-LOST IN OWL POSTS

CHAPTER 4

Hermione bid her goodbyes to her old friends, making them promise to visit more often. Once she saw them to the front door of her small building, she finally stopped to think on what Ron had revealed to her.

Was it only coincidence that she found a benefactor at the same time Snape decided to visit the town? Her hands shook in anticipation of what that meant. Would her former teacher try to help her? And what was he doing here? Could it be that he had settled for work in the very place she had chosen to spend her next three years?

All those questions haunted her for the remainder of the day, consuming her with such intensity that she had no option but to do what she did best. Research!

It had been long ago since she searched the library for any books and magazines containing the history of Voldemort's defeat and all about the ones that helped it happen. The last time she checked, there was a light mention of Snape and his whereabouts were unknown. His full name was never revealed, and she knew that once a good historian decided to write a proper book on such events, he or she would include every detail of every character in that war.

With good luck she might find something on the man. That would do to start, and to also keep her mind sane until she figured this whole thing out.

But one thing was sure in Hermione's life. She did not believe in coincidences.

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"Do I look like someone who would joke about things, Phillip?" Severus glared at his friend.

"No, actually, I think you could use some laughter once in a while," Phillip replied, ignoring the ex-Death Eater's glare. "But I find it ludicrous to even consider your theory, Severus!"

"I'm not one to invent crazy theories, either. I usually base them in facts, which just about point to this conclusion!"

"Okay, let's just consider this for a moment: An impostor – working in one of the best universities in Europe as a Professor of Potions, which is the most difficult subject to date – has the ability to fool everyone, including old man Drumond, using some simple memory charm." Phillip trailed his hand on his hazel hair. "That just doesn't make sense. What would be his motive, if that indeed was true? Why would someone, not being the least competent in potions, try to pass himself as a Potions Professor, when that is obviously the most dangerous charade I can think of?"

Severus sighed. "That's exactly what I mean! He must have a very strong motive, or he wouldn't go to such trouble. The first step, I suppose, is finding who he is and how to keep him from snatching our memories away in the process."

"Then, if he is so determined and clever, he must know what you're up to by now. If that is true, Severus, you better watch your back." Phillip wasn't playing around now.

"I know. I just can't help letting my paranoia get the best of me, and I end up wondering if he could be one of those Death Eaters that never were captured…"

"I don't think so, Severus, no one knew you would come to work with us, and this man has been working here since the start of term," said Phillip thoughtfully.

"Maybe he isn't here because of me…" Severus knew it was possible this individual was here to take revenge on Miss Granger. She had stunned and sent so many Death Eaters to Azkaban during the war… it wouldn't be hard to believe it.

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Severus sat at his desk thinking of his next course of action. He touched his long index finger to his lips as he slowly rocked on his chair.

With a quick movement, he straightened himself up and grabbed his quill and parchment.

Dear Miss Granger,

It has come to my attention that what started as a simple problem of incompetence, has turned out to be a matter of grave danger.

I do not want to alarm you, but it's important you keep constant vigilance. The individual you call a Potions Professor can be more than an idle idiot. I fear there must be much more involved behind his Professor façade.

I cannot reveal any further information before I am absolutely sure, but the least I can do is warn you to be prepared.

Mr. M.

He read it over and was satisfied with the message. It wouldn't be prudent to tell her of his findings, but she needed to be protected in case anything should happen. He would also need to be closer to the girl without her knowing. For a spy like him, it wouldn't be a problem following her around without being noticed.

Attaching the parchment to his owl's leg, he grabbed his cloak and left to pursue Miss Granger.

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Hermione had just arrived home with all the magazines and books she could find on contemporary wizarding history and magazine articles about the war. She had just set out to work, sprawled on the rug of her small living room with a cup of tea, when a familiar owl landed on top of the coffee table. She recognized the bird from her mystery friend's previous message.

With an excited yelp, she fed the owl a cracker and practically tore the seal apart. Her eyes scanned the parchment many times, taking every word. Constant vigilance?

If she didn't know any better, she would have thought her mysterious friend was Mad-Eye Moody. The thought gave her a shiver.

But who else could her friend be? If he used Moody's catch-phrase, he could be an Order member. She knew where every Order member was now living, except for Snape. Was this letter from her old Potions Master? She didn't know whether to be excited with the screaming prospect of this being her dear former Professor's letter, or afraid for her life by what he said in it. If this was indeed written by Severus Snape, she could practically guess what he had in mind. They both had gathered so many enemies after the war that it wouldn't be surprising if any of them would be after her for revenge. But how? She didn't remember any of the Death Eaters resembling her Potions Professor; could it be another Polyjuiced Professor?

If that were the case, they would have to contact members of the Order…

While lost in thought, she started flipping the pages of one of the magazines she had on her lap, not really taking in any of the subjects. But something caught her eye, and it only registered after she had turned to the next page.

She immediately turned back the page and met the dark glare of the object of her affection. It was a photograph taken about a year ago, with the title: Severus Mathew Snape, war hero.

"Mr. M…" Hermione said with a triumphant smile.

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A/N: I know it's too short but I'm working on next chapter and it should be up sooner than this one.

I want to thank June for beta-reading. :)

Next chapter: Hermione meets Phillip, more letters and… well, you'll see.