***Chapter 2***

Severus waited with Minerva in the great hall. He still didn't understand why he needed to take an apprentice. He turned to Minerva giving her his most intimidating glare. "Are you quite sure this is necessary?"

Minerva appraised his position looking exasperated. "Why Severus, only weeks ago you were complaining you didn't have enough hands to finish all your orders on time." She paused, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Now you'll have two more hands to help you on your way."

He scowled crossing his hands over his chest. Why did he have to have such a big mouth? "and would you like to explain to me why it is your favorite student is to be my new apprentice?"

Minerva sighed, "Honestly Severus? You went through the same applications I did. Hermione was the best applicant."

He grumbled angrily. She was right, Hermione's application was years older than the others and she still outshined every other applicant. Still, Minerva wouldn't have to put up with the insufferable twit… he would.

Just then, the doors flung open revealing the oaf Hagrid, trailing timidly behind him was a soaking wet Hermione Granger. His eyes popped. Fuck… She had filled out since her time at Hogwarts, her body was still slight but she was shapely. He stiffened, why had she worn white, he could see right through it, right to her bra… framing her voluptuous… no. He wouldn't think about it. He reluctantly looked away but he couldn't suppress the heat he felt rising off of him in waves. Severus couldn't remember the last time hed had this reaction… to anyone.

He heard Minerva rush towards her and cast a drying spell before capturing Hermione in a hug.

She spoke, "Oh thank you Minerva, I'm eternally grateful. I was starting to freeze." Severus had noticed. No! He wasn't going to think about it.

"Don't worry about it dear." Minerva chided, before turning to Severus. "Professor, aren't you going to acknowledge your apprentice, or are you just going to stand there like a statue?"

Severus glanced up angrily, "Actually I have quite a bit of work to be done as you yourself pointed out, I am unable to keep up with all of the extra orders now that things have finally returned to normal. So if this little reunion is quite finished I'd like to get started on my work." He crossed his arms and gave Minerva a scowl, daring her to disagree with him.

She sighed, "All right Severus, I expect you can show Hermione to her quarters. And I need both back up here at dinner for the staff meeting. We have much to discuss before the students arrive next week."

He nodded and turned walking briskly down the hallway heading for the dungeons. Severus heard scurrying feet and wheels of a suitcase behind him. He pinched the bridge of his nose before turning. He was surprised to see amusement in her eyes, it caught him off guard. "Can't you walk any more quietly?"

She appraised him, "Not all of us can ghost through the hallways like you do professor, especially not on legs as short as mine." She gestured to herself. His sharp eyes followed her movements, her legs were toned and muscular. But they were noticeably shorter than his own. She continued, "not unless you slow your pace."

He considered her, usually he would have come up with some snide comment by now but nothing had come to mind. He was still looking her over. Her once round childlike face had elongated slightly allowing it to become more sculpted. Her features were soft and delicate. Her lips were full, and her dusky eyes were round and filled with intelligence, her hair had grown a little longer, now her wavy curls hung at her collar bone. She had a healthy figure and glowing skin. Very healthy… he could feel his body reacting to her. Shocked, he forced himself to meet her gaze pushing away his sudden salacious thoughts. He nodded, "Fine, but let's get going… there is work to be done." He continued to the dungeons stopping when he reached her chambers. They were next door neighbors. Severus wasn't sure how he felt about it yet. Minerva had forced him to transfigure his extra storeroom into living quarters. Severus had moved all of his rare and dangerous ingredients into the main storeroom placing them into a spelled cabinet. Truthfully he'd had plenty of room and it was definitely more convenient this way… but he still wasn't a fan of change. He opened the door. He hadn't known Hermione's decorative style, so he had guessed. He chose pieces that were sturdy but elegant. Dark wood with elegant vine patterns carved into them. The room wasn't large but it was big enough to hold an elegant wardrobe, a small table with chairs, a queen bed and, a fireplace with a small sitting area. He had chosen a dark ivy green to accent the ornate mahogany pieces. He thought he'd done the space justice.

He looked back at Hermione, "These are your quarters. I'll leave you to unpack. There is a staff bathroom at the end of the hall. Unfortunately we'll have to share the space..." He trailed off watching her.

She was looking through the open door, "It's beautiful…"

Severus was anxious to get away from her. He needed to clear his head. "I'll leave you to it then, I expect you in my lab within the hour." He turned and walked a few feet to his quarters; his dark robes billowing out behind him, before entering and closing the door behind him.