Disclaimer: I do not own, nor make any money from my writings.
Warnings: sensitive themes.
Authors note: Well this is quite random, and is the result of me being very, very bored. I hope its ok, and as always reviews are welcome. I'm not sure, but I may do another chapter, sort of like an epilogue. Then again maybe not. lol
His
Hermione Granger all but charged down the dungeons corridor, intent on ignoring the cries of her two so called best friends. It was last period, and she simply couldn't wait to finish so she could escape to her room.
"Mione! Oh come on Mione wait up!"
Huffing, she hurried her pace further. Much of her lunch had been spent in the library, preparing for a transfiguration assignment due in later that week. Her research had been rudely interrupted by Ron and Harry, both claiming she was boring and needed to lighten up and get her head out of the books. Comments like these were not unusual, but a particularly spiteful claim that she 'wasn't going to have any friends if she kept this up' and Harrys answering nod was enough to greatly upset her.
Sure she was book smart, and was often found in the library. And ok so she liked to get her homework done and out of the way as soon as possible, but to say it was losing her friends! It made her wonder what exactly they were implying, were they likely to abandon her simply because she wasn't like them? Because she wasn't interested in Quiddich and didn't want to stay up all hours of the night drinking smuggled butterbeer?
Coming to a stop and pushing her way into the potions class room, Hermione took her usual seat and continued to brood. She ignored her friend's quiet attempts to get her attention, and retrieved her books, quills and parchment from her bag.
Snapes entrance was as dramatic as ever, prompting Hermione to roll her eyes in annoyance. Her rebellious thoughts continued throughout the class, even going so far as to refuse Neville any help with his disastrous potion.
By the time the students were ready to hand in the vial of potion, she was feeling exceptionally careless. Walking slowly to the front desk, she left her potion with the others and was about to go when Snape called her back.
"Miss Granger, what exactly do you call this?"
Annoyance flaring, Hermione boldly caught his eye and did something she would usually never dream of. She answered back.
"Why professor, I do believe it's the restorative draught you instructed us to brew, or had you forgotten?"
Stifled gasps filled the dungeon classroom. Although many may have wanted to, no one dared speak to Snape like that. It was suicide. Hermiones classmates watched with growing trepidation as their professor features darkened, becoming thunderous. Hermione herself wasn't too worried, after all the worst he could do was take points, or give out detention. His deep glare unsettled something within her, the fire in his eyes creating jitters in her stomach. None of this showed however, as she stared back with mockingly wide innocent eyes.
"You Miss Granger may join me tonight for detention. 7 o clock, do not be late".
Startled by the deadly tone of voice, many of Hermiones classmates froze, only moving again when Snape redirected his attention to them, seemingly ignoring Hermione, and promptly dismissing them all.
Back in the Gryffindor common room, the 6th year potion students were all staring wide eyed at a seemingly ignorant Hermione. On her return, she had simply sat in her favorite chair by the fire, and started on her homework. She was still ignoring Harry and Ron, their comments still stinging at her pride.
"Hermione! Bloody hell, what was that about!?"
At Seamus's exclamation, Hermione raised her eyes from her charms essay and shrugged.
"It's not my fault he asked a ridiculous question"
Confused, many continued to stare, even as Hermione returned to her work. How she could be so calm… she had detention with him! Tonight!
As 7 o clock slowly approached, the 6th years became more and more restless. It seemed that whilst Hermione wasn't very worried about the detention, everyone else was. At quarter to 7, Hermione calmly cleared up her books, and made her way to her detention. It didn't take very long to get there, and she found herself knocking on Snapes office door at 5 to. As the door opened, Hermione felt dread stir restlessly in the pit of her stomach.
"Enter"
Surprisingly, Snape didn't seem as angry as her class mates had imagined. Instead of his deadly whisper, or his booming shouts, he sounded almost… agreeable.
Stepping into the dimly lit room, Hermione quickly seated herself in the chair adjacent to his desk. Waiting as he finished marking what looked to be quizzes, she was suitably shocked when he coolly asked her if she would like some tea.
"I- yes, yes please Sir"
Accepting the conjured cup, Hermione glanced around the office. Smaller than his classroom, its main focal point was the impressive mahogany desk and his almost throne like chair. Sipping quietly, she wondered why he was being so… kind.
"Miss Granger, I appreciate that this is most unusual, but I had wanted to talk to you about a possible apprenticeship, and your little… outburst earlier today proved to be the perfect opportunity"
Eyes widening, Hermione had trouble keeping her grip on her cup. The chance to become an apprentice, especially to a master as accomplished as Snape was… beyond words!
"Am I correct in believing that your silence is one of acceptance?"
Still somewhat disbelieving, Hermione could only nod, and soon found herself immersed in discussion over relevant topics covered by her apprenticeship. As they spoke, Hermione found herself truly understanding the extent to her potions professors' brilliance. He spoke of the most notorious potions as if they were a mere hobby, and his extensive knowledge was a tribute to his talents.
Soon however, Hermione began to feel somewhat… odd. It was as if she was underwater, the sound of Snapes voice becoming clouded and further away. Also her vision seemed to cloud, objects and colours slowly melding into one. Confused and disorientated, Hermione tried to alert Snape that something was wrong, but her tongue was too heavy in her mouth. Catching sight of her long finished tea, Hermione felt her joints stiffen and freeze. Falling forward from her chair, the darkness slowly consuming her, she could only look up at her professor in shock.
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