Author's Notes: I need a beta. If you're willing to help, please private message me. Or even better, add me to your connections. Thanks.
Sorry, it took so long to upload this chapter. First, I took a small break in between writing the first chapter and the second one. Second, I used this app called Grammarly (Which is great, check it out) but I accidently deleted more than 500 words of the second part of my chapter. I write my chapters in two parts, two different documents. I sent an email to them, and luckily they restored my document. Thank god! Hopefully, it was worth the wait.
*The usage of Lupin and Snape vs. Remus and Severus. When reading, most of the time it's in Hermione's pov when thinking about characters and watching them. McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape all call their colleagues by first names, which should be understandable. Since Hermione sees them as her Professors, the text will refer to them as such. Until Hermione starts calling them Severus and Remus in her dialogue, then they remain in the text as Snape and Lupin. That way the reader can feel a little bit more like Hermione as they read, and her transition to calling her Professors different names can help that. It seems foolish to point it out. However, the usage of all four names could have thrown some of you guys for a loop. Thinking, why aren't I sticking with just first names or just last names. Speaking of names, I try to switch between Hermione's use of McGonagall and Headmistress often, so it's not repetitive.
vinculum duplicationem = bond duplication
Enjoy :)
The green envelope that had fallen to the floor was picked up by Hermione and placed on the Headmistress' desk, next to another envelope, but this one was dark gray. Each envelope had a lovely design, completely covered in a mixture of curvy lines and symbols, a shade lighter than the envelopes themselves. Hermione sat in the small, rather uncomfortable chair, listening to McGonagall as she walked around the room, explaining the Ministry's new law. Lupin sprawled over the couch, his feet dangling over the side. His hands over his chest, fingers intertwined. He was staring up at the ceiling, closing his eyes every once in a while. Snape was sitting, his elbows resting on his knees, head in his hands. Occasionally, he would look up, stretch out his neck and lay back against the red armchair and massage his temples, attempting to soothe a headache.
McGonagall's voice dragged on, "Before the Second Wizarding War had ended, many pure-bloods and half-bloods who wished to wed muggle-borns feared Voldemort would murder them if they married. Furthermore, very few pure-blood and half-blood witches and wizards remain. The law was created to ensure muggle-borns marry a witch or wizard who is either half-blood or pure-blood. At first glance, I didn't think the law applied to any of the students at Hogwarts till they leave their seventh year, and become the proper age to marry." The Headmistress turned to look at Hermione. "Except you, Hermione."
"Me? I don't understand. I'm not of age." Hermione replied. Her coffee-colored, frizzy hair draped over both of her shoulders. Her stomach was annoyingly empty.
McGonagall, dark green robes billowing behind her, moved to her desk. She opened the top drawer and got out a familiar object, previously used by Hermione herself. She held it up in front of her for Hermione to view. Intertwined between her wrinkly fingers was a gold necklace, at the end swung an hour glass filled with golden colored sand.
"The time turner I used during my third year? But..." Then, realization dawned on her. Clearly reciting from a book, she said, "'The longer one manipulates the time of the past, the older they become.' So, according to my use of the time turner, I'm...twenty years old."
Putting the time turner in the drawer, she sat down and nodded, "Yes, unfortunately, the Ministry Of Magic took time manipulation of any kind into consideration while applying the marriage law."
Hermione glanced at Snape, considering him briefly before turning to look at Lupin. "Headmistress?"
"Yes?" she said, wiping her glasses on a small, emerald colored cloth.
"Professor Slughorn mentioned something earlier about Azkaban and being cast off. What did he mean? Will I be sent to Azkaban if I don't marry?" Her voice brittle.
Putting her glasses back on, she spoke, "Yes, and no. Hermione, you have three choices. You can either comply with the law and marry either Severus or Remus. You could hand over your wand, along with any other magical item you own, and reside along muggles, never allowed to use magic again. Lastly, if you don't marry, and you continue to live in our world, the Ministry will attempt to find you and send you to Azkaban."
She looked down at her hands, pondering her options. After an age, she looked up at the wise woman sitting patiently, tears running down her cheeks. "I...I can't give up magic. I belong here. I have nowhere else to go. I have no one left to turn to outside this world." Suddenly, both Snape and Lupin looked up.
"What about your parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger? Lupin asked.
"So death eaters couldn't find them, and torture them for knowledge about me, or Harry, I erased their memories, changed their identities. After the battle, I left to Australia to find them. I tried everything, but Wendell and Monica Wilkins will never remember their daughter, Hermione Granger." By this time she was sobbing and trembling. She took out the crumpled handkerchief from her pocket and sneezed into it. After several breaths she composed herself, blowing her nose into the gray cloth a final time. Snape was thinking about Hermione's words. Is that why she was reading more books that usual? Lupin moved off the sofa and crouched down in front of Hermione, putting a comforting hand on her knee. Noticing, at the corner of the handkerchief, Snape's name in black.
"You gave Hermione your handkerchief, Severus? How...affectionate?" Lupin smiled mockingly at Snape, before returning to his seat. Snape gave him a smug smile in return.
Snape looked at Hermione, dried tears on her rosy cheeks,"Affectionate, yes. Not to mention, caring, giving..." He was interrupted, however.
"How about needy, attention seeking, clingy, disgusting and vile," Lupin ridiculed Snape.
Ignoring him, he stared at Hermione, waiting till she looked at him,"...and loving." One word that implied he wasn't describing the act of giving Hermione a possession at all, but Hermione herself. Lupin snorted. Then, to his amazement, saw Hermione smile sweetly at him.
"Thank you, Professor Snape." Her attention turned to Lupin. "Professor, I think it'd be best if you kept your opinions to yourself." As Hermione looked at McGonagall, she didn't see Snape smile at Lupin's appalled expression.
McGonagall sighed, unmistakably tired as the other three, "Have you made your decision?"
"Pardon me, Professor McGonagall, but surely there is more than just marrying a suitor. Shouldn't I be informed of any guidelines and other criteria the law states before I make my decision?" Both Lupin and Snape groaned, irritated by the amount of time they have already spent in the Headmistress' Office, not readily satisfied to continue the meeting any longer with one another.
The Headmistress stood up and spoke, "My most sincere apologies. All of you must be starving. Let us feast in the Great Hall with the others for what time we have left. Hermione and I will continue the meeting after everyone has eaten supper. Whereas Severus, Remus, both of you can head to your private rooms."
"Minerva, we can..." Snape started.
"Speaking to Hermione alone will be easier without the two of you bickering with each other. Besides, we are all exhausted, and you have classes to teach tomorrow." McGonagall stated.
"What about Hermione? She has classes to attend tomorrow, too? She'll be more tired than both of us if she's continuing the meeting tonight." Lupin pointed out.
"I believe Hermione has charms first, correct?" Hermione nodded. "Very well, I'll inform Filius that Hermione will not be attending his class tomorrow. Hermione, you can wake up and eat breakfast with everyone else. Then, return to your room and sleep before heading to your second class."
She then turned to look at the man, still surprised by his attire, "Severus, could you bring a small Sleeping Draught potion here before you retire tonight?"
"Of course, Minerva." Snape's silky voice replied.
"Splendid, let's take our leave then," McGonagall said as she put her hand on the small of Hermione's back and lead her out of the office. Hermione folded her handkerchief neatly and put it back in her pocket. Snape and Lupin following after them, to the Great Hall.
All the students and teachers were eating and engaging in conversation with one another frequently. Many would glance at the Head Table, wondering why the Headmistress or the other two professors weren't at supper. The Gryffindor table was the only house to notice their pupil missing. Harry and Ginny, who knew where Hermione was, were surprised to see Professor Slughorn sitting with the other professors. Then, during supper, the four of them entered through the door behind the Head Table. McGonagall gestured Hermione to head over to her table. Everyone watched as the Headmistress, Professor Snape, and Professor Lupin took their seats and began to eat as if they haven't missed half of dinner at all. Hermione walked down to her table and sat down with Harry and Ginny. The silence that began when they first entered stayed awhile, but when the Professor Lupin started talking with Hagrid, students began to talk again.
Hermione was spreading butter on a bread roll when Harry asked, "Hey Hermione, is everything okay?"
She avoided looking at them."I'm alright," Hermione said weakly. "There are still some things Professor McGonagall and I need to go over after dinner."
"Can't you tell us anything?" Harry asked eagerly.
"Well, I have to choose between three choices. Only one seems most appealing, even though I have to..." Hermione stopped abruptly.
"How serious is it?" asked Ginny worriedly.
"Very," Hermione said, finally looking at her friends, her expression serious. Her friends sensed she didn't want to talk about it anymore, so they dropped it. Once dinner was over, students left to their common rooms, to get ready for bed. Hermione bided Harry and Ginny goodnight and left, returning to Headmistress' Office.
She came to the door, about to knock when she heard McGonagall say, "Enter," on the other side of the door. When Hermione walked inside, she saw the Headmistress staring out a large window, her hands clasped behind her, her back towards Hermione.
"Did you enjoy dinner? I'm sure Harry and Ginny were wondering where you were," she said.
Hermione walked over to the armchair and sat down. "Yes, dinner was lovely. They asked a few questions. I only told them..."
She, at last, turned to face Hermione,"I don't doubt your efforts to keep a secret Hermione, as difficult as this is to handle on your own. I presume you'd like me to discuss the law's obligations?" Hermione nodded. "The law requires both individuals to be young and fertile enough to reproduce, having at least two kids during their marriage." She was standing behind her desk.
"I have to bear children? I'm only...I'm not ready," Hermione asked. She started to pace the office nervously.
"I'm sorry, dear. You only have to bear one child within two years of your marriage and have intercourse during your wedding night to bond your unity," McGonagall said solemnly. Hermione lowered her head.
She quietly said, "Does this bond last forever?" She finally stopped a few feet away from the Headmistress' desk.
"No, it bonds your marriage, not your souls. Only requited love between two individuals can bond them for life," she said matter-of-factly.
"Is there anything else?" Hermione asked, rubbing her eyes.
She glanced at the door briefly, "Come in, Severus." Then returned to Hermione, as Snape opened the door and walked inside, potion in hand."Yes, Hermione, except it only pertains to you if you choose to comply with the marriage law."
Without hesitation, she replied, "I will. I'd rather marry one of my Professors than never use magic again."
Snape's voice came from behind her, "I am pleased you haven chosen to stay here, Hermione."
She whirled around, surprised to find him so close to her. If he were to move a few more inches, he would step on her toes. She could smell him, the scent of old leather, it was intoxicating. She breathed in deeply, staring into his eyes, "You hardly ever call me by my first name, Professor."
"Well...considering our current situation, it seems most proper. As such, I admire how beautiful it sounds rolling off my tongue," flirting somewhat.
Her breath quickened,"Are you calling me beautiful?" They both remained still, their bodies nearly touching.
"I never said that. Here," he took a small step backward, enough to outstretch his hand and give her a small vial of potion filled with a light blue liquid. "I tried searching my storerooms, but there were none left, so I took the last one I left beside my bed."
"Professor Snape, if you need it..." Hermione started.
"Severus," Snape corrected. He cleared his throat, "My apologies, I'd prefer if you could call me by my first name, given the circumstances. You don't have to, I just..."
"I'd love to, Severus," She stepped forward slightly and reached up on her tiptoes and gave him a kiss on his left cheek. His skin was soft and warm. When she stepped back and looked at him, his face was crimson. He didn't speak, just stared at her, astonished and wide-eyed. His heart was racing, he hoped she couldn't hear it.
She broke the silence, "Thank you for the potion. I appreciate it." She grabbed the potion. Their hands touched briefly. He drew in a sharp breath.
"Your welcome, Hermione. Goodnight." There was some silence before he added, "You are exquisitely beautiful." It was Hermione's turn to blush crimson. He looked up, to find the Headmistress smiling at him. "Goodnight, Minerva." She gave a nod in response. He gave Hermione one last smile and turned to leave.
"Goodnight, Severus," Hermione said suddenly. He was at the door, holding the handle, he turned around and gave a small nod. He left.
When Severus shut the door behind him, he leaned on it and took a sharp intake of breath. There were a few torches nearby to light the area. His heart was still racing. He brought his hand to his left cheek. He felt something odd, an unknown texture. He took his hand away and looked down. A scarlet red substance stained his fingers. Was she wearing lipstick? He blushed again. He'd have to go find out. He lingered for another moment before retreating to his rooms. As he reached for the door, he heard the shuffling of feet behind him. He turned around and saw a large figure emerge from the shadows. Lupin's pale blue eyes greeted his own. Severus crossed his arms and turned to face him. Lupin brought a leather bound flask to his lips, walking towards Severus strangely.
"What are you doing here, Remus?" Severus asked.
"I came to find Hermione." He took another swig from the flask. He swallowed hard.
"Hermione is not here. She's in a meeting with Minerva, Remus. You know this." He suddenly smelled the strong scent of alcohol on Lupin's breath. "You've been drinking. I think it would be wise if you retire."
Lupin ignored him, "I heard you two in there." 'I'd prefer if you could call me by my first name, given the circumstances. I'd love to, Severus'" He said mockingly. He took another drink before speaking again, "You don't think I know what you're doing. I know your little game, Snivellus."
The name stung a little."Oh, enlighten me on what you think I'm doing, my little game?" Severus said, slowly reaching for his wand.
"You have any idea what I have lost? My child. My wife. Now, you're taking Hermione away from me. You plan to use everything in your power to marry her. You dressed up. You gave her a handkerchief. You complimented her. It won't work. Like she'd ever want to touch you. Like she'd let you put your hands over her body. I bet you haven't even slept with a woman. Look at yourself. You're just a slimy git with greasy hair and a crooked nose." Lupin stopped talking abruptly. He noticed the lipstick mark that Hermione gave.
"Is that...she gave you a kiss?" Lupin incredulously stepped back.
"As a matter a fact, yes. Apparently, Remus, Hermione doesn't care about my appearance. She doesn't care I'm a 'slimy git with greasy hair and a crooked nose.' I am not trying to take Hermione away from anyone. She is not a prize to be won. I care for her deeply, but ultimately she will choose who she deems suitable. We both have an equal chance, but that isn't the point of it all, is it Remus? She could be sent to Azkaban or be cast off from this world, permanently. We both don't want that to happen. No matter who she chooses, I know she'll make the right choice. Goodnight, Remus." He turned back to the door.
Lupin placed a hand on his shoulder and pulled him back. "Yeah? What about your choices, Severus? You were a death eater. You served the Dark Lord. You..." Severus noticed something changed. Something in Lupin snapped.
Lupin's eyes burned with anger. "Were you there!? Did you enjoy it!? Did you, you bastard!? Answer me!"
"What are you..." Lupin's wand came to his neck before Severus could lift up his arm and cast a spell. Severus was forcefully pushed up against the door.
"Remus, please. I don't know what you are talking about." Severus managed, with the pressure of the wand.
Lupin pressed the wand harder against him, "Teddy! You were there, weren't you!?
Severus' eyes widened. He gasped, "Yes, I was there. But, Remus..." His arm was squished. He couldn't raise it up and cast a spell.
"I knew it, you bastard. You hurt him! You murdered him! You killed my boy!" He began to cry hysterically. He withdrew his wand from Severus' neck. Severus, at last, took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Lupin lowered his head down to rest on Severus' chest. He was sobbing hysterically, trying to fill his lungs with oxygen. He whispered in gasps, "Teddy. My precious baby boy. My beautiful little boy." He kept repeating those agonizing words over and over till his breathing slowed and he went fast asleep.
Hesitantly, Severus caught Lupin as he slid down to the floor. He took ahold of Lupin's backside with his right arm. Then, with his other arm, reached down to grip Lupin's legs. With great effort, he was able to pull Lupin up off the floor and hold him in his arms. As he walked out of the dungeons, he did not see Mr. Filch, along with his beloved cat, hiding in the shadows, witnessing everything. Since Lupin was so heavy to carry, Severus had to adjust his grip many times on the way to Lupin's private room. He was grateful he hadn't encountered any students out of bed. If anyone were to see their Professor Lupin drunk, asleep in another Professor's arms, there would be gossip and rumors throughout the school. Additionally, he didn't want to discuss what occurred tonight with the Headmistress. Once he reached Lupin's rooms, he took out his wand and pointed it at the door handle, whispering, "Alhohomora."
Severus could barely see in front of him because of the darkness that enveloped the room. He cast a wordless Lumos spell and walked in. He was in the sitting room. There was a door to the right, ajar. He opened it and placed Lupin carefully on the bed. As he left, he shut the door, locking it. He returned to the dungeons and entered his classroom door. Then went to a door hidden in the back, leading to his private chambers. He went into his bathroom and looked in the mirror, inspecting the mark left by Hermione. Riddled with shame and pity, he washed it off aggressively as if trying to erase the memory along with it. He poured a generous amount of Firewhiskey, which was on a table near his bed, into a glass he got out of his cupboard. He sat down on the edge of his bed and took two long gulps, thinking about Lupin's previous words. He thought about Hermione and what's best for her, about Lupin, and what he deserved, about Teddy and the most difficult task he had to do, and about himself, and what he wanted dearly. All these thoughts troubled his mind as he finished his drink and tried to fall asleep.
Meanwhile, Hermione had set the potion on the Professor McGonagall's desk, then returned to the armchair she was sitting in earlier. She was slouched down in the comfortable material, about to fall asleep. She was waiting patiently for the Headmistress to finish reading some documents that were scattered all over her desk. As Hermione's eyes began to droop, she thought of all the events that occurred earlier that day. Lupin smiling more and caressing her hand. The physical confrontation she saw with Severus and Lupin. Everything started to make more sense. A quarter of an hour later, the Headmistress finished and dropped her quill back in its holder, leaning back in her chair with a sigh. McGonagall had said something to Hermione but after receiving no response, she looked over at the Gryffindor girl, blinking frantically, struggling to stay awake.
"Hermione, dear?" she said, a sad smile appearing.
Hermione jolted up, "Sorry, what were you saying?" She rubbed her eyes.
"I have looked over the additional letters I received from the Ministry. There wasn't anything else relating to the Marriage law than the letter they sent me and the newspaper. Hermione?" She looked over at the sleeping Gryffindor, her head resting on the arm of the chair.
"Hermione!" she shouted.
Hermione jumped up again, "What?" Fixing herself on the chair, so she wasn't slouching.
"Merlin, we'd better wrap this up before you start snoring," she said, standing, walking swiftly to the front of her desk, and taking out her wand.
Defensively, Hermione replied, "I don't snore."
"Quiet, dear. I can't have any distractions. What I'm about to do requires complete focus. Don't move." McGonagall said strictly.
With a simple flick of her wand, the two envelopes sitting on the desk now were hovering in the air. She backed away slightly, her wand remaining fixed on the floating objects. She began to whirl her wand in circles, clockwise. They followed the movements of her wand, moving frantically. She began to chant the words, "vinculum duplicationem." She continued her movements and repeated the words over and over till, suddenly, the designs on the envelopes started to glow. Brighter, and brighter, till a blinding mix of green and gray light, emitted from the envelopes. Once her wand movements slowed, Hermione saw four envelopes appear, the light fading around them. Two were green, and two were gray. Using her wand, she lowered them gradually, till they rested on the desk.
She spoke, "Come here." Hermione complied, she went over and stood next to her. "As you can see, there are now two green and two gray envelopes. The green ones are from Severus, whereas the gray ones are from Remus. Each one has a petition inside, already signed by them. They will pick up theirs tomorrow, and I will give you the connected copies tonight. Once you sign your petition, your name will appear on their petition as well, completing the transaction." Then she turned to face Hermione, putting her hands on her shoulders. "Now, Hermione, the envelopes protect the petitions inside, however, if left out, it becomes more vulnerable. It can catch on fire, or your pumpkin juice can get spilled on it. If it gets damaged in any way, the other copy will endure the same damage directly. It only allows you, Severus, or Remus to open them. You must keep them inside their envelopes until you are ready to sign, understand?"
"Yes, Headmistress." McGonagall removed her hands from Hermione's shoulders and sat down in her chair.
"Can I tell Harry and Ginny anything?" Hermione asked.
"No, not until you are officially married. I will be sent to Azkaban if the Ministry finds out I allowed your Professor's to petition for your hand in marriage. I gave the Ministry my files for all the students attending Hogwarts a day late. I risked these things, so you wouldn't be forced to marry a complete stranger. Once you wed, the Ministry will have no choice but to accept your marriage since it follows the law."
"But, Professor McGonagall, Harry, and Ginny wouldn't tell anyone, I'm sure of it." Hermione pleaded.
"No! Hermione, I have made myself crystal clear. It doesn't matter who you tell, don't utter a word we have spoken in this room until I give you permission to!" she strictly said.
A little startled by McGonagall's outburst, she nodded and muttered quietly, "How long do I have till I need to sign?"
"You have until midnight tomorrow," Headmistress said.
"What!? You told me the law was put in order a week ago! Why didn't you tell me sooner!?" Hermione shrieked.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't find out the law pertained to you until last night when I was looking through our school files."
"Terrific," Hermione stated sarcastically. "Goodnight, Headmistress." She grabbed the potion, one green and, one gray envelope and headed for the door.
"Hermione," McGonagall called back. Hermione hesitantly turned around, furious. For once, her large bushy hair seemed to fit her expression. If they weren't in their current situation, the Headmistress would have laughed, but not now.
She spoke with sincerity. "I wish there was another way, Hermione. I cannot change the Ministry's mind. Though, you know, Severus and Remus are both brave and intelligent young men, who will treat you with love and respect."
"Thank you, Headmistress." She nodded and left to the Gryffindor common room.
When Hermione entered the cozy common room in Gryffindor Tower, she felt slightly better. She could hear the roar of the fire as she entered the room. The smell of old upholstery and cinnamon rolls greeted her. Surprised, she walked in to see Ginny in Harry's arms, talking quietly in the dark, spare a few torches to light up the room. They must have heard the Fat Lady's portrait open because as soon as she entered the common room, they looked at her and smiled.
"Hermione," Harry loudly said. Hermione set down the three items she was holding on a nearby table.
Ginny nudged him in the ribs, "Shh, you'll wake up everyone else."
They both got off from the sofa and went to Hermione, both gave her a big hug. Hermione wanted to blurt out everything right there. She hated keeping this all to herself. This decision could...will change her life forever. They were smiling at her, but seeing the tears rush down her face, their expressions changed to concern.
"Hermione?" Harry said, putting a comforting arm around your shoulder. She began to sob loudly now, falling to the floor.
"Hermione, what's wrong? Is it about the meeting? What happened?" Ginny kept asking questions she couldn't answer. They sat on the floor with her.
"I can't...I can't...Professor McGonagall said I can't tell anyone. No one can know, not until the time is right." She started to shake, breathing in gasps.
"Breath, Hermione. Breathe." Ginny was rubbing small circles on her back. She finally calmed down a bit.
Hermione spoke after some silence, "I wish I could tell you guys. I can't believe this is happening. My parents and now this. How am I going to decide by midnight tomorrow?"
"Midnight, tomorrow?" Harry asked.
She quickly covered her mouth with her hands. "I didn't say that. You never heard that from me."
She got up and walked away from them, heading to the window. She could see Hagrid's hut in the moonlight, all his lights were out, he was asleep. The mountains and lake in clear view. They stood by her, Harry on her right, Ginny on her left. Harry put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see their reflections in the window. Harry, too, was looking at their reflections, he smiled at Hermione. She smiled sadly in return, tears still running down her cheeks. Ginny was looking ahead at the mountains. As long as they were beside her, she could overcome anything. Hermione remembered Harry told her about the Mirror of Erised, and how he saw his parents standing beside him. She thought to herself, what she desired most in the world, at this very moment. The answer presented itself right in front of her.
Ginny started to point out the window, "Is that...Professor Snape?" Hermione looked down onto Hogwarts grounds. She saw billowing black robes and short black hair. It was Severus. He stopped at the edge of the lake and stood there, staring out across the water.
"I gotta go," Hermione said, rushing towards the door.
"What? Go where? Aren't you too tired to wander the castle at this time of night?" Harry asked, trying to keep up with Hermione. Ginny following after.
"I'm incredibly tired, Harry, but I need to go see Professor Snape." She turned to talk to the fiery red head girl.
"Ginny, listen to me carefully. Take these envelopes and put them under my pillow. Don't open them, whatsoever. Put the potion on my nightstand. I'll be back, shortly."
Ginny nodded, "Sure, of course. Hermione, what..." she was interrupted.
"Just trust me, okay." She turned to leave.
"We'll come with you," Harry said.
She turned to face him. "No, you can't know anything yet. Perhaps I can clear my head by talking with him. I'll see you guys tomorrow. Bye." With that, she left.
"Ginny, you put Hermione's things away, I'm grabbing my invisibility cloak." He started to walk towards the boy's dormitories.
Ginny pulled him back, and said "Harry, you can't."
"Ginny, you saw Hermione. I don't care that Professor McGonagall told Hermione not to tell us anything. I'm worried about her, and I'm going to find out what's going on. Are you coming with me or not?"
Ginny didn't hesitate, "Let's go."
Ginny grabbed Hermione's stuff and put it where she specified. She left the girl's dormitories as quickly and quietly as she could. Harry already had his cloak in hand, determination written on his face. They both got under the cloak and followed after Hermione as quickly as they could.
FYI: The portrayal of both Lupin and Snape will change as the story progresses. They won't always be this way. Also, keep in mind that I'm not trying to gravitate towards Severus more than Lupin. If it seems that way, it was not my intention. They both have made mistakes, as you will see in future chapters.
There is a poll on my Profile page. Please, go there and vote for the name of Severus' owl that will appear in the next chapter.
I cried a little when writing about Teddy in this chapter. Another reason, this took so long to come out. Reviews are appreciated, but not expected. I'll update when I can. Hope you're enjoying the story so far. Check Out my Tumblr, too. Just type in "Rainfiresnowearth Tumblr" on Google. It should come up.