By Sunday, Remus seemed to be on the mend. The fever had finally broken, and the chesty cough had subsided to an occasional rasp. As Hermione arrived in the Hospital Wing to check on him bright and early, she found him sitting up in bed, looking much more alert than he had the previous day.
"Hey," he greeted her with a small, tired smile. "I was wondering if you could bring me my N.E.W.T.s notes. I'm falling behind and… well, exams are in five weeks. I don't want to slack off now."
Hermione chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You've been sick for less than two days, Remus. I think you're allowed a bit of rest."
Remus gave her a determined look, though there was still a hint of exhaustion in his eyes. "I can rest after N.E.W.T.s. Right now, I need to catch up. I'm not letting a chest cold slow me down."
Hermione sighed but nodded, knowing better than to argue with him when he got like this. "Fine, fine. I'll get your notes. But promise me you'll take it easy and not overdo it."
Remus raised his hand in mock surrender. "I promise. No overdoing it."
With a fond smile, Hermione leaned over and kissed his forehead before heading out to grab his books and notes. "I'll be back in a minute. And don't think about sneaking out of bed while I'm gone."
Remus chuckled as she left, feeling a bit more like himself.
Madam Pomfrey, upon her return an hour later, was less than pleased to find Hermione and Remus huddled together, poring over one of the more complex points of Transfiguration theory. Her eyes narrowed as she placed her hands on her hips, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Mr Lupin, I've let you rest, but this is not resting. You need time to recover!"
Hermione, sensing the looming reprimand, quickly interjected. "Madam Pomfrey, I promise we'll stop if Remus looks even the least bit unwell." Her voice was calm, but there was a firmness to it that gave the matron pause.
With a huff, Pomfrey turned away, muttering something under her breath about "stubborn students," before disappearing into her office.
Remus, who had been following the exchange with amusement, leaned closer to Hermione, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I think you scare her more than the full moon."
Hermione chuckled softly, but the movement caused her to wince. The sharp throb in her shoulder was back—the pain-relieving potion had clearly worn off. She shifted uncomfortably, hoping Remus wouldn't notice, but he glanced at her, his brow furrowing slightly.
"You alright?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes filled with concern.
"I'm fine," Hermione lied, trying to focus back on the notes. "Just a little stiff, that's all."
Remus narrowed his eyes but didn't press. He could tell she was in more discomfort than she was letting on, but with Madam Pomfrey nearby, he knew she couldn't ask for another potion without raising suspicions.
Instead, he subtly shifted the conversation away from Transfiguration. "We can take a break, you know. I mean, we both deserve one after the other night."
Hermione gave him a tired smile, grateful for the small reprieve. "Maybe just a short one," she conceded, leaning back slightly in her chair, though the dull ache in her shoulder continued to remind her that she couldn't hide it forever.
"Come," Remus beckoned, opening up his blanket and patting the empty space beside him, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Remus!" Hermione hissed, glancing over her shoulder toward the matron's office. "What will Madam Pomfrey think?"
"She has a soft spot for me," he replied with a casual shrug. "And besides, you look like you could use a little lie down yourself."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, torn between exasperation and amusement. "Then I better head back to the Tower."
Remus leaned in slightly, giving her his best pleading look. "Please? I'm cold."
Instantly, her worry flared, and she instinctively checked his forehead for a fever again. When she found nothing, she swatted him lightly on the arm. "You're incorrigible."
He winced slightly, still sore from the transformation. "Ow. I'm still recovering, you know."
Her face softened, and she immediately regretted the playful swat. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.
He flashed her a lopsided grin. "Make it up to me?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, but the warmth in his gaze made it impossible to say no. With a resigned sigh, she slipped under the covers on her right side, careful of her shoulder, and snuggled up next to him.
"Yes, much better," Remus murmured contentedly, pulling her close. "Chill completely warded off now."
She shook her head in mock disbelief, angling up slightly to press a soft kiss against his lips. But before she could deepen it, he gently pulled away.
"I don't want to infect you with this cold," he said, his voice filled with concern.
Hermione laughed softly, rolling her eyes once again. "Remus, we've been in each other's faces all Friday. If I'm going to catch it, I already will."
Remus hesitated for a second, then relented with a small smile. "Alright, you win."
"Of course I do," Hermione teased, leaning in to kiss him again then snuggled close with her head on his chest, happy to hear no rattling sounds.
Hermione hadn't intended to fall asleep, but the warmth of Remus's embrace, his rhythmic heartbeat, combined with the exhaustion from the past few days, caught up with her. Before she knew it, her eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted off into a deep sleep.
She was only roused by the hushed voices of Remus and Madam Pomfrey engaged in what seemed like a quiet, yet heated debate.
"Mr Lupin, this is a hospital wing, not your personal dormitory," Madam Pomfrey whispered sternly, her voice low but firm. "There are standards to be maintained, and this is hardly appropriate."
"But she was exhausted," Remus argued back, his tone soft but unyielding. "I didn't want her to leave, and she needed rest as much as I do. She wasn't going to disturb anyone."
Madam Pomfrey huffed in disapproval. "There's a proper way to handle things, Mr Lupin, and sneaking young ladies into your bed is not one of them."
Hermione, still groggy, blinked her eyes open and winced as she sat up, the tension in the room thick. "I'm sorry, Madam Pomfrey," she mumbled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I didn't mean to fall asleep. It won't happen again."
Madam Pomfrey shot her a stern look, but there was a hint of softness in her eyes. "See that it doesn't, Miss Delacour. Next time, you rest in your own bed. Now, off you go."
Hermione glanced at Remus, who gave her an apologetic look, before she reluctantly slid out of the bed, carefully avoiding any sudden movements that might aggravate her sore shoulder.
As she walked toward the door, she heard Remus murmur, "I'll make it up to you, I promise."
Hermione couldn't help but smile, despite the awkwardness of the situation.
Back at the Gryffindor Tower, Hermione barely had time to settle into one of the armchairs by the fire before Sirius sauntered over with his usual cheeky grin.
"Your dots were awfully close on that map," he teased, waggling his eyebrows.
Hermione rolled her eyes, though she could feel a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I thought I made myself clear about boundaries regarding stalking."
Sirius held up his hands in mock innocence. "We were checking for Remus, I swear. Just wanted to catch the moment he was being released. Thought we'd intercept him on the way back, that's all."
Hermione gave him a suspicious look but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "And I suppose watching the two of us sleep was just a happy coincidence?"
Sirius leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Only sleeping? How disappointing."
Hermione chuckled, shaking her head. "I think we scandalised Madam Pomfrey enough with just that alone."
Sirius laughed. "Well, if you're going to give the poor matron a heart attack, might as well go all in next time."
Hermione gave him a playful nudge. "I think I'll leave that to your antics, thanks."
"Care for lunch?" Sirius asked, standing up and stretching.
"I suppose," Hermione replied, though she winced slightly as she moved. "But could I get another pain potion before that?"
Sirius frowned, eyeing her shoulder. "Still bothering you, huh?"
"A bit," she admitted with a shrug. "But nothing I can't handle."
"Leave it to me," Sirius said, already heading off to rummage through the stash of potions they kept for post-full moon emergencies. He returned shortly, handing her a small vial. "Here you go, Snowfrizz. One pain potion, on the house."
"Much appreciated," Hermione said, downing the potion in one go. The relief was almost immediate, and she sighed in satisfaction. "Alright, now I'm ready for lunch."
"Good, because I'm starving," Sirius grinned.
At lunch, Hermione found herself seated next to Marlene, who immediately gave her a knowing grin as they settled in. It had been a while since they'd properly caught up, and the easy camaraderie between them felt refreshing. As they piled food onto their plates, Marlene casually leaned in, her voice dropping to a teasing tone.
"Soooo, Remus, huh?"
Hermione paused, a fork halfway to her mouth, before lowering it again with a chuckle. "What about him?"
Marlene gave her a playful nudge. "Don't play coy with me. I've seen you two sneaking off when you thought no one was looking. And don't even try to deny those stolen kisses here and there." She raised an eyebrow. "So, he finally got over his hot and cold phase?"
Hermione grinned, rolling her eyes. "Decidedly very much in the hot territory."
Marlene laughed, clearly enjoying the banter. "Good for you! He's a tough nut to crack, but once you're in, I bet he's all warm and fuzzy."
Hermione shrugged, trying to keep her expression casual, though a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "He has his moments."
"So, how's Mr Broody in bed?" Marlene asked with a wicked grin.
Hermione nearly choked on her pumpkin juice, her eyes widening. "First of all, we haven't—," she hissed in a low tone, glancing nervously around the table to make sure no one else had heard.
Marlene grinned, clearly enjoying Hermione's flustered reaction. "Oh come on, Mina, don't tell me you're all innocent and shy now. You're with one of the fittest blokes in Gryffindor—you can't tell me you hadn't at least thought about it."
Hermione nearly choked again, this time more from trying to hold back a laugh. "Marlene McKinnon, it's none of your damn business," she replied, her attempt at sternness completely undermined by the grin creeping across her face.
Marlene just laughed, unfazed. "You know you're of age, right? You're allowed to have fun—in all departments."
"Even if we did, I wouldn't kiss and tell about it!" she hissed in a low tone, glancing nervously around the table to make sure no one else had heard.
Marlene smirked, leaning in a little closer. "I'm just saying, if you keep not sleeping in the dorm... a girl's bound to wonder."
Hermione flushed, feeling her cheeks heat up. "I do sleep in the dorm!"
Hermione's blush deepened as Marlene grinned wickedly. "I know of at least two distinct cases you didn't, and you do have a habit of getting back really late," Marlene continued, clearly enjoying herself.
"I was studying!" Hermione protested, though the way her voice wavered didn't help her case.
"Uh-huh, studying," Marlene drawled, winking. "With Remus, I bet. All those late-night study sessions. I'm sure Charms was the only thing being charmed."
Hermione groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Marlene! I swear, it's not like that!"
"Not yet," Marlene said with a wink, her grin wide. "But seriously, you two seem good together. I'm glad you've worked through whatever was keeping Mr Broody all 'hot and cold' with you."
Hermione smiled softly, relaxing a little. "Yeah, we've… worked it out. He's been great lately."
Marlene's teasing expression softened. "Good. You deserve it, love."
"Thanks," Hermione said, feeling a bit lighter after their chat. Though she made a mental note to try sneaking in slightly earlier next time.
"I wonder how come Lily isn't all over this," Marlene mused, raising an eyebrow. "As Head Girl, you'd think she'd be all about enforcing the rules."
Hermione felt a flicker of amusement, but she carefully schooled her expression. Of course, she knew why Lily didn't say anything. After all, if she did, she'd have to tattle on her fellow Head Boy and boyfriend as well, and report a whooping total of four unregistered Animagi. The unspoken agreement between them had its advantages. Besides, Lily cared deeply for Remus, both as a friend and someone she'd grown close to over the years. She understood how much it meant to the Marauders and Hermione to be with him on the hardest nights of his life, and in that, she offered her quiet approval.
But Hermione had no illusions. Even if Lily was okay with them keeping Remus company, she definitely wouldn't condone sneaking out of the Shrieking Shack with a fully transformed werewolf. That crossed a line. She wasn't about to enlighten her though, let Potter deal with that if he ever wanted to fess up.
Hermione smiled faintly. "Well, Lily's got bigger things to worry about than whether I'm sneaking in late. We're seventh years, Marlene. Some rules are flexible at this point."
Marlene gave her a playful grin. "Flexible, huh? Well, just make sure that flexibility doesn't land you in hot water when those N.E.W.T.s roll around."
Hermione chuckled, grateful to leave the conversation at that. She couldn't exactly explain why her late nights weren't just about romance, but keeping Remus company in wolf form or dealing with various Order business wasn't something Marlene—or anyone else—needed to know.
Hermione returned to the Hospital Wing that afternoon with an armful of Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts notes, grateful to have something productive to do with Remus while they were stuck under Madam Pomfrey's watchful eye. The matron was hovering in the main healing hall, fluffing pillows and rearranging supplies with a bit too much enthusiasm, clearly keeping a close eye on them.
They didn't dare do anything other than revise, not with her around, but it was still a pleasant way to spend the time. Sitting close together, they quietly discussed the finer points of their N.E.W.T. exams. Hermione found herself getting wrapped up in the conversation, both of them bouncing ideas and theories back and forth.
"So," Remus began, flipping through a page of his notes, "you think Flitwick will focus on counter-charms this year, or will he go heavier on the advanced practical spells?"
"You know it won't be Flitwick administering the Charms N.E.W.T.s, right?" Hermione mentioned as she flipped through her notes. "It's the Wizarding Examinations Authority—Griselda Marchbanks and her team, I believe."
Remus glanced up, surprised. "Marchbanks? How do you know that? You didn't even take your O.W.L.s here at Hogwarts."
Hermione froze for a brief second, her mind racing for a plausible explanation. She quickly composed herself and shrugged casually. "I looked into it, of course. I take my studies very seriously, Remus. I like to be prepared for everything."
Remus raised an eyebrow, amused. "Of course you did. Should've guessed."
She flashed him a small, innocent smile, glad to have covered her slip so smoothly. If he knew the real reason she was so familiar with the Wizarding Examinations Authority, she doubted he'd take it as lightly.
As the hours passed, the tension from their earlier worries eased. Even under Madam Pomfrey's quiet vigilance, it felt good to just focus on something normal—like studying for their exams.
"Well," Remus said after a while, "at least if we flub a spell, it won't be because we didn't study."
"Speak for yourself," Hermione teased. "I don't intend to flub anything."
Remus chuckled, but there was a warmth in his gaze as he looked at her. Even in the midst of their chaotic lives, these small moments of normalcy were worth everything.
Before dinner, Madam Pomfrey finally relented and released Remus, though not without her usual strict instructions. "If any of your symptoms return, I want you back here immediately," she warned, her sharp eyes narrowing as she looked between him and Hermione, clearly still wary of letting him go.
Remus nodded earnestly, suppressing the urge to cough again in her presence. "Yes, ma'am. I promise."
Hermione couldn't help but smile at how thoroughly she doted on Remus, despite her no-nonsense attitude. As they walked out of the Hospital Wing, Remus's barely-there cough lingered, but he assured her it was nothing serious. "Madam Pomfrey said it should be gone in a day or two," he reassured her.
Hermione shot him a sceptical look but didn't push. "Alright, just make sure you really rest this time, okay? No more playing the martyr."
Remus chuckled softly, slinging an arm around Hermione's shoulders. "I'll try to behave," he said, but the moment he felt her wince beneath his touch, the guilt came rushing back. His expression shifted, the familiar wave of remorse clouding his features as he pulled his arm away.
"Mina…" His voice was soft, heavy with regret. "We should check on your shoulder when we're back in the dorm. It's not healing like it should, is it?"
Hermione rolled her eyes lightly, trying to keep things from getting too serious. "It's fine, Remus. Honestly. A bit sore, but I'll survive." She glanced at him, hoping to ease his worries, but saw the look on his face and sighed.
"I bit you," he said quietly, his tone thick with guilt. "I don't care if you say it's fine—you shouldn't be hurt because of me."
"Remus, we've been over this," she said, her voice soft but firm. "It wasn't your fault. You were the wolf, and I knew what I was getting into by going out there with you."
"But it's not healing properly, is it?" he asked again, his voice lower, clearly troubled. "Magic can't fix it, and Pomfrey… she doesn't know, does she?"
"No," Hermione admitted, her expression more serious now. "She doesn't know. We can't tell her, it'd raise too many questions we can't answer."
Remus let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing a hand over his face. "I hate this. You shouldn't have to lie to her, and you definitely shouldn't have to suffer through this because of me."
Hermione gave him a gentle smile, stopping to turn him toward her. "Look, we'll check on it, maybe re-wrap it, and I'll be fine. It's just something we'll have to deal with. I don't want you carrying this guilt around, Remus. You're not a monster."
He stared at her for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Alright… we'll check on it when we're back." But the weight of the incident still lingered in his eyes, and Hermione knew it would take more than her words to convince him fully.
Lily burst into the dormitory, her hair slightly dishevelled, her eyes darting around the room as she called out, "James? I need to talk to you about this Head Student thing. McGonagall just gave me a stack of paperwork that's impossible to finish alone—"
She paused when she saw Hermione sitting with Remus on his bed, her shoulder being wrapped in bandages. Concern immediately replaced the frustration on her face.
"Mina? What happened to your shoulder?" she asked, her voice soft but full of worry.
Hermione glanced at Remus, exchanging a quick look. They couldn't very well tell Lily the truth about what had actually happened during the full moon, so they needed to stick with something believable.
Remus cleared his throat, giving a small, apologetic smile. "It's nothing serious, Lily. Just a little... incident in the Shack."
Lily's brows furrowed as she stepped closer, her gaze flicking between the two of them. "An incident? What kind of incident?"
Hermione sighed, her good hand absentmindedly adjusting the bandages on her injured shoulder. "Our wolves were playing a bit rough, that's all," she explained, trying to sound casual. "Broke some furniture."
Lily's worried expression softened a little, though she still didn't seem entirely convinced. "Rough play, huh? You two need to be more careful. I don't want to have to explain why the Head Girl's friend is walking around Hogwarts with battle scars."
Hermione chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension, but internally muttering way too late for that anyhow. "I'll be fine. It looks worse than it is."
Lily's eyes flicked back to Remus, her brows knitting together in concern. "And you? I heard you were actually sick. Ironic, since that's usually the excuse you lot make up to cover for the full moons."
Remus gave a sheepish smile, shrugging slightly. "Yeah, caught a chest cold on top of everything else. But it's clearing up already. I'm alright."
Lily didn't look fully convinced, her gaze softening but still laced with concern. "Well, you both look like you've been through the wringer. Just—be careful, please. I can't be the only one keeping this lot in line, you know?"
Remus and Hermione exchanged a knowing glance, Remus chuckling softly. "We'll be careful. Promise."
"Good," Lily said with a nod.
"James is probably in the kitchens, by the way," Remus offered helpfully, breaking the slightly awkward silence. "Most likely raiding the treacle tart supply."
Lily rolled her eyes, a fond smile creeping onto her face. "Figures. Thanks, Remus." She gave them one last look before heading out the door. "Take care of each other, alright?"
Once Lily had left, Hermione leaned back against the bed, exhaling softly. "That could've gone worse."
Remus frowned, his concern evident. "Why didn't you tell her I bit you?"
Hermione raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a slight smirk. "Do you want her to know that? I can drag her back in and tell her."
"Well… no," Remus admitted, his voice softening, but he still looked uneasy.
"And we can't exactly tell her why you bit me," Hermione pointed out, glancing at her bandaged shoulder. "Not without revealing the Marauder habit of sneaking out of the Shack, and what could have happened near Hogsmeade. Besides, any other explanation wouldn't add up. You handled things so well last month when we really were only in the Shack."
Remus's frown deepened, though there was a hint of relief in his eyes. "I suppose you're right," he said quietly. "But still, I hate that this happened."
Hermione reached over, gently brushing her fingers against his hand. "You actually pulled back when I yelped," she reminded him softly. "That's why Sirius and James were able to catch up and shepherd you back. Even under Moony's influence, I think part of you realised it wasn't right. You knew something was wrong, even though I disrupted your hunt."
Remus glanced at her, his eyes searching hers, still troubled. "I shouldn't have put you in that position. It's instinct, yes, but what if I hadn't stopped?"
Hermione smiled gently. "It was a valid instinct, Remus. You were acting on the primal nature of the wolf. In any other situation, it would have been stupid of me to get in the middle of it. But I did, because I knew you could pull back. And you did."
He sighed deeply, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction. "I don't know how you have so much faith in me."
"I know you," Hermione said firmly, squeezing his hand. "Even when Moony takes over, you're still there."
Remus gave a small, tired smile. "You give me too much credit, you know."
Hermione shook her head, her tone gentle but firm. "No, I don't. I give you exactly as much as you deserve."
Remus didn't seem entirely convinced, his gaze flickering downward. "If you insist."
Hermione tilted her head, watching him closely before a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. "Well, if you're so intent on making amends, there is one way you can make it up to me."
He raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? What's that?"
A slow, teasing smile spread across her face. "You can snog me senseless."
Remus blinked in surprise, then a slow grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Well, far be it from me to refuse a request like that."
Without another word, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was soft at first but quickly deepened, filled with the same tenderness and unspoken promises that seemed to pass between them more often lately. Hermione's hands slipped up to tangle in his hair, pulling him closer as the rest of the world melted away.
When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Remus rested his forehead against hers, his smile now genuine. "You know, I could get used to making amends this way."
Hermione laughed softly, her eyes bright with mischief. "Good. Because I'm not done with you yet."
Before Remus could respond, she leaned in and kissed him again, her lips warm and inviting. The two of them tumbled back onto the bed, Hermione carefully landing on her good shoulder. Remus, caught off guard, let out a surprised breath that quickly turned into a small cough, but his arms instinctively wrapped around her, holding her close.
They lay there in the soft silence after readjusting their position, Remus's cough fading as the moment stretched on. Hermione rested her head against his chest, their breathing slowly syncing, and she felt his heartbeat beneath her ear—steady, reassuring. She looked up at him, their eyes meeting, and they stayed like that, gazing into each other's eyes, as if no one else existed in the world.
There was a flicker of emotion in Remus's eyes, something deep and unspoken, but instead of saying anything, he simply leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Hermione's forehead. The gesture was tender, full of warmth and affection, but also laced with the quiet understanding that had grown between them over time.
Sirius barged into the dormitory without knocking, a broad grin plastered across his face. "Oi! Get a room, you two!" he teased, his voice echoing through the space.
Remus, who had been comfortably leaning back against the headboard, didn't miss a beat. He grabbed the nearest pillow and tossed it at Sirius with surprising accuracy, hitting him square in the chest. "We are in a room, genius."
Sirius caught the pillow with a dramatic flourish, clutching it to his chest as though deeply wounded. "Well, excuse me! But if you're going to be all cosy like that, you could at least invite me. Where's the love?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "We'll pass on that, thanks."
Sirius winked, dropping onto his bed with a contented sigh. "Your loss, Snowfrizz. Your loss."
Remus let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. "You're insufferable, Pads."
Sirius gave a mock bow from his seat. "Why, thank you. I do try."
Sirius lounged for a few moments longer, watching Hermione and Remus with an exaggerated, knowing smirk.
"You two are sickeningly cute, you know that?" he said, raising an eyebrow as he stood up. "But don't let me ruin your little love nest. I'll be off now. Leave you to your wolfish ways."
Hermione rolled her eyes, but a fond smile tugged at her lips. "Goodbye, Sirius."
He gave them a wink before slipping out the door, leaving the two of them alone in the now quiet dormitory.
Hermione sighed and leaned back into the pillows, her injured shoulder still aching, though the warmth of Remus beside her was a comforting distraction. She glanced up at him, her fingers brushing lightly over his hand, tracing small circles as they sat in comfortable silence. The weight of Sirius's teasing comment lingered in the air, though neither of them immediately acknowledged it.
Eventually, Remus broke the silence, his voice soft, almost tentative. "You should rest. You've been through enough. You don't need to fuss over me."
Hermione shook her head, her hand slipping into his more fully. "I want to fuss over you," she said quietly, her gaze locking with his. "You've been through more than enough yourself, Remus. We're in this together, remember?"
Remus smiled faintly, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—hesitation, doubt. He leaned back slightly, his thumb absently rubbing over her knuckles, but he didn't speak.
Hermione frowned, sensing the internal struggle that was so familiar with him. She shifted closer, tilting her head to catch his gaze. "Remus, what's on your mind?"
He hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly. "It's just…" he began, then sighed deeply. "I don't know how you do it, Mina. I don't know how you stick with me, how you put up with… all of this." His hand gestured vaguely to himself, to the space around them, as if encompassing all the complexities of his life.
Hermione squeezed his hand gently, her heart aching at the vulnerability in his voice. "I put up with it because I love you, Remus," she said softly, the words slipping out before she could stop them. But she didn't regret it. It felt right.
Remus's breath hitched, and his eyes widened, staring at her like she'd just said something impossible. He blinked, his lips parting as if to respond, but no words came out.
Hermione smiled, her voice unwavering as she continued. "I love you. And none of what you think is too much or too complicated has ever made me think otherwise. I see you, Remus. All of you. And I'm not going anywhere."
Remus swallowed hard, his expression torn between disbelief and something warm and deep that he was clearly trying to suppress. "You… love me?" His voice was quiet, almost fragile, as if the very idea of it was too much for him to comprehend.
Hermione nodded, her eyes shining with certainty. "Yes, I do. And I'm telling you this not because I expect anything in return, but because it's true. You deserve to know."
Remus looked away, his fingers tightening slightly around hers. "I don't know if I… if I can…" He trailed off, clearly battling with himself, the familiar self-doubt creeping into his voice. "I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't," Hermione whispered, leaning closer until their foreheads touched. "You already make me happy. So please… just let yourself be happy too."
He closed his eyes, breathing her in, the warmth of her presence easing the knots in his chest. After what felt like an eternity, he whispered, "I think I've loved you for longer than I realised. I just… didn't think I was allowed to."
Hermione's heart swelled, and she smiled against his forehead. "You are, Remus. You always have been."
He let out a shaky breath, and for the first time, it felt like he was letting down the walls he'd built up for so long. "I love you too, Mina. More than I thought I ever could."
Hermione's smile widened, and she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. It was tender, slow, and filled with the weight of everything unspoken between them. When they finally pulled apart, they stayed close, their foreheads touching, their breaths mingling in the quiet warmth of the moment.
"Hey, are you two up there? Come down already, time for dinner!" James's voice echoed up the staircase, breaking the peaceful silence between Hermione and Remus.
Hermione sighed, a smile tugging at her lips as she looked up at Remus. "That would be our cue."
Remus rolled his eyes, sitting up and rubbing the back of his neck. "James Potter—master of terrible timing."
Hermione chuckled, giving him a light nudge. "Well, we can't hide up here forever."
From downstairs, James's voice rang out again, this time more insistent. "I know you can hear me! Don't make me come up there!"
Hermione rolled her eyes and called back, "Alright, alright, we're coming!"
They both got up, and Remus helped her straighten her robes, his hand lingering for a moment longer than necessary. Hermione caught the softness in his expression before they moved to the door. As they made their way down the staircase, James and Sirius stood waiting in the common room, arms crossed and smirks firmly in place.
"Took you long enough," James teased, nudging Sirius. "Thought we'd have to stage a rescue."
Sirius grinned. "Must've been a very interesting conversation."
Hermione shot them both a withering look, though her lips twitched in amusement. "You two are impossible."
"It's a talent," Sirius replied, slinging an arm around James. "Now, let's go—there's food to be eaten, and I'm not missing out because of your lovebirds act."
"Didn't you just come from a treacle tart binge in the kitchens?" Remus asked, raising an eyebrow at James.
James grinned unapologetically. "And your point is…? It's dinner. Completely different. Plus, there's roast tonight."
Hermione shook her head with a smile. "By the way, Lily was looking for you earlier."
"Oh yeah, she found me," James replied with a more casual wave of his hand. "Going to help her out after dinner. Head Boy duties and all that."
Remus smirked. "Right, Head Boy duties. You'd better be useful and not just a distraction."
James feigned offence, puffing out his chest. "I'll have you know, I'm very helpful."
"Yeah, at causing trouble," Sirius muttered under his breath.
As they made their way down to the Great Hall, the lively atmosphere filled the corridors. The faint sounds of students laughing and chattering echoed off the stone walls as they approached. Hermione fell into step beside Remus, Sirius and James leading the way with their usual swagger, discussing something in low tones.
"You two better not be up to anything," Remus said, eyeing James and Sirius suspiciously. "Especially after that pumpkin juice incident last week."
"That was just a test run," Sirius said with a grin, clearly proud of whatever scheme they had concocted.
James gave an exaggerated shrug. "Don't look at me, Moony. I've got Head Boy responsibilities now, remember? Can't afford to sully my reputation."
Remus snorted. "Right. Because you've always been so concerned about your reputation."
As they entered the Great Hall, everything seemed normal at first glance. The long house tables were filled with students, plates laden with food, and the enchanted ceiling above mimicking a clear, starry sky. But Hermione, ever perceptive, noticed the faintest hint of something unusual in the air.
Remus paused for a moment, catching it too. "What did you two do?"
Sirius winked. "Oh, nothing much. Just a harmless bit of fun."
They took their seats at the Gryffindor table, and it wasn't until everyone had started eating that the effects of the Marauders' prank began to unfold. The first clue came when a Ravenclaw a few tables down reached for a slice of bread, only to find it slip out of her hand and vanish completely, leaving her confused.
At the Slytherin table, one of the older students went to drink from his goblet, but instead of pumpkin juice, a stream of bubbles floated up from the liquid, drifting lazily into the air. His face twisted in surprise, and soon, bubbles began to appear in several goblets around the hall.
Hermione looked down at her own plate. Her roast beef had been swapped with a rather colourful-looking dessert, a mound of jelly wiggling cheerfully in place. She raised an eyebrow at Sirius, who was doing his best to stifle his laughter.
"Subtle," she muttered.
Sirius grinned. "It's all in the details, Snowfrizz."
James leaned over, clearly pleased with their handiwork. "You've got to admit, it's a nice touch. Bubbles and vanishing food—no harm, just confusion."
All around the Great Hall, students were reacting in different ways. Some were laughing, others were puzzled, and a few were trying to figure out who was behind the prank. Professors at the staff table exchanged glances, and McGonagall's stern expression suggested she had a good idea of who the culprits were.
Hermione shook her head, though she couldn't help but smile. "You're lucky it's subtle enough that they can't trace it directly to you."
"Subtlety is key, love," James said with a wink, leaning back in his seat with the air of someone quite proud of himself.
As more students discovered the oddities with their meals, the hall was soon filled with a mix of laughter and confusion. Plates continued to switch randomly, food disappearing and reappearing in odd places, and bubbles drifted lazily through the air like some whimsical charm had been cast over the feast.
Remus, for his part, simply watched with an amused sigh. "This is why I can't take you two anywhere."
James and Sirius exchanged a satisfied look, their grins growing wider as the chaos unfolded around them.
"Don't worry, Moony," Sirius said, leaning back casually. "Just a bit of fun to liven up the end of April. You know, things get dull around this time of year."
Remus shook his head, though there was a trace of a smile on his face. "Of course. Because revising for N.E.W.T.s isn't exciting enough."
Sirius stretched out in his seat, looking completely at ease. "Exactly. We've got to balance all that boring studying with a little bit of chaos."
James smirked. "Besides, everyone's stressed out about exams. We're practically doing them a favour."
As if to prove his point, another burst of bubbles floated up from a Gryffindor's goblet nearby, and a few younger 0students started clapping and laughing. Even some of the Ravenclaws, typically the most focused on revision, were smiling at the strange vanishing bread and jelly mishaps. The prank seemed to be having its intended effect—lightening the mood just when the pressure of upcoming exams was at its peak.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'm sure McGonagall will see it that way when she inevitably figures out who's responsible."
Sirius shot her a grin. "Oh, she knows. But I think deep down, she appreciates our creativity."
Remus snorted. "Deep down, she probably wishes she'd locked you two in the common room with your textbooks."
"Too late for that," James replied, grinning. "We're already out here spreading joy."
"Joy," Hermione repeated with a smile, shaking her head. "That's one way to describe it."
The Great Hall continued to buzz with laughter and conversation, the Marauders' prank a welcome distraction from the tension of exam season. Despite her exasperation, Hermione couldn't deny that it had worked. The students were relaxed, even enjoying themselves, and the atmosphere felt lighter than it had in weeks.
As the plates began to clear themselves, James leaned back in his chair, a satisfied grin on his face. "Well, I think we've done our good deed for the day."
Remus, ever the voice of reason, simply sighed and turned his attention back to his meal. "Just don't get us into detention with only a month left."
Sirius clapped him on the shoulder. "Come on, Moony, where's your sense of adventure?"
"Buried under a pile of textbooks," Remus muttered, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.
As they stood up to leave the hall, James looked around at the chaos one last time, clearly proud of their work. "See, Mina, even you have to admit this was a well-executed prank."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, unable to stop the smirk tugging at her lips. "Eh, I've seen better," she said casually, thinking back to the legendary stunts Fred and George Weasley had pulled off in her time. "There was this portable swamp once… now that was a neat piece of magic."
James blinked, caught off guard by her response. "A portable what?"
Sirius tilted his head, intrigued. "A swamp? Now that sounds interesting. You've been holding out on us, Snowfrizz."
Hermione shrugged with a mysterious smile. "Let's just say, when it comes to pranks, you lot aren't the only ones with a reputation."
"Blasphemy!" Sirius declared dramatically, clutching his heart. "You mean to tell us there are pranksters better than us? I can't believe it."
"Not better," Hermione corrected with a glint in her eye. "Just… different." She left it at that, biting her tongue before she said too much more.
As they walked toward the common room, she found herself wondering about something she hadn't before—would they, if she managed to keep them alive, remember this conversation twenty years from now as they stepped into Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes? Would they look at Fred and George and realise she had "foretold" the prankster duo?
"You seem a mile away," Remus said softly, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"Just some memories," Hermione replied with a small smile, shaking off the weight of her musings.
Sirius shot her a curious look but didn't push further. "Well, if those memories are of any other brilliant prank ideas, feel free to share them with the class."
Hermione grinned, shaking her head. "Oh no, I've already said too much. You'll have to figure out the rest on your own."
James nudged her playfully. "Challenge accepted, Delacour. But don't be surprised if you catch us trying to recreate that swamp you mentioned."
"Oh, I wouldn't be surprised at all," she replied, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Just make sure it's not in the common room."
Sirius laughed, slinging an arm around Remus as they continued walking. "She's got faith in us, Moony. That's dangerous."
Remus smiled at Hermione, a quiet understanding passing between them. "You should know better than to give them ideas."
Hermione just shrugged. "Someone's got to keep things interesting around here."
