the_debt_of_time

"Did this happen in the battle?" he asked, already knowing the answer. He let the
words fall out of his mouth as though he were reading them from a pre-written script.
"Why wasn't it treated?"
"I cleaned it myself. It'll heal naturally."
"Madam Pomfrey should have some Dittany back in the infirmary."
"No. I... I need it to scar."
His mouth fell open, and he tried to hide how shocked he felt as the memories
returned to him like a tidal wave.
I need to remember.
Hermione frowned and looked back to the railing. "I need to remember. I need to
always be able to look down and remember Professor Dumbledore and... and Snape. I
need to remember to always be on guard. Remember that not everyone can be trusted.
Remember that Hogwarts isn't always safe."
"I.. ." Remus began, a frown on his face as he looked at the young witch, trying
to understand what had happened and how things had changed—if they had truly changed
at all.
He felt grief as the memory of Sirius's death came to the forefront of his mind, but
at the same time, an excitement began burning inside of him. When Sirius died, Remus
thought the future was irrevocably broken, which meant that there was little chance of him
being able to send Hermione to the past and hopefully bring Mia back to him. But now...
"I should head back to the hospital wing," he muttered, hoping that he was a better
liar than Hermione thought. "I want to check on Bill and make sure he recovers well."
"He's lucky to have you there for him. Who knows, maybe... maybe you could
rebuild your pack. Tonks and Bill."
"Maybe." Remus nodded slowly, a part of his brain making a mental note to speak
to Bill about it later. "In the meantime, there's a war to fight."
"You shouldn't wait," Hermione blurted out as he turned to leave. "I know it's none
of my business, but you should let Tonks take care of you. And you her."
He stared at her and, in the reflection of the light, he could almost see small flecks
of amber in her eyes. "I'll make you a deal, Hermione. I will think about taking care of
Tonks, and even... letting her take care of me, but only if you promise to take care of
yourself. And Harry."