Hermione pushed aside her thoughts and focused intently on her apprenticeship. Though the conversation with her professor remained unresolved, she was relieved it was put on hold for the moment. Wrestling with her emotions, she remained mindful that he was observing her closely. She directed her attention to her work, diligently teaching the second-years how to make the fire protection potion as planned.
As the seventh years flooded in, Hermione couldn't help but notice Ginny among them. The sight served as a reminder that these newfound feelings for her Professor wouldn't be easily explained to her friends. She dreaded the thought of having to explain herself, but perhaps they could keep this their little secret for as long as possible.
Catching her Professor's gaze, Hermione quickly banished all her thoughts, allowing herself to live in the moment as he suggested. Squaring her shoulders, she began to wander around the classroom, observing the students brewing. Today's lesson seemed challenging for the students to master. It puzzled Hermione, leaving her to wonder why her professor insisted on making everything so complicated.
Hermione peered into a student's cauldron and frowned at the abysmal attempt. Lifting her head from the cauldron, her eyes met a pair of sparkly blue eyes from a waiting pupil. Suppressing her urge to dictate what to do to fix it, she gently advised, "I suggest you review the instructions before brewing. The color is off, and the consistency resembles paste. Give it another try." With a tap, she cleared the cauldron of the failed potion.
Hermione continued to the next table, leaving the pupil to figure it out on their own. Her feet stopped at Ginny's cauldron, and their eyes briefly met. Remembering that she was supposed to focus on her task, Hermione reluctantly peeled her eyes away from Ginny and peered into the cauldron. As expected, it was perfect.
Hermione offered a smile and praised, "Excellent work, Ms. Weasley." Reluctantly, she moved on to the next student.
The final class period concluded, and Hermione observed as the students gradually made their way out of the room. Her gaze lingered on Ginny for a moment longer than intended as she watched her exit the classroom.
Turning her attention back to her professor, Hermione was taken aback by the slight grimace on his face. "Did I do something wrong?" she asked, concerned.
"Are you trying to make your friend concerned for you?" Severus asked sharply, his tone laden with sarcasm.
"I just looked at her. I didn't say anything," Hermione responded, rolling her eyes slightly. She didn't want to argue with him.
Smirking at her irritation, Severus pointed to the pile of essays scattered around his desk. "Would you like to help me grade? Let's see if you can handle another responsibility."
Accepting his challenge, Hermione moved toward the desk. Settling into the chair nearby, she picked up the first essay and began to read. By the first paragraph, she wanted to toss it aside, but she remained professional. Grabbing a quill, she started to annotate the page, underlining glaringly incorrect parts.
By the end of the first essay, Hermione felt agitated, hoping there would be better ones in the pile. Gripping the quill tightly, she wrote a "P" on top of the paper and set it down on a clear space on his desk.
Hermione couldn't contain the words that begged to be spilled from her lips. "Why do they not understand that everything they could possibly need is in the library or learned in class?" she exclaimed in frustration.
"Unfortunately, they don't have a Gryffindor know-it-all to write their essays," he responded knowingly.
Hermione, her tone slightly defensive, grumbled, "I only did that once."
"Once? You did it at least five times. I can distinguish between gibberish and eloquence, and every time that ginger-haired fool wrote his own essay, it didn't make any sense," Severus pointed out in frustration.
Acknowledging that he was right, Hermione remained silent, but a strange sense of calm washed over her. However, her tranquility was short-lived as anger surged within her once again at his next words.
"I don't know what you saw in him. You are far too intelligent for the likes of him," he grumbled.
"Jealous?" Hermione blurted out suddenly, but as soon as the words left her, she regretted it.
"Jealous?" He laughed loudly at her words. "Why would I be jealous when I got to you first."
Blushing at his remark, Hermione busied herself by picking up another essay. This one was slightly better than the first, but still had room for improvement. After writing a couple of notes, she gave this particular essay an "A" for Acceptable.
Satisfied with Hermione's grading decisions, Severus took a few essays from her and silently began grading in his own chair. The comforting silence enveloped them as they swiftly worked through the stack of essays in record time.
As they finished grading the final essay, Professor Snape hesitantly glanced at Hermione and asked quietly, "What do you plan to tell Ms. Weasley?"
Hermione struggled to answer. She knew outright lying wouldn't be right, but she didn't have a label to describe whatever had transpired between the two of them so far. "I'm not sure I want to say anything, but it's difficult to ignore the unwelcome thoughts that keep surfacing."
"Can you promise me something?" He said suddenly.
Hermione frowned, uncertain about his request, but she gave a sharp nod of agreement.
"Promise me that you won't say anything to anyone. I know it's difficult for you, but I need you to understand the number of rules we're breaking and the consequences if the wrong person finds out. You're my apprentice, and if someone wanted to, they could question my intentions and revoke your license," Severus explained. "Do you understand?"
Anxiety started to surface, making her heart skip a beat. She didn't want to jeopardize her chances of obtaining her potions license after her apprenticeship, so reluctantly she whispered, "Yes, sir. I understand."
Severus rose from the desk and made his way to the door. "Come on, dinner is about to start."
Reluctantly, Hermione trailed behind him. She wasn't particularly hungry, but she knew she had to make an appearance.
"Cheer up," He teased. "You did great today."
Hermione was taken aback by his praise, but she quickly recovered and replied, "Thank you. I learned from the best."
"Indeed," he concurred, with a touch of arrogance.
While they sat and ate in the Great Hall, Severus found it difficult to tear his eyes away from Hermione. He couldn't help but notice how little she ate, which troubled him. Frustrated, he scowled at her and urged, "Eat. You've barely touched your food the last few days. Stop overanalyzing everything."
Hermione frowned at his observation. True to his nature, he had seen everything. Nothing could stay hidden from him for too long. "I'm not hungry," she explained, taking a sip of her tea.
"Do you expect to live off just tea for the rest of your life?" Severus growled lowly.
Rolling her eyes, Hermione took a bite of her chicken just for his sake. Seeing him relax slightly unnerved her. His concern for her outside of teaching and potion-making was unusual, but it left butterflies in her stomach.
Seeking solace in conversation with someone less commanding, Hermione lifted her gaze to the burly man seated next to her. "Good evening, Hagrid."
Hagrid's warm smile greeted her. "Hello, Hermione. Are you feeling better?" He had noticed her tears the night before, and it concerned him.
Hermione nodded slowly, feeling embarrassed that he had noticed her distress. "Yes, I am. It's just been a lot being away from home," she replied, fabricating an excuse to conceal the true source of her emotional turmoil.
Before she could utter another word, an owl swooped in, dropping a letter onto Hermione's plate. She swiftly plucked the envelope from the plate and examined the front, wondering who would send her a letter. Observing the familiar handwriting of Harry's, she eagerly tore open the envelope and began to read.
Dear Hermione,
I hope this letter finds you well. How's everything going with your apprenticeship under Snape? I've been curious to hear about your experiences, although I can't say I envy you having to spend so much time with that greasy git.
Hermione paused after the first paragraph, realizing she should have found a more private spot to read the letter. With a sense of trepidation, she drew the letter closer and continued reading, silently hoping her Professor wouldn't catch the unflattering names Harry was calling him.
Is Snape still giving you a hard time, or has he lightened up a bit? I can't imagine what it must be like working with him day in and day out. If he's still being his usual snarky self, just remember that you're far more brilliant and capable than he'll ever give you credit for.
Ron and I miss having you around. Auror training has been exhausting, but it's been rewarding too. You're always welcome to come back home. Let me know if you're planning to visit for the holidays. We'd love to have you.
Anyway, I hope you're managing to find some enjoyment in your studies despite Snape's constant nagging. Write me back whenever you get the chance. I'm always here if you need to vent about the greasy git.
Take care,
Harry
Hermione neatly folded the letter and slid it back into the envelope. Feeling somewhat self-conscious, she glanced over at Severus, relieved to find him preoccupied with his tea. However, her relief was short-lived.
"The trio of morons want a reunion already?" Severus responded with his trademark sarcasm.
Hermione scowled at him, clearly displeased by his choice of words. Her annoyance only grew as he smirked back at her. "Do you find teasing others amusing?" she retorted.
His smirk grew more prominent. "It depends on who the target audience is. With you, I find great joy in getting a rise out of you. It's easy to rile you up," he remarked, his tone teasing.
Hermione lowered her eyes from him, surprised by his response. Reluctantly she had to agree that he did get her riled up. Quite easily too she might add. Her scowl deepened, her irritation palpable as she glared at him. "Is this some sort of game to you?" she questioned, her voice tinged with frustration.
Professor Snape's smirk remained, undeterred by her glare. "Oh, indeed it is, Miss Granger. And you, my dear apprentice, make for a most entertaining player," he replied, his tone laced with amusement.
Hermione narrowed her eyes, feeling a mix of annoyance and begrudging amusement at his remark. She couldn't deny that he had a knack for pushing her buttons.
Professor Snape maintained his piercing gaze, silently daring Hermione to speak up. When she remained silent, he turned his attention back to his tea, a faint smirk lingering on his lips, clearly amused by her lack of response.
After dinner, upon returning to her quarters, Hermione settled onto the couch, intending to lose herself in her book. However, her attention was diverted as Severus abruptly began removing his potion robes.
Hermione found herself unable to tear her eyes away as Severus revealed his white dress shirt and black pants, the same attire he had worn the night before. Hastily, she averted her gaze back to her book, feeling mortified that he had caught her staring at him.
Hermione's mortification deepened as she heard him chuckle. Gripping her book tighter, she felt a surge of anger towards him. "You always insisted on proper attire for brewing, yet here you are, being a complete hypocrite," she blurted out suddenly.
"I think you forgot, Hermione, that I am not currently brewing, and I can wear whatever I want," he responded, his tone laced with amusement.
Hermione wanted to ask why she couldn't do the same, but she decided to disengage from the conversation. He seemed to be expecting an argument from her, but she didn't want to encourage further confrontation.
Suddenly, Severus sat down in the seat beside her and snatched the book from her hands. He glanced at the title with a hint of disinterest and remarked, "You're already well-versed in this subject. Why do you bother reading it?"
Hermione shot him a glare and retorted, "I enjoy reading. You're aware of that. Now, kindly return my book."
Severus's eyes sparkled with amusement, and the smirk on his lips widened into a full-fledged grin. "Try and take it," he challenged, his tone playful yet daring.
Hermione gritted her teeth and, acting on impulse, seized the book tightly in Severus's hands, attempting to wrench it away from him.
Severus chuckled at her effort. "Nice try," he remarked, his tone laced with amusement. "But I think you'll find I'm stronger than you."
Fed up with the game, Hermione straightened her posture and summoned all her magical strength. With a silent incantation, she cast the Accio spell on the book, snatching it away from Severus before he could react.
With a sense of triumph flooding her, Hermione reclaimed her victory. Clutching the book tightly, she met Severus's eyes defiantly. "Strength isn't everything. Intelligence, however, prevails," she retorted boldly. Allowing her defiance to overtake her judgment she blurted, "I'm smarter than you." Instantly she regretted what she said.
Severus frowned at her retort. "I have been teaching long before your time. My experience grants me wisdom beyond your years."
Hermione couldn't suppress the defiance bubbling within her. "Indeed, Professor, you are certainly showing your age," she quipped.
Severus growled, "I'll show you age," before abruptly tossing the book aside and pulling Hermione into a passionate kiss. In the intensity of the moment, he poured all his frustration into the embrace, fueled by her audacity.
Amid their heated and lustful kiss, they tumbled off the couch onto the cold, hard ground. Severus's fingers eagerly sought out Hermione's pristine shirt, gripping it tightly before abruptly tearing it open, sending buttons flying in all directions.
As Hermione gasped against his mouth, Severus eagerly slipped his tongue inside, their mouths melding in a fervent dance of desire. His hands roamed her body with a hunger that matched the intensity of their kiss.
Silently, Severus used magic to strip away their clothing, leaving them bare and exposed to each other's desires. Lowering his lips to her neck, he nibbled her skin fiercely, leaving behind possessive marks that spoke of his dominance over her.
Severus pinned her to the floor, his gaze locking with hers in a silent plea for consent. Unable to resist him, she nodded, granting him permission as he entered her with urgency and need. He thrust into her with fervor, each movement urgent and demanding. It was a stark contrast to their previous encounter, filled with a raw intensity that left them both breathless. His hips drove into hers with force, relishing the sound of her cries echoing in the room as she called out his name.
Severus held her wrists firmly with one hand as he skillfully manipulated her clit with his thumb. With each expert stroke and a forceful thrust, Hermione's climax crashed over her, her body trembling as she cried out his name in ecstasy. With one final, powerful thrust, Severus released himself inside her, their bodies entwined in a moment of raw intensity and shared pleasure.