Chapter Six.

Authors note: Ok folks hang in there this one might be a bit confusing, but trust me all will eventually be revealed. I'm using parts from both the movie and the book with regards to confrontation outside the whomping willow with the werewolf, I liked how the film showed it with Snape defending them: grin:;. Huge thanks to the best Beta in the world, CareBearErin, I couldn't have done this without you. To all my reviewers, your awesome words built confidence and encouraged me to write!

Disclaimer: Not mine, Harry Potter and Universe belongs to J. K. Rowling.

The Leaky Cauldron. 8a.m.

"Thanks for dropping me off, I've got lots to do today." Hermione told her parents.

Jane and Keith were managing strained smiles. The summer had been difficult; they had tried to take Hermione away after receiving the reports from the Headmaster. He'd told them everything that had happened the first two years, but had made it clear Hermione had to return. Somehow the Headmaster's threats had seemed less frightening, than the original man's letters. So, when Hermione had returned in July, they had whisked her off to France, fully intending to stay there, away from all this dark wizard nonsense. Yesterday they had been in France; they had been planning to pretend that they couldn't get back to England because of flight delays. Hermione had dealt with it in her own way. She had slipped off to the local wizard post office, hired an owl and sent a note to the headmaster asking for his advice. That evening a letter arrived for her parents.

The anger and fear on Keith's face had been very apparent. Luckily, Hermione had been out at the time.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Granger,

It has come to my attention that you are trying to break the terms of the agreement. Hermione will return to school, September first, with her friends. It is imperative she does so, as her previous guardian told you, you don't have legal leg to stand on, and I do so love these muggle expressions. I have sent two wizards to ensure your safe return to England tonight. If you try to resist, I will have no option but to put Hermione into the care of a Wizarding family. Do not think that because we chose to hide her with you, that she does not have family in the magical community. A few very discreet letters to certain family members would have Hermione back in the wizarding world in an instant. Her Aunt, I know, would be more than happy to take her in. A few discreet memory spells later and you would never know that she had existed. She is safe at Hogwarts, and although it may not seem like it, it is the best place for her to be.

Albus Dumbledore.

Jane had cried and Keith had fumed. How dare that man threaten them? They were only doing what was best for Hermione. The worst of it was, that when they had asked their daughter what she had been doing all year, she had told them a very glossed over account of events. Certainly she never mentioned about her stay in the hospital wing, the Basilisk or Voldemort.

Jane gave her daughter a fierce hug, which she returned.

"You stay out of trouble Hermione Jane, try not to put yourself in danger."

"Don't be silly mum, Hogwarts is the safest place in Britain. Nothing bad can happen to me there, honestly you're fussing over nothing." She said a little impatiently.

"We'll see you at Kings Cross next June princess, I'm taking your mother away for a holiday at Christmas, you don't mind do you?" Keith asked her.

"Don't be silly, have a wonderful time; I'll probably be studying anyway what with all my extra classes this year."

They waved goodbye and Hermione heaved a sigh of relief when they were gone. Finally she had some peace. The whole summer her parents had hardly let her out of their sight, she was starting to feel stifled. One of the Inn elves took her trunk and put it in her room while Hermione sat down for some pumpkin juice and French toast.

She had a great deal to do today and she was meeting Ron in two hours.

Hermione made her way along Diagon Alley, smiling to herself. Already she was starting to feel better. The longer she stayed in the muggle world these days the happier she was to return to the magical one. To her it just didn't seem as real as the world she belonged to now. There was no doubt in her mind that she and her family had grown apart. Although she knew they loved her and they still seemed supportive they didn't quite seem to trust her. She knew of course that she'd changed, two years learning at Hogwarts and fighting dark magic had definitely made her grow up quickly. She did feel guilty about not telling them of her adventures, but she really didn't want them to worry and stop her from going back. It had almost seemed as though they didn't want her coming back here this year but with reluctance, let her go. She was certain they were hiding something from her but what it was she didn't know. Entering Gringotts she felt the wave of excitement running through her. The bank was one of the most beautiful buildings she had ever seen.

Gridstop had seen her enter and made his way over to her.

"Miss Granger, follow me. Here for your allowance money?"

"School money", she corrected absently. Last year her parents had just given her cash so she had had no need to go down to her vault.

Gridstop had merely raised an eyebrow and opened the cart for her to get in.

The journey was as wild as ever, and stepping up to her vault she felt slightly queasy. The outer door magically opened and Hermione turned her key in the lock. Stepping inside the torches roared to life and she stopped dead. Instead of the table as she had left it, there were many more tables all piled with mounds of Galleons, Sickles and Knuts.

"This can't be right, Gridstop, this isn't my money. I know my parents arranged this vault but they couldn't possible have deposited this much in it."

"No mistakes miss, one hundred Galleons deposited each august first and thirty Galleons a month allowance money. At two years minus the first sixty Galleons you took, the balance of your vault is eight hundred Galleons with ten Galleons seventeen Sickles and five Knuts interest."

Hermione stared in consternation. Her parents were comfortably well off but this sort of money they would never have made available to her. She had always had to work hard for her allowance money and even then all she got was five pounds a week. Mentally trying to figure the exchange rate, she realized that that the eight hundred Galleons at her disposal was, at three pounds to a Galleon, about two thousand four hundred pounds. No way would her parents have given her ninety pounds pocket money a month. They hadn't even told her about allowance money, just that there would be money for her magical supplies.

Now Hermione was a very honest girl, but also very practical. She knew for a fact, the Goblins could be trusted. If Gridstop said there was no mistake and knew the accounting of her vault, then there was no mistake. Tapping her fingers lightly against her lips she came to a decision, no point in looking a gift horse in the mouth. Her conscience was clear she'd told Gridstop it was wrong he had insisted it was perfectly right. Smiling in anticipation at the books she would now be able to get, she filled her purse and was about to look for a moneybag when Gridstop spoke up.

"All magical businesses accept your Gringotts key to magically charge your vault. It cuts down on carting money about the place."

"I see. Thank you so much Gridstop that will definitely very handy. Could you arrange for me to receive a list of charges and purchases once a month while I'm at school?"

"Certainly."

Having concluded her business at the bank she made straight for Flourish and Blotts.

The bookstore was packed with Hogwarts pupils buying supplies. In the window of the shop, she had with a sinking heart, seen in a cage, the Monster Book of Monsters. This was one book she didn't want. In her opinion a book should stay still, she'd be lucky if there was anything left of it's pages, by the look of them they were tearing each other apart.

"Madam, how can I help you?" The clerk asked.

"I need Hogwarts school books for third year, all of them. If you leave them at the counter I wanted to have a browse and pick up a few other books."

Making her way through the stacks she finally found the potions section. Moste Potente Potions, just what she was looking for! She had wanted a copy of her own since last year. Although many of the potions it contained were very advanced and some were a little dark, they had fascinated her, especially as far as theory was concerned and she had wanted to see if some of them were able to be adjusted for other uses. It would be good to get a head start on extra credit projects for sixth year now. Goddess knows she would need it for potions if she wanted to get Professor Snape to give her a decent mark. What else had she wanted? Ah yes. 'To Charm or Transfigure, 101 Do's and Don'ts in Applied Magic' and a copy of 'Animagus or Animadness, a guide to transformation.'

When she reached the counter and handed the books over the witch looked at her closely. "I'm afraid the potions and the Animagi are restricted dear, you have to be seventeen to get them." With a flick of her wand the books zoomed back to their selves. Hermione fumed silently. Knowledge, she had always thought, should be available if one was able to understand it. Maybe I need to find a shop that won't be so careful about the rules.

Taking her purchases back to the Leaky Cauldron, she stored her books in her room. Hmm, twenty minutes before she met Ron, that would give her just enough time to pop into Knockturn Alley, she was sure there was a bookstore there. Slipping on her black cloak, and pulling the hood up over her face she made her way to the most notorious street in wizarding London.

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Knockturn Alley

Lucius Malfoy was leaving Borgin and Burkes when he noticed something unusual. Certainly the unusual was to be found here in Knockturn Alley, but this was distinctly wrong. A young girl in a black cloak was heading for the bookstore Maladus and Spite. Casting a disillusionment charm he followed her. When she had nearly reached her destination a drunken wizard accosted her and tried to pull her up a dark walkway. Raising his wand, Lucius send a whispered spell at him, causing the man to let go of the girl and bend double vomiting on the spot. Curling his lip in distaste he continued following her once again. A wisp of light, honey brown hair had escaped her hood and he recognized her almost instantly. It was Potters friend.

Ten minutes later, three bulging bags in her hands, she left Knockturn Alley, never knowing that the evil Lucius Malfoy had cast five curses in her defense.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hermione's P.O.V

By the time I left Knockturn Alley I had three bulging bags stuffed with various books including my copies of 'Moste Potente Potions' and three separate books on Animagi transformation. Although I had felt uncertain about my trip into Knockturn alley it had went quite well, other than the drunk who had tried to accost me everything had been fine. When I reached the Leaky Cauldron Ron was already there, so I hadn't had time to put away my bags. We went in search of Harry and when we couldn't find him we went to get Ron his school things. It wasn't until we had sat down out side the ice-cream shop that we finally spotted him. I was so relieved to see him; Ron had told me all about what had happened at the Dursely's'.

"Did you really blow up your aunt, Harry?" I asked in a serious tone. It was really lucky he hadn't been expelled. He just nodded while Ron rambled on about it.

Although I was listening to them I felt quite distracted, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. I'd really just been talking automatically when Ron told Harry we were all staying at the Cauldron.

Realising he expected some sort of response from me, I nodded, plastering a fake smile on my face and told him that my mum and dad had dropped me off that morning. As I pondered my parent's strange behaviour over the holidays again, I tried to ignore the little voice in my mind that kept niggling away about all the little things that didn't add up. I still felt uneasy and a little upset with their reluctant behaviour this morning, and there was still the mystery of my vault at Gringotts. When I wanted to ignore something I was very good at it. Taking all these suspicious thoughts and locking them tightly away I turned my mind back to my two best friends.

"What's all that Hermione?" Harry asked, pointing at my purchases from Knockturn Alley. Feeling quite guilty about not telling them the truth, I smiled and avoided the question, stating that I was, after all, taking more classes this year. Perhaps I would tell them the truth in private, I just didn't want Ron shouting it out for the whole of Diagon Alley to hear.

Ignoring comments about my sleeping habits I pretended to check my purse.

Telling them I had ten Galleons left and that it was money for an early birthday present from my parents we eventually crossed the street to the Magical Menagerie.

Ron's rat Scabbers, who I barely tolerated, was in need of a check up and I was determined to buy a familiar.

Peering around while Ron was getting Scabbers looked at; I suddenly became aware of a huge orange cat launching itself at Ron.

"No Crookshanks, no" the witch cried, as the fur ball continued trying to get at Scabbers. I giggled inwardly, as Ron and Harry chased the rat out of the shop.

"I'm so sorry about that, I don't know what's gotten into him. I think I'll have to get rid of that cat."

"What?" I said outraged. After all it was perfectly natural for a cat to chase a rat.

"Well dear, I've had Crookshanks since he was six months old. He had belonged to an old witch and we tried to find him a new owner but no one wanted him, he's just too ill tempered. I think he still misses Ms. Guardbright, never taken to another person in fifteen years and barely lets me near him."

"What kind of cat is he? He looks really unusual."

"Well, he's a bit on an experiment actually. Ms Guardbright who had him loved experimenting with new breeds, I believe he's half kneazel."

Just then I suddenly became aware of something twining it's self round my legs. Crookshanks rubbed against me purring like a motorboat. He looked up with his squashed face and meowed invitingly. Crouching down I stroked his head, his fur was much softer than it looked and he butted against my hand demanding more attention.

"Well, I've never seen him like this before, he's taken an instant liking to you my dear." The witch exclaimed with surprise.

I stood again and without warning the ginger fur ball jumped into my arms. Ah well I thought sadly, it looked as though I was getting a cat.

Paying for Crookshanks the witch gave me a bundle of parchment. Looking at them I realised they were breeding certificates. Unable to tear my eyes away, I read the documentation of the experiment. Magical crossbreeding looked fascinating, apparently there was only one other cat in the litter; it was then that I noticed the witch's name. Hermione Guardbright, how strange, that was the second time I'd ran across that name. I wondered if it was the same witch that Olivander had so much trouble finding a wand for. Filling it away behind the door in my mind labelled 'strange occurrences', I then left the shop to find Harry and Ron, Crookshanks purring happily in my arms.

I soon found them fussing over Scabbers, Ron looked up and nearly jumped back with outrage.

"You bought that monster?" Ron said, reminding me very much of a cod with his mouth hanging open.

"He's gorgeous, isn't he?" I said with sarcasm, which while evident to me, was completely lost on them. Honestly, did they think I was blind? Of course he was ugly, but he definitely had character. And if he kept Ron's nosey little rat out of my bedroom, I was happy. I hadn't had the heart to tell Ron that Scabbers was constantly trying to get into my dormitory and watching us all at night before we went to sleep. He'd take it the wrong way, now the rodent wouldn't come anywhere near me.

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Hogwarts, September 1st 1995

The three professors sat in Dumbledore's office sharing tea before the train arrived.

The subject of trying to protect Harry from Sirius Black was in earnest. Dumbledore was very frustrated. Unfortunately because of the memories that had been locked away in their minds, and all of the feelings that went with them, both Minerva and Severus still believed in his guilt. Because of this he had to go along with it and couldn't tell them of his own belief that Sirius was innocent.

"We cannot allow Potter to go on the Hogsmeade trips, it will be too dangerous"

"I agree, Severus, but how do we stop him without raising his suspicions, if his consent letter has been signed it will prove very difficult." Minerva said, addressing Snape.

Albus looked between his wife and friend and smiled slightly. "I do not believe he will have had time to have it signed Minerva. After all Harry left his Aunt's house a week before school began, and in somewhat strained circumstances."

Severus sneered. The boy was just like his father, thinking he could get away with anything just because he was a Potter. He should have been suspended at the very least for using magic.

Albus noted Severus' expression then continued on.

"At any rate, we'll deal with that bridge when the time comes. Severus, have you felt anything through the dark mark at all?"

"Occasionally, it is infrequent but I believe we have not seen the last of the Dark Lord. I feel certain it is only a matter of time before he tries to regain his body. I shall inform you if it gets any worse."

"Very well, thank you Severus. I do have one more request for you. Our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is Remus Lupin; I believe you will remember him from school."

Snape's face drained of colour, his hands shook so hard he nearly dropped his tea.

"You can't mean to let a werewolf into the school Albus, he could kill people!"

"Now Severus, you know very well there's no danger as long as he has the Wolfsbane Potion, which is why I wanted to ask you to brew it for him. You are the only wizard in Britain capable of brewing such a complex potion and you will have my gratitude."

Favouritism again he thought sourly, but no matter, Lupin wouldn't last a year. Anyone that wanted that particular job was mad. Every teacher who had filled the position for the last fifty years had left after one year and not always with his or her lives.

"Severus, if Remus can't teach the class I will have to ask you to do it, and draft in another potions professor." Albus said threateningly, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"No! I'll brew it, it will after all, only be for the school year, and after that he'll either be dead or gone." Snape hastily agreed.

"Well, I believe it's time for the train to arrive. Barring flying cars everything will go smoothly, don't you think?" Dumbledore said cheerily as he stood.

Minerva coughed trying to stifle her laughter. Nothing had been smooth or easy since her three Gryffindor had started school. Potter, Weasley and Granger, although a very unlikely trio, had gotten themselves into more scrapes than any other children she had supervised. Even the Weasley twins hadn't caused her so much paperwork.

Severus scowled. If the headmaster thought this year would be trouble free he had definitely lost his marbles. No doubt Potter and Weasley would nearly get themselves killed and Miss Granger would try and stop them, thereby ending up in the middle of it all again. He shook his head, that a 13 year old witch had not only brewed polyjuice, but had figured out what monster had invaded the school when none of the teachers could, was terrifying. It was no wonder the headmaster seemed to have a soft spot for the girl. She kept his precious Potter from killing himself. A mind like hers could one day be a useful weapon in the war against Voldemort. If it hadn't been for the fact that he still had to appear as though he was a loyal Death Eater, he would give the girl more attention in class; even let her experiment, within reason of course, on certain potions. Drat, if there was only some way he could tutor her.

"Severus, a word before you go."

"Yes Headmaster?" Minerva closed the door and Dumbledore turned to Snape.

"I have been informed that Miss Granger has acquired some books from a dubious source after failing to be allowed to buy them in Flourish and Blots. I would appreciate it if you would keep an eye on her and on Harry and Ron too."

Snape nodded understandingly and left the office. He was willing to bet that Granger had gotten a copy of Moste Potente Potions.

September 1st, 9pm.

Dear Diary,

Harry and Ron are still prats. Ok, so it's more Ron than Harry, but with Sirius Black on the loose and after Harry, there's no way he should step outside school grounds. I said as much to them on the train this afternoon, but Ron looked at me like I was mental and announced in this arrogant voice that Black wouldn't dare try anything if Harry were with us. Honestly, he's so thick, as if two teenage boys and an adolescent witch would slow a murderer like Black's supposed to be, down. They still don't listen, and I doubt they ever will but they've all the survival instincts of a pair of lemmings on the edge of a cliff. There were Dementors on the train, I've never felt so cold in my life, and absolutely sad, for a few moments I thought I could hear a voice in my mind telling someone their child was dead. By the time I could react, Harry was on the floor and Ron and I were trying to help him, he just passed out, it was horrible. Luckily our new DADA professor was in our compartment and managed to get rid of them and take care of Harry. Professor Lupin seems nice, but there's something strange about him, I just can't place my finger on it. I'm going to bed now, I've got a really long day tomorrow, and Professor McGonagall managed to get the ministry of magic to let me use a time turner to take extra classes.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Albus,

Potter has been sneaking out to Hogsmeade. Please advise.

S.S

Severus,

Watch and wait. Intervene only if he is in danger.

A.D

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Christmas

Dear Diary,

I feel awful, Harry got a Firebolt for Christmas, but because there was no note or letter saying whom it was from I thought I'd better tell Professor McGonagall. Harry and Ron will hardly speak to me. It's a relief I've got so much studying to do; it takes my mind off things. Professor Snape has been particularly nasty lately, but I suppose he was right, I shouldn't have helped Neville; if I do the work for him he'll never learn. Sometimes I feel like the only reason they're all friends with me is because I help them with schoolwork. I used the time turner to get a little more time in one of the potions labs. I've been brewing some experiments, draught of dreams is coming along well, I wonder if it can be modified to block out nightmares and only give good dreams?

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Albus,

Miss Granger seems to be in possession of a time turner. She has been using an empty potion lab to brew in. Please advise.

S.S

Severus,

Aware of time turner. Use own discretion as far as extra curricular projects go.

A.D

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The Dungeons

Severus Snape stood in the shadows again, watching Hermione at work. The girl was tireless, constantly making notes and making changes to the potion. Currently she had three variations on the draught of dreams. A harmless enough potion, but if brewed incorrectly could kill. However, so far her brewing skill remained consistently good. On more than one occasion in the last week had he been tempted to come out of hiding and assist her and ask questions about her work. Casting stasis spells she left the room. He went over to the table and began sorting through her notes. She had been trying to create a mild sweet dream potion that blocked nightmares. So far her hypotheses on variations on ingredients were well thought out and documented. Unable to resist he took a fresh sheet of parchment and left a note.

Dear Brewer,

Try Hellebore for rooting out evil. I trust you can work out the appropriate amount and how to cut it.

.

He chuckled lightly and hoped he would get the opportunity to see her face when she found it.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Hermione used the time turner to gain two hours peace after finishing her homework and made her way down to the dungeons. Inside the empty classroom she found everything as she left it. Going over her own notes before beginning she found a parchment that wasn't in her writing.

Her breath caught in her throat. Oh my god, Snape had written to her, but he didn't know who it was. Thank god he didn't realize it was her; he probably thought it was one of his Slytherin's. Smiling she decided to take his advice. Fetching hellebore from her now much improved kit; she'd managed to stock up on a lot of ingredients using a mail order apothecary catalogue and her Gringotts key. Peering thoughtfully at her potions books she prepared the hellebore in three different ways, making quick notes, she outlined which one she thought was most likely to work and stated why.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dear Diary,

I've been working on potions nearly every day now and each time I go back I find another note from Professor Snape. It's almost as though he's tutoring me. He's still meaner than ever in class, so I know he still doesn't know it's me he's helping. But the best news of all is that the last note said he would be putting wards on the door to make sure no one could tamper with my work and he's given me the password. He said I could use the lab as often as I like until I finish school. It's like a dream come true, I'm learning from the best potions master in a century!

Ron's not talking to me again, he thinks Crookshanks ate Scabbers. There's no way Crooks would do that, sure he might have killed the rat, but he wouldn't have eaten it. Crookshanks behaviour has been very unusual, although I denied it to Ron, I'm almost certain he understands every word I say. Even now he's watching what I'm writing, but that's ridiculous, he may understand the spoken word, but reading is taking it too far.

Crookshanks watched him mistress writing in her little book and read with interest what she was writing. Padding away, he jumped on the bed and curled up purring with amusement.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Severus' P.O.V

I had been distracted tonight, I was meant to be watching over Potter and co, when I realised that Lupin hadn't taken his potion. Filling a goblet, I strode to his office as the sky began to darken faster than I liked. All I found was the map, still open, showing Lupin disappear into to tunnel that lead to the Shrieking Shack. Although I had voiced my fears about his trustworthiness to Dumbledore, I hadn't really believed my own words. Dread and horror rushed through me. It looked as though my fears, however biased, had been right. Not finding Potter and friends on the map, cold dread flooded my veins, it could mean only one thing, Black had them.

By the time I got into the tunnel I was shaking with fear, Lupin could transform at any moment, my one weakness, was werewolves. Ever since Sirius had tricked me into coming down here in my fifth year and nearly getting killed, they had terrified me. As much as I despised Potter, I would not wish such a death on my worst enemy. Using the invisibility cloak of Potters I crept forwards. The children were huddled on the floor, Weasley was quite obviously injured and yet Lupin and Black were prattling on about something. Their words never reached my ears. Rage overwhelmed me, two grown men, against three children, the utter bastards. I burst in intent on rescuing them from those monsters. I was too angry to listen, even when Miss Granger tried to speak to me, I brushed her off. Then I was blasted off my feel by their disarming spell.

I woke to a terrified shriek, and a body, lying on top of mine. I was lying on the damp ground halfway to the castle; Miss Granger sprawled on top of me. I swept her aside and sprang to my feet, it was then I realised the moon had fallen on Lupin. All I could think of was putting myself between the children and the wolf. I stepped in front of them and flung my arms wide as Lupin charged towards us. Running was out of the question; we'd make an easier target for the wolf that way. Potter and Weasley were still with shock, but I could here Miss Granger's hitching breaths, her body shaking against mine. As the wolf reared up on it's hind legs and stood over us, I clutched her hand briefly in reassurance, thinking it likely these were my last moments. I hoped that when it attacked me, they would run and not try any of that Gryffindor bravery.

A great black dog suddenly tackled the wolf and the two began to fight. From Potters shouts I knew the dog was Sirius. As they disappeared into the night, Potter pushed past me to go after them. Grabbing Miss Granger, I prevented her from following. I had a responsibility to get the children back to the castle and tell Dumbledore what was happening. Granger walked at my side, silent tears running down her face, for a moment I had the urge to comfort her, just then Minerva and Albus appeared, asking questions and organizing a search party.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dear Diary,

I'm shaking as I write this, so much has happened tonight. We found out that Sirius Black was innocent, that Scabbers, was actually an Animagus called Peter Pettigrew, and were nearly killed by a werewolf. There are parts in my mind that I can't focus on but the parts that did stand out the most were of Professor Snape. He tried to protect us from Black, but by that time we were starting to want to know what his story was and, goddess help me I attacked him, Harry, Ron and myself all ended up casting expelliarmus on him. I wanted to go to him and make sure he was all right but I was frozen to the spot. For one ghastly moment I thought we'd killed him, I couldn't breathe. Luckily he was okay. However, when we'd sorted everything out and were going back to the castle Professor Lupin turned under the full moon. Snape had been looking for him because he'd forgotten his potion. Even after what we'd done to him, he stood in front of us and protected us, tried to stop the wolf getting to us. Was it my imagination or did his hand catch mine in a quick squeeze of reassurance? Anyway, we used the time turner to go back and save Sirius and he and Buckbeak got away. Term ends soon, I think I'll drop some classes next year; it's been too exhausting.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Headmasters Office

"You let him get away headmaster, and I can only conclude it had something to do with Miss Granger and a time turner." Snape's voice was cold and angry.

"Severus," Albus said a note of warning in his voice. "He is innocent, I looked into Harry's mind myself, they saw Peter Pettigrew. You mustn't let old grudges get in the way of your reasoning, my dear boy."

"Very well, I shall tolerate him. Just remember who started it though." He added almost childishly. Sweeping out, robes billowing and swirling impressively he decided to oversee the train's departure.

He watched the girl from the shadows of the station as she boarded the train. Why she fascinated him, he had no idea, but something drew him; it was her intelligence and wit. Over the past months they had been sending notes back and forth about her potions. She could be sarcastic and witty when it suited her, and once more he thought how much more suited she was to his own house. Perhaps if life allowed, she might become his apprentice one day. Of course that all depended on whether Potter got her killed or not.