"Yes," he answered softly.
Hermione jerked her head up and yelled and the door. "George Weasley, if this is one of your pranks, I'm going to hex you every day for a year!"
George, of course, did not answer.
She turned to him. "Tell me it's a prank."
Her voice was so desolate. He inched to the edge of the bed. "I'm sorry, Hermione."
Her shoulders hunched up before she closed her eyes. She swallowed hard and took in a ragged breath.
He reached out and touched her knee. "It will be okay," he told her, hoping they could figure out some way to make that true.
She fixed her dark eyes on him, bright with unshed tears. She opened her mouth to speak and then shook her head. She looked away again, pressing her lips together.
He tightened his grip on her knee, trying to comfort her. "I mean, being a werewolf sucks. Life sucks," he added, thinking of Lilith. "But there are some good parts. Running through the forest as a wolf can be a rush. Harry and Ginny are going to be so happy that you are alive. I think they had given up hope."
She sat still for a long moment and finally she looked back at him. "That may be so." Then her gaze turned distant and worried. "But what am I supposed to do here? I had plans. I was finally making progress in the Ministry." She stopped and appeared to be considering something. "How did that go?" she asked him.
"Er. How did what go?"
"Well, I was pushing for better treatment of magical creatures for one thing." She looked expectantly at him. "How is that going for werewolves?"
Teddy winced. "The recent murder of one of the werewolves has stirred up hysteria again. There is a lot of push to be stricter about werewolf registration."
Hermione looked over him. "Are you registered?"
Teddy shook his head. "Harry made sure as few people as possible know about me being a werewolf."
She sighed heavily. "Well, I guess that answers that question," she said, though it seemed mostly to herself. Then she turned her sharp eyes on him again. "Well, what would you say the biggest challenge for werewolves is right now? Does the registration act have a chance of passing?" The sad almost hopeless posture she had before was gone, seemingly tucked completely away.
He hesitantly moved his hand back, the current Hermione seemingly having no need for it. Then he gave a helpless sort of shrug. "Er, sorry. I don't know." At her disbelieving look, he continued. "I don't really get involved in politics."
"Don't get involved in politics," she muttered in a huff. "Honestly, Harry. What were you thinking?"
Realizing what she might be thinking, he said hurriedly, "I didn't say I'm not political. I just don't have any interest in being in the political system."
"But you are a werewolf," she said frowning. "And even if you don't want to use that angle, you are the son of one of the most respected werewolves in Wizarding history. Surely your involvement would have a positive effect on public opinion."
Teddy winced. "I would be miserable constantly being in the public eye and having to worry what people think about me. I got a taste of that as Harry's godson and no thank you."
She looked taken back, as if not wanting to be political was some sort of moral failing. Teddy felt himself bristle a little, but wasn't sure what else to say. He hated having to worry about image and not stepping on people's toes. He could barely stand it when it came to adhering to the Ministry's guidelines for Aurors. He couldn't imagine being involved in anything worse than that. Besides, from what he had learned from Kamya and Lilith, having some flashy werewolf in the news wasn't what they needed right now. He looked for some way to say this.
"Look, I am involved with the local werewolf pack," Teddy offered. "I know people there who are going to be a lot more familiar with what they need politically or otherwise. And more importantly," he added, remembering the lost look Hermione had hidden away. "They will be able to help you navigate what it is actually like being a werewolf."
Hermione did not look particularly enthusiastic about this.
"It is a lot more complicated than just randomly having fur one day out of the month. It is going to take some adjustment," he said firmly. It was kinda ironic that he was parroting some of the Alpha's spiel, but it was also true. Especially for Hermione who seemed inclined to compartmentalize it like she had everything else so far. Another thought occurred to him. "You are going to take time to sort this all out before trying to jump into things again, right?"
She sniffed. "Well, I'll have to do some research into what the current political climate looks like, but I'll also have to be quick enough to control the narrative." She worried her lip for a bit and then looked around. "Is there any parchment and ink around?"
"Merlin," Teddy said to himself, though he wasn't sure if it was more in admiration or exasperation. "No, I think you'll have to wait until Harry-" he was interrupted by a knock on the door.
They both looked at it.
"Speaking of the devil," Teddy muttered to himself.
"Harry?" Hermione asked hopefully.
Teddy nodded. "Come in!" he called.
The door cracked open. Harry poked his head into the room. "All clear?"
Teddy was about to answer when Hermione twisted around in her chair. "Harry?" Her voice wavered like she was still on the verge of tears. "Is that you?"
"Hermione," Harry said in awe before darting into the room and towards her.
She jumped from her chair and ran towards him. "Harry!" She buried her head against his chest. "Oh, Harry."
Harry chuckled as he pulled her in a tighter hug. "I've missed you, Hermione," he said softly. "Welcome back."