Hermione knew they had to get out. The weeks were flying as she and Harry met up and had dinner while going over different possibilities. Ginny would join but was leery of the suspicious wolf. Suddenly Moony became extremely attached to Hermione.

Padfoot relaxed the situation, seemingly always to squeeze between her and the wolf when it grew tense. He became quite the affectionate dog, patiently waiting for her to finish tasks so he could nuzzle and lick her. Hermione wasn't positive what the bite meant, but their changes were profound.

She had decided on a jog around the park. Yes, she looked ridiculous in her tracksuit and two giant dogs tied to her waist, but they seemed to enjoy it. Hermione loved the texture of spring turning into the slivers of summer, and today was no exception. They reached a grassy knoll, and she collapsed, pulling out water for herself.

Moony nuzzled and tasted the sweat dripping down her neck. He was pushy with her, and she had grown a bit more forceful with her limits with the wolf since the bite. "Stop," she growled.

Moony snorted and sat down.

"Thank you," she responded and glanced up through the trees to the phantom moon. Should she be taking Wolfsbane Potion too? She hadn't felt any of the build-up for the full moon. Small things were different, like her sense of smell increased. She wished she could talk to Remus about this.

Moony rubbed his head against her arm. "I know, I'm just worried," she sighed and replicated his action.

Padfoot scooted to her lap and bobbed his head while his paws crossed over her thighs.

She scowled at them before sipping another bit of water. "Do you understand why?"

Moony grumbled and nosed her again.

"Then do you think I'll be alright?"

The dog huffed and cocked his head.

Hermione exhaled and patted the canines. "We have a week, marauders. Harry's going to join us this time," she reminded them.

Moony groaned and pressed his jaw to her shoulder.

"I don't know what you have against him, Moony, but we have to prove it. We have to show him that I'm not delusional, or we can't fix this," Hermione voiced.

She subconsciously ran her hand over the bite, and he pushed closer to Hermione. Padfoot jumped up and nipped at the wolf puffing and rumbling in a warning. Hermione glanced from the side of her view and watched the animals in their argument. It was almost human. She could sense the complexities of the debate.

Padfoot knew what he was trying to do.

"I wish I could ask you both what is the meaning to all of this tension," Hermione sighed.

The dog bounced over and nosed her hair before whining.

Hermione glanced back at him and frowned. "I don't know that one. What is it? Pads, I don't get it."

Moony growled and shoved the dog aside, pressing his paw to Hermione's shoulder. They were trying, she could see it, but something wasn't adding up. She would have no choice but to ask Remus about the whole month.

"Well, let's get going. We have quite a few things to do today before I have work tomorrow."

Hermione yanked herself from the ground and placed her water bottle back in its sack before walking down the pathway. The canines pranced alongside her even as muggles stared at the unusual sight. Both animals' backs were to her hips, and she was positive no one had seen the likeness of them before.

When she finally turned the corner to Grimmauld Place, Ron was sitting on the stoop waiting for her. Moony's hair went up, and he growled as they stepped through the ward. Ron stood up, and Padfoot whined as he glanced at the wolf.

"Ronald," Hermione sighed as she stopped. "Moony it's Ron. You remember Ron," she insisted.

Clearly, the wolf was not happy with his presence. His teeth were showing, and Ron scowled as he stood on the steps.

"Hermione, what's his problem?"

She grunted as the dog twisted the leash around her and snapped at the wolf. Moony snorted and lowered his head, but kept an eye on the red-headed wizard. Hermione patted the wolf and exhaled. "Lately, everything is his problem, Ron. Why don't you step into the garden and I'll take them inside? It's easier when he's in his domain."

Ron complied, and Hermione tugged the animals up the stairs, unhooking their leashes at the door. They raced inside, barking and panting as she untied herself. Ron followed her inside and was still holding a tightened brow at the interaction.

"He's a moody bugger, isn't he?" Ron questioned.

"Yes, I think he's a bit frustrated with the situation," Hermione sighed.

Ron shifted and assisted her in hanging up the gear. "Harry told me what's going on, and even though I think you're a bit mental, I wanted to come too."

Hermione waved her hand and wandered into the kitchen. "Ron, I don't think that would be a great idea. Moony is very flustered with Harry showing up lately. I don't know what's wrong, but he's been frustrated."

Ron flopped in a chair and waved his hand. "Come on, if you're going to prove it's really them, don't you think I should be there too?"

Hermione was putting on a pot for tea as the animals raced in from outside. Padfoot barked and launched himself at Ron, licking his face. Ron chuckled and ruffled the dog's fur while staring at his face. "Isn't that right, Sirius? You want Harry's best mate to come along?"

Moony rubbed against Hermione as he passed her and snapped his jaws at the dog. Padfoot climbed off of Ron and snorted before sitting. "Moony, don't be so grumpy, please? He was only saying hello," Hermione tutted.

The wolf glanced back and flicked his ears before staring at the wizard.

"He is being a bit odd since last I came over," Ron noted.

Hermione bounced her curls and breathed. "Yes, I'm going to ask Remus about it next weekend," she said.

The witch set the pot and teacups down before retrieving the sugar and milk. Ron smirked at her and scratched the stubble on his cheek. "What have you been up to? You look fantastic, by the way."

"Just work and take care of them. I do a bit of research and clean the place up. I have a bit on my plate, so I don't attempt much else," Hermione declared while sitting down.

"That's good. Me and Matilda are taking a breath, so there's that," Ron murmured.

Moony crawled under the table and rested his head on Hermione's lap. She scratched his ear while preparing her tea. "I'm sorry about that, Ron. I hope things get better," Hermione voiced.

"You know, I could come to help you with things this week if you like," Ron offered before sipping his tea. "It wouldn't be any trouble."

Hermione shook her head. "It's not a good week. I have to brew Moony's potion tonight and prepare the boundaries for them, so they aren't running around the house while I'm working. He always gets a bit touchy."

"Come on, Hermione, you could use the help. I can see it on your face," he insisted while reaching over to her hand around her cup.

Moony jerked and growled, causing the witch to pull from Ron.

"I told you, he's touchy," Hermione sighed as she stroked his face.

Ron's scowl grew as he drank his tea. "You think he's jealous?"

"Jealous?" Hermione snorted.

"Yeah, that we've shagged before, and he knows it," Ron said.

Hermione pulled out her chair and looked down at the wolf. "Are you a jealous beasty?" She asked with a smile. It was comical to even think about.

Moony rubbed against her leg and crawled out from under the table. He licked at her covered arm before rounding the table and sitting next to Ron, to the wizard's discomfort. Ron narrowed his eyes at the wolf and waved.

"Go on," he huffed. "I don't trust you being like that."

Moony's lip twitched, and Padfoot walked between them. Hermione was watching the whole event unfold, and she gasped. "Moony, go outside now," She ordered.

The wolf nudged the dog out of the way and stepped toward Ron. Hermione rushed over and pulled on his collar, revealing her left forearm as she stretched. "I mean it," she hissed and dragged the massive wolf toward the door.

Moony grumbled and whined as she pointed to the door, and Padfoot skipped after the dejected wolf. They collapsed on the grass where the sun beamed and relaxed. Hermione exhaled and turned to see Ron standing with wide eyes.

"Hermione," he breathed. "He bit you."

"It's nothing," she puffed and waved him off.

"That's not nothing! That's a werewolf bite! Why wouldn't you tell anyone? Does that mean you're a werewolf?" Ron spewed out questions as his fingers raced through his hair.

"It wasn't during a full moon. As far as I've read, it has to be during, or the transformation isn't complete. It's just a bite," Hermione sighed.

"He bit you!" Ron shouted.

Hermione groaned and sat down in her chair. "Yes, I'm well aware of that, Ronald."

"What does it mean?" Ron puffed as he crossed his arms.

Hermione grimaced as she fiddled with her teacup. "I don't know. I was going to ask Remus next week."

"Has he tried to bite you again? Are you both fighting? What the bloody hell is going on?"

"You know as much as I do. Remus and Sirius say they don't remember anything but the full moon, but Moony and Padfoot seem to carry pieces of their personality. The bite was a surprise, and he hasn't shown any aggression toward me since. In fact, he's been stellar," Hermione explained before sipping her cup.

Ron paced and waved a hand in the air. "We have to fix this. What if he tries to bite you again? What if he goes all barmy and kills you? He's still a werewolf, Hermione!"

"He is, but he's still Remus, Ron. He won't hurt me again," Hermione stated.

"He's not Remus; he's a wolf. An animal who doesn't understand it and likely won't. Why the fuck did he bite you?"

Hermione gnawed on her lower lip and stared down at the table. "I don't know. It was after Harry came over and reviewed my notes."

"This is dangerous. I'm going to go get a bag and stay the week with you. You clearly need help," Ron spat and shook his head. "Blimey, Hermione, why didn't you say you needed help before!"

"I did!" Hermione shouted as she stood up. "I told you and Harry! No one believed me. You both thought I was insane for believing in this, and I was left to solve this on my own."

Padfoot stuck his head inside the doorway, and Hermione groaned as she caught him.

"It's fine, Pads. We're just having a loud discussion. Make sure Moony is alright," she told the dog.

The dog disappeared, and Ron glowered at the backdoor. "How does he understand you?"

"That's what I've been saying," Hermione moaned. "They're still in there. They're just not fully them."

"Then I'm coming over to stay, and you can't tell me no. If you do, I'll ask Harry to let me. It's still his bloody house," Ron hissed.

Hermione shook her head and tossed her hand at him. "Do what you want then. I need to be positive they're alright. If you get snarled at or pinned to the ground because Moony doesn't want you here, you can't say I didn't warn you."

Ron tossed his head about and exhaled. "Merlin, Hermione. You're a bloody pox."

"I'm going to get lunch ready for them. You do what you feel is necessary. I suggest bringing over some large cow bones as a peace offering. Moony chews through them the week before the moon."

Ron agreed and straightened his shirt. "I'll be back in an hour. Make me some lunch, too, yeah?"

Hermione pursed her lips and pinched her eyebrows together. "Fine."

The redhead waved and went out the doorway to the hall. Hermione listened for the flames to roar and announce his exit before slumping her shoulders. She wanted help, but she didn't want to have to deal with it all at once. Moony poked his face through the back door, and Hermione breathed.

"He's gone for now. You can come back inside," Hermione voiced.

The wolf paced into the kitchen and ran his face along her thighs.

"Don't worry; he won't be as abrupt later. Please don't hurt him?" Hermione asked.

Moony ran his nose along her fingers and licked them.

"Thank you," she breathed and caressed his face.

It was going to be a long week.