***Chapter 3***

Hermione watched as he turned away and headed to his room before entering her own. She'd seen the way he was looking at her. She was flattered, she'd matured a lot since her last year at Hogwarts, both mentally and physically… but she never dreamed that she would be Snape's type. Could he really be into Her? Or was she misreading him? There was only one way to find out.

Quickly, Hermione withdrew her wand and flicked open her suitcase, she moved all of her clothes to the ornate wardrobe. She left out a fresh bra and panties, a black pencil skirt, a sleeveless red button up top, nude knee highs, and black pumps.

She guided her books to the bookshelf, and retrieved her toiletries before grabbing the clothes she laid out. She then headed towards the bathroom. She took a quick shower making sure to work the conditioner thoroughly through her brown snarls until she could easily comb her fingers through it. When she exited the shower she dried herself and got dressed, tucking her shirt in at the waist. She dried her hair thoroughly with a towel before brushing it out smooth and working it into a neat bun. Hermione grabbed her things and headed back to her room.

When she got there she set her toiletries on the small table before checking the time. She still had 20 minutes before she had to meet snape. She wanted to make a good impression, so she decided to arrive early. She still had 15 minutes. Hermione decided to unpack the rest of her things while she was waiting. She didn't have much, it didn't take long. She checked the time again, if she left now she would be 10 minutes early. She decided it couldn't hurt. She threw on her robe and grabbed her wand, placing it in her pocket before exiting her room.

She walked the few feet to the potions lab and knocked on the door frame, the professor was leaning over a lab table working on a potion. He didn't look up. "come in." came his deep baritone. Hermione walked into the room and stood to the side observing. He put the potion in stasis and levitated it onto a shelf before turning to her.

Hermione had the satisfaction of seeing his eyes pop. He quickly composed himself. "Ever since the wizarding war ended 5 years ago, the demand for potions of all kinds has increased. Also with students coming in a week, we're going to be set back even further."

Hermione leaned forward resting her hands on the lab table. She nodded, "What do you need me to do professor?" She knew her movement had distracted him, she had done it on purpose. She knew he was looking down her cleavage. She pretended not to notice.

After a moment he spoke again his dark eyes met hers, "You are my apprentice now, you may as well call me Severus." Hermione smiled. He continued, and as for what I need you to do, for all intents and purposes, you will be my assistant. I thought about having you work on potions while I taught, but I decided that the most proficient way to meet my quota would be working together." He paused. "For example, I may need you to grade papers while I teach, or help the students with their potions. I may need you to organise the store room, or help me gather supplies, and I will most definitely need your help with brewing."

Hermione smiled at him, "I understand, and I wanted to thank you for giving me this opportunity Severus." She swore she could see him stiffen when she used his given name, but he had given her permission.

"I'm glad for the assistance." He growled grumpily.

He grabbed an empty cauldron. "What would you like me to do Severus?"

He appraised her. "If you would get out the ingredients for the draught of peace potion that would be a good start."

Hermione went into the storeroom and looked around. She smirked, of course he's arranged the ingredients alphabetically. This will be easy. She waited until she found syrup of hellebore, unicorn horns, porcupine quills, and moonstone before returning to the classroom. Severus glanced over at her and nodded. Hermione handed him the syrup of hellebore before locating a mortar and pestle. She got to work on preparing the other ingredients for Severus while he started on the potion. They worked in silence, they both preferred it that way. If there was one thing Hermione was proud of it was the quality of her work. She was determined not to disappoint Severus.