Title: Catalyst
Author: scifichick774
Rating: MA
Category: PWP, though there is a small plot for setup.
Spoilers: Anything up through the spoilers for HBP is fair game.
Summary: Post Hogwarts. She was just trying to help him. She had no idea what she was getting herself into. Hermione/Remus
Disclaimer: Obviously not mine. Im just playing with the imaginary characters lives for fun and not for profit.
Archival: Sure just let me know where.
Authors Note: Its doubtful that this would ever take place given their personalities, but the plot bunny wouldnt leave me alone. My apologies if you feel the characters are OOC because of where they meet up at the beginning.
~*~*~*~*~
His face was drawn and pale and his hands were visibly shaking. He hated having to resort to this, but every few years he would lose what little control he had over the ramifications of going into heat once a year and the frequent cold showers and masturbation sessions would no longer suffice.
Ugh.
He wished werewolves were like real wolves in the respect that it would only be the females who were affected, instead of the oh, so lovely mixture of wizard and wolf hormones that combined to make him want to perpetually breed once a year.
Unfortunately, the only thing hed been able to find in his research that might help keep the need from getting so overwhelming was to actually find a mate and breed, and given the severe lack of available female werewolves and the attitude toward werewolves among normal witches in the wizarding community in general, that was unlikely to happen anytime soon. Not to mention the fact that he was ruefully certain his inner wolf had already picked someone out and shed never see him that way.
So, he was forced to seek out a more temporary solution.
Remus grimaced at the scents that wafted into his nose the second he stepped foot in the bordello. The smell of sex and cheap perfume with an undercurrent of sweat mercilessly assaulted his sensitive nostrils and was almost enough to make him turn around and go right back out the door.
Almost.
But his need to mate overruled everything else and his feet continued to carry him forward.
A witch who appeared to be only a few years older than he was approached him with a scowl on her face deep enough to undo whatever loveliness shed been trying to create with a slab of makeup and poorly-performed glamours. He knew her from his previous visits out of weakness and offered her a slight incline of his head with his greeting.
Madame Bontecou.
Im sorry, Mr. Lupin, but Ill have to ask you to leave.
Remuss eyebrows rose in surprise and gave her a questioning look, but the witch only motioned to a sign on the wall in response.
In accordance with Ministry Law 4421 subsection 12b, we are no longer servicing vampires, werewolves, or any other creatures of half-breed status. We apologize for the inconvenience.
He sighed. The war with Voldemort may be over, but the prejudices that helped it escalate still remained and were stronger than ever because of laws that were pushed through without voter awareness - or possibly with, though Remus liked to think the best of people and hoped that wasnt the case. At any rate, the Ministry, in all its benevolence, had chosen to further the laws that denied many kinds of employment to half-breeds by denying them access to many kinds of public services as well.
Several private establishments had clasped onto the law even though it didnt actually apply to them and were using it as a means of legal discrimination.
Safer that way, Madame Bontecou said. You understand.
Remus nodded weakly. He understood. He understood that life was bloody unfair especially to him; that because of his involvement in the war, his picture and status as a werewolf had been plastered in the Daily Prophets pages for all to see. And he understood that if he didnt shag someone soon that he was literally going to lose his sanity.
Yes, I see. Wellthank you any-
Remus?
He was startled by the interruption of a familiar voice a familiar scent and went stock-still because of it. It couldnt be her. It couldnt be. Slowly, he managed to turn around, but immediately wished he hadnt. It was bad enough to be turned down for something even the dregs of society wizarding or otherwise was afforded; but it was downright mortifying to have someone dear to him witness it.
Hermione, he gasped in shock. Whatwhat are you doing here?
It was a reasonable question. Hermione was intelligent and lovely andwhy was she there?
Scaring off my customers, thats what, Madame Bontecou responded with a huff.
Hermione rolled her eyes. I dont work here. All I did was inform them of that fact when they approached me.
You threatened to hex poor Mr. Bixby.
Hes lucky all I did was threaten him with the way he wouldnt let up, Hermione said coldly. If you hadnt finally come over to steer him away from me, you would have permanently lost him as a customer due to him no longer being able to perform.
Remus paled slightly at the implication. Hermione had a cruel and calculating temper and he didnt doubt for a second that poor Mr. Bixby would have been bemoaning the loss of his testicles if he hadnt stopped trying to chat her up.
Madame Bontecou pursed her lips in irritation. Youre lucky your friends paid so much that I even let you wait here for them, she said haughtily, though the tremble in her tone suggested that she was, in fact, a little bit scared of the younger witch as well.
Hermione glanced up at the face of the nearby Grandfather clock and frowned. Harry and Ron had been gone much longer than she would have guessed either one of them capable of and any plans she had for spending the rest of the day with them would now be soured because of them leaving her down in the parlor for so long to fend for herself.
She pushed a tight, fake grin onto her lips. I wouldnt want to impose on your hospitality any more than I already have. If youll be kind enough to let them know that I left and to enjoy the rest of the night without me, Id appreciate it.
Madame Bontecou was surprised but pleased, and nodded quickly. The sooner she could get the pretty and clever witch out of there, the better. Of course.
Remus, Im famished and apparently lacking the companions I was going to have dinner with. Would you mind joining me? Itll be my treat.
A couple of blinks and the surprise cleared from his face. A full stomach might help to ease the pressure his basal instincts were putting on him. That, and he was desperately curious about what was going on. The only friends Hermione hung around with on a regular basis were Harry and Ron and surely they wouldnt be daft enough to drag her to a whore-house and make her wait for them while they
He threw a fleeting glance at the stairs and then turned back to Hermione. He wasnt sure he had the words to express all the questions blurring his mind at the moment, so he offered a crooked arm to her and nodded politely as means of goodbye to Madame Bontecou.
The second they stepped outside, he took a large draw of fresh air. Or, as fresh as city air can be anyway; it was still far better than the environment hed been forced to deal with inside the building.
II suppose youre wondering why Remus started, looking back at the establishment and then down at the ground. He lifted his free hand and ran it around the back of his neck uncomfortably.
No, Hermione said matter-of-factly. Its April. Werewolves go into heat in April and you dont have a mate. I suspect that makes this time of the year particularly difficult for you.
Uhyes.
In retrospect, he should have known that shed know that, but in all fairness, his brain wasnt currently processing things the way it ought to. He was starting to perspire. It was a cold spring evening and tiny beads of sweat were beginning to pop up from the pores on his head and the back of his neck. He had no doubt that it was due to his condition and Hermiones closeness, but that only opened up a floodgate of other questions. If she knew what he was going through, then why was she willingly going with him anywhere?
And you?
Remuss eyes snapped to hers. Im sorry. What?
You asked me why I was there and I didnt get a chance to answer you. I presume you still want to know?
It had crossed my mind, Remus said with a tiny, abashed grin.
Hermione didnt look at him when she spoke and her voice came out quieter than it had just seconds before. Its Rons birthday.
Oh.
His girlfriend broke up with him a couple of weeks ago andI think he wanted to get back at her. I dont know. It seemed like an odd request, but when Harry and I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he said, a girl who wouldnt give him the runaround and just sleep with him already. Soit was either bite the bullet and offer myself or pitch in for him to
Right. I get the picture, Remus said with a grimace.
Anyway, I dont think hes completely over Lavender yet, and that placeif you bring in something of someonesthey apparently offer Polyjuiceencounters, Hermione said, uncharacteristically stumbling over her words and letting Remus know that she wasnt as unaffected by the having been virtually deserted at the brothel as she would have him and the proprietor think she was.
Eryes. Im aware, Remus said, purposefully looking down and to the side as he felt the blood rush to his face. Hermione stopped walking and tipped her head to the side, observing him quizzically. What? he snapped defensively; still not looking at her. It cant be all that unusual if they offer it as an option. And technically, you havent answered my question yet. There was no reason why you had to go with them ---
Hermione let out a short chortle and gave him a self-deprecating smile. Harry and Rontheyre my best friends, but Im afraid theyll always see me as one of the boys. We spent the day together because of Rons birthday and when he talked Harry into going off with someone as wellI dont think it even occurred to them that I might not want to wait for them while they
Remus cringed. Im sorry.
Hermione sighed. Its okay. Incredibly frustrating, but okay. At least I brought a book along in case they started into one of their Quidditch debates. She took his arm again and they walked together in silence for about a half a block before she risked saying something. You should tell her, she said gently. Remus looked down at her; he didnt say anything, but the question was implied. If you had someone in mind, then whether you realize it or not, it probably means subconsciously, youve picked your mate. You should tell her.
Remus flushed and turned his eyes away from her once more. You make it sound so easy, he murmured. Itsits not like that.
Why not?
BecauseHermione, you know how our society views werewolves. I cant just come up and say, Hello. Ive chosen you as my mate and you dont actually get a say in the matter. So sorry.
Hermione snickered and shook her head. Im certain you could come up with a better opening line than that.
Perhaps, Remus admitted. But I wont. I care far too much for her to condemn her to the sort of life shed have with me.
Hermione quirked an eyebrow at him. Remus, youre a kind, loving wizard who also happens to be intelligent and good-looking. Any witch would be lucky to have you choose them.
KindlovingNo. She didnt mean it like that. Shes your friend. Shes concerned about you as a friend. Thats all.
It was Remuss turn to scoff. Because of the Ministry, Im practically destitute and have no way of rectifying that. I would be asking her to give up the comfortable existence she now has in favor of living with new prejudices against us and doing it in poverty to boot. Even if by some miracle she did return my feelings, I cantI wont do that.
But if you dontSomehow I doubt that horrible law will stop being abused anytime soon. If you dont claim her or have someone to pretend theyre her, youll eventually go mad, Hermione pointed out with a sympathetic frown.
Yes, wellalready halfway there, Remus quipped, shakily dragging a hand through his hair.
Hermione nervously chewed on her lower lip. Normally she wouldnt even be considering what she was thinking, butGods. He really did look awful. His face was flushed and she could feel his arm trembling beneath where her hand laid on it.
Maybe we could go back, she suggested worriedly. He was never going to take her up on it; he didnt see her that way.
He *wouldnt* be seeing her that way.
The owner isnt going to change her mind, Remus said, sounding very much resigned to his miserable fate. And theyre the onlyPolyjuice isnt readily available anywhere else. So even if another establishment isnt taking advantage of the law, Id have to bring the potion myself and theres no guarantee that they would allow it
Thats not what I meant.
Remus blinked and looked down at where she stopped walking.
I meantmaybe we could convince them to sell us a small bottle of it, Hermione said, trying not to flinch at Remuss suddenly very intense stare.
Hermione...youre not suggesting
Remus, youre my friend. Friends help each other.
Well, this goes a bit beyond that, doesnt it? Remus queried wryly. No answer was needed or expected. Its too much. I cant ask you to help me like that.
Youre not asking; Im offering. Theres a difference, Hermione said with bravado that she didnt truly possess. Besides, it would be a welcome change to have one of my male friends notice that Im a woman for once even if I will look like someone else.
Hermione Remus trailed off, shaking his head and keeping his eyes on the ground. His heart was pounding in his chest. He couldnt let her do this. If he let herhed know it was her.
Obviously since her appearance wouldnt change at all even after taking the Polyjuice.
Hed know it was her and hed lay claim to her. His breath sped up at the thought and when his gaze drifted upward, there were small flecks of glowing amber in his eyes. He swallowed. Youre sure? he asked, his already low voice coming out in almost a growl.
Hermione slid her hand down his arm until it touched his own and then entwined their fingers in a motion that he was sure was meant to come across as a friendly and supportive gesture rather than the incredibly intimate one his inner wolf took it as.
Im sure.
Author: scifichick774
Rating: MA
Category: PWP, though there is a small plot for setup.
Spoilers: Anything up through the spoilers for HBP is fair game.
Summary: Post Hogwarts. She was just trying to help him. She had no idea what she was getting herself into. Hermione/Remus
Disclaimer: Obviously not mine. Im just playing with the imaginary characters lives for fun and not for profit.
Archival: Sure just let me know where.
Authors Note: Its doubtful that this would ever take place given their personalities, but the plot bunny wouldnt leave me alone. My apologies if you feel the characters are OOC because of where they meet up at the beginning.
~*~*~*~*~
His face was drawn and pale and his hands were visibly shaking. He hated having to resort to this, but every few years he would lose what little control he had over the ramifications of going into heat once a year and the frequent cold showers and masturbation sessions would no longer suffice.
Ugh.
He wished werewolves were like real wolves in the respect that it would only be the females who were affected, instead of the oh, so lovely mixture of wizard and wolf hormones that combined to make him want to perpetually breed once a year.
Unfortunately, the only thing hed been able to find in his research that might help keep the need from getting so overwhelming was to actually find a mate and breed, and given the severe lack of available female werewolves and the attitude toward werewolves among normal witches in the wizarding community in general, that was unlikely to happen anytime soon. Not to mention the fact that he was ruefully certain his inner wolf had already picked someone out and shed never see him that way.
So, he was forced to seek out a more temporary solution.
Remus grimaced at the scents that wafted into his nose the second he stepped foot in the bordello. The smell of sex and cheap perfume with an undercurrent of sweat mercilessly assaulted his sensitive nostrils and was almost enough to make him turn around and go right back out the door.
Almost.
But his need to mate overruled everything else and his feet continued to carry him forward.
A witch who appeared to be only a few years older than he was approached him with a scowl on her face deep enough to undo whatever loveliness shed been trying to create with a slab of makeup and poorly-performed glamours. He knew her from his previous visits out of weakness and offered her a slight incline of his head with his greeting.
Madame Bontecou.
Im sorry, Mr. Lupin, but Ill have to ask you to leave.
Remuss eyebrows rose in surprise and gave her a questioning look, but the witch only motioned to a sign on the wall in response.
In accordance with Ministry Law 4421 subsection 12b, we are no longer servicing vampires, werewolves, or any other creatures of half-breed status. We apologize for the inconvenience.
He sighed. The war with Voldemort may be over, but the prejudices that helped it escalate still remained and were stronger than ever because of laws that were pushed through without voter awareness - or possibly with, though Remus liked to think the best of people and hoped that wasnt the case. At any rate, the Ministry, in all its benevolence, had chosen to further the laws that denied many kinds of employment to half-breeds by denying them access to many kinds of public services as well.
Several private establishments had clasped onto the law even though it didnt actually apply to them and were using it as a means of legal discrimination.
Safer that way, Madame Bontecou said. You understand.
Remus nodded weakly. He understood. He understood that life was bloody unfair especially to him; that because of his involvement in the war, his picture and status as a werewolf had been plastered in the Daily Prophets pages for all to see. And he understood that if he didnt shag someone soon that he was literally going to lose his sanity.
Yes, I see. Wellthank you any-
Remus?
He was startled by the interruption of a familiar voice a familiar scent and went stock-still because of it. It couldnt be her. It couldnt be. Slowly, he managed to turn around, but immediately wished he hadnt. It was bad enough to be turned down for something even the dregs of society wizarding or otherwise was afforded; but it was downright mortifying to have someone dear to him witness it.
Hermione, he gasped in shock. Whatwhat are you doing here?
It was a reasonable question. Hermione was intelligent and lovely andwhy was she there?
Scaring off my customers, thats what, Madame Bontecou responded with a huff.
Hermione rolled her eyes. I dont work here. All I did was inform them of that fact when they approached me.
You threatened to hex poor Mr. Bixby.
Hes lucky all I did was threaten him with the way he wouldnt let up, Hermione said coldly. If you hadnt finally come over to steer him away from me, you would have permanently lost him as a customer due to him no longer being able to perform.
Remus paled slightly at the implication. Hermione had a cruel and calculating temper and he didnt doubt for a second that poor Mr. Bixby would have been bemoaning the loss of his testicles if he hadnt stopped trying to chat her up.
Madame Bontecou pursed her lips in irritation. Youre lucky your friends paid so much that I even let you wait here for them, she said haughtily, though the tremble in her tone suggested that she was, in fact, a little bit scared of the younger witch as well.
Hermione glanced up at the face of the nearby Grandfather clock and frowned. Harry and Ron had been gone much longer than she would have guessed either one of them capable of and any plans she had for spending the rest of the day with them would now be soured because of them leaving her down in the parlor for so long to fend for herself.
She pushed a tight, fake grin onto her lips. I wouldnt want to impose on your hospitality any more than I already have. If youll be kind enough to let them know that I left and to enjoy the rest of the night without me, Id appreciate it.
Madame Bontecou was surprised but pleased, and nodded quickly. The sooner she could get the pretty and clever witch out of there, the better. Of course.
Remus, Im famished and apparently lacking the companions I was going to have dinner with. Would you mind joining me? Itll be my treat.
A couple of blinks and the surprise cleared from his face. A full stomach might help to ease the pressure his basal instincts were putting on him. That, and he was desperately curious about what was going on. The only friends Hermione hung around with on a regular basis were Harry and Ron and surely they wouldnt be daft enough to drag her to a whore-house and make her wait for them while they
He threw a fleeting glance at the stairs and then turned back to Hermione. He wasnt sure he had the words to express all the questions blurring his mind at the moment, so he offered a crooked arm to her and nodded politely as means of goodbye to Madame Bontecou.
The second they stepped outside, he took a large draw of fresh air. Or, as fresh as city air can be anyway; it was still far better than the environment hed been forced to deal with inside the building.
II suppose youre wondering why Remus started, looking back at the establishment and then down at the ground. He lifted his free hand and ran it around the back of his neck uncomfortably.
No, Hermione said matter-of-factly. Its April. Werewolves go into heat in April and you dont have a mate. I suspect that makes this time of the year particularly difficult for you.
Uhyes.
In retrospect, he should have known that shed know that, but in all fairness, his brain wasnt currently processing things the way it ought to. He was starting to perspire. It was a cold spring evening and tiny beads of sweat were beginning to pop up from the pores on his head and the back of his neck. He had no doubt that it was due to his condition and Hermiones closeness, but that only opened up a floodgate of other questions. If she knew what he was going through, then why was she willingly going with him anywhere?
And you?
Remuss eyes snapped to hers. Im sorry. What?
You asked me why I was there and I didnt get a chance to answer you. I presume you still want to know?
It had crossed my mind, Remus said with a tiny, abashed grin.
Hermione didnt look at him when she spoke and her voice came out quieter than it had just seconds before. Its Rons birthday.
Oh.
His girlfriend broke up with him a couple of weeks ago andI think he wanted to get back at her. I dont know. It seemed like an odd request, but when Harry and I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he said, a girl who wouldnt give him the runaround and just sleep with him already. Soit was either bite the bullet and offer myself or pitch in for him to
Right. I get the picture, Remus said with a grimace.
Anyway, I dont think hes completely over Lavender yet, and that placeif you bring in something of someonesthey apparently offer Polyjuiceencounters, Hermione said, uncharacteristically stumbling over her words and letting Remus know that she wasnt as unaffected by the having been virtually deserted at the brothel as she would have him and the proprietor think she was.
Eryes. Im aware, Remus said, purposefully looking down and to the side as he felt the blood rush to his face. Hermione stopped walking and tipped her head to the side, observing him quizzically. What? he snapped defensively; still not looking at her. It cant be all that unusual if they offer it as an option. And technically, you havent answered my question yet. There was no reason why you had to go with them ---
Hermione let out a short chortle and gave him a self-deprecating smile. Harry and Rontheyre my best friends, but Im afraid theyll always see me as one of the boys. We spent the day together because of Rons birthday and when he talked Harry into going off with someone as wellI dont think it even occurred to them that I might not want to wait for them while they
Remus cringed. Im sorry.
Hermione sighed. Its okay. Incredibly frustrating, but okay. At least I brought a book along in case they started into one of their Quidditch debates. She took his arm again and they walked together in silence for about a half a block before she risked saying something. You should tell her, she said gently. Remus looked down at her; he didnt say anything, but the question was implied. If you had someone in mind, then whether you realize it or not, it probably means subconsciously, youve picked your mate. You should tell her.
Remus flushed and turned his eyes away from her once more. You make it sound so easy, he murmured. Itsits not like that.
Why not?
BecauseHermione, you know how our society views werewolves. I cant just come up and say, Hello. Ive chosen you as my mate and you dont actually get a say in the matter. So sorry.
Hermione snickered and shook her head. Im certain you could come up with a better opening line than that.
Perhaps, Remus admitted. But I wont. I care far too much for her to condemn her to the sort of life shed have with me.
Hermione quirked an eyebrow at him. Remus, youre a kind, loving wizard who also happens to be intelligent and good-looking. Any witch would be lucky to have you choose them.
KindlovingNo. She didnt mean it like that. Shes your friend. Shes concerned about you as a friend. Thats all.
It was Remuss turn to scoff. Because of the Ministry, Im practically destitute and have no way of rectifying that. I would be asking her to give up the comfortable existence she now has in favor of living with new prejudices against us and doing it in poverty to boot. Even if by some miracle she did return my feelings, I cantI wont do that.
But if you dontSomehow I doubt that horrible law will stop being abused anytime soon. If you dont claim her or have someone to pretend theyre her, youll eventually go mad, Hermione pointed out with a sympathetic frown.
Yes, wellalready halfway there, Remus quipped, shakily dragging a hand through his hair.
Hermione nervously chewed on her lower lip. Normally she wouldnt even be considering what she was thinking, butGods. He really did look awful. His face was flushed and she could feel his arm trembling beneath where her hand laid on it.
Maybe we could go back, she suggested worriedly. He was never going to take her up on it; he didnt see her that way.
He *wouldnt* be seeing her that way.
The owner isnt going to change her mind, Remus said, sounding very much resigned to his miserable fate. And theyre the onlyPolyjuice isnt readily available anywhere else. So even if another establishment isnt taking advantage of the law, Id have to bring the potion myself and theres no guarantee that they would allow it
Thats not what I meant.
Remus blinked and looked down at where she stopped walking.
I meantmaybe we could convince them to sell us a small bottle of it, Hermione said, trying not to flinch at Remuss suddenly very intense stare.
Hermione...youre not suggesting
Remus, youre my friend. Friends help each other.
Well, this goes a bit beyond that, doesnt it? Remus queried wryly. No answer was needed or expected. Its too much. I cant ask you to help me like that.
Youre not asking; Im offering. Theres a difference, Hermione said with bravado that she didnt truly possess. Besides, it would be a welcome change to have one of my male friends notice that Im a woman for once even if I will look like someone else.
Hermione Remus trailed off, shaking his head and keeping his eyes on the ground. His heart was pounding in his chest. He couldnt let her do this. If he let herhed know it was her.
Obviously since her appearance wouldnt change at all even after taking the Polyjuice.
Hed know it was her and hed lay claim to her. His breath sped up at the thought and when his gaze drifted upward, there were small flecks of glowing amber in his eyes. He swallowed. Youre sure? he asked, his already low voice coming out in almost a growl.
Hermione slid her hand down his arm until it touched his own and then entwined their fingers in a motion that he was sure was meant to come across as a friendly and supportive gesture rather than the incredibly intimate one his inner wolf took it as.
Im sure.
