"Fifty points from Ravenclaw," Snape's all too familiar words droned out into the classroom. Hanna sighed quietly as she could, though with the load groans from her peers, it was hardly necessary. She doodled on a scrap piece of parchment as Snape ranted on about how essays had deadlines for a reason. At the end of class he would snatch the doodle away, shred it, and coldly tell her to get out or it would be a detention.

Defense against the Dark Arts went much better, as was the pattern; Potionsbad, Defensegood. The teacher of course was key to any class. Professor Lupin was the best teacher she'd had in her six years at Hogwarts. That day they pushed all the desks against the walls for their lesson; defending oneself from a distance. She had been put against Robert Guilles, a jock on Slytherin's quiditch team. She'd disarmed him before he could mutter a spell of any sort, to which she received "ooh"s from her classmates, and warm praise from Lupin. He looked especially happy that day, bronze eyes smiling and kind. The hour moved too quickly, and soon it was time for lunch. They exchanged smiles before she left.

That night she couldn't sleep. A feeling had been growing inside of her for longer than she liked, and she still couldn't understand it. It wasn't a bad feeling, far from it. But she knew if ever she acknowledged it fully, processed it as a reality, then it would surely put her in danger. She checked to make sure everyone was sleeping before stepping out into the common room, tiptoeing down the spiral staircase. It was a cool night, refreshing. She slipped her black school robe over her long nightgown, and slipped outside into the corridors. She walked past the library and a dozen classrooms, down stairs and through hardly used corridors. It wasn't a matter of where she was going, but what she thought of while walking there.

Deep in thought, she almost missed the fleck of movement up ahead. She automatically stopped and slipped into the darker part of the hall to avoid detection. The figure up ahead was tall and black clad, but moved away before she could identify him or her. What she could identify, however, was the long, glass syringe clutched readily in its hand. Hesitant at first, she almost turned around back to her room, where safety lied. But a senseless blend of curiosity and worry overpowered the thought of safety. After all, someone else might not be safe. If she could help somehow…

The figure moved quickly but soundlessly. She was certain that if she had not seen it herself, she would not have noticed the stranger at all. Her suspicion proved valid. The person held up the syringe as if to stab someone with it. For a moment she could see no one else there but them, but then she saw him. Professor Lupin was unlocking-or locking, she didn't know-the door to his classroom. He seemed to be having trouble with the key, so did not turn when the figure was right behind him. The syringe gleamed above their heads as it was raised, glittering with a moonlight-like fluid in its vial. There was nothing else to do: she yelled out.

"No!"

Both the figure and Lupin spun around to face her. Lupin's wand was to the figure's throat as soon as he had finally caught sight of him, not a second later. Hanna took in a sharp breath as she realized she did in fact know who the black clad was. Snape covered the syringe immediately with his robes, though she was sure Lupin had seen it. He stepped away from the threat of Lupin's wand, a crooked grin on his thin lips.

"Good evening, Lupin." Lupin looked concerned, but composed.

"Severus." He lowered his wand, but did not put it away.

Hanna stepped closer, but still a good distance away from that syringe. What was Snape trying to do? Surely not kill Lupin? She wouldn't put it past him, she admitted to herself. Lupin exhaled.

"Aren't you supposed to be in your dormitory, Miss Lennox?" Snape rasped, obvious agitation toward her. She didn't reply. Lupin looked at them both for a moment, then said, "Severus, was there something you needed?"

A glare was Snape's only reply, before walking away, stopping only an instant to shoot Hanna a warning, hateful look. It chilled her horribly. When he was out of sight, Lupin finished opening the door, and beckoned her inside. It was warm, despite the cool night air, and even more pleasant as she followed him into his office. He offered her a chair and went to the fireplace, using a spell to light the logs inside. She sat, feeling at home at once, admiring the shelves of books on the walls.

"Hanna," he turned to her, leaning against the hearth, arms folded as if he were angry, but his voice was soft. "I need you to tell me why you called out like that."

She wasn't sure if he'd believe her, but decided it would be best to stick with the truth. Like she could come up with a decent lie anyway. She told him about seeing Snape and not knowing whom it was, seeing the syringe, and following. He was worried, but listened patiently.

"Then he was behind you, the syringe raised as if…" They both knew the end of that sentence. He sat down next to her, looking at her seriously.

"Hanna, that could have been very dangerous for you. I disagree with you following him…." He gave a small smile. "But am also glad that you did."

She nodded. His eyes were so rich in the fire glow…She pushed the thought from her mind the second it entered.

"You should go get some rest now. No more wandering about at night, okay?"

"Yes, sir." She replied. He tilted his head.

"You're a very good student, Hanna. What prompted you to leave your dormitory anyway?" She swallowed. How could she tell him? Simple: she couldn't. She dare not think of it herself. Still, being alone with him in the warm room with his gentle eyes on her own, she wanted to. She settled with "I couldn't sleep", which wasn't a lie, and headed to the door. Smiling, he bid her a goodnight, then paused.

"On second thought…" He grabbed his jacket. "In lieu of this eventful evening, perhaps you wouldn't mind me walking you back?"

She smiled wider. Nothing would please her more.