A/N: Hope all my loyal Readers had a wonderful week! Hope you all enjoy this one. I really enjoyed writing this as it shows a truly innocent relationship. We often forget how simple and sweet the world can be and this is my tribute to that.

Disclaimer: Yep, I've got nothing. Not even the rights to Harry Potter. It's all yours JK.

Chapter 4: The Potions Master

Hermione woke the next morning almost a little disappointed to be in her own bed. It was early yet; dawn clearly on its way as the sky was changing from the dark of night to a pale blue. She stretched herself as she threw her legs over the side of the bed and started getting ready for the day. After a quick shower she changed into her robes for the day grabbing her Potions and Herbology books from her trunk as she headed out the door. Her mind was a blur from the night before and she was almost afraid it was all a dream. As she walked down the girl's dormitory steps she saw Harry already waiting for her on the couch. He smiled warmly at her as she sat down next to him; instantly curling up and putting her head on his chest.

"Good morning to you too Hermione." he said with a tease in his voice, as he laid his head on top of hers smelling the lavender scented shampoo she must use. "Sleep good?"

"Yeah." She said smiling deeply till a thought struck her. "You didn't wake up down here again did you?"

"No just woke up a bit early is all. Guess after all the years with the Dursleys it's a habit of mine. They always made me get up early and make breakfast for everyone."

"Harry." she said concerned "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to you know. If it bothers you to talk about it then I won't push you."

"No, actually it feels better to talk about it. I just never had anyone to talk about it with before, but there is something else on my mind..." he said squeezing her gently.

Leaning back Hermione settled into the couch and looked at him. For the first time she allowed herself to really look at him. She admired his deep emerald eyes, the strong yet young set of his jaw. He was a little on the pale side she noted but instantly dismissed it. Being locked away in the house was probably to blame for that. "Okay, what is it?"

"Well I was thinking." Harry started, "I mean I know things are different between us and if we go around cuddled up all the time then people are going to talk you know…" he trailed off uncertainly.

Hermione thought about this for a second before answering tight lipped. "Well what do you think they are going to say?" she asked, just the tiniest edge of annoyance in her voice.

"Well it's just they're already give me a hard time about being… well me, and I'm afraid they would start giving you a hard time too." He said; concern clear in his eyes.

Hermione laughed to herself. Of course it was some weird noble reason. For a moment she'd been afraid he was ashamed of her. "Harry no. I don't care what people say. They're going to talk no matter what you know. Even if we're never seen as anything more than friends people are going to talk. Look at Malfoy. He's already been a snotty toe-rag towards me for being muggleborn. People always find something to talk about; it's only a matter of time before I'm singled out for something."

"Ugh, Don't remind me of Malfoy. I'm really not looking forward to potions with Slytherin. Still Hermione, maybe just till we understand things better we should keep it to ourselves. Please?" he begged, his eyes pleading his case.

Hermione sighed as the self-doubt crept back into her brain. "If that's what you what you really want for now Harry; then we'll keep it quiet. But I do have to ask you something in return." She steeled herself preparing for the possibility of heartache. "Are you sure that it's not that you're embarrassed by me? I mean I know I'm not the prettiest girl in the school…" she watched Harry closely observing him for any signs of the truth she feared.

Harry look at her gob smacked, "Hermione of course not, you're beautiful!" he said; shock clear in his voice.

"Harry no… I know I'm not. I mean look at my hair, it's just impossible! My teeth are too big and and and… well I just know I'm not beautiful!" she finished dropping her chin staring at some blank spot on the couch.

Harry held his hand under her chin lifting it up to look her in the eye. "No Hermione you are beautiful. Far more beautiful than any girl I've ever met. Don't you dare think otherwise." He smiled leaning forward to give her a quick kiss on her forehead. Her skin felt amazingly soft as his lips connected to her and that warm feeling crept through his entire body as he left his lips there for a moment. She smiled pulling him close; knowing that soon the other students would be stirring, and they'd have to pretend things weren't this simple between them. Neither of them knew how special it truly was, to them it was just simple. He was hers, and she was his. If he wanted to keep it hidden for now she'd allow it, even if she didn't agree with his noble reasoning.

They broke apart finally and they each grabbed their bags without saying a word. The sound of a door opening above had been their signal to head down to breakfast. Once outside the common room they both reached for the others hand as they silently walked down from Gryffindor tower. As they neared the communally inhabited parts of the castle they squeezed each other's hands one last time before letting go of their grip. They both smiled at each other relishing in the shared secret of their budding relationship as they wandered into the Great Hall.

0

Professor McGonagall had been somewhat upset to not have seen her star students already at breakfast when she arrived. It was a short lived disappointment though as they came into the hall still quite a bit earlier than most. Of course there was the usual contingent of overachieving Ravenclaws; but seeing a few of her own showing initiative, was a far more personal enjoyment for her.

Sitting next to her in the center seat of the Teacher's table, Dumbledore watched the children enter the room together once again. At first he'd considered the book he'd been asked to read a simple joke; but watching them now he began scrutinizing them silently. He thought now to a certain prophesy he had been told and thought carefully on the words. Maybe this was the answer.

"Professor." He began asking, "Who is the young lady sitting with Mr. Potter?"

Minerva smiled to herself, "That's Hermione Granger, Headmaster, and I must say if they keep up the way they are; I think Gryffindor will be a shoe-in for the House Cup this year. I wonder how they kept from being sorted into Ravenclaw? They both seem to be very astute students, and I daresay she may be the smartest first year I've ever taught. Not to say Mr. Potter isn't equally as bright but I just have a feeling about her." She finished a beaming smile on her face.

"Aaah." The Headmaster nodded deep I thought, "Forgive me my dear but I would like to ask you a favor, not that I think it will be a very taxing one; as it seems you're already watching them keenly. But do keep a close eye on them for me and inform me if anything… peculiar should occur?"

"Peculiar, Albus?" she asked her eyebrows raised in question.

"Oh it's probably nothing Minerva, do forgive me though as I find myself in need of something from my office." With a gentle smile intended to calm her he stood and made his way up to his office...

0

Breakfast went quickly for Harry and Hermione. Ron had joined them well before time for class and seemed to be holding a grudge from the night before. They knew he would calm down eventually; but for now they just ignored his attitude. Nothing could bring them down from their happiness at the events since last night. Nothing; except perhaps Professor Snape.

The three of them arrived at class several minutes before they were due but found the door shut tightly in front of them. They waited there unsure as the rest of their house and Slytherin came along. Then just as it was time for class to begin the door swung open and there stood a tall, thin, wiry man before them. His nose was long and seemed to have a bit of a hook to it. His hair was long, black and exceptionally greasy looking. He waved them in as he made his way to the front of the class.

Harry and Hermione took their accustomed seat together near the front of class and once again Ron sat across the aisle from Hermione. The teacher swept a glare across the room before settling his eyes at Harry who had started taking out his things preparing for class. Hermione nudged him gently noticing the Professor's stare and Harry looked up to meet his gaze. As their eyes locked the Professor's eyes widened and his hooked nose flared a moment angrily. He looked away and addressed the class with a condescending tone in his voice.

"My name is Professor Snape. There will be no need for wands in my classroom. You are here to learn the most subtle and exact branch of magic there is. Potions require no strong magical talent or annoying incantations but instead require an intense and powerful mind and memory. One must be able to listen learn and follow exact instructions. However for those of you with the aptitude I can teach you how to brew potions that will allow you to heal, to survive, or even to kill. I don't expect many of you to be in this class when you reach NEWT level but as it is they will not allow you to drop out before you at least take your OWLS in this subject. As such I expect you all to listen, to learn, and above all else to not kill one another for at least the next five years."

The class sat in rapt attention, no one daring to disrupt him. Here was a man who did not command respect but instead commanded fear from all of his students. Here was a man Harry Potter disliked instantly. Still his newly found studious nature had him writing down every word of this man's long winded speech. He wasn't looking as Snape's glaring eyes roamed the room once again. Falling on Harry again they narrowed. "So Mr. Potter. Seeing as you are the miracle boy of the class room and tell me what exactly are the effects of the Wolf's Bane potion?"

Hermione's eyes narrowed and she raised her hand in an attempt to answer. She knew that the question couldn't even be found in their first year books, but she had read about it in an encyclopedia of magical creature's she had bought when she went to get her school books.

"I don't know sir." Harry answered

"Pity, but surely you can at least tell me what one would use a Bezoar for?" Again Hermione's hand shot up. This question was fairer; as it was a common household item in the magical world as a panacea against poisoning. True it didn't work on all forms of poison but it worked against most. She knew though that it wasn't discussed until near the end of their potions book and she also knew Harry had only read the first few chapters.

"I… I don't know" Harry answered again trying to keep his voice calm. A few people snickered in the back, no doubt Malfoy and his goons, and Harry just stared at a non-descript portion of the desk.

"Pity. To think the boy who lived could so easily be killed by even the simplest of the many poisons found within our world. Clearly you're not as special as everyone seems to think you are." Snape turned his attention to the rest of the class. "Now let us not all follow in the ignorance shown by Mr. Potter and we all may just survive these next few years."

Harry just hung his head in shame and Hemione shook with barely controlled rage. The audacity of this man was overwhelming, how dare he talk to Harry like that, HER Harry. Ignoring the fact he had chosen not to call on her for the answers she started answering anyway barely controlling the venom in her voice.

"Sir," she spat out. "The Wolf's Bane potion is a potion used to aid a Werewolf during the full moon. It stops his mind from reverting to its basic instincts when he transforms therefor allowing him to control his actions during that time. While it cannot stop the transformation itself it makes it far more bearable. A bezoar is a common item in any wizarding household as it is an antidote to most forms of poison."

Snape stopped and slowly stared down at her. The look in her eyes was inescapable fury. Smiling wryly at her, he asked. "And your name is?"

"Hermione sir, Hermione Granger." she answered him with her head held high. She would not let his man intimidate her, no matter what.

"Well Miss Granger, while your answers are correct I'm afraid I WILL not allow anyone to disrupt my class. 10 Points from Mr. Potter for being ignorant and I think another 10 points from you for interrupting my class." he said, his voice barely able to hide his self-satisfaction. He pointedly avoided looking at them for the remainder of class as he droned on and on about Potions. Hermione sat in silent rage not even bothering to take notes.

At the end of class Harry nearly ran from the room and Hermione wasn't far behind. She caught up to him halfway up the steps out of the dungeons; she grabbed his arm to turn him to face her. Tears were swimming in his eyes and she could tell he was simply refusing to allow himself to cry. She wrapped herself around him quickly whispering in his ear "Its okay Harry, that man is just an evil git. Don't let him get to you okay?" She gave him a quick squeeze and a warm smile knowing the others wouldn't be far behind.

"It's just not fair Hermione. We know why he singled me out and it's just not fair." Harry moaned.

"I know Harry, I know; but it isn't your fault. He knew you wouldn't know those questions. I'm sure all the teachers know you were raised with muggles." She nudged him forward and they began making their way out towards the greenhouse. "Just don't worry about him okay. If you really want to get him back; the best thing you can do is to learn everything you can about potions, to make sure he can never catch you off guard again."

Harry smiled and nodded his head in agreement. She was right, he couldn't let Snape bother him so much. They made their way to the greenhouse and were standing there when Ron caught up to them.

"Blimey Harry, what do you think his problem was? I mean yeah, you might be the boy-who-lived, but he ought to know you were raised with muggles mate. No way you'd know about that stuff." Hermione shot Harry an I-told-you-so kind of look.

"I know Ron, don't worry about it. I'm just going to learn all I can about Potions now so he can't do that to me again." Harry said smiling. Hermione could tell he was just putting on a happy face for Ron's benefit. She was glad Harry didn't try to hide his true self from her like that.

Ron stared at Harry as if he had just spoken in another language. "You mean he talked to you like that; and now you're gonna study extra hard for his class? Well any teacher can talk to me like that but I'm not gonna waste all my free time just to teach them a lesson." He barked out, laughing as he said it. Harry and Hermione just smiled along allowing themselves to unwind a bit.

"Thanks Ron, you always know just what to say." Harry said a playful smile on his lips as he teased his friend.

"What can I say, it's a gift." Ron piped back jovially.

Herbology went by quickly for them. Their teacher, who was also head of Hufflepuff, Mrs. Sprout was a kind, cheery sort of woman. If there was ever a candidate for Mrs. Clause he thought, she just might fit the bill. After class they had lunch and proceeded into the Great Hall. They sat joking around for a bit, even getting Hermione to join in with their laughter until Harry realized they were free after lunch.

First and Second years had a lighter class load than others. In their third year, they would choose from some of the electives that would normally take place in these free periods and would remain in them until their sixth year. Then the classes they chose to focus on would become their classes, while this usually meant that that sixth and seventh years had the least amount of classes the vast amount of homework during their NEWT years more than made up for it.

Harry and Hermione finished eating well before Ron, and Harry had an idea. "Hermione would you like to come with me and study for a while? I really do want to get ahead in potions."

Ron looked at them like they were crazy as they grabbed their bags and headed back out of the Great Hall.

Once outside the Great Hall Harry grabbed Hermione's hand quickly and pulled her through the main doors going outside. "Harry! I thought we were going to go study?"

"We can, I just thought it would be nice to slip away from everyone else is all. Maybe go down to the lake and relax a while." He answered smiling broadly at her.

Hermione smiled deeply and nodded; understanding his unspoken reasoning for this excursion onto the grounds. They made their way down the path that made a loop around the lake, Harry held his head up high; feeling the sun strong in his face. They walked lazily not in any rush. About a quarter of the way around the lake, Harry noticed the perfect spot. A tall thick willow tree stood in a small clearing right by the lake. Large reeds were growing all around the bank there; and the normal brush all around would keep them from all but the most observant onlooker. Harry picked a path through the brush and he and Hermione slid under the boughs of the long sweeping willow. He turned smiling at her and she immediately wrapped her arms around him burying her face against his chest.

"It's perfect Harry." She said as she leaned back and looked at him. He reached a hand up and brushed her cheek gently. He'd wanted to do this, days ago, when she stood with him by the train. Her honey brown hair waved around gently in the breeze, tickling his hand, and he smiled deeply at her. How she could ever complain about not being beautiful was beyond him. He led her over to the tree sitting with his back up against it and opened his arms invitingly. Feeling bold she settled into his lap sideways and wrapped herself into him curling her head into his neck line.

"Hermione?" he asked after they had been sitting there for a while.

"Hmm?" she responded refusing to leave the comfort of her position.

"Thanks for defending me today. I mean I know you hated losing the house points, but it was nice to feel like someone cared."

Finally leaving her comfortable curve into him she leaned up putting her hand on his cheek pulling him to look her deep into her eyes. "Harry, listen to me closely. I don't think you will ever have to worry about that again. I do care for you. I can't explain it but there is something going on here that is beyond explaining I think. I don't think anyone can explain this… I feel so attached to you. I think something is pulling us together, you and I, and I don't think it's going to change any time soon."

Harry smiled down at her bringing his hand up to hold hers against the cheek. Her touch felt better than the sun had earlier and the last thing he wanted was for her to move away from him. "I know Hermione. At times I'm scared of this. But whenever we're together, or when you touch me, or even just look into my eyes I know that this is exactly where I'm meant to be. Where WE are meant to be. It's only been a few days but this is the happiest I've ever been."

Hermione smiled deeply blushing a little. How did he always know exactly what to say to make all her fears melt away and make her heart leap in joy? When did she become lucky enough to gain the heart of such a wonderful and promising young man? "Harry I think I need to try to find out more about this. I don't think this is normal at all. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining, but I've never heard of two people being so drawn together before. I'm not one to simply trust in old superstitions like 'love at first sight.' Maybe we can check the library soon and see what I can find there?"

Harry smiled as she said the word love. He knew she didn't mean it that way, he couldn't honestly say he could either. Would he ever be comfortable with that he wondered. No one had ever said it to him before. He'd hear his family use it for each other but never for him. "Yeah we can go there anytime you like, I wouldn't mind a trip there myself. I have a certain Potions Master to get back at and I somehow don't think just my school book will do the trick."

"Mmmm," Hermione moaned snuggling back into his neck as he wrapped his arms loosely around her. "Brainy and good looking how did I ever get to lucky?"

Harry chuckled at her description but decided against arguing. Maybe he could lead by example when it came to taking compliments. They lay there for a couple of hours never noticing a small tabby cat that have been watching and listening intently.

0

Professor McGonagall swept into the Headmaster's Office with a thoughtful look on her face. "Albus… I think I might understand why you asked me to watch Mr. Potter and Miss Granger now." She started unsure of how to explain exactly what she had seen.

The Headmaster eyed her for a moment over the rims of his glasses before he seemed to make up his mind about something. "What happened?" he asked simply

"Well they disappeared out of the castle for a while after lunch and I decided to keep an eye on them as you requested. I followed them discreetly down to the Black Lake where they looked to simply be enjoying a walk outside until they found a more... secluded spot. Now I can't say that anything... improper really occurred but they do seem to be… unusually close to one another. I'd expect such behavior from children a few years older but not from a pair of 11 year olds!"

"Ahh, but that doesn't explain your earlier comment Minerva. You said you thought you might understand WHY I asked you to watch over them." Albus pushed further.

"Well Headmaster, that book you were reading yesterday at breakfast has a lot to do with that. I mean most young wizards wouldn't begin to know who 'Vlardian the versifier' is but I assure you a lot of young witches have often shared dreams that his stories were based on fact. His books have been the catalyst to many heartfelt sighs and day dreams." McGonagall flushed a bit at having to admit that maybe she had once been such a fanciful young witch.

"Ahh Minerva, you should know as well as I that legends and old stories often have the grain of truth planted upon them. As to how much of his writing is real and how much is suspect and fancy I have no way to know." Dumbledore nodded gently a smile playing on his lips and the twinkle in his eye growing ever brighter as the clues added up.

"But a bonded pair Albus!? I mean how? This has never happened before! At least not in this Millennia!" she spoke rapidly in excitement.

"Ahh there you are mistaken I fear. It happened once before about 650 years ago. Unfortunately they were not protected until they were of age; and tragedy befell them. The female of the pair, at the age of 13, was sought out and persecuted as a witch by the muggles. She was convicted and put to the fire, taking not only her life but her body as well from this world." Dumbledore paused, almost as if in respect for the death of the young girl.

"The male of that pair was driven mad and blew through the country in a murderous rage. The village they were living in was razed completely to the ground but it wasn't enough to slate his thirst for revenge. He swept all across Europe destroying every muggle he found. To this day I think the muggles still refer to the massacre as the Black Death." Dumbledore paused again to allow her to recognize the significance of that. "He eventually completely exhausted himself and faded from existence as we know it. Some say he died, but I think it far more likely he simply faded. After all the only thing left of him at that time was a corpse anyway. His true death occurred the moment hers had."

McGonagall raised her hand to her mouth as the realization set in. Tears filled he eyes are the heaviness of the situation became apparent. "They must be protected Albus! At all costs! The world could never survive a tragedy like that in this day and age."

Albus sighed deeply. He was not a young man anymore and wondered why burden's such of this had not occurred when he was a bit younger. Smiling he looked at McGonagall. "All is not lost… we only have to safeguard them until they come of age. Nearly three years is not such a stretch really."

McGonagall shook her head not understanding. "They don't come of age until they are seventeen Albus!"

The Headmaster smiled warmly. "No, you forget something my dear. Seventeen might be the official legal age to the Ministry but to magic itself; it has always been, and will always, be Fourteen. The Ministry simply changed the rules around to suit their needs. As I'm sure you understand the old laws of magic will always override any decision of the Ministry when challenged."

McGonagall nodded in understanding. "What do we do until then?"

"I don't think the bond has fully formed yet and until it does we should do nothing to separate them. All I have read on the matter suggests they would react quite angrily to anyone coming between them. As long as they are near each other the bond will be sated I think. When they do complete it; then, I think, will be when they'll need us to assist them the most." Dumbledore said continuing, "Once the bond is complete they only have to be kept safe a few years. Then they will be able to keep each other safe better than we could ever hope to."

The younger but no less old and wizened looking Professor of Transfiguration sat down conjuring a soft beanbag chair as she fell in a huff. A flip of her wrist summoned a couple of glasses and a bottle of Madam Rosmerta's finest. The bottle filled the glasses then set itself on Albus' desk before each cup flew to the old friends. "Until then." She toasted tipping her cup towards the headmaster before drinking it down.

0

The evening had drawn to dusk as Harry and Hermione stretched out around the old willow tree. He was lying on his side with his arm wrapped lightly around her waist as she curled up in front of him. Her hand was holding his as they watched the sun slowly begin to set. They knew they had plenty of time to make it back to the castle and up to their tower before Astronomy was due to begin but they didn't want to be outside when it got dark so they gathered their long forgotten packs and made their way slowly up to the castle. Harry had read over the rest of his potions books while they'd spent the quiet Tuesday afternoon and early evening out by the lake.

Hermione smiled to herself looking back over that afternoon. She'd never felt so happy in all her life. She'd had her share of trouble growing up but nothing like Harry's life. Her parents were supportive and loving, accepting her and her unusual maturity all her young life. Sure she'd been ridiculed as a bossy know it all in school but at home she'd always felt warm and safe. In Harry's arms though she felt she belonged. It's not something she had ever thought about before. She'd never been made to feel like she didn't belong but at the same time she wondered if she ever really did belong. She always strove for something more, to be better, to be smarter, but what if this is what she'd been looking for all along?

Harry nudged her playfully knocking her off stride as they neared the front doors. "You okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine Harry, lost in thought I guess. Just happy." She smiled back at him as they popped into the Great Hall for a quick dinner. Ron was sitting there looking a little confused until the pair came and joined him.

"Hey, where have you all been all day? I looked everywhere for you! Just found out they're doing flying lessons this weekend and we need to sign up ahead of time!" Ron started excitedly, "of course for most of us it's just an official instruction course. Nearly everyone in the wizarding world snuck a ride around their house on a broom growing up."

Harry's grin deepened as he and Hermione shared a quick glance. "Err sorry Mate, was in the Library, didn't see you there looking for us though." He was bluffing the fact he doubted Ron would ever willingly go to the library.

"Oh right. Said somthin' bout that didn't ya? Sorry Harry didn't think to look for you there really, and then me and Neville played some wizard's chess. He's pants at it really but that's alright. Maybe I could teach you tonight?"

"We can't Ron," Hermione started, "Did you forget about Astronomy?"

"Don't know why we have to have some stupid class at night." Ron said dejectedly, Harry noted he really did need to try to spend some time with Ron soon. Hermione was great and all but Ron was his friend too.

"Because Ron, the stars have to be out! That's what astronomy is after all, studying the stars." Hermione reminded him patiently.

The three walked up stairs to the Astronomy tower, Ron going over the rules for wizard's chess anyway. Harry knew he'd never remember it without the pieces in front of him but he and Hermione listened politely until class began. It was well into the night by the time they made it back to the common room and Ron made a mad dash straight to the dorms while Harry and Hermione slugged along hoping for a quick moment alone. When the giggling blonde that Hermione could now identify as Lavender Brown finally made her way up; Hermione turned and wrapped herself in Harry's arms once again.

"Harry, just want you to know, today was well… Well it was perfect." She pulled back in his arms looking over his face once again, memorizing every detail to take with her up to bed. She leaned into him, placing her forehead against his lips. "Goodnight Harry." She said quietly as he pursed his lips against her skin.

"Night Hermione." He finally said as she slipped away from him towards her dorm. He quietly crept up to the boy's dorm and got ready for the night. His mind was all over the place and his heart was racing up and down as he re-lived the entire day in his mind. As he slipped off to sleep the last thought he had was of Him and Hermione watching the sunset together.

A/N: Lots of ooooey gooooey goodness there. This chapter was a pleasure to write, the hardest part being the Dumbledore/McGonagall soul-bond explanation. I hope I made it clear enough for you all to understand how things currently sit with the soul-bond.