A/N: ff.net has been screwing with my formatting so if it is hard to read the scene cut offs I'm sorry. I'm trying to figure out a way so change that, so be patient. For future reference, once I return Hermione to the future that will NOT be the end of the story. The original plane was to write a story using all the cliché plot points in one story. The timeturner is just the beginning. This fic will be going on for quite some time. So sit back and enjoy the ride. Hopefully the rest will be as good as you all think it is right now.

I would like to thank a few reviewers at this time.

Stargazerstarluver: Thanks for that. Glad to know there are some silent readers out there who appreciate the story.

Jane Williams: I can't swear one way or the other as that would be ruining the ending (hehehe)

Alarase: I can't do that, though it would be interesting. This is only the end of the first term. Christmas Break ya know. So there is at least a few more chaps before she goes back. This is going to be more than a time-turner fic so the reveal will come later. Thanks though.

Colleen: Thanks for that recommendation, but I doubt it would happen. ;) Plus, I think by the time I'm done with this, it will be novel length anyway.

BadBugz: I don't remember any mention of James being HB, though it would fit the character. I believe you have to be a prefect first and James wasn't one. Oh well, it still works I guess. Thanks for all the great reviews.

Kaaera: I wish I could hug Remus too. But it was not meant to be so he will just have to get over it. Thanks for being such a loyal reviewer. Glad to see you're not beating anyone up this time. Lol.

Lets see if this break works. There are supposed to be "!" between each scene. If not then try to read anyway.

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Chapter 13: Discoveries

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James hadn't seen Elizabeth in a while. He wanted to talk to her about that night. He needed questions answered. Like, how she knew about Moony? Or, if she had really been that hawk? And why she was trying to save Snape and was now avoiding her boyfriend? Some things just weren't adding up but it was becoming impossible to find her. She was always studying and never stayed long enough to have a conversation at meals.

What ever her problem is the animagus thing is definitely not public knowledge. She has as much right to go around as an animal as we do, he thought to himself. He sighed mentally; I suppose I will keep it a secret for now. Damn I need to talk to her. Noticing that once again she wasn't at lunch he decided to go look for her...in the library.

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James was unsuccessful at finding her that afternoon. But he got lucky later that evening. James and Remus were sitting by the blazing fire in the common room when Hermione entered. James noticed that she was flushed and was looking satisfied. She seemed startled, like she hadn't realized they were there, when Remus said, "Hello Elizabeth. Where have you been?"

To James' confusion she seemed to look guilty for a moment before she walked over and sat down. She seemed to think before she said, "I was in the library. Doing some extra work."

The silence dragged on. Remus looked nervous then finally said, "Eli..Elizabeth I need to ask you something. James told me about what happened. He said you told him about Sirius' trick on Snape. I need to know...how...how you found out about me. Only a few actually know for sure. If someone told you I need to know before it gets leaked across the whole school. So please, tell me how you know."

She looked at him. She smiled softly to reassure him, and explained, "No one told me. I used to have a DADA professor that was a werewolf. He was the best professor I ever had for that subject. I recognized the signs in you. You were gone once a month. You always looked sick around then. Your friends call you Moony and your last name is Lupin as in wolf. Don't worry I won't betray your secret. I have nothing against werewolves in there human form. This changes nothing about how I feel about you." She watched as relief flooded his handsome features. She felt a slight regret that she was going to have to give him up. He really was a great guy he just wasn't the one she wanted. She sighed and thought, Later. Now was not the time to bring it up. Not in front of James.

She saw James looking at her as if he was going to ask a question then the look was gone. She had a feeling he knew her other secret. About how she was able to be there so quickly. But she didn't want to bring it up until he did.

James was dying to ask her about the hawk, but since he hadn't told anyone, not even Remus, about it, he was reluctant to say anything in front of him. He also didn't want to confront her with false evidence. He needed to be sure. So until he knew more or she brought it up he wasn't going to say anything.

Remus was so relieved. He had worried that someone else had guessed. He never wanted to face the scorn he got in his old town right after it happened. Hogwarts was his sanctuary so long as only a few knew and kept it secret. He was glad that she knew though. It had bothered him that he had been keeping it from her. He was even happier that she didn't seem to hate him like so many others would. The news that she had had a professor werewolf gave him hope for his own future. He wanted nothing more that to be a teacher or auror. The last was out of the question since he was what they often hunted. The love for the girl sitting next to him filled his very being and flooded his heart as he said, "You have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you." To her surprise and James' embarrassment, he leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.

As he pulled away she tried to smile, but James could tell it was a bit forced. Uh oh, this is not going to be good. I hope she doesn't break his heart too much. He can't take to much more rejection in his life, he thought.

He wasn't surprised when Elizabeth said, "Um, Remus we need to talk ...alone. James would you mind. There is something I need to discuss with him and I'd rather not say it in front of anyone just yet." She pleaded with her eyes for him to understand. And he did, far too well.

He nodded stiffly and hoped this wasn't going to be too messy. We'll need to do something for him over break, he mused. Sirius isn't going to like this. He stood and said good night and headed for his room. He tried to block out the sound of the pair's whispering.

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Snape ate his lunch contemplating yesterday's events. An involuntary smile began to form before he realized what he was doing and schooled his face back into a bored haughty look. He was fantasizing about the next time they would meet when a screech and the flap of wings was heard. He looked up at the sound since it was not the normal time for mail nor was the screech that of and owl. To his and everyone else's amazement there was a small brindled hawk flying towards the Slytherin table.

He was more shocked than anyone when it landed neatly in front of him. The beautiful creature carefully avoided the platters of food and goblets of water as it extended the cream colored envelop to the astonished Head Boy. He took it gently and carefully extended a hand to pet the hawk when it did not leave immediately. It seemed to lean into the caress before he stopped and opened the letter. It was written anonymously but he recognized the hand writing the minute he started to read.

Dearest,

I only wished to say hello. I have found a way around the
problem of communicating with out it being obvious to everyone.
The hawk in front of you is to be a link between us.
Unfortunately she only answers to me. You will have to wait for
me to send her to you before you can write me but please send
her back with a letter of your own. Seeing as how she will be
for both of us I would like you to name her. Be careful for she
is proud as any Gryffindor and will let you know if she
disapproves of your choice. Go with my love and return her to
me but not with out word from you.

Your Love,
E.

He looked again at the hawk and, forgetting about his lunch, offered his arm to the bird and left the Great Hall.

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He sat in his room with the hawk. She had feathers of bronze, brown and gold. Her gold brown eyes flashed in the afternoon sun from the window. He had been trying to name her for the last half hour. It was a good thing his exams had been this morning. The bird kept turning down his choices.

"What do you think of Triste?" he asked. The hawk flapped her wings in protest looking at him with a disdainful air. "I only have two left that I can think of. What about Sule, it means wind?" The bird screeched in protest. Frustrated he gave it one last shot, "Fine. What do you think of Ráme? It means Wing." He stopped pacing when she made no comment.

He turned and looked at her. She was staring at him. Suddenly she launched herself in the air and landed lightly on his shoulder and began to run her beak through his hair. He looked up at her in surprise then reached up to affectionately to stroke her velvety feathers. He brought her down to rest on his arm and continued to stroke her, saying, "Hello Ráme." (A/N: This is pronounced 'RAH-MAY' not 'RAIM'.)

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Remus looked forlorn at the imminent departure of his friends. They were all going home for the Christmas Holiday except for Elizabeth. He had been melancholy for the last few days. Only James and Hermione knew the real reason. The others thought it was just depression on being left behind...again.

Hermione watched him as he waved good bye to the carriage carrying their friends to the train. His shoulders slumped just a little more when he saw her. He had taken the actual break up pretty well, but he seemed to be avoiding her and was closed mouthed around her when she was with them.

She had tried to be gentle with the break up. He instantly thought it was because of his being a werewolf. She tried to tell him that it wasn't. But she couldn't tell him that she was leaving him for Snape. He wouldn't understand. She explained that while he was a nice guy and a great friend it just wasn't what she was looking for in a boyfriend and that being a werewolf had nothing to do with it. She didn't think it had worked though. He just remained silent and gave a resigned okay in agreement. But now he wouldn't even talk to her. She suspected James knew, but hadn't said anything because Lily hadn't asked her about it at all.

She hated doing this to him but it was better that he know now than leading him on in a false relationship. She just hated seeing him this way. This was going to be a depressing holiday. There was no Harry or Ron to get in trouble with. Lily had gone home along with the rest. Even Severus had been ordered home on pain of social torture if he refused his mother. With it being only her and Remus in the entire Gryffindor tower left it was going to be gloomy indeed.

The only bright spot she could see was that Severus had wished to keep in contact via Ráme. She would get to see him anyway. And did she ever have a Christmas present for him.

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The room was large as would be expected in a manor belonging to a Snape. It was decorated in soft cream velvets and dark blue and green silks. The wood was all ebony with oak counterpoint. Silver and white candles charmed to never melt and give off continuous heat as well as light sat in ornate black iron and silver sconces placed strategically around the room.

Snape sat in his third floor bedroom window seat, staring out at the snow falling softly outside. It was Christmas Day. He wished he could have stayed at school this year. Normally he didn't mind, but this year there was something he had left behind: his heart.

He sighed, and thought about what he could have been doing if he weren't stuck here. Suddenly his eye caught some movement out side. There seemed to be a black dot flying through the sky. As it neared, it got bigger. Slowly through the white flakes dancing in the cold wind, the form of his long awaited messenger became clear.

Ignoring the cold, he pushed open the window to let in the hawk. She flew around the room before landing with a slight thump on the large four-poster bed. She huddled in on herself trying to get warm. She looked at Snape indignantly as if blaming him for the snow outside.

He chuckled lightly and sat next to the bird. He carefully took the note tied to her leg stroking her in thanks. He slit open the seal and read:

Dear Severus,

I miss you terribly. This castle is so lonely without you. Do
you miss me? I hope you are having a good time anyway. Thank
you for the present. The sapphires were gorgeous. I am wearing
them as I speak. I realize you did not receive your gift from
me yet and may be wondering if I forgot you. The answer is
never and I have sent it with Ráme. I hope you like it. See
you soon.

All my love,
Elizabeth

He had been wondering if she had forgotten or was unable to get a gift on short notice. He set the letter down and looked once more at the brindled bird sitting next to him. "Do you have something else you need to give me?" he asked politely.

For a second she just blinked at him then suddenly seemed to heave and tilt forward. He reached out a steadying hand but pulled back sharply as the hawk he knew and loved began to change. She grew larger. The beak changed color and seemed to melt back into the face. The wings lost their feathers and the legs grew thick. Suddenly where the hawk had been, sat his love in all her beauty.

She was wearing rich blue dress robes that matched the color of the sapphires around her neck and in her ears perfectly. The color and candle light seemed to make her skin glow with an inner radiance. Her golden brown hair was the exact shade of the hawk's feathers and was currently pulled up with the majority braided and wound around her head in a kind of coronet, with the rest in little ringlets cascading down her back.

Once again he was overwhelmed with her beauty. Did she know how good she looked? His only thought was at least she is not angry this time. In fact she had the biggest prettiest smile he had ever seen plastered on her face. She shuddered for a moment and said, "I hate the snow."

He sat there in shock and surprise and her smile just go bigger. Suddenly he couldn't take it. He reached forward and crushed her in a massive hug and planted a strong kiss on her perfect mouth. She hugged him back and kissed him back until both of them had to let go to get some air.

As she gasped for breath, she looked at him. He was perfect to her. Despite the somewhat large nose, which to her gave him character, he was handsome when he wasn't scowling. She loved his dark hair and snapping black eyes. Even the inherited Slytherin sneer and smirk was cute. His voice was velvet come to life and just sent shivers down her spine whenever he spoke. Her heart and body warmed with the new love she had for him.

It seemed she had known him most of her life. Which in a left-handed kind of way, she had. Just not this side of him. She saw his sappy smile, which was completely out of place on his face, and pulled him in for another kiss. This time it was gentle, but with no less passion. When they broke apart once more, leaning on each other for support, she whispered against his lips, "Happy Christmas, Severus."

She felt him smile and reply in that devastatingly silky voice, "Happy Christmas, Elizabeth." Her only regret was that he didn't say 'Hermione.'

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"You failed me, Lucius, "said the voice of Lord Voldemort. The wizard once known as Tom Riddle glared menacingly at the trembling boy on the floor. His gaze was black and while not quite as evil as his future red slit eyes, they could still strike fear in all but the strongest man's heart. "You promised me he would come. But he did, not and if this letter is true he is in love with a mudblood git of a witch. I give you once more chance. Have him report to me, repentant for the crime of loving a mudblood and ready to serve me fully, by the summer solstice or you will pay the consequences. Do not fail me twice. Now go, so I will not have to look at you."

Malfoy slithered his way backward rising and bowing his way out of the room saying, "Yes, Master. Thank you, Master." Once out of sight he fled as if the hounds from hell were chasing him.

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They had spent an hour just talking to each other. Complaining about there individual Christmas problems (e.i. Peeves, annoying aunts, stupid gifts, having to give gifts to people you hate, etc.). They had progressed into a long breathless make out session that had been going on for the last fifteen minutes and was quickly moving into something more.

Hermione was half way through unbuttoning Severus shirt and him trying to blindly unlace her dress in the back, when she was suddenly hit with her inner conscious, What are you doing? You would never go this far normally. This isn't like you. You promised yourself to wait until marriage. What would your parents think if they found out?

Piffle. I love him and I like this. This is the new me. They never have to know about it. They aren't even married yet anyway. What's the harm in getting a little carried away? a second voice argued back.

The first voice replied, First, that makes no difference. Sex is not something you can take back. This is just not sensible and YOU are supposed to be sensible. You could get pregnant or hurt. It takes the relationship to far. It's going to fast. He's your damn professor for Merlin's sake. YOUR BLOODY PROFESSOR! That snapped her out of it.

Severus stopped suddenly when Hermione muttered a weak, "No." He released her half way undone laces and sat back to look at her. He was a little befuddled from the adrenaline and hormones racing through his blood. He was confused. She had wanted this just as much as he did a few moments ago.

He shuddered with held back feelings and asked raggedly, the hurt evident in his voice, "Why?"

She hesitated, "I..."

They both turned jumpily at a noise in the hallway. There was someone coming. They both panicked at the soft call, "Severus, it is Mother. We need to talk." The heavy oak door began to open and a delicate hand followed it.

As the lady of the house entered her son's room, she turned to find him stroking a small brindled hawk lovingly. She frowned not recognizing it, since they didn't own hawks only owls. "Who is this? Where did you get it?" she asked curiously.

He looked up at his mother with practiced bland indifference. In almost a bored tone he answered, "She was a gift, sent anonymously. Her name is Ráme." He continued to caress the bird as if to reassure it.

Lady Alexandria Snape regarded the hawk with some skepticism. She never trusted anonymous gifts. Especially one's as fine as this regal bird. She really is a lovely creature. The golden brown feathers are beautiful and the eyes reflect much intelligence, she thought. But we must know more. "Anonymous you said. Did you name her or did she come with it? Do you have any idea who would have sent you such a gift?" she questioned.

He looked a little startled at the questions. He knew that tone of voice. If he gave the wrong answers she would force him to give her up and their plans to see each other secretly would be ruined. "I named her. And I do have an idea. There is a girl at school who has had a crush on me for some time. She always pretended to hate me in public but confessed earlier this year and we have been ...friends... for a while." He watched his mother's reaction to this news carefully. He smiled a little when Ráme nibbled his hair affectionately.

Alexandria contemplated this answer. It did explain things a bit. She believed there was more than just 'friendship' going on but said nothing. They had a right to some privacy ...for now. Deciding to let him be happy in the rest of what had been a joyless childhood she smiled and said, "That's nice dear. I was wondering who the sapphires were for when you didn't give them to anyone in the family. I hope she was worth it. Though by her return gift I would say she is. I hope you are happy. I actually just came up to tell you that you will be expected to attend the party your father is hosting tomorrow night. I was also going to suggest you take Miss Narcissa Black as your guest, but why don't you invite your lady friend instead. The attire is formal. Do try your best to be presentable. You know how your father gets at these things. Happy Christmas." With that announcement and a wave she glided out of the room with out another glance.

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Hermione thought about the day's events as she flew back to the castle. There was a lot to think about. She was struggling with her feelings about the love she felt for Severus but the knowledge that he would one day be her professor and obviously she was not around as an adult for he was unmarried. Which means she did go back, or at least left this time.

She was surprised to find that she dreaded going back. She liked it here despite the homesickness of missing Harry and Ron, although James did a lot for replacing some of that. She loved the friends she had made. She would miss Lily but mostly she hated to leave Severus. The fact that he was going to teach her every thing she knew about potions didn't factor in when she thought about him. She just loved him.

She had been so caught up in the moment that she had felt severely deprived when he had pulled away even if it was at her own instigation. She had been panicked when his mother had walked in. She had barely been able to transform before she was seen. She was glad Lady Snape had allowed Severus to 'keep' her as a hawk. But she had been surprised that he had admitted to having a relationship. He seemed more the type to hide it from everyone until he was ready to go public. She had been even more surprised when he had asked to come to the party.

She had fully expected him to refuse to have her meet his parents. The whole reason they had been hiding there relationship was because she was muggleborn and it would never be allowed. She had said yes and was scared out of her wits. She felt like she was about to walk into a dark pit full of Death Eaters except this time she didn't know who they were. But she was going, because he had asked. He hated social functions, but he had asked. So she would be going.

Death Eaters be damned. She only hoped Malfoy wouldn't be there.

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A/N: How do you like it? Review and tell me. For anyone who thinks this is going to get smutty I will reassure or disappoint you, while sex may be implied at a later time AFTER they are married, I will not be including any descriptions as I welcome readers of all ages and would like to keep it appropriate. Thank you.