Moonlight Arrangements
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Snape lead her to a bench overlooking the lake shrugging off his outer robes placing them on her shoulders to protect her from the cold. For a moment or two they just sat there watching the moons reflection in the lake.
"Hermione we need to talk about arrangements." she turned to him giving him her undivided attention, "The tasks that I set you upon and the written questions on Textbook were answered beautifully, but it is experience that makes a Potion's Master. It is easy to do it in theory or put it on paper. You will soon come to find that those ideals are unreliable at best."
"What are you saying Severus?"
"I have taken back my job as Potions Master here for the upcoming school year. I wish for you to be my teacher's aid by day, my apprentice by night. I have discussed everything with Dumbledore this evening. Lounging will be provided if you don't have one on your own."
"I see. What I don't understand is why you want me to be a teacher's aid. I don't particularly want to be a teacher."
He nodded, "You see being an aid you will see how I prepare potions. Also you will get to see how everyone goes about there work. No two students are alike. For years you may have been taught a specific way. It is my belief that time in class will show you different. Students are not the only ones who learn in a classroom. And you may learn more than what you have learned at your previous institution. You see I have a rather ... strict curriculum planned when it comes to my student's studies."
She thought about it for a moment. He had a point. Besides how hard could it be to teach a few kids? "I like the idea. What about lodging?"
"Your lodging will be in the staff tower. I have made specifications for certain materials such as boots, gloves, equipment, and a few books of choice. And I must let you know that I am not always so friendly Hermione. Your beauty has truly taken me by surprise this evening. Do not expect your looks and or my attraction for you to earn you special privileges. In class I will not treat you any different than I would one of my students. As my apprentice I have certain rules for you to follow. I know that you wish to learn all that I have learned yes?"
"Yes."
"I do not wish for your mouth to be constantly flinging questions at me. I expect you to try to find the answers on your own unless it is a very dangerous topic. If so come straight to me. Other than that you are an adult. You may use your free time as you wish however I strongly encourage you use some of that time for your studies.
I also noticed that you have yet to study Herbology. I have scheduled an hour with Madame Sprout for you every Saturday morning followed by an hour with Madame Pooch to work on your flying skills."
"Why do I need to know either of those?"
"Flying is an easy way to teleport yourself to an area where potion ingredients grow. You need herbology to help you harvest your own ingredients. Some ingredients are toxic till a certain time. You could easily maim yourself if you do not take the proper precautions. Some plants even bite back if you do not know how to properly pick them."
She imagined a harmless flower turning into a monster swallowing her whole, "I see."
"Also Hermione I care about you. This you know from our conversations, but as I said before as long as we're working you are no more than a student. I have been told many a time that I am insufferable. You will soon find that out too. If you wish to quit then give me two weeks notice before you go. Understand?"
"Yes," she looked at the water again seeing a tentacle splash the water, "I can't wait to start. I graduate in a week. How soon do you wish for me to be moved in here?"
"No later than the first of August. I don't want you lost. You will need to have your wits about you the castle can be most rude to newcomers."
"Rude?"
"A few traps here and there."
"Ok so I understand what you want, but I wanted to ask. You see I have dormed with a girl I nearly consider a sister. May I bring her over to visit form time to time?"
"Your lodgings will act as your home. Do with it as you wish."
"I know I'm the student here and in no way owe you anything."
"That is right you don't. You should consider my choice to take you as an apprentice a blessing. I am providing food, board, and knowledge so I will be expecting a fair return. If I want you to do something you will do it. You must trust me. One of these days your life could depend on it."
"Yes sir."
"It all sounds so easy doesn't it?" he asked seeing the smile on her face. It would be a shame that it would fall off. He was not known for his candor concerning students no matter how attractive they are.
"It can't be that hard. I excel at everything that I do."
"I have seen that in your grades, but it will take more than a few pieces of paper to prove yourself to me."
She pulled his robes tighter to her chest feeling a sudden chill, "You don't trust me?"
"I have learned to give trust when it is earned."
"You didn't answer my question."
"It is unfair to give you an answer as of yet. I have enjoyed chatting to you on Textbook yes, but this is the first time I have met you in person. The muggle Internet site is smoke and mirror. You can type me anything since there is no consequences there. Being with the actual person is different. Everyone wears a sort of mask in public from time to time. Eventually the mask will slip off revealing the person behind it."
"You are saying that I have to earn your trust and that we have yet to be in a trust earning position yet?"
"Something of the sort, yes."
Silence came again. She eyed him. Was there more to the man than what she had read? Books never lied and yet she was having second thoughts. He had said that in class she was no better than any of the other students he taught. Was he really so bad? He did look intimidating. "May I ask what situations will we be put in that might require my trust?"
"You will have to wait and see want you?" he smirked at her. She had a brief feeling of being over ones head before he spoke again, "Let's just say I believe in a hands on approach."
"Well that's nice to know."
"Good to here."
"So what of our relationship? Do you wish to continue it?"
"I do."
"This relationship of ours Severus has been nice so far yet as you said you could had only been showing me the best in you."
"And you likewise." he interupted, "Before we move forward in our relationship perhaps we should get to know each other a little better."
"Agreed."
"Keep in mind however in class there is one and only one relationship between us and that is of teacher and student; master and apprentice."
"I'll say!" Dumbledore said appearing out of nowhere causing Hermione to shriek.
"Sorry for startling you dear," Dumbledore smiled at her then turned to Snape, "So does that mean that since I once taught you that we have a master and apprentice relationship Severus? I have so much to teach you." he reached for Snape who dodged again. The poor Headmaster fell into the lake.
Hermione watched Snape walk away, "Shouldn't we help him?"
"He'll be fine."
"Severus ..."
"Trust me no one can help that old coot."
Hermione looked back to see the Albus's robes floating across the top of the lake, "Severus I think he's drowned!"
"Oh I'm fine dear." he popped out of the water, "Care for any skinny dipping Severus? If you're cold I'll warm you up."
Snape came back and forcefully dragged Hermione back to the Great Hall with him at a speed the wind would envy.
"Severus how could you just leave him there like that?" she scolded.
"Trust me Hermione. Better at the bottom of the lake than -"
"Right here?" a fully clothed and dried off Dumbledore stood infront of them. Damn.
"Headmaster," Snape scanned thr crowd, "Is that Lucius all alone?"
"Where?" the Headmaster sped off. He did always love the feel of Lucius' hair in his wrinkled hands.
"Luscious!"
Lucius turned at the sound of the dreadful nickname. Seeing the Headmaster approaching him at full speed he ran pushing people in his past to detour him. When he thought he was safe he stopped to feel a hand in his hair.
"Oh Luscious it's softer than I remeber." The Headmaster stroked him like a cat, "I wonder how the rest of your hairs feel."
"Get away from me." Lucius pulled away.
"Oh you Slytherins. Always wriggling out of my hands. You're all just so hard to grasp."
"Must your mind live in a gutter Albus?" Lucius pulled out his cane in self defence. He didn't mind the idea of beeting the old man to death at all.
"Must all you Slytherins be so cruel to an old man?"
"Well I think that answers that." Lucius swung. Somehow the old man ended up behind him stroking him once again, "I'll see you again Luscious." he left with one last tug of his blonde hair.
Albus thought it a shame Draco didn't keep the same hairstyle as his father like Harry did James. Now those two were some fine men. Speaking of which he turned to find James. As if he knew he was coming he pushed Lupin in the way.
"Sir." Lupin said.
"Oh Lu-lu."
"Please don't give me a pet name sir." Lupin pleaded.
"I like Lu-lu. So is it true?"
"What is true?"
"What I heard about werewolves."
"What about? Is there a new wolf hunter on the loose?"
"No," the Headmaster leaned closer lowering his voice, "I want to know if all werewolves carry big wands as it were."
"Headmaster!" he stepped back quickly.
"Oh don't be shy. Just tell me. Whisper it in my ear how long is your wand erect?"
"Did you hear that," Lupin steppped backwards, "I think it's James calling you."
He knew that James didn't say aything, "Ok Lu-lu."
James was just braging to Sirius and Peter about what Lily just did for him in the halls when the old man appeared.
"I see your still swinging both ways Sirius. And Peter your height is so slight. It makes me wonder about what is down below. I am sure that you hear many complaints. Oh and James as nice as ever."
"Sir," James laughed, "You just don't know when to stop do you."
Dumbledore laughed back, "I've been taking this potion that Snape made for me. Keeps my locomotive moving if you know what I mean."
"No we don't." Sirius snapped.
"Oh I know you do." he told Sirius.
"Does someone know something that I don't?" James asked.
"You don't know?" Albus asked, eyes twinkling, he noticed the look Sirius was sending him. He was begging him to lie so he said, "Oh Sirius is Bi my boy. Can't you tell by the hair and clothes he wears?"
"If so then why do you torment the rest of us sir?" James asked Dumbledore.
"Sirius is a troubled sort. He loves women, but he loves to dominate men more. Believe me the day I caught wind of him harasing my darling Severus in the hall I almost strangled him to death in person. Minerva diswayed me."
"You tried to do what with Severus?" James stepped back from Sirius.
Guiltily he spoke, "He always, no matter what we did to him, came back. He even managed to fight us off, his one wand to our three."
"Oh my save talk like that for my personal quarters Sirius." The Headmaster fanned himself.
Ignoring him, "Something about that. His resilience ... I wanted to break him. I wanted to be the cause of his complete and utter defeat. His submission. I knew on Tuesdays Slughorn gave him prolonged use of the labs. So I waited. He was alone or so I thought. Should had known his hound was about."
Peter looked shocked ,but he said nothing. It was up to James to decide. James looked at him, "We all make mistakes. But I am going to want an explanation Sirius. You could had said something earlier."
"I know." Sirius sighed.
"So where is Lily?" Lupin asked carefully avoiding the Headmaster.
"About," James answered, "Probably checking out books or something in the library."
"Checking out books named Severus." Lupin said under his breath too low for the others save for Dumbledore to hear. With a knowing look Dumbledore left them. He, being the wizard he was, had the power of sight. He knew Snape's future even if he didn't. He knew Snape would had been happy with Lily. Now Snape's life became clouded. He was not used to not knowing about the man he cared so much about.
Minerva came down late in a set of her finest burgandy robes with a gold hat and shoulder pads. Her eyes shifted over the group looking for one person imparticular. She could see him a mile away. It did help that he was the second tallest in his year.
"Severus?"
"Evening Minerva." He could not look in her eyes after the incident.
"Evening and who is this young lady?"
"Hermione Granger mam."
"Minerva taught me years back. She still teaches to this day." Snape informed Hermione.
"What is it that you teach?" Hermione asked.
"Transfiguration." she demonstrated by going into cat form.
"That's wonderful. No matter how hard I try I can't do it."
"That is because a strong reason for you to become an animagi has not come about yet." Minerva said confidently. Hermione felt like she really could get along with her non like that Lily tramp.
Minerva looked at the two. There appeared to be something between the two. She had wanted to try for him again, but as she looked at them she couldn't bring herself to voice her feelings. A part of her wanted to be selfish. She never got who she wanted. There was always something or someone in the way. She bit back the rush of emotion to chat with them. The girl most certainly was a bright one. She would do Severus good, but Minerva felt she could do better, but the way they held each other.
It reminded her of younger days when the poor young Severus came to class alone with various objects missing in hand me down robes. He was always so alone. Especially after Lily left him. If there was one wish she could had made at the time it was for his happiness. The wish still carries through to today. Minerva believed she could make Severus happy, but Hermione looked as if she could as well.
As she regaled them about the art of animagi she decided. If she were completely sure that this girl could take care of Severus she would step back,if not Severus was going to see her in her best red dress and pantie hose.
Lily sipped her drink bitterly as she watched Snape and his pursuer. She never considered herself a bitch or the bitchy type. She understood what she was going to do was painful. She was going to tear Snape away from this to take her back. Fore him to relive the last moments they shared with each other so that they could move on to a brighter future.
One where they were together far away from conceited, annoying, ugly, daft, non saggy breast, tight pussy bitches named Hermione. One where they would enjoy each other. Where they would make love on anything whenever she wanted. And he would cater to her needs. He would treat her like the goddess she deserved to be treated like. And she would reward her with her person body and soul.
"Ready to leave yet?" James asked, "I wanted to get a few rounds of Quidditch in with Harry before he leaves for the Weasley's tonight."
"James," Lily sighed. They always had this conversation, "There are more important things besides Quidditch. What of his grades? He can't play if he's failing!"
"Oh don't worry bout that Lily. Dumbledore will see that our son passes."
"He should not recieve high marks where they are not earned." she scolded.
"Relax Lily. What does a little Quidditch hurt?"
"Let me see hmm," she pretended to eye a list, "Oh yes Harry has already broken both of his legs, an arm, got a black eye, lost two teeth, and had once fallen so hard to the ground that he was in a coma for four weeks! Thank Merlin we have magic to heal the boy or he would be trotting about in a wheelchair!"
"Just a few battlescars. i recall you loved those on me."
"James, Harry is not you."
"He will do fine."
"But what of his marks?"
"They don't matter."
They never matterd to James. He was filling her sons head with ruin. It is not as if she didn't try to educate the boy. Everytime James found a book pulled out to read to his son that was not about quidditch he freaked. taking it from her then burning it on the ground. He said his son had no need for brain, for smarts. The world came easy for the talented, and with him as Harry's father he had more than enough talent for a lifetime. The poor boy.
"Let us go then. After we say our goodbyes of course." They headed back over toward the Mauraders.
"Well we're about to head out. Got some flying to do with Harry before he leaves for the burrow." James said to them.
"Not in your backyard I hope. The lot is so small."
"Like you're one to talk."
"Listen, my godfather left me a reasonible sized plot of land out of the way from suspicious eyes. We can practice their. There's enough space to hold two of Hogwarts Quidditch pitches."
"That sounds brilliant!" James smiled.
"Really brilliant!" Peter echoed.
Lupin sighed, "What of the boys studies? I will have him this year and from what I heard from the other teachers they are amazed at how he passes with such low marks."
"Marks, shmarks." James rolled his eyes, "Are you coming with Lupin?"
"If only to talk to Harry." Lupin sighed.
"Good. Lily you want to come?"
"I want to go home." she said tartly.
"Home," James sighed, "You should support the boy's dreams."
"Your dreams not his." Lily snapped.
"Fine then I'll take you home. Evening everyone." he began to lead her out when she stopped.
"What is the matter Lily besides your attitude?" James frowned.
"We have yet to say goodbye to Severus and his date."
"Who wants to now lets go."
"James ..." she pleaded.
"Fine, just make it quick."
She made her way over to the them. Stopping infront of Snape at the same time Minerva left with a curt nodd.
"Severus it was nice to see you again this evening. Let us not wait so long for the next conversation."
"You actually wish to have words with me?"
She nodded, "It would be nice to have a friend of mine over from time to time. Sometimes the others can be a bit wroughty."
"I see."
Hermione barely hid her glare. Was Lily inviting him over for a shag? "And I hope than we can talk as well. Our earlier conversation is rather fresh in my mind and I wish to continue it."
Lily's smile was too sweet, "Of course. I wouldn't want you to feel left out."
"Good we said goodbye now let's go." James tried to pull her away.
"James I believe she was still talking." Snape came to her defence. He always did that for her. Hermione had a sour look on her face.
"I apologize. My husband is eager to spend some one on one time with our son."
"Don't try to explain that to him," James sniffed, "He'd never understand what it means to have and love a child." with that he stalked off. Lily sighed, apologized once more, and followed him out.
Snape clenched his jaw. He may not have had any children of his own, but he had an entire castle worth of kids to love. In his own way he did love them. That is why he never took it easy on them. They might not see it today or even the next, but someday they would come to realise his torturous classes were worth it every second.
Hermione didn't now who she disliked more. James or Lily. Lily said that Severus and her had been friends for forever and she couldn't really see Snape being friends with a arse like her. Maybe marriage had made her that way. It wasn't hard to believe that staying a room with James for more than five seconds would drive even the sanest person batty. She would make sure to keep her eyes peeled for those two.
"Hermione I believe we are done here." Snape said.
She agreed, "Let's say goodbye to the Malfoys first."
"Of course. Hopefully we can get to them without you-know-who popping up out of nowhere."
"Anxious to leave are we?" Lucius smirked.
"I bet he can't wait to get to bed." Draco chimmed in.
"Well he might be sleepy." Hermione said not registering the innuendos at all.
Severus sighed, "What I do in my personal time Lucius is none of your concern."
"He has a point." Lucius agreed.
Draco smirked,"In more ways than one."
"His nose is kinda pointy." Hermione agreed.
"I guess that is a good thing." Draco said.
"Of course. I'm quite sure his nose is very helpfull with his work."
"Very helpfull. Atleast that's what I've heard." Lucius tried not to smile.
"What's so funny?" Hermione asked them.
"Do you honestly not know?" Severus asked her.
"I asked didn't I."
"They are implying that we are ... going to bed with each other."
"Nothing's wrong with sleeping."
He blinked. Was she really not getting what he said, "You'd like to sleep with me Hermione?"
"A beds a bed. Although Ashley will probobly want to hear all about this evening."
"Ashley?" Lucius asked.
"My girlfriend. We share a room together."
"Why I say Godfather. A girlfriend? You sure got lucky with this one." Draco looked approving.
"What's wrong with having a girl thats a friend?" Hermione asked them.
Severus could see this was going nowhere. He definitely wasn' getting any tonight if she didn't even know what they were getting at. With a sigh he lead her away from the festivities.
"You are very beautiful if I haven't told you that yet."
"You have actually," she smiled at him, "Just about as many times as I told you that you look good this evening as well."
He stopped them once they reached the front gate, "Do you not really see my imperfections? My huge nose? My thin lips? My pasty complexion? My dark eyes? Don't I look like a vampire to you or or something born ugly? Is your sight impaired?"
"No."
"Your right. I'm probobly worse than what I said I was."
"Why do you think you're so hideous. Sure you may not be a model, but your handsome to me. I don't see any imperfections." she told him. Her honesty cut straight into his heart. He pulled her closer and kissed her. She was obviously surprised but she liked it. Yanking his head closer when he was about to pull up.
"Guess the bed was too far away." Lucius said instantly making them seperate. When Severus drew his wand he winked and apparated away.
"He's so intrusive." Hermione blushed.
"Do you wish me to escort you back home?"
"No, I think I can handle it!" she gushed turning redder.
He smiled down at her before kissing her hand, letting go, and apparating home for some much needed celebrating. Followed by much dancing.
...
Hermione couldn't wait to tell Ashley all about her date. Unfortunately Ashley was asleep.
"Ash! Ash! Oh come on wake up." she shook her head again. After much rousing, a bucket of ice water, and three revenerates she woke up.
Tired, "Merlin I have never met someone who actuall sleeps like the dead! "
"I was sleepy," Ashley rolled her eyes, "So how did it go?"
"Oh it was great Hogwarts was beautiful and all but it had nothing on Severus he was just so dreamy and the way his clothes gripped him ... especially his arse I never wanted to just burry my face between someone's arse checks as much as I did tonight! Oh and I met his friends. They're called the Malfoys. Obviously rich. Anyway they may be a bit crude, and I get the feeling the warrant some watching, but they're not that bad. They're good sports.
And then we met his childhood sweetheart and her husband," her eyes turned dark, "The Potter guys a dick! He had the nerve to imply that I'm a hooker and his wifes a Grade-A Bitch!"
"What did she do to you?" Ashley asked interested at Hermione's ominous expression.
"That. That. That ... I could just strangle her. She actes all nice at first then she asked me over for a drink to tell me to stay away from 'her' Severus!"
"Wait didn't you say she was there with her husband! She has some nerve, bet it's probably because he's bad in the bedroom."
"Honestly Ashley how can one be bad at sleeping?"
Ashley laughed, "Loud snoring perhaps?"
"Yeah whatever then she threatened me and had the nerve to invite my man over to her place in front of my face! And she called me a flat chested chit whose playing dress up with her mother's clothing!"
"What," Ashley ripped the covers off of her, "Want to off her now?"
"No no no Ashley I don't know how you yanks do it in the states, but overhere we just don't kill people for no reason and get away with it."
Putting her wand down, "Oh my fault I forgot you Brits have a well placed sence of justice."
Sighing, "I just need to think this through. Maybe there's a book to help me."
"How to Deal with Your Boyfriends X-Bitch by Ashley Blake?"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "You made that up didn't you?"
Smirking, "How do you know? You see Hermione you're at a disadvantage here. You may be younger and hotter, but this other chick actually knows him. His likes his dislikes. What buttons to and not to push and I bet you this chick is supposed to be really nice, and kind, and smart ..."
"Sounds like you're talking to me." Hermione noted.
"Duh! Look I'm just saying he didn't fancy the girl for that long for no reason. I bet in a subconscience way what he likes about you are the same things he likes in the other chick."
"Lily-bitch," Hermione corrected, "And I guess you might be right."
"Trust me on this Hermione I am right."
"Oh and umm Severus has aranged me living quarters at Hogwats durning the schoolyear as long as I am his apprentice and since I can't even boil water or microwave food properly ..."
"You want me to move in with you?"
"I knew you'd understand!"
"Nope."
"Nope?"
"I wanted to do research in Brazil!"
"Brazil can wait. Besides you probably only want to research men in speedos!"
"Thats one way of looking at it, but you know how seriously I take my work!"
"Come on Ash you owe me!"
"Owe you? Owe you? You owe me!"
"Owe you how?"
"Who was it that told you to get a Textbook page huh coincidently on the same day Snapiepoo was on?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes, "What exactly were your grades in divination?"
She smiled, "I'm not going to tell you, but I will tell you that I divine you having a rather interesting first day of class and Snapiepoo is waiting for you to get on Textbook."
"Do you really know that or are you just guessing?"
"Just guessing," Hermione went to turn on her laptop, "Or not."
"Whatever come with me and I'll give you whatever you want ..."
"I want complete access to that old castle's library, hot water in the showers, and no touching care pacakges from my mother again Hermione or I swear I will rip your hand off and feed it to my brother's cerberus! And ..."
"And again! I just want you to stay with me ..."
"Need I remind you you said whatever I want?"
Rolling her eyes, "Fine."
"And you are to tell me everything that happens between you and Severus got it. EVERYTHING no matter how trivial or important. Got it? And to be fair I might lend you a hand dealing with Lily-"
"Bitch," Hermione corrected again, "You're on!"
.
Please Review
Ok so I was lazy and may had forgot the things she was supposed to be doing before apprenticeship. Well lets just pretend something happened, but we both aren't sure exactly what. And if you got confused above; during the school day she will be helping Snape teach class and after dinner and possibly on weekends she will be doing things that actually pertains to her apprenticeship. 'K :)
Please review! I love reviews alot!
