"Friendly wager…that's all Moony. A bet, a simple bet," Sirius' eyes were shining in excitement. He hardly ever got so buzzed about something, but when he did, it was hard to convince him of anything else.

"Pads, you are sick. I won't do it. I can't do it," Remus shook his head. They were having an early breakfast across the table from each other and Sirius was desperately trying to convince Lupin to enter in on a bet as to who would sleep with Hermione first. Of course, Remus was slightly off-put by the suggestion.

"We both know it's been a long time since you've been with anyone. Hey, I'll give you a head-start. I know you are rusty," he grinned at the werewolf who ignored him and pushed food around on his plate, purposely making an annoying scraping noise.

It hadn't even been a full day since Hermione had moved in and both of their hormones were going crazy. They weren't used to being in such close quarters with such a beautiful younger woman and they had stayed up all night…and now Sirius had come up with this outrageous plan.

"No!" Remus nearly growled, "She's a sweet, innocent girl who needs a place to stay and I will not have you taking advantage of her."

"Who say's she wouldn't want it?" Sirius looked up at him with his big puppy eyes,feigning hurt.

"You aren't as young as you use to be," Remus deadpanned. Sirius scoffed, but knew his friend was right. He was starting to feel a little embarrassed at even bringing it up. Back at school…and even shortly after, him and Remus always made bets like this. He usually won…and James never went in on them…being too smitten with Lily. He thought it could be like old times.

"School starts in a week, I don't have time for these games," Remus continued, finally not disgusted enough to finish off his meal. The thought of sleeping with Hermione wasn't the repulsive thing, it was the thought of his best mate doing it as well.

"So she's off limits?" Sirius pouted.

"I don't know what she is, but she just moved in last night and I don't think we should be saying shit like this okay?" Remus started and then finished in a whisper when Hermione walked into the kitchen. She was fully dressed and looked well-rested. She was all smiles as she sat down with them.

"Good morning, roommates," she grinned. Last night she had had trouble falling asleep, but she found that it wasn't terrible to be there in the more than comfy bed and knowing she had two rather brilliant wizards in the same space as her. There was once a time in her life when she didn't knowiIf she could trust anyone, and nights were sleepless. It was always good to feel safe. And she decided whilst getting dressed that it might be fun to be the girl third-wheel to their old time Maurauder bond. Lupin and Sirius, however, were thoroughly shocked at her chipper-ness.

"Morning, Hermione…you got some mail…damn owls…" Sirius pushed a piece of parchment towards her across the dark table and she instantly recognized the red wax seal. It was from Hogwarts. She tore it open and red it quickly.

Dear Miss Granger,

I am pleased to see you have new living arrangements for the time being. I am sure both Professor Lupin and Sirius will keep you on your toes. But regardless, I am pleased to offer you the position of Professor of Ancient Runes for the upcoming term. We expect Professors on campus the day before the students. And you are always welcome to stay at the castle if you decide you are unhappy with your current arrangements. Looking forward to finally working with you.

Headmaster McGonagall

Hermione let out a delighted little squeal at the prospect of her new job. Which meant money. And she could stay at the castle. Not that Sirius' apartment wasn't lovely, but she always hated imposing on people. She quickly showed the letter to Lupin, who gave her a sweet 'congratulations'.

In your bloody face, Ron she grinned smugly to herself. She couldn't have been happier. But for now she was faced with two men twice her age and a whole day of nothing to do. And the thought of nothing to do meant that she would probably spend the better half of the day thinking about Ron. Whom she had barely had a proper cry over as of yet.

Just that thought made her tear up and she realized that moving in with two men who didn't seem to know the first thing about relationships wasn't the brightest idea. She hated that all of her closest girlfriends were married and she was still single. She stood up and held back her sniffles before walking directly back to her lavender room and slamming the door.

"Hermione!" Sirius called after her, "You can't just get up and leave the bloody table!" he yelled.

"What are you, her father?" Remus smirked and the animagus blushed.

"I'm not used to this at all…" he mumbled. The girl was making him feel all sorts of nonsense. For Merlin's sake she was nothing but a pretty ball of sunshine and two minutes later she was out of the room crying, "Go talk to her Moony, I'm no good with girls."

"And you think I am? For fuck's sake Tonks and I have broken up more times than I can remember. And this last one was for good. How am I supposed to go comfort her?" Remus asked, although he wanted to.

"I told you I'd give you a head start…this is it man, go," Sirius nodded towards the hallway. His eyes were happily crinkled. Sirius was always up for a game or a challenge. And it was beginning to look like Hermione Granger would be one that they shared.

After a moment of contemplation, Remus stood up, gave Sirius a pat on the back as he passed his friend and walked gingerly down the hall and knocked on Hermione's closed door. A strangled, sniffle-infused noise beckoned him in and he entered and softly clicked the door closed behind him. He cast a silencing spell as an afterthought because he knew Sirius would probably want to listen in like the nosy bastard he was.

"Hermione, are you alright?" Lupin asked, moving to sit on the side of the bed that she wasn't occupying. She was facing away from him, curled up, and sobbing. Stupid git of course she's not alright she's bloody crying! Remus said to himself and moved a gentle hand to her back and began to rub in what he hoped was a comforting manner. Her sobs eased up after a few moments.

"No," she finally sighed. Her voice sounded so small.

"Is it about Ron? Look, I know that break-ups can be awful. If it makes you feel any better, Tonks cheated on me. Many times actually. It's not anything that you did wrong. You are a smart, beautiful girl…" he stopped, hoping he hadn't crossed any line. But she seemed fine and her crying had eased up almost completely.

"I loved him, I do…I think…" Hermione dissolved again and he moved a bit closer, still rubbing her back.

"You will get through this. You are a strong girl Hermione…"

Before he could finish his next round of comforting, Hermione flipped over and nearly thrust herself into his arms on the bed, crying onto the shoulder of his tweed jacket. He was shocked to feel her body pressed against him, and then he relaxed and let her cry onto him, holding her close.

"Oh Professor, I'm sorry…" she sat back after a moment and he let her out of his arms. She looked beautiful even though her face was a little blotchy from the tears. He wanted to wipe them away from her large, pretty eyes, but knew he couldn't.

"Don't be sorry. And please Hermione, call me Remus. We are working together after all, it's practically a rule now that you have to call me that…" he grinned and she seemed unconvinced but at least a little happier to have let out her emotions.

"Sorry for all of this. It's barely ten in the morning and I can't even get a grip on myself," she laughed through the remainder of her tears and wiped her eyes herself. Remus couldn't stop looking at her.

"It's not a problem. Sirius and I aren't used to having such pleasant company. Come on, let's go dig into my secret stash of chocolate Sirius doesn't know about yet. You look like you could use some," Remus smiled and took her hand, leading her out of the bedroom.

A/N: Sorry it's a little short…but I really want to go watch the Olympics right now haha. So yeah…and there will be sex, don't worry, keep your hats on. They just can't dive right into it! Who are you looking forward to the most, Remus and Hermione or Sirius and Hermione?