A Secret Long Buried Chapter 5

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

Disclaimer: Don't own anything... etc.

A/N Thanks again to everyone who reviewed, and further apologies about the delayed updates. I should have plenty of time to write now that I've finished college. This update is dedicated to DreamyWriter19 who urged me to write this chapter. As promised, here it is, if a little late... There I was on Sunday night, all ready to post my fanfiction when BOOM fanfiction log in page refuses to load, for 4 days... However I have drifted slightly from your request. I still have more to write about Prisoner of Azkaban and I really want to keep this story chronological so I'm not moving onto any other year's yet, sorry. Hope you all enjoy it anyway

Btw guys, I changed my username, I am no longer HermioneFan95, I am now JessGranger95 sorry for any confusion.

CHAPTER 5- A HELPING HAND

Lupin was moving absentmindedly through the corridors, wondering about his old friend. The problem of Sirius Black had been troubling him all year, but as events had unfolded his worry had only increased. How exactly was Sirius getting into the castle undetected, and what were his plans..?

-Bang!-

Next thing Lupin knew he had collided with something solid and was knocked off his feet. When his mind finally wandered back to reality he felt a body beneath his own, and something was jabbing into his side. He reached down and pulled out the object... a book? He looked down at the person trapped between himself and the floor, "Hermione?" he said confused.

She looked up at him awkwardly, "hello Professor..."

They both lay still for a second, frozen in the awkwardness of the situation. Finally Lupin's limbs allowed him to move again and he scrambled up quickly, still holding the book which he guessed had left a mark due to the throbbing in his side.

He brought the cover of the book into his eye line and read the title "Legal Principles on Dangerous Beasts? Sounds... interesting." Lupin's voice was saturated with amusement as the little Gryffindor continued to surprise him.

"I'm... doing some research for Hagrid. Buckbeak is in some trouble after the incident with Draco Malfoy." She sounded embarrassed but as she spoke about Malfoy her face reddened slightly with anger.

Lupin's brow furrowed, "what kind of trouble exactly?"

"He has a hearing at the ministry. Draco's father has kicked up quite a fuss about it and to be honest I don't think any amount of research can save Buckbeak from the executioner. But I refuse to do nothing."

"Surely there's some chance of justice here. I've met Buckbeak; he's a lovely creature..."

"Maybe if I had more time, but there are just so many books to get through. Harry and Ron don't seem to care, so it's all been left to me." Her voice got very quiet when she spoke about Harry and Ron, she knew Lupin was close to Harry, and she didn't like to speak badly about her best friends.

"Hermione, you already have a very busy schedule. I think taking on a project like this will only be bad for you-"

But Hermione cut over him "-Professor, surely me losing a few hours sleep here and there is worthwhile when the reward is saving a creature's life."

Lupin berated himself, he had forgotten about Hermione's passion for animal rights. "Of course... but to do this by yourself is completely unreasonable. Surely someone will be willing to help you."

Hermione looked very sad, "When has anyone ever helped me before? Everyone's too busy with their own lives. I'll just have to bear the burden alone, and there's nothing you can do to stop me Professor." Hermione hadn't meant to sound so defiant, but her passion had caused her tongue to run away from her. Even caring, sweet Professor Lupin didn't seem to understand...

"Okay, how about this, I won't stop you." He paused and Hermione raised her eyebrow suspiciously, she was sure there would be a 'but'.

"I'll help you." Lupin didn't sound very sure as he spoke the last three words, but he had said them nonetheless.

Hermione simply stood open mouthed, looking at her Professor, not sure how to respond. She'd had her rebuttal at the ready, but all capacity to speak had disappeared from the shocked Gryffindor.

Eventually Hermione nodded, and managed to mumble an "okay" out, before striding away in the opposite direction she needed to be. Lupin shouted after her "we'll talk about it next lesson Hermione!"

He leaned against the wall and pondered what had just happened. He certainly hadn't expected that turn of events. He'd never seen Hermione so shocked; the brilliant Gryffindor was usually prepared for all situations and in such unshakable. But he had to admire her determination, and her blatant refusal to allow injustice. He knew at that moment that Hermione Jean Granger would become a great woman and a key player in the war against Voldemort. But at this image came into his mind Lupin also felt an immense sadness, because at this moment Hermione was a sweet little girl with a brilliant mind, and he couldn't bear the thought of her fighting against Death Eaters, even if she was the brightest witch of her age.

So in that moment Lupin decided he would watch over Hermione, and try to guide her through the ever towering destiny which hovered above her. Starting with saving Buckbeak the hippogriff.

A/N I'm not sure if this chapter was very good at all. When I started it it seemed like a good idea but I really struggled to get the scene out of my mind and onto the word document... But I'd like to hear your feedback anyway.

Love you guys xx

JessGranger95

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