The Potions Master's Scholar

Hermione Granger/Professor Snape fic. Hermione has been accepted to an academic contest and needs a professor to sponsor her. Despite the offers of many well-intentioned teachers, she has her eyes set on Snape, and only Snape. She desires his expertise—and affection—in helping her prepare for the contest. Takes place at the beginning of the trio's 6th year. Read and review, thanks!

Rated: T for mild adult themes

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters mentioned in this fic. They are all the creation of the delightfully ingenious mind of J.K. Rowling. I only play in the little world she has created for us. This story and concept is wholly mine and there are some original spells/magical creatures/magical devices/characters, but Hogwarts, Hermione Granger, Snape, etc. are all J.K.'s!

Chapter Two: The Honor Academy

Hermione moved her roast pork and potatoes around on her plate. She still wasn't hungry for worrying about the letter. Harry and Ron continued to talk animatedly between large bites of food. Finally, Harry realized that Hermione was much quieter than usual and that she had hardly touched her food.

"Ok, 'Mione. What's up with you?" he asked, concern overriding his need to discuss broomsticks and Quidditch.

Hermione looked up from her food, debating whether or not she should let the boys in on the problem plaguing her mind. She decided to give them the benefit of the doubt.

"Don't you boys ever worry about the future?" she asked.

Ron snorted and Harry said, "Well, there is pretty much a reason we stopped taking Divination!"

"No, no. I mean the more immediate future. Like, after Hogwarts. Or even this summer. Do you guys have any plans for the summer?" Hermione said, barely taking a breath.

"Well, I'll go to the Dursley's for a while, of course," Harry said sadly, dropping his fork.

"Then you two'll prolly come to the Burrow to spend the summer playing Quidditch and goofing off," Ron added.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You two are such…boys!" she cried. "Really! What good will Quidditch and Zonko's jokes do you in the future? We only have a year of school left after this!"

"'Mione, calm down," Ron said. "'The future' is a long way away. We're only a few weeks into first term! What's the big rush for plans?"

"Well, I got this today…" she started, pulling out the envelope. "Last summer I applied to the Ministry of Magic's Honor Academy Study Program. It's an academic contest. If one is accepted to the contest, they can compete to study in one of five different countries for the summer of their 6th year," she quietly explained, fidgeting with the metal tabs of the envelope.

"So, what's in the envelope?" Harry asked.

"It's the letter telling whether or not I've been accepted to the contest," she replied.

"Well, why haven't you opened it yet, 'Mione?" Ron asked, obviously confused.

"I'm too scared it's going to be a rejection letter. I really want this for myself! It's the opportunity of a lifetime and I would be devastated if I didn't get in," Hermione answered.

"Hermione, you are the smartest girl in our year and probably in all of Hogwarts! They'd be crazy not to choose you for this contest!" Harry assured her.

"Harry, you are sweet, but there were hundreds of applicants from all over Europe. This isn't just Hogwarts we're talking about!" Hermione yelped.

"'Mione, do you want us to open it for you? Would that make it easier for you?" Ron asked.

"Maybe," Hermione said. She toyed with the envelopes flap before slowly handing it to Harry.

Harry lifted the metal tabs and began to pull up the flap. Hermione held her breath in anticipation. Harry reached in the envelope and removed a piece of parchment. He looked down at the official-looking paper and read the first few lines.

"Oh, 'Mione…" he said, not daring to look her in the eyes.

Hermione's eyes immediately flooded with tears. She quickly stood up, hoping to get out of the Great Hall before she broke down in front of the whole school.

"No, 'Mione. Don't go…it's just…I'm going to miss you a lot this summer when you are off studying abroad!" Harry said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

Hermione didn't have time to get angry at Harry's joke. She jumped up and down, squealing, and grabbed Harry and Ron around the neck. They group hugged for a moment until Hermione realized the entirety of the Great Hall was staring at them.

She quickly sat down and jerked the envelope and parchment from Harry's hands. She had to read the news for herself. She unfolded the letter and read:

Miss Hermione Granger,

We are incredibly pleased to inform you that you are one of five students chosen to compete for a position in the Ministry's Australian study program, and one of twenty-five students total chosen to be a part of the Ministry of Magic's Honor Academy Study Program contest. Your Headmaster has been notified of this dignified honour. Your academic achievements, as well as your club and community involvement, make you a qualified and exceptional contestant, worthy of praise and recognition. We will be in contact with you soon. Some pertinent papers are enclosed in the envelope.

Congratulations!

The Ministry of Magic

Hermione folded the letter and reached into the envelope. She found waivers, parental releases, informative packets, and much more. She excitedly looked at each paper and lay it aside. Ron looked a little downtrodden.

"So, while Harry and I are stuck in the Burrow, you'll be off in Australia hopping with the kangaroos," he said, frowning slightly.

"Ron! If I win the contest, I'll be studying very hard in Australia, not goofing off, but there is no guarantee I'll win the contest. There are four other very qualified candidates competing to go to Australia after all," Hermione said as she packed all the papers back into the envelope.

Ron let out a loud sigh and Harry patted him on the back. "It's ok, mate, we always knew Hermione would move on to bigger and better things without us. Somehow, we'll have to pull through the three trying months without her."

Hermione rolled her eyes and threw her satchel over her shoulder. "Yes, I imagine you'll somehow manage," she said and hurried off to talk to Dumbledore.