The title comes from Eyre, as in Jane Eyre, which this fanfic is loosely based on. Understand, that when I say LOOSELY based, I will NOT be keeping exactly to the book or even keeping the exact plot line, just understand that some things that Hermione says, are similar to what Jane says, and some things that Severus Snape says are similar to what Edward Rochester says. By no means do you have had to read Jane Eyre before reading this.

Disclaimer: I am neither J.K.Rowling nor Charlotte Bronte, but the present story is what would happen if both authors decided to get together and combine their respective works, in much less eloquent language, and disregarding plot lines of either of their books.

An Eyrical Tale

Chapter 1: To Each Their Own Flavour

Hermione bit back another growl of frustration as she read the letter in her hands, some of which prompted her to mumble another "I should have known" under her breath.

Miss Granger,

Although I am pleased that you have chosen to try for your mastery in the area of potions, it is an inconvenience to my own schedule to take up an apprentice at this time. I wish you the best of luck in your search for a mentor.

Regretfully,

Adelaide Lavéra

Maîtresse De Breuvages Magiques

Université de Mersailles, France

There was one more person left in all of Europe with a masters in potions, but he was the last resort; a tolerable man, but certainly not a wizard one would want to spend every waking minute with as an apprentice. Hermione finally sighed, crumpled the letter, and walked to the fireplace in her flat, picking up a well-decorated flowerpot on the way.

3 months earlier…

"You have now completed your three years of studies at Ilmarinen College of Magics," the old witch said. She had pure silver hair, with thick, rounded spectacles and carried a short staff with blue, green, and gold markings. It was rumoured that she had gotten it as a gift when she was made an honourary member of the Abeni tribe during her journeys in Africa during her forties. Halyna Aerin smiled at the young witch before her- one of those elderly people's smiles that seem to see beyond ages- and laughed a bit. "I assume that you will be furthering your studies by attempting a mastery, but what I do not know is what area it will be in." Headmistress Aerin magicked a small table in between them, complete with a tea tray and several different flavors of the drink. "Tea? No? Well, I must have it at every meal, and in the afternoons as well" she said and she smiled wistfully. "I once found true happiness in a cup of tea, and I've been trying to do so again ever since."

Hermione found herself wondering whether Professor Aerin was like Professor Dumbledore or if it was vice-versa. She came to a slow realisation that neither was like the other, but that elderly witches and wizards were naturally wise and silly, just as young witches and wizards were naturally foolish and stubborn.

"I wish to pursue a Masters in potions, headmistress."

"Potions? You received full marks in all of your classes, Miss Granger, but potions is not your strong point."

Hermione shifted a bit in her seat, finding this much harder to explain to the headmistress than to her other professors, all hoping that she would continue in their subjects. "I know that, Professor."

"Hmm," she said thoughtfully, "if I were advising, I would suggest Transfiguration. I am fully confident that you could be a fully licensed animagus within a year." She took a sip of earl grey and asked, "are you completely certain that this is what you want to do?"

"Oh yes!" Hermione said enthusiastically. "It is a bit difficult to explain, headmistress, but the entire reason I wish to pursue a degree in potions is because it is not my strongest subject." Professor Aerin nodded and motioned for her to continue. "Any other area- I am sorry if this sounds conceited or arrogant- any other area would be altogether too easy for me. I feel as if I have already mastered Ancient Runes, or Charms, or Transfiguration. Potions is the one subject that I feel I can always continue to learn from, even into old age, and I want to work for my mastery, not to ease through it."

Halyna Aerin nodded. "I do not think that this sounded conceited, Miss Granger. I think it sounded brutally honest, which is in the manner that I like to receive most things." The old woman took another sip of tea and frowned slightly at the little china cup, as if the tea had suddenly gone bitter or cold. "Hmmm." She raised a thin eyebrow in confusion. "This is a bit unexpected."

"Headmistress?" Hermione asked, a little disturbed at her professor's sudden inspection of the outside of the china cup, seemingly searching for cracks.

"No, no mistake." The old woman whispered to herself, awed. "Oh-" she replied to Hermione's questioning look, "it's nothing, my dear. I occasionally see some things in the tea cup, that's all."

She took another sip of the no longer strange tea and smiled. "I do believe I was mistaken, my dear. Potions is a wonderful choice. Now," she said, in a falsely stern voice, "I do believe you should be going, you have distracted me from my morning tea for much too long."

As Hermione left, she wondered if Albus Dumbledore was quite as particular about his lemon drops.

Old Mrs. Aerin chuckled to herself. "Well, I didn't know that Miss Granger had a penchant for earl grey. But next time I learn of some unexpected detail in the future," she lectured to her blue flowered china, "I'd much rather it be what Henri is making for dinner."

Well! I know the first chapter's a little short, but it's introductory.

Additional disclaimer: If you are French or can speak it, please don't sue me. I have no knowledge of the beautiful language (sob) and can thank babelfish for any correct or incorrect grammer.

Maîtresse De Breuvages Magiques: Potions Mistress

Université de Mersailles, France: Mersailles University, France

Ilmarinen: Derived from Finnish ilma "air". Ilmarinen is an immortal smith in Finnish mythology, the creator of the sky and the magic mill known as the Sampo.

Abeni: Means "we asked for her, and behold, we got her" in Yoruba

I would greatly appreciate reviews, constructive criticism, you name it.