The boys didn't know. McGonagall didn't. Dumbledore probably suspected it, but of course, wouldn't tell, thank Merlin. If the Ministry found out about my 'unauthorized use of a Time-Turner', who knows what would happen. But I had to do it. There wasn't enough time with all my classes, so I just made more.

I liked him since the incident on the train. It was his eyes, his gentle voice, the way he handled the Dementor, and, of course, the chocolate. I really enjoyed him as a Professor and I liked his company, so during his free periods, I would use the Time-Turner and visit him. We became close. Well, as close as 'levels of appropriateness' would allow. I always had to be mindful of those.

When I heard he was leaving, I went to see him immediately. I approached his office and knocked nervously at his office door.

"Yes?"

I entered cautiously, "Erm...Professor? May I speak with you?"

"Of course." He had stopped packing his belongings and sat at his desk. I took the seat directly across from him, as was our routine.

I stared into his eyes for the longest time then I finally asked, " Why are you leaving Professor Lupin?"

He sighed. "You know perfectly well why I must leave, Miss. Granger." Wonderful. He knew he could have me totally obedient by referring to me formally.

"No, Professor, to be honest, I do not. I know the reason you're giving yourself to make it all okay, but that's all. You don't have to leave."

He closed his eyes and in deep thought said, "No parent will want a thing like me teaching their children."

My chest tightened and I began to cry. Must he refer to himself as a thing? It broke my heart to see him so hurt, physically and mentally. "I don't think they'd mind if they knew how brilliant you are," I said feebly.

"Oh, sweet girl . . . " He got up and came toward me. I remained seated and looked up into his eyes. He wiped my tears, placed a hand on my shoulder and said plainly, " My reason for leaving may seem pathetic and selfish, but I promise you, it's for everyone's benefit." He made me feel like such a child.

"Do you forgive me for what I said last night? I was stupid and scared."He got down to my level and I could see that he was tearing up a bit, which set me off again. "Please say that you do," I managed coherently.

"Hermione, you helped clear up a tragedy that has haunted me for a long time and you've given me one of my best friends back, I think I can forgive blind words." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of chocolate. He offered me some and I had to smile through the tears. I savored the chocolate in my mouth and we were in silence for a moment.

"I don't want you to go, Professor," I said, breaking the silence.

"I know you don't." I knew he knew. It was a fact.

"Do you want to leave?"

"No. Not really. I've enjoyed my time teaching here more than I've enjoyed anything in years. But if I remain, I don't think Hogwarts will be as enjoyable, with my condition widely known."

I stood up and so did he. We faced each other and I threw my arms around him. He returned my embrace and whispered, "Hermione, we may meet again." I nodded and rested my head on his chest.

"If we don't, I'll never forget you. You're easily the best teacher we've had or will have and you're so intelligent, Professor. I'll really miss you"

"As will I . But look," he motioned to the Marauder's Map opened on his desk and we broke apart, "Harry's coming."

"Oh well then, I suppose I should be going," I replied, trying to regain composure. I wiped my eyes and walked to the door. I turned to him, smiled, and said "Until we meet again, Professor Lupin."

He smiled, nodded, and returned to packing his possessions.

I walked out of his office trying to figure out which way I could go to avoid running into Harry. I didn't want anyone to know.