Stealing Away

Sometimes, only a moment be enough to last forever

Part I- So we meet again.

The snow came fast like a silent killer in the night, and she wasn't surprised when she awoke in the middle of the night and looked out the window, only to find the grounds of Hogwarts completely covered in the powdery substance. She sighed, got out of bed, grabbed her wand and her book and sat on the windowsill. Softly, as to not awake her dorm-mates she lit her wand and began reading at the window.

Suddenly, she heard a loud crack outside. She dropped her book and looked out the window, searching for whatever made the noise. At first, all seemed still outside except for the snow falling. She squint her eyes, trying to make out a figure amidst the blur of the snow. She stared out for a few minutes until finally deciding that the noise was part of her imagination. But then, she heard the crack again, and a figure emerged from the Forbidden Forrest. Only an inky black blur to her eyes, the figure for a split second spilled into the light that emitted from Hagrid's cabin. Even though his back was turned to Hermione's room, she could still decipher the gender-though barley through the foggy windows. It was a male.

He turned, and she noticed that his robes where tatty, and barley hanging on his body. He began walking toward the school, giving Hermione a better view of him and allowing her to notice a slight limp. His hair clung to his wet forehead. The snow was falling on him, but he ignored it. His pace was steady and he walked with his arms crossed over his chest, as if it might warm him just a little. She knew he must be freezing and she didn't understand why someone would be walking up to Hogwarts this late at night. Swiftly, he stopped and Hermione couldn't help but get the feeling that something was wrong.

I must go wake the Headmaster.

But she stayed put, her heart thudding, and went on gazing onto the grounds as if the stranger's stillness had infected her. Suddenly, he turned his head and Hermione thought that he was looking straight into her eyes. She shot off the windowsill and ran to Professor Dumbledore's room. She was turned the corner of the hall so fast that she didn't even see the figure standing around the other end until she had crashed into it. Uttering a small curse, she stood to her feat and put out her hand to help the person she crashed into. She couldn't help but be surprised when she looked into the ice blue eyes or the person she had been looking for. Dumbledore. Quickly saying another apology, she helped the Professor to his feat.

"Miss. Granger," he said quietly putting his wand up higher so the light could fall on her face, "To what do I owe the pleasure on this fine evening."

She considered for a moment about not telling him, but within moments decided that was a bad idea and blurted out, "Saw…someone…outside my window. Walking…towards the school." Dumbledore merely smiled and put his hand on Hermione's back gesturing her to follow him. She did, and together they made their way to the main doors by the great hall.

Hermione was relieved when she saw the great oak main doors and she was able to catch her breath. Dumbledore was tall and his pace was quick. It took Hermione almost three of her steps to catch up with him, and already tired after running to get him, she needed to rest a bit. Dumbledore raised his wand and uttered the charms to light the hall and unlock the doors. Hermione couldn't help but wonder why Dumbledore was being so calm. Wasn't he concerned? Wasn't he confused? Why was he already there, as if he knew he would meet her? A hundred questions, and not enough time to get the answered.

Her thoughts where interrupted when she heard the loud screech of the doors opening. At first all seemed still outside except for the snow falling. But then footsteps approached the door and a man emerged from the darkness of the grounds, his shabby robes soaked from the snow, clinging to his legs.

Remus Lupin wiped his face with one of his wet hands and offered Dumbledore his other before turning to Hermione and smiling. He put his hands on her shoulders and gave them a slight squeeze.

"Good evening Hermione, hope I didn't wake you."

"No, Professor. I was awake. You just startled me."

She smiled slightly, at his relieved face. It had been almost six months since she had last seen him, he hadn't changed drastically although he had grown a bit of a beard.

"Good. I was worried that I would have scared you a bit. I've missed yo…."

And with that, his legs gave away and he fell on top of Hermione and passed out.

End part one. As always, reviews are really appreciated. If you would like a link to the picture, e-mail me and I will send it to you.