The remainder of the day proceeded routinely. Hermione delivered a lecture to the second years on the application of flobberworm mucus, while Professor Snape instructed the fifth-years in brewing the draught of peace. She kept her gaze fixed on her parchment while he taught, apprehensive about being caught, staring at him once more. As the last class of the day concluded, she took a deep breath, relieved that her first day had gone very smoothly. She rose from the desk and stretched her muscles.
Professor Snape cleared the tables with a flick of his wand. He cast the scouring charm on each surface, eliminating any residue left behind from brewing. Lastly, he cleaned off his chalkboard. His gaze shifted to his desk, catching Hermione's stare. Recognizing that she was likely awaiting his dismissal, he rolled his eyes and said, "You may retire to your rooms for the evening or head to dinner. It's your choice. I have a meeting with Professor Dumbledore."
Hermione nodded and said, "Thank you, sir." She exited the classroom and made her way to her quarters. Once there, she settled herself on the couch. Despite the prohibition on in-person communication with Ginny, there was no restriction on owl messages. She grinned mischievously and retrieved a piece of parchment from her bag. She began composing a letter to Ginny, detailing what a good day she had teaching with Professor Snape.
Dear Ginny,
Trust your first day back at Hogwarts went well. Teaching with Professor Snape has been an enlightening experience for me. Despite some challenges, I'm finding my time here enjoyable. Regrettably, Professor Snape has forbidden in-person meetings between us, deeming it inappropriate. Perhaps one weekend, I'll manage to slip away for a secret butterbeer with you. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
Hermione
She nibbled her lip, peering down at the letter. The prospect of sharing a butterbeer with Ginny later in the weekend was a risk, and she worried it might jeopardize her apprenticeship. Nonetheless, her determination to see her friend prevailed. After all, she was an adult now—why couldn't she enjoy a quick drink with her? Rising from the couch, she exited her quarters. Down in the Great Hall, she subtly passed the letter to Ginny without uttering a word. Returning to her seat at the Head Table, she commenced eating, hoping Professor Snape hadn't observed her disobedience of his explicit directive to avoid Ginny.
Slicing through her chicken, she observed Ginny unfolding the letter she had handed her moments ago. Catching Ginny's eye, she received a wink in acknowledgment of her presence. Concealing her smile behind her glass, she took a sip of water. Recalling Professor Snape's words from the previous night's welcoming feast, she greeted Hagrid with, "Good evening, Hagrid. How was class today?"
Hagrid beamed at the young Gryffindor, sharing the details of his day. He delved into the various magical creatures he introduced to the students and provided updates on Fang, his faithful dog. As he continued to elaborate on every aspect, Hermione's mind wandered. In contrast to Hagrid's openness, she couldn't help but yearn for Professor Snape to speak more freely with her. She mechanically nodded and responded while finishing her plate of food.
After dinner, Hermione retreated to her rooms, eager to immerse herself in a good book and lose herself in the words on the parchment, upon her arrival, Professor Snape was there, wearing a dark scowl. "Have I done something wrong, sir?" Hermione asked promptly.
"Ms. Granger, did you know that I've been working as a spy for nearly two decades?" His question carried an oddly sinister undertone.
Her brows knit together in confusion. "Sir?" She nervously swallowed, trying to discern the reason behind this unexpected conversation.
He casually rolled up his sleeves and asked, "Could you shed some light on what transpired in the Great Hall this evening?"
Hermione felt a sinking sensation in her stomach. He had caught her passing the parchment to Ginny, and her attempt at discretion had evidently failed. Opting to downplay the situation, she cleared her throat and replied, "I was simply discussing Hagrid's day today."
He glared at her. "Pretending ignorance won't protect you, Ms. Granger. I advise against forcing me to repeat myself."
His words made her pale, and she hurriedly began explaining, "I was just checking in on how Ginny's first day went. Since you won't let me speak to her in person, I opted for a letter instead." Hoping he would overlook this minor transgression, she took a deep breath.
Closing the short gap between them, he easily loomed over Hermione. "Haven't we gone over this before? I explicitly told you that you're no longer a student. You can't just laze around and socialize with your so-called friends. Yet, on your very first-day teaching, here you are, already scheming to grab a butterbeer." He sneered disdainfully at the mention of the word "butterbeer."
Hermione felt her mouth go dry as he effortlessly exposed her. Attempting to deny it proved futile as his intense gaze silenced her. Instead, she averted her eyes to her Mary Jane shoes and offered a quiet apology.
"Do you intend to persist in this insolent behavior of yours? I anticipated more from you." His words stung her, as they always did. Sharp and cutting, they caused Hermione's eyes to well up with moisture in an instant.
Feeling bold yet somewhat foolish, she lifted her gaze from the floor and asserted, "I am no longer a student. You can't address me in that manner anymore. I've fulfilled every request you made. Why do you persist in being such a..." Her words trailed off abruptly, realizing she couldn't resort to name-calling, no matter how much she desired to.
His sneer transformed into a smirk. "Being such a what? I want you to complete that statement."
Hermione attempted to take a step back, but he blocked her way. Glaring at him with frustration over the senseless argument he had trapped her in, she begrudgingly muttered, "An ass." She had never shown such disrespect towards him, but she had reached her limit with his attitude. As the words escaped her lips, tears that had been on the verge of spilling started to trickle down her face. Attempting once more to sidestep him, she didn't want him to witness her tears.
Thankful that he permitted her departure, she retreated to her bedroom. There, she fortified the door with numerous wards, including a silencing charm. Once certain that he couldn't enter or hear her, she slid down the door and gave in to her tears. Sobs shook her body, and tears continued to stream down. She longed for him to perceive her differently, not as an insolent child. As evening transitioned into night, she steadfastly remained in the bedroom, unwilling to step out.
As morning dawned, she showered and readied herself for the day. Adorning a forced smile, she emerged from her bedroom. Upon entering the living room, she restrained a groan at the sight of Professor Snape, already prepared. Determined not to exchange pleasantries, she inquired, "May I go to breakfast, sir?" The word "sir" almost escaped as a growl.
Professor Snape took note of Hermione's presence with yet another impolite remark. "Has the young chit acquired some respect this morning?" She bristled at the mention of that term. Anger narrowed her eyes, but her lips remained firmly sealed. She refused to let him provoke a reaction from her this morning. "If I wasn't clear last night, let me repeat myself. I do not permit you to leave this weekend. We have work to do."
His words elicited a grimace from her. As always, he was making things challenging, but determined to demonstrate her ability to be respectful, she kept her silence and was granted permission to go to breakfast. Leaving the dungeons, she was intercepted by Ginny Weasley, eager to see her.
"Hermione, can we talk?" Ginny inquired, her big brown eyes pleading.
Hermione knew she should refuse. She was already on bad terms with Professor Snape. However, not spotting him anywhere in the hallway, she discreetly followed Ginny to the library.
Once there, the two found a secluded corner away from prying eyes. Ginny eagerly began recounting everything that had happened over the past month. Hermione discovered that Ginny and Harry were now engaged and planning to marry after Ginny completed her schooling.
After Ginny shared the thrilling news, Hermione glanced around the library and leaned in closer. She whispered, "These past few weeks have been challenging. I can't seem to find common ground with Professor Snape."
Ginny responded, "Are you surprised by that?"
"Not exactly," Hermione admitted. "But I did hope for him to be at least respectful and not resort to name-calling."
Ginny offered Hermione a remorseful smile. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I know this isn't what you wanted."
"I'm not even supposed to be here. He won't give me any breathing room. I have to request permission to leave the room. I have to ask to go anywhere. It's incredibly exhausting," Hermione grumbled.
"Why do you think he's treating you like that?" Ginny asked curiously.
Hermione narrowed her eyes in anger. "He wants to make my life miserable. I think a part of him resents that I saved his life. Look, Ginny, I can't risk being caught talking to you. I already made a mistake by suggesting we get a butterbeer together. I can't afford to jeopardize my apprenticeship right now. I'll see you later." Hermione swiftly exited the library and hurried to the Great Hall as quickly as possible.
As she entered the Great Hall and took her seat, she felt a twinge of nervousness upon realizing that Professor Snape was already seated at the table, awaiting her. She averted her gaze to the food before her, attempting to ignore his intense glances that persisted.
"Ms. Granger," Professor Snape began, "Where have you been for the last ten minutes? You left before me, yet here you are, arriving late."
"I got caught up in the library," Hermione replied.
"Really? I don't see any books," he retorted angrily.
She sighed, hoping he would drop the subject. Focusing on her food and warm tea, she tried to get comfortable. Just as she settled, Ginny entered the Great Hall, taking her seat. Hermione attempted not to react to the fact that Ginny arrived just a few minutes after her. It certainly appeared suspicious, and she was aware of it.
"It seems like you weren't the only one who was late this morning," he seethed.
She glanced guiltily at her professor. She wasn't foolish; she knew he had caught her in the act. Although he might not have witnessed them together in the library, she was certain he had pieced it together quite swiftly. No longer hungry, she pushed her plate away and finished her tea.
Professor Snape rose from the table and growled at Hermione, "Classroom in 5 minutes. Don't keep me waiting."
Irritated, she rose from the table and followed him. As they entered the classroom, Professor Snape slammed the door and gestured towards the chair in front of his desk. "Sit," he ordered.
Hermione moved quickly, taking a seat while he loomed over her. The silence hung heavy, twisting her stomach into knots.
"Do you wish to continue this apprenticeship?" Professor Snape asked abruptly.
Her eyes widened in reaction. No, she couldn't afford to lose this opportunity, but she was adamant about not being treated like a child any longer. She responded reluctantly, her voice quiet, "Yes, Professor."
He shifted to the other side of the desk and sat down. His piercing eyes locked onto hers. "Then why do you persist in defying me at every opportunity? I instruct you not to do something, and you disregard it. I've run out of patience with you. You're disrespectful and have no regard for my wishes."
Her eyes flared with anger. "I am not disrespectful," she spat. "I just want to be treated as an equal, but you won't stop breathing down my neck." She was taken aback and somewhat mortified by her sudden bold attitude. She acknowledged it was inappropriate to talk back to her professor, but her Gryffindor nature refused to accept being treated this way. "What did I do to make you so insufferable to work with?" A small twinge of pride welled up within her for throwing the word "insufferable" back at him after he had used it to describe her for years. The bit of pride she felt from her response was quickly replaced by fear. She noticed his eyes darken and his lips curve into a sneer. She knew she was in trouble now.
"Everyone in this damn school has pampered you for years. They've made it so easy for you to just breeze through and pass all your classes, but not me. I am determined to make you work hard for what you want. However, if you can't handle a little pressure, then maybe you don't need to be here anymore. I will not tolerate your disrespectful attitude," he barked. "Now, tell me, Ms. Granger. Are you going to listen to me for good, or do we need to end this apprenticeship now, and you can return home?"
Her lower lip trembled as he berated her. She had no more fight left in her, accepting the fact that he was right. He was her professor, and she was his apprentice. Bowing her head to the desk, she whispered pitifully, "Yes, sir."
"I want you to go to your quarters. You won't be teaching today," he commanded. "Use this time to reflect on your behavior today and consider how you'll change it moving forward. If I don't see a significant difference, you will no longer be my apprentice."
She once again had to fight back her tears. With a reluctant nod, she complied with his instructions.