Prologue

You're searching, Joe, for things that don't exist; I mean beginnings. Ends and beginnings -- there are no such things. There are only middles. ~ Robert Frost

3rd Year (1993)

Remus Lupin quickly walked out of the train compartment he had been sleeping in on the way to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Thoroughly shaken and breathing hard, he leaned against the wall out of sight from the young students he was just with. It was not the dementor he had just fought off, the fact he was currently recovering from the effects of the full moon, or that he had seen Harry Potter for the first time in twelve years that was making him feel this way. His odd demeanor was all to do with the young witch he had just encountered. A girl he knew he would but never fully believed he would see again.

A part of Remus did not believe it was really her, but there was no denying the large quantity of bushy brown hair, the all knowing eyes he knew only too well, and the obvious intelligence that was evident each time she spoke. He could not have been in her presence for more than ten minutes but her identity was undeniable.

Regaining control of his composure, Remus went back to the compartment to check on Harry before quickly setting off again. He sat down at the back of the train letting a number of old memories rush back to him. Many of them he did not want to think about because they concerned people, friends, whose lives had ended much too soon, for a reason he could never completely come to terms with. He remained lost in his thoughts until the train lurched to a stop at Hogwarts. He waited until he knew his compartment was empty before retrieving his things.

Remus got into one of the last remaining carriages leading to the school with an overwhelming urge to speak with Dumbledore as soon as possible. The ride seemed to last an eternity before he and all the other students reached the Great Hall. He took his seat at the long table reserved for teachers at the front of the hall. He sat impatiently waiting for the headmaster to turn up so he could request a private word. Dumbledore didn't turn up until the start of the feast at which time he said his announcements and introduced the new staff, himself included. His insides ran cold at the mention of Sirius Black as they had been doing so every time his name was brought up over the past few weeks. He could not rid himself of the knot in his chest until well into the feast. At this point he began trying to catch Dumbledore's eye but it became clear after several minutes that the eccentric old man was intent on ignoring him.

As the feast ended and the students retreated out of the hall and to their dormitories, Remus chanced one last glance toward the Gryffindor table and then immediately headed for the headmaster who now seemed to be waiting for Remus to join him.

"Professor? May I speak with you in private?" Remus whispered cautiously.

"Certainly", spoke Dumbledore brightly. "I apologize for ignoring you just now. I believe it best if we draw as little attention to ourselves as possible. Let's head to my office, shall we?"

Dumbledore and Remus began to go without another word but not before Snape shot him a look from across the hall that clearly showed he had heard the headmaster's comment and was presently filled with curiosity and suspicion.

Within less than five minutes they had reached the gargoyle. The moment both men were safely inside Dumbledore began to speak.

"I believe you have recognized an old friend tonight Remus?" asked Dumbledore quite calmly.

He admired Dumbledore's composure.

"I find all of this so hard to believe. She seems to be quite close to Harry. Of course, it makes sense. I don't see any other way she could have known so much about us. Some of my old memories of her are starting to make a bit more sense. There are still a number of blanks in my understanding though", spoke the former Marauder thoughtfully. "How long until it happens?" Remus added not being able to restrain his curiosity.

Remus had a vague idea of when it would take place but he wasn't completely sure.

"A little over three years, I think. I must tell you though Remus how imperative it is that you keep this to yourself and only those who already know. The knowledge of Hermione Granger traveling through time in three years could be dangerous information in the wrong hands. It could also be so in our own. We cannot interfere with what has already happened. I fear the outcome if some knowledge of this reaches her ears beforehand. Hermione has proved herself to be very bright, as I'm sure you remember. I would not put it past her to figure it out before it takes place."

Remus stared at Dumbledore. "Her name is Hermione Granger?" he breathed.

"Yes. And my must ask you to be careful this year. She cannot know how well you already know her."

A few moments later Remus Lupin excused himself from the headmaster's office just as worried and shaken as he had been a little over an hour ago on the train. The reappearance of two people from his past did little to improve his nerves.