An Apple for Teacher
Hermione Granger was raised to always appreciate her teachers. Her parents instilled a respect for her educators in her from a very young age. Throughout her younger years she always had a Christmas gift for them or a parting gift when she finished their class.
This tradition continued through her Hogwarts years. Even the often-cruel Potions Master received a small gift on his desk at Christmas, though his was always an anonymous one - she didn't fancy being blasted into smithereens. Hermione's last year at Hogwarts was no exception, despite his continual disdain for his students. She didn't allow herself to be bothered by his caustic remarks, telling herself that he was simply ill-tempered when dealing with dunderheads.
On the last day of term before the winter break, Professor Snape dismissed the NEWT-level Potions class with an out-flung arm and a scowl. He leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Hermione deposited the gift on his desk and was exiting the classroom when his voice disturbed the relative silence of the dungeon.
"An apple, Miss Granger?" He sounded slightly amused. She turned to face him with a hesitant smile.
"Yes sir. It's a Muggle thing. I thought you might appreciate another bottle of red ink also."
He didn't smile back, but he seemed more relaxed.
"I hope this isn't some feeble attempt to poison me, Miss Granger."
She laughed as she said, "No sir. It seems a bit stupid to try and poison a Potions Master, wouldn't you say?" She turned and left the classroom but paused in the doorway.
"Happy Christmas, Professor," she said with a genuine smile, leaving a slightly confused Potions Master wondering when Miss Granger had stopped being irritating and became interesting.
A/N:
Hey folks, long time no see! Just an offering of silly fluff. I'm
pretending HBP didn't exist for this one, except the Half-Blood
Prince bit, so he can get the apple thing. I used to always get some
little thing for my elementary school teachers. I'm not sure if
it's common in England… Oh well!
