It's Hard to Make Sense of it All
By CreativeJuicesFlowing
Chapter 1: Surprises, Surprises, Surprises.
A/N: I have no idea where this fic will go, all I know is that when I opened a wordpad document and began typing, this is what came out. I hope you enjoy it! -CreativeJuicesFlowing
The steam rose softly into the air as the porcupine quills were added, one, two, three and finally four. After which, the potion was stirred 14 times counterclockwise. It was said that Severus Snape was the best Potions master there ever was. He however, choosing to indulge in modesty, denied the claims time and time again.
He secretly had the notion that Hermione Granger could, with specialized training and hard work, far surpass his skills. He didn't previously have the free will to do so but these were different times. Before, necessity compelled him to play favorites and he could show nothing but animosity towards any Gryffindor. Not that he particularly cared for their stupidity, but Miss Granger was different.
She was smart. She used her Gryffindor courage and unfailing loyalty in a way that set her apart from her housemates. Severus felt it imperative to offer Miss Granger an opportunity to study potions after graduation, before she left Hogwarts for good. No doubt, she would receive countless offers from the ministry and St. Mungos for apprenticeships or even jobs. Her services to the Order during the war had made her famous, among many of her classmates.
He was surprised that Harry and Hermione came back to get their NEWTS, as they had been offered jobs right after the Order of Merlin ceremony. He suspected that Hermione had convinced Harry to come back and finish school, but he wondered how she hadn't convinced Weasley. The boy was now off playing Quidditch with the Hollyhead Harpies.
Anyways, there was a week left in the term and the graduation ceremony would take place. Severus had summoned Hermione to his classroom to offer her the apprenticeship and she was due to show up any moment. He continued his potion by adding the Eye of Newt and was satisfied when the potion turned a shimmering Gold.
He smiled a rare smile that only came with the completion of a particularly difficult potion and started when he heard a voice.
"Liquid Light, sir? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I should have knocked."
Hermione Granger had entered his classroom, correctly identifying the potion he had just spent 4 hours on and scaring him half to death.
"Yes, Miss Granger, you are correct. 5 points to Gryffindor."
She looked at him, puzzled. It was probably the first time she had heard him give points to Gryffindor rather than take them away.
"Can you tell me what would happen if I drank this potion?"
"You would likely become very ill or you could even die. Liquid Light isn't for human consumption. In a pinch, the potion should be poured on the ground to illuminate a room or space. It isn't used often because it is almost impossible to brew and almost useless."
"Good job Miss Granger. Given that there is hardly a record of this potion, I find your facts and analysis quite substantial."
"Professor, forgive me if I seem rude, but I've never heard you compliment anyone, let alone give house points to Gryffindor. I can't help but wonder what you're getting at."
Snape let out a deep chuckle, surprising Hermione further.
"What do you plan on doing, once you leave Hogwarts. No doubt you've already made plans for further education or perhaps you have a job lined up?"
Hermione stuttered for a moment but finally formed an answer.
"Well, sir, I'm not one hundred percent sure what I'll be doing next year. I've been offered an apprenticeship with the minister of magic, and I've also been offered a position in the training program for young healers. Those are the top two contenders in my book, although I still don't know which one I'm going to choose."
Severus considered this and decided to make his offer.
"Those are both very wonderful opportunities. No doubt you would excel and become fantastic at whatever you choose. I will cut to the chase, however. I've summoned you here this evening to offer you an apprenticeship, with me. You are by far the brightest potions student I have encountered and I believe with training you can become a renowned Potions Mistress."
"The apprenticeship is 4 years long, beginning the first of October and breaking at the end of May. You would be given quarters here at Hogwarts and paid a small, yet substantial salary."
"During the course of the apprenticeship, you will learn a great many skills needed to become a Mistress in Potions. At the end of the program you will be tested on your knowledge both in a practical test and a written exam."
"If you pass, you will then be given a license as a Potions Mistress and will be able to pursue any career dealing with potions that you so desire."
Hermione stood there, not quite believing what she was hearing. She loved potions dearly, but didn't think that there would be a way for her to continue her studies besides her own research.
"Miss Granger?" Professor Snape asked, raising an eyebrow.
Hermione snapped back to attention and said, "I'll have to think about it, sir."
"Very well. I'd like an answer before the ceremony next Friday, so that I can make the arrangements and we can both enjoy our holiday."
"Yes sir, I'll have an answer by then.", Hermione said before bolting out of the door and heading up the corridor and back to the common room.
She didn't make it far before she came to rest her back upon a column at the entrance of the dungeons. Her thoughts were jumbled as she replayed the conversation with the professor, beginning to end, several times. She had no idea what to make of it, and she had even less of an idea how she would answer his offer. Could she refuse? How could she accept? She continued her way out of the dungeons and decided to take a walk outside to clear her head.
A/N: Leave a review and let me know what you think. I don't know what to think so maybe I could use your thoughts. Hmm? :) Over and out, -CreativeJuicesFlowing