Chapter Text
The damp air of the dungeons had become something of a balm to Hermione’s grief weary heart. It wasn’t always this way. The first few weeks had been filled with anxiety and tense lectures. But now, she had relaxed into her assistant teaching position, under the man whom she would have never guessed she would have ever chosen to work for- Severus Tobias Snape.
After the war, she took a year or two to grieve, to help Minerva patch up the school, she visited a counsellor regularly, and spent time mourning with her friends. There was joy in the midst of it. Harry had married Ginny. They were now expecting a child in a few months. Ron had found happiness with a young witch from Beauxbatons who had begun working for the ministry a year ago. He was working as an Auror with Harry.
It wasn’t until everyone seemed settled, she had sat for her NEWTS and passed every one with an O, that she considered what she may want to do. Five years had passed, she had picked up work here and there from everyone who always seemed to want the golden girl's help. Simply so they could place a placard outside their shop that stated she had once worked there.
However, she gladly accepted the money. She wasn’t quite sure where she wanted to be yet.
She went away on holiday by herself for the first time ever. She wasn’t running from anyone or hiding. She was just enjoying life without the weight of it all. There on the small secluded beach, she decided she really enjoyed potions making.
After her holiday ended, she sent a letter to Minerva that she would be visiting Hogwarts- but more specifically Severus. The man who had miraculously survived half his throat being torn out by the awful snake.
Minerva was more than happy to oblige Hermione in that she was going to attempt, in Minerva’s own words “Quite an impossible feat.”
After she arrived at Hogwarts, she wished Minerva well and made her way down to the dungeons alone.
She wrapped her knuckles on the heavy door of his office, and heard a curt, “Enter.”
She pushed the door open and strode through.
———
A knock sounded on his office door. Who on earth would be bothering him now? The students had yet to arrive for the term, and the faculty met this morning.
“Enter.” He called out.
As the door swung open, he didn’t know what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t Hermione Granger.
Correction. There have been more than one occasion that the little book gremlin came wrapping on his door asking after her grades or books. But it had been at the very least, five years.
He didn’t expect a woman in her mid-twenties sporting a sleeveless navy pants suit, with the gold buttons all perfectly aligned down the curvy frame of her body. Her matching pants were tailored to fit her perfectly, and her heels seemed so contradictory to the woman who wore them that he knew he had to be gaping like a codfish.
“Hello Professor.” She said with a knowing smile, her hands leisurely in her pockets.
He shut his mouth promptly and gestured to the chair in front of him, “Please take a seat, to what do I owe the pleasure of Granger’s presence in the dungeons of Hogwarts?”
He schooled his features and leaned back in his chair, shifting his weight to one side.
She took a seat across from his desk, crossing a leg over her knee, and leaned back to observe his well worn office.
“I cannot come to simply visit a dear professor?” She asked with a smirk.
“We both know that would never be the case…well, I can only speak for myself. If Remus were still here, that would be another conversation entirely, wouldn’t it.” He asked.
She gave a small laugh and replied, “He was just a tad bit nicer to me than you, and also didn’t despise company.”
His mouth twitched upwards at her rightness, but answered, “Either way, how can I help you?”
She pinned him with a stare just then and asked, “Have you ever given any thought to taking on an apprentice?”
His eyebrows raised slightly but he shook his head, “No, I…”
And then they finished in unison, “ Work alone .”
She nodded and said with a smile, “That’s what I figured you would say.”
“However, I have a proposition for you.” She said confidently.
He grumbled, and said, “Although I will probably deny it, let’s hear it then Granger.”
He leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him as she began.
——————
Hermione revelled in the way she made Snape speechless for even a few seconds. She knew she looked good, probably much different than the frizzy haired girl he once knew.
However, there was no doubt that her heart was beating furiously, in what she hoped was, a calm outward appearance. However she knew it was all a well practised facade.
She knew, like Minerva had stated, that convincing Snape to work with anyone would be difficult, but especially her. He always seemed to have an issue with the way she constantly chattered and asked questions.
Therefore, she had been practising her speech to him for some time now. Hoping it would win him over. To be honest, she knew he was the best, but she really didn’t want to study at Durmstrang or Ilvermorny. It would be too far away from where she needed to be at the moment. However, she wouldn’t be speaking to that particular need with Snape.
“We both know that you find teaching the first years, and probably the second and third years to be abhorrent. That being said, if you allow me to be your apprentice, I will teach those classes for you in exchange for learning.” She said, looking directly into his onyx eyes.
He growled, “It seems you know how an apprenticeship works, but why on earth would I allow you to teach with no prior knowledge, and especially the most pliable minds. The ones who could cause the most danger.”
“Because you know I can, and I will have you there. If you have any potions test you would like me to complete, then test me. But you and I both know I would make an excellent teacher. Sure, it may take a bit of getting used to, but I want to learn from the best, and surely you don’t want another year of teaching the first years do you?” She said with a straight face, leaning forward in her chair.
His fingers still steepled in front of his face, looking at her as he seemed to be deep in thought, finally asking, “Why?”
She sighed, “There are many answers to that Professor, but one must know the subject of the question before I can answer properly. Why what ?”
He scowled at the way she seemed to be playing his own game back at him, saying, “Why, Ms. Granger ?” He paused at the name to see if it was correct.
She nodded, “Just miss, and yes, it’s still Granger.”
He continued, “Why, Ms. Granger, do you feel so keen on pursuing a mastery in potions years after passing your NEWTS with flying colours, and seemingly being offered numerous job opportunities from anyone who can find you.”
She sat back and observed the room, letting herself fall back into the assuredness of her mind on the subject. She spoke, “I have been working for other people for, well, almost all my life. There was always something pressing to be done, someone to care for, something to fix. Now that I feel as if I have my time back, that the world is not in peril, I would like to pursue my own interests. Potions interest me.”
“It’s going to take much more than interest to convince me, Ms. Granger.” He said with a mocking tone.
“Forgive me, maybe I used the wrong wording.” She said in a fiery tone that took him aback. She continued on, “I want this to be my career. I want to own my very own potions shop, or teach potions, or do literally anything with potions and I believe that would make me happy. I see everyone around me pairing off, having children. That, currently, would not make me happy. I want to publish my own research, make a difference in society.”
He stopped her by sneering, “And you haven’t made a difference already?”
She glared right back, no longer the meek child he once knew. “Not the kind I was able to set for myself. Not one born of my own volition. I want this. If you will not have me, I will travel to Ilvermorny and ask the potions master there.”
This deepened his scowl.
She continued, “But there is a reason I came to you, Snape. I want to learn from the best. I’m not saying that to butter you up, I know you better than that. But I know if I want to succeed, you won’t steer me wrong.”
He rose from his chair and began pacing his office. Finally he said, “You seem to ‘want’ quite a lot, Ms. Granger.”
She remained silent, and let him think.
He turned and placed his hands on the back of his large chair, “You will be my apprentice for the term. You will teach the first and second years only. You will also assist me in my independent research every other Saturday.”
He gave her a smug look that implied she would surely reject his offer. He knew it was a lot of work. Instead she rose to her full height and extended her hand, “It will be a pleasure working with you Master Snape.”
He frowned but shook her hand nonetheless.
Withdrawing his hand, he said quickly, “Classes begin next week. I expect you here a few days before to prepare. See Minerva about your living quarters and your pay.”
She stared into his eyes and they promised that the next few months would wear her down, but she was up for the challenge. “See you soon, professor.”
—-------------
Hermione closed the door to his office and walked back up several flights of stairs to the main level before catching her breath. She had done it. Convinced that stubborn man to take her on. She felt elated and entirely shaken. Now she had to do the damn thing.
She walked back to the headmistress’s office and upon her arrival was swiftly let in.
A nosey looking Minerva sat behind a large oak desk and looked down the bridge of her nose at Hermione, lowering her glasses, “And? Were you able to break the impenetrable wall that is Severus Snape?” She chuckled.
“Yes.” Was all Hermione said.
Minerva promptly dropped her writing quill and stared, not unlike Snape, at Hermione. “You did? He will accept you?”
“Yes. On the conditions that I teach his first and second years, and aid in his private research every other Saturday while I learn.” She replied, a small smile growing on her face.
Minerva was still slightly gaping, and then snapped up her jaw. “Well, if anyone could accommodate such an impossible task, it would be you my dear. I believe congratulations are in order.”
She sighed and practically fell into the armchair Minerva gestured to by the fire as Minerva magically procured two wine glasses. She poured them both a small amount and handed Hermione a glass, which she accepted gratefully.
“Cheers my dear, to a year full of learning, teaching together, and hoping Severus keeps his tongue in check.” She said, which had Hermione laughing as she clinked her glass to Minerva’s own.
“Cheers to all that, and to keeping my own sanity.” She finished and they drank.
Setting down her glass, Minerva patted Hermione on the arm, “It will be so good to have you here in the castle. Speaking of, I haven’t mentioned this to Severus yet, out of fear for my own life…but I’m going to have to move his living quarters to somewhere other than the dungeons. It’s being expanded, and the ministry has stated that he can’t live in the same area that he teaches. Who knows why. That’s the ministry being the bloody ministry.” She rambled on.
“So, where will he stay?” Hermione asked.
“Well, we have had an empty tower towards the right side of the castle, very close to Slytherin house, which will be best suited for him, but it’s the highest point of the castle, aside from the clock tower. I’m not sure how he will take to going from the dungeons all the way up there.” She said with a huff of a laugh and took another sip of her drink.
Hermione said, “I’m glad I won’t be around when you tell him, I’m worried for your life too.”
“Oh, no, you will be here. Because there are precisely two rooms up there, one for you and the other for him. I figured since you would be apprenticing, it would be the best place to put you both.” Minerva said nonchalantly.
It was Hermione’s turn to gap, “Minerva, he will surely toss me out the window at some point.”
“Nonsense…and even if he does, you both share a balcony. You will land there.” She said with a smirk.
“I’m already regretting my decision.” She said, slumping further back into the chair.
“I think you will come to find that Severus has mellowed these few years you’ve been away. Remember, he’s only in his forties. He may act like a surly old man set in his ways, but he’s had to be vigilant all these years.” Minerva said.
“Mellowed?” Hermione said sarcastically.
“Mellowed…very slightly. He takes his coffee with a small amount of sugar now, even cream some days.” She said
“Coffee? That’s what we’re banking on?” Hermione said with an eye roll.
“It’s a start! Who knows, maybe you will help him to continue on his path to happiness.” Minerva said with a disbelieving look.
“Happiness?” Hermione repeated the same way.
“A positive outlook on living?” Minerva tried.
Hermione shook her head and gave her a withering look.
“I should have your quarters ready when you arrive next week. Oh, I almost forgot to ask, how are your parents?” Minerva asked, standing to take their glasses.
Hermione’s mood shifted and Minerva stopped and looked at her, “No change?”
Hermione simply shook her head. Minerva pulled her up and into a hug, “I am so sorry my dear, if there is anything I can do. You need only ask.”
She pulled back and smiled into the witches face saying, “When I inevitably come to you at the end of my first week and tell you that his antics aren’t worth it, I need you to stop me from quitting.”
She laughed at that and said, “I may have to use the pensive for that one, but of course.”
—----------------
“I quit.” Severus said, gapping at the older woman stationed behind her desk.
“Now, see here, Severus.” The older witch began but was rudely cut off by Snape.
“No, you see here. My only stipulations for teaching here were that my quarters be in the dungeons. Seeing as how that stipulation is no longer being met, let me be perfectly clear. I. Quit.” He rumbled.
There goes my apprenticeship. Hermione thought wearily where she was leaning against the window on the far side of the room, hoping to dodge as much of Snape’s wrath as possible.
“Severus, this is not my doing. This is the bloody ministry. They have stated you cannot live in the same quarters as where you work and/or teach. Which not only affects you, I might add.” She recited from the letter in her hands.
He thought for a moment, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. Hermione noticed he didn’t have his robes on today. Which was rather off for Snape. Although she hadn’t seen him in a few years.
Maybe that was normal now. He was wearing a black button down, sleeves rolled just below his elbows, matching black pants and his usual dragonhide boots, but something seemed different about him. His hair looked similar to the way it did when they found out he was the half-blood prince. It was odd to think that this was the same man standing in front of her, arguing about his living quarters.
“Where would you have me stay? In the case that I did not quit- which I currently still am.” He asked pointedly.
Minerva raised an eyebrow and said, “There is a tower close to Slytherin house, away from all the students, at one of the highest points in the castle.”
He frowned but did not immediately reject her offer. Finally asking, “As long as I am the only one up there, that is acceptable.”
When Minerva grimaced, he barked an angry laugh, “And who do you expect me to share this quaint corner of the castle with? Longbottom? Surely he will fill the whole bloody hallway with plants!”
When she didn’t answer and looked over at Hermione, who was currently trying to become part of the wall behind her, his frown deepened with knowing.
“Absolutely not, Minerva. We will be working together all day everyday. We will both need our space, and I’m positive Ms. Granger will want to be rid of my company when her day comes to an end.”
Minerva finally found her voice, “The stairs leading up to your rooms part halfway up and offer you both two stories. It’s more than any other professor in this castle has- space wise. Plus, you will both have your own kitchens, living quarters, and sleeping areas. The only time you may see each other is when you come and go from the hallway. The rooms both have silencing charms on them, so Hermione dear, if you wish to play music as loudly as you would like- you will not disturb our poor grumpy Severus here.” She let her grin spread at the way she poked fun at him.
He huffed, turning towards the door. “I don’t like this Minerva. Please have my things moved this evening. Ms. Granger, I expect you in the lab at 7am sharp tomorrow morning.” With that, he was gone.
She looked at Minerva as the older woman said, “Well, I think that went splendidly. Are you ready to move your things my dear?”
Hermione just huffed a laugh and nodded, following the woman to her new space.
The trek to her new quarters was quite lengthy. She hadn’t spent much time in this part of the castle, seeing as it was close to Slytherin house. However, it was the spiralling staircase that had her regretting her decisions now. When they finally reached the top it did in fact split into two separate staircases, each leading to a door.
She took the one on the right and Minerva unlocked it, having Hermione key herself to the door magically. Upon entering, she was greeted with an open kitchen area that led into a spacious sitting room with a window that seemed to arch from the first floor to the second, giving her a massive view of the Hogwarts grounds and beyond. It was breathtaking.
There was a metal staircase leading up to a loft area where she found her bedroom and attached bathroom. There was also a small door leading to what she supposed was the balcony Minerva spoke of Snape tossing her out onto. A charming thought. She grimaced.
Minerva called from below, “Hermione, I have to go deal with a few things before students start arriving in a few days, but if you need anything, let me know.”
“Thank you.” She said sincerely, gazing at the older woman below with her hand on the doorknob.
“So happy to have you back at Hogwarts, Hermione. Just remember, Severus doesn’t bite…but if he does, just bite back.” She winked and then she flitted out the door.
She rolled her eyes. Bite him back, huh? Why did she get the feeling that that’s exactly what he would want her to do- fight with him.
Her mind wandered to unknown territory as she thought about actually biting him. He did look…handsome today. She wondered if he enjoyed biting? Maybe just his lips? Maybe his neck- or would that bring back bad memories? What was she thinking? This was Snape she was thinking about. Her new boss. She shook herself and began unpacking.
This should be an interesting year.