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 Four: Snape's Choice
Professor Severus Snape meticulously placed each new potion ingredient in it's bottle, labeled it, and put in on it's proper shelf. He was enjoying the quiet solace of the peaceful dungeon. Suddenly, he heard a sharp rap at his door. He sighed and headed for the door, expecting some pitiful student or wayward Slytherin. He was surprised to find Albus Dumbledore behind the dungeon door.
"Doing well, I presume, Severus?" Dumbledore asked, letting himself in.
"Yes, Headmaster, and what brings you to my humble abode?" Snape countered, conjuring up chairs for himself and Dumbledore.
"A question, Severus. One of our own students, Hermione Granger, has received the honor of being chosen to participate in the first annual Ministry of Magic Honor Academy contest. She will be participating in the potions competition for a chance to study this summer in Australia…" Snape cut off Professor Dumbledore.
"As enthralling as the amazing achievements of Miss Granger are, Headmaster, I believe there was a question you were going to ask. If we could get to that, I'm a very busy man."
"Yes, Severus," Dumbledore said, unshaken at the rudeness of the man. "Miss Granger needs a sponsor to train her for the contest and chaperone her trip to Australia should she win. For practical purposes, Hermione has requested you."
Severus felt frozen in time. She had requested him? This tempting goddess that had been the bane of his existence for her first three years at Hogwarts, but who had grown up to be a beautiful, tantalizing prize to be won requested him? The angel of his dreams that he had lusted after since she came back for her 4th year a curvaceous young woman with a ferocious taste for learning that made him break into a sweat wanted him as her personal tutor? What more could he ask for? All his dreams seemed to be turning into a reality.
Yet, he had fought hard these past few years to maintain the front that he loathed Hermione Granger. He continued to berate her and giver her menial grades on her completely perfect work. To answer too eagerly would blow his cover.
"Well, Headmaster, as much as I would love to play school with Miss Granger, I'm not sure I'll have the time. We might be able to arrange a trade though," Snape said slowly, trying not to reveal his nervous energy and downright giddy elation.
"What sort of trade were you thinking, Professor Snape? I assure you, Miss Granger is deadest on having you, and you alone, as her sponsor," Dumbledore replied.
"Well, Miss Granger could become my teacher's assistant, grading papers and cleaning and the like. She could work for me two nights a week in exchange for me preparing her for the contest," Snape suggested, already contemplating the joy he would get from hours spent watching Hermione Granger…on her knees…scrubbing his floors and…polishing his…uh, floors.
Dumbledore nodded his head slightly and said he would suggest the idea to Miss Granger. He quickly made his exit and Snape was left with only his thoughts. He settled down in front of his fireplace in his favorite chair and spent the next few hours until dinner imagining Hermione Granger in a tiny French maid's outfit, begging her professor for a lesson in love.