Disclaimer: The great J.K. Rowling created everything in the Harry Potter kingdom. Me, I just created the plot line.

AN: Another poorly written chapter typed in the dead of night without beta reader approval. Woe is me; I've lost my beta's e-mail.

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Ch 7.

" There is something worth all of your time if you'd just turn around."

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She turned around.

Long black robes swished about her ankles, near the very spot where he was currently concentrating on, trying his hardest not to meet the quizzical gaze fixed in her eyes.

"What I meant to convey Miss Granger, though not as elegantly as I would have liked, is to say that I need you-"

Her eyes widened and if it possible her ears perked up in a dog like manner that would have annoyed Severus greatly had he been looking at any thing but her ankles. It was a lie that he hated all animals, the fact was that he just didn't enjoy them unless they were pickled in an airtight jar on his desk, plus dogs reminded him of Sirius Black which was disturbing all on its own.

"-To assist me with the first years while I catch up on a bit of overdue lab experiments." He finished, making her think she had only imagined the pause in his last sentence. Disappointment settled comfortably within her gut, although unknowingly, she reassured herself that this was a man who didn't let anyone touch him, more or less help him.

'Score for me.' She grinned thinking back 10 months.

Her silence, he concluded, hinted that she was considering his offer carefully. What was there to contemplate? Didn't she realize that he was putting himself on the line for her, for choosing a Gryffindor mudblo- muggleborn over a Slytherin? When this got out, he'd have to explain his actions to the dark lord for Merlin's sake. Severus was sure that conversation would go over real smooth at the dark revel.

"Be grateful child, I could have given this opportunity to a more deserving student who wo-"

" I'd love to help professor." She interrupted hastily, Severus scowled at the word 'help' but nodded despite it.

" Then I'll write your head of house a note, but you now, on the other hand have a class to teach in-" Severus glanced at the wall clock and smirked viciously " -10 minutes, perhaps you'll want to prepare for it." He turned around in his chair, signaling that the conversation was officially over.

Scowling, Hermione stalked out of his office and into the neighboring classroom muttering how childish he was.

Severus breathed a sigh of relief at her exit, grumbling deeply

" Just what exactly have I gotten myself into?"

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In the other room, the head girl tenderly took hold of a piece of chalk shuffling hesitantly towards the daunting black board.

" Ten minutes to figure out a lesson plan for 142 first years. And me a complete and utter mess."

Someone chuckled lightly from the doorway; giving herself whiplash, she turned around to find her mentor for the last 7 years watching with slight amusement.

"Excuse me Headmaster, if I had known you were there..." She smiled despite herself

"Quite right my dear, tell me, what's this about today's lesson plan?" Her eyes brightened as she began to describe how Professor Snape had asked for her assistance. When she had finished she failed to notice the amazed look on the old wizards face. It was truly amazing how she kept amazing him through the most unexpected people.

" Congratulations Miss Granger, I trust you'll fill all the first years heads with the appropriate amount of knowledge in time for semester exams." She nodded vigorously

" But do try and remember they are only 11, Severus tends to forget that fact every now and then." He winked, blue eyes twinkling happily.

" Of course headmaster, I'll do my best."

" That is all I ask, now, where is my favorite potions master hiding?" He asked fishing out a Lemon drop from his robes. Hermione pointed towards the office and turned her back after he began to retreat towards the door.

" Miss Granger, one more thing." Dumbledore said waving his wand.

"Yes Sir?"

" You'll need proper attire for teaching."

On her body, she wore no longer the plain black robes of her youth, but professor's robes. Nice ones with the words "Assistant Potions Professor: Hermione Granger" printed on the breast. The same kind she'd dreamt about as a child.

" Thank you."

" Anytime Miss Granger, by the way, you have 2 minutes until class. My apologies for taking up your time."

She groaned loudly.

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Severus closed his eyes lounging back into his chair. This was kind of nice. Just sitting here, not doing anything, not worrying about the students or anything else for that matter. He couldn't care less if they ended up bored to death by Granger's lecture. He couldn't care less if she took points from his 'precious' Slytherins, he couldn't care less if one of those dingbats caught the class on fire and-" His eyes popped open.

" Have I gone mad? Got to stop the insanity." Pushing himself out of the chair he came nose to nose with Albus Dumbledore.

Obviously startled, the professor fell back into his chair with a shriek, then proceeded to glare viciously back at the older wizard.

" Must you sneak up on me?"

" If the need be." Stupid smile. Stupid old coot. Stupid girl. Stupid ideas. Stupid-

" I didn't know you had it in you Severus." The headmaster commented popping another Lemon drop in his mouth.

" You shouldn't eat so many sweets at your age Albus."

"Pray for tooth decay as I always say, would you like a licorice?"

" No, thank you. Anyway, in reply to your last comment, it just so happens I merely needed the extra time to devote towards the order and other matters, she was the only one around to do it at the moment."

" Well what ever your excuses are, you've made Hermione very happy tonight, happier than she's been in a long while."

" All intentional. My target you see." He muttered sarcastically

" You've always had great aim Sev."

Dumbledore grinned at the faint blush forming on the younger Professor's face.

Author's Note: I've lost my beta reader, If I can't find her by next time, I'm going to be looking for a new one because God knows what havoc I cause with my terrible grammar. Write me if you want to be mine.