Remus shook his head. "There's nothing to apologise for, Hermione. If anyone can figure out how
to properly brew Wolfsbane Potion for me, it'll be you. I know you can do it." He smiled over at her but
then hissed as a new painful sensation rocked its way through his body.
"I'm going to go get more Pain Potion for you." Hermione moved to stand
Tonks shook her head and stepped out of the way. "You stay. I got it." She walked past Padfoot,
motioning for him to follow. When the dog hesitated, she sighed. "C'mon. You need rest too, y'know."
Tonks took the stairs up, two at a time, Padfoot slowly following after her.
Hermione studied the beaten man in front of her, feeling awkward. He was shaking from the pain.
Biting her lip, she moved forward almost on instinct to run her fingers soothingly through his hair just as
Tonks had done.
He sighed with evident relief, his voice breaking a little when he quietly said, "Thank you,
Hermione. You've always been... very... very kind to me, in regards to my condition."
She frowned, wiping a falling tear from her eye. "You've never deserved anything less than kindness,
Remus," she whispered and sat in shock as he broke down at her words. The man let out a quiet sob and
pulled his arms around her waist, his shoulders shaking. Her eyes widened in surprise that he would show
her such vulnerability, but she continued to stroke his hair, whispering words of comfort.
A soft swear on the stairs alerted her to Tonks's return, and Hermione stiffened for a moment,
realising her position might look incredibly inappropriate in front of Remus's wife.
Tonks, however, did not appear to care in the slightest. Instead, she looked grateful and relieved as
she approached, handing over the phial of Pain Potion.
Remus opened his eyes, his gaze landing on the chair beside his bed where Mia sat.
He looked tired and confused, which she fully expected.
"Mia," he whispered hoarsely.
She smiled at him affectionately. "Hello, Remus."
He looked around slowly, panic rising in his eyes. "Wh-Where am I?"
"In the hospital wing. Do you need another Pain Potion?"
"What are you doing here? Why are you here?" He moved to sit up, but the action
was clearly painful. He let out a quiet cry, one hand instinctively reaching around to his
back.