"That went well!" Hermione said cheerfully. The work in transfiguration had been challenging, but thanks to her pre-reading, she had managed it with ease. She had earned 30 points for her Gryffindor in her first class, and anyone who knew McGonagall knew that wasn't an easy feat. She left the class feeling lighthearted, pleased that things were going well. Harry and Ron didn't exactly share her feelings. Harry had done remarkably well. Hermione suspected that he had used that particular spell as a distraction from his nightmares. But if it helped him, then she encouraged it, because it helped her as well. He had almost accomplished the spell fully by the end of class, but hadn't quite managed it.

Ron, however, was another story. He, along with the rest of the class, had spent the entire time waving their wants fruitlessly, no effect whatsoever. The result was, of course, a very snippy Ron. Between that and having potions next, they were both rather unhappy at the moment.

Ron shot daggers her way "You're mental Hermione" She shrugged, bending her head to hide a smirk. "I'm not sure this day could get much worse." Harry groaned at his words.

"Now you've done it. Snape's going to be a nightmare." He said.

"Professor." Hermione said.

"Huh?" Harry looked at her confused, before sighing.

"It's Professor Snape, Harry." Hermione insisted, rolling her eyes when she noticed that Harry was no longer listening. She turned to Ron. "It won't be that bad, I'm sure." She said confidently, walking down the dungeon hallway, shivering slightly as always. Ron snorted at her comment, but Harry, knowing she was too stubborn to admit she was cold, shrugged off the extra cloak he had been wearing and handed it to her.

"I don't know why you won't just wear one 'Mione, you have frozen down here for years." He said. Hermione fumbled with her Head Girl badge a moment more. She had been told to keep it visible the majority of the time, and she didn't want Professor Snape to have any reason to deduct the points she had earned. Satisfied that the badge was firmly in place, she looked back up at Harry, continuing their conversation as they entered the potions lab and took their seats.

"It's only cold in the hallway Harry." She said, pulling the cloak closer to her. "Usually once we get in here I'm fine."

"Usually?" Harry demanded.

"It's a little colder today." Hermione said, almost defensively. She didn't understand why he was so worried. So it was chilly down here. They were in a dungeon, and the fires hadn't been lit yet. It's only to be expected. Harry frowned at her. It felt fine to him. He opened his mouth to say so, but she didn't give him the chance. "Harry." She said. "I'm fine. Really. Thank you for the cloak." She gave him a small smile, but her voice rang with finality. Harry sighed, and Snape chose then to begin class."

"Today…" Snape said slowly. "you will be brewing Felix Felisis, otherwise known as liquid luck, as some of you very well know." His words were delivered with his signature sarcasm and sneer that was mainly directed to the 'golden trio'. Harry glared at him, feeling his blood boil. Gods he hated him. And since the feeling was entirely mutual, he didn't have a problem with feeling guilty.

"I am quite sure, however, that none of you know just how complicated it is. I wouldn't be surprised if one of you incompetent fools managed to blow it up by the end of class." Neville shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Begin." Snape snapped suddenly. The class jumped slightly at his abrupt command, but soon shuffled off to gather the ingredients. Neville tried to discreetly inch his way towards Hermione, but the move did not go unnoticed by the ever-watchful Potion's Master.

"Miss Granger" he hissed. "If you help him it will mean two weeks of detention and a significant point deduction." He turned to glare at Neville. "I had thought, boy, that after all this time you would have known better. I guess I shouldn't have expected so much from you." He sneered.

Ron began to protest furiously, but a kick from Harry kept him quiet. Instead the red head fumed at the dark haired man's back, wondering just how far he could get with cursing him…

"Don't even think about it." Hermione warned. "You know you would have detention and a trip to the hospital wing faster than you could say 'Potions'" Ron gave him one last glare before turning to his cauldron. Hermione glanced up at her Professor and saw him grading papers, his red ink scratching undoubtedly scathing comments into the parchment.

I wonder what happed this morning to make him so irritable. She found herself thinking. It was no secret that Snape was not the most pleasant person to be around but his anger today seemed…strange. She pondered it for a moment before her own cauldron took over her thoughts. She so wanted for this to be perfect, actually hoping for the challenge that he had promised. She reread the instructions twice before setting up, slightly relieved she wasn't able to help Neville. Naturally she instantly felt guilty, but she would be able to concentrate so much more without having to do two potions without her hawk-eyed professor catching her.

Not to mention…well he kind of had a point. Neville would never learn if she continued to help him. He still shouldn't have been so harsh…but then again, that's him. She frowned slightly when her thoughts drifted to Snape again. If she didn't concentrate she would never get the bloody thing done, let alone done perfectly.

The class worked silently as usual, the only sound the bubbling of the cauldrons and Snape's voice as he softly yet strictly criticized his students. To him, potions was a precise art, one that had to be done with finesse, not just for the integrity of the magic, but also for the safety of the people in his room. One wrong ingredient could end very badly. When he reached Hermione, he searched her cauldron for a fault, marking off his mental list.

Color, smell, both correct. He wanted to test the consistency, but he didn't dare touch the potion. He didn't want to ruin it. Quietly calculating time, he figured she had about ten seconds to stir before it was completely ruined. As if reading his mind, Hermione stirred the cauldron, counting quietly under her breath. When she was done stirring, she set the cauldron to simmer at the correct temperature. Only then did she glance up expectantly to her professor. Her potion was perfect, she knew, which left only her looks and intelligence as fair game for his snide comments.

He met her gaze briefly and gave a small nod before rushing over to prevent Neville from blowing up his cauldron. Hermione stared after him, shocked, but unable to stop the small bit of pride that welled up in her at his…well not approval per say, but he hadn't criticized her, and that was saying a lot. She wanted to dwell on it more, but with that small show of acceptance, she would be damned before she let her potion go bad.

She had always wanted to impress the stoic Professor, and he had given her hope that she could do just that. She watched her cauldron carefully, giving a small smile every time it did just what it was supposed to when it was supposed to do it. Although Snape was drifting around the classroom, he stopped by her cauldron often. When it came out without a flaw, he was pleased. Although he would never admit it, Albus was right. In the coming months an apprentice would be valued, and having one actually adept to potion making made the idea almost bearable. Almost.

By the time Hermione had bottled and labeled her potion, as well as clean her station, it was almost time for her meeting with Dumbledore. When Snape let her leave slightly early, she concluded that he must know the topic of it, which made her infinitely more curious. There weren't a whole lot of things that applied to both her and him.

Upon reaching the stone gargoyles, she realized she didn't know the password for this week. Thinking for a moment, she rattled off the usual; Lemon drops, chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavored Beans. When those didn't work, she thought of a few of the rarer ones, even including acid pops. A few moments later she stood in front of the stone, hands on hips, frowning, her eyebrows drawn together in concentration. Understanding finally dawned on her.

"Cockroach Clusters!" She called joyfully, the gargoyles stepping aside and finally allowing her entrance. She knocked on the wooden door to the Headmaster's office, letting herself in when she heard him say 'enter'. "Cockroach Clusters Professor?" She asked, a single eyebrow raised. She had never cared much for the treat, but the headmaster had a sweet tooth unlike any other.

Dumbledore gave a small chuckle, his eyes twinkling as usual. "Yes, my dear, a personal favorite in fact. I am assuming you are wondering why I have called you here, correct?" Hermione smiled.

"Actually, sir, I have learned to just go with it." This earned her another smile.

"So it would seem. I have called you because of an opportunity that has arisen. Professor Snape is…willing to take an apprentice, and he is convinced that you are the best choice."

Hermione stared at him for a moment before her wheels started turning. Her classes today had proved easier for her than even those in her earlier years. Being an apprentice, especially for the hardest and one of the most talented professors at Hogwarts would be a great experience. But Snape thinking her to be the best choice? That wasn't likely…

Oh I bet Dumbledore convinced him. Professor Snape obviously wouldn't have chosen an insufferable know-it-all as an apprentice. She thought sourly. It also explains the mood, knowing Dumbledore one-upped him once more. But then she remembered his small nod of approval, if that is indeed what it was. It didn't seem like much, but maybe he was beginning to see that Dumbledore was right, that she was good for the position.

She had also decided that she wanted to see that from him more often. He was so hard to please, and she wanted nothing more but to manage it. It was a challenge, and she was excited to prove herself.

She smiled at Dumbledore, who had been watching her musings with a bemused smile.

"I Accept."

A/N: Look! Another Chapter!:) I am actually kind of pleased with this one. Dont know when the next one will be up, but hopefully soon!

Reviews please:D