Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I do wish I owned Severus Snape though, or at least he owned me. :) Sadly it's wishful thinking, of course.
A/N: I am re-editing all the chapters as of a couple days ago, and I am hoping to be done within a week or two. It's 9/7/11 currently so hopefully by 9/20 I want to be finished. My son's first birthday is coming up though, so I may not be able to complete it at that time, but rest assured it will be finished. Again. I'm also making the chapters longer and correcting grammar. Please remember my characters are OOC sometimes. Also, if anyone loves Severus' outfit give me a shout. I would die happy if he would actually dress like that in the movies. Enough of my rambling. Please Read and Review. It makes me happy and eager to finish the re-editing process. Thanks and happy reading.
Chapter 5-And Then...They Meet
Professor Snape finally woke up after another dreamless night of sleep. He actually thought that today was going to be a great day. For one, he was going to shock Ms. Granger to her toes. Snape was going to (attempt) be nice to her, which in itself was pretty shocking. Why he was going to do that, he would never know, he assumed it was because Dumbledore had ordered it. Even if he was to be nice to her, when term started he would go back to being a horse's ass. He went to take his morning shower and while doing so contemplated what he was going to do for the next two weeks.
/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/
Hermione's alarm went off at the precise time it was set for, she shut it off and got up to get ready for the day. She took her morning shower and, when she was done, magically dried her hair. Because she was now of age, she was able to do magic and not get expelled. She finished drying off and walked over to her closet. What to wear today? she thought. She spotted a light neon green spaghetti strap dress and she grabbed it and a white jacket and sandals. She did not put any make-up on today, because she was just going to be around her professors, so why bother. It's not like I'm trying to impress any of them. They all know my talents as a witch, and just because I'm not beautiful does not mean I should not be taken just as seriously as that greasy bat. Obviously, he doesn't have to impress anyone. She looked at herself in the mirror, and she decided that would do.
After getting the rest of her trunk packed, she went downstairs to see her parents.
She found her mum in the kitchen, and gave her a morning hug. "Mum, are you and dad ready to leave?" she asked.
"Yes we are Hermione. Your father is around here somewhere," said her mother, she loved her daughters morning hugs. She always hated when school began, but she knew she needed to support her daughter and she is glad that she had so far. Her daughter had accomplished so much more going to wizarding school than she could have ever done with regular schooling. Well, either way, Hermione would have been amazing, but clearly her talent is in magic. Even though I don't understand it too much, it makes her happy and I will not stop her from doing something she was born for. Hermione's mum wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. This was her daughter's last year at Hogwarts, and then she would go off to get a career, and she would be all grown up. Oh, how time goes so fast. She hugged her daughter once more, Hermione smiled at her, and then she turned to the door to find her husband had just walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah, we will get rid of you for another year," put in her father, who heard Hermione asking her mother if they were ready. He grinned at his daughter. She was his pride and joy and he was glad she had found her place in life.
"Dad, why must you be so hurtful," said Hermione, being sarcastic, and sticking her tongue out at him. She walked over and gave him a hug as she had did her mum.
"Well, that is my nature, dear. You know I'm playing, right?" asked her father, sometimes he forgot that his little girl was grown and didn't take his teasing so seriously anymore.
"Of course I do, Dad. I was being sarcastic after all," replied Hermione. "Now can we go? The train leaves at 11:15, and I would like to get there a couple minutes before to get settled in."
"Sure, Honey. Just let me get my purse," said her mum, heading to the living room.
"I'll go get your things and bring them out to the car, dear," said her dad, tousling her hair as he walked away. That earned him a grrrr from his beautiful Hermione.
"Oh dad, why must you do that?" she asked sounding a little exasperated, but then she laughed. "I'm going to get some stuff I left behind, and then I'm going to wait in the car."
"Alright, dear," said her parents together, smiling at each other and passing a knowing look. They both knew their little girl had grown up overnight, and they were a little sad to see it. Such is life, though.
Hermione went upstairs, grabbed her brush and toothpaste, and headed back down to the car. Her father walked out and put her luggage in the trunk. He then got in the front seat, and when her mum finally came out and got in the car, they were on their way to King's Cross.
/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/
When Severus got out of the shower he decided as he was readying for the day, that he would also wear one of the new outfits he had found at the start of summer. It was a black and silver plaid shirt with hints of dark green inlaid, paired with black jeans. He looked at his appearance and decided to do something that not many people had a chance to see in their whole lifetime. He pulled his hair back to the nape of his neck, and secured it with a thin black band. Not a soul would believe it was him. He gave himself a once over, and he thought it accentuated his cheek bones. That will do, he thought.
"Okay, I am dressed, I'm wearing aftershave, and I'm letting people see me with my hair pulled back. To top it off, I'm going to attempt to be nice to a pupil of mine. Even though, said pupil is the bane of my existence, and the only reason I'm going to retire when Voldemort is dead. I am going to die before this day is over. That or I will wake up and it will all be a dream." He snorted, "Not bloody likely to happen." He turned and locked his chamber and proceeded up and out of the dungeons.
He swept into the great hall to eat breakfast, and several of the other professors gasped when they saw him. He rolled his eyes and laughed out loud when poor Professor Sprout passed out and fell off her chair.
"You people act like you have never seen someone dressed up in muggle clothing before. I know at least one of you older professors have seen me with my hair pulled back before," he smirked while walking to his chair and sitting down.
"I know, Severus, but it's not just that. You've never even joked about anything before, and yet…you just did," said McGonagall. She was really confused as to what had taken over her friend who was the surly potions Master.
"Well, I think that I'm changing for the better then, don't you?" he asked, in mock sincerity, with an eyebrow raised.
Minerva looked at him for a second, not knowing whether he was being serious or sarcastic. She replied, "Maybe you are, but I highly doubt that. Hurry up all of you, the train leaves for the station in 20 minutes. We should be there within 30 minutes after we've left here, because the conductor is going to use his magic to make the train go faster. However, the way back will take the usual amount of time." When she finished she put her napkin on her plate and left the hall to do what needed to be done before leaving.
After she left, Severus finished eating, and boarded the train. While sitting there waiting for the others to arrive he had a funny thought. If the students are as shocked as the professors were, this would make for a very interesting term, he thought. He smirked and decided he was going to wear his hair like this when term started. He wanted to see how all the ignorant little children would react. Maybe they would think that he had lightened up and had gone soft. Ha, that's the last bloody thing that would happen. This is going to be fun, I do believe. He sat back against his seat and relaxed.
Soon, the others professors came, and they were on their way. They were there in exactly 30 minutes, pulling into the station, just like McGonagall had said. As they stepped off of the train, they noticed that the apprentices were not there yet. The professors just waited and were chatting about the new term and what interesting things were to come. They had no idea, just how interesting the term would be.
The teachers did not have to wait long, before Draco Malfoy showed up. He went made his rounds hugging the women, even stooping a little to hug Professor Sprout. Then he shook all of the men's hands. Severus was the last person he came to. What in the world is going on? Something is up with Draco, he never hugs anyone. I will find out what is wrong with him, was Severus' first thought.
"Hello, Sir. How are you?" asked Draco, grinning like a Cheshire cat, as he shook Professor Snape's hand as well. He raised an eyebrow at his normally goth-like Godfather's appearance, but said nothing just yet.
"Fine, Draco, just fine. And yourself?" said Severus, not knowing whether to be subtle or direct to get the information he wanted to know.
"Well, I'm fine, but I would be a lot better if my girlfriend were here. Say, Sir, why'd you change your look…to that? Although, I must say, this looks much better on you," said Malfoy.
"I do not need your approval for my choice of clothing Mr. Malfoy. However, it is noted, and I will say thank you for the compliment. I changed my look because I wanted to see people's faces, and their reactions." Snape paused for a second then continued. "Draco, since you will be staying at the school for two weeks, and term will not have officially started yet, I ask that both you and Ms. Granger call me Severus. I see no reason to be all proper, when there are no points to be taken or rules to be broken."
"Can do, Severus," said Draco, smiling again, wondering if the hint of niceties would last very long. Snape could change his mind in an instant and Malfoy knew that once he got irritated that would be the end of it.
"By the way, Draco, who is your girlfriend? Please, tell me it is not that pug faced girl, Ms. Parkinson," said Severus, wincing just thinking of the slytherin who had the biggest crush on Mr. Malfoy.
"It isn't, Sir. She is actually going out with Blaise Zabini. I, on the other hand, am going out with the most beautiful girl in the world...Ginny Weasley," replied Draco, waiting for Snape's reaction.
At this Severus fell out, and Draco laughed. "Are you serious, Draco?" he said, knowing that if Malfoy's father ever caught wind of this infraction, that his godson would be severely punished.
"Yes, Severus, I am. I am so lucky to have a girl like Ginny. She is beautiful, sweet, smart, and she makes me so happy," said Draco, with a dreamy smile on his face. Severus looked disgusted at the thought of being so in love, but he wanted his godson to be happy and he overlooked his revulsion.
"Well, then I am happy for you. So I take it this is where the change of attitude comes from? Why you hugged all the professors and all that niceness?" asked Severus, already knowing the answer.
"Yes. This year at school I will be a new person. I am going to be nice to everybody. Including, dare I say it…Harry Potter." Both Draco and Severus grimaced at that thought and Snape was happy that he would not be the one being nice to that dunderhead Potter. Just because he was the chosen one did not give him reason to slack off and strut around school as if he owned the place.
"Wow. I am just glad it is not me that has to do it," said Severus. "I do wonder when that…that…witch-of-a-pain-in-my-arse is going to get here though. It figures she would wait until the last possible moment."
No sooner had he said those words when the most beautiful woman he had ever seen had come through the barrier. Draco smiled and waved then looked to his Godfather. Severus had his mouth dropped open. He did not know who this witch was but she was stunning, she was gorgeous, she was…Hermione Granger. His eyebrows went into his hair and…
"OH SHIT!" he yelled, and everybody around him gasped. He looked around semi-apologetically. "Sorry, I stubbed my toe." He was not standing anywhere near something that would stub his toe.
McGonagall and Dumbledore laughed because they knew why he had said that. Hermione obviously realized why he had said that, looked at him and said, "Hello to you too, Severus." All of the professors but Snape laughed at that.
Now he was irritated. Well if she wants to be a smartass, then I will not be nice to her unless she bloody well deserves it, he thought. Hermione then said something that put the lock on that thought and threw away the key.
Hermione was grinning, "Wow, Severus, when you have your hair like that you don't look much like the greasy bat you are."
He started counting to ten. One…two…three…five. He made it to nine before his anger got the best of him and then said, "That is it. Albus, I will not be spoken to like that from such an insolent little girl. Draco, here, is the only apprentice allowed to call me Severus! I am not going to teach a smartass student who thinks she knows everything." He sneered the last part in the usual way, and Hermione's smile left abruptly.
"Actually," said Albus, who was thoroughly enjoying himself, "I have told her she can call you Severus when no students are around. And you will teach her, because you agreed to it. Do I have to list the terms of our agreement again?" That damned twinkle came back behind his half-moon glasses. Before he could speak someone else did.
"And, Professor Dumbledore," Hermione started, but Dumbledore cut her off for a second, "Please, my dear, I think I speak for everyone when I say you can call us by our given names until the start of term. Is that alright, everyone?" They all answered with a yes, so Hermione continued.
"I also will not work with a teacher who is so dumb that he can only say obscene four-letter words when he cannot express his thoughts in a proper way. That is so stupid and childish," she said angrily glaring at Snape.
Severus was more than angry now, "Listen here you bumbling, idiotic girl. I don't like you. I never have. You are the bane of my existence. I cannot and will not be nice to you anymore than I have too. When we arrive at the school you can find your quarters all by yourself." And with that he started to stomp off back to the train. But Hermione shouted something to him, and he stopped dead in his tracks.
"I will then, because that is less time that I have to spend with your sorry self. Oh and my mistake, you still look like a greasy bat, or…at the very least an overgrown ape," she yelled, smirking until he turned around.
He walked towards her, stopped inches from her, then leaned close to her face and said, "At least I've never looked like a chimpanzee/beaver mix with all that hair and those horrid teeth." He started to walk away, but she grabbed his arm. All of the other professors just looked at the two of them in amazement, seeing something they clearly did not in the exchange.
"At least, I am smarter than you'll ever be. You may be book smart, or seem to be at least, but I am both smart and logical, and I have had relationships," said Hermione, looking at him very pointedly and releasing his arm.
Severus was not going to let her have the last word. "Well, I don't see how anybody would ever bother going out with a know-it-all like you. You, Ms. Granger, are so pathetic I wouldn't even send that dunderhead Neville bloody Longbottom calling for you. You are a horrid, path—"
At this there was a resounding CRACK! as Hermione slapped Severus on the cheek. A bright red handprint had started popping up when she said, "Ughh, you are such an arsehole, I don't know why I chose you in the first place, but I am going to go through with this. I'm sure it will irritate you to no end, and that will make me happy. Because you cannot change the terms of the apprenticeship, therefore, you will have to deal with me." Then she walked off and slipped into an empty compartment on the train and slammed the door closed.
Severus was so dumbfounded that she had truly slapped him that for a moment he just stood there. Then as if it hit him, he shook his head, and stomped off to the end of the train and reciprocated Hermione's actions.
All of the professors whistled and started walking back onto the train. They were all thinking, oh yes. There is definitely something there, and it's just waiting to burst loose.
/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/
On the way back to Hogwarts, Severus and Hermione stayed in their compartments the whole time. In doing so they left Albus, Minerva, and Draco to their own attentions and devious plan making. Which involved Severus and Hermione.
"I think there were a few chemistry sparks flying there, don't you agree, Minerva and Albus?" asked Draco, smiling with that thought. There was such a hateful dynamic going on that it seemed cliché to be thinking what he was.
"Actually," said Dumbledore, eyes twinkling again, "I do, I think they would be perfect for each other, if they let go of their contempt for one another."
"Yes," said McGonagall, "They both could hold an intelligent conversation for hours and never be miserable. Again though the hate would have to disappear and I don't see that happening anytime soon." They all laughed, knowing that would probably never happen in a million years. Then came the dangerous fun of playing games.
Minerva, the most unlikely of the three said smiling, "I bet 20 galleons they fall in love in 4 weeks."
"I really should not be doing this," said Draco, still thunderstruck at McGonagall's offer to bet. "But I put 10 on 1 week." They both looked to Dumbledore next, knowing he wouldn't be able to resist the temptation. Sure enough, he did not disappoint.
"I got you both beat. I bet 50 galleons that they are already in love, they just don't know it yet. They will know it though, when their love is put to the test," said Albus. He had that confounded twinkle in his eye that said they were both going to lose if they agreed. But against their better judgment Minerva and Draco agreed.
"Okay, we're on," said Albus, grinning and formulating a semi-plan. "Now, Draco, you go check on Severus, please. And, Minerva, you go check on Hermione."
"Alright, Albus," said Minerva and Draco, then they left the compartment and went their separate ways to find the two people who probably didn't want to see anyone at the moment.
/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/
A few minutes later, Draco knocked on Severus's door. "If you're my soon-to-be apprentice, go the hell away, or…better yet, go to hell," said Severus, still very angry.
"Wow, Severus," said Draco as he walked in, "I would think you don't like someone."
Severus mood got a little better, but not much, "Oh, do shut up, Draco. I don't not like someone, I absolutely loathe her," he said frowning.
"Well, I have one question, Severus, since you loathe her as you say" said Draco, smiling cockily.
"Ask away, Draco," said Severus, not expecting the question at all.
"Well, if you absolutely loathe her, why did you go 'OH SHIT!' when you saw her?" asked Draco, raising an eyebrow, looking like a cat who ate the canary.
Severus' look could have killed Draco, but he still answered. "Well, when she first came through the barrier, I had no idea who she was and I thought that she was very pretty. That is until I figured out who she was. Then I had a…cow," he said, hoping that Draco would leave him alone soon.
"We all saw the cow you had," said Draco, who had no intentions of leaving just yet. "The cow apparently had to go to the bathroom." And he started laughing, despite Severus' quit-laughing-or-I-will-kill-you-too look.
"It is not funny," said Severus, as serious as he could be.
"Yes, it is," replied Draco. "You just watch, Severus, you're going to fall in love with her. And she is going to fall in love with you."
Snape's mouth fell open again, but he closed it with a snap. "Draco, you have been drinking, haven't you? What have I said about no Firewhisky until you are an adult? She is not going to fall in love with me, and neither am I going to fall in love with her. Besides, why would any woman willingly fall in love with me," said Severus, scowling deeply and wanting so much to end this conversation.
Draco just smiled and winked at Snape, "Whatever you say, Severus. Whatever you say."
"I do say. Now, please refrain from talking to me for the duration of the ride. I find I am tired and would like a rest," said Severus, reclining on his seat, and that was the end of their discussion.
/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/SS/
Minerva knocked on Hermione's compartment door around the same time that Draco had entered Snapes.
"Go away if the words greasy, bat, prat, or Snape apply to you." Said Hermione through the closed door.
"Hermione, it is me," said Minerva, calling back to her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Minerva. You must forgive me. I've just been so upset. Minerva, why…why—did I have to pick him? He drives me completely berserk with his pompous attitude," said Hermione crossing her arms and looking upset.
"Well, no matter what he does, just know that you drive him berserk, too. Severus really isn't that bad once you get to know him," said Minerva smiling, hoping to lighten the mood. Hermione felt like she had been put in her place and they both laughed. She was not one to stay upset for too long, especially with such good company helping her to be happy.
"Thanks, Minerva. That's what I really need to hear," said Hermione sarcastically, but still smiling.
"Oh, I'm so glad, Hermione," said Minerva.
"Minnie, have you ever heard of sarcasm? That was kind of it," said Hermione to the older witch. Minerva looked confused for a second.
"Oh, right," said Minerva. "What in the world is a Minnie?" she scrunched her forehead while trying to figure out the last word.
"It's my nickname for you, do you like it?" asked Hermione. She was rather liking being so unprofessional with the teachers. It made everything more light-hearted.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I do. Thank you, Hermione. I don't believe I have had a nickname before. Apparently, people think I am too stuffy and proud," said Minerva, glad for the friendship she found in her student, who was more of a woman than a girl anymore.
"You're welcome. I also highly doubt that the overgrown bat of the dungeons is anything but evil," said Hermione, then she smiled.
They talked for a little bit longer and when Minerva left Hermione decided it was time to move her muscles a little bit and started walking around the train.
A/N: Ooh, I wonder what is going to happen. Please review. Still updating so be looking for longer chapters.