As Hermione stirred awake, the previous night's events rushed back to her in a sudden wave of clarity. She glanced around the room, momentarily disoriented, before the realization of where she was settled in. The memories of their shared intimacy filled her mind, leaving her feeling both exhilarated and apprehensive about what the morning would bring.
Hermione struggled to contain the rising tide of panic threatening to overwhelm her. She had grown accustomed to her Professor's distant demeanor and biting remarks, but now, she felt entirely out of her depth after the intimacy they shared the night before. Uncertainty gnawed at her as she grappled with whether she should ignore what had happened or acknowledge it and anticipate further developments between them.
Flicking her eyes to the empty space beside her, Hermione felt a pang of sadness at finding the bed devoid of Severus. Concern crept in as she wondered about the time, realizing that his absence likely meant it was later than she expected. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, she bit back a curse upon seeing the time. With only thirty minutes left, she knew she had to hurry to shower, get dressed, and make her way to the living room for breakfast.
Hermione swung her legs over the side of the bed as a thought crossed her mind. Maneuvering to her feet, she realized she would have to make her way to her bedroom if she were to shower and get dressed. She hesitated, not feeling prepared to face her Professor at the present time. However, with no other option, she quickly threw on her pants and shirt, leaving behind her unnecessary garments.
Hermione quietly tiptoed to the closed bedroom door, determined to be quiet and discreet. Feeling slightly foolish, she cast a Disillusionment Charm to hide herself from him. Gripping the door handle tightly, she slowly opened the door and peeked her head out, not seeing him in his usual spot. Feeling slightly relieved, she moved quickly toward her bedroom but froze as she heard her Professor's amused voice.
"Didn't I say to stop hiding from me?" Professor Snape's words filled the quiet room.
Ignoring him, Hermione cringed and continued on her way. She didn't have time or the willpower to converse with him. After reaching her bedroom, she shut the door and immediately began to get herself ready for the day.
Hermione wished she had more time as she vigorously managed the unruly mess of hair on her head. Pumping a few squirts of Sleekeazy into her palms, she worked to tame it into sensible curls instead of the wild frizziness it had become from the night before. Peering into the mirror, her cheeks flushed at the sight of two love bites glaringly visible on her neck.
Hermione put her hand to her neck, unsure how to hide them from view. Unable to dwell on it, she dressed quickly and took another look in the mirror. Thankfully her potion robes came up to her neck hiding the two love bites. She felt a wave of relief as she realized her potion robes would cover the love bites on her neck. With a quick adjustment, she ensured they were properly concealed before heading out of her bedroom.
As she entered the living room, awkwardness settled in like an unwelcome guest. Hermione struggled to find the right words or actions. Swallowing nervously, she opted for a simple question: "Breakfast?"
Deciding to keep his thoughts to himself for now, Professor Snape agreed with a curt nod as they walked out of their shared quarters. The journey to the Great Hall was marked by an uncomfortable silence, as Hermione remained resolutely quiet, unwilling to engage in conversation.
Once at the table, Hermione mechanically poured herself a cup of tea and picked at her eggs, but internally, she was anything but calm. Her thoughts raced, and she struggled to keep her composure, feeling the weight of the previous night's events heavy on her mind.
Suddenly, she was startled when Severus touched her hand, sending chills down her spine. She looked up, meeting his dark gaze, unsure of what to expect. "Were you speaking to me?" Hermione's voice quivered slightly as she struggled to contain her nerves.
Severus maintained eye contact for a moment before replying, his voice low and composed. "Yes, I was attempting to explain our schedule for the day, but it appears your thoughts were elsewhere."
Hermione felt her cheeks flush at his observation, embarrassed that he had detected her preoccupation with the previous night's events. "Sorry, go on."
"Today, you will be instructing the second years. I believe you're prepared for a slightly more demanding task," Severus outlined, reverting to his authoritative tone. "Following that, we have the fourth years, a double class for the sixth years, and another double class for the seventh years," he detailed their packed schedule.
Hermione was taken aback by his swift transition from lover to professor, causing her to feel a bit disoriented. However, reminding herself of her role as an obedient apprentice, she nodded in acknowledgment and replied, "Yes, Professor. I am grateful for the opportunity to take on a more challenging task."
Unable to help himself, amusement flickered across his face as he crooned softly to her, "Good girl. I know you can do it."
As his words washed over her, Hermione felt a mixture of embarrassment and frustration bubbling within her. Hastily withdrawing her hand from his touch, she directed her gaze downward, focusing on her partially consumed breakfast, hoping to hide her conflicted emotions.
Hermione pushed her distressed thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. Teaching the second years was a new responsibility for her, and she wanted to ensure she met Professor Snape's expectations. Unsure which lesson he preferred for today, she lifted her gaze from her plate and addressed him directly. "Sir, which lesson should I teach today?"
"What do you think?" Professor Snape asked, encouraging Hermione to take the initiative.
Hoping this was the correct answer, Hermione cleared her throat and said, "The Fire Protection Potion seems the most likely to be taught next."
Professor Snape nodded in agreement. "Very good. Can you tell me what ingredients they will need?"
Hermione couldn't suppress a slight eye roll at his question. She had known about that potion since her first year after traversing the underground chambers at Hogwarts to help Harry retrieve the Philosopher's Stone. Choosing to be kind and refrain from a snappy retort, she responded proudly, "Bursting mushrooms, salamander blood, and wartcap powder."
Professor Snape's inquiries continued, "What color is the potion supposed to be if done correctly?"
Hermione couldn't hide her irritation at his persistent need to test her knowledge. "Blue," she muttered, feeling annoyed.
"And what is its purpose?" he pressed on, disregarding the edge in her voice.
Hermione suppressed her annoyance and answered his question, "It creates a shield against fire, making the user immune to flames for a short period." Mustering some boldness, she reminded him, "You know, I did get perfect marks in my OWLs and my NEWTs, sir."
Amusement flickered again in his dark eyes. "Why are bursting mushrooms dangerous?" he inquired.
Hermione gritted her teeth and growled, "It can swell and eventually explode, hence the name 'bursting mushrooms.' Have I answered enough bloody questions now?" As the words left her mouth, she felt a pang of remorse for her use of the word "bloody" towards him. She had never been this disrespectful before.
Hermione quickly defused the situation, saying, "I'm sorry, Professor. I lost my cool." She hoped her apology would help smooth over any offense she may have caused.
Hermione's heart raced as Professor Snape abruptly grabbed her arm and began dragging her out of the Great Hall. She stumbled slightly, caught off guard by his sudden action.
As Hermione struggled to keep pace with his long strides, she couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension gnawing at her. Being dragged along by Professor Snape, she felt a sense of dread creeping in, reminiscent of a first-year facing their first detention.
As they reached the Potions classroom, Professor Snape swung the door open abruptly and forcefully pulled Hermione inside. With a resounding thud, the door closed shut behind them, enveloping them in the dimly lit room. Professor Snape turned to face Hermione, his glare piercing and unmistakably displeased by her impertinence.
Hermione attempted once more to apologize. "Sir, I understand that you take great pride in your classroom and that you value excellence in teaching. I apologize sincerely for my disrespectful behavior. The word slipped out in the heat of the moment."
"I think we need to have a serious talk," Professor Snape responded eerily quietly. "Currently, what do you see me as?"
Hermione was caught off guard by his question. "I see you as my Potions professor and mentor," she replied tentatively, uncertain of where this conversation was heading. She did not dare add lover to that statement.
He tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "Can you engage in a respectful dialogue? I will persist in asking questions as needed. My standards are high, and I anticipate excellence. Anything less is unacceptable."
Hermione straightened, meeting his gaze with determination. "Yes, Professor. I understand your expectations, and I will strive to meet them."
"Then why did you find it necessary to use that language toward me? I am not one of your little friends," Professor Snape demanded, his anger continuing to simmer at the word she used.
Hermione's expression darkened at his words. Despite the intimacy they shared last night, he still maintained his distance, and his reproach felt like a slap in the face. She didn't want to continue this conversation any longer. Knowing it was futile, she attempted to step around him, but he grabbed her arm firmly, halting her attempt to leave.
"I am not made of rubber. Stop pulling on me!" she yelled suddenly.
"I did not dismiss you," Professor Snape growled lowly. "You are my apprentice. Mine." His possessive words sent butterflies to her stomach. "You signed up for this," he reminded her harshly. "You willingly came back to Hogwarts to work with me, and now I ask you a simple question and you can't answer it."
Hermione stayed quiet, wary of saying anything that might worsen the situation. She reflected on the fact that she had willingly become his apprentice, anticipating challenges, but what she was experiencing now was beyond her expectations.
"I told you not to hide from me, so why must you continue to fight me," he demanded. "I am not going to ask a third time so listen closely. Why did you use that word in the Great Hall if I'm supposed to be your Professor? You wouldn't dare say that word any other time, but today you did."
"I... I don't know," Hermione stammered, feeling the weight of his gaze upon her. She was aware of the reason, but she hesitated to speak it aloud. She observed the anger simmering in the depths of his eyes, wary of its potential eruption.
"You were never a good liar, Hermione," Professor Snape reminded her, his tone cutting through the air with precision.
The fact that he called her by her first name shocked her. She glanced between the closed door and her Professor, who stood there towering over her. Frustrated and unable to find a way out of the mess, she incoherently mumbled, "You're not just my professor."
"Mumbling doesn't suit you. You can recite a whole textbook loud and clear, so summon your Gryffindor courage and say it," he commanded.
"I don't see you as just my professor anymore," she admitted suddenly. "I know I can't talk to you that way normally, but you are so frustrating. You have been the most difficult man I have ever experienced in my life. You are hot and then cold, and it's giving me whiplash." Feeling emboldened by her sudden outburst, she continued, unwilling to stop herself. "You have kept me on my toes every damn year, and you actually challenge me, unlike my other professors. Now that you have made me break the rules, you expect me to act like my normal self?"
Professor Snape's previous amusement returned, manifesting itself in a faint chuckle. "You were willing to break the rules. I didn't force you to do anything you didn't want to do. I gave you multiple chances to stop me, but you didn't."
Hermione eyes blazed in anger. "I never said I regretted it!"
"You acted like it," he retorted. "First, you put a disillusionment charm over yourself, which was very poorly executed. Next, when you entered the living room, you barely said a word. You just said 'breakfast' and that was that. So, why are you yelling at me?"
Hermione took a few steps back, acknowledging that he was right. She had raised her voice at him twice now. "I suppose I just wasn't prepared to talk about it," she responded quietly.
"Clearly, but now you're not behaving appropriately, and I'm concerned about the rest of this apprenticeship," he responded bluntly. "I don't appreciate being shouted at, and your lack of maturity could jeopardize our working relationship."
Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes at his sudden reprimand. She couldn't afford to lose this apprenticeship. "Please, I promise I'll fix this. Just give me a chance," she pleaded.
"What do you expect of me?" he responded coldly.
Hermione bit her lip, unsure how to respond. "I expect you to teach me and guide me into becoming a potion's professor. I expect you to challenge me and make things difficult because I can handle it. I expect you to maintain professionalism in public and..." She paused, surprised by the direction her thoughts were taking.
"And?" he challenged, refusing to back down.
Blushing deeply but feeling compelled to be honest, she confessed, "I want you to treat me like a lover when no one else is around."
Professor Snape's expression softened, his dark eyes studying her carefully. "Is that what you want?" he asked quietly, his voice devoid of its usual sharpness.
Hermione nodded earnestly. "I will be honest with you and treat you with respect. I understand the boundaries between public and private, and I apologize for crossing that line. It won't happen again."
Suddenly, his hand reached out and cupped her cheek, gently brushing away a lone tear. "I think you forget that you wear your emotions on your sleeve, and every thought and emotion you have, I can read through you like a book." Seeing her cheeks flush at his words, he continued on, ignoring her embarrassment. "You think entirely too much. You never just live in the moment and allow things to happen. I have been watching you tirelessly throughout this whole apprenticeship, hoping you will break out of this shell that you continue to wear. I don't like how you are afraid to step out of your comfort zone and do things that you wouldn't normally do. You have to learn to accept that things change, and that doesn't make you any less the same witch you have always been."
Severus took a deep breath, withdrawing his hand from her skin. "You are afraid to disappoint me. You walk on eggshells, thinking that everything you do and say will be criticized."
Hermione's frown deepened as she absorbed his words, unaware that her efforts to please him hadn't gone unnoticed. Allowing her anger to surface, she retorted, "Your actions have contradicted any notion of my efforts being satisfactory." Her fear subsided as she continued, her tone accusatory. "You've labeled me as insolent, a know-it-all, and incompetent. You've even suggested I'm not suited for this role. So, Severus Snape, how am I supposed to feel when you've made it abundantly clear that I'm inadequate?"
Severus's words cut through Hermione like a knife, each one a reminder of their tumultuous history. "Because for the last seven years, you've been a thorn in my side," he began, his voice laced with frustration. "Everyone's sung your praises, extolling your intelligence and bright future. Nothing's ever posed a challenge for you. Every year, it's O's across the board, and essays longer than any I've seen in my 18 years of teaching here. No one's ever pushed my buttons quite like you."
Hermione's breath caught at the raw emotion in Severus's voice, a stark departure from his usual composed demeanor. His frustration was palpable as he forged ahead, not giving her a chance to interject or respond.
"You set my robes on fire your first year, you've incessantly waved your hand every damn day in my class, wanting me to call on you. And for some reason, you always stood up for me, even though you had no reason to. I was deemed a Death Eater, shown as anything but trustworthy, yet you've said it yourself—you've always trusted me," he growled.
Hermione tried to take a few steps back, not sure where this conversation was going, but he wouldn't let her.
Severus's eyes darkened suddenly as his next words left his mouth eerily haunting. "You saw me dying that night. You witnessed me lying there, unable to breathe as blood gushed from my throat. You saved me that night. You couldn't let me die. Everyone had accepted the fact that it was my time, but not you. You cried for me for days. I can see it reflected in your eyes. You decided to stick your nose into something that didn't concern you. I stand here today because of you."
"The war was over. Everyone was free to do what they wanted. You could have any damn job you wanted. Literally, you could be the next Minister, but again, you felt compelled to work with me and you didn't take no for an answer. I still don't understand why you wouldn't jump at the chance to do anything but this. I also don't understand why it took you this long to realize that you have feelings for me."
Hermione lowered her eyes, surprised that he knew she had feelings for him but hadn't said a word. His penetrating gaze continued to stare at her. "Why didn't you say anything earlier?" she mumbled, her voice barely audible.
A small smile tugged at his lips. "It was amusing watching you squirm. Besides, I am your Professor. It would be inappropriate for me to mention it while I am currently teaching you," he explained calmly.
"Why did you make me admit it then?" She asked. "Obviously, what we did was not appropriate."
He scoffed and remarked, "I didn't appreciate your behavior. I wanted you to return to your usual self." Sensing her discomfort, he softened his tone and confided, "I enjoy our banter, your resistance. When you stopped engaging and started ignoring me, I knew I had to intervene."
"By sleeping with me?" She inquired as she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. She still didn't understand why he chose to sleep with her.
"You think too much," he teased. "Sometimes actions speak louder than thoughts."
"I wasn't hiding from you. I needed time to process," Hermione defended herself.
Severus raised an eyebrow skeptically. "And punching walls and going for long walks is your way of processing?" he retorted sarcastically.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "What I do in my personal time is my business," she retorted firmly.
"Like hell, it is," he growled, his tone sharp and assertive.
"When did you become my keeper all of a sudden? I did not sign up to be watched and under your thumb every damn second of every day," Hermione snapped, her frustration evident in her voice.
"Obviously, you did sign up for this because you know who I am. I am demanding, I am relentless, and I will not back down from anything," he reminded sharply, his tone unyielding. "To answer your question, you have always run rampant in my mind but ever since the night I helped you with your arm it has been increasingly so. As I said, no one has made me quite as unhinged as you do."
Remembering that class was due to start soon, Hermione smoothed down her robes and said, "Class is about to start, Professor. Would you like to postpone this conversation for another time?"
Feeling more relaxed by her reminder he nodded sharply and said, "Yes, let us prepare for their arrival."