Werewolf in Disguise

“OK, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Hermione walked outside to the building and knocked. She heard a loud moan and began to get worried. The sun wasn’t close to fully setting yet, so she tried the handle. When the door opened she looked inside and screamed. There stood Bill, fully transformed, and growling loudly at her. She dropped the goblet, slammed the door closed, and took off to the house in a panic to warn the others. She was half way there when she heard a loud crash behind her.

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Not wanting to know what was going on, but afraid she already did, she tried to run faster. Suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her right thigh as she began to fall. She looked at her leg which was bleeding profusely, then looked at the wolf. His mouth was covered in her blood and he was just sitting and staring at her. The pain and panic became overwhelming and she passed out.

Hermione groggily became aware of muffled voices around her. The lights seemed to be too bright even with her eyes closed, she couldn’t feel her leg, and she had this very disturbed feeling inside, like something wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. Everyone stopped talking when they heard her moan. Slowly she tried speaking, “Where am I? Why is that light so bright?”

She heard a familiar voice whispering in her ear, “it’s ok Hermione, you’re in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. It’s early Sunday morning. I’ll dim the light and tell everyone to keep their voices down. Just relax and come to when you’re ready, there’s no rush.”

“Remus, is that you?”

“Yea,” he whispered, “it’s me.”

He was taken aback when she grabbed his hand and whispered back , “will you stay with me, please?”

He replied, “Of course, love, I’ll be right here.”

“Are you feeling okay Remus, after last night?”

“I’m fine, I’ll be right here when you wake up.” He couldn’t believe after what she just went through she was asking him if he was okay, he began dimming the lights surrounding her to a very faint glow and told everyone to keep their voices down. He sat down beside Hermione, still holding her hand, and waited. From what he knew of werewolf bites, she would be a bit sensitive at first and it would take her a few minutes to come awake completely. He sat there, holding her hand, and waited.

Finally, after another hour, she began to stir a little more. She tried to sit up, and with Remus and Harry’s help she managed. She was still in her clothes, but they were quite dirty and her jeans wore torn. She smiled to Remus and said, “Thank you,” as she let go of his hand. Then, looking around at the horrified look on everyone’s face, asked, “who’s funeral?” to the room at large.

No one laughed and Bill walked up to her sinking down in another chair. He was visibly upset and when he looked at her, had tears in his eyes. “Hermione, I am so, so sorry. I don’t know what happened. I remember totally losing myself, then I remember sitting beside you. We were both covered in blood and I knew I had bitten you. I am so sorry,” he said again, hanging his head back down.

“Bill, it wasn’t your fault. I went to look for you, remember. I should never have tried to open the door. I just thought, since it wasn’t locked you were ok. I never imagined you didn’t have time to lock it. Do we know why you transformed completely and so early?” Hermione, ever the analytical one, began to think of what this meant for Bill and tried to delay thinking what it meant for herself.

“No, I’m the first to have been bitten by a werewolf when it wasn’t the full moon remember, so no one knows anything about my condition, let alone that I’m even a werewolf. Now, I’ll have to tell them since I bit you, that means they’ll know about you as well, I’m so sorry Hermione.”

Bill was so upset he didn’t realize no one, not even Hermione, was blaming him, not even with looks. Everyone was looking at the two with pity and compassion. Remus however, was thinking ahead. By the next full moon, Hermione would be out of school. What would her parents say or do? How could they keep this from the ministry? What would happen to her with the final battle coming so soon? Would she be ready? Where would she transform? And what would happen if both he and Bill were around her for her first transformation? That thought spurred him into action and he began speaking, not giving thought to who he might have interrupted.

“No Bill, we won’t tell anyone yet. Hermione will be out of school before her first transformation, so no one here needs to know. However, we have a slightly bigger problem.” Looking at everyone around him he asked slowly, “could you guys give us some privacy?” Everyone left, except Bill, and Remus began explaining the situation.

“Hermione, I know you’re trying to think of everyone else here, but you need to think about yourself and what this means to you. We also need to consider the future and how you want to handle this situation. Are you feeling any anger or strong, pent up emotions that just don’t seem to have a reason or source?”

“Well, I have this odd feeling that something doesn’t belong, but I don’t understand it. It’s not an overpowering feeling though,” she replied, taking time to honestly study what she was feeling.

“But nothing stronger?” He asked and she shook her head. “That’s a bit odd, but I guess it’s better for you that way,” Remus replied. “It will be easier for you to deal with all this, without any strong emotions. Now, you’ll have to stay in here until you’re healed. You can study for your exams in here as well,” he said quickly as he could tell she was ready to interrupt him.

“Can’t she just stay with us when she transforms Remus? We’ll take care of her and help her through it,” Bill asked, his voice heavy with concern and guilt.

“Bill, please stop it,” Hermione snapped. He looked up at her in shock and she continued. “No one, and I mean no one, blames you for this, so you need to stop blaming yourself before you drive me crazy. Look, this situation is not one that I would have hoped for, but I can deal with it. As long as we can keep from telling the ministry then I can still do what I want to do after school. So, please stop feeling guilty or I’ll really get mad.”

“Um, Remus, I think that’s your pent up feelings of aggression,” Bill stated warily, while Remus just chuckled.

“No, that’s just Hermione,” he returned, still grinning.

“Now, the problem we have is more personal,” he said, his grin slipping from his face, “which is why I asked the others to leave. Do either of you know what would happen if we were to transform together?”

They both shook their heads so he continued. “If two males transform together, they’re fine. Even a male and female are fine together, but if you throw two males and a female together, you’ll have problems. It doesn’t matter that you’re married when you’re human, Bill. And it doesn’t matter that we have the Wolfsbane potion either. Natural instinct will kick in and we‘ll fight, we’ll, well, basically…”

“You’ll fight over me, as your, um, mate, right?” Hermione asked, noticing Remus reluctance to finish.

“Yes, but with werewolves, it’s more serious, someone will die before the sun comes back up. It could be one of us,” he said, pointing between himself and Bill, “and I’m worried since Bill doesn’t always completely transform, or it could be you if you get in the way. So, I’m not sure where that leaves us.”

“How bad does it hurt?” Hermione asked timidly. “I mean I know it hurts and I’m okay with that, but compared to, say the torture curse, how much worse is it?”

“You know what the torture curse feels like?” Bill asked incredulously.

“Of course,” Hermione answered like it was obvious, “but is it much worse then that?”

“Well, how in depth do you want me to go?” Remus asked nervously, hoping to spare her the details just yet. “Come on Remus, you know me, I want all the details,” she replied with a smile that didn’t meet her eyes.

“Well, you’ll be very tired and shaky the day before and of the full moon, which, incidentally, you’ll grow to hate. And when the sun goes down…” he was suddenly interrupted by Professor McGonagall entering the wing in a very hurried fashion.

“I’m very sorry to interrupt, but I just received a very interesting letter and it can’t wait!” McGonagall looked at them for the go ahead before she continued. “However, since the letter itself is from Dumbledore, I feel everyone should be present. Is that okay?”

“Yes, of course, send them in and let’s get this over with,” Remus said, then looking at Hermione he added softly, “We’ll continue when they leave, just know that I’ll be there for you every step of the way okay?”

She smiled up at him with warmth as the doors reopened and McGonagall came in, followed by Molly, Arthur, Sirius, Harry, Ron, and Ginny. They were able to keep anyone else from finding out what really happened, including Emma and most of the Order. Hermione was very grateful for this, as the people that were in the room with her were more like her family then anyone besides her own parents, and she didn‘t want anyone else to know. With that thought she looked at Remus and said, “My parents, what do I tell my parents?”

“Miss Granger, we must deal with this letter first, your parents will have to wait,” McGonagall snapped getting everyone’s attention.

Hermione said, “sorry professor,” and lowered her head.

“Minerva, that’s a bit much don’t you think?” taking Hermione’s hand in a comforting gesture. “Of course Hermione’s worried about her parents,” Remus stated, with a slight tone of bitterness to his voice.

McGonagall, looking slightly ashamed and replied, “yes, you’re right, I’m sorry Hermione.”

Then she continued, “While I have everyone’s attention, I’d like to tell you what I came across. I was sitting in my office talking to the portraits when Albus became very interested in our discussion of Miss Granger. He instructed me to a hidden floorboard and told me to read the letter there. It seems he got the idea of hiding things in the floor from Potter and, after going through quite a bit of disgusting hidden candies, I finally found a letter. He told me to read it and do exactly what it says. The letter was written in June of 1979 and then had more added to it right before he died. I believe this was one of the things he knew he wouldn’t get to take care of, but also knew what had to be done and when.” Then she began reading the letter aloud.

To whom it may concern (and I sincerely hope it is myself):

Very recently a bright, young witch suddenly appeared on the Hogwarts grounds, quite literally from thin air. This was brought to my attention by several students, but considering the source of the information, I was, to say the least, unsure of the accuracy of this information. I soon learned that for once, this group of students had found something bigger to deal with than themselves. They had indeed found a, ‘gypsy’ I believe they called her. The girl could remember very little about herself or her life, but seemed to have a strange knowledge of Hogwarts, and a familiarity with those who found her. She also had been recently bitten by a werewolf. The strangest thing was, the full moon was a week ago, and this young girl, Hermione she called herself, was bitten only yesterday.

I have since concluded various things, some of which even she will not know until the time is right. I believe she is from a different time. I also believe she was sent to one of us specifically. If this is the case, then I think I know the spell used on her (included below) and have concluded she is from the future. Alas, she must be very important to a major upcoming event because the spell cast, is not to be used lightly.

I am not worried, however, about her friends in this time remembering her, as they will forget her the second she leaves, quite ingenious really. I only hope that I, myself, am the one to send her here. She is a very remarkable young lady and has made quite the impression on several of our students. Although I cannot tell the facts, it should be known that when she returns, not only will she remember everything, but so will those that she knew. This is of vital importance, because if, as I suspect, she is as important as I have come to believe, the influx of memories to some could be overwhelming. I have however, taken the necessary precautions to make sure my memories stay intact.

“There’s really no need to read further, as I feel this explains the jest of it,” Professor McGonagall continued on. “The letter talks about a young girl who mysteriously showed up at school in January of that year. Which must mean Miss Granger will go back to a January. She seems to have appeared in the middle of a certain group of trouble makers with very little memory of events, but excellent memory of books, charms, and such. I am afraid to confirm what group this could be referring to, but the rest of the letter seems to confirm my fears. Since they apparently discovered she had a certain problem and was sent because a student her own age had the same, uh, affliction. She does need to deal with this issue in a great hurry with the final battle coming and this spell is the best way to take care of this problem. In other words Miss Granger, we have to send you back in time in order to help you be ready for the final battle.”

Professor McGonagall said all this without stopping once and everyone sat around stunned. Suddenly Harry sat up and said, “wait, 1979, you’re sending her back to my dad’s time. You’re sending her back to Remus?”

At this revelation, there were several gasps around the room and everyone looked at Remus, then back to Hermione. This was a bit to strange for most to even contemplate. Surely there had to be another way.

“Yes Harry, it would appear so. However, we must hurry, there’s not much time to complete this. While Hermione’s body will be here in the present, in a coma like state, it will also be in the past. Since her clothing and hairstyles and such will change rapidly here, based on what she wears there, we need to keep her hidden from others and keep a close eye on her.”

“Wait,” Ron said, “If she’s gone for several months how is that going to help her here?”

“I am in the room you know,” Hermione laughed. “I think the spell used will probably alter time in some way, so that the length here and there will be different.”

“You’re right as usual Miss Granger,” smiled Professor McGonagall. “It would appear a day here will equal a month in the past. Therefore, if you go back to January, you get five more months of school, as you are going to January and it is now currently May.”

“Only Hermione would be glad of that,” groaned Ron while the others laughed.

“Wow Remus! I guess you weren’t kidding when you said you would be with me every step of the way, huh? Glad to know I’m so forgettable to you guys though. You know, this could be kind of be fun. Well it would be if I could feel my leg that is.” Hermione said, looking down at her legs covered by a sheet. She slowly pulled the sheet and bandages away and everyone gasped. “YUCK!” yelled Hermione, “boburter pus has nothing on this. I guess I’m glad now I can’t feel anything.”

“It will heal soon enough, but you’ll have to endure the healing process in the past,” said Madame Pomfrey. She seemed to know that when dealing with this bunch anything was possible, even a trip to the past.

“Okay, when do I leave, or transport, or whatever it is I’ll be doing?”

“Can I go too?” Harry suddenly asked, looking extremely hopeful.

“I’m afraid not, Potter. Hermione will look inconspicuous, where as you, most certainly would not. The spell will only work on the individual as well. I’m sorry,” Professor McGonagall was looking at Harry sadly, just like everyone else in the room. They all knew how desperately he wanted to see his parents and then to know that his best friend would get to see them, but he couldn’t, would be a hard potion to swallow.

McGonagall then answered Hermione’s previous question, “Right now. We’ll take care of you here and it’s very important to take care of yourself there. We need you back. Though I daresay you’ll have a slightly different outlook on things with the bunch you’ll be spending some time with,” McGonagall chuckled lightly to herself, while Sirius stood stunned.

Remus was glad he was already sitting down or he might have fainted. A thought seemed to form in his mind and he murmured, “I really don’t remember her. Should I, I mean, if it’s already happened? Do you remember her Sirius?”

“No,” he said quietly, slowly shaking his head.

He was abruptly cut short by McGonagall. “Let’s get started now. There’s no need for goodbyes and such, since you’ll be back with us soon. Lay back now and take hold of this.” She gave Hermione a shiny blue and purple pendant. As soon as it touched her hand, Hermione was asleep.

“Wouldn’t we remember if a girl suddenly appeared and hung out with us for five months?” Sirius asked, almost like he expected someone to jump out and say “got ya” at any moment.

“No,” replied McGonagall. “I’m sorry to cut you off like that, but I didn’t want Hermione to dwell on this. The spell that was cast also works as a one way memory eraser. Miss Granger will remember everything she has learned, but will forget the people and events that have taken place here. That way there is no chance she can change the future. Also, the people she effects in the past will remember what has happened, but the events will seem like a long forgotten memory and no one will remember her. I myself seem to have taught her then and I can’t recall it all.”

“You know, there are certain things Sirius and I have talked about from our seventh year that seem a little fuzzy. But Dumbledore’s letter said we’d remember what happened, right?” Remus asked. Sirius was shaking his head around like he was trying to clear out cobwebs.

“I think you’re starting to remember now. Everyone she deeply effected will go into a trance of sorts, deeper depending on the impact she made on your life. No one besides us in this room will understand why we suddenly have memories we didn’t before. The ones she didn’t effect that much won’t even think anything of it. If they pass her in the streets they’ll simply think that she looks like someone they went to school with. As for the three of us, and I imagine Peter and maybe even Severus as well, we’ll be impacted quite a lot more, so I suggest getting comfortable boys, before the memories flood your mind.” McGonagall then took her seat as the funny feeling Sirius was expressively showing, began getting stronger for her as well. Remus however, was completely passed out, followed shortly by Sirius.

A/N: This story is already written. Although I know it's not exactly smutty enough for most (see Triangle of Lust if you want my smut), I really like the story and am rather proud of it. From now on, updates will be regular and fast! Let me know what you think!