"Whenever" he was ready ended up being five weeks, by which time Remus' ribs were completely healed. He had a few new scars from the ordeal, but nothing more noticeable than all his others. Hermione stopped in the Burrow occasionally to see him, but she accepted his request for more time and undoubtedly more space. It was nearing the full moon, however, so Remus was returning to their shared house for his transformation. Hermione was hesitant about asking Remus if she could once still be present as he transformed. Surprisingly, Remus approached her first.

"Hermione, I don't want to be inconvenience you, but do you have any plans for tomorrow night?"

"No…it's the full moon tomorrow night, isn't it? I don't usually make plans."

"Would you mind…accompanying me then?" He looked a bit ashamed of himself as he continued. Hermione understood the silent apology. "It…It really does help a lot when you're there. It calms the wolf."

"It's a date. You have a book of choice?"

"Surprise me."

The surprise book ended up being that afternoon's newspaper that Remus hadn't gotten around to reading. Hermione sat in your usual position in front of the cage, close enough to keep the wolf calm, but at enough distance so he couldn't reach her. She waited until she heard the wolf howling before she came downstairs. It was both out of respect for Remus, who sat naked on the floor until the moon rose, and out of her own fear. Hermione could bear to hear the cracking and stretching of bones. The wolf would howl for a few minutes, but as soon as she was in distance of the wolf's senses Remus calmed down instantly.

"Hi, Remus."

The wolf grunted and cocked its head at her. Halfway through the newspaper, Hermione let out a scream.

"Not another rule! Listen to this:

Dolores Umbridge, newly appointed head for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, has passed a decree, adding onto her predecessor's "Lycanthrope Marriage Law." As in accordance with the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, werewolves are classified as dangerous beings. Newt Scamander (Order of Merlin, Second Class) author of, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, gives werewolves an XXXXX classification. The XXXXX classification is given to the most dangerous species. Umbridge's most recent law has been introduced in response to the overwhelming push to have werewolves exiled or executed. Dolores Umbridge gave a statement: "The Minister and I feel that compassion for these being has gone on too long. While the current Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, has had a soft spot for the creatures, particularly previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin, the Minister and I do not hold the same affection for the beasts. We have introduced a new policy for werewolves and their newly taken spouses." At the next full moon, all werewolves registered with the Ministry of Magic must report to the Department for Werewolf Containment and Control along with their spouses. Couples will be held in the containment cells for the duration of the full moon. If the werewolf is proven 'safe', they will be released back into society. If they are not, they will be placed into solitary confinement. Anyone couple who refuses will be immediately excecuted."

Hermione was fuming. "So we just have to show up, sit in the same cell, and hope you don't tear me to pieces. Wonderful. Like that will prove any werewolves are safe. You are going to be furious about this in the morning!"

A/N: Sorry for the super short chapters! And they haven't been beta-d so I apologize for any errors!