and disappeared.
12 October 2000
Hermione began tidying up her desk. Harry had asked her and Ron to meet him after work, being a bit cryptic about why. She assumed it had something to do with the wedding. Hermione couldn't believe it was just over two weeks away.
Everything seemed to be falling into place, though. Their dresses were finished, she and Luna just had to go in for a final fitting on Saturday. Ginny had a match on Sunday and then was taking a month's leave for the wedding and honeymoon. Hermione and Remus had taken Teddy to Madame Malkin's a few days prior to get him fitted for his dress robes to be ring bearer. The little boy hadn't been too enthusiastic about the formal wear but had been told he was doing something very important in Harry and Ginny's wedding and that the robes came with the job. He looked adorable, of course.
Hermione grabbed her cloak and her briefcase and left her office. She wondered if Narcissa had gotten her first monthly report on Skeeter yet. There had been no news so far, which Hermione was glad for. She was sure that Narcissa would have been notified if there was something wrong. Hermione had explained to Remus and he had been just as relieved as she was. While there was always the possibility that Rita would regain some, or all, of her memory, the Healers didn't think it was likely. Hermione had decided to forget about the reporter. She had no desire to expend any more energy or thoughts on the situation. Skeeter wasn't worth it.
Remus had settled in at Hogwarts, not that Hermione had any doubt that he would. He loved his job and the students adored him just as much. It brought a smile to her face to see him so happy.
Her job was going just as well. The mental health program was proceeding quickly; they expected to have the first few Healers completely trained by the following summer. The werewolf laws were being slowly implemented. The Sanctuary was doing well, more werewolves coming to transform there every month. Hermione suspected that had quite a bit to do with the Wolfsbane potion, as word spread about its benefits. She hoped that at some point in the future, the Ministry would find the funding to offer the potion to every werewolf that couldn't buy it or make it themselves, whether they transformed at the Sanctuary or not. The Pureblood laws she was tackling now were slowly being rewritten or abolished all together. Hermione hadn't realized that there were so many laws biased in favor of Purebloods. It was a bit ridiculous.
She had seen Annie, David, and Claire the weekend before. It had been a Hogsmeade weekend and Remus had been assigned to patrol. Hermione had gone along with him. They had run into the three third-years outside Honeydukes and they had been full of excitement for their first visit to the village. Hermione hadn't been surprised when Paul had joined them. She'd hidden a smile when she saw him take Claire's hand as they walked to the Three Broomsticks.
They'd reported that Will was doing well. Paul didn't think that anyone had figured out that Will's lycanthropy yet, but there had only been one full moon at the school so far. The next was tomorrow, but as it was a Friday and Will wouldn't miss any classes the next day, it was easier to hide. After a butterbeer with the four teens she had excused herself and left them to enjoy the rest of their day.
Reaching the Atrium, Hermione looked around for Harry and Ron, spotting Ron first. She made her way towards him, but he appeared to be alone.
"Hey," he said with a smile as she reached his side.
"Hi, Ron. Harry's not here yet?" Ron shook his head.
"Any idea what this is all about?" he asked.
"No," Hermione said. "Something about the wedding, I'm guessing." Ron nodded and they chatted while they waited for Harry to join them.
"So, when's Susan moving in?" Hermione asked. The tips of Ron's ears reddened, but he smiled all the same.
"While Harry and Gin are on their honeymoon," he said. "We figured it would be less chaos then." Hermione laughed.
"You're probably right."
"Hey guys, sorry I'm late," Harry said as he hurried towards them.
"No problem, mate," Ron said. "Where are we going?"
"I'll take you side-along if that's okay?" Harry said. Hermione and Ron glanced at each other and Ron shrugged.
"S'okay with me." Hermione nodded her agreement and looped her arm through Harry's.
"You're being awfully secretive," she said as they walked towards the Apparition point. He looked at her sheepishly.
"I just want it to be a surprise," he said. They reached the Apparition point and Harry took each of them by the arm and turned.
When they landed, they were in the middle of what looked like a field, but when Hermione turned around, she saw a house set back near a small copse of trees.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"Near Oxford," Harry said.
"And what are we doing here, exactly?" Ron asked.
"You know Gin and I have been looking for a house," Harry said. They both nodded. They had been looking for a few months, without much luck. "Everything has either been too big or too small, too close to Muggles or completely falling apart. This place came up for sale two days ago. Ginny hasn't seen it yet, obviously, but the realtor doesn't think it will last long so I don't know if we can wait until next week. I want your opinions." Hermione and Ron glanced at each other.
"Mate, you're not thinking about buying something without Ginny seeing it, are you?" Ron asked.
"Do I look like I have a death wish?" Harry replied and Hermione snorted. "Of course I'm not. But I want your opinion if I should even try and get her here to look at it. She's got a match in three days, Gwenog won't be happy about her leaving, even for an hour."
They began walking towards the house. The property around it looked well-kept and the flower gardens in the front of the house were tidy and well-maintained. The house was large, but not overly so. Hermione knew neither Harry nor Ginny wanted to live in a sprawling mansion, but they still wanted enough room for a family. A woman stood near the doorstep and Hermione assumed she was the realtor that Harry and Ginny had been working with.
"Mr. Potter, good to see you," the woman said, shaking his hand.
"Thanks for meeting us, Ms. Price," Harry replied, then introduced Hermione and Ron. The realtor unlocked the front door with a key, not a wand, Hermione noticed. She was also wearing Muggle clothing instead of robes. Harry hadn't told them to transfigure their own robes, however.
"If you don't mind, I'll let you look around on your own," Ms. Price said once they were inside. "I have a few telephone calls to return."
"That's fine, thank you," Harry said.
"I'll just be in the sitting room if you have any questions." The woman walked into the small room to the left of the front door and pulled out a mobile phone.
"Harry," Hermione said under her breath. "Is she a Muggle?"
"Squib," Harry replied. "She works in both the Muggle and the magical world. This is a Muggle property actually."
"That explains the key," Hermione said. Harry nodded.
"Come on, let me show you the house."
The main floor consisted of the sitting room and a large living room that was open to the kitchen and breakfast nook. There was a formal dining room, a small loo off the kitchen and a study as well. Upstairs there were five bedrooms and three bathrooms; an en suite in the master, a bathroom shared by two of the bedrooms, as the one in Hermione and Remus' cottage was, and a third bathroom in between, but not connected to, the other two bedrooms. There were plenty of windows and all of the kitchen and bathroom fixtures had been modernized. Some of the rooms were painted rather…interesting colors, but that was something that could be easily fixed with a color changing charm.
There was a huge patio off the back of the house and a large back garden. Hermione saw a stream beyond that and there was definitely plenty of land for a Quidditch pitch. The closest neighbors were far enough away that they could easily fly without being seen as long as they set up a few wards.
"What do you think?" Harry asked as they walked back into the kitchen.
"It's beautiful, Harry."
"Do you think Gin will like it?"
"Like it?" Ron said. "She's going to love it." Hermione nodded in agreement. A wide grin broke out on Harry's face.
"Good, because I think it's kind of perfect." Hermione could picture a few little Potters running around and all the family events that would take place here.
"It is," Hermione agreed. They walked back to the front of the house and found the realtor.
"What's the verdict?" she asked.
"We love it," Hermione said.
"Wonderful," Ms. Price said with a smile. "I have to tell you, Mr. Potter, there have been a few showings since yesterday. How soon do you think you can get your fiancée here to look at it?"
"Hopefully, first thing tomorrow morning," Harry said. "I'll call you as soon as I contact her."
"Very good," Ms. Price said. They left the house and she locked the front door. Hermione glanced back over her shoulder before they Disapparated. She really hoped that Harry and Ginny got this house.
28 October 2000
Hermione stood at the window and looked out across the garden of the Burrow to where the marquee stood. It was already a flurry of activity although the wedding wouldn't begin for another four hours.
The rehearsal and dinner had been at the Burrow last night. As much as Harry and Ginny tried to hire a caterer, Molly had insisted on cooking. Eventually, they stopped arguing with her. Hermione had stayed at the Burrow last night at Ginny's request. Luna and Susan had as well. The men in the wedding party had gone to Grimmauld Place, although Remus and Teddy had gone home to sleep. They would return to Harry's to get dressed later this morning.
The door to the bedroom opened and Ginny walked in, fresh from her shower. Hermione smiled at her as she turned from the window.
"Happy wedding day," she said. Ginny grinned at her.
"I can't believe it's finally here," she said. She sat down on the bed, idly rubbing a towel through her hair. The smile slowly faded from her face. Hermione's brow furrowed in concern and she sat down next to her friend.
"What's the matter?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing," Ginny said. Hermione looked at her skeptically. "It's just, I've been dreaming about this for so long, you know? During the war there were days, so many days, when I was terrified it wouldn't happen because Harry would," Ginny trailed off and Hermione put an arm around her.
"He didn't though," Hermione said quietly.
"I know," Ginny replied, taking a deep breath. She laughed slightly and shook her head. "I have no idea why I'm thinking like this on my wedding day."
"It's an emotional day," Hermione said. "Even if it is a happy one." Ginny nodded.
"I keep thinking about Fred," she said softly. Hermione's arm tightened around her and Ginny rested her head on Hermione's shoulder. They sat in silence for a few moments. "Although he'd probably roll his eyes at me and tell me to stop being stupid."
"Either that or make some comment about women weeping at his feet." Ginny laughed and sat up, wiping away a few tears from her cheeks.
"Probably."
"It's your wedding day," Hermione said. "No more tears unless they're the happy kind." Ginny nodded and hugged her.
"I'm so glad you're here." Hermione hugged her tighter.
"Me too."
Remus stepped out of the Floo and told Teddy he could open his eyes. He siphoned the ash off their clothes and then set Teddy on his feet.
"Ha-wy! We here!" Teddy yelled.
"I don't think you need to shout," Remus said. Teddy simply grinned at him. Remus shook his head as Harry walked into the room.
"Hey, mate," he said and Teddy nearly leaped into Harry's arms.
"Sorry about that," Remus said. "He's been very excited all morning." Harry laughed.
"Don't worry," he replied. "I'm pretty excited myself." He tickled Teddy and the toddler giggled. Remus smiled fondly at the two of them. Teddy had changed his hair to match Harry's and Remus could see the younger man holding his own son someday. He just wished James and Lily and Sirius could be here to see it. Harry turned and caught his eyes, looking at him quizzically.
"Your parents would be so very proud of you, Harry," Remus said quietly. "Sirius too." Harry moved toward him and gave him a one-armed hug, Teddy giggling as he was slightly squished between them.
"Thank you, Remus." When they stepped apart, Remus put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"If you ever need anything, Harry, you know that I'm here for you."
"I do," Harry said with a smile. Remus clapped him on the shoulder.
"I suggest we start getting dressed. It's about time to get you married."
Hermione hurried down the stairs to the kitchen. Things had been relatively calm as they'd gotten ready. Susan and Fleur were helping with their make-up and hair and Angelina and Audrey had wandered upstairs when they arrived. Molly had popped in and out, spending time supervising at the marquee as well.
But as they got closer to the wedding, Ginny got more nervous. Hermione was a bit surprised, actually. The redhead was normally unflappable. She supposed every bride had the right to lose it a bit on her wedding day. Hermione had come downstairs to see if Harry had arrived yet. Ginny insisted that the boys were late.
"My-nee!" a little voice said as she reached the bottom of the stairs. Hermione grinned at the sight of Teddy in his dress robes.
"Well, don't you look handsome," she said, crouching down to the toddler's level. He threw his arms around her neck and gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek.
"Where's your daddy?" she asked.
"Right here, love." She looked up at Remus and couldn't help staring. Harry had asked him and George to seat the guests and so he was wearing robes similar to what the groomsman would be wearing. He looked very nice in them. She rose to her feet and took him in.
"Hermione," he said, a bit of awe in his voice. "You look," he trailed off, simply staring at her. She smiled and blushed. Fleur had done quite well with her hair, sweeping it up into some elaborate updo that Hermione knew was only staying in place because of magic. Her dress was a deep gold, a nod to both the season and Gryffindor. Hermione had been concerned about the color at first, but it complemented both her and Luna quite well.
"Has Ginny seen you?" Remus finally said.
"Yes, why?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"Because I don't know how she could let you walk down the aisle. All the attention will be on you." She blushed again and stepped closer to him.
"I think you're just a bit biased," she said.
"Perhaps," he replied with a smile, putting his arms around her. "But you do look stunning, love."
"My-nee boo-ful!" Teddy announced. Remus smiled.
"You are beautiful," he said and then kissed her.
"None of that," Susan said as she stepped into the room, picking up Teddy in the process. "You'll ruin your make-up." Hermione pulled away from Remus reluctantly, thumb rubbing some of the lipstick off his lips. Susan huffed.
"Now I'm going to have to redo your lips." Hermione shrugged.
"Worth it," she said. Susan rolled her eyes and Remus chuckled. "What are you doing down here, anyway?"
"Ginny saw Harry from her window and she wants to see Teddy."
"So, she doesn't need the ginger ale anymore, I assume?" Susan grinned.
"Amazing how your stomach settles right down as soon as you see your groom, isn't it?" Hermione laughed.
"Tell her I'll be up in a minute." Susan nodded and left with Teddy. Hermione turned back to Remus and kissed him again. He raised a brow in question when they parted. Hermione shrugged. "She has to redo my lips anyway." He laughed and kissed her once more.
Remus sat next to Andromeda as Ron walked his mother down the aisle. After Molly was seated, Ron joined Harry and Neville at the front. Kingsley stood next to Harry, waiting to officiate. Luna began her walk down the aisle, smiling at Rolf as she passed him. She took her place and Remus turned expectantly toward the back of the marquee. Hermione walked in and his breath nearly left him again as it had in the kitchen. He always thought she was beautiful, of course, but today was something completely different. He hadn't been lying when he'd told her that she was going to draw all the attention. He saw plenty of men staring at her as she made her way to the front. The wolf growled, but Remus simply smiled at her as she passed. She winked at him and he bit back a laugh.
There were a few 'awws' from the back of the crowd and Remus turned his attention to his son. Teddy held the pillow out carefully in front of him, like they had showed him, the rings held fast with a sticking charm. When he saw all the people watching him, however, he faltered, looking around the crowd nervously. Remus stepped slightly into the aisle and motioned to him. Teddy picked up his pace and hurried towards his father. There was fond laughter from the guests as Teddy put an arm around Remus' leg and stopped a few rows short of the front.
"Can you take your pillow to Ron?" Remus asked quietly as he crouched down to Teddy's level. "Then you can come back and sit with Nanna and me." Teddy nodded and ran to Ron, handing off the pillow and then racing back to his father. Remus met Hermione's eyes and saw she was trying hard not to laugh. Harry was grinning as Ron removed the rings from the pillow and slipped them into the pocket of his robes.
Remus picked up his son and watched as the pram Victoire was sitting in moved magically down the aisle. The baby was dressed in a mound of white ruffles with a wreath of flowers on her head and was more intent on gnawing on a finger than anything else. The pram stopped at the end of the aisle and Fleur moved to collect her daughter, wheeling the pram to the side.
The music swelled and the crowd rose as Ginny and Arthur came into view. Hermione was right, Ginny did look amazingly beautiful. Remus glanced at Harry who seemed to be in shock as he stared at his bride. His expression was almost identical to what James' had been when he first saw Lily in her wedding dress. It made Remus smile. He made a silent vow to his fallen friends that he would always be there for Harry.
"Might I have this dance?" Kingsley asked formally, holding out a hand to Andromeda. She smiled at him and rose from her chair, following him to the dance floor. The ceremony had been lovely. Andromeda had not been the only one dabbing tears from her eyes when Harry and Ginny had lit the candles to represent Lily and James. Now, Harry and Ginny just looked deliriously happy. She hoped they would always be so.
Kingsley had drawn her into his arms and she relaxed in his hold as they moved around the floor. He was, unsurprisingly, an excellent dancer. She was sure he had received the same lessons as a child that she had.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" he asked. She smiled.
"Only a few times," she replied.
"Hm, not nearly enough." She laughed as he spun them around. Andromeda's eye was drawn to Remus and Hermione where they stood dancing with Teddy. Teddy was giggling as Hermione twirled him and then Remus twirled her. Remus looked so happy; it made her heart twinge just a bit. She adored Hermione, but she couldn't help missing Nymphadora at times like these.
"She sees, love," Kingsley said quietly. Andromeda looked up at him, wondering if he would ever stop surprising her.
"Sometimes I wonder if you are a secret Legilimens," she joked.
"I'm just very good at reading you," he quipped.
"My Slytherin skills must be slipping," she said. He laughed.
"Only when you're happy," he replied. She smiled.
"I am happy." He pulled her closer to him.
"I'm so very glad." Leaning down, he kissed her. The kiss was chaste, but Andromeda blushed anyway, unused to him showing such affection in front of their friends. He smiled at her when he pulled away and she couldn't help but return it. She was an extremely lucky woman to have found love again and she told Kingsley as much.
"I'm the lucky one, love," he said, continuing to lead her around the dance floor.
It was late, many of the guests had already gone home. There were still a few couples on the dance floor, but it was mostly family that remained. Andromeda and Kingsley had left with Teddy an hour ago, insisting that as the maid of honor, Hermione had to stay until the bride and groom left. They would keep Teddy overnight.
Remus pulled Hermione close as they danced, her cheek, as well as their clasped hands, rested on his chest. He thought he might be happy just to dance with her for the rest of his life, the curves of her body fitting perfectly into the planes of his. He kissed the top of her head.
"Tired?" he asked her. She nodded.
"But happy too," she said.
"Mm," he agreed. She looked up at him and smiled, then kissed him. When they parted, he tucked a curl that had escaped behind her ear.
"Take a walk with me?" he asked.
"All right," she agreed. He let go of her and took her hand, leading her from the tent to the cooler air outside. He shrugged out of his outer robe and draped it over her shoulders when she shivered. She leaned into his side and he put an arm around her. They walked towards the pond, the moon reflecting on the still surface.
Remus stuck his free hand into his pocket and fingered the small box there. He had grabbed it impulsively just before he and Teddy went to Grimmauld Place. He still wasn't sure what had made him take it. He'd had no intention of giving it to her today.
"Today was sort of perfect, wasn't it?" Hermione said as they reached the pond.
"It was," Remus agreed. He could think of something that would make it even more perfect, but he pushed that thought from his head. There was a flat boulder near the water and they sat down. Remus wrapped an arm around her and she leaned into his side, resting her head on his shoulder. He kissed her temple and they lapsed into silence for a few minutes.
"The new house looks amazing," Hermione said. Two nights ago, she had gone to the house Harry and Ginny had bought to see the changes. Remus was on patrol at Hogwarts that night and hadn't been able to join her.
"I can't wait to see it," he said. Harry and Ginny were having a housewarming party when they returned from their honeymoon.
"It's so strange that they're going to be living there," she said.
"How do you mean?" Remus asked.
"I don't know, I'm so used to them being at Grimmauld it will be odd to see them somewhere else. The house is perfect for them though." She turned to smile at him.
"It is," he agreed. "I wonder how long it will take them to fill it with little Potters?" Hermione laughed.
"Ginny says she's not even thinking about that for a few years, no matter how much Molly hints around at it. She's enjoying playing Quidditch too much." She snuggled back into him, wrapping both arms around his waist. Remus kissed her temple and she made a noise of contentment. He put his hand back in his pocket, gripping the box. He couldn't really do this now; she would think it was entirely too soon. Everyone would think it was too soon.
"Have you thought about it?" she asked a few minutes later.
"Thought about what, love?" he replied.
"Having more little Lupins." He froze for a moment. She couldn't be asking what he thought she was asking.
Hermione had no idea what had made her ask that. Maybe it was the wedding or thinking about the future, but it wasn't anything they had actually discussed before. She knew that she wanted children, not anytime soon, of course, but someday. But she'd never asked Remus what he thought about it. Then again, they hadn't ever discussed having children together, either.
She felt his body tense and immediately wished she could take it back. She'd obviously shocked him and if his reaction were anything to go by, not in a good way. They hadn't even been together for a year yet, what was she thinking bringing up children? For Merlin's sake, they hadn't even talked about marriage. Stupid, Hermione, just stupid.
"I always wanted Teddy to have a sibling or two," Remus said, interrupting her internal rebuking. "I was an only child and always wanted a brother or sister."
"Me too," Hermione said. "I know my parents were always sad they couldn't give me one."
"I think mine would have if I hadn't been bitten." Remus looked out across the pond. "They just had too much to deal with after that." Hermione's arms tightened around him.
"What about you?" he asked softly, looking down at her. "Do you want to have children?"
"Someday," she said, meeting his gaze. She felt like something had shifted, but she wasn't sure what. And she wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not.
Remus couldn't believe that she'd brought up children. The moment she'd said it, his mind supplied him with an image of Hermione holding a curly-haired, green-eyed toddler on her hip. His hand tightened around the box in his pocket as he finally spoke.
When he asked her if she wanted children and she looked up at him, his hand came out of his pocket as if it had a mind of its own. He didn't break eye contact as his hand settled in his lap, still holding the box tightly. He still wasn't sure that he should do this. But gods, he loved her and he knew that she loved him. He wanted her with him, forever. He didn't know if she felt the same way but she had never given him any indication that she didn't. It was soon, yes, but everything about their relationship had been quick, hadn't it? Why should this be any different?
"Hermione," he began and she looked at him questioningly. "Hermione, I love you." She smiled.
"I love you too."
"I'm not sure what I did to deserve you."
"Remus," she interrupted. "You deserve everything." He couldn't help but kiss her.
"I'm not sure what I did," he repeated, cupping her cheek in his free hand. "But after Dora, I never thought, well, I planned to spend the rest of my life raising my son and being grateful that I got to do so. I never anticipated falling in love again. Even when I knew how you felt, I did my damnedest to change your mind."
"I suppose it's a good thing that I'm stubborn then, isn't it?" she asked cheekily. He laughed.
"Yes, it's a very good thing." Smiling, his hand left her cheek and he leaned back slightly so he could take her hand instead. She looked a bit confused, but he pressed on. "Hermione, I can't imagine my life or Teddy's life without you in it." He sat back from her a bit further. "And I hope to Merlin that I never have to find out." He opened his hand, revealing the box. Hermione looked at it and then up at him, her eyes widening.
"Remus," she whispered.
"I know it's soon, but," he opened the box. Hermione gasped and brought a hand to her mouth. "Hermione, will you marry me?" She stared at him in shock, her hand still covering her mouth. He waited a few moments but she didn't say anything. He began to curse himself in his head. It was way too soon; he should have waited. She must think him insane. He began to draw his hand back when she made a noise. He looked up at her and saw the tears in her eyes.
"Hermione," he said. "I'm sor-"
Before he could finish, she launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him, the robe falling from her shoulders. He wrapped his free hand around her back, the other still holding the box with the ring. This had to be a good thing, didn't it? She wouldn't kiss him like this if she were going to say no.
"Yes," she said when she pulled away. He was so surprised he could only stare at her.
"Yes?" he repeated.
"Yes!" she said, laughing amidst the tears on her face. He grinned and wrapped his arms around her again. They snogged for quite some time before they finally parted. He rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you so very, very much." She kissed the corner of his mouth, then sat back from him.
"Prove it," she said, holding out her left hand. He grinned and pulled the ring from the box, then slid it on her finger. Her hands were trembling and he took them both in his.
"It's beautiful," she breathed, looking down at the ring. He, however, was looking at her face.
"I couldn't agree more." She smiled and then kissed him again. It was a slow, sweet kiss, full of promise for the future they would have together. Remus couldn't wait.