Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Hermione's third year continued:

"Who can tell me the difference between an Animagus and a Werewolf?" Severus queried. He was filling in for Lupin, teaching his classes for him, as the Werewolf was 'under the weather' from his transformations.

Hermione's hand shot up as he knew it would. He looked around at the rest of the class and saw nothing but blank faces. He sighed and called on Hermione who gave a perfect textbook answer to the question. He continued to lecture, and her hand was raised constantly, eager to answer every question he posed to the class.

"Miss Granger, a word after class," he snapped while scowling at her, staying in his spy character.

When she approached his desk a little later, she looked apprehensive.

"Miss Granger, I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier, but I don't wish for anyone to think that I tolerate you and your friends in the least."

Hermione nodded. She knew about Severus being a spy because Harry had been given permission to divulge the fact to Ron and Hermione. She knew that sometimes he was harder on them because he didn't want his cover blown. She greatly respected the man and was glad that his sourness was not truly heartfelt.

"I feel the need to give you some advice, Miss Granger," he said.

She looked at him curiously, but said nothing.

"All of your teachers are well aware of how intelligent you are. We don't need to be showered with your knowledge every minute of the day." Severus hesitated. He didn't want to sound so nasty. Softening his tone, he went on.

"I'm just trying to say that you don't need to answer every question. The other students seem to resent your constant hand waving. I believe you might have an easier go of it if they didn't think you were trying to show off."

"I'm not trying to show off, sir," she said as she looked to the ground.

Severus watched her for a moment. "I know that, Miss Granger, but your peers do not. Just consider what I've said. Your teachers will not think less of you if you are somewhat quieter in class than you usually are."

Hermione looked up at him with sadness. "I just..."

He cut her off. "I know, Miss Granger. I too wanted the respect of my teachers as a youth. I didn't go about it the same way you do, but I sought their attention as well. Believe me when I say you have that respect already."

Hermione looked at him for a long time before finally saying anything. "Thank you, Professor, I appreciate the advice."

She turned and left the room. Severus sighed. He wished his Hermione was here. He had no idea how to relate to the child that had just left the room. He tripped over his words and found it very awkward to speak with her. He felt comfort from her presence but longed for the woman she would become. He knew it would be harder and harder to distance himself from her as the years went on and she grew into someone who resembled his Hermione more and more. Distance was the last thing he wanted anyway. The closer she was, the better he felt. Perhaps he could foster a friendship without having his heart shattered.

oooOOOooo

Severus sat in his room, thinking. He was sitting on one of two dark green couches that sat in front of the fireplace. He had a perfect view out of the enchanted window that made up the wall in front of him. It showed a view of the lake both above and below water. Every so often a few fish would swim by, or a Grindylow would peer out at him. Of course, there really was no window, the whole thing was made by a spell, but it was still quite mesmerizing.

Severus, however, was not paying attention to the sea life that swam by his window. His thoughts were on a much darker subject. Sirius Black had been wreaking havoc throughout the school. Severus secretly thought that Black's old friend Remus Lupin was helping the murderer. He was furious that Lupin would endanger the students in such a way. Of course, he had no proof, and Dumbledore just dismissed his theory, so there was not much he could do but watch and wait.

The escaped prisoner had gotten into the school twice now, the last time right into Harry Potter's room, almost killing Ron Weasley. Things had gotten out of hand. Someone was letting Black into the school. It had to be Lupin because no one else would be foolish enough to help the murderer. Severus would double his efforts in watching Lupin. He was sure that the werewolf would give himself away eventually, and Severus wanted to be the one who found Black. It would be sweet revenge for his treachery against Lily.

oooOOOooo

Severus rounded the corner and illuminated his wand. He found Harry Potter standing there in the pitch black.

"Harry, what are you doing prowling the halls in the middle of the night? Do you need to serve a detention to learn you are to stay in your dorm after curfew?"

Harry looked sheepish. "Sorry, Professor, I couldn't sleep."

Severus raised an eyebrow at him. The boy was no good at lying.

"Why are you really down here, Harry?"

Harry looked a bit shifty-eyed. "No reason, sir."

Severus gave Harry a look of exasperation. "Turn out your pockets, Mr. Potter."

Harry frowned and emptied his pockets, revealing the parchment that was the Marauder's Map.

Severus took the parchment and examined it.

"What's this?" he inquired.

"It's parchment, sir."

Severus leveled his gaze at Harry.

"I am well aware of that. Why do you have it?"

Harry shrugged.

Severus looked sternly at Harry and placed his wand on the Map. "I would expect you to be a little more forthcoming, Mr. Potter, but if this is how you want to be... Reveal your secrets," he ordered.

Messers Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs congratulate Messer Snape in finding the secret to this parchment, the Map read.

It then began to spew insults at him, making fun of his nose, his hair, and his appearance in general. It wrote that Hogwarts must certainly be desperate if Messer Snape was a professor there. It then urged Severus to take a bath. It suggested he look into creating a potion that would shrink his nose to a suitable size.

That way, you wouldn't be sticking it in other people's business. Have you never heard of the word privacy? the map queried.

Severus shook with rage as he sneered down at Harry.

"Is this some kind of joke?" he bellowed.

Harry had been reading along with Severus and now looked at him in horror.

"No sir! I swear, sir. I didn't know it could write stuff like that! I would never..."

At that moment, Remus Lupin wandered up.

"Ah, Severus, Harry, how are you both this evening?"

Severus chucked the parchment at Lupin. "What do you make of this?" he asked him suspiciously.

Lupin looked down at the parchment, and his eyes grew wide. "Well, it looks like a joke from Zonko's if you ask me."

Severus narrowed his eyes at him. "Those names up top, they mean nothing to you?"

Remus looked over the names and shrugged. "I've never heard of them before."

Now Severus gave Remus a look of incredulity. "You don't say?"

"I'll tell you what, Severus, I'll examine this more closely. Just to make sure it's not dangerous."

"Dangerous... but, Remus... you said it was just a simple joke."

"Well," Remus chuckled nervously, "one can never be too sure, now, can they?"

He turned to Harry. "Why don't you come with me, Harry? I'd like to know where you got this."

Harry nodded but said nothing. Severus looked over at him and pointed his wand into Harry's chest.

"No more lurking about in the dark, Mr. Potter. Is that understood? We will discuss this in more depth later."

Harry nodded vigorously and walked off with Lupin. Severus watched them as they walked out of sight. He wasn't sure what Lupin was up to, but he knew that Remus knew exactly what that parchment was all about. He was Mooney after all.

oooOOOooo

Severus was standing in the Room of Requirement with his arms folded when Harry walked in. He appraised Harry for a moment before speaking.

"Did you come up with a better excuse for your wanderings the other night?" Severus asked caustically.

"Sir, I really don't have an answer for you," Harry said in defeat.

"Fine, what was that parchment?"

Harry looked to the ground.

"Why are you keeping secrets from me?" Severus demanded. "I thought we were allies."

"We are, sir."

"Then tell me what that bloody parchment was!" Severus snapped.

Harry's eyes grew wide as he realized that Severus would not let him keep this secret from him. "It's a map... a map of Hogwarts. It shows everyone in it and where they are in the castle. It even shows if they're moving or not."

"That's very clever. How did you get a hold of such a map, Harry?"

"Fred and George gave it to me. They stole it from Filch's desk in their first year. They thought I would have some protection if I could see everyone in the castle. They said I could tell if Sirius Black was there and be ready if he was going to attack me."

Where's the map now?" Severus asked.

"Professor Lupin has it. He said he needed to keep it. He said that the school was safe, and he was sure Black wouldn't get into the school again. He did tell me not to underestimate Black though." Harry scowled a bit. "If he felt Black shouldn't be underestimated, why did he keep the map?"

Severus thought about what Lupin had told Harry. If he were helping Sirius, of course he wouldn't want Harry to have the map. Lupin also would do his best to assure Harry that he was safe, giving him a false sense of security.

"I think you should still be on your guard, Harry. Black got in twice already, and the last time he was close enough to kill you. You should not think that everything is well when there is such danger about."

Harry nodded. "I agree with you. I have kept my eyes and ears open for signs of Black, but it would be easier to look for him with that map."

Severus nodded. "Perhaps we can get it back."

Harry arched an eyebrow at him.

"You're not suggesting stealing that map, are you, Professor?"

Severus arched an eyebrow back. "Why, of course not, Harry. Perhaps we could simply borrow it until all of this Black business is settled."

"The map's faulty anyway."

"What makes you say that?" Severus asked.

"I saw a name on the map that couldn't possibly be there," Harry told him.

"Whose name?"

"Peter Pettigrew's."

Severus' eyes widened.

"That's why I was in the hall that night," Harry admitted finally. "I had seen Pettigrew's name on the map. When I went to Hogsmeade on the last trip, I overheard Professor McGonagall talking to Minister Fudge and Rosmerta about him and how Black had killed him. I knew Pettigrew was dead, but there was his name on the map. I had to investigate it. But as I was studying the map he walked right by me on it. It was before you came along, and I didn't see anyone in the hall but you. There must be something wrong with the map."

"Did you tell Lupin all of this?"

Harry nodded.

"And what was his assessment."

"He said I was right. The map was malfunctioning somehow."

Severus only nodded, deep in thought.

"You say the map showed Pettigrew walking right by you, but you saw nothing?"

"That's right."

"It sounds pretty faulty to me. Maybe we should just leave it where it is. If it's giving false names, it will be no use in tracking Black."

Harry hated to admit it, but he had to agree.

Severus handed him a dark blue bag. Harry looked at it curiously.

"What's this?" he asked.

"It's a share of the profits from my Strengthening Solution."

"But I didn't brew it!" Harry exclaimed.

"I know that, but if it hadn't been for you, I would have never gotten my hands on the Basilisk skin. I appreciate your help. It has turned out to be a very lucrative discovery."

"Professor, I can't accept this."

"Harry, it would be unfair for me to reap all of the rewards when you obviously had a good deal to do with the creation of this potion. Think of it as a finder's fee."

"Really, Professor, I don't need this. I have more than enough money for what I need."

"That's beside the point. I would be remiss to not give this to you. Now don't argue any more and accept it graciously."

Harry smiled at Severus. "Okay, Professor, but its mine to do with as I wish, correct?"

Severus nodded.

Harry pocketed the bag and withdrew his wand. "Then thank you, Professor. I really appreciate it."

Severus sent a hex at him silently, and Harry shielded it. They continued sparring for quite some time before Harry left with his new-found wealth.

oooOOOooo

Harry went straight up to Dumbledore's office and told the Gargoyle that he needed to see the Headmaster. Soon the Gargoyle slid aside, and Dumbledore appeared in the hallway in front of Harry.

"Professor Dumbledore, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Harry, my boy, do come up! We'll have a chat."

They ascended the stairs, and soon Harry was seated across from the Headmaster. He put the bag of Galleons on Dumbledore's desk.

"Professor Snape just gave these to me as recompense for helping him with his Strengthening Solution," Harry explained.

Dumbledore looked at the bag of gold curiously.

"I appreciate his sentiment, but I have no need for the money." Harry hesitated a moment. "I was wondering if this could somehow wind up on the Weasleys' doorstep... anonymously, of course."

Dumbledore gave a low chuckle. "My boy, that is a wonderful idea. I wish I had thought of it myself. I shall see that this gets delivered to a safe place in the Burrow, and they will have no clue where it came from. If you'd like, I'll leave an anonymous note with it."

Harry nodded. "That's a great idea, Professor."

"I'll deliver it tonight after they have gone to bed."

Harry rose. "Thank you, Professor. I can't imagine a family that could benefit more from this."

"Quite right, Harry, quite right." Albus replied.

oooOOOooo

The next morning Arthur Weasley was awakened to his wife shrieking his name from downstairs in the kitchen. He shot out of bed and down the stairs only to be accosted by her throwing her arms around him.

"Oh! It's a miracle, Arthur, it's a miracle!" she cried.

Arthur hugged her back and asked, "Just what's a miracle, Molly?"

"This!" she exclaimed as she handed the parchment to Arthur. He quickly read the note.

Dear Weasley Family,

I recently came into some money, and being comfortable in my status was not needful of it. I hope you will accept this gift as a token of my esteem for your wonderful family. Please use it any way you see fit.

Sincerely,

A friend

Arthur looked curiously at Molly. She held up a dark blue bag that jingled when she moved it. Arthur stared at it in amazement.

"How much is in there?" he asked, afraid to really find out.

"I don't know," Molly cried, "but it's full of Galleons! There must be hundreds in there!

A quick counting spell confirmed Molly's guess. There were in fact, 1,000 Galleons in the bag. Arthur and Molly exchanged glances, thinking of all of the things 1,000 Galleons would provide for their family in the year to come. Molly looked to Arthur with tears in her eyes.

"Oh, Arthur, it's a dream come true!"

Arthur hugged his wife lovingly. "It sure is, Molly, it sure is."

oooOOOooo

Severus had gone to Lupin's room with his Wolfsbane potion, but when he got there, he found the door ajar and the room empty. He decided to leave the potion on Lupin's desk. He wandered over to the desk and was surprised to find the Map he had taken from Potter unfolded on it. The map showed all of the grounds of Hogwarts. It showed everyone who was at the school in tiny lettering which floated to represent movement. He quickly looked over the map after placing the potion down. He saw his name in Lupin's room and quickly looked for Lupin. He found instead, the names of the Golden Trio out on the lawn heading for the Whomping Willow. There was another name with them. Peter Pettigrew. Severus wondered at that. If the map was faulty, then perhaps the three friends weren't on the grounds at all but safely in their common room. Nonetheless, he knew that the three of them were constantly sneaking around trying to solve the world's problems, so it was more likely that they were indeed roaming the school grounds. He watched the map as Ron Weasley and Peter Pettigrew's names disappeared. Looking at the map curiously, he watched Harry and Hermione's names disappear a minute later.

Unsure of the maps veracity, he decided to investigate. Hoping he wasn't too late, he rushed out of Lupin's room. He needed to get to them quickly before they got themselves killed or a Dementor decided to kiss them. He quickly headed out of castle and out onto the grounds. Finding Harry's invisibility cloak on the ground, he covered himself with it and entered the Willow's secret passage. He quickly made his way to the shrieking shack to find where the trio had gone.

Meanwhile in the shack there was a heated discussion going on. Hermione was accusing Lupin of helping Black. Then Lupin was explaining. He told them of his dangerous transformations and of being friends with James, Sirius, and Pettigrew. He revealed that they were animagi and that Sirius had lured Snape into the Whomping Willow with the express purpose of trying to turn him into a werewolf. He explained his concern when Harry had seen Pettigrew's name on the Marauders Map. He told them who the Marauders were and then gave some impossible theory that Pettigrew was actually the rat owned by Weasley.

All the while Harry was looking at Lupin strangely. When Lupin's tale was done, Harry spoke.

"You were part of the group of four that tormented Professor Snape in school?"

The door banged open, and everyone jumped. None of them realized that Severus stood there under the invisibility cloak. Ron muttered something about ghosts and the Shack being haunted.

"Professor Lupin already explained that to us, Ron," Hermione explained.

"Oh, yeah," Ron muttered.

Harry looked back to Lupin. "You were saying?"

Lupin blanched and looked embarrassed. "Harry, the things I did were stupid. I went along with the group to keep my friends."

Sirius scoffed at Lupin. "Oh, the bat deserved what he got! He was always dabbling in the Dark Arts and strutting around like he knew everything!"

Harry pointed his wand at Sirius. "You almost killed him! You wanted him to become a werewolf! He could have been killed had Professor Lupin attacked him."

Sirius looked to the ground. "It was a foolish prank. I hadn't realized the possibilities when I sent him to the Willow."

Harry did not look appeased. "Why would you and my father torment him like that?"

Sirius sneered. "Because it was easy, alright? He was an easy target. He was odd and kept to himself. He became a Death Eater for heaven's sake! He deserved everything he got!"

Lupin interrupted Sirius' rant. "We could have been nicer, Sirius. We were horrible to him!"

Harry looked to Lupin, but motioned to Sirius with his wand. "Did my father feel the same way he did?"

Remus furrowed his brow. "Not to the same extent. I think he just had fun tormenting people. Like Sirius said, Severus was an easy target; he was disliked by everyone and so there were few repercussions."

"Enough of this idle prattle!" Sirius roared crazily. "I came here to kill, and I want my revenge!"

"And you shall have it, my friend!" Remus replied.

Severus' eyes widened. Lupin had been helping Black all of this time, just as he had suspected. Severus threw the Invisibility cloak aside and drew his wand. Sending a flurry of ropes at Lupin, he bound him and turned his wand onto Black.

"Finally you shall receive your just punishment for all that you have done, Black, and I am happy to be the one who has finally caught you!"

"Snivellus, calm down. You have jumped to the wrong conclusion yet again," Black grumbled.

Severus' eyes narrowed at Black, and he moved his wand to point at the door.

"After you, murderer," he said menacingly.

"Professor, wait!" Harry cried.

Severus' head snapped to Harry.

"Professor Lupin is sure that Peter Pettigrew is alive and that he's the rat. That's why he came here, to make Peter take his human form. And that could be why I saw his name on the Map!"

"Potter... Pettigrew is dead at Black's hand!" Severus growled.

"Please, Professor," Hermione begged. "What if Professor Lupin is right? Then Sirius Black is innocent."

"Severus, let me show you!" Lupin pleaded.

Severus looked between Potter, Hermione, Lupin, and Black. He was unsure of what to do. For all these years he had assumed that Black had been Voldemort's puppet, leaking the location of the Potter home to him and then killing Pettigrew. Now it appeared that there was another possible explanation about the story. Should he believe these outrageous accusations or just take Black to his disturbing future?

Suddenly something Hermione said long ago came to his mind. She had said that Lily and James had been 'ratted' out by one of their friends. She had known the truth of the matter and whether Lupin's crazy story was real or not. Had that 'rat' reference been a play on words? If that was so, then the outrageous story about Pettigrew could be true! As he remembered back, he realized that she always was a bit aloof to Pettigrew. He remembered the incident where she allowed him to hex him repeatedly during their duel. Could she have been paying him back somehow without being able to reveal it?

Making his decision, he turned his wand onto Lupin and released him from his bonds. Taking careful aim with his wand, he pointed it back at Black.

"Make your case quickly, Lupin, or I will do the Dementor's work myself!" Severus demanded.

Lupin turned to the rat and chanted the incantation to return him to his human form. Scabbers struggled in Ron's hands and then started to grow. Before all of their eyes, he had turned into a rat-like man sniveling at Sirius' feet. Severus shifted his wand so it pointed at the traitor.

"Sirius, Sirius, I had no choice!" Pettigrew groveled. "The Dark Lord, he scared me. I'm not brave like you. He forced me to do it! I swear! He was going to kill me! You have to believe me! I wouldn't have done it, but he made me."

Sirius looked to Pettigrew in disgust. 'You're disgusting. You betrayed them. You're nothing but a coward!"

"All right," Severus said. "Let's get out of here. Pettigrew, perhaps it is you who will receive the Dementor's kiss this night."

Severus motioned for Pettigrew to lead the way and carefully followed him, never letting his wand stray from the man's back. He was followed by Black and Lupin. Hermione and Harry supported Ron as he hobbled out of the shack.

The party emerged from the Willow and began the walk to the school. Suddenly Remus began to whimper. Sirius looked to the sky.

"It's the full moon! It's rising!" he cried.

Severus turned to Lupin, his eyes wide. "The Wolfsbane potion... I left it on your desk!"

Remus looked to the group in fear as he began to shake. They all watched in horror as he transformed into a werewolf, his nose became elongated, and his frame shot up and ripped his clothes off of him. Hair sprouted out all over him. Finally the transformation was complete, and Lupin raised his head and howled at the moon.

Pettigrew saw his chance and took it. While everyone was mesmerized by Lupin's transformation, the traitor shrunk himself back into his rat shape and scurried away, but not before Severus and Harry both shot spells at him to try to stop him. Unfortunately in the dark and with everything else that was going on, both missed their target, and the rat scurried away.

Severus turned back to the werewolf and motioned for the three students to get behind him as he shielded them from certain death. Sirius reverted to his dog form to try to distract the wolf, but Lupin came at the four humans instead. They backed away quickly. Becoming desperate, Sirius jumped on Lupin and bit him lightly on his shoulder. The wolf turned in agony and beat off the dog. He scurried into the night, closely followed by the Werewolf.

Harry cried Sirius' name and bounded after him. Severus tried to grab Harry's clothing, but the boy was too fast. Severus turned to Hermione and Ron.

"Can you get him back to the school?" he asked Hermione, his hand grasping her arm.

"But, Professor... Harry!" Hermione argued.

"I will find Harry. You need to get back to the school. If the wolf doubles back, he will attack you."

"Okay, sir. I'll get Ron back safely," Hermione said solemnly.

Severus waved his wand, and a stretcher appeared. He helped Ron ease himself onto it. Looking back to Hermione, he gave her instructions.

"Go right back to the school. Do not play hero! You and Ron need to get to safety. I will look for Potter, and I will find him. I will keep him safe if I can."

Hermione and Ron nodded to him and set off for the school. Severus watched them for a minute and then turned to search for the Boy-Who-Was-Too-Brave-For-His-Own-Good. He ran through the forest, searching everywhere, but found nothing. He stopped for a moment to listen to his surroundings. He didn't hear anything. There were no werewolf cries, no footsteps... nothing. He ran on, knowing he would find them eventually.

After a while of constant searching, Severus saw a great light up ahead. He shielded his eyes and ran forward, knowing he had found something. He emerged from the forest to see Harry collapsed over Black's body. Looking to the sky, he noticed the Dementors making a hasty retreat, being chased by a Stag Patronus. He arched an eyebrow and raced to Harry.

He turned Harry over and examined him, noting there were no serious injuries. Harry regained consciousness for a moment and looked up at Severus.

"Sirius... Dementors... the Patronus," he stuttered.

"It's okay," Severus told him. "The Dementors are gone, you're both safe."

Harry fell back into unconsciousness. Severus placed him gently back on the ground, conjured up two stretchers, and levitated the two unconscious men onto them. He turned and headed them back to Hogwarts and the infirmary.

oooOOOooo

Some time later, Severus was in a heated discussion with Dumbledore.

"Why did they have to lock him up in the tower?" Severus raged. "He is innocent. I saw Pettigrew with my own eyes!"

"Severus," Dumbledore said softly, "the Ministry does not believe you. They think that you were under a spell set by Black."

Severus scoffed. "That's the most ludicrous thing I have ever heard!"

Dumbledore continued. "The people want safety. If it came out that Black was innocent and the real culprit was still at large, there would be more panic. The Ministry wants to keep order. It's much easier for them if the population just thinks that Black was the culprit and that he's been taken care of with the Dementor's Kiss. Of course, if you had been able to bring Pettigrew in, there would be no argument whatsoever about any of this, but the Ministry is set to give Black the Kiss within the hour."

Severus frowned to himself. Despite his hatred for Black, he could not condone the punishment of an innocent man, especially such a permanent punishment.

"Is there nothing we can do?" he asked Albus hopefully.

"I have a plan that, if put in motion, will save two innocent souls," Dumbledore said cryptically.

"And of course, you cannot tell me what that plan is," Severus said caustically.

Dumbledore patted Severus' shoulder. "I would rather not, my boy."

With that, Dumbledore shooed Severus and all other non essential persons out of the infirmary and turned to speak with Hermione Granger.

oooOOOooo

Severus entered the infirmary hurriedly. He looked around for Dumbledore, but he was nowhere to be seen. He went over to Harry's bed.

"Have you seen Professor Dumbledore?" he asked Harry.

Harry gave him an innocent look. "Not since he left a few minutes ago."

Severus could tell Harry was hiding something. His gaze strayed to Hermione, who was seated next to Harry's bed. She was looking a bit nervous, as if she too were hiding something.

"Perhaps the answers I seek are contained in this room?" he said cryptically.

"What answers would that be, sir?" Harry asked.

Severus looked to Hermione. "It seems that Sirius Black has disappeared into thin air. He didn't Disapparate. I am at a loss as to where he has gone, and Minister Fudge is up in arms that his prize prisoner has escaped."

A flash of fear crossed Hermione's face before she put the most nonchalant look upon it. Severus figured she would be the one to crack first. He sat at the edge of Harry's bed and looked directly into her eyes.

"So, where do you suppose he got off to?" Severus asked softly. "He was secured in the West Tower; there was no escape, unless someone let him out. Now, how could someone let him out without being seen?"

Hermione's eyes widened, and her hand suddenly went to her neckline. Severus noticed a necklace chain around Hermione's neck. He followed the line of the chain. It went beneath her robes. He could see her hand covering the faint outline of a circular object that was probably attached to the chain.

"Miss Granger, would you put your hand down for a minute?" he asked her.

She complied with his request, and the outline was clearer.

"What's that underneath your robes?" he asked.

"It's a necklace, sir." She responded.

"What kind of necklace, Miss Granger? It looks like it has an unusual shape."

"Um, it's just an old family heirloom."

"May I see it?"

"No, sir. It... It's quite personal," Hermione stammered.

"Come now, Miss Granger. It's just a necklace."

If Severus' suspicions were right, Hermione's trip back to his time was not her first experience with a Time-Turner.

"Um, I'm really tired from being chased by Lupin. I'm going to lie down and rest now," Hermione said weakly.

Severus put his hand on Hermione's shoulder.

"All right, Miss Granger, you just head over to a bed and lie down then."

He quickly slid his hand from her shoulder to the chain and tugged at it. The pendant surfaced from underneath her robes and was visible.

Severus arched an eyebrow at the Time-Turner. Hermione grabbed at it and stuffed it back under her robes. Severus' eyes slid over to Harry, who had been watching the whole exchange.

"It would seem that you have been experimenting with time, Miss Granger."

Hermione pursed her lips and said nothing.

"Did you accompany her, Mr. Potter?"

"Yes, I did. We had to do something about Sirius! Dumbledore told us to do it."

Severus marveled at the audacity of the Headmaster. Of course, Dumbledore had to involve the children in a life-threatening situation. The man never ceased to amaze Severus as to how far he would go to accomplish his goal.

"Miss Granger, how long have you been time traveling?"

"All year, sir. It's how I've been taking so many classes," she said softly.

"And who allowed such a thing?" Severus asked contemptuously.

"Professor McGonagall, sir."

He would have to thank Minerva for introducing Hermione to Time-Turners later.

"So, you have been skipping through time all year?" he asked.

Hermione nodded her head.

Severus heaved a great sigh. "Well, I guess it's a good thing you had that on you, or Sirius Black would have received the Dementor's Kiss by now."

Hermione snapped her head up to him. "You mean you're not going to tell?" she whispered.

"Tell what, Miss Granger? That you have a lovely heirloom necklace around your neck? I don't think anyone would care, personally. Besides, the Ministry hasn't believed a word I've said all night, why should they start now?"

Hermione beamed at him. "Thank you, sir!" she exclaimed.

"Yeah, thanks," Harry piped in.

Severus stood to go. "The both of you get some rest. I'm sure the events of tonight were doubly taxing on the two of you."

They both smirked at him and at that moment Ron awoke.

"Hey," he said, "why's Snape here?"

"Professor Snape," Hermione chimed in.

Severus grinned at her and turned and left the Infirmary.

oooOOOooo

Harry entered Professor Lupin's office. He noticed the man packing away his belongings.

"Sir," he said quietly.

"Oh, Harry, come in, please!"

"It's a shame you have to go, sir. You are a fine teacher."

"Yes, but a teacher who is a werewolf is not one that parents will look kindly upon. Headmaster Dumbledore has done more than enough for me. With everything that happened last night, it will be impossible to keep my status a secret. He will be unable to shield me from the wrath of the parents when my true identity is told them by their children. It's time for me to pack up and take my leave."

"Where will you go?"

Lupin shrugged.

"I have a sudden urge to travel," he mused. He looked back fondly at Harry.

"Listen, Harry, I hope you don't hold the foolishness of my youth against me."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked blankly.

"The way I treated Professor Snape in my past. It's not who I am now."

Harry sighed. "I know that, Professor. If I learned anything this year, it is that you are a good friend and someone to be relied upon. I'm not happy about your doings as a student, but Professor Snape told me it's a waste of time hating people. I wasn't even there. I have no right to judge you."

"I hope you don't judge your godfather too harshly either. He may have been nasty to Snape in the past, but he has a good heart."

Harry smiled at Lupin. "I know. I'm looking forward to learning more about him, if he ever can come out of hiding. It's actually nice to have another living family member."

Remus smiled at Harry and gave him a hug. "I will miss you, Harry. If you ever need anything, I'm just an owl away."

"I'll remember that," Harry said as he returned the hug.

A/N: Next up: Shall we dance?

I'm sorry for the delay in posting this chapter. Between Thanksgiving, illness, and real life, it got pushed to the back burner. I promise to be more diligent with the next update. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks to all for reading.