The Rules of Engagement

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Paper Moon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione lay in bed running the past hours events through her head. She was exhausted from the emotional ups and downs of the day, but her mind could not rest. Crookshanks jumped up onto the bed and curled up next to her. Absentmindedly, she reached over and stroked her furry companion, who began to purr loudly.

It still hurt a little, that Severus would immediately think the worst of her. Hermione supposed, if she looked at the situation objectively, and took into account the ill timed comments Harry had said, it may have appeared they had been fooling around. She sighed. The man should know better. Severus had to know how much she craved his touch. His hands invoked feelings no other person’s touch had. But no ! He comes barging in, takes one look at the situation and jumps to his own conclusions, without even asking. He wast jst jealous !

Hermione gasped and sat up so fast, she scared Crookshanks, who hissed and leapt off the bed. By the gods ! That was exactly what she had done. After seeing the older woman kiss Severus, she had jumped to the conclusion he was sleeping with her. Alright, he admitted he had, in the past, but he hadn’t run out of the castle to that floozy. Hermione searched her emotions carefully. Was she jealous ? Thinking about seeing another woman’s lips on her fiancé and feeling the knot in her stomach at remembering, she had to admit she was. How strange to realize one was so possessive. She wrapped her arms over her bent knees and stared off into the darkness for a time, thinking.

“Well, of course.” Hermione finally whispered in the dark. Severus was going to be her husband and they had slept together once, of course she would feel possessive. It was only natural, wasn’t it ? Severus was possessive of her, wasn’t he ? It was only natural to feel the same way about him. Yes, that was it. Feeling a little better, she stretched back out and snuggled under the covers. The racing of her mind had calmed some. That was when the thoughts of Aubrey crept into her consciousness.

Hermione sighed and rolled onto her back. This Aubrey was the only woman Severus had ever loved. Hermione didn’t even know if he had ever slept with her, they had been quite young after all. Your age, her conscious interjected. What had Severus been like at eighteen ? She found herself envious of this other girl. And no matter how she tried, Hermione could not forgive the dead Hufflepuff for giving up on Severus. How much heartache and pain could he have been spared if he knew someone believed in him ? Finally, she rolled over and settled down to a restless sleep.

~+~~*~~+~

Saturday morning, Hermione dressed in jeans, a turtleneck and jumper. After slipping on her trainers she felt ready to face the muggle world. She walked to the Great Hall slowly, carrying her muggle coat for her trip later. Her heart was still heavy from her visit with Remus yesterday afternoon. The werewolf had been confined to his bed by Madam Pomfrey, but Severus was the one enforcing the confinement. Hermione had to chuckle when she thought of how Severus had snapped at Remy for trying to get out of bed to talk to her. The friendship, if you could call it that, that the two had struck up was encouraging. She just hoped it had not been formed too late.

“No.” Hermione told herself softly. Severus was confident Remus would survive the change, at least this time, but he was desperate for a clue as to the wolf’s affliction. Next week she would make Severus allow her to help him. He was clearly frustrated with his lack of progress, maybe she could be of use, somehow.

As Hermione approached her customary section of the Gryffindor table, she saw Harry was already seated in his ill fitting muggle attire, his face looking as gloomy as yesterday morning. Taking a quick glance, she saw Ginny was sitting near the head of the table with a couple of girls from her year, as she had yesterday. Looking at Ron as she sat down between her two friends, the red head shrugged. Hermione wondered how long it would be before Ginny came back to them, if ever.

“Good morning, Harry. Ron.” The Head Girl said, trying to sound chipper.

“Morning, Sweet.” Ron said, followed by a mumble from Harry. Neville gave her a smile and a wink before leaving the table. Hermione looked up to see a blonde head making it’s way from the Slytherin table to toorsoors. She supposed they couldn’t wait to be alone and she was happy for them, really, but it irked her a little that the only action her private room was seeing did not involve her.

Breakfast was eaten in relative silence between the three. Now and again either Ron or Hermione tried to draw Harry into conversation, but it was no use. Harry cast his gaze down the table several times, watching the youngest Weasley.

“Maybe I should sit somewhere else.” The dark haired boy puffed out suddenly.

“She’ll get over it, mate. Whatever it was, she’ll get over it, she always does.” Ron was trying to be encouraging, but it didn’t appear to be helping.

“Ron’s right, Harry. Give her some time.” Hermione added. Harry sighed and slumped over his barely touched plate again. Maybe this trip today was just what Harry needed. A change of scenery and a new perspective might help.

“Wocher, Gryffindors !” A bubbly voice sounded behind them. Somehow they had been so engrossed they hadn’t seen the woman with royal blue hair and eyes come into the hall.

“Hey Tonks !” Ron said excitedly. Hermione turned to see the young auror dressed in black leather pants and jacket with a fuchsia colored ‘Sisterhood of Avalon’ tee shirt.

“Hi Tonks.” Hermione said, then scooted closer to Harry to give Tonks a place to sit down. Even Harry said hello, seeming to perk up at the woman’s appearance.

“You aren’t here on business, are you ?” Ron asked.

“Well if I was, I wouldn’t be able to tell you, now would I handsome.” Tonks said, shooting the red head a crocked grin, making his face turn pink. Tonks chuckled. Her face then turned more serious. “No, I came to see Remy. Snape thought I should be here.”

At the mention of Severus, Hermione’s ears perked up. “Sev . . . . Snape, sent for you ?”

“Yeah. Guess he knew how close Remy and I have been since, well . . . . . . Anyway, he thought I should come.” Hermione looked over in time to see Ron’s face fall at the mention of anything between the werewolf and the auror. What is it with Weasleys and hopeless crushes ?

“Is it that bad ?” Harry interjected sharply. Hermione turned to him and saw the fire behind his eyes. “Why didn’t anyone tell me ?”

“Severus said he’s weak Harry, but he’ll make through.”

“Yeah, Snape just thought having a friend about might make it easier. I’ve been with Remus during the full moon before. I can make myself into a fair likeness of a werewolf, but I still have to be careful.” The blue haired woman said, indicating her heavy boots and leather attire.

“You’ve been with Remus when . . . .” Harry said.

“Yup. Nothin’ to it, really. With Remy taking the Wolfsbane potion, it’s kind of fun actually.” She turned and stood up. “I just wanted to stop and say hi before I went up.”

“I’ll show you where Professor Lupin’s rooms are.” Ron said getting up.

“How lucky am I to have such a handsome escort ?” Tonks said with a giggle. Ron turned bright red, but offered her his arm anyway and they left the hall together.

“What is it with Weasleys ?” Hermione mused out loud. She saw Harry’s eyes dart to the head of the table, then he sighed.

“I don’t know.” Harry said, followed by a long pause.

“Ready for our trip ?” She asked, changing the subject.

“Where are we going exactly ?” He asked with a suspicious look.

“I’ll tell you outside the gates. Let’s go.” They both stood and left the hall. Walking to the entryway doors, Hermione saw a dark figure waiting for them. The two young people stopped before the Potions Master.
ood ood morning.” She said with a smile.

“Good morning, Hermione. Mr. Potter.” Severus said to each in turn.

“Professor Snape.” Harry said a little tightly.

“I must beg your pardon for our last meeting, Mr. Potter. I have been informed I made quite the ass of myself.” The dark man offered the younger his hand to shake.

Harry seemed shocked, but took the offered hand. “That’s alright, Professor. I just hope you know nothing is going on between me and Hermione.” The Gryffindor stuttered out.

“So I have been told.” Severus said, his eyes darting to gaze at his fiancé for a moment, before returning to the youth. “I must remind you to keep your wits about you today and your wand ready.”

“Of course, sir.” Harry said. Hermione was getting a little annoyed at this exchange. She was a full grown witch, after all.

“I can take care of myself.” She snapped, looking at them both.

“No one doubts your abilities, my dear.” Severus looked down at her with a smirk.

“It never hurts to have a wizard at your back. Does it, sir ?” Harry asked with a half smile. She imagined this was a leftover from the training Severus had given Harry before the fall of the Dark Lord.

Hermione looked at them both and shook her head. She didn’t say anymore as Severus captured her chin, then leaned down and kissed her, not a chaste kiss, but not overly enthusiastic. He pulled back a few inches keeping eye contact.

“You will find me when you return ?” Hermione nodded her head dumbly, still a bit breathless from the kiss. Then her fiancé swept off in a swirl of black robes, leaving her standing there with her mouth slightly agape.

“If I knew that was all it took to shut you up, I’d have done it a long time ago.” Harry said. Hermione swatted him on the shoulder and pulled him out the doors.

Once outside the gates, Harry turned to her holding out his arms. “So, where am I taking you ?”

“Apparate us to my backyard.” Harry had been allowed to get his apparating license early as a security measure before the war.

“To your parent’s house ?” He asked. She nodded. “Okay.”

Reality twisted, bent, whirled and hiccupped to a stop. Harry seemed to have gotten them there in one piece, but not nearly as smooth a ride as apparating with Severus. They clung to each other for several minutes.

“I forgot how hard that was with two people.” He said.

“Let’s go, before anyone sees us.”

“You don’t want to see your parents ?”

“They aren’t home anyway. They go into the office to finish paperwork on Saturdays.” Hermione grabbed Harry by the arm and pulled him out of the back gate into the alley. They covered the few blocks to their destination quickly.

“The Chemists ?” Harry asked unbelievingly. “You’re engaged to a bloody Potions Master. What could you possibly need at the Chemists ?”

Hermione lead him into the shop. She stopped and looked around, getting her bearings, then she lead him to the back to a likely area. Then she saw what she was looking for. There was a large display in the back of the shop. She reached out and grabbed a variety pack, (well she wasn’t really sure what to get as she’d never used them before), and thrust it into Harry’s hands. He read the package, then when he realized what it was he shoved it back into her hands.

“THIS is what we came to get ??” Hermione sighed and thrust the box back into his hands.

“Yes.” She said, but when she tried to give him the money, he gave her back the box.

“You buy it.”

“Harry.”

“What do you want them for anyway ? You’re to be married in . . . . .. . Hang on ! You aren’t getting these to sleep with Rose are you ? I won’t help you deceive the Professor.”

Hermione shoved the box of condoms and money into Harry’s hands a bit more forcefully. “Oh for Merlin’s sake, of course not. These are for Severus.”

“I . . . I don’t get it. I thought you wanted to get pregnant.” The raven haired youth looked confused, but held on to the box and money.

“Severus doesn’t want me to get pregnant before we’re married.”

“Oh.” He appeared a little dumbfounded, then his eyes shot up sharply. “You mean you’re going to sleep with Snape ?”

“Already have, actually. I’m buying these so I can do it again.” She said and was gratified to see the shock on his face.

“Ah.” He said taken aback. “Why do I have to be the one to buy them ?” Harry eventually stuttered out.

“If a man buys them, he looks responsible. If a woman buys them she looks . . . loose or something. I don’t know. Please ?”

“Oh . . . alright.” Harry relented. “But you better have more money. I’m not walking up to the counter with just these.” Hermione grinned at him and gave him more money. Harry looked at the display for a moment and took down another box. Hermione looked at him questioningly, making him blush.

“Just in case I need some . . . . sometime.” Then he wandered off to have a look around.

“I’ll wait for you in the park across the street.” Hermione called to him before going out the door, ignoring his protests.

The day was cool and sunny for late October. Hermione went across the little street and sat on one of the cement benches watching squirrels gather nuts, the fiery leaves of the trees moving gently in the wind. She took a deep breath, breathing in all the autumn splendor.

“My, my, what a pretty picture you make, Miss Granger.”

Hermione’s heart leapt into her throat beating madly. That silken voice could only belong to one man. She turned her head slowly and looked up into Lucius Malfoy’s face. The bright autumn sun shone behind him, making him appeared almost angelic. A fallen angel more like, she thought. Using every bit of strength she could muster, Hermione calmed herself and smiled at the supposed old friend of her fiancé.

“Mr. Malfoy. How good to see you. Severus will be so pleased when I tell him I’ve run into you.” That’s it, she thought to herself, remind the nasty blighter who you’re engaged to. The tall blonde gave her an oily grin and sat down on the bench next to her. He placed his cane between his legs and rested his hands casually on the top. When he turned to look at her, his features were both eerily beautiful and terrifying. The resemblance Draco shared with his father was plain, but where Draco’s smoky blue-gray eyes held love for her, Lucius’ only held contempt. She had to look away from him.

“How is it, Miss Granger, that Severus would allow you out of his sight ?” A gloved hand smoothly made it’s way beneath her chin and turned her face to him. Conflicting emotions ran through her. The features of the handsome man’s face reminded her heavily of Draco whom she loved, but this man’s eyes did not hold the love for her, her friend’s did. He took an exaggerated breath and spoke again. “I know if you had been mine, I should not have allowed you out of my sight for fear another man would just . . . . snatch you away.”

She pulled her chin out of his grasp slowly, still keeping up the appearance of polite conversation and ignoring the thinly veiled threat. “Then I am fortunate that Severus trusts me and I know I made the right choice. Besides, it was Draco who petitioned for me. You, Mr. Malfoy, are already married.”

Lucius’ face tightened just for a moment, then was schooled back into the polite mask again. “So I am. I was speaking in the sense that you might have been a Malfoy. With all of the benefits.” The gloved hand raised again and he ran the back of his leather covered fingers down her cheek as she tried not to flinch. Leaving little doubt about what constituted benefits to him. “You will be quite an asset to the Malfoy line. I would not get too comfortable in your engagement, if I were you. Severus has an unsavory past that may come back to haunt him.”

Hermione stared at him wide eyed. The hand lowered and the blonde wizard stood again. “Do give Severus my regards.” Lucius said, then disapparated.

“Mione, you alright ?” Harry’s worried voice sounded behind her. “Hermione !” He grabbed her shoulders and made her look at him. Hermione shook her head to clear her brain.

“Yes. I’m fine.” She said, though her voice had little strength.

“How did he find us ?” Harry sat down next to her and put an arm around her.

“He must have followed us from the castle.”

“Are you sure you’re alright ?”

“Stop fussing ! I’m fine. He just . . . . talked.”

“What did he say ?”

“Nothing really, just idle threats.”

“Hermione, what did he say ?” Harry said with more insistence. “I won’t have that bastard threatening you.”

“The threats weren’t against me exactly. He threatened Severus. Something about having an unsavory past and for me not to become too accustomed to being engaged to Severus.”

Harry sighed. “We’ll have to tell the Professor when we get back. I should never have let you out of my sight. Snape is going to kill me.”

“Oh, stop it. There’s no harm done. We don’t need to tell him anything.”

“I will not cover up one wrong doing with another. We ‘will’ tell Snape when we return.” Harry’s jaw was set tightly and from experience, Hermione knew there was no reasoning with him at that point.

“Alright then. Let’s go to Diagon Alley where you can buy lunch Mr. Potter.” Hermione took his arm to lead Harry to a secluded spot where they could apparate.

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~


Severus sat in one of the worn comfortable chairs facing the DADA Professor’s bed. Tonks sat on the bed chattering merrily away about nothing in particular to the fatigued looking werewolf. Thank Merlin she had at least taken Severus’ advice and altered her appearance. She now had straight shoulder length brown hair and hazel eyes. For all he knew, this might be her actual appearance. It is a shame, he thought, that she does not use this guise more often. She’s actually quite comely this way.

Severus had been watching the two converse easily for some time. He wasn’t certain what it was between them, but after the death of Sirius, the two had become close. He had notified the auror because Lupin needed all the support he could get. The transformation was harrowing at the best of times, but in the man’s current weakened state, there was no telling how his body would react.

“Looks like Snape is worried about you, Remy.” The young woman piped up loud enough for Severus to hear.

“No, not me. Hermione is out of the castle.” The fair haired man said with a tired grin.

“That’s right. You’re going to be an old married man soon. Worried she’s off spending your meager Professor’s salary ?” She said, directing her comment to Severus. Severus snorted in amusement.

“He’s in love.” Lupin said, then laughed at the glare that was sent his way from the dark man. The laugh turned into a cough and Tonks rubbed his back lightly.

“Since my only use at the moment appears to be your amusement, I will take my leave.” Severus stood and started towards the door.

“Is that true ?” The young woman looked at him with a furrowed brow. “That you’re in love . . . . with Hermione ?”

“And why would that be any of your business ?” Severus snapped. Her soft hazel eyes searched his.

“It isn’t, I suppose, but Hermione is my friend. I would like to know she will be bound to someone who cares for her.” Tonks said with uncharacteristic seriousness.

“Then be reassured, Nymphadora.” The dark man said calmly, as the woman cringed at her name. “I will check back later. No doubt Hermione will want to see you.” He told Lupin. “You are to rest as much as possible.” The werewolf nodded and laid back closing his eyes.

Severus made his way to his private laboratory. He had a few potions for the infirmary simmering. The work helped him keep his mind off of Hermione and where she might be. He didn’t like the secrecy of her trip, but since she had agreed to take Potter with her, he could hardly object. Severus sighed glancing at the work area where she had been when she helped him before. He found himself craving her company with increasing regularity. Is that a good thing ?, he mused. Perhaps.

Severus busied himself preparing the next batch of ingredients for the wart removal potion, then finished the batch of contraceptive potion. The irony of that not lost on him. He wished he could possess her again and show her, aast ast in this aspect of his life, he was not harsh and demanding. He wanted to make love to his intended, in the truest sense of the phrase. Would there . . .. Could there ever be a time she loved him in return ? It was almost more than he dare dream.

It was some hours later, when there was a soft knock on the lab door. He was just wiping off the last vial of bottled potion, readying it for labeling, when the person walked in. It was Hermione, who smiled softly at him, followed by a grim looking Potter. Severus’ eyes narrowed taking in the youth’s countenance.

“I see you have returned. All went well, I trust ?” The dark man saw Potter was about to answer when Hermione interrupted.

“Oh yes, we had a lovely time. Harry took me to lunch at The Cauldron’s Keep, that new place down Diagon Alley.” She said, then added a nervous giggle at the end. Severus turned his attention to Potter and raised an inquiring eyebrow at the lad.

“Malfoy followed us from the castle.” Potter said. Severus looked sharply at Hermione.

“Nothing happened, really. He just talked to me.”

“And where were you, Potter ?”

“In the shop at the time. I’m sorry, sir. I should not have left her alone.” The youth was obviously repentant, but he owned his mistakes and didn’t back down. Severus had to admire him for that. He was about to lay into the boy, when Hermione spoke up.

“Will you two just stop damn it !! You stop feeling guilty !” She yelled at Potter, then turned her ire on him. “And you stop trying to lay blame. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine. Harry told me not to go outside, but I didn’t listen. I’m sorry, Severus, I should have listened to you. But we were in a muggle area, the last person I thought we would run into was Lucius Malfoy.”

“You may go, Potter.” Severus said, trying to keep his anger in check.

“I think you should hear what Malfoy said, sir.” Harry said. Severus gave him a curt nod and the boy went out the door. There was a long pause and silence hung heavily in the room. Severus glared at the young woman, willing her to speak. She looked at him with agitation. Severus sighed and ran a hand over his face. All he wanted to do was take Hermione in his arms and hold her. She was safe. But the voice in his head repeated loudly that she just as easily may not have been, which made him want to hold her more.

“Well ?” Severus finally snapped. “Are you going to tell me ?” Her eyes narrowed.

“Not when you’re like this.” She spat out and made for the door. Severus grabbed her shoulder and turned her back to him, glaring at her. He eventually sighed and gave in to his impulse, drawing her into his arms. She was stiff, but gradually softened and placed her arms around him.

“What matters to me most is that you are safe. What did Lucius say to you ? Did he threaten you ?”

“No, he threatened you. He said your past may come back to haunt you and for me not to get too comfortable in our engagement.” She pulled back and looked up into his face. “He said I would be an asset to the Malfoy line. He wasn’t even making the pretense that he had petitioned for me for Draco.”

“Come along.” Severus took her through his office and lead her into his private quarters. He took her coat and hung it up next to his robes. Then he sat them both on the couch, pulling her back to his chest and wrapping an arm securely around her. They sat quietly for a time, both of them watching the firelight dance in the dim room.

“What do you think he’ll do ?” Hermione asked softly, her insecurity bleeding through.

“Lucius will contest our engagement. I am not certain what he has up his sleeve, but he will not face me personally. He will do it in a court of law.”

“He sounded very confident. It . . . . frightened me, a little.” Severus hugged her tighter and kissed the top of her head.

“That, my dear, is why you are not to leave this castle for any reason without me as your escort. If something were to happen to you . . . . . .” He trailed off, not able to finish the sentence. Hermione snuggled closer to him and clasped the hand he had around her.

They sat quietly for a long while. Hermione was running her fingers gently over his hand. She finally picked it up and held it out iont ont of her, studying it carefully.

“I always liked your hands. They’re so elegant. Sensual. Even when I was a first year, I liked them, but didn’t know why.” She pulled his hand to her lips and kissed the back of each knuckle. The soft sweet contact was playing havoc with his breathing and shooting messages straight to his loins.

“You should stop.” Severus whispered in her ear.

“You don’t like that ?” She asked. He leaned over and nuzzled her neck just below her ear and let his breath caress the prickling skin.

“I like it far too much, my dear.” He felt a shiver run down her spine.

“Oh.” She laid the hand back across her stomach. “How is Remus ?”

“He is getting restless. As the moon draws closer, the beast comes closer to the surface. Nymphadora was with him when I left.”

“You know she hates when you call her that.” Hermione said, admonishing him. A sneer graced his lips.

“Yes, I know. We can go back to Lupin’s rooms after diner, if you like.” Severus offered. Hermione sat up and turned to face him.

“Why do you still call him that ?”

“Lupin ? Because it is his name.”

“No, his name is Remus.” A cute little frown graced her features. “I thought you two were getting along.”

“We are ‘getting along’ just fine. Does it bother you what I call him ?”

“Yes, it does somehow, like when you have to call me Miss Granger. It just doesn’t seen right.”

“I have called him Lupin for a good many years. I do not think I can change overnight.”

“Remus told me you called him by his name that night . . . . . you told him . . . about what happened to Aubrey.”

“Is that what you were discussing yesterday.” He wondered why they both looked so guilty when he came into the room yesterday. “I might have. I do not remember.”

“I’m just asking you to try. He does call you Severus.”

“I will try, if it is that important to you.”

“Thank you.” Hermione said, a grin breaking out on her face.

“Shall I order dinner. We could eat here.”

“I’d like that.” She said, her grin spreading to a broad smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione fell into step along side Severus as they made their way to Gryffindor tower. Dinner had been surprisingly pleasant. They hadn’t talked a great deal, but Severus had seemed . . . . different . . . . .somehow. He was more relaxed in her presence and a more attentive listener. He was also worried. Hermione could tell by the tightness in his jaw and around his eyes. She watched him for a moment as they walked up the stairs. A warm hand clasped her own and squeezed gently.

“He will be alright. Lupin is a fighter.”

“You mean ‘Remus’.”

“It might be best not to shock him with that just yet.” Severus said with a smirk. Hermione gave him a smirk of her own as they reached the door to Professor Lupin’s private quarters. Severus knocked. After a moment, a young woman answered the door.

“Hey Snape. Hermione.”

“Tonks ?” Hermione gasped looking at the ‘normal’ looking woman in front of her. The other woman put a self conscious hand to her hair and gave the visitors a sheepish smile.

“I know. A bit plain, but this is me. Snape thought it might help keep Remy calm.” Tonks said. Severus harrumphed.

“Much more attractive, if you ask me.” The dark man said before moving past the women to go to the bed and check on it’s occupant. Both women giggled.

“Who is he and what have you done with Snape ?” Tonks asked, then cast an anxious glance in the direction of the bed.

“How is he ?” Hazel eyes darted back to her, then avoided eye contact.

“Alright, so far. Remy gets stronger as the moon approaches, but he’s weaker than usual. The wolf is buoying him a bit.” The young auror turned and started towards the bed. “Come over and see him.”

As the women came over, the man in the bed turned his nose up, nostrils flaring. A hand shot out and grabbed Hermione’s wrist pulling her roughly down onto the bed to sit next to Remus. Severus moved forward, but Tonks held him back. Hermione looked into the amber and black lupine eyes that stared at her accusingly.

“Lupin ! Stop !” The dark man yelled.

“Has she told you she’s seen Malfoy ?” Remus said in a low growl.

“Yes, now release her.” Severus forcefully said. Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione could see her fiancé looked about to pounce.

“Did she tell you he’d touched her ?” Remus growled after sniffing her cheek.

“No.” Severus snapped and looked at her sharply.

“He just . . . . . mostly he talked.” Hermione said weakly. The werewolf’s eyes locked with hers again.

“Did Malfoy hurt you ?” Remus asked in a softer voice sounding more like his own. She feebly shook her head and the grip on her loosened.

“Mr. Malfoy just ran the back of his gloved hand down my cheek. He was trying to be intimidating, I guess.” She looked up into Severus’ face. “That was all. Honestly.” He stared at the werewolf.

“Has he done anything to her ?”

Remus looked her over carefully, his gaze nearly tangible, then he leaned in and sniffed her again. He ran his nose over her neck and through her hair, then pulled back letting out a rather canine sneeze.

“I do not detect any spells or potions on her. She was only frightened.” Remus sat back, finally relaxing. He directed his inquiry to Severus. “What did Lucius say ?”

“He seems confident he can contest our engagement.” The dark man said.

“Can he ?” Remus asked. The Potions Master paused as he thought about it.

“I am not certain.” Severus admitted.

“Could we not talk about this right now ? I’m more concerned about Remus at the moment.” Hermione interjected. Both men’s attention fell to her again.

“Mione’s right. We only have a short time.” Tonks added as a knock sounded at the door. The older woman opened the door letting Harry into the room.

“I . . . . um . . . . I just thought I’d come by, if that’s alright.” Harry said nervously as he looked around at those assembled. Hermione stood up from the bed and went to stand near Severus.

“Come in, Harry. You’re not too late for the show.” Remus said with a laugh that turned into a cough. He waved the youth in. Harry tentatively walked over to the bed and sat next to Remus. He looked at the older man cautiously, then Remus pulled him into a hug.

Hermione felt tears coming to her eyes. She looked away from the private moment and looked up at the man beside her. A smirk played at his lips and he put a comforting arm around her.

The small group talked quietly about nothing in particular. The kind of conversation one might have in the waiting room of a hospital. No one wanting to talk about the obvious. Severus had told her at dinner, he was staying for the transformation and forbade her from staying. He hadn’t said why he wanted to be present, but Hermione felt it might be in case of an emergency. In case Remus’ body didn’t fare well and he needed medical attention. As skilled as Madam Pomfrey might be, she wasn’t about to minister to a werewolf.

Suddenly while Harry was talking, a horrible growl came from deep in Remus’ chest. Harry instinctively backed away. Hermione could see fur sprouting from every exposed area of skin. Severus was bodily pulling Harry and Hermione towards the door. The last image Hermione saw before the heavy wooden door was closed, was of Remus’ face elongating and growing into a large and vicious maw.

She stood staring at the door and didn’t hear Harry speaking to her. It wasn’t until he hugged her, she even remembered she wasn’t alone.

“Come on.” Harry said quietly as he lead her away. Her brow furrowed, not sure which man she was more concerned for at the moment, her sick friend or her fiancé.


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*~~ AUTHOR’S CORNER ~~*

Hello everyone ! Hope you are still enjoying the ride. Make sure you drop by Potterotica Universe (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Potterotica_all/) to see this months homepage art, check out the photos from both the NY and London premieres and read the special post of answers to reviewer questions for this story. Comment or question anything you like on the group and get your poll vote in now, since the current one will close on June 4.

A healthy dose of cheering charms all around.

Glinda




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