Thank you to my first reviewer EVER - Heidi191976. I really appreciate the feedback! So after I did my happy dance that someone actually liked my ramblings - I finished chapter two.
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The Apprenticeship
Snape took over the explanations, "Lucius Malfoy has decided to follow in the Dark Lord's footsteps. He has figured out some way to take over the marks on the surviving Death Eaters, and though the pull is not as strong as when Voldemort was calling the shots – he was able to call us all to a meeting last night. So my role as spy is yet to be over. If I was to accept an apprentice – which I still have not decided on – and in so doing chose you, Miss Granger, it would have to be secretly because of your status as the muggleborn best friend of the defeater of Voldemort."
Hermione was shocked once again. Lucius Malfoy – the next Lord Voldemort?!? Great, that's exactly what the wizarding world needs. "But can we not just kill him? Or turn him over to the ministry? I mean, Voldemort was pretty intelligent in his own severely delusional way. I just don't get the intelligent vibe from Malfoy, he was Voldemort's puppet. Surely we could set a trap for him."
"It is not that easy Miss Granger. There are too many who are still loyal or, at the very least, sympathetic to the cause who would just take over after Malfoy. We need a plan to take out as many followers as possible while taking down Lucius in the same go," Snape explained.
"One would think that after Voldemort and Malfoy had been killed, someone would think twice before trying to take over 'the cause,'" Hermione countered.
"That thought process only applies to rational people. Death Eaters want to kill people based on who their parents are – Does that sound rational to you Miss Granger?"
The Headmistress had been watching the exchange with an amused smile. "While this debate is quite entertaining, may we please return to the reason for the meeting?" When neither objected, Minerva continued. "Hermione, if you accepted the Muggle Studies position, it would give you a valid reason to be here at Hogwarts. We can set up a lab that would be connected to both of your quarters so that you wouldn't be seen approaching a common destination on a regular basis. We can also arrange the schedule to give you some of the same free periods. Other than that, you can teach during the day and apprentice at night. Your apprenticeship would have to be longer that of a traditional apprentice because you'll be working less hours of the day."
"Minerva, I still have not accepted Miss Granger as an apprentice. I haven't even decided if I want to take an apprentice at this time." Severus glared at the Headmistress as though her assumptions greatly offended him.
"Don't be ridiculous Severus. You need an apprentice. You are still recovering from the battle, and with Lucius's new activities you will be fairly busy. Miss Granger is an excellent witch and more than capable of brewing any potion with only the slightest of instructions. She's perfect for the position and you know it!"
Hermione blushed, but tried to appear professional and adult as Severus stared at her. He seemed to be debating.
Severus started at his former student. Could he put up with the know-it-all for three or more years? She seemed a bit more mature than she was even a few months ago. She had the sense to dress appropriately and at least she wasn't wearing Gryffindor scarlet and gold. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad; he really could use the help.
"Merlin, Severus! Is it really that hard of a decision?" Severus shot another glare in Minerva's direction.
"As long as Miss Granger can calm her know-it-all tendencies and her need to prove that not all muggleborns are complete dunderheads, a fact of which I am all too aware, I suppose I could use the help as long as the proper precautions are taken. You cannot tell anyone Miss Granger. Not even Potter or Weasley. Do you understand?"
Hermione was so joyous she could dance – but she didn't think Snape would appreciate that. He might even rescind his offer. "Yes, of course, professor. Thank you."
"You can start helping with Muggle Studies immediately, as to ease you into your teaching position. You will start with observing the third and seventh years to get a feel for the full range of the course. Then you can start preparing your own, and probably superior, course schedule. I give you free range for the materials you wish to cover starting in the fall. That will leave you quite a bit of free time for research, brewing and such. Severus, might I suggest you have her start with the medicinal potions Poppy needs most often? It would keep her busy and free up a bit of your schedule."
"Minerva, if I'm going to take an apprentice, I'm going to do it on my terms, in my way. I will start with her where I please. How quickly can the lab be ready?" Snape still looked as though this situation was being forced on him.
"It is ready now. Just pull Most Potent Potions off of the shelf and the doorway will appear. It is cliché, I know, but who thinks cliché when they think of you, Severus?" The Headmistress then winked at Hermione and she had to suppress a giggle. This conversation was becoming quite amusing.
Snape ignored the end of that comment and addressed Hermione. "Be in the lab at eight this evening. Tardiness will not be accepted." With one last disgruntled look at the Headmistress, he swept from the room, robes billowing behind him.
"Thank you Headmistress. I really appreciate it." Hermione could no longer hold back the huge smile she had been fighting since Snape said he would take her as an apprentice.
"Please, call me Minerva, and it's no trouble. Really, I have wanted to sack the dunderhead teaching Muggle Studies since I became Headmistress, but I couldn't find a good fit for the post. It is I who should be thanking you. Shall we go see your new quarters? I imagine you will need to return home to gather some of your belongings."
Hermione nodded and followed the Headmistress out of her office and through the familiar corridors.
"As a teacher, you are welcome to stay here year-round. Most teachers do to avoid the cost of letting a flat to use for two months out of the year, but that is entirely up to you," Minerva smiled.
They had stopped at a portrait of Harry, Ron and Hermione. The Hermione in the painting stepped forward and asked, "Password?"
Minerva spoke quietly, "Friendship," and with a meaningful look at Hermione, stepped into a large sitting room classically decorated in scarlet and gold. She would have to do something about that. Seven years of red and gold was enough; besides, she preferred silver.
The Headmistress obviously guessed what she was thinking. "You can do whatever you would like with your furniture and color schemes. Your entrance to the lab works the same way as Severus's. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask. We'll discuss details tomorrow. For now, I'll leave you to get settled. Welcome aboard, Hermione," and with that, she left Hermione to explore her new rooms.
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Please R&R!
