Chapter One: The End of the Beginning
His eyes roamed around the room, they came to rest on his two brightest students. Severus Snape began to contemplate the differences between the two. Draco Malfoy, certainly adept at Potions and in his other subjects, but the most striking thing about Malfoy were his good looks and arrogant façade he put up to the world. Severus had no doubt that within months of him leaving Hogwarts he would be used as a source of intelligence for the darker side of the wizarding world. Now, Hermione Granger, this was one of the most skilled witches he'd ever come across, (not that he would let her know that, obviously) not only did she use her wand and magical powers but she used her muggle logic and astuteness making a lethal cocktail in one so young. Severus took a closer look at his diligent pupil and was surprised to find that she no longer looked as young as she use to. Her frizzy unmanageable hair had turned into glossy toffee coloured ringlets, her eyes had deepened with age and knowledge and her curves had created a body worthy of a piece of classical art.
Feeling a tightening in his groin Severus shook thoughts of the delectable Gryffindor out of his head, and called "Time everybody, put your potion into the phials, and leave them on my desk, clearly marking your name and house. Before you leave clean your workspace." With that the Potions Master swept out of the room, with his robe billowing behind him and a face like thunder.
"What's got into him?" questioned Ron to nobody in particular. The class did as they were told and piled out into the hall way going off to their relevant houses. Hermione, Harry, and Ron headed for Gryffindor, chatting about the NEWT they just sat.
"Well my potion was the right colour, but what if it was the wrong shade? You do realise don't you Harry that the wrong shade in Potions can mean life or death, and I think that..."
"Don't you ever stop talking, Mudblood?" the three turned round to face their old enemy, Malfoy.
"Haven't you got a rock to crawl back under, Malfoy?" retorted Harry
"Was I talking to you scar face? I was actually talking to your little hanger on, wanna be friend here." Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle moved closer, spoiling for a fight.
"That will be enough, Mr Malfoy" Snape's voice came from behind them "5 points from Slytherin for insulting another student, 10 points from Gryffindor Potter for starting the insults" Hermione began to protest "Quiet, Miss Granger, Mr Potter here retorted with an insult to a simple question."
"But Professor..." Hermione began again.
"Miss Granger, report to me at the end of the school day I do not care for being questioned, I'm sure that a detention will remind you to keep your mouth shut." Severus turned and walked away leaving the Gryffindor trio fuming with anger and the Slytherin students laughing at their plight.
A/N – This is my first ever fan fic so please read and review, and let me know if you think it's worth carrying on with. Thanks x