Severus Snape is in need of an apprentice in order to keep his mastery. Hermione Granger is looking for a true master in the art of potions. Will former student and professor be able to work together, or will it blow up just like one of Neville's cauldrons. [Non HBP Compliant]

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Jo Rowling is the master of this domain; I'm just playing dress up.


Chapter 2

Entering the living room the smell of Indian permeated as the food had just arrived. Seamus was gathering plates from the kitchen and Dean was sorting the food. Hermione headed over to the table and began setting up glasses for drinks, grabbing a few bottles of pumpkin juice. As soon as Seamus put the dishes down, they all began to dig in to the vibrant foods. As Hermione began ladling her lamb curry onto her plate, Dean asked how her day was in the labs.

'It was fine, I've been having trouble with a potion, but I have a new book to look through. But I am still in need of a Master to work with." She sighed sipping her juice.

'I'm sure you'll find someone, did you ask your professors?' Dean questioned.

'I have, but they said the Order is going to decide for me.' Hermione answered vaguely.

'Well then there are no worries!' Seamus smiled at her.

'I guess not. Now tell us how much they want for the painting Dean.' Hermione smiled back, and changed the subject.

'They're willing to pay 100 Galleons for it, unfinished.' Dean explained.

'And finished?' Seamus questioned.

'200.' Dean replied taking a forkful of rice.

'Blimey mate! You should go and finish it!' Seamus exclaimed, his eyes widening at the amount.

'I will if you two are willing to pose for the rest of it.' Dean answered.

'Gladly.' Hermione smiled at Dean.

'Then it's settled! We should start the day after tomorrow!" Seamus decided.

The other two nodded, and the rest of the meal was spent discussing the ceremony tomorrow.

'I've gotten a response back from Professor Dumbledore.' Seamus said as he pushed his plate away.

'Oh really?' Dean asked eyes wide.

'Yep, He agreed to take me with one condition.' Seamus replied swirling his glass.

'And that is?' Hermione asked excitedly.

'I can't try to turn water into rum.' Seamus looked up smiling devilishly.

The three burst into laughter at the memory from their first year.

'How 'bout levitating things?' Hermione asked innocently.

A napkin was thrown her way, which was transfigured into a water filled balloon. Hermione quickly put up a shield that repelled it back towards Seamus. It exploded into shreds of paper as he transfigured it back.

'Okay playtime's over.' Dean laughed at the two.

After putting the dishes into the sink and charming them to wash themselves, they retired for the night to their respective rooms. As Hermione reentered her room she flicked her wand towards the enchanted radio on her desk. The British news began was in the middle of its sports feature.

'and now in recent events, the Holyhead Harpies beat the Vrasta Vulture 130-120. Captains Krum and Weasley shook hands after the match, giving each other a brief hug. It's great to see such a wonderful display of sportsmanship between the two…'

Changing the channel to an alternative station, one of the Weird Sisters more moody songs began to play. Hermione sighed and began to strip from her normal clothes, making sure to drop them in the hamper near her door. Turning she looked into the mirror on her wall. Looking back at her was a curvy 26 year old thanks to a bit of time traveling magic from her third year. Her hair was cut short after realizing the heat from the cauldrons would make in unbearably frizzy. It currently was to her chin all around, and fell in light waves thanks to a few charms. Pulling on her Vrasta shirt and a pair of black flannel pants, she grabbed her book of her bedside table and snuggled under the covers barely listening to the music as she read. She soon fell asleep, dreaming of the next day's ceremonies.


Far away on the Scottish moors Severus Snape sat grading 3rd year papers. He scowled at the trash one student tried to pass of as a comprehensive essay on the uses of the Shrinking Potion. He had decided to move this to an end of the year brush up before the final, and was now sorely regretting it.

Pushing the scrolls away he looked at the gold parchment that was sparkling on his desk. The green seal bearing the symbol of the Order of Ashwinder was broken, and the paper held a few indents where his fingers had tightened while reading it. It was an letter stating that their newest member was graduating from the Académie de Magie in Paris tomorrow, and he was expected to attend with the rest of the order. Sighing he wondered who the French potioneer was. Hopefully not some annoying know-it-all chit like Hermione Granger, for if it was he would strangle himself. Then again if it was some dunderhead he would strangle himself too. Looking around his quarters, he stood his eyes catching on the olive green hooded robe he would wear to the ceremony tomorrow. It was quite the formal occasion, one he was loathing already.

Turning away he entered his private study. The fireplace was roaring, and on the carpet in front of it was a gray tabby with spectacle markings.

'Minerva,' his drawl began, 'I trust you have a reason for being in my quarters at this hour.'

The cat transformed, and in its place stood the deputy headmistress. She looked at him sharply.

'Albus requires your presence in his office.' She said coldly.

Severus only nodded and watched as the professor turned back into a cat, and in a flash of grey was gone from the room.

'I wonder what the old coot needs now.' Severus murmured pulling on his black robes. Willing the magical doorway to the hall to appear, he walked out, his robes billowing behind him.

As he reached the gargoyle that guarded the headmaster's office he noticed it leering at him strangely. Hissing the password, Pumpkin Pastie, he took the stairs two at a time, and wrapped on the large oak door.

'Come in Severus, would you like a Lemon Drop?' Came the voice of the Headmaster.

Entering the room and ignoring the floating bowl of candies, Severus took notice of Ramses Halabi sitting across from Albus. Nodding at his former Master he turned towards the Headmaster.

'To what do I owe this pleasure?' Severus drawled out;

'Well Severus, Ramses and I were discussing your arrangements for tomorrow. According to him you will be needed for more than tomorrow. We have altered your plans to include a fortnight, and thus you will be returning Sunday evening.' Albus answered cheerfully.

'Master,' he began addressing Ramses, 'Why does the Order require my presence for more than the ceremony?'

'Severus, we will need to induct our newest member Saturday night. The next day we will be around for them to answer any questions they need answers to.' Ramses spoke, his eyes closed.

'I see. Well if you don't mind I shall return to my chambers. Master I shall see you in Paris in the morning. Good Evening Headmaster.' Came the cold tone, as Severus turned on his heel leaving the room.

'I believe he will be in for a rude awakening.' Ramses stated turning to his friend.

'Oh definitely, I can't wait to see how she tests him.' Dumbledore responded, a twinkle in his eye.


A/N: Thank you for all the reviews! I was so shocked when I woke up the first day and saw 3 sitting there for me! Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

Allyll: Trust me she is grown up in this one, I can never see her being a virgin!

Kimber: That's where I was going with Harry's reasoning.

Moi: Your review left me floored. It was really long and posed some great questions and points! I am definitely going in the style of getting your bachelors and masters for the certain areas. The apprenticeship process will be explained in a later chapter. I hope you enjoy the story.

Worrywart: Thank you! Trust me Ron's going to have a bit of bad luck.

Thebookworm90: I hope I don't get any either! I love Seamus; he's one of my favorite characters.

Northman-Snape: I prefer it when Hermione has other friends too. I love SF/DT too, and obviously HG/SS is one of my favorites. Thanks!