Ch 3

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"Ms. Granger you can come in now." Hermione stepped forward onto the stone that would take her to Dumbledore's office. After ten minutes of waiting nervously in the hall, she was glad to finally be moving foreward again. With a sudden lurch, the stairwell reveled itself and Hermione made a quick ascent. Once she arrived at the door to the Professor's office she raised her hand to knock. It swung open just as her knuckles grazed the heavy wood. There before her stood Professor Dumbledore, Remus Lupin and a young boy she recognised but didn't know.

Without a word, Professor Dumbledore motioned for her to enter and have a seat. After he shut the door behind her, he and his two companions followed her into the inner office.

"Professor..did I do something wrong?" Hermione asked nervosly, her eyes darting to Remus in the chair next to her.

"Nonsense Hermione. You are here because I would like to ask a favor of you. As to Remus's presence, which I am sure you are wondering about, he is involved in this favor."

Hermione nodded and waited for the old man to continue.

"Remus and I were wondering if you would be so kind as to privatly tutor a friend of his. It would be after school hours and the room of requirment would be at your disposal. The young man behind you will be here for a while. How long we are not sure but it shouldn't be longer then the end of this term. What do you think?"

Hermione looked behind her at the young man sitting in a chair by the door. He had brown hair. He met her gaze evenly, sizing her up. After a moment a smile ghosted his face and his eyes darted to Remus who was also watching Hermione. When she moved her gaze to Remus's he quickly looked back at Dumbledore. Finally she turned back around.

"Okay. I'll do it. What year are you in?"

"My seventh."

"What studies are you taking?"

"Occulmency, Acient Runes, Muggle Studies, Defense Against The Dark Arts, Double Potions, Care of Magical Creatures. That's it."

"That's it?! Are you using a Time-Turner this year? That's as many classes as I took my thrid year."

"Something like that.."

"Excellent Ms Granger. Now that it's settled why don't you head back to your dorm room. It's late and you've been more then patient. Tomorrow can you start the lessons? I know it's short notice but the sooner the better."

"Of course Professor." Hermione stood and turned. "Goodnight Professor, Remus." She walked to the boy by the door. "If you want we can start tomorrow before dinner in the library." The boy nodded. "Alright, goodnight then."

"Goodnight Hermione." Professor Dumbledore said with a smile.

"Just a moment, I'll walk you out. Excuse me for a moment Albus?" Remus asked as he stood up.

"Of course"

"I'll be just a moment. Come Hermione." Together they walked to the door of Dumbledore's office.After it closed behind them Dumbledore looked to the young man in his chair.

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"So Remus, what do you think of her?" Remus hesitated a moment.

"Well, I know what he thinks of her. But as for me, I don't really know yet. She didn't even ask my name. She probably thinks I am an idiot." He said with a slight sigh.

"If I know Hermione, then she already has something figured out about you. She specifically didnt ask your name." Remus thought about this for a moment and then nodded.

"Professor?"

"Yes?"

"I know what he's thinking, what he's feeling. It's like I can hear his thoughts but more like I have a sense of them. I don't understand that."

"The echos of his thoughts. You hear them just as he no doubt, can hear yours."

'So we know what each of us is thinking?"

"More or less."

"Ah..."

"Does this trouble you?"

"Well no, it's just.."

"What's the matter Remus?"

"It's nothing. Really. Forget it" Dumbledore looked over the boy and smiled.

"Alright. Then I suggest you get to bed. It is late and you've had a long day."" The young man nodded and smiled. "Don't worry Remuse, we shall get you home."

" I know Sir. I trust you. Goodnight"

''Goodnight Remus." Dumbledore stood and walked with the boy to the door. Remus managed a smile before a yawn broke through.

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"So, are you going to tell me who he really is or wait for me to figure it out myself Remus?"

"I think both would be about as fast don't you? Be honest, you already have an idea." Remus said with a grin.

''Perhaps I do, but I need to know more before I can be sure."" She replied evenly, a smile playing at her eyes.

"If you find anything out I need you to promise me you wont tell anyone. Especially Harry and Ron." Hermione nodded. "And you can't tell him anything about them." At this she looked puzzled. "If you figure it out, you'll understand.You need to promise me though, that you wont tell him too much. When you teach him, stay away from history alright?"

Hermione watched him a moment and then nodded. "Alright Remus. You know, I didn't get to talk to you on the train and when I heard you were coming back to teach I wanted to tell you I was glad. It's good to see you again."

Remus smiled tiredly and moved a few fingertips through Hermione's hair."It's good to be back here Hermione." He said, then dropped his hand. "Some things make it better to beback here you know."
Hermione smiled at him. Then they heard the sound of a door opening. The young man emerged from Dumbledore's office.

"Ready to go?" Remus asked, turning to him. The boy nodded.

"Well, goodnight Hermione. " Remus said looking down at her, a smile on his face. When she said nothing, only smiled he turned to his younger self and walked down the hall.

"Goodnight Remus" He heard her call behind him. When he looked back he saw her eyes move from him to the young man beside him. As she moved her eyes back to his, she held his gaze for a moment and then nodded. He smiled again and she turned to walk away.

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