Hermione woke up to Thimi opening the curtains before she gently lifted her into a sitting position. The witch looked down at her house-elf and breathed lightly before she remembered her agenda for the day. She blinked the sleep from her eyes, her hair starting to spark with her magic. Thimi took her hand and firmly pressed a vial into it.

"Mistress is to be – has to take this now," Thimi said clearly before she mumbled under her breath, berating herself.

Hermione looked at the potion in the vial that she made yesterday and uncorked it before knocking it back. It had brought her back from the brink of having a nervous breakdown. She pursed her lips thinking about the taste. Normally potions tasted quite… horrid, but she shouldn't have expected anything less considering the ingredients they used. This one however tasted more like lavender tea.

After taking her potion she took a deep breath, letting its effect wash over her. She got up and went about her morning business, her body moving smoothly even though her mind was elsewhere.

'Today is the day of my potions OWL. Severus is sure that I'll pass… I just wish I had more time to study. But he was sure of my abilities, had me make a potion, and had me take it this morning. It works. Perfectly. I can make it better next time. I'll show him I can make it better.'

She was sitting down eating the small amount of breakfast Thimi made for her. Savoring the meal, but still temporarily lost in her mind.

'Calling him master, even though I know it's the technical term to use in an apprenticeship just makes me feel so… kinky. It feels natural but at the same time with his voice… I wouldn't mind calling him master in a private setting.' She blushed, covering half of face with her hand, 'It's entirely unbecoming! He's my master, I'm his apprentice. As much as he makes me brilliantly hot for him, I know the time and place for such things, and even though it was appropriate, I cannot believe that I practically verbally threw myself at him. I mean it was a simple phrase and I was immature enough to turn it into an innuendo. Although his eyes… they took on a different look and it was… thrilling to say the least. I just hope my apprenticeship doesn't become awkward with my hormones flying about.'

She finished eating and sighed. Turning her head, she looked at the clock on the wall and pursed her lips. She had another hour before her exam, but knew it would take some time to get settled, and more time for the potion to lessen its effect so she could be more alert. However it did leave her with enough time to go have a little fun with Rita. Scaring the pumpkin juice out of her while she was hallucinating would be lovely.

"Thimi, let's go to the London house. I'd like to check on our guest."

The house-elf's ears flapped happily as she did a little dance, "Yes, Mistress! I shall get your clock and be taking – take you to the London house."

Hermione grinned, "The light grey cloak I got this Easter break please."

Severus looked at his watch knowing that his apprentice was just as timely as he was, and was waiting for the potion to lessen its effects. He had already made the proper correspondence, so the examiners were expecting them. It was his decision to pick up the goblin wrought apprentice badge before they left for the Ministry. While most of the workers knew how important her family was now, it would suite her taste better entering the building with her own merit shining on the breast of her cloak.

"Expecto Patronum," the panther leapt from his wand and faced him, waiting for orders, "Apprentice, send your house-elf so we may depart."

The dark wizard appeared in the Granger living room smoothly. Seeing his apprentice ready for their outing, he looked down at her house-elf and nodded.

"Thank you, Thimi," the witch said lowly giving the brown eyed elf a smile.

"Apprentice Granger, good to see you're doing well this morning."

"Thank you, Master. The calming draught helped."

"Good," he said smoothly, "Now our first stop for the day will be Gringotts. I've decided that you will enter the Ministry, not as Lady Granger, but as Apprentice Granger. Or Apprentice Lady Granger, I'm not sure which you prefer," he ended with a curious eyebrow arched up.

"Apprentice Granger will do perfectly. Although I won't stop someone from calling me Apprentice Lady Granger, as much as I dislike it, they would still be correct," she said nibbling on her bottom lip.

"Indeed," he said with a sigh.

It would be annoying the more that it got out, but it was expected. With Lucius in the know, he would inform all the 'proper' people, and it would be through the wizarding world like wildfire. The only thing that would make it go by faster would be Rita Skeeter and her trash writing.

"We're going side-along apparate, so if you would place your arm firmly around mine," he said holding his arm out as though he was going to properly escort her, "I know you will not embarrass me, Hermione. I am very proud of you."

"Thank you, Master Severus," she replied, taking a deep breath and doing as he instructed.

Standing in front of Gringotts for a few seconds until Hermione ground her center again, they entered the bank with their heads held high. They held a proper business air about them, Hermione following a foot behind him on his right side. The witch had her high society face about her. Her master had believed that she wouldn't embarrass him, but being a muggleborn with no high society manners, she was sure that would embarrass him. She was given a position usually given to purebloods. She would show them that a muggleborn was just as elite as a pureblood. She would show them that Lady Hermione Granger was worthy of her position regardless of birth.

A few of the wizards and witches in there stared and started whispering amongst each other. Severus had a reputation for himself, of course, but to be with someone without his infamous sneer was new. He was well known for his academia and his position at Hogwarts. It was also known that Hogwarts usually had Minerva McGonagall take care of the castle's business.

"Next."

The dark wizard glided to the teller and spoke in a low volume to avoid suspicion.

"We are here to speak with Gorvuk."

The teller looked at the witch behind Severus, who smiled politely at him.

The teller pulled up a 'closed' sign at his register before replying, "Of course, I will lead you there."

He went around the counter and bowed slightly at Master and Apprentice before turning around and walking down the hall, sure they would follow. The goblin made a few turns in the hall, leading them deeper into the bank than Hermione had ever gone above ground.

They stopped in front of a finely crafted metal door. The design was intricate, the corners had goblin knots instead of dragon knots, and they were interconnected to each other. In the center of the door had the Gringotts Crest engraved into it with the same knots that left Hermione in silent awe.

The teller moved his finger along the bottom of the shield and loud unlocking noises could be heard from the thick door.

There was a bark from the other side of the door, of which the teller responded with a harsh growl. The two goblins proceeded to talk quickly in gobbledegook. It ended with a bark like laughter from inside the room.

The teller then removed his finger and the door parted from the middle.

"Gorvuk will see you now," he said, then without warning left the witch and wizard at the door.

Severus walked calmly into the room with Hermione following closely, the door shut firmly behind them.

Inside the walls were dark, carved out of stone, still jagged in some places. There was a fireplace on the farthest wall away from the door. A forge was a few feet away from the fireplace as well as an anvil and with a slew of tools above it. The furniture was cold dark metal lined with what looked like velvet. A large shield with the Gringotts Crest was hung proudly above the fireplace. The table closest to the door they entered from was small, intimate, but formal. There was one seat at the head and two at each side, reminding Hermione of a family dinner table, made out of metal.

"Gorvuk, may your wealth increase and your enemies fall to your craft," Severus said with his fist over his heart. Hermione quickly followed suit, not knowing goblin customs well.

The goblin, Gorvuk, covered in man scars, big and small, grinned with feral delight; "May your enemies grow dull and your profits prosper," he responded, his hand also formed into a first over his chest.

"Your words soothe my anger," the goblin said with a rumble.

"It is only proper to give respect where it is due," Severus replied silkily.

Gorvuk looked at Severus with a keen eye, before looking over to the young witch whom he didn't know.

"You have come both sooner and later than expected. Sooner with no contract, later with your experience."

"Indeed, my ignorance was revealed to me afterwards," His voice stayed steady as did his will.

While he didn't want Hermione to know just yet, he had promised to be honest with her. It was too much too soon for him, but she would need time to adjust as well.

'I shall dispense of my falsities with you and be authentic in all ways,' his vow echoed in his head.

"Then rejoice, for your magic is happy and your wills are both fierce," Gorvuk said while lifting his scarred eyebrow, "You are here for proof of your apprenticeship?"

"Yes."

"You have my congratulations, please young Master, be seated. Your apprentice shall stand before me."

"Thank you, Metalsmith. Apprentice, do as Gorvuk says."

Hermione nodded as she set her jaw and walked, although to the others it looked more like she was gliding, towards the goblin. While crossing the small space, the metalsmith keenly watched the witch and took in as many details as he could.

Once she was before him she felt a small tug in the back of her mind that felt vaguely similar to that of a ley line. It whispered gently and softly to her. She placed her fist back over her heart in what she thought was right the way, and recited a rote the way she did for the stronger wards, by following its call, "You honor me Metalsmith with your craft."

Gorvuk hummed pleasantly, "With honor you shall wear it proudly, Apprentice. You are the first in about three hundred years to follow the call. Your warrior spirit is strong and admirable. What is your name?"

"Hermione Granger," she replied easily.

"Hermione Granger, I will remember that name…" he ended with a nod before turning around and going to grab what looked like a staff.

"What is your master's main field of work?"

"Master Snape is a potions master."

"And you have an affinity for potions?" he asked with a slightly disbelieving tone that had Hermione blush lightly.

"No."

"What is your affinity, young Hermione Granger?" he asked, already having surmised that.

"… wards," she said lowly.

"With all those masters gone underground like cowards, your potions master will take up the mantle to train you until you become a master yourself," he said, his voice rumbling like stones clashing together, "I am glad that at least one of you isn't a coward."

"Thank you?" she said, slightly confused, looking over to her master in the corner of her eye. Severus merely sat watching the proceedings, allowing himself to be slightly amused.

Gorvuk hummed to himself in a curious manner as he stared at the witch a little longer, squinting his eyes as though he was looking for something specific.

"Remain standing and facing this way," he said as he turned around and walked to the wall with his tools of craft. He reached over the anvil and grabbed what looked like a metal rod, with a sharp end. It was approximately one meter in length. He then bent down and grabbed a small hammer, not unlike the ones on the wall.

Turning back he walked surely towards the witch with the rod in his right hand and the hammer in his left. Hermione watched curiously, even as she stood still as she was directed, cautious not to cause ill will.

"I will be measuring your for your badge, and then have you show your will so I know what design shall suit you," he answered the unspoken question.

Gorvuk thrust the metal rod that was shockingly cold length wise into her side, as though measuring her with a measuring tape. The witch pursed her lips on contact, forcing herself not to flinch like her body wanted to, but remained silent. The goblin then turned the rod width wise and measured her hips. After that he stepped back and placed the rod forcefully in front of her, the rod ringing on impact.

"You will hit this rod as hard as you can," he looked at her as though he was judging her, "Should you miss, I will wait until you hit it," he added as an afterthought.

'How rude. But I suppose with not a lot of people having such coordination, despite playing quidditch it's bound to happen…' she thought to herself.

The goblin held the hammer out to her like a baton, holding the middle with obvious practice as his arm was firm, as though holding a wand.

Hermione grabbed it firmly and Gorvuk released its weight into her hand. As expected it was much heavier than it looked, and she gripped it with both hands holding it in front of her. She was slightly surprised that the handle had a leather wrap around the handle.

"Whenever you're ready, Apprentice."

The curly haired witch nodded, and swung the hammer back before bringing it full force into the metal rod before her causing it to ring like a small church bell. Unbeknownst to her, her face twisted into a determined grimace. Her hands hurt on impact and stung from the recoil, but she squeezed the leather on the hammer harder, so she wouldn't drop it.

Gorvuk smiled, pleased with the proceeding. He deftly took the hammer from the witch, and lifted the rod at the same time. He swiftly turned on his heel and returned to the anvil.

"You may be seated, Apprentice," he spoke.

Hermione bowed her head at the goblin, and turned to sit next to her master. They sat in silence as the metalsmith began his work. Metal was ringing throughout the room, as they waited patiently. Some rings were louder and more high-pitched than others.

Severus sat still, his hands in front of him with his elbows off the table, breathing evenly. Hermione on the other hand sat, but was fidgeting with her fingers, puffing her breath every so often.

An hour and a half later the metal ringing stopped and was followed by a loud hiss. Hermione stilled her hands, her eyes alight with a new curiosity. Severus could barely control his own curiosity, knowing that each badge was different. Gorvuk's steps echoed as he walked towards the table. His hand was once again fisted over his heart.

"Apprentice," his voice was surprisingly soft with a gravel undertone, "as you struck the rod it sung loudly. It echoed these walls telling me what to craft for you. Much like ley lines tell you what you need to know."

Hermione nodded, knowing exactly what he was talking about. She wasn't much of someone who followed emotions blindly, but the pull of a line was much different… it was like someone gently turning you around by the shoulders. You could resist easily, but when you turned it felt like falling into an embrace. It was comforting, loving, and somehow… understanding. It knew you from the inside before you even knew it existed.

"I present you the turn of my craft," he said lowly.

He moved his fist outwards and opened his hand. Laying in his hand was a goblin-wrought silver badge the size of a Victorian brooch. It was a cauldron with a beautiful Indian oleander flower in the middle with two swords crossed behind it pointing upwards. The flower petals were evenly overlapped on each other.

"It's beautiful," Hermione said in awe, "What is the intended meaning behind the oleander?"

Gorvuk grinned, his teeth flashing, "Beware."

The witch's lips twitched at the goblin's humor. "It's fitting, Metalsmith. Other witches and wizards will see almost anything but beware in the 'desert rose' that's come to mean so much in terms of power and more recently romance."

The dark wizard's eyes twinkled with delight. It was perfect.

"You honor us with your craft, Metalsmith," Severus said, with a nod in Gorvuk's direction.

"I am pleased to see such fierce wills in both master and apprentice. I was glad to craft this for one who can hear the lines of a dying art."

Both witch and wizard brought their fists over their breast again.

"Young master if you would bestow this upon your apprentice," he said more than asked.

Severus nodded stiffly, gently grabbing the badge and standing up walking towards Hermione. Taking his lead once more the curly haired witch stood and faced him.

"With this badge, all who can see will know you are an apprentice. It can never be stolen, it will never be lost, if taken it will grow heavy and wreck its own wrath until it is with you again. The metal was designed by your will as the rod sung its tale to help it be born. This is for those who wish to see why you are my apprentice," he pinned it to her robes gently, "Let them see what they wish, a benign truth to hide a more dangerous truth."

Hermione blushed and grinned up at Severus.

"Thank you, Master Snape."

They both turned and again placed their fists on their chest.

"Thank you, Metalsmith. Your craft will be worn with pride, and your skill admired. May your wealth grow and your enemies grow poorer."

"May you be victorious and your enemies tremble on sight."

Severus nodded again and turned around, with Hermione following behind him, his robe flowing about him in its typical manner.

"Now the Ministry," he said silkily.