I own nothing! Just playing in J. K. Rowling's amazing universe!
Hermione's POV
The second month went by. Professor Snape had told her that there was no reason for her to continue next term. At her request he had assigned her extra homework and essays, and informed her that she had by now completed everything he assigned for NEWT-level. She had finished a whole year of potions in two months.
Hermione was now set up to take the exam before Christmas. She felt a bit sad, because every time she entered the potions classroom, she felt safe. And she suspected it was because of Professor Snape.
She was set up for taking her exam in charms as well. With her new magic, she had no problem with any charm or spell. The professor marveled at her skills, but she didn't say anything about the reason for her newfound expertise in the subject.
She felt a bit nervous about it, but she knew they were right. She was almost bored in class, doing everything with ease. She decided she would use her new free time after the holidays to train her new magic.
That was the plan until she got a note from professor Snape. He was handing out the essays they had been assigned last week. He had even given her a different essay than the rest, telling her it was more advanced. He stopped in front of her desk, and looked at her. She looked up in his black eyes, and her insides gave a jolt. What.
"Curious, Miss Granger." He said, with an expressionless face. What? Did I fail? She felt a slight panic at the thought. Surely not, I know I did well, at least I didn't fail. "I expect you in my office at eight o'clock, Miss Granger. Do not be late." With that he placed her essay in front of her and continued on to hand out the rest of the essays. She looked at her paper. It had an O written on it.
Phew. Wait, why does he want me to come to his office? She felt nervous.
The rest of the class went by without any big problems, Professor Snape walked around in his usual graceful way, snapping harsh words at anyone that did something wrong, and generally intimidating everyone and everything. Except for Hermione. She virtually made no mistakes, so he had no reason to yell at her. From time to time she felt him staring at her, but by now she was used to it, and it didn't bother her anymore.
She lost herself in the brewing, adding ingredients without thinking, and just about never looked in her book. Always stirring in the correct way, the Snape way, she thought with a small smile. She had finally caved and read his potion book that harry had used their fifth year. She had taken a lot of inspiration from it, using his techniques on how to prepare the ingredients and the stirring. After having watched her professor brew for seven years, she knew his graceful movements while adding ingredients, how to time things correctly, and stirring in different ways. She tried to copy his movements, and felt as she was getting better at it.
After potions, she had charms, and did one of the charms so beautifully that the professor excitedly clapped his hands at her. She beamed! I can take these exams before Christmas, no problem.
She went through the rest of the day thinking about the meeting with Professor Snape. She couldn't figure out why he wanted to meet with her, and it made her really nervous. At ten to eight she headed down to the dungeons.
Severus' POV
In the dungeons, Severus Snape was pacing around in his office. He was waiting for Hermione, feeling nervous. I am not nervous! Why am I nervous? Maybe I shouldn't have done this, if she accepts, that means I will be spending hell of a lot of time with her. He felt slight panic, mixed with excitement at that thought. Merlin's beard, why am I feeling like this? Maybe this is a really bad idea. But I can't let this opportunity go; the girl has way too much potential.
Hermione's POV
At five to eight, Hermione was standing outside Professor Snape's office. Hovering a bit, trying to decide if she should knock, or wait the last few minutes. Suddenly the door was thrown open. "Well? Are you going to stand there all day?!" Oh Gods, he looks furious. Why is he furious? She followed him into the room. Taking a few steps in, she realized she forgot to close the door. She was just about to turn around when the door closed behind her. Oh no. Did I do that? Looking at Professor Snape, she saw him gazing at her with a curious look, no wand out. She cringed. Oh no, he saw that. And he's looking at how you react now! Stop cringing! She felt panicked.
"Miss Granger. I'm guessing you did that, and I will ask you about that later. For now I wish to speak with you. Sit down." She sat, trying not to look as stressed as she felt, and looked at him. "Have you thought about what you are going to do after you graduate from Hogwarts?" His question surprised her. Maybe I didn't do anything wrong. He was looking at her, waiting for her answer. "Cat got your tongue, Miss Granger?" She winced. "No sir, I'm sorry, I just didn't expect your question. And yes, I have thought about it. I was actually planning to speak to you about it, Professor. I wish to study for Potion Mistress, sir. I have thought about it since before the school year started."
For some reason he looked relaxed at her words. What. He leaned forward and propped his elbows on his desk, folding his hands."I am glad to hear that Miss Granger, because I'm going to give you an offer. It's going to be hard work, but worth it, I believe. I've seen your skills in class this year, and even I have to admit they are something out of the ordinary." She felt her jaw almost drop. She had not expected this.
He continued. "I'm going to offer you an apprenticeship. With both potions and charms done, I do believe you will have a lot of free time next term, correct? You will be working with me in the time of your old charm lessons, and studying in your old potion lessons. There will be a lot of work. You will have to use a lot of your spare time on this. Do think about it before you answer." She was stunned. Her jaw actually dropped this time. She couldn't speak. She felt a bubble of joy inside her; she was going to be an apprentice! With Professor Snape! That excited her almost more than the apprenticeship in itself. He rolled his eyes. "Miss Granger, have you lost your voice? I'm having trouble believing anything else would stop your usually constant stream of words." She snapped out of her thoughts, and beamed at him. "Sorry professor! I was just shocked! Yes I would positively love to be your apprentice! Thank you!"
He actually looked slightly pleased from her answer, that is, pleased in a Severus Snape way. His face looked more relaxed, and he let his shoulders down a bit. His reaction puzzled her. "Very well then. I hope you start preparing for this. It will be no easy task." "Yes, Professor! I promise! Thank you so much sir!" He rolled his eyes again. "Stop thanking me Miss Granger. I have nothing else that I need to talk with you about, so you may leave." He raised an eyebrow at her. "If you don't feel like telling me how you closed that door? And perhaps why the door was glowing as it closed?"
She started to feel panicked again. Should I tell him? It would be great to tell someone, it's too much to figure out on my own. She made a decision. I can at least tell him some of it. She straightened her back and looked at him. "I can tell you Professor, if you promise me to not tell anyone else. I haven't told anyone, and I'm not sure what to make of it yet sir." He raised his eyebrows, giving her a quizzical look. "You haven't told anyone else, but you would tell me?" He looked surprised when she nodded. "Yes Professor. I trust you." His eyes widened with surprise, and so did hers. Wait, I really do trust him, don't I. "Very well Miss Granger. I promise not to tell anyone if what you tell me is not something that is a potential danger to anyone. Would that be adequate?" She nodded. "I would rather show you than tell you, Professor. Do you have something you do not intend to keep? Old parchments, broken quills, anything like that?" He looked at her with a bemused expression, but stood up and went to get a box with something in it. "I was planning to throw these away, will they do?" She looked in the box; it was filled with small, empty vials, each a bit bigger than her thumb. "Yes sir, that is perfect, uhm, can you clear a bit of space on your desk? Or any empty surface will do." He considered this for a moment before he nodded and turned away from her, walking towards the bookshelves that covered the wall in the back of his office. "Follow me, Miss Granger." He went over to a wall, and tapped a book, and the bookshelf moved. She stared, realizing it was the entrance to his private chambers.
"The reason I'm bringing you in here, is because we will mostly be working in my private lab next semester, not the school lab. I have better equipment and more rare ingredients." He turned and saw the expression in her face. "Oh, come now Miss Granger, nothing will hurt you here." She looked at him, surprised. "I did not believe so, Sir." with that, she followed him into the room.
She was apparently walking into Professor Snape's sitting room, and was surprised to see how cozy it was. The walls were filled with bookshelves, and she itched to go closer and take a look. So many books!
She saw a huge comfortable-looking corner sofa in dark grey and two nicely placed chairs in front of a big fireplace. The floor had several fluffy looking rugs, many of them in black and dark red. I think the professor has a thing for rugs and blankets. She could see from where she stood, one blanket in each chair, and no less than four blankets, neatly folded on the sofa. Next to the sofa was a table, and she could see a book lying there, and she really wanted to go over and look at it. I wonder what Professor Snape reads in his spare time.
Professor Snape walked past a desk filled with parchments and books, over to a big maple tree coloured table that had a Victorian look to it. It was beautiful. He sat down and looked at her expectantly. "Now, what is it that you have to show me?" She walked over to the table, it was the same length on all four sides, and eight people could have dined comfortably at it.
She took out some vials from the box, placed them on the table before putting the box down on the floor. She looked at him. "Please don't tell anyone sir" He looked back, and his face actually softened a bit. "Miss Granger, I promise I won't tell anyone. But if I feel that I have to, due to dangers to those around you, or yourself, I will have to. You understand that? But I promise I will not tell anyone without speaking with you first. Is this acceptable?" She nodded.
She took out her wand and placed it on the table near to him. He sent her a quizzical look. "So you see that I'm not using my wand sir." He nodded. She had done a lot of training in the room of requirement lately, and had discovered quite a few new things.
She took a deep breath and began. Reaching out a finger, she barely touched the first vial before it disappeared. Looking at the professor, she could see him looking at the empty space where the vial had been with raised eyebrows.
She then took the next vial, looked at him and asked. "Is it safe to open?" He nodded again. She removed the small lid, placing it at the table and held the vial in one hand. With the other hand she made a pouring motion over it, and the vial filled with light. She could hear a small gasp from the professor, and he actually leaned in to look closer. She put the lid on, and gave the vial to him. "You can open it sir. Try to pour it in your hand; I am pretty confident that it is not harmful. I've tested it in all the ways I know, and read up on new methods, and tried them as well." He carefully took the vial, and opened it. Holding it up close to his face to study it, he gazed up at her. "It smells like daisies" "Yes I know sir, I just don't know why." He tipped the vial, pouring some of the content in his other hand. It looked like liquid gold. It made a small pool in his hand, before fading and disappearing. He looked up at her with an intrigued expression. "This is.. I don't know Miss Granger; I believe I have never seen anything like it." She gave him a small smile. "I haven't either sir, I've read everything I could find about different types of magic, and I haven't found anything like it." He nodded at that before looking at her again. "What else can you do?" She smiled. "I can show you sir. But I discover new things almost every day, so it looks like I don't know half of it yet."
She picked up another vial, closing her hand over it before opening it again. The vial looked brand new. It shone like it was made of crystal. She gave it to him, and he took the vial with a bemused expression. "Well, Miss Granger. I see cleaning vials will be no problem when we start working together." He looked at her and actually gave her a half smile. Hermione giggled. "No, I don't think that will be a problem sir.
This time she picked up several vials. "Professor, please don't be mad at me for doing this. I just want to show you how detailed I can be." He narrowed his eyes at her. "No promises, Miss Granger." She looked nervously at him and took a deep breath, she held the vials in both hands, and they glowed, changing shape in her hands. She looked at Professor Snape, whom was staring at the flashing light inside her hands. The light stopped, and she took a peak inside her hands. Blushing, she looked at him. "Okay, please don't be angry sir." And she opened her hands and held the item towards him. "It's easier if I have an object to imitate."
Severus' POV
Severus looked at the thing she held in her hands. So far he was amazed at what she had showed him, but he was awestruck at what she was holding now. It was a miniature of him. The miniature looked displeased, having its arms crossed over its chest. She has copied me perfectly he thought. Right down to the displeased expression. It's amazing! He felt a laugh bubbling up inside him, and tried to suppress it. She was standing there, looking more or less petrified, and her expression did it. He laughed, and took the miniature from her hands. "I'm not angry Miss Granger, I am actually amazed. And the resemblance is uncanny." He smiled, giving her a full smile this time. He was surprised that she would tell him when she had told no one else, and he felt slightly moved by it. So he didn't want to scare her off now. Taking the miniature, he walked over to his desk, carefully placing it there. "I'm keeping this one Miss Granger." She nodded at him with a big smile. "So, anything else?"
Hermione's POV
Hermione was delighted at his reaction to the miniature. She had almost dropped the Mini-Snape when he laughed. She had never heard him laugh. It was a really nice laugh, and she wanted to laugh with him, but she was too shocked to do so. When he took the miniature and smiled at her, she was amazed to see how different he looked. He looked years younger. It's a shame he doesn't smile more, it suits him. When he took the miniature and placed it on his desk, she almost wanted to jump with joy. He likes it! Thank God!
She realized he had asked her a question, and was now coming to sit down at the table again. Anything else? Oh yes, tons of things. "Yes sir, there is a lot of things I can show you, but we won't have time, it's curfew soon." He rolled his eyes at her "Oh, sod the curfew Miss Granger. I'll walk you to your dormitory when you feel like. If you have anything else you wish to show me, or tell me, we have time." She giggled. "Thank you sir. And yes, I have a few more things I would like to show you, and I could tell you a bit how I found out, and what I've experienced since then." He nodded at her. "I would like that Miss Granger. Go ahead."
She showed him a few more things, and wanting to make him laugh again, she took two vials and made a tiny , with a tiny Mrs. Norris. She flicked her finger at Little Filch, and he was now in the process of sweeping around the table. Snape laughed again, and actually put his head down, chin almost touching the table, watching the tiny figure. He straightened his back and looked at her. "Gods, Miss Granger, you can make them move as well? She laughed. "Yes, for a little bit. He will stop in a little while. And since he is so small it's easier. I could do it to yours as well, but I wasn't sure how you would react." He smiled and stood up. Going over to his desk, he picked up the figurine of him, walked back to the table and put it down. "Do it. I promise not to get angry." She swallowed and said with a nervous voice. "Ok sir. It will not be moving very long though. Since it's bigger in size." He nodded.
She picked up the figure, held her hands around it and closed her eyes. What do I want it to do? I have to find something he wouldn't find insulting. Is there anything I like about him? His walk. Yes, that's it. She closed her hands around the figure and light flashed inside her hands. She then put it down on the table. The figure straightened his back, and walked sternly forwards. The tiny robes were billowing just like on the real professor. Reaching the end of the table, Mini-Snape turned around and walked back. It was pretty amazing to watch; even Hermione had to admit that. She looked at Professor Snape. He stared at the figure with his mouth open. Then he looked at her and saw her very nervous face. He had his elbows on the table from gawping at the figure, and now he placed his head in his hands and laughed. Lifting his head, he looked at the figure while laughing. The figure immediately stopped with the sound of his laughter, and he was now watching it as it twirled around, robes flying around it, and walked with angry steps towards the professor. Professor Snape laughed even harder when he saw the figure striding towards him. When the figure reached him, it stood up, back straight, and froze just as it crossed its arms with a displeased look at Professor Snape.
Severus Snape was still laughing. Hermione was shocked, but the whole situation was so unreal that she had to laugh too. Still laughing, he picked up the figurine, studied it a bit before walking over and put it back on the desk. Coming back to the table, he sat down and gave her a playful smile. She couldn't believe it. "Miss Granger, I don't think I have laughed like that in ten years. Thank you." His expression was still playful when he continued. "But if you ever speak of this to anyone, there will be no mercy, and the revenge will be swift. Do you understand?" Since he was still slightly smiling at her she didn't freak out. She smiled at him. "I swear Professor Snape. I understand. Now, I have one more thing I would like to show you."
Severus' POV
Severus felt giddy. The thought of the little figurine of him with the flowing robes almost made him burst in to laughter again. It was hilarious. He hadn't meant to laugh so hard, but he couldn't help it. And he was pretty sure she wouldn't tell anyone, threats or no threats. He leaned back on the chair, noticing Little Filch had stopped him movements, and was now frozen, leaning on his broom. Mrs. Norris sat next to him, also frozen.
He looked at Hermione. Hermione? Oh well, I guess I have to start calling her by her first name at some point, may as well start to think of her as Hermione. She sat down, looking at him. "Ok, this is one of the things I like best." She positively beamed at him, and he couldn't help himself from smiling back. "Go ahead, Miss Granger."
She leaned back on the chair, straightening her back, and put her hands together. He noticed she didn't use any vials this time, and was curious on what she was going to do. With a final, beaming smile at him, she closed her eyes. She made a movement as she was making a snowball, and after a bit she opened her hands and showed him something that looked like a tiny sun. It was about the same size as a golf ball. It was beautiful. "Gods, Hermione, that's really something else." She beamed at him. It was almost like she was glowing. "Wait sir, this is not all." She lifted the ball in to the air, and released it there, floating. Then she proceeded to make another ball of light, doing the same. She made a third one, placing this one in the air also. She smiled at him. "Look." She waved her hand, and all the lights went out. Then she flicked her finger at the first tiny sun. It exploded in dozens of little lights. She repeated the movement with the second and third tiny sun, and they were surrounded with tiny lights. She had just made their own personal starry night in the dungeons. It was amazing, and he was speechless.
He looked at her with an open mouth and planned to say something, but was at a loss for words. He looked back around the room. The lights were floating everywhere around them. Say something, you look like an idiot. "My Gods Hermione, it's beautiful!" Christ, you sound like an idiot. Maybe it was better to keep your mouth shut. "How long do they last?" She looked at him with the brightest smile he had ever seen on her. "They last until I recall them. As far as I know at least." "I see. Well, leave them, maybe we'll find out if that is true or not." Or maybe you just want to keep these beautiful lights here. He internally shushed himself. Of course not. Abandoning his chain of thoughts he took out his wand and did some foolish wand waving to turn on the lights before he looked at Hermione. "Start from the beginning, Hermione, and tell me about all this. I will make us tea."
Hermione's POV
Hermione found the situation to be pretty unreal. Professor Snape was at the moment in the process of making them tea. Professor Snape was making her tea. And he had called her by her first name three times. Surreal. The prospect of working with Professor Snape was looking more promising by the minute. If he could be this person when in the right mood, it would all be worth it. He sat down, pouring tea for them, and looked at her expectantly. She started to speak.
First, she told him about her magic changing since the war. She told him about how she figured out, how she felt about everything, and how she had used the Room of Requirement to figure things out, and how the room had helped her. She talked about when she had surprised Luna just because she had thought about not wanting to be seen, and every theory she had on what this magic was. He listened, nodded, and asked questions when he wanted her to give more details on something. She talked until she was out of breath, and dead tired.
"I think I have told you the core of it now Professor. It was really nice to tell someone. I've been panicking a bit." She grinned. He gave her a smirk. "Knowing you, I have no problem believing that Miss Granger. Now, I'm going to escort you to your dormitory, and I will consider what you have told me. I'll see if I can find anything more on different types of magic. The school library is not very impressive." She was going to protest, but he just shook his head. "No. It is not very impressive. I'll show you. This way."
He got up and walked over to a bookshelf. She followed him, and watched him touch a book, like he had done to enter his chambers. The shelf moved, and he stepped aside. She walked over, and took a peak inside. She gasped! Stepping inside the room, she twirled around and took in the sight. It was a library, and it pretty much matched the size of the school library. "Gods! Oh Gods! This is amazing Professor! How is this possible though?" He stepped in to the room with her. "It's magically enlarged, much like the wizard tents. This is of course much more advanced. You see why I find the school library somewhat faulty?" She nodded. "Come now, Hermione, let me escort you to your dormitory. It's getting really late, and you have to sleep." She almost pouted, and he smiled. "You can gawk in here another time. I think what you have showed me tonight should be studied further, so I will allow you to come here instead of the underwhelming school library." I can come here! Oh my God! She beamed at him, almost skipping out of the room. He rolled his eyes and followed her with a small smile. Tapping on the shelf again, it closed. She picked up her things, and put her wand in her sleeve.
They left his chambers and his office, and started the walk towards Gryffindor Tower. Almost turning a corner, they heard someone walking towards them. She stopped with a slight touch on his arm, which he flinched at, and she whispered. "Sorry Professor, but can I try something? Like when I surprised Luna. Maybe I can include you in it as well." He sighed. "Very well Miss Granger. Because I actually am curious as well." He held out his hand towards her, and she took it, closing her eyes. Don't let anyone see us, don't let anyone see us! I need this to work! DON'T LET ANYONE SEE US. Then she opened her eyes again, and nodded to her professor. He turned the corner with her a bit behind him, in case the person saw them, they wouldn't see him holding hands with a student. It was the headmistress walking down the corridor. Her heart started pounding like it was going to explode and she chanted a mantra inside her head.
Don't see us, we are invisible. Don't see us, we are invisible.
They closed in on the headmistress, and she didn't seem to notice them. She kept her mantra up, focusing hard. McGonagall didn't see them. Professor Snape actually took a step closer to the headmistress, testing the magic, but McGonagall went straight past them. Severus turned to Hermione with an expression of utter shock on his face. Then he grinned. "10 points to Gryffindor" He whispered, and she almost laughed out loud. She grinned at him, and started walking again, not letting go of his hand.
It was surreal. She was walking in the corridors of Hogwarts in the middle of the night, holding hands with Professor Snape. Professor Snape! She almost laughed out loud at the thought. His hand was nice though. Warm, and surprisingly soft. When they were near the portrait that was the entrance to Gryffindor dormitories, she stopped, and turned to Snape. "Do you think you know where the headmistress went?" He looked at her. "Yes, I think so, she is probably heading for her office, but she likes to make rounds first. I know her round, why?" She looked nervously at him. "Would you like to test if I can place the spell on you, and wish for it to hold until you get to your chambers?" She let go of his hand, and fidgeted. He raised an eyebrow at her. "And why are you so nervous about asking me this?" She flinched at his question, but answered with a steady voice. "Because I need to put both my hands on you, sir." His eyes widened a bit at this, but he then sighed and rolled his eyes. "Do it." Now it was her turn to widen her eyes. "Ok, I'm not sure if it will work though, but I will never find out if I don't try." He rolled his eyes again. "It's fine Hermione, do try. I cannot deny that I find this interesting as well." She drew a breath and moved to stand in front of him. Putting both hands on his surprisingly hard chest, she closed her eyes.
This has to work. No one will see Severus. No one will see Severus. No one will see him before he is inside his office. No one will see Severus before he is inside his office.
She opened her eyes and saw a glow under her hands. She looked up at him, and he was looking at her with an expression she didn't know how to read. She pressed her hands a bit harder to his chest, and chanted in her head again.
No one will see Severus before he is inside his office. No one will see Severus before he is inside his office.
She saw the glow under her hands brighten, and spread, before it disappeared inside his robes. He gave a small gasp, his eyes still fixed on her like he had just watched her grow wings. She let him go. "Sir? Are you okay?" He blinked, and snapped his eyes away from her for a moment before looking back. "I'm fine. It just felt… Curious. Do you think it worked?" She nodded at him "Yes I believe so, but I won't know until you tell me." She gave him a hopeful smile. "Will you let me know when you can?" He nodded. "I will Miss Granger. Good night." Then he turned and left, robes billowing around him. She stood there, looking after him for a bit, and then turned and walked to her dormitory. The Fat Lady wasn't very happy with her late entrance, but let her in with the password, and Hermione crashed in to her bed, instantly falling asleep.