Chapter 10
AU / Same world as all of my previous stories.
The world and the characters in it belongs to J.K. Rowling
AN: This story will be a multi-chapter one, I don t know how long or how frequently will I update but I will try not to finish on a cliffhanger. If you got any constructive criticism feel free to share it.
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Hermione, Harry, and Ron sat in the castle yard, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of Hogwarts.
The sun cast a warm glow over the ancient stones, and the gentle breeze carried the faint scent of spring flowers.
Harry stretched out on the grass, soaking in the sunlight. "It's nice to have a break from all the classes and homework, isn't it?" Hermione nodded,
flipping through the pages of a thick textbook. "Definitely. Although, I can't help but feel like I should be studying for something."
Harry let out an exasperated sigh, looking over at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. "I still can't believe you have to spend so much time with the greasy git of the dungeon, Hermione."
Hermione shrugged, not particularly bothered by Harry's colorful description of Professor Snape. "Well, it's not like I have much of a choice, Harry.
Potions is a very important item for the fight, and Snape happens to be the only master in Great Britain."
Ron snickered, leaning in to join the conversation. "Yeah, and isn't it just our luck that Hermione ends up being his apprentice as his favorite student?
Probably because she's the only one who can actually brew a decent potion without setting the cauldron on fire."
Harry smirked, nodding in agreement. "True, but I still think Snape enjoys tormenting her a bit too much." Hermione rolled her eyes, used to her friends' teasing.
"Honestly, Harry, Ron, it's not that bad. Snape may be strict, but he's also a skilled Potions master. "
As the trio continued their conversation in the castle yard, they failed to notice Professor Snape's approach from behind. His footsteps were silent against the stone pathway until he was right upon them.
As Snape's voice echoed through the castle yard, Hermione's attention snapped to him, and she turned to face him, her friends following suit.
"Yes, Master Snape?" she responded, using the title she had been taught to address him with. Ron, however, interrupted the conversation with a puzzled expression.
"Master Snape?" he interjected, his voice betraying his confusion.
Snape's gaze flickered over to Ron, his expression a mixture of annoyance and boredom. "Yes?" he replied dryly, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"Do enlighten me, Mr. Weasley. Is there something for your disliking?"
Hermione's eyes narrowed at Ron's breach of etiquette, and she shot him a warning glance, knowing full well the consequences of such a misstep.
"Ron," she reprimanded sharply, her tone leaving no room for argument, "since I'm Master Snape's apprentice, the correct form of title is Master,
and you should know that." Ron began to protest, but Hermione cut him off with an angry glare. Sensing Hermione's frustration, Ron wisely held his tongue.
Turning her attention back to Snape, Hermione addressed him with a respectful tone, though her irritation was palpable. "What can I do for you, Master Snape?" she inquired, careful to use the appropriate title this time.
Snape's dark eyes bore into Hermione's, his expression unreadable. I require your assistance this weekend, Miss Granger. In addition to our regular lectures, I have some...work that needs attending to. I will require your help with it. Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion. "Assistance, Professor?" Snape's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Indeed. Miss Granger, don t be late." Hermione nodded, though a flicker of apprehension crossed her features. "Of course, Professor. I'll be there." With a curt nod, Snape turned on his heel, his billowing black cape trailing behind him as he made his way toward the castle entrance, his form disappearing into the shadows of the corridor. "But on the weekend? We were planning to go to Hogsmeade for a butterbeer," Ron exclaimed, his disappointment evident in his tone.
Hermione sighed, understanding Ron's frustration but knowing the importance of her responsibilities. "Well, Ron, you know why we do what we do," she replied, her voice tinged with a sense of duty. Harry, who had been listening quietly, chimed in with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Ron. We can always reschedule our trip to Hogsmeade. Hermione's help with Professor Snape might be important."
"Harry, When did you become so understanding when it comes to Master Snape?" Hermione asked, her curiosity evident in her voice. Harry glanced at Hermione, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Since we joined the Order, I suppose," he replied, his tone contemplative. "Since I learned more about our job and the things we all must do in the order."
Hermione nodded, intrigued by Harry's response. "What do you mean?" she pressed, eager to understand his perspective.
Harry sighed, his gaze drifting off into the distance. "Well, my parents are part of the Order too, right? They fight against you know who and his followers, just like we are. And they always believe in doing what's right, even if it's difficult or if you don't agree with someone."
Hermione listened intently, sensing the weight behind Harry's words. "So, you're saying that your parents' teachings helped you see things differently, even when it comes to Snape?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah, exactly. I don't have to like Snape to understand the importance of the work that he and you do. It's about fighting against the darkness,
even if it means working with people you don't always get along with." Hermione smiled, a newfound appreciation for Harry's insight shining in her eyes.
"That's quite profound, Harry," she remarked, impressed by his maturity.
Harry shrugged, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "Just something I've been thinking about, I suppose." With a shared understanding between them,
Hermione and Harry returned to their conversation, grateful for the bond of friendship that strengthened their resolve in the face of adversity.
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As Hermione stepped into Snape's chamber, she couldn't help but feel a mix of familiarity and apprehension. The dimly lit room held an aura of mystery, filled
with shelves lined with dusty bottles and jars containing various potions ingredients. Cauldrons bubbled softly over low-burning fires, casting eerie shadows on the stone walls.
Despite her initial reservations, Hermione had grown accustomed to this environment over time. Working alongside Snape, despite their rocky past, had proven to be both challenging and rewarding. She had come to appreciate his expertise in potion-making, even if his demeanor remained as prickly as ever.
Indeed, Hermione couldn't shake the sense of peculiarity surrounding the arrangement that allowed her access to these exclusive spaces where she collaborated with Snape.
The dungeons, typically off-limits to students, had become a clandestine haven for their joint endeavors. The secrecy of their work added an air of mystique to their partnership, further heightening Hermione's curiosity and unease. Despite her initial reservations, Hermione had come to appreciate the unique opportunity to explore realms of magic typically beyond the reach of students. These hidden chambers held untold secrets and untapped potential, presenting Hermione with a chance to expand her knowledge and skills in ways she had never imagined.
As she moved through the dimly lit corridors of the dungeon, Hermione couldn't help but wonder about the history of these forgotten spaces. What other mysteries lay concealed within their depths? And what secrets had Snape uncovered in his years of secluded research?
"Granger." Snape voice came, shaking Hermione up from her thoughts. Navigating through the cluttered workspace, Hermione approached Snape who was engrossed in brewing a particularly complex potion. "Master Snape," she began tentatively, "I've gathered the ingredients you requested for today's experiment." Snape glanced up from his work, his dark eyes scrutinizing her. "Ah, Granger. Excellent timing, as always," he remarked with a hint of grudging respect. "Set them down over there and prepare to assist me. And as we already discussed it, for the sake of simplicity you may call me Snape when we are in this chamber alone."
Hermione nodded, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation at Snape's words. She carefully placed the ingredients on the designated table, ensuring everything was arranged according to Snape's meticulous specifications. As she prepared to assist him, she couldn't help but feel a sense of validation at Snape's acknowledgment of her skills and dedication.
"Thank you, Snape," she replied, emphasizing his preferred name with a sense of newfound camaraderie. Despite their tumultuous history, Hermione sensed a subtle shift in their dynamic, a growing mutual respect that transcended the boundaries of their past conflicts. As they toiled side by side, Hermione couldn't help but marvel at the unexpected partnership that had blossomed between them. In Snape's chamber, amidst the swirling vapours and bubbling cauldrons, she felt a sense of belonging unlike any she had experienced before. The cauldron bubbled ominously as he added the final ingredients under the watchful eyes of his students.
Hermione Granger, ever the diligent student, sat in the front row, her brows furrowed in concentration as she observed Snape's every move. As the potion simmered to completion, Snape's stern gaze scanned the room, daring anyone to interrupt.
But Hermione, with her insatiable thirst for knowledge, couldn't resist questioning Snape's expertise. "Snape, are you sure that's all the potion?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of skepticism. Snape's dark eyes flickered with annoyance as he turned to face Hermione. "What do you mean by that, Granger?" he retorted, his tone laced with thinly veiled irritation. Hermione hesitated for a moment, considering her words carefully before responding. "Well, Professor, it's just that... This seems like an unusually large batch of potion for a weekend project but considering your expertise, I would have thought you could handle it on your own." Snape arched an eyebrow, surprised by her question. "Why do you ask, Miss Granger? Is it that big of an issue for you to spend time with your master?" His tone was biting, as always, but Hermione detected a hint of something else beneath the surface perhaps curiosity, softness or even humour. Hermione hesitated, taken aback by Snape's sharp response. She hadn't intended to question his motives or imply any sense of inconvenience on her part. Gathering her thoughts, she replied with measured diplomacy.
"Of course not, Snape," she began, choosing her words carefully. "I merely meant to inquire about the scale of the potion we've brewed today. It seems more substantial than our usual experiments, and I was curious about its significance." Snape regarded her with a piercing gaze, his expression unreadable. After a tense moment, he seemed to relent slightly, acknowledging her concern with a terse nod.
A rare glimmer of intrigue crossed Snape's features. "You are not entirely mistaken, Miss Granger, there is something else to do" he admitted, his tone begrudgingly acknowledging her astuteness. "The Headmaster found weird fragments of magic all across the castle and He has taken notice of some anomalies. He tasked me, and by extension, you as my apprentice, to investigate further." Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected Dumbledore to involve her directly in such a mysterious matter. "What do you suspect it could be, Professor?" she inquired, eager to unravel the enigma before them.
Snape paced the length of the classroom, his robes billowing behind him. "That is precisely what we are to ascertain, Miss Granger. These fragments of magic, while seemingly inconsequential on their own, hint at something greater lurking beneath the surface of Hogwarts." Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected Dumbledore to involve her directly in such a mysterious matter. "What do you suspect it could be, Professor?" she inquired, eager to unravel the enigma before them.
Snape paced the length of the classroom, his robes billowing behind him. "That is precisely what we are to ascertain, Miss Granger. These fragments of magic, while seemingly inconsequential on their own, hint at something greater lurking beneath the surface of Hogwarts."
He paused, turning to face Hermione with a steely gaze. "Your task, as my apprentice, will be to assist me in uncovering the source of these disturbances. We shall delve into the depths of the castle, meticulously scouring every corridor and chamber until we unearth the truth."
Hermione nodded, determination shining in her eyes. She had always thrived on challenges that required her intellect and resourcefulness, and this mysterious phenomenon was no exception.
"Together, Professor," she affirmed, her voice steady with resolve.
Snape inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Indeed, Miss Granger. Together." And with that, the unlikely duo set out on their quest to unravel the secrets hidden within the ancient walls of Hogwarts, their journey fraught with danger and discovery.
Hermione's curiosity piqued at Snape's revelation. The notion of mysterious fragments of magic scattered throughout Hogwarts intrigued her, presenting a tantalizing puzzle begging to be solved. She listened intently as Snape continued to explain the gravity of the situation. "Do you have any leads on where to begin our investigation?" she inquired, eager to dive into the challenge alongside Snape. He regarded her thoughtfully, his dark eyes narrowing in contemplation. "The fragments appear to be concentrated in certain areas of the castle," he replied, his voice measured. "We shall start by scouring those locations for any clues or patterns that may emerge." With a shared sense of purpose, Hermione and Snape set out to uncover the secrets hidden within the walls of Hogwarts.
AN: Guys don t get your hopes up. This fragments of magic thing will not be a huge part of the story. It is more of an Easter egg thing that will be a small side thing for a few chapter.
BTW If you reading my story still I love you and you are awesome because I know that this is not the best this fandom has to offer.