Ch 3
blah blah blah, same drill as before.
Oh thanks for all the reviews. You people are too nice. I scared you with the mocking you from afar didn't I? Hehe..just kidding. Thanks again.
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"...lures travelers into bogs. You notice the lantern dangeling from his hand? Hops ahead-people follow the light- then-" there was a squelching noise coming from the glass box that held the hinkypunk Lupin was standing next to. "Well I'm sure you can imagine what happens next." The bell rang and the students gathered their books. " Wait a moment Harry. I'd like a word," Professor Lupin called. Hermione bid Harry a quiet goodbye and walked out of the room. She made her way over to a connecting hallway and stood, watching the door she had exited. After a few moments Harry walked out with a smile on his face and headed off towards his next class. Hermione stood in place for a few more minutes and then stepped forward again. When she entered the classroom, Professer Lupin was nowhere in sight. Seeing the light on in his office, she climbed the stairs quietly and knocked on his door. After a moment she heard him call for her to enter. Pushing the door open, she saw Lupin seated at his desk, looking up at her. "Ah Hermione, good to see you again. Did you forget something?"
"No Professor Lupin. I was wondering if you happened to have any free time coming up? I was wondering if you could possibly help me with some other work I've been doing. With all the classes I'm taking so many of them seem to overlap and a few things could be easily cleared up by you. Information on certain dark creatures and such. If you can't I understand."
"Of course. You never cease to amaze me Hermione. You're so dedicated to your work, are you planning on becoming a professor when you leave?" Hermione went slightly pink.
"I'm not really sure."
"Well you should consider it then. I'd be happy to lend you any assitance you need. Can you be here tomorrow at around 8PM? I've got some free time then if you're able."
"Alright. I'll be here then. Thankyou Professor. Goodbye." 'Oh, why did I have to lie? This isn't going to work.' Seeing Lupin nod and smile, Hermione turned and walked out the door of his office.
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8PM
"Now Hermione, what can I help you with?" Lupin asked, wondering about the look in her eyes. When she looked down at the ground he put a hand on her shoulder. "Hermione?"
"Professor..I didn't exactly tell you the truth about why I needed to see you. Can I ask you a favor before I tell you what I mean? You're going to understand why once I begin." Hermione said, staring at her feet.
"What is it Hermione?" Lupin asked, a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"I think you should put up a strong silencing charm Professor." Hermione said quietly, glancing up quickly. Without asking why, Lupin took out his wand and with a quiet word and a small movement, the door closed and the room became soundproof.
"Sit down Hermione. I think I know why you're here." He said, in a defeated tone. 'How could I have been stupid enough not to realize yesterday? After talking to her in the library I knew she had something almost figured out.'
"Professor Lupin, since you came here I knew something was different about you. You were friends with Harry's parents and that means you must have been a good person. I still think you are. Everytime I see you, there is a sadness in your eyes that shouldn't be there. I told you before that we all have our reasons to keep our secrets. But I also told you that there are people who understand them more then you could imagine..."
"Hermione..this is very noble of you but I hardly think you could understand just what you're implying. I can't imagine you being capable of knowing what kind of hell something like this causes." Lupin said, his words harsher then he meant.
"Professor Lupin.."
"I've been a lycanthrope for my whole bloody life and you expect me to believe that a 13 year old girl understands what it's like to be an outcast! What it's like to have everyone look at you as if you're going to kill them. Not being able to find a decent job. You're telling me you understand what it feels like to have the whole world hate you?!" He said, breathing heavily. He was angry and defensive. Hermione didn't falter.
"Yes Professor, I expect you to understand what some 13 year old is saying. I expect you to realize that what I've told you before is true. You don't see me reeling from you. I'm not screaming or pointing at you. I'm not making some snide comment. In fact, I've been defending you!" Hermione said, her voice rising. Both sat glaring at each other in silence. Holding Lupin's gaze, Hermione lowered her voice,
"I've been an outcast for 3 years here at Hogwarts. For my whole life in the muggle world. I'm not likening my life to yours, I'm only saying that I know what yours can be like. People stare at you like your some kind of freak. They say things, and not always behind your back. I have no idea the pain that your transformation puts you through. I've only seen the result. You look weaker every time. And I know enough to know that it isnt because of just the transformation. You've made yourself believe what people have said about you. I knew it when we talked the night you gave me the notes, and it made me wonder. The sad look in your eyes. You were talking about yourself and when I realized it, I wept for you. I'm not afraid of you Professor. I only want to understand you." Hermione finished. Lowering her gaze again. She heard Lupin release a shaky breath.
"Hermione..."
"I wont tell anyone Professor. If that's what you're worried about. I wont tell a soul." She said, standing to leave. When her hand touched the door, she felt soomething reach and turn her around. Lupin was kneeling in front of her, his shoulders sagging, hands on her arms.
"Hermione, I'm not worried about you telling anybody. And I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm so tired of this. I can't make you carry a burden like this." He said as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him. Hermione's eyes widened but moved as he pulled her. She could feel his shudder against her stomach as he let out one choking sob. Akwardly she ran her fingers through his hair. They stood like that for moments. Finally he released her from his grip and stood. Hermione looked into his eyes and saw the sad look had increased tenfold. The pain in his eyes brought tears to her own.
"I'm sorry Professor. I'm sorry that you have to deal with this alone. But I don't want you to be alone. I want to help you." She said, her voice breaking. Lupin managed a weak smile. Bending foreward slightly, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and wiped a stray tear from her cheek.
"It's alright Hermione. It's alright. I know what you mean. I know that you mean everything you've said. Thank you." Lupin placed his hands on either side of her face and brought it up. She met his eyes. "Thank you Hermione." She nodded. Dropping his hands to his sides, Lupin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I think it's time for you to go to bed. It's late and .." He didn't have to finish. Hermione was too weary to fight him. "I don't want this to be the last time we talk Hermione. I don't want this to be the reason I lose someone else who...I care about." He said after a moment. Hermione nodded slightly, still looking into his eyes. She put her hand on the door again and pulled it open. Turning back she saw Lupin still looking at her.
"I wont let it...Remus" She said quietly. Lupin stepped foreward and took her hand. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Sqeezing her hand tightly, he released it.
"Goodnight Hermione Granger"
"Goodnight Remus Lupin." With that she turned and walked slowly down the stairs. When she reached the door of the classroom she turned once more. He was still watching her. She gave him one last smile and slipped out into the quiet halls.
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you sick perverts thought i was gonna let em kiss didn't ya! well I'll tell you what! she's 13 and as much as I am for this pairing..13 is a bit too young for me. So sorry to all of you pediophiles out there. I'm definatly not saying it aint gonna happen..but it isnt going to be just now..You just have to keep on reading.
anywho...again..thanks for all the reveiws (shameless plug) and expect more soon. I feel inspired.
blah blah blah, same drill as before.
Oh thanks for all the reviews. You people are too nice. I scared you with the mocking you from afar didn't I? Hehe..just kidding. Thanks again.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
"...lures travelers into bogs. You notice the lantern dangeling from his hand? Hops ahead-people follow the light- then-" there was a squelching noise coming from the glass box that held the hinkypunk Lupin was standing next to. "Well I'm sure you can imagine what happens next." The bell rang and the students gathered their books. " Wait a moment Harry. I'd like a word," Professor Lupin called. Hermione bid Harry a quiet goodbye and walked out of the room. She made her way over to a connecting hallway and stood, watching the door she had exited. After a few moments Harry walked out with a smile on his face and headed off towards his next class. Hermione stood in place for a few more minutes and then stepped forward again. When she entered the classroom, Professer Lupin was nowhere in sight. Seeing the light on in his office, she climbed the stairs quietly and knocked on his door. After a moment she heard him call for her to enter. Pushing the door open, she saw Lupin seated at his desk, looking up at her. "Ah Hermione, good to see you again. Did you forget something?"
"No Professor Lupin. I was wondering if you happened to have any free time coming up? I was wondering if you could possibly help me with some other work I've been doing. With all the classes I'm taking so many of them seem to overlap and a few things could be easily cleared up by you. Information on certain dark creatures and such. If you can't I understand."
"Of course. You never cease to amaze me Hermione. You're so dedicated to your work, are you planning on becoming a professor when you leave?" Hermione went slightly pink.
"I'm not really sure."
"Well you should consider it then. I'd be happy to lend you any assitance you need. Can you be here tomorrow at around 8PM? I've got some free time then if you're able."
"Alright. I'll be here then. Thankyou Professor. Goodbye." 'Oh, why did I have to lie? This isn't going to work.' Seeing Lupin nod and smile, Hermione turned and walked out the door of his office.
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8PM
"Now Hermione, what can I help you with?" Lupin asked, wondering about the look in her eyes. When she looked down at the ground he put a hand on her shoulder. "Hermione?"
"Professor..I didn't exactly tell you the truth about why I needed to see you. Can I ask you a favor before I tell you what I mean? You're going to understand why once I begin." Hermione said, staring at her feet.
"What is it Hermione?" Lupin asked, a sinking feeling in his stomach.
"I think you should put up a strong silencing charm Professor." Hermione said quietly, glancing up quickly. Without asking why, Lupin took out his wand and with a quiet word and a small movement, the door closed and the room became soundproof.
"Sit down Hermione. I think I know why you're here." He said, in a defeated tone. 'How could I have been stupid enough not to realize yesterday? After talking to her in the library I knew she had something almost figured out.'
"Professor Lupin, since you came here I knew something was different about you. You were friends with Harry's parents and that means you must have been a good person. I still think you are. Everytime I see you, there is a sadness in your eyes that shouldn't be there. I told you before that we all have our reasons to keep our secrets. But I also told you that there are people who understand them more then you could imagine..."
"Hermione..this is very noble of you but I hardly think you could understand just what you're implying. I can't imagine you being capable of knowing what kind of hell something like this causes." Lupin said, his words harsher then he meant.
"Professor Lupin.."
"I've been a lycanthrope for my whole bloody life and you expect me to believe that a 13 year old girl understands what it's like to be an outcast! What it's like to have everyone look at you as if you're going to kill them. Not being able to find a decent job. You're telling me you understand what it feels like to have the whole world hate you?!" He said, breathing heavily. He was angry and defensive. Hermione didn't falter.
"Yes Professor, I expect you to understand what some 13 year old is saying. I expect you to realize that what I've told you before is true. You don't see me reeling from you. I'm not screaming or pointing at you. I'm not making some snide comment. In fact, I've been defending you!" Hermione said, her voice rising. Both sat glaring at each other in silence. Holding Lupin's gaze, Hermione lowered her voice,
"I've been an outcast for 3 years here at Hogwarts. For my whole life in the muggle world. I'm not likening my life to yours, I'm only saying that I know what yours can be like. People stare at you like your some kind of freak. They say things, and not always behind your back. I have no idea the pain that your transformation puts you through. I've only seen the result. You look weaker every time. And I know enough to know that it isnt because of just the transformation. You've made yourself believe what people have said about you. I knew it when we talked the night you gave me the notes, and it made me wonder. The sad look in your eyes. You were talking about yourself and when I realized it, I wept for you. I'm not afraid of you Professor. I only want to understand you." Hermione finished. Lowering her gaze again. She heard Lupin release a shaky breath.
"Hermione..."
"I wont tell anyone Professor. If that's what you're worried about. I wont tell a soul." She said, standing to leave. When her hand touched the door, she felt soomething reach and turn her around. Lupin was kneeling in front of her, his shoulders sagging, hands on her arms.
"Hermione, I'm not worried about you telling anybody. And I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm so tired of this. I can't make you carry a burden like this." He said as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him. Hermione's eyes widened but moved as he pulled her. She could feel his shudder against her stomach as he let out one choking sob. Akwardly she ran her fingers through his hair. They stood like that for moments. Finally he released her from his grip and stood. Hermione looked into his eyes and saw the sad look had increased tenfold. The pain in his eyes brought tears to her own.
"I'm sorry Professor. I'm sorry that you have to deal with this alone. But I don't want you to be alone. I want to help you." She said, her voice breaking. Lupin managed a weak smile. Bending foreward slightly, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and wiped a stray tear from her cheek.
"It's alright Hermione. It's alright. I know what you mean. I know that you mean everything you've said. Thank you." Lupin placed his hands on either side of her face and brought it up. She met his eyes. "Thank you Hermione." She nodded. Dropping his hands to his sides, Lupin sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I think it's time for you to go to bed. It's late and .." He didn't have to finish. Hermione was too weary to fight him. "I don't want this to be the last time we talk Hermione. I don't want this to be the reason I lose someone else who...I care about." He said after a moment. Hermione nodded slightly, still looking into his eyes. She put her hand on the door again and pulled it open. Turning back she saw Lupin still looking at her.
"I wont let it...Remus" She said quietly. Lupin stepped foreward and took her hand. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Sqeezing her hand tightly, he released it.
"Goodnight Hermione Granger"
"Goodnight Remus Lupin." With that she turned and walked slowly down the stairs. When she reached the door of the classroom she turned once more. He was still watching her. She gave him one last smile and slipped out into the quiet halls.
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you sick perverts thought i was gonna let em kiss didn't ya! well I'll tell you what! she's 13 and as much as I am for this pairing..13 is a bit too young for me. So sorry to all of you pediophiles out there. I'm definatly not saying it aint gonna happen..but it isnt going to be just now..You just have to keep on reading.
anywho...again..thanks for all the reveiws (shameless plug) and expect more soon. I feel inspired.