Summary: Hermione had tried for so long to hide the feelings she felt for Professor Lupin, but all secrets come out eventually

Disclaimer: I'm still not J.K Rowling, in case you were wondering…..

A/N Like I said in the last chapter, I've had this one sat around just waiting for a chance to update. However a mixture of bad internet, a bad laptop and a hectic schedule have delayed that unfortunately

CHAPTER 3 – SET IN PRISONER OF AZKABAN

Hermione rushed into the classroom panting slightly. She'd misjudged the time turner slightly and hadn't given herself enough time to get to Defence Against the Dark Arts from Ancient Runes at the other end of the castle. She didn't dare look at the class as she made her way to her seat, instead keeping her head down and filling the awkward silence with a mumbled apology of her lateness which she hoped would be accepted without further question. Sensing her embarrassment Professor Lupin ignored Hermione's entrance with a warm smile on his face, simply giving her a small nod when she finally looked up at him from her seat. He then continued on with the lesson, talking over the whispers which had started to buzz around the room over the past few seconds.

Later…..

As the students began to pack their things away and leave the classroom Lupin discreetly made his way over to Hermione's desk.

"I wonder if I could have a word Miss Granger" he asked her sincerely. She looked up from the books she was trying to ram into her overflowing bag and froze when she realised how close he was to her because of how she was leaning over the desk. Their eyes met and neither of them spoke for a second. Slowly Hermione regained brain function and she realised Professor Lupin had asked her a question.

"Oh, yes, of course sir." By this time all of the students had left the room, even Ron and Harry, who had lingered at the back for a few minutes.

"Good" he replied, physically relaxing a little, whilst taking a step back and leaning against his desk.

"I would ask why you were late to my class, but I think I already know the reason." He didn't seem to be angry about her tardiness, in fact the tone of his voice was quite tender.

He waited for a moment, allowing her an opportunity to respond, but Hermione could think of nothing to say.

"I understand it must be hard using the time-turner Hermione, and I want you to know that if you ever need any help, advice or… well anything, just let me know."

"Thank you Professor."

Lupin seemed to have more to say, but Hermione's reluctance to engage with him made him hold his tongue. He wondered why the usually enthusiastic girl seemed so… drained.

"Are you okay Hermione, you seem, distant…?"

Her eyes widened slightly and in an attempt to undermine this accusation she stood a little straighter. "Yes, I'm fine; I was just thinking about my Transfiguration essay, I think I missed something out."

Lupin chuckled softly. "I have never met anyone more relentless than you Hermione. But I suppose that is how you earned the label of the brightest witch of your age…"

It was Hermione's turn to laugh, although her show of amusement was more of a snort.

"I doubt that Professor" she said, shaking her head. Even in her denial she blushed slightly through embarrassment.

In one quick movement he was right in front of her again, except this time he took her hands in his to catch her attention.

"You have no idea how gifted you are how much potential you have…" he seemed to realise at that moment how close he was stood to his pupil, how warm her hands were in his. He quickly turned away from her and took a deep breath, hoping to salvage some professionalism in the situation. "I wish I'd known you when I was at Hogwarts, we would have gotten along well. My friends were much more interested in pranks and practical jokes; it would have been nice to have an intellectual conversation once in a while."

Hermione laughed and the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably with the sound of her tinkling laughter.

"I know how that feels. Sometimes hanging around with Harry and Ron can be intellectually lacking. That sounds awful doesn't it?" She looked worried for a second, hoping her Professor wouldn't judge her for her words.

"No, of course not. You accept your friends for who they are, but that doesn't mean you should neglect your own needs, or who you are." He looked straight into Hermione's face as he said this, but she avoided his eye.

"I guess… I just feel like an outsider most of the time." She spoke very quietly, her voice almost a whisper, as if she was hoping he wouldn't hear. But the heightened senses of a werewolf helped Lupin catch every word the young witch mumbled.

Lupin looked thoughtfully at his young pupil. "I'd say you'll find people like yourself but unfortunately you are one of the most unique people I know. You're not like people your age Hermione; you act and think as though you are an adult."

She nodded at this. "Sometimes I feel like the only people who understand me are much older than me. Like… you, Professor."

"Well then, consider me your friend." He outstretched his hand and she took it gingerly, which made him laugh quietly.

Neither of them moved for a moment and Remus scolded himself again on the physical contact with a student. He didn't know what it was, but he couldn't keep his hands off her. He glanced up to the clock and broke the physical connection between them, "time is running away Hermione, you'd better get off now or you'll miss lunch. I'll see you next lesson."

Hermione stood, slightly dazed, her hand still outstretched slightly, "erm… yes Professor." She blushed and quickly made her way over to her things, picking them up and scurrying out of the room before her Professor could see the blush creeping up her neck.

Hermione rounded the corner and swung into an empty broom cupboard, leaning on the wall. She didn't really know why, but she felt very warm, especially her hand, where Professor Lupin had touched her. It tingled slightly, and she just stared at the spot where his fingers had been only minutes ago.

A/N Well? I just want to get across that this isn't going to be a creepy fic where they get together when Hermione is like 13. At this stage it's just about them realizing there's a connection between them and forging a relationship which they don't fully understand but try to pass off as friendship. I don't know how many 'moments' from each year you guys think I should do, so some feedback on that would be really nice. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it, I'd love to hear from you if you did, or even if you didn't, so remember to review!

X Jess

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