Hermione was sat, neatly pressed against the arm rest, of a plush green recliner. Resting on the crook if the inside of her elbow to the tips of her fingertips was a small book about animal to animal Transfiguration. On her lap was nestled the fairly-short, wavy blonde hair of Theodore Nott, his eyes closed in contentment as Hermione's left hand occasionally brushed through his hair and toyed with the tresses every so often.

He mused silently as his muggle-born friend carried on reading. They had grown quite close since her argument with Ron three weeks ago. She had arrived at his special table in the library one evening in tears about the entire affair and so he had gladly led her to the Room of Requirement where they confided in one another and supported one another throughout their hardships. He had learnt that not only was she a kind, supportive and exceptionally bright individual but she was also a troubled mind.

Hermione, being an only child as well as an exceptional child, had always been a huge part of her parents' lives and they of hers. Coming to Hogwarts had created a huge rift between them as she was in a whole new world they would never understand. What would it mean to her muggle parents that Hermione had received top marks in Transfiguration and Arithmancy? Nothing. They lacked things in common and had grown so distant from each other to the point that Hermione didn't go home during the school year at all and spent most of the summer at the Weasley's.

He, in turn, had confided in her that he had no desire to follow his father. He wished to remain neutral as his mother and several of his friends had done. His parents were both supportive, of course, but he had never been terribly close to his mother and he had lost a huge portion of common ground with his father. His father no longer told him about the Dark Lord's activities, which he could understand, naturally, but his father never spoke of his own dreams and plans and such and much of their former warmth and companionship had been lost. Theodore wanted desperately to turn it all around but he knew that there was nothing he could do to get close to his father and his father's affairs any more short of managing his father's accounts, which Hermione had suggested, which was more or less pointless now that his father was in Azkaban, having attacked Harry, Hermione and company at the department of mysteries the previous summer.

"You're quiet today." Hermione mumbled.

Theodore smiled. "Just thinking." He answered her.

"Is anything troubling you?" She asked, pausing her ministrations to his hair to push her own magically straightened locks out of her face.

"No," He answered. "Nothing troubles me. Is the book of use to you?"

"It is very insightful, but you did not have to buy it for me." She pressed.

He smiled and chuckled a bit. "I know. But I wanted to. I always get the feeling you're not spoiled with gifts if it's not an occasion and I have decided I like doting on you."

"Why?"

"Because it makes you smile, Hermione, and you have such a beautiful smile that makes my day when I see it."

She smiled, despite her misgivings about this beauty of hers that Theodore was so fond of mentioning. "What may I do for you in return?"

"I would ask nothing of you." He replied honestly.

"You would not want me to be happy?" She asked, her voice taking a slightly saddened tone.

"Of course I do," He replied, "But I cannot force you to be happy. As much as I want you to be happy, I cannot make you be."

"But you do." She whispered, more to herself than him though he heard it anyway.

"Hermione." He whispered.

Theodore sat up and gently cupped her face. He pressed his lips to hers in a chaste kiss before sliding his hand into her soft, satin-like hair and applying pressure to her lips. He slid his tongue into the warm cavern as she opened her mouth and let him inside, he coaxed her tongue into his mouth as he raided hers, tasting and feeling the heat.

Hermione took the initiative, deciding that a few kisses were not going to scratch her itch. She pressed his back against the chair and slowly moved her right thigh over his lap so that she was straddling him, her lips never leaving his. She almost grinned into their kisses as his arms wound around her waist and pulled her flush up against his torso. She balled her hand into a fist as it roved through his hair and with her remaining hand she dropped the book and began to carefully undo the buttons on his shirt open.

As she began to undress him he decided to return the favour. He slid his right hand up the back of her shirt and fiddled deftly with the clasp of her bra, smirking as it came undone.

Hermione broke the kiss when she felt her bra come loose and she pulled Theodore up off the seat. "Bedroom. Anyone could walk in."

He nodded, gasping, and pulled her back into his arms whilst making quick work of the buttons on her shirt. He kicked the door backwards as they entered his bedroom and they both sidled towards the bed in the centre of the room. He collapsed on top of her as her knees hit the edge of the bed and she fell backwards. As he pushed himself up he pulled open the last few buttons on her shirt and forced it off her shoulders, pulling it and the bra straps down off her arms in the process.

She lay there unabashedly topless unclasping the last few buttons of his shirt and all but ripping it off. She pulled him into another fiery kiss with a moan as he reached forward and fondled her breasts and pert nipples. She wrapped her legs around him and lightly scratched her way down his muscular sides to their waistbands, grinning to herself as he moaned slightly. She brought her knees back and lifted her skirt up then hooked her thumbs under the waistband of her underwear before sliding it up her thighs and off her legs. She carelessly flung her underwear in any direction, too lost in Theodore's touches to care much where they landed…

Which would be on a baffled Professor Snape's head. He was most confused. He had come into the Room of Requirement expecting to see what he usually saw when he went to visit Theodore these days; one of them reading with small intervals of talk or an intense game of muggle chess. But this, this frenzied rubbing, heated stroking, passionate kisses and fired loins, was far from the norm. He was, for all intents and purposes, shocked so far beyond belief that he was out of his face. His face being a picture somewhat like this: O.O;

Needless to say, as the good Professor was no pervert, he spun on his heel and walked silently out of the room, closing the door behind him and he deposited Miss Granger's runaway underwear in the hamper beside the utility chute.

Hermione was moaning with abandon, her hand was wrapped firmly around Theodore's throbbing organ and was slick with his pre-ejaculate juices. Her thighs were apart wide enough only for Theodore's thick wrist that had snaked under her skirt and the appendages at the end were inside of her. She almost squealed as she climaxed, gripping hard on Theodore's manhood one last time before he too yelled his own peak and released his seed in pearly strings all over her breasts and stomach.

He fell panting back on the bed, sweaty, sexual and sated. He pulled his hand out from under her skirt and pulled her down on top of him, kissing her once more before trying to catch his breath again.

"My dear sir," She said, "Would you do me the honour of adjourning to the bathroom with me? There is a hot tap and a coconut bath oil bottle with my names on them and yours if you wish."

"I would be delighted."

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Hogwarts was graced with two more visitors that morning; Gabrielle Zabini and Heather Finnegan. Both women strode up the causeway and steps and into the school with purpose and fury. They were livid at the treatment of their sons by the Werewolf in the classroom. They were quickly ushered into the Mediwitch's office by the Headmaster where sat or lay their sons, Blaise being in a healing sleep after his near fatal ordeal with Remus' Patronus and Seamus with his arm, which had broken during his scuffle with Remus, in a cast, and where also sat Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy and Minerva McGonagall.

"Please be seated Gabrielle, Heather, we are waiting for one more person to arrive." Albus said as he procured chairs from mid air.

Heather sat down and cast a glare at the Headmaster but the prestigious model would not.

"No, Dumbledore! I demand for that beast to be removed from this castle this instant! That attack was unprovoked! That man is a monster!"

"How dare you?" Harry yelled from his place in the door way. The look of utmost fury on his face was rivalled only by the look on Gabrielle's face. "You cannot just waltz in here, ignorant of the circumstance, flinging insults around and make demands of people!"

"Do not talk to me in such a manner, you filthy little half breed!"

A flurry of pale blue robes and the loud crack of a slap was the only thing that registered in the room's occupants' minds as Narcissa Malfoy had burst from her seat and effectively silenced the raging woman before her.

"Get control of yourself, Gabby, you fool!" Narcissa hissed. "Do not talk to one of Equitatus Cruor in such a way when, indeed he is right, you are so ignorant of that day!"

"What am I ignorant of? My son was attacked!"

"You are ignorant of the spell itself, it seems. Is that why you chose the career path you are on?" Lucius drawled. "Truly, leaving in one's sixth year to dress in scant clothing with plenty make up shovelled onto one's face to cover the blemishes has done nothing in aid of your knowledge, has it, Gabrielle?"

The irate woman drew up, furiously sucking in the air as her nostrils flared and her eyes blazed. "And what would any of you know of my blemishes?"

"Not much at face value," Sirius admitted, "I'm struggling far too much to see through the foundation."

Minerva snorted tartly. "Sit yourself down, Miss Zabini, or I will sit you down myself."

Gabrielle relented and all but threw herself into her seat. Narcissa eyed her suspiciously one last time before turning to Harry and smiling benignly.

"Hello dear, are you looking forward to tomorrow? Do have a seat beside me, Harry." She said sweetly, gesturing to the empty space between herself and Remus.

Harry smiled his thanks and walked past Narcissa and settled into his seat. He gave Remus' hand a squeeze and levelled his best Malfoy-glare at the dark skinned woman who was sat beside her son's prone form.

Lucius smirked with pride at the infamous Malfoy-glare on the Gryffindor Golden Boy's face. He took his wife's hand as she sat down and squeezed it much the same as Harry had done with Remus.

"Sirius, you are our resident Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, will you please explain to Miss Zabini the particular details of that spell that caused the reaction Remus' Patronus had?" Albus asked.

"Certainly." Sirius said, drawing himself up. "When one casts the Patronus it's most basic function is to defend the caster from a threat. I considered it safe to ask Remus to cast the spell as Remus is a popular man in this school. It did not cross my mind that Blaise was in any way planning to harm Remus."

"How dare you make such accusati-"

"Shut it!" Harry snapped. "He can make that accusation because the proof is right there beside you. If Blaise were not harbouring any damaging intentions about Remus he would not have been attacked by the Patronus."

"But my son would never attack someone without reason!" She protested, her fury seeming to wane.

"I believe he did have reason." Remus said quietly. "As I'm sure you're aware from your Vampire consort, Mating Season is about to begin. Both Harry and Blaise are unmated and so naturally they would use this chance to get together. However, there are other Dominants in the running for Harry; Seamus Finnegan and Draco Malfoy. I will admit this now; I will only be satisfied if it is Draco that Mates with Harry and so, during the chase, I would be in Harry's corner and if Blaise or Seamus were to approach Harry I would stop them from getting any closer. This is allowed by law as I am Harry's Godfather and thus I can defend him from the onslaught of Dominants if I thought that it were not in his best interests for him to Mate with them. That is my belief."

"So what is the reason for Blaise wishing to attack you?" Gabrielle asked quietly.

"He wants me out of the way before it begins."

Gabrielle shut her eyes and sighed. "Oh Blaise, what have you done? Now you do not stand a chance."

"He will be awake and well by tomorrow, Miss Zabini, do not fret about that. I put him in this healing sleep because he refused to rest. Now, Mister Finnegan, let me take a look at that arm."

"It's fine ma'am." Seamus said as he removed the cast.

Poppy narrowed her eyes as she looked it over before nodding reluctantly. "So it seems. Come to me if it gives you any trouble."

"And why was my son attacked?" Heather demanded

"Because he attacked me." Harry answered. "As Remus has already explained, he will defend me and has my best interests in mind. Seamus was going to hit me and so Remus caught him and threw him away. As it is this close to Mating Season and our instincts are running high he is protected by that law for protecting me."

"You foolish boy!" Heather hissed. "I have told you about controlling your temper!"

"It's not my fault!" Seamus protested. "He wasn't doing what I said!"

"Am I under your authority, Seamus?" Harry asked.

"No, but you soon will be."

"Hopefully not," Harry drawled. "I want my favoured, Draco Malfoy, I don't want to accept less than him."

"You see, he is rebelling against me!" Seamus spluttered. "That is not how a Submissive should react to a Dominant. I cannot wait until you're mine Harry; I am going to knock some sense into you!"

Several vials in the office shattered and Remus' usually soft hazel eyes turned a piercing, dangerous amber. "Get him out!" Remus snarled. "I can't control the wolf!"

Harry flung himself into Remus' lap as Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus as a restraint and an embrace. Harry nuzzled Remus' neck as Sirius kissed his face and eventually, between them with their love and affection, they managed to calm the wolf.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Dear Ronald,

How are your studies going? Mine are going wonderfully, I'm so far ahead now that it's just the five of us with an inexhaustible supply of books and a teacher. Theo is a great help and he's someone I can really bounce ideas off.

Ginny is doing well but Severus has she and Luna working so hard to catch up because they are further behind than we were at their age that she hasn't had time to write. She's tired but she's coping well and is getting extremely good grades. Luna is the same and she's working with Severus to develop her Aura Reading abilities, it's really quite fascinating and Theo and I spent ages talking about it, we still do actually, but I shan't bore you with the particulars because I know you hate it.

Anyway, about the Lavender thing, I'm over it. It doesn't matter. I've decided that, as I never will really be able to trust you in a carnal relationship if the example you've set so far is anything to go by, that I would rather just stay friends with you. I would much prefer to be saying this to your face but because of the circumstances it seems I cannot. I would wait but I think the sooner you know the sooner you can begin to get over your infatuation with me. Theodore and I have begun a courtship. Or rather, he has begun to court me.

I don't know how you're feeling about this but, with any luck, Harry will be Mated to Draco soon and then the six of us can come out and you, Theo and I can talk about it. But know this, Ronald, any less than savoury acts or words against Theodore will not be tolerated.

Give my love to Harry.

Love from,

Hermione

Xxx

Harry tried to flatten out the creases from the crumpled letter that was burnt in the corner. His red headed friend was staring off into the flames; no expression was on his face. Lavender had tried to coax him out of his stupor but had failed miserably. Harry didn't know what to say to him.

"Ron?" Harry called out to him quietly. When he received no answer he moved to sit next to Ron on the chair, making sure not to touch him. He waited for a few minutes but Ron did not acknowledge his presence. He very gently placed his hand on the Weasley's shoulder, glad that it was not immediately shoved off again. He bit his lip, not really knowing what to do. He picked out some floo powder from the jar on the mantelpiece and fire called Sirius and Remus.

"What is it Pronglet, is everything all right?" Sirius asked.

"It's Ron; he got a letter from Hermione today. She politely told him that he doesn't have a chance and that she's started a courtship with Theodore and he's just sitting there staring into space." Harry said. "I'm really worried, what am I supposed to do?"

"Stand back, Bambi, we're coming through."

Harry quickly scrambled backwards out of the fire place and waited for his Godfathers to burst into the room. They did so together, knocking Ron backwards off the small stool and onto the floor.

"Oops! Sorry about that Ron, let me help you up." Sirius said, yanking the silent boy to his feet and then pulling Remus up.

"Sit down Ron." Remus gestured to a chair away from the fire. "Now, speak, tell us what is on your mind."

"Why? Why did she do that to me? Was it because I slept with Lavender, because she said it didn't matter anymore. I've been trying to get her for three years, three years! I don't understand."

"Do you love her?" Sirius asked quietly.

"Yes, no, I don't know. I think I'm just obsessed, really. She was my first real crush and I can never let that go." Ron said.

"I know what you mean, Ron, don't worry. The first crush is always something special throughout your entire life unless you Mate with someone. Some of us are lucky enough to Mate with theirs, others are not so fortunate." Sirius said, sitting to the right of Ron whilst Remus sat to the left.

Harry tugged the stool in front of Ron and sat down on it. He put his head on his friend's lap and sighed as the red head messed with his dark tresses.

"There won't ever be another like her." Ron said, his voice breaking into a sob as tears began to roll down his face.

"No, no there won't." Remus agreed quietly. "She's a one of a kind girl, Hermione. She's completely unique."

"What am I supposed to do?" Ron asked, openly crying.

Sirius shrugged. "Suck it up, move on and find someone else. That's what Hermione was forced to do when she found out about you and Lavender. That's what Hermione's been forced to do every time there's been an argument where she's been left on her own. I think this with Lavender was just too much."

"I didn't mean to hurt her, that's why I didn't tell her." Ron protested.

"But Ron, Hermione's always valued honesty and straight forwardness, she has never liked being lied to or manipulated. You know that she over thinks things," Harry reasoned, "She probably thought you were trying to get her into the bedroom."

"That's not what I tried to do!"

"We know that Ron," Remus soothed him, "Hermione has left you an opening. She's going to let you talk to her and perhaps then would be the best time to explain your actions. But do not hope that you will get her back, Theodore is the perfect match for her."

"Let's talk about Lavender shall we? When exactly did you do the dirties with her? When you were with Hermione or before that?" Sirius asked.

Ron paused for a moment and stared at Harry. "Go to bed Harry." He mumbled.

"Wha-"

"Harry." Sirius pressed. "Go on, Pronglet. Remus will come and get you very early in the morning, in fact you may still be asleep. Go on, get some rest."

Harry scowled and sighed as he relented. "Goodnight, Sirius, Remus, Ron."

He leaned forward and kissed Sirius' cheek and hugged him, he shuffled to the right and hugged Ron and then shuffled even further right and hugged and kissed Remus' cheek.

"I'll see you tomorrow in lessons, Ron." Harry mumbled as he stalked up the stairs to the dormitory.

He looked at his bed intently, sensing Fae magic all over it. After a few minutes he was able to discern that all of his wards had been disabled and that many Fae spells including a petrifying spell had been placed there to curse Harry as he lay down. Harry knew that would leave him vulnerable to the explosive Fae so he turned around and headed back to the common room.

"Remus?" He called out. "Remus, Seamus has taken down all my wards and placed Fae wards and curses on my bed."

"Alright, Harry, we're almost done here. Just wait up there and then I'll come and get you."

Harry sighed and sat down on the cold stone steps. He could only hear quieted murmurs from downstairs. A disturbance in his dormitory caught his attention. He watched as Seamus opened the door and came to stand over him.

"What are you doing out here?"

"I'm waiting for Sirius and Remus, I'll be staying with them when the Season begins, which is in about half an hour." Harry answered.

"Why don't you come inside the dormitory, it is cold out here." Seamus offered.

"Oh, no, I'm fine here, thank you for your concern though."

"But your bed is much more comfortable and warm and-"

"Seamus!" Harry snapped. "I'm trying to be polite to make you leave me be. I am not going to go within two feet of my bed because I know you've taken down my wards and put up several spells of your own, which is considered to be tampering with another student's property which can result in a suspension or your removal from the dormitory."

Seamus narrowed his eyes at Harry. "Fine," He hissed. "I'll see you during your heat."

"I hope not." Harry bit back. He tucked his fingers underneath his folded arms, trying to warm away the cold numbness that had settled into them. He listened as the mumbles down the stairs finally died down and two sets of feet began to pad up the stone steps. He stood as Remus and Ron reached them and he offered them both a small smile, Remus returned it but Ron did not even look at him. He watched Remus walk with Ron into the dormitory and after a small exchange of words, Remus reappeared holding Harry's trunk, pyjamas and other personal possessions.

"Come on, pup." He said quietly. "It's time for you to become a somewhat more permanent resident in our suite than you have been these past few weeks."

Harry grinned and followed Remus down to the common room. He floo'd over to Remus and Sirius' set of rooms and ran into his already chosen bedroom, designated by the small figures of a stag and his buck on the door.

"Harry." Sirius called out.

Harry turned away from his bed and trotted back into the living area where Sirius sat nursing a glass of sherry beside Remus with his tea.

"Are you angry with us?" Sirius asked quietly.

"No," Harry answered truthfully. "Why would I be?"

"Ron needed space, Harry, but that doesn't give him the right to be rude to you." Remus replied. "But we didn't defend you at all, in fact, we just sent you away as much as he did."

Harry shrugged. "Ron was upset and needed you. It wasn't my place to impose when I don't understand what he's going through. You two do, though, so I don't mind stepping back a bit for now."

Sirius smiled. "Thank you."

"What for, silly?" Harry asked, a small giggle escaping him.

"For understanding." Sirius answered.

Harry tilted his head and walked over to his Godfathers. He placed kisses on their cheeks and embraced them one final time for that night. "But I don't." He whispered to Sirius before he turned around and headed to his bedroom.

Shorter chapter than usual, I know. It's a filling chapter before the next big event.

My computer is still well and truly broken, it doesn't stay on long enough for me to write anything substantial without freezing, closing down all programmes or shutting off completely. Add to that I'm vying for jobs at the moment on top of college because I'm absolutely broke so my updates are going to slow down even more.

Thank you all for the reviews; 33 for the last chapter! I'm ecstatic!