Disclaimer: I do not own HP, though maybe one day if I practice really, really hard, I will write something just as brilliant. Hey, I can dream, can't I?

Thank you to all of you who had read and reviewed and special thanks to my new BETA Messer-Moony-sezs-awhoo

The chapters a bit short, actually I cut it in half, you see the next half in a few days. Enjoy...

Chapter Twelve

Simple Choice

RPOV

"Looks like the news leaked." I sighed as I ran my hands through my hair.

"I'll kill Ron. I know it was him, it had to be." Hermione snapped, her fists clenched her face red with anger. Yes, Ron was angry with our relationship, but I doubted he would stoop that low.

"Mione, I'm sure you recall we ran into Narcissa Malfoy just before Christmas."

Her eyes widened. "That Bitch!" She yelled, not even minding the fact that she had said a swear word in front of my parents. Not that they minded, in fact I think they agreed with the sentiment.

"You don't think they would really fire you, do you. It's not against the rules, and Dumbledore already knew, it just wouldn't make any since."

"Well, I'm sure he would fight for my job, however with my status as a werewolf, well, it was difficult enough to secure the position for me a second time."

"This just stinks." Hermione looked like she was on the edge of tears as she wrapped her arms around me.

"It's okay Mione, if I have to leave, I will. I'll just start my bookstore a little earlier than planned."

"You shouldn't have to."

"It's okay, really, and so you know, they didn't mention your name in the article."

"They didn't."

"No, they called you an unidentified seventh year student."

"I'm sure it will come out eventually. Most likely Narcissa told Draco and, well the entire school is sure to know before the end of the train ride back."

"Don't worry, dear." My mother began. "I'm sure everything will work out in the end."

I so felt like rolling my eyes at that moment. Of course it will work out; it will work out to me getting sacked and Hermione having to deal with being gossiped about for the remainder of the term.

Just then an owl swooped in through the kitchen window dropping a letter on the table. It was addressed to both Hermione and I. I quickly opened it and we both read it.

I need both of you to come to my office immediately.

-Albus

HPOV

I was angry, no furious. I swear, I'll kill Narcissa Malfoy. Five more months and I would have graduated and he would have left the school, and this wouldn't have at all been an issue. I quickly read through the rest of the article while Remus showered. It was written my Rita Skeeter, and as usual twisted the facts so much the truth was barely visible. It was infuriating. Remus on the other hand didn't seem to care either way. He was used to being looked down upon, so he had just learned to roll with the punches so to speak.

Well, he may be willing to let the wizarding world walk all over him, but I won't allow it. Not to the man I love. I will fight, and if my name gets brought into it, that's just fine with me.

"Hermione, the showers all yours."

I looked up to see my love, his hair still wet, his bangs sticking to his forehead. I went to him and gently moved his bangs away from his eyes with my fingertips. "I love you."

"I know you do Mione, and I love you too." He kissed me sweetly on the lips before letting me head to the bathroom.

RPOV

I know she'll try and fight for me. She always stands up for what she believes is right, her S.P.E.W campaign would be a good example. Not that I wouldn't appreciate having the woman I love at my side defending my character and honor, I would, but I don't want her getting involved. They'll drag her into it, and knowing Skeeter she begin to dissect and belittle her character as well, and it will hurt, I know it will, and I don't like seeing my Hermione in pain. No, I will retire, just a bit early. I will start my bookstore and then once Hermione graduates I will ask her to marry me, and we can start our lives together, far away from the wizarding, public eye.

Fifteen minutes later we were both dressed and ready to apparate to Hogsmead. "Hermione, why don't you let me deal with this, you stay here."

"And sit and worry no thank you." She then wrapped her arms around me, resting her head on my chest. "Besides, what if your mother forces me to cook with her." I laughed. "I'd rather face the entire Wizegmont."

"You're hilarious."

"Just sometimes. Come on." She said now taking my hand. "Let's go get this over with."

With a quick good bye to my parents we apparated to Hogsmead. We walked silently toward the castle, hand in hand. I believe we were both nervous. In truth I would have liked to finish out the year teaching, then again, I also would have liked my name not to have been drug through the mud and plastered on the front page of the Daily Prophet. Once reaching the stone Gargoyles they instantly opened up without a password and we made our way up the steps. As we reached the top, we broke hands.

"Well, I guess it's time to face the music." Hermione gave as small nod and together we walked into the headmaster's office.

As I predicted Dumbledore was not alone, Kingsley, the new Minister of Magic was there as well. I looked over at Hermione, she looked…scared.

"You wanted to see us Albus." I said calmly. Dumbledore rose from his desk and made his way over to Hermione and I.

"I am guessing you know why I have called you two here?"

Hermione and I both nodded. "We read the morning Prophet." Hermione stated softly.

"Yes, well, as usually the prophet has managed to twist the truth."

"So, Remus isn't being fired?" Hermione asked hopeful.

"Not without a trial."

"Trial!" Hermione yelled. "He didn't do anything illegal".

"Not a criminal trial Miss. Granger, just testimony in front of the school board of Governors. Kingsley has come to accompany you Remus, and I am on the board of Governors, so I will be there as well.

This was rather infuriating. If they wanted to sack me then fine, but I was not about to give details of my relationship with Hermione to the entire board of school governors.

"What do they want from me?" I huffed. "I am dating Hermione, yes, I won't deny that fact. Nor will I leave her to save my job, so why not just dismiss me now and get it over with."

"Unfortunately," Kingsley spoke for the first time, "It's not that simple. In order to dismiss a teacher they need to have at least a 70% approval from the governors, and they will not vote without hearing your side."

"Lovely." I rolled my eyes my statement dripping with sarcasm.

"It's okay Remus." Hermione gave me a small smile and took my hand. "I'll go with you. I'll be there for you."

"Actually you cannot." Kingsley interrupted.

"Excuse me." Hermione put her hands on her hips and glared at the Minister of Magic. "I most certainly will. This concerns me too."

"It is a closed secession."

"I don't give a damn. This directly concerns me and I'm going!"

I love it when she gets feisty.

"She is correct." Dumbledore interjected. "Remus is allowed one witness to vouch for his character."

"Hermione, I don't what you to get into the middle of this, just let me-

"Stop, I am in the middle of this. You mean more to me than anything Remus." She took my hand and looked up into my eyes. "I love you, and I'm going with you. I would defend you to the death."

I wrapped my arms around her tight. I still don't know what I have done to deserve such a wonderful woman. "Okay, but don't do anything drastic and try and hex the governors if they dismiss me."

She gave a small laugh. "I won't, well maybe Malfoy." She whispered the last three words.

"We will floo directly into my office and I will take you to where the questioning will take place." Kingsley spoke up.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter and as always please leave a review.