Sorry for the delay between chapters. I was writing when my state was hit by Hurricane Matthew and then I had to deal with the aftermath. All I can say is wow. Mother Nature really knows how to flex. I apologize for any format or grammatical errors. I still don't have a beta and also wanted to get this chapter out. Please R&R :) thanks.

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Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast

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When Remus woke up, the first thing he noticed was the ached all over. The full moon was in 2 days and he was feeling it. Thank Merlin it was a Sunday. He was almost relieved until he remembered he was due at the Weasley's for dinner. He pulled himself out of bed, resigned to the fact that he would in pain all day.

Molly Weasley's dinners were almost the same as they were five years ago. The only difference was that there were more people than there used to be, Kingsley and Remus being an example, and The Burrow was magically enlarged to fit the new crowd.

Remus stepped from the Floo and into a tight hug from Molly.

"Remus, darling! How are you? Oh I noticed the moon will be full soon, this isn't too much on you? Thank you so much for coming." As swiftly as she grabbed him, she released him and was on to the next of her flock. Remus was about to head to a chair in the corner when he heard her laughing. He turned him head and saw Hermione in group with Harry, Ginny, and Charlie. She was laughing at something Charlie had just said, her hand on his upper arm. Remus's eyes narrowed at that. Moony had a stronger reaction. He had to stop himself from tackling the redhead. He didn't know he was flirting with a man's MATE. Before he could stop himself, he was striding over to the group.

"Remus, how have you been?" Charlie asked.

"I'm fine, bit sore. How's Romania treating you?'' The group didn't notice when Remus slowly inserted himself between Hermione and Charlie.

"Charlie, I've been meaning to ask you a few questions about something we're working one. If someone wanted to keep a dragon or two, would 200,000 metres or land be enough?" Hermione asked

Charlie's brow furrowed. "For one dragon, that would technically be enough. They would be pretty cramped. Keeping two dragons would be possible but I don't know anyone crazy enough to try it. The wards would need to be extremely complex to keep them inside. They wouldn't be healthy either. For any kind of dragon. If you'll be needing any other information, I would gladly be willing to go on record as an expert."

"Oh that would be perfect! The team has been considering bringing one in. You could really help us build a stronger case." Hermione was reaching across the group to embrace him.

The group slowly turned toward Remus.

"Everything okay, mate?" Harry asked him. That was when Remus realized he had been growling at Charlie. He tried his best to turn it into a cough.

"Yeah, just the wolf. Er, hormones and all that. Moon's coming soon. I'll just excuse myself really quick." He left before anyone could say anything.


Hermione was absolutely confused. Remus was never one to display such behavior, even this close to a full moon. She excused herself from the group and went to go check on him. She went down the hallway and peeked inside a couple of rooms before she found Remus leaning over the bathroom sink. His face was wet like he had just splashed himself with water to cool down.

"Is everything alright?" Hermione asked him. He gripped the counter tighter.

"I think you should leave me alone for a bit," he bit out. Instead of listening to him, she grabbed a wash rag and wet it. She folded it and placed it on the back of Remus' neck.

"When you calm down, you're going to tell me what's going on," she told him. He placed his hand over hers on the back of his neck.

"You really don't want to know what's going on with me." He looked up at her with amber eyes. Hermione wracked her brain, trying to figure out what was triggering Moony.

"Am I too close?" she asked. Remus stood up straight and took a step closer to her.

"Not close enough," he said, voice having dropped an octave. Hermione ignored the warm feeling that spread through her.

"I need you to explain if I'm going to help you." She didn't move. She had learned the hard way that backing down made you prey.

"What would you do help me?" He moved even closer, until their chests were nearly touching. His head was bowed low so she had to turn hers up. Her heart was racing and she couldn't tear her eyes away from his lips. He slowly lowered his head until their lips were just barely making contact. Hermione drew in a shaky breath and Remus used the opportunity to claim a kiss. Every rational thought had left that room. What was left was pure instinct. Hermione stepped into his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. Remus slid his hands up her back, drawing her as close as possible. He moved to press open-mouthed kisses along her jaw and neck. She felt his teeth graze the skin of her shoulder and stretched her neck out, offering him more. When he lightly sucked, she couldn't hold back a small moan.

All of a sudden Remus stepped back and the lack of contact left her cold.

"I'm sorry Hermione. I lost control of myself."

She fought back the disappointment. That passion wasn't something real. That was just Moony taking over for a few minutes.

"I understand, I shouldn't have let it go that far. I apologize."

Remus rubbed his hands over his face and groaned.

"No, actually, you don't. I didn't want to tell you this way but it seems I've been left no choice. I almost marked you," he told her. When he was only met with a stare, he pressed on.

"Hermione, Moony has recognized your magic. You're our mate."