Hello everyone! I have never written a Harry Potter fanfiction; however, I am a die-hard fan. I was feeling really disappointed sifting through already published fics, and I knew I had something specific in mind I wanted to read. So, I decided to just write it myself! I do not currently have a beta for this project. If you're willing to help me with my atrocious grammar, please pm me! I really like writing from a male prospectus so this will probably be mostly from Severus' POV. This does not follow HBP or DH. Reviews are love!

-Ellen R. Lewis

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Severus looked out at the pitiful list of students who managed to obtain an Outstanding in potions this past school year. There were only about a dozen students. Severus sighed shaking his head. If his students would simply take notes and pay attention they would do better in their exams. Severus looked over the list again.

'I have to pick someone…' Severus thought solemnly. He had gone over the list at least twice a day since the start of the summer holidays. Severus always had a student assistant. Someone he gave extra lessons to, and of course someone to help him with his own work. He would choose an incoming sixth year to train who would eventually become useful in their seventh year before regrettably leave for 'bigger and better things'. As annoying as it was to choose a new assistant this year was particularly difficult because he did not like anyone on his list of students.

'I really can't get by without one…and I need someone who is reliable…has legible handwriting….'

Severus looked down at his list again, and as much as he wanted to pick the Ravenclaw boy from his list he knew he'd never be able to read his handwriting. He also happened to be the boy either received full marks or none at all on his assignments. Finally, his eyes rested on one name. The same name he'd come back to everyday for the past several weeks.

'She does have immaculate handwriting. Not very inventive though…although I don't really want someone who will stray too far from what I've told them to do…. She probably wouldn't even want private lessons with me. I believe she is much more into transfiguration.'

Severus Snape pulled out a piece of parchment to pen the letter of invitation.

Dear Miss Hermione Granger,

As you must be aware, my past assistant, Miss Robertson, has graduated and I am again in need someone to help me for the following two school years. In addition to this privileged position, I do offer one on one lessons in accordance with the Ministry of Magic Potions Apprenticeship Board. This would be a once in a lifetime offer and I highly recommend you accept quickly or the position will be offered to another. Duties include but not limited to:

Classroom preparation for each lesson
Cleaning of glassware and cauldrons after use
Grading papers as seen able
Assisting with the Potion Master's work
Keeping a legible notebook

I expect a speedy reply as there are many others in line for this opportunity. A simple yes or no shall suffice and can be sent to my office at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I will expect to see you at the sorting ceremony this September 1st.

Cordially,

Professor Severus Snape
Potion Master
Head of Slytherin
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Severus Snape ascended the stairs to the owlery to borrow a school owl. He attached the letter and gave the barn owl an affectionate rub on the beak before lifting the great bird into the air. Severus descended the stairs to continue making lesson plans for the start of the term. Only two weeks until students would be filling the halls once more. Only two more weeks until he was forced to interact with the dullest students. And if Miss Granger accepted the position as his assistant, he would be forced to interact and give private lessons to the most insufferable know-it-all to have ever passed through Hogwarts.

Severus heard a light tapping noise on his office door. He glanced at the clock on his office wall and noticed he had been working for hours. He took a sip of long cold tea before responding.

"Come in."

A house elf silently placed a letter onto his desk before bowing and exiting. Severus picked up the envelope and written in green ink was 'Professor Severus Snape'. He opened the letter and inside, to his surprise, was a piece of parchment with only one word:

Yes.

Severus chuckled despite himself. He should have been grumpy a student actually sent him a one-word reply; however, it meant she could follow instructions, which was enough to be his assistant.

The last two weeks passed quickly as more and more professors began to arrive for the start of the term. Unfortunately, that meant Severus had more and more people to ignore. Severus never liked engaging others, even those in his same profession if he could help it. Severus never gained anything from a conversation from someone less intelligent from himself. And even if he did find the rare individual with above average abilities they were usually self-centered, arrogant, and/or completely gauche. He sat as far as could from his colleagues at dinner the night before students were to arrive, nearly everyone was in attendance.

Minerva, who was sitting closest to Severus, was engaged in adamant conversation with Hagrid about a litter of kittens he had found under his hut. Severus listened closely as the large half-giant attempted to get her to adopt one of them.

"Professor McGonagall, please! I only have one left to adopt out."

"No, no. Hagrid, I couldn't adopt another one. I already have two!"

Severus rolled his eyes as Hagrid continued to try and convince her. He looked around the table at the people he worked with for many years.

'None of these people know anything about me.' Severus thought in mild disdain continuing to eat his roast beef without speaking a word. There were many meals were Severus spoke to no one. In fact, when he tried his hardest he could go an entire week without having to speak to any of his colleagues. Those were the weeks that he was in his best moods. No one to disturb him. Unfortunately, there was always some trouble or other. Either from one of his students or from another house.

Many people thought he greatly favored his own students over those in other houses, which was not always the case. He simply saw the situation for what it was, if one of his students was giving someone else what they deserve, why not? He himself was extremely bullied by the 'perfect' Gryffindors. They deserve to be knocked down a peg or two. It just so happens the only students brave enough to do so were usually in his house. That being said he also punished his own students severely, sometimes more so than other houses, if they brought disrespect to themselves or their house. The loyalty of a Slytherin should be to their house above almost all else.

"Why don't you ask Severus if he would like the kitten?"

Severus' eyes shot up at once. Minerva was looking at him with hopeful eyes.

"What do you say?"

Hagrid awkwardly turned towards him and spoke to his shoes.

"The little guy is the only one left! It would be great if ye could take 'im."

"And why would I want to do that?" Severus said in a droll voice.

"Come on, Severus," Minerva started to say.

"I have zero interest in something that cannot care for itself nor benefit me in some way."

Hagrid brought his eyes to finally meet his.

"Ah, that's just it! You could use a companion. Maybe he'll help open up your heart."

"I have no interest in 'opening up my heart', especially to something that shits in a box. Good day to you both."

Severus, irritated that both had accused him of having a closed off heart, stormed down to the dungeon. It happened everywhere he went. People made assumptions about him. About his wants, about his personality, about what he cared about. Fools, all of them! They knew nothing about him, and although that was the way Severus liked it he wished they wouldn't make assumptions about things they did not know.

He finally made it back into his office. He pointed his wand at the fire place and flames ignited within the grates.

"Idiot, Hagrid."

Severus sat at his desk and took his boots off much to his relief. Severus spent the next several hours organizing his potion stores and doodling absent mindedly into in his notebook. After about twenty minutes did he realize he had been drawing cat eyes over and over again. As his clock chimed at 10 o'clock he lurched up from his desk with a growl. He grabbed his cloak off the rack before slinking out of the castle and across the yard. Although it was already late, the lights were still on in Hagrid's hut, and Severus could make out the half-giant meowing two octaves higher than his great body should have allowed.

Severus rapped his knuckles against the door of the hut. Hagrid's boarhound gave a resounding bark in reply quickly followed by Hagrid's deep voice.

"Who's there?"

"It's Severus Snape."

There was a pause as Hagrid lifted the curtains from his window to peek out. Hagrid opened the door, crossbow still in hand.

"What you are you doing here? Is something wrong? You've never been to visit my hut, much less in the middle of night."

"I'll take the cat."

Hagrid stared at him like he'd just turned himself into a teapot.

"You are still looking for someone to take him, correct?" Severus said slowly, forgetting how incompetent Hagrid could be.

"Well, yes as a matter o' fact. Come on in."

Hagrid turned his large frame around and shuffled over to a small crate filled with blankets.
"He's already litterbox trained and weaned off soft food. I'll give you what I've been feeding him, not quite old enough to hunt for 'imself just yet."

Severus stood in the doorway amazed the half-giant not only managed to turn around in his meager living space but seemed quite cozy in it. Severus coming from the family he was from never had any money. Everything he had was hand-me-downs until he was an adult. But to make up for his childhood he bought whatever he wanted now.

Hagrid brought over more things than what seemed necessarily for taking in a kitten.

"Now he likes to be sung to sleep, but I guess he'll just have to get over that."

"I am not singing him to sleep."

"What made you change your mind? YOU'RE NOT ABOUT TO USE HIM FOR SOME POTION ARE YOU?!" Hagrid growled at him.

"That's barbaric. I simply decided I might try…some sort of company."

It was Severus' turn to avoid eye contact with Hagrid.

"Well, good for you, Professor Snape!" Hagrid laid a massive hand on Severus' shoulder nearly buckling him to the ground.

"Ah, sorry 'bout that. You guys are all set to…to…to go." Great tears started to well in his eyes. "You better go before I…. before I…Don't forget to give 'im a name."

Severus carted the little black kitten back up to the castle and down to the dungeons. As they descended the stairs he gave off a soft mew.

"It's just the dark." Severus scolded.

They made it back to Severus' home, just a couple rooms behind his office. A living room, small bathroom, an adjoining bedroom, and a post-it stamp of a kitchenette. Compared to Hagrid's hut, Severus looked like he was living in the lap of luxury. His living room had two wingback chairs, though one had sat empty since he day he brought it, a beautifully crafted side table from the Malfoys, and wrapped around the room were shelves and shelves of books. These, unlike the potion books in his office, were his personal collection. Some of these books he did not want even Dumbledore to know he had.

They walked past the living room and into his bedroom which contained a large canopy bed and two nightstands. Severus set the box on the floor next to his side of the bed and went into the bathroom to set up the litterbox. When he came back the pathetic thing was wobbling around in his box. Severus scoped the tiny fuzz ball up and brought him to his face.

"You're pathetic."

A tiny scratchy tongue shot out to lick his nose. Severus felt the urge to smile but buried it as quickly as it surfaced.

"And you're not cute."

Severus carried him to his new litterbox and set him inside so he knew where it was. Finally, ready for bed he placed the kitten back in his box and turn the light off.

Severus drifted off to sleep humming a very off-key lullaby.

Most if the next morning was uneventful. He watched as several other professors scrambled to finish lessons at breakfast for the following week. Minerva sighed with disappointment as she pestered Flitwick again for his first week's lesson plan.

Minerva paused in front of Severus at the teacher's table in the great hall.

"Severus, why do they always act surprised when they know their paperwork is due at the start of term? Why can't they all be as organized as you?"

Severus tried to hide his smirk from the other professors. After fixing a loose strand of hair from her severe bun, Minerva walked away from Severus to harass the other teachers into doing the bare minimum of their job requirements.

Severus was about to retreat back to his office when heard someone clear their throat from behind him.

"Might I have a word before you leave, Severus."

"Of course, Albus."

The old wizard placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I heard you choose the Granger girl as your new apprentice. I am sure she will help you complete a great number of projects."

Although sounding perfectly normal, Severus understood his meaning right away.

"As the so called brightest witch of her age, I have high expectations of her that she will no doubt meet. I only hope to get her to think outside the cauldron before she leaves. She'll have to learn potion making takes more than memorizing books."

Albus smiled down at him.

"I do hope you succeed in both endeavors. But also, I expect she'll be able to teach you a thing or two, Severus."

"Doubtful, Sir."

Albus Dumbledore chuckled before leaving the grand hall muttering something about needing to turn in his own paperwork to Minerva.

After several hours of leisurely reading in his living room, Severus decided it was time to wash his hair since it would be the first night students saw him, not that he ever cared what he looked like to other people. He quickly washed and put on his new set of robes for the feast.

He sat in his assigned seat and groaned inwardly as the older student began filling in to their respective house tables. Several Slytherins nodded towards him as they took their seats, only for a couple students did he return the gesture. He watched the door, waiting to see that arrogant Potter and his troublesome friends which, unfortunately, now included his new assistant. He watched at the door until finally he saw the Weasley boy's hair, and sure enough to his right was Potter. His hair was the exact same mess as his father's. Severus watched him smile and felt his heart give a little squeeze. Although he was mostly James, on the rare occasion he would do or say something that was just like Lily.

Hermione wasn't far behind her friends, lagging just behind. She was talking to the only Weasley girl. Severus stared until, sensing his gaze, she looked up. He waved to her indicating he wished her to approach the staff table.

As she approached he watched her left over smile fade from her face.

"Ah, Miss Granger. If the reply I received was indeed from you, it contained no name at all, then I wish to congratulate you on becoming my assistant for the next two years. I would like for you stop by office after the feast. We have much to discuss and very little time. Do I make myself clear?"

Hermione's reply was very professional "Thank you, Sir. I understand, Sir."

"Excellent. You may return to your," Severus paused to glance at Potter and Weasley who were making their silverware fight each other like toy soldiers. "…friends."

Severus spent the rest of the sorting ceremony predicting how many zeros he would be giving his third years tomorrow. Even after over ten years he had never been wrong yet.

After the festivities, he waited in his office for the Granger girl. He sat behind his desk trying to look as menacing as possible. He wanted to set a tone of no nonsense, not that she had ever really started any trouble in his classes before, only came to the rescue of other students who didn't deserve it.

'If she spent half as much time on her own work as she does helping her idiot friends not fall behind she truly would be the greatest witch of our age.'

Severus heard a confident rap on his door.

'That's sounds like her. Arrogant, self-assured—'

"Come in." Severus barked from behind his desk.

"You asked to meet me, Sir."

"Yes, Miss Granger. That was only an hour ago, if you think my memory is that faulty I am going to give this position to someone else."

Severus stared her in the eyes as if to dare her to turn it down. He almost wanted her to just walk back out the door.

"My apologies, Sir."

"Very good," He handed her two rather large tombs, a folder full of papers, and finally a list hand written on parchment. "I'll expect you to finish both those books by the end of tomorrow—shouldn't be a problem for the best witch in your class. That file is my most recent discoveries and current projects. You will familiarize yourself with them for our meeting tomorrow evening. And that," Severus tapped the parchment for good measure. "is the list of chores I'd like you to complete before the end of the week if you please. And the faster you complete the list the more of my favor you shall have."

Severus smirked as he watched her face fall more and more as she sifted through the stack.

'And wait for it…'

"You'd like me to take care of your laundry?!"

"The house elves never quite get it right. Unless, you want me to scold them even more than I already do. Wouldn't want that, now would we?"

Severus was ever delighted to see the absolute horror on her face. Of course, he didn't yell at the house elves, and in fact they did a rather splendid job with his clothes. Severus wanted to see just how far he could push her. He needed to know how serious she was going to be about the job, and where her buttons were, in case they needed pushing at the opportune moment.

"That'll be all, Miss Ganger. Good night."

Severus looked down at his paperwork and pretended to write on his completed forms. Miss Ganger turned without a word.

'This is going to be an interesting term.'

~~~~~~~~

The next morning, to his surprise, Miss Ganger placed both large tombs on his desk with a solid smack.

"Finished already?" Severus asked, and not without an obvious sneer in his voice. She was just trying to show off how smart she thought she was.

"What would be the best main ingredient for a love potion?"

"Rose thorns, page 345."

"Wrong! Stupid girl."

Severus watched as Miss Ganger's face fall.

"Sir, I'm quite certain it says rose thorns."

"Where is your folder?" Severus extended his hand and shook it impatiently for her to deposit it there.

"My notes, page 8 line 10. 'After recovering a handwritten note from Zygmunt Budge, I have concluded that rose petals offer a more potent and long-lasting potion than previously thought possible.' What do you think of that Miss Granger? Think before you speak! And never trust the contents of book. Discover for yourself before you recite another's writings as fact!

"Go prep the classroom for my first class. I am disappointed."

Although tears welled in her eyes, she gathered the necessary items and began setting this out for his class in an hour.

Severus shook his head a little disappointed. That habit of hers will be a hard one to break.

Severus stood at the front of his classroom waiting for his students to arrive. He did a quick walk through and found Miss Granger's preparation to be satisfactory. She had even set out his equipment the exact way he liked.

"Thank you for setting up my supplies as well, Miss Granger. I will see you again this afternoon."

Miss Granger left with a smug look on her face, but that this time it was something Severus could live with.

'Enjoy the praise while you can. It will be hard to come by once we actually begin our lessons.'

Severus was correct in the number of zeros his students received that hour. Only three were able to create a passable confusing concoction. This year would be like all the others: full of dimwitted, whiny babies.

The next couple weeks came to pass and Severus and Hermione Granger easy fell into a schedule. Severus would assign her a new book to read every night, and in the morning, she would return it to his desk and began the classroom preparations for the day. Although Severus would never admit it, he never had a student go through his assigned reading so quickly and retain the information. He enjoyed each morning watching her walk through his office door, bushy hair toppled on her head, eyes bright with the challenge as she returned his books. He soon began to give her even more advanced material out of his personal collection.

This morning began the same as all the others, Severus watched the clock straight 7:00am and Miss Granger open his office door.

"Right on time. Did you finish this book?"

"I did, Professor." Miss Granger set leather bond tomb on the edge of his desk and awaited the normal rigorous quiz over the material.

"And what did you think?" Severus watched the girls face to see how she would respond to this question. Miss Granger was so used to tests. A question and the correct answer.

"Sir?"

"You heard me, what did you think of this particular work? You have read all of your required reading for the year in the matter of three weeks. You must have an opinion for this one."

Severus waited while she thought of her reply before speaking.

"Well…I think the authors were overreaching with their conclusions. Although they claimed their methods not only improve the quality of the potion but had added benefits, they did not provide enough data for their last claim. I think the potion could have those benefits, but they are lacking the supporting evidence."

Severus couldn't help but let a rare smile break through his normal stony façade.

"You're ready, Miss Granger."

"Ready for what, Professor?"

Severus opened a drawer from his desk and pulled out his current notebook. Something he never showed to anyone, not even his last assistant.

"It should be obvious. What you just read is something I published last year, and I agree. After reviewing it, I think it needs some additional work. This is my notebook. It is not the leave the dungeon under any circumstance. Do you understand?"

Severus watched the girl nod her head in agreement.

"Very well. We'll start tonight, 8:00pm. You can assist me with my first project."

Severus chuckled in his head at the girl's smile. As dreadful as he thought she would be, she has far exceeded anyone he had hired to date.

"Thank you, Professor! I'll see you tonight."

Hermione turned to dash out of his office.

"And don't forget to put extra cockroaches on table 3! McGover always needs extra supplies." Severus shouted out as she passed through the doorway to the classroom.

Severus continued to sip his morning tea while reading the Daily Prophet. Everything was going well ahead of schedule.

Dinner that evening Severus sat in his usually spot: Dumbledore's left-hand chair. Unfortunately, ever since Severus adopted Hagrid's stupid kitten, the half-giant had been sitting next to him for most meals. Tonight, was not any different. Severus had just taken a bite of his steak and mashed potatoes when Hagrid shook the entire table as he sat down.

"Ah! Professor Snape, how are ya? How's yer kitten doin'? Did ya pick a name for 'im yet?"

Severus physically rolled his eyes. Hagrid had asked him the same questions every evening since he had irrationally went down to his hut in the middle of the night to get the stupid fluffball.

"Hello, Hagrid. No, I have not chosen a name for him yet." Severus smirk to himself, he had an idea. "I'm waiting for him to tell me what name to call him."

"Severus you of all people should know he's just a normal cat. They don' talk or nuffin'!"

"I have sensed a magical power coming him, and I know if I listen long enough he will tell me his name."

"Professor! I had no idea you were in tune with magical creatures!" Hagrid started to cry with happiness.

'What an idiot.'

"You should come down and help me ask all my animals what they want to be called. Goodness, what if Fang don't like 'is name at all?"

Severus ignored him while he rattled off a list of possible names. Severus scanned the great hall, his eyes coming to rest on his assistant. She was seated with her same set of friends as normal, and they must have said something funny because she threw her head back in laughter.

'She really is a remarkable girl, when she isn't spending all her time telling the world how intelligent she thinks she is. She also has a rather pretty face…. could be pretty if she actually took the time to do something with herself.'

Even as Severus thought this he knew he was being hypocritical. How could he judge someone else for lack of attention to appearances when he himself had never put that much effort into it.

'Perhaps I should wash before she comes tonight. Although, it's only been four days since I last washed my hair.'

Severus quickly finished his meal and stood without so much as a parting glance at Hagrid. He chose to walk pass Miss Granger as he excited the great hall. Walking up the row he looked over her entire frame. The more he looked at her the more he thought that she was uncommonly pretty. Although her hair was quite unique, it always had a few rogue strands framing her face and her slender neck.

'Alright, you've seen slightly attractive students before, Severus. She is no different than the rest and still a student.'

Severus looked over at Potter and gave him a particularly nasty glare.

"Hahaha, Professor. What can I do for you?" Hermione said still half laughing from her friends.

"Nothing yet, Miss Granger. You know, Potter, it is quite a shame you and friends were unable to obtain scores for my N.E.W.T. level potions class. I have missed watching you sweat over your pathetic excuse for potion making. I'll see you tonight, Miss Granger. And might I recommend a change of friendship. Perhaps ones better suited for your level of intelligence, hm?"

Severus walked away before either of his students could respond. As much as he loved getting under Potter's skin, he also hoped Miss Granger would take his suggestion seriously as well as his complement.

His kitten was waiting at the door like always, he had nearly doubled in size after a month of good nutrition and lots of cuddling.

"Hello, Cat." Severus said as he removed his shoes that the door. Although he hated listening to Hagrid, he was right. The kitten did need a name. Severus bent to give him a gentle pet on the head before continuing to his bathroom.

'Just a quick shower to wash my hair.'

Severus undressed and stepping under the falling water began washing his hair. After rinsing all the soap, he cinched his towel around his waist and stood in front of his mirror staring at his reflection.

Severus had never been particularly muscular before, in fact in his youth he had been rather scrawny. Looking at his pale reflection he looked much the same. Although, he had most definitely filled out, he wasn't skinny but also wasn't fat. He got a closer look and noticed the beginning of wrinkles. He pulled at his crow's feet along his eyes. Severus stared at himself and tried to smile. He couldn't remember ever wanting to smile. Each attempted looked more forced and scarier than the last.

'Stop being stupid, Severus, and get dressed. She should be here any minute now.'

In fact, he was already 10 minutes late.

'That's what I get for showering.' Severus quickly dressed and stepped out of his bathroom.

Severus was tugging on his shirts sleeves as Miss Granger opened his office door. Although it should have bothered him, he rather liked that she didn't knock when she entered. It gave a sense of familiarity. Although it was rather late in the evening, Severus was still shocked to see she had come in muggle clothing.

"That's an interesting choice of attire, Miss Granger."

"Ah, it's just some clothes from home. Oh, should I change? Will it be alright to wear for tonight?"

Severus looked down at her jeans and sneakers. In fact, the clothes were rather flattering on her.

"As long as your legs and feet are covered, everything seems to be in order." Severus turned away as he said this, so she wouldn't think he was ogling at her.

"Right, let's begin."

Severus led them back into the classroom where he had brought out his personal cauldron. The potion he had been working on was already brewing on the pot. Miss Granger inspected his work. Severus gave her some space, watching her waft the potion towards her. Severus couldn't help but notice a curl escape its confines. Severus felt his stomach flip as she tucked it back behind her pretty ear.

"What do you think?"

Hermione's eyes crinkled. "It's nothing like I've ever seen or read about before. I'm sorry."

"It's a potion I am creating. It makes sense that you would have no clue." Severus walked over to place a hand on Miss Granger's shoulder gently turning her. "Look at the color…what does it remind you of?"

"Lilac…like the beginning of the draught of the living death!"

"Very good. Now what does it smell like?"

"Asphodel buds…"

"Correct again.

Severus stood behind her, "I am attempting to create a potion that once consumed can stop one of the unforgivable curses…it will stop the Killing Curse."

Miss Granger looked up at Severus with wide, innocent eyes.

"But Professor, that's impossible."

Severus smiled down at the girl, "It always seems impossible until it is done.

"I have been attempting to complete this potion for months, and its missing something! That's where I need your help Miss Granger." Severus spun her around, bring his face close to hers. "I need you to help me create this potion, it has to be done before the end of this school year. If we are unsuccessful…" Severus could see the fear in Hermione's eyes. "I fear all may be lost."

Severus and Miss Granger had been pouring through volumes and volumes of potions books looking for ingredients that may help them. Severus peaked up from his particularly large volume to glace at his assistant. Bent over her own book, she looked the epitome of studious. Her brows had a slight crinkle and he loose curls had escaped their confines once more and floated just above her face. She shifted slightly in her chair making him quickly glance back down at his own page.

"I think that should be enough for tonight, Miss Granger. I do not believe I can read another line with a clear head tonight."

Looking up from her book, she stretched while half covering a yawn.

"Sounds good to me."
"I would like to do this every Friday in addition to normal duties. Do you think you can handle that and your studies?"

Miss Granger gave him a defiant stare, "Of course, I can."

"Good. I'll walk you to your common room door. It's awfully late, and I wouldn't want someone to mistake you being out of bed for deviance."

She nodded in curt reply before gathering her things. They walked out of the dungeon and up the main entrance without speaking.

"Thank you, Miss Granger."

She lifted her face to see his, "What for, Professor?"

Severus refused to meet her glace but replied, "For being the most competent assistant I have yet to have. Your intelligence is…refreshing."

Severus felt the awkwardness thick in the air, and instantly regretted his complement.

"Um, thank you, Professor."

They traversed the rest of their journey in silence before pausing before the Gryffindor entrance. They turned to face each other, and Severus reached out to tuck Miss Grangers rogue curl behind her ear once more.

"Well, goodnight, Miss Granger."

"Good night, Professor. Prohibitos autem amorem"

Severus watched her go through the portrait hole. The Fat Lady gave Severus a rather severe look but said nothing.

Severus returned to his dungeon, back to his is solitude. He shouldn't be complimenting his students, no matter how bright. She wasn't a colleague, she was a student.

Cat greeted him at the door like always with a small meow.

"Ah, Cat. I guess, I at least have you. Not that I need anyone else."

Severus quickly changed and got into his bed. Cat leapt gracefully unto the bed and curled up on the pillow next him.

Severus fell asleep to sound of his soft purring and dreamt of Hermione.

Walking into the classroom, she was already there wearing the same muggle jeans and top. He walked towards her, pulling her ponytail from its tie. Lush curls encircled them both like a silky curtain. Severus buried both hands in her mane and inhaled her sent along her neck.

"Hermione…." Severus moaned against her neck, one hand circled around her waist pulling her up against him—against his erection. Another moan escaped from his throat.

"Professor?"

Severus' eyes shot open. Hermione's reply was too loud, too close, and too real. Standing in the doorway to his private bedroom was that insufferable, nosey, chit.

"Get out."

"But, Professor…"

"I SAID GET OUT!"

Terrified she slammed door shut, he could hear her sobs and the door from his office close as well. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Severus finally sat up.

What the hell was she doing in his bedroom?

'I take back thinking that her just walking into my private spaces is endearing. It's obnoxious and entirely inappropriate. Who the hell does she think she is?'

Cat emerged from under Severus' bed and leapt onto the far end.

"Well…. Let's go see what was so important she thought she could just barge in here."

He also looked down at his morning wood and sighed.

"Let's try and get rid of you as well."

Severus could hear her sniffles as he emerged into the classroom. As soon as she saw him, she leapt to her feet.

"Look, Professor. I'm sorry, but you didn't answer the door, and I thought of something for the potion…and…and I'm sorry."

Severus' cold interior melted a little that she thought his work so important to risk entering a Professor's residence. That being said, he did nothing to show the softening of his heart.

"And what is it then?"

Miss Granger brought her red eyes to meet his, "Amortentia,"

Severus just stared at the girl before him before finally speaking.

"Miss Granger how is a love potion going to help us?"

"Think about it, Professor. What is the most powerful type of magic?"

Severus felt his skin prickle at her tone, like she was giving him a lesson. "Obviously dark magic. Which I have investigated, most of the books we've both read contain the most powerful dark magic known."

Miss Granger smiled making Severus' heart flutter, "I believe you are wrong, Professor. The most powerful magic is true love."

Severus thought about it….in other branches of magic this was usually true; mostly in charms. Potions…they were different. The most powerful potions were always full of dark magic and malice. Although, Severus had already searched every avenue of dark magic known. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to try….

"Well, Granger. Love is most powerful in other areas of magic…. not normally potions though…," Severus watched her face fall, which usually he would have enjoyed, but this time just panged him with guilt.

"But we can try it. We have exhausted all other sources."

"And we are at the very extreme of experimental magic, Professor."

Hermione grinned at Severus, and he couldn't help but twitch the side of his mouth in response.

"I'll get started right away!" The silly girl bounded out of the classroom before he could reprimand her for entering his room.

'Ah, well. It is sort of endearing….'

Severus finally looked at the clock on the wall. 6:30am. Did that girl ever sleep? Severus thought it time to feed Cat before he tried eating anything he shouldn't. As soon as Severus opened the can of food Cat can bounding into his little kitchenette, catapulted onto the counter, and devoured his food.

Absentmindedly, Severus stroked his cat's back for which he received a steady purr in return.

"We're going to need Ashwinder eggs, Cat." Severus said while staring at the floor. "That means we'll have to visit Hagrid."

Severus stopped petting Cat once he sat to lick his lips.
"I suppose I should bring you, as leverage. Ashwinder eggs are extremely expensive…. maybe Hagrid could acquire them for us…as a friend."

Severus put Cat into wooden box. He didn't want to be seen walking the castle with a cat in his arms.

"Meow,"

"I know, Cat. It'll only be a for a few minutes. Keep quiet, now."

Severus picked up the box and ascended to the main floor of castle. Thankfully, the dungeons were rather close to the main entrance of the castle. Severus snuck around each corner for fear of someone seeing him. Severus finally saw the entrance doors and breathed a sigh of relief, slowing his pace.

"Professor!"

Severus physically cringed at the sound of a student calling out his name. It could have been only one student, the only one no longer completely terrified of him.

"Yes, Miss Granger?" Severus, in the doorway, turned to face her.

"I made of list of ingredients we will need. I was just on my way to talk to Hagrid about Ashwinder eggs."

Severus lift his eyebrows in surprise, they were completely on the same page. He stared at the girl standing before him, her eyes bright with excitement. Severus had just noticed a faint dusting of freckles across her checks.

'She's intelligent and beautiful.'

Severus felt a familiar tinge in his groin.

"Ah, well. Yes, that is exactly where I am headed as well. Accompany me."

Severus turned and quickly stalked across the grounds ashamed he was reacting so poorly to a student, no matter how intelligent.

'I like her for her brains…but it's almost too much that her appearance is so pleasant too.'

"Professor?"

"Hm?"

"What's in the box?"

"Ah. That would be…. You'll seen soon enough. I'll knock."

However, Severus needn't knock, Hagrid had already open the door as soon as they approached.

"Professor! And Hermione. What a treat! What're ya doin' down 'ere for?"

"Hi, Hagrid!"

Severus smiled inwardly again. 'And sweet.'

"We've come to—"

"Brought a friend for a visit." Severus cut her off. 'Not very coy though…'

"Well, come in come in!" Hagrid boomed.

Hagrid's horrible boarhound drooled all over the hems of Severus' cloak, and as disgusting as it was Severus was more concerned about the trembling coming from the box in his arms.

"Uh, Hagrid. Do you mind?" Severus asked as he lifted the box higher away from the dog.

"Oh, 'course. Fang! Go lie down!"

Severus placed the wooden box on the table once Hagrid had put a teapot on the stove and joined Hermione at the table. He slid open the box and out popped Cat's head with a soft 'meow'.

"Aw, bless 'is 'eart." Hagrid blubbered as he scooped Cat into his arms.

Hermione beamed as well, "He's beautiful, Professor!"

Hagrid passed Cat to Hermione once the teapot was ready.

"Well, Professor. What a nice treat you comin' and brin' yer little kitten down for a visit. Two visits in a month. Wish I had offered you a kitten sooner."

"Professor, this little guy is yours?"

Severus wanted nothing more than to obliviate both her and Hagrid at this point, but instead said nothing as he sipped his tea.

"'O course he is! Didn't Snape tell ya? I figured you'd've been the first person to know, Hermione."

"Has he told you 'is name yet, Professor?"

Severus set his tea cup down, his face as stoic as ever.

"Picked his name out, Hagrid? What are—ow!"

Severus kicked her from under the table and gave her a dangerous look.

"He hasn't decided yet what he wants to be called."

Hagrid lifted the kitten up to his face, "Still too young to know, I expect."

"Hagrid," Severus accepted Cat back from Hagrid, who curled up in his lap and began to purr.

"Have you ever heard of Ashwinder eggs?"

"Sure. Hard to come by though."

"Miss Granger and I are in need of several for a special project. We were hoping you could help us precure some, I know you are able to get animals for a reduced price."

"Say no more, Professor. I know just the guy to write."

Severus pulled out a bag of coins.

"If there's anything left over, you know where I live. And Hagrid, we can keep this just between the three us, right?"

"You can count on me, Professor."

"I mean it, Hagrid. Just between us friends. You understand, right?"

"I swear it on my life, Professor."

"Excellent. We'll be back down to visit soon."

Severus placed his sleeping cat into his box, thanked Hagrid for the cuppa, and left with Hermione in tow.

They didn't speak until they had reached the castle doors.

"Professor, you brought the cat to butter Hagrid up, didn't you?"

Severus didn't look at the girl, "Hagrid is a man of simple pleasures. If my bringing a silly kitten to his hut encouraged him to help us, then it is simply a coincidence."

"So, you mean yes."

"The end justifies the means, Granger."

"I hate Slytherins."

Severus came up short and Hermione stopped as well.

"You can't say you haven't done something similar. True, Slytherin's value this characteristic and don't hide it. But that doesn't mean it's unique to Slytherins, or that it is always a bad thing."

Severus walked away without waiting for her to respond. A couple seconds later she had rushed to catch up and they walked the rest of the way to dungeon in silence.

"Since you have already seen my private residency, would you like to join me for lunch? I'll make us a couple sandwiches."

Hermione hesitated but nodded in agreement.

Severus chuckled in response, surprising both himself and Hermione, "Not even an apology. Just like you, Granger. Come in."

Severus held the door open for her and tipped the wooden box gently on its side once in his residence. Cat tumbled sleepily onto the floor. Apparently, their visit was so tiring Cat decided the middle of the floor was as good as any place to nap. Severus had just started cutting cheese and pulling bread out when Hermione stood in the door way.

"Did you change your hair, Professor?"

Severus' had a lock dangling right in front of his face. He hadn't changed it…but he had been showering more often. He may have also used a whiting charm on his teeth.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Granger."

Severus picked up the tray with sandwiches on it to lead them to his study. His hands were full, so he had no way of stopping Hermione from brushing the lock away from his eyes. He stared in shocked. No one had dared to touch Severus…ever. Hermione smiled up at him. Severus' heart clenched, and his stomach dipped.

"I'll take those. We should have a working lunch. Grab your notebook, I have to tell you what I found at the library this morning."

He watched the witch walk back out the door to his office.

'Merlin, I'm in trouble.'