PART FOUR
Once Valentine's Day had passed, time seemed to pass even faster. Easter was upon them, in what felt like, the blink of an eye, in spite of all the extra days, Harry had added to the term with his use of the time turner. Deciding to do some calculations, Harry reckoned that he had, perhaps, added nearly two years to his real age, through his use of the time turner. It was amazing how the time just added up. The proximity of the exams had an effect on them all, even Ron decided that, perhaps visiting the library would not be such a bad idea.
The library was alive with activity and Madam Pince's lips had disappeared with disapproval, at some of the student's antics. A few of the more studious students had already ended up in the infirmary, due to the stress. A few of the late studiers appeared to be near to needing her services also, as they forgot to do things like sleep and eat, when they discovered exactly how necessary some of that extra reading was to understanding their notes.
On one particularly nice day, it occurred to Harry that he might try combining study with fresh air. Ron agreed that this was one of harry's better ideas and joined him outside, which was where Hermione found them, looking very upset. Given how studious Hermione was, the shared glance between Ron and Harry indicated that they both thought it was N.E.W.T. related. To say they were surprised, when the first words out of her mouth weren't about some minor differences in a potion or transfiguration exercise or some discrepancy between one book and the other but " Guys, Oh God I don't know how to tell you this!" would be an understatement.
When after a minute, Hermione had not continued. Harry decided that something had happened to her parents, or maybe Ron's parents or Ginny and by Ron's face he was thinking along the same lines. Hermione found herself embraced by the boys as she sat there sobbing. Eventually, she calmed down enough to try to talk again.
"Professor Snape is missing."
Whatever they expected to be told, this wasn't it and the nonplused looks they gave her spoke volumes about their confusion.
"So, no more hassle from the greasy git!"
Hermione continued as though Ron hadn't spoken, "He was summoned at the start of the Easter break and, well, he's not back. Professor Dumbledore just told me, they haven't heard a thing from him. The teachers are really concerned."
Ron seemed about to speak again, when Harry, who had been watching Hermione's face, told him to be quiet. Ron sat there stunned by Harry's forceful tone.
"He'll be okay. Snape's a survivor."
"He's probably gone back to "you know who's" side."
"Ron, I already told you to shut up, next time you speak like that, I'll hex you."
Giving Hermione another hug, he asked, "How long have you felt like this?"
"Since the start of the year."
"Does he know?"
"Yes but he won't do anything until I finish school. I know you don't like him and he's not exactly the type of man all girls would go for. I mean, no one could describe him as handsome and he isn't the easiest person, but he just fits, if you what I mean?"
"Not really, but if he makes you happy then I'm happy. Is that where you've been running off to when you've been chased out of the library?"
"Yeah. Thanks Harry, your support means a lot to me. Ron?"
"Well I won't deny that I'm not shocked. I mean its Snape, he's a slytherin but its like Harry says, I guess. Just don't expect me to start throwing him parties and acting as though he's my best friend!"
"I'll have to agree with Ron on those points but otherwise....."
"Thanks guys. I doubt Professor Snape would enjoy you doing that anyway. He'd probably think that the world's about to end or something"
"Don't worry he'll turn up"
"Oh look, if it isn't a Gryffindork bonding session."
"Malfoy!"
"Great grasp of names there, Weasel."
"Better then yours anyway."
As usual when the Gryffindor trio came into contact with Malfoy and his cronies, there was a scuffle. This one ended, at least, with the minimum of hexing. When they turned back to Hermione, she was looking at a piece of parchment with the oddest expression.
"We need to find the Headmaster NOW."
The parchment turned out to contain clues to Professor Snape's location. The headmaster assured them that he would check out it and let them know what they found out. When Harry went to Remus's rooms to study, Remus was preparing to travel.
"Where are you going?"
"The headmaster has asked me to check out the information we got on Severus's whereabouts."
"Oh. Well you will be careful?"
"Of course. Listen, I'll give you the password to my rooms so you can still come here to study when you need some peace."
"Thanks."
Time seemed interminably long, as they awaited news of Professor Snape's whereabouts and well-being. Hermione was especially tense, sleep continually evaded her and she kept skipping meals. Even being reminded that the N.E.W.T.S were coming, and that Snape wouldn't appreciate her failing them over him, didn't help. Harry had to admit that he understood a little of what she was going through, as thoughts of Remus kept intruding. Ron and Hermione were arguing again, when Harry found himself blurting out,
"I think I'm in love with Professor Lupin."
"Eh What? Come again?"
"Professor Lupin?"
"Yeah"
Harry was aware of Ron and Hermione's scrutiny and he found himself wishing he had kept his mouth shut. While Ron just seemed shocked, Hermione looked thoughtful.
"What are you going to do?"
"Okay what is it with you guys and professors?"
"What can I do? While at least he doesn't see me only as "the boy who lived," he does see me as Harry Potter, his dead best friend's son. Not exactly boyfriend material!"
"You know I'm not sure he does just see you as his best friend's son, but I think it would be best if you left telling how you feel til after you finish the exams and are no longer his student. I definitely think he'd turn down a student on principle."
"You know, I haven't even thought about whether he likes blokes that way!"
"You like blokes?"
"I'm not sure, Ron, I like Remus, but I also thought that girl at Christmas was quite cute."
Ron seemed prepared to accept and Harry felt a sense of relief, at having finally put what he was feeling into words.
Several days later, Professor Snape was back with Professor Lupin. Hermione was overjoyed and Harry slept a bit better that night. Now that Harry knew about Hermione and his potion's professor, he could see all the small gestures that had never suggested anything to him before. He suddenly wondered if he should mention his suspicions about Remus and Sirius to Hermione, but decided that she had enough on her plate at the moment.
Professor Snape might not be a demonstrative person, but he felt that those small gestures spoke far more poignantly then any flamboyant gesture. Harry felt both happy and a little jealous of what his friend. One day, if he survived Voldemort, maybe he could have the same thing with Remus