Werewolf in Disguise

WAHOO TWO CHAPTERS IN ONE DAY! SORRY FOR THE DELAY! I GOT A BIT SIDE-TRACKED!!!

The rest of the week was flying by! Transfiguration was easily one of her best classes as she felt she knew most of it anyway and Professor McGonagall seemed to really like her. She had agreed to help Peter a few times and he was improving with the current spells they were working on. Her favorite class by far was Arithmancy, which she shared with Remus. They used the time to talk and get to know one another. She discovered that, aside from being a werewolf, they had quite a lot in common.

She had also steadily been getting to know the others. Her and Lily did indeed become tight quickly. They started doing almost everything together and would sit around and gossip when they weren’t doing their homework, which being NEWT year, was already piling up. The boys would, on occasion, join them, feeling that if Hermione were there, then it was ok to sit with Lily as well.

Saturday finally arrived and the girls were getting ready to go to Hogsmeade. Hermione had burrowed yet another outfit from her new best friend and looked very pretty indeed. Both she and Lily had a lot of fun that week looking through the clothes and choosing something for Hermione to wear. Lily usually tried to get her to wear things that Hermione herself wouldn’t have picked out, but figuring that they wouldn’t remember her when she left anyway, she could make some different choices in clothing.

“It doesn’t have to end you know, just because I’m getting new clothes,” Hermione said, “I’ll share too!”

“That’s so true!” Lily squealed. “We can just combine yours with mine and mix and match them everyday. I’m so excited I just can’t wait! I think Sam and Celina may join us for the shopping, then they usually go their own way, looking for boys to chase I believe.”

“And you don’t join them in the boy chase?” Hermione asked.

“Let’s just say, I prefer something a little more mature then the guys around here. They can be so childish and full of themselves,” Lily responded thoughtfully, thinking how great it was that she had Hermione.

“I agree, although Remus seems fairly mature,” she said blushing.

“Did I hear right? Do you have a small crush on Remus?”

“No, not yet, I just really like him. All of them to be honest,” she said grinning.

“Well, we’re ready, let’s go!”

With that, they both made their way down the steps to see the Marauders waiting by the portrait hole.

“It’s about time! You guys were taking forever,” Sirius whined.

“Why were you waiting on us?” Hermione asked curiously.

“I wanted to know if you’d like to go with me today,” Sirius said slyly as he gave her a sexy grin.

“Sorry guys, Hermione is my date for the day,” Lily said, smiling mischievously.

“Yes, and Lily and I have big plans for today, right Lils?”

“Right Hermione,” she smiled again as she grabbed Hermione’s hand and pulled her through the hole.

The boys stared after them, mouths agape. “You don’t think that’s why she won’t go out with you, do ya Prongs?” Sirius asked.

“No way! Right?” James was starting to look a little confused and interested at the same time. “We could follow them and find out.”

Remus was laughing beside the two boys as Peter looked confused at them all, “Seriously, you really think that? Oh of course,” he continued through his laughter, “if the Great James Potter and the SexGod Sirius Black both get turned down for dates by girls, then said girls MUST be gay?! Really now, get a clue! They were just messing with you.”

The boys looked at Remus, then back at the portrait hole. Finally James said, “You’re right, they’re just messing with us,” and they continued on their way.

The girls were almost to the village before they stopped laughing, “That was so funny Lily, I thought James’ jaw was literally going to hit the floor!”

“I know, and poor Sirius looked like someone said he could have two birthdays this year!” she said as she laughed again. “But Remus knew we were just messing with him.”

At that comment, Hermione blushed slightly, and looked away. She had settled into the past rather nicely. She still didn’t know where she was from or what she was doing there, but she was thoroughly enjoying herself. She had attended classes all week with her friends, and enjoyed the time she spent alone with Remus as well. He made her feel smart and pretty, but there was a lot more to it, on a deeper level. She was extremely afraid these feelings were one sided because she recently witnessed a very gorgeous blonde chatting him up in the corridor. He seemed pleased with the attention and didn’t give Hermione a second thought.

“So, can you believe Professor Blankwith gave me and Remus detention with Sirius and Peter? Potter’s just lucky he wasn’t around or I would swear I was set up. Like I would willingly help them break the rules. Besides, Remus is a prefect too,” Lily said changing the subject as the walked towards a store. “Let’s shop first, then I’ll show you around some more.”

“OK! No, it really wasn’t fair. Maybe one day, someone will get lucky and kick Mrs. Norris down a few flights of stairs. Don’t get me wrong, I like cats, a lot actually, but that one’s just not normal.”

They continued their banter until, coming closer to the store, they met up with Sam and Celine.

“Hey guys, you ready for a shopping spree?” Sam asked.

“Absolutely!” Hermione and Lily said in unison.

They spent hours shopping for new outfits for Hermione, who occasionally would also get something because she knew it would match something Lily had. Lily, Sam, and Celine all made suggestions, and when it came to things Hermione thought was too risqué, they made demands.

“Look, if I had your body,” said Celine, who was slightly plump, “I’d walk around starkers all day. Get this and let the guys see what’s under those robes every now and then.”

“OK fine, but if I never wear it, or never have reason to, then I don’t want to hear about it,” she replied, then went to look for pajamas.

“Well, I know a few guys who would like you to wear it, like oh I don‘t know, maybe all of Gryffindor to start with,” began Sam. “Get some sexy pajamas, guys like when we walk around in our pjs!”

“Sam, I don’t want to turn the guys on or anything. Besides, I’ll never be able to afford all this.”

“I thought Dumbledore was paying for it,” said Celine accusingly.

“He is, but I fully plan on paying him back, if I ever get my memories back that is,” she said as she found a cute pj set with wolves running all over it, then they would stop and howl at the moon.

“I love those!” came Lily’s excited voice and knowing look.

“Me too! OK, I think we’re done for now. What about some lunch?” Hermione asked.

“Sorry, I have to split. I’m meeting Stan at one,” said Sam slyly.

“Oh Stan, that’s why you’re blowing me off?” asked Celina grinning at her best friend.

“You can come too Celina, his friends are going to be there,” said Sam as she encouraged her to come along.

“Yea, you should go Celina, a bunch of guys and just two girls! I’d almost be jealous if I didn’t have Hermione,” Lily said laughing.

Celina and Sam went to meet the guys, while Hermione and Lily decided to go to the Three Broomsticks for lunch.

“What’s up with that place?” Hermione asked.

“Oh the Hogs Head? It’s not a very hospitable place for us. They see more of the hardened criminal types I believe, more the kind of place Sirius would sneak into,” Lily supplied laughing. “Do you see over there on the hill? That building is called the Shrieking Shack. In the last several years, people have started to believed it’s haunted. Lots of screams and such coming from there. It’s really very spooky,” Lily said and then continued telling her about the different places in Hogsmeade.

“Here we are, the Three…Oh No,” Lily groaned as she looked through the door.

“What’s the matter Lils?” Hermione asked and looked around her friend. The Marauders were sitting at a large table and waving them over. “Oh come on Lily, you know you want to,” Hermione whispered.

“But I don’t want him to know I want to,” she whispered back, with slight panic in her voice.

“Aw, come on, I’ll help you!” Hermione took her by the arm and walked her over to the table, she sat Lily across from James and then sat down beside her. Remus was in front of her and Sirius stood up to sit beside her.

“Hey girls, having fun today?” James asked, grinning.

“A blast!” Hermione sighed. “I bought so much stuff I’ll have something to wear forever.”

“Um, just curious, but where is it then?” Peter asked as everyone shot him a ‘you really are quite dense’ look.

“We shrunk it and put it in our pockets of course,” Lily said.

Madame Rosmerta walked over to take their orders. “Why Madame Rosmerta my love,” said Sirius dramatically, “why don’t you just bring the ladies what we’re having and then I’ll take a bottle of you.”

Hermione looked thoroughly disgusted by this remark and said, “I think we can order on our own thank you. And I would think she would prefer a real man over a, well, you,” she said grinning mischievously at him.

“Oh Sirius, I like this one!” laughed Madame Rosmerta, as she put her hand on Hermione’s shoulder. “He finally found one that knows how to handle him. What will you be having child?”

They placed their orders and then an awkward silence fell over the group. Sirius mumbled, “I am a real man,” and pouted over his food.

“Yes, of course you are Padfoot,” James said comfortingly as he tried not to break down with laughter.

“Oh Sirius, I was only joking, lighten up,” Hermione said rolling her eyes. “You’d think you actually care what a girl thought about you.”

“Oh, not just any girl, Hermione,” James grinned. “Sirius does however, care what certain girls think of him. “So Evans, wanna leave this bunch and go with me?”

“Potter stop waggling your eyebrows at me, and no, I don’t,” she said as she too rolled her eyes.

Hermione shot James a warning look, and he started eating. Every now and again he looked at Hermione questioningly, but no one seemed to notice. The conversation had continued on in many directions and she was learning more and more about her new friends. Sirius told her how he came to live with the Potters, and everyone went on and on about how great James’ parents are and how jealous Sirius is over their closeness.

As the conversation progressed, she would nudge Lily’s leg to talk to James in a certain or different way, and she would kick James under the table if he began getting out of line. Once, she thought she saw Remus jump and was afraid she had kicked him by mistake, but he never looked up at her.

She would sometimes look at him, but if their eyes met, they hurriedly looked away. Sirius however, kept touching her hand or her arm as he talked to her. He wasn’t unpleasant in any way, and if Remus didn’t spark something deep inside of her, she would probably be interested (after all, what living, breathing woman wouldn’t want Sirius Black’s attention).

“We better go. We can’t be late for Filch’s detention,” Remus said.

“Stupid git will keep us there forever,” Sirius added moodily.

“Oh, that’s right, Evans is taking my place in detention with you guys tonight!” James smirked, “Still not sure how that happened.”

“It happened,” Lily bit out, “because Filch is an idiot and thought Remus and I would actually help Sirius and Peter sneak to the kitchens.”

They made their way to the door and walked back to the castle slowly until they came to the common room. “I’m going to put my stuff away while you’re gone,” Hermione told Lily. “I just hope it doesn’t take you too long.”

“Don’t worry guys,” said James as he put his arm around Hermione, “I’ll take good care of her while you’re gone.”

Remus and Sirius just glared at him and he grinned, thinking how funny it was two of his best friends were falling for the same girl and in less than a week. They spun on their heels and walked towards Filch’s office.

“Ok Hermione, what gives?” James asked her seriously as he turned her to face him. “Why did you keep giving me these ‘shut up already looks’ and kicking me?”

“Wait here for a minute while I run these up to my dorm, then you and I need to have a nice long chat,” Hermione said as she patted his shoulder.

She noticed as she walked away that several girls were eying her suspiciously, she shrugged it off and thought nothing of it. She probably would have been more concerned if she’d have noticed the looks that she had been getting all week. It seemed the rumors concerning her relationship with the Marauders were spreading like wildfire.

“Ok, let’s have it Granger, and I mean all of it. What gives?” James asked. He had been afraid for a brief minute that maybe she was interested in him, but she didn’t really act like it. He was completely confused at what her behavior could mean.

“Well James, it’s like this…What would you do if I told you I loved you?” she asked.

James gasped and jumped back stammering, “I, uh, I…what?!”

“Exactly,” Hermione said as she led them to the couch. “I don’t, so relax. If you noticed though, your reaction was immediate though. Now, what would you do if you heard me say it every single day for years?”

“I guess I’d realize you didn’t mean it and blow it…I see,” he said shaking his head slowly as realization dawned on him. “She thinks when I ask her out or tell her how I feel that I don’t mean it.”

“Well, I don’t know, but speaking as a girl, that would be my guess. Now, I think you two would be great together, and if you tell her about this conversation I swear I’ll kill you myself,” she said as he smiled broadly. “I also think I can have you two together by, say, Valentines Day, that‘s in a month.”

She watched as he smiled even broader, then it slowly fell off his face. “No way, I’ve been trying for years, she just hates me,” he said sadly.

“Now I wouldn’t go that far, but she definitely hates some of your actions.”

“Like what, oh wise one? What should I be doing?”

She smacked at him playfully and said, “Well, for starters, stop hexing people in the halls for the fun of it. Don’t interrupt me, just listen and do as I say and she’ll be yours,” she said holding her hand up as he tried to defend himself. “Now, this especially refers to Snape. I know he hexes you and all, but defend yourself and leave it at that, don’t start anything when Lily or I are around. Secondly, your overlarge ego needs to be deflated. Have fun and be confident, but stop messing up your hair and acting like you own the world.”

“But I don’t,” he whined.

“Yes you do. Now, where was I? Oh yes, do nice things for others just because you can. Try to help others without making it look like you’re just doing it to get her attention, especially younger students. Um, call her Evans when you’re joking with her, but otherwise, it’s Lily, ok?”

“Ok, that’s a lot to remember, it sounds like you’re telling me to grow up a bit,” he said slowly.

“How much do you want Lily?”

“More than anything, including what’s left of my youth. I understand what you’re saying. I’ll even go out of my way to be just nice to her, with no confessions of love or what not.”

“Exactly!” squealed Hermione, “make her fall for you the old fashioned way. Start over from scratch and I’m telling you, if you listen to me, she’ll be yours. Now, Remus and Lily were told to take care of me by Dumbledore,” she blushed slightly as she said this, “so, since I’ll be hanging around him quite a bit, then Lily with be with us as well. She’ll have a lot of opportunities to see how you’ve, um, matured.”

“Oh, Hermione you’re just brilliant!” he said as he flung his arms around her. “So, tell me, why Remus?”

“Um, I, um, I guess it’s because he told Dumbledore about me first,” Hermione shrugged, she really didn’t want to tell anyone about her yet, even though Remus assured her the guys would understand.

“Ok, tell me this, Remus or Sirius?”

“Remus or Sirius what?”

“Well, which do you want to go out with? I know it’s one of them, since you obviously can’t have me, or it could be Peter, but I don’t think he’s your type,” James said knowingly.

“I think I’d like to get to know them better first, besides, I don’t think the feelings would be mutual even if I did like one of them,” she said, blushing slightly.

“Ya know what, ‘Mione,” she smacked him hard for that, “ouch! Ok, I deserved that. Tell you what. You help me with Lily and I’ll help you with whichever one you choose. But you have to choose one soon or they’ll, um,” he said as he moved back in case she slapped him again, “choose for you,”

“Choose for me? What are you on about?”

“Let’s just say we have this agreement.” He put his arm around her shoulder as they sat there talking, “If one of us likes a girl, none of the others will go after her. Like Lily, the other three haven’t even tried because they knew how I feel about her. So, if one of them, and it definitely looks like Sirius is trying, decides he likes you, then the others won’t even try, even if you pursue them,” he explained.

“I see, boy are crazy. Well, if, and I mean if, I decide I like one, but not the one that ‘chose’ me, then what?” she asked timidly.

“I don’t know, it’s never happened before. I would rather not think of you as being with anyone. Talking to you is like talking to my little sister or something.”

“You don’t have a little sister James,” she said with a small smile on her face.

“I do now,” he said as he hugged her again. “Just let me know if you have problems with the guys and I’ll help you out.”

“Thanks James, I appreciate your um, premature matchmaking ideas. Now, if you just talk to Lily, like you are me, you’ll have it made,” she said giggling on his shoulder as the portrait door swung open to reveal Lily and the Marauders.

“Wow! You’re back early,” James said as they walked over to the group holding hands.

“Having some quality time, James?” Sirius asked with a slight bite to his voice as he looked at their joined hands, which only made James grin bigger.

“Of course! I’ve decided,” he said as he put his arm around Hermione and the others eyes widened, including Lily‘s, “that I now have,” he kissed her cheek, “a little sister,” he finished, laughing.

Remus, Sirius, and Lily let out breaths they didn’t know they’d been holding as Remus walked over to her, shaking his head, and said, “I’m back in time to take you to the infirmary if you’re ready to go.”

“Of course,” she said and they walked out and headed to her evening appointment with Madame Pomfrey. This was to be her last as her wound was finally starting to heal rather nicely. She had a very ugly scar that she was a bit self conscious about, but otherwise she seemed ok.

“He really had us going there,” Remus said as they walked into the room and sat on a nearby bed.

“Yes, I rather thought Lily would kill me. He was only joking though, we just came to an agreement of sorts while you guys were gone,” she said.

“Does your agreement have anything to do with why you kicked me at lunch today?” he asked slyly.

“So, that was you then? Sorry bout that.”

“No problem. Let me guess, you’re trying to set James and Lily up, right?”

“Yes, I have my work cut out for me I believe. I told him to be human and grow up, but I’ll have to hold his hand every step of the way I’m afraid.”

“Not literally I hope.”

“Ha Ha, very funny. I told him I’d have them together by Valentine’s Day if he listened to me.”

“You’re kidding right?! I hope you’re not getting his hopes up, only to be crushed,” he said, looking at her accusingly.

“Remus, of course not! I have inside information, and if he listens to me, it will happen,” she said slightly offended.

Madame Pomfrey finished her treatments, saying “Well dear, you’re free to go and this time for good. Just remember to stick with Remus, ok?” Hermione nodded as she continued on, “he’s been through this enough that he can help you with anything you need and, unlike those other ruffians, I trust him to take care of you. If you have any problems, feel free to see me at anytime. The full moon’s coming soon and you may notice some changes with yourself, talk to Remus or myself about them and take care. Also, if you can convince Mr. Potter to grow up some, then I‘ll be eternally grateful!” She gently hugged Hermione as they all laughed and then sent them on their way.

“So, a clean bill of health?” he asked smiling warmly at her, while inside he hated that they‘d no longer have this time together.

“Well as long as I talk to you about anything weird that I notice, then yes,” she replied shyly.

“Of course. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said still smiling.

“What’s it like Remus? I’m starting to get a bit worried about what’s coming?”

“I’m surprised you didn’t ask me sooner to be honest. I won’t lie to you and say it’s a piece of cake, because it’s not. You’re going to feel weak and shaky the day of and after the full moon, and your transformations will be no less than the most painful thing you’ll ever experience. I’ll walk you through everything that night too. We’ll go to the shrieking shack to transform, everyone thinks it’s haunted, but it’s really just me they…”

“My, my, my. The new mudblood has a little secret,” came a sneering voice from the shadows.

“Severus, what are you doing lurking about?” Remus asked menacingly.

“I was waiting on someone actually, but this is much more enjoyable. So tell me Lupin, did you bite her? Was this your way of keeping her away from Black and getting her all to yourself? What would the school think?”

“You know you can’t say anything, Snape, so just shut up and go on,” Remus spat out.

“Oh, I’m going, just watch your step, both of you,” Snape replied, his sneer firmly in place.

When he left, Hermione looked at Remus with a very worried expression on her face, “he…he knows! Now what do I do?”

“He knows about me as well, and he’s been sworn to secrecy by Dumbledore, he won’t say a word, you’ll just have to listen to his snide remarks on occasion.” Remus then went on to tell her the story about Sirius and Snape in their sixth year.

“Well, I’ve read quite a bit about werewolves in the library this week,” Hermione stated, bringing the subject back as the stopped in a corner of a deserted corridor. “I think I know what to expect as far as losing myself to the wolf and all that, but apparently none of the texts were written with first hand knowledge.”

“No they weren’t. I knew you’d go to the library some more, being the bookworm that you are. If you notice anything, just talk to me as it comes. We’ll deal with one thing at a time. Just know I’ll be with you every step of the way, ok?” He asked as he wiped a stray tear from her cheek she didn’t even know had fallen.

“I’m just so scared,” she whispered.

“It’s ok, Hermione, you have me.” With that he tilted her chin up and slowly leaned his head forward. She knew he was giving her plenty of time to step away, but instead she moved in closer to him. Her lips meet his half way as they shared their first kiss. It was slow and gentle, but the electricity flowing between them was undeniable.

They separated, both gasping for air and staring at each other when finally Remus came to his senses, “we should head back, it’s getting late.”

She moved the fingers she had placed on her lips and said “You’re right, we can’t break curfew, let’s go.”

Meanwhile, back in the present…

It had been a few hours since Sirius, Remus, and McGonagall had passed out. Harry and the group were starting to get a bit worried, when McGonagall began to stir.

“Professor, are you ok? Did you get any new memories?” Harry asked as Madame Pomfrey handed her a glass of water.

“Yes, actually I did. Poppy, I didn’t even think about you having to treat her, are you ok as well?”

“Of course! I was out of it for a bit, but now I’m fine. A remarkable young lady our Miss Granger. Remind me to thank her as well when she comes back,” Madame Pomfrey said as she walked over to hand Sirius and Remus their glasses, as they had just started to stir.

“Boys,” asked Professor McGonagall worriedly, “are you both, um, alright?”

“Moony” Sirius began, when Remus suddenly stood up.

“Excuse me,” he said quickly as he made his way to the door without looking at anyone.

“Aw hell Moony, wait up!” Sirius exclaimed as he ran after Remus.

“Wonder what that was all about,” Ginny said.

“Excuse me Headmistress,” came a new voice from the doorway, “perhaps you could tell me why I suddenly remember having already taught Miss Granger once before…oh, I see. Was this perhaps Albus’ idea for some reason?”

“Yes, Professor Slughorn,” replied McGonagall. “Perhaps you wouldn’t mind keeping this quiet for a bit longer.” She finished, it was more of a demand then a request and he nodded as he walked back out.

“What happened in the past needs to be left to those involved until Miss Granger sees fit to join us. However, after what I remember, it will take a certain amount of persuasion to get her back. Just know that she is happy right now, and has no memories of her life here,” McGonagall said with a slightly sad tone to her voice. “Just please respect the others and ask no questions until her return.”

There were murmurs of “yes ma’am” as everyone agreed, all still thoroughly confused as to what was going on.

“It’s weird how her clothes keep changing though,” Ron said and everyone nodded knowing he was trying to get their minds off of what had just happened.