7. Chapter 7

Hello, dearies. I need to warn you that while from this chapter I'm heading in the direction of Ginny/Harry, I don't like the pairing and this is not how it's going to go. Also, since romance really isn't my prime writing style, this following chapter will probably have the most romance in the entirety of this fic. It's simply to make Harry's seventeen-year-old brain seem more realistic. I'm sorry for those put off by it, but again, this is simply not how it's going to go. Trust me a bit on this!

Chapter 7

Snape sneered maliciously as he sat alone in the staff meeting room. He resolutely despised these gatherings and was absolutely certain that he could spend his time far better than sitting there listening to some old fool proclaim Gryffindor greatness. And yet, Snape found himself with no choice in the matter. However less than ideal this situation might be, Snape was still employed to Albus Dumbledore and would, therefore, need to do at least as much as attend regular staff meetings, however much he loathed it. At least he had managed to avoid the onerous burden of 'Secret Santa' every year.

Snape's mind snapped back to attention when Dumbledore moved on from his usual pleasantries and the ridiculous offering of lemon drops. It was only Hogwarts' latest addition that took one of the offered sweets. From the way Dumbledore's eyes sparkled, one would think he had just been gifted a particularly rare novelty. One that would do well on his desk alongside his other thingamabobs.

"As the first point on the agenda I would like to inform you all of the very first apprenticeship we have had on school grounds in over a decade," Dumbledore said happily.

Snape glanced around the room to see Slughorn, Poppy and McGonagall eyed him knowingly while the rest of the staff stared curiously at Dumbledore. "It has become apparent that Harry Potter displays quite the proficiency in potions. He has therefore been assigned as an apprentice to our very own Severus Snape."

Taking in the reactions of the staff was rather amusing. Snape noted that Slughorn seemed beyond envious but this he had already gathered from Harry's explanation. McGonagall seemed rather pleased for some reason. Well, as Harry's head of house she was rather close to him. She must be very aware of the current relationship between what once were antagonists. Perhaps even more so than Dumbledore.

Speaking of which, he was gauging the reactions of his employees as much as Snape was but the furious sparkle in those baby blue eyes did not diminish. In fact, they seemed to shine with a brightness that was rare even in Dumbledore.

Hagrid was predictable as always. The good-natured oaf wasted no time in congratulating Snape by patting him harshly on the back, practically knocking the wind out of him. Snape did his best to keep up the appearance that he was unbothered by the half-giant's manhandling and graciously accepted his congratulatory slurs.

Poppy simply beamed at him. She had definitely seen Snape at his worst, mentally speaking. Snape flushed when he recalled a few moments where he had nearly broken down over Harry's shattered body. It was a good thing that he could count on her discretion or his reputation would be permanently destroyed.

Most of the others simply murmured congratulations, some more heartfelt than others. It was clear that some of his colleagues still deemed Snape unworthy of caring for Harry. But then again, they hadn't exactly announced their newfound rapport to the world so that was only to be expected.

Maya Bell, the far too gleeful History professor with no sense of direction whatsoever was, of course, not aware of the history Snape and Harry shared. That is unless someone told her about all of the intricate details of the staff's relationships be it among each other or with students.

Snape narrowed his eyes as he watched the brunette approach him, her eyes darting around the room as if to gauge everyone else's reaction first. He could see the exact moment she decided on her own tactic when her eyes stopped seeking validation and simply steadied to calmly meet his gaze.

She smiled at him warmly and Snape had to keep himself from rolling his eyes at her. What was she even trying to achieve here?

"Congratulations, Severus!" she said heartily, "I know I can expect great things from both of you in the future. And who knows –" She actually had the audacity to wink at him. "- you might even wind up in the history books."

"Aren't we, already?" Snape drawled, sardonic eyebrow firmly in place.

"Well of course you are!" Bell replied easily, "But I meant as academics. Inventors perhaps. I know you are already well established as a potioneer but I can't wait to see you elevate Harry to the same heights!"

Snape wondered if Bell was always this energetic and whether she consumed a regular dosage of pepper-up potion for it.

"Thank you," he replied sullenly, not in the least interested to continue this conversation. He had hoped that his cold demeanour would cause the woman to flee but she did not. Instead, she glanced around the room, clearly noticing that Snape had chosen to sit somewhere secluded and took the empty seat next to him as he exhaled loudly in response. Bell either didn't notice or didn't care.

"Excuse me, Headmaster," Slughorn then said. Snape kept his gaze steady. Oh, here it comes.

"I think it rather unwise to have a talent such as the one Harry possesses be under the sole attention of Professor Snape. Not that I in any way disregard his talent for the craft nor his diligence in brewing his creations but we have to keep in mind that this is his first apprentice."

"I appreciate your concern, Horace," Dumbledore said kindly, "As I'm sure Severus does as well –" Snape didn't even attempt to look appreciative at Slughorn's meddling, "- but as I'm sure you're well aware, the contract has been signed."

"Yes, I gathered as much," Slughorn continued, "And I would never even dream of taking Severus' place in the boy's life. Absolutely not. But perhaps Severus too could use a mentor of sorts."

Snape narrowed his eyes dangerously.

"To make sure that he follows protocol and leads Harry in the right direction, I would suggest that I am allowed to oversee their interactions, and when I deem it necessary, intervene. If all is well, they will, of course, not encounter any sort of intrusion on my part."

Dumbledore seemed to think this over, much to Snape's chagrin.

"Will all due respect, headmaster," Snape spoke up, "I am quite sure that I have a handle on things. There is no need for a third party to be present."

"Actually Severus, I do believe there is some merit to Horace's idea," Dumbledore said, "I'm sure Harry would be delighted with the extra set of helping hands to guide him forward. You will, of course, remain his mentor and he, your apprentice, make no mistake of that. But perhaps it would be wise to allow for a substitute so to speak. For when you are indisposed or unable to discuss something with Harry for whatever reason. How does that sound to you?"

It sounded very much like Dumbledore didn't leave Snape any choice in the matter. But alright. If Slughorn wanted to play this game, Snape would happily deal him his hand. And who knows, the old yet admittedly competent master might come in handy sooner or later.

"That will be agreeable," Snape said evenly, once more ignoring the murmurs from his colleagues.

When everyone settled down, Dumbledore smiled brightly and moved on.

"As for the second point on our agenda, I would like to inform you all that the History lessons have been a grand success."

This time everyone clapped without scruples. Snape simply nodded curtly in Bell's direction. It was the smallest sign of respect he at least felt he needed to allow her. She smiled brightly at everyone involved.

"I realize that it is rather unorthodox for students to take on a class they have previously dropped, especially for those who are in their seventh year, but I feel that we must allow it this once," Dumbledore added. "The knowledge they attain this way will not be wasted whether the students pass their NEWT's or not. And if they enjoy it, I see no harm in allowing their interests to develop further."

Snape noticed everyone nodding in agreement as Bell sat there with a self-satisfied smile on her face. She looked as if Christmas had just come early. Of course, she would bask in the glory of her victory already. She hadn't even achieved anything yet. They would see, by the end of the year if she would remain victorious.

"As for the third point on our agenda, we need to urgently discuss the upcoming courtship of the house-elves. I expect every Professor to be sympathetic to a decrease in their services for a short period of time. As such, I would like to emphasize…

Ginny was softly stroking Hedwig's feathers while Harry was pouring over the experimental potion he had messed up yesterday. As he was making the necessary calculations he started seriously regretting that he had taken divination instead of Arithmancy but he powered through nonetheless.

When Ginny had asked him if she could accompany him to the dungeons - empowered to do so by the obvious ruse that she was interested in his apprenticeship and how things were working out – Harry had happily agreed. But while her presence was quite nice, it was a hindrance to Harry's work. In fact, he was forced to scratch out his calculations for the third time already when he realized he messed up again.

The fact that their relationship status was yet to be determined did not help quell the musings in Harry's mind that overshadowed his academic interests. Ginny was talking softly to Hedwig as the snowy owl tilted her head in understanding. Since he was the man in all this, wasn't he supposed to take the first steps? Not exactly a modern idea but the wizarding world was rather archaic and Ginny was a pureblood. Harry sighed and dropped his quill. He was getting nowhere with this.

"Ginny," he called out to the redhead. She turned to face him and smiled brightly, causing a weird churning feeling in Harry's stomach.

"Yes?" she asked softly, halting her movement of stroking Hedwig's chest. Her eyes darted over to Harry's mess of notes and he quickly buried them under his crossed arms.

"I –er…" What was he going to say again? He had no plan whatsoever and was feeling more nervous than he had been taking his OWL's. Wasn't that silly? He was seventeen years old which made him of age. He had bested some of the most powerful wizards of his time and numerous other dangers that had been flung his way. In fact, he had saved Ginny's life at some point during his never-ending ordeals so where was his courage now? Had he used the last of it when he was fighting Malfoy?

Oh no, she was staring at him, her brown eyes shimmering with curiosity and dare he name it hope?

Mentally slapping himself, Harry steeled his resolve and stood from his seat, stepping close to Ginny. Her eyes never left his but the closer he got, the more flushed her face became. It was nothing short of adorable.

"We should probably talk about what's been going on between us," Harry said, not sure how he had managed to speak that entire sentence without allowing his voice to tremble. He was glad for it. It would make him appear strong and confident.

Ginny simply responded with a shy nod that was anything but helpful to Harry's difficult task. He cleared his throat and continued.

"The truth is, Ginny," he said softly, "that I like you. I mean, really like you. And I suppose I'm wondering if you –"

Harry wasn't even able to finish his sentence when Ginny lunged forward without warning and flung her arms around Harry's neck with such intensity that he was forced to take a few steps back until he was backed up against his desk. She kissed him passionately and rather hungrily as her lithe form pressed against him. Gingerly, Harry returned the embrace as well as the kiss, all the while thinking about how lucky he was.

When Harry and Ginny joined Ron and Hermione at dinner that evening, they looked sort of dishevelled but luckily, Ron didn't notice. He was far too busy explaining to Hermione why he deemed the 'Starfish and Stick' one of the more useful moves for a keeper to learn. Hermione was doing her best to seem interested but was failing.

"Hi guys," she greeted happily at the pair's arrival, obviously glad for the distraction from the Quidditch talk. She did a double-take before narrowing her eyes at Harry but said nothing.

Harry – who felt strangely put in the spotlight – tried straightening out his robes as he searched for a change of topic.

"So Ron, heard anything from Fred and George yet?" he asked.

Ron snorted. "Hardly," he said, "Bill sent a letter to mum practically begging her to come and get the twins away from him for some reason but mum insists that they're of age and don't need her to tell them what to do anymore. Not that they've done a bang-up job listening to her in the past, of course."

Harry frowned. "Why does he want them gone?"

"Because they've been there for ages, I suppose," Ron said, shrugging, "And now he can't get rid of them. They must really like Egypt."

"Yeah, that must be it," Harry agreed, "But I hope they come back soon. Their joke products might run out if they don't."

"Not yet," Ron said, "They already set up and pre-paid a long term delivery. Almost as if they've anticipated staying away for a while, now that I think about it."

"Well, they're nothing if not crafty," Harry replied, "I'm sure they've thought of all scenarios before leaving their shop behind."

"Honestly, I think they're going to come home with an amazing new prank," Ron said as he bit off a huge chunk of the steak he pierced with his fork. Hermione scrunched up her nose in disgust but chose to roll her eyes instead of berating her boyfriend.

"Hey guys," Draco interrupted as usual. He went to take a seat when he froze and allowed his gaze to drift over Harry and Ginny. Ginny met his stare defiantly but Harry squirmed somewhat in his seat. He became even more uncomfortable when a devious grin spread across Draco's face.

He altered his course ever so slightly to worm his way in between Harry and Ginny, draping an arm around both of them.

"It's about time, you two," he said happily. Ginny shoved him away, causing him to almost land into Harry's lap, sniggering all the while.

"What are you talking about?" Ron frowned, "About time for what?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Draco exclaimed, easily straightening Harry's tie, "These two snogged."

"What? No way," Ron said dismissively, "What are you on, Draco? And can I have some?"

"Fine," Draco said, grabbing a clean plate and filling it up, "Don't believe me. And while you're at it, you can ignore that tell-tale blush on both of their faces as well."

"Harry, tell him he's full of it," Ron chuckled. His smile faltered somewhat when Harry stared decisively at the chicken filet on his plate. "Ginny?"

"And what of it?" Ginny said casually, "I'm sixteen years old, you know. I have needs, the same as you."

"No you don't," Ron said, "You're my baby sister. All you need is Quidditch and hanging out with your friends."

Ginny huffed as she got up from her seat, walked over to Harry so Draco wouldn't physically be blocking him, grabbed him forcibly by the necktie and planted a passionate kiss right then and there on the unsuspecting boy's lips. Several of the surrounding students cheered and whistled. Not that Harry minded. Oh, he didn't mind in the least.

"I'm not a child anymore, Ron," Ginny told her brother as he stammered incoherently, "I'm a woman and want to be treated as such. And if I may say so, I advise you do the same to Hermione before she runs off and finds a man who is more than willing to. Pass me the butter, Harry."

Ginny casually buttered a nice warm roll, resolutely ignoring the stunned faces of the golden trio and the self-satisfied grin on Draco's. Harry could only admire her straightforwardness and aloof mannerism at this point. He himself felt an odd combination of mortification and gratification. The mortification only won out when Harry remembered that Snape was probably sitting at the high table and had no doubt seen it all.

As if in slow motion, Harry gazed up at the spot Snape usually sat at and was met with obsidian eyes that were accompanied by a much too cheerful smirk. And then that sarcastic git raised his glass in salute and winked. Harry groaned, wishing that the ground could swallow him whole right then and there.

Harry was glad that Snape didn't really seem to want to have a conversation about his newfound relationship. Other than the occasional snarky comment, he made no fuss or anything for which Harry was grateful.

What he was less grateful about was Slughorn's interference. But when it seemed that Snape was not at all concerned about it, Harry relaxed as well.

"As I've mentioned before, he's a useful ally to have," Snape had reminded Harry, "and he might be able to help you when I'm otherwise engaged."

What that had meant, Harry had no clue but it wasn't farfetched to think that Snape had various side projects he wanted to make progress on, like the one he had used the Weasley twins for.

It was a few weeks later when Harry received his latest issue of 'The Practical Potioneer' which was sent out mainly because of the position of Mars and the effect that would have if you started brewing 'Ares' draught' within the next couple of days. Hermione had explained to Harry that while the magazine seemed to be distributing at random, the latest edition always had something to do with the lunar cycle or that of the other celestial bodies.

Happy to have something other to read about than the various attacks on innocent muggles and muggle-borns, Harry started thumbing through the magazine while Hermione did the same. Their respective partners shared an exasperated look before beginning a discussion on quidditch.

"Harry!" Hermione gasped, "You've been published!"

Harry frowned. "That can't be," he said easily, "I haven't actually done anything yet and I promise you that I didn't send anything in."

"Yes, because I'm sure that there are multiple apprentices to Professor Snape out there that go by the name of Harry James Potter," Hermione replied sardonically, "Skip to page eight and see for yourself."

Harry did what Hermione said and was perplexed to find about half a page dedicated to one of his recent discoveries which he had forgotten all about.

'On the increased potency of the antivenom potion'

While a rare occurrence, it does happen every now and then that an apprentice shakes awake the community with a simple yet important discovery.

Esteemed Master Severus Snape reported to us that his apprentice Harry James Potter offered to exchange the sprig of rosemary for azalea leaves. Risky and unnecessary you say? Many would agree but under the watchful eye of his Master, apprentice Potter took that risk and therefore elevated the potion to new levels of potency.

As always, we recreated the potion to test the theorem ourselves and after multiple tests, we can conclude that this discovery is indeed viable. Therefore we urge everyone to take note and adjust their recipes accordingly.

Why an apprentice was found to have such a profound understanding of potions and, more importantly, their ingredients can only be traced back to the Master himself. Severus Snape – of whom you'll find more information on page 14. – has graciously taken Harry Potter under his wing which allowed the pair of them to best you-know-who.

It goes without saying that we will be expecting great things from this future potioneer and can only hope that his prowess will match his Master's.

"Wow Harry," Hermione breathed, "This is amazing! I'm so jealous of you."

"I'm not even sure how they know," Harry frowned.

"Oh, isn't it obvious?" Hermione said excitedly, "Professor Snape informed them. Look, it's right here at the bottom."

Harry glared at the finely printed text, 'Supervised and collected by highly esteemed Potions Master Severus Snape and derived by his Apprentice Harry James Potter'.

"I'm not sure I like this," Harry growled, "Yet another reason to be in the spotlight."

"I think it's brilliant," Hermione said, "You're good enough to get published already."

"Yeah, that's amazing!" Ginny interjected as she grabbed the magazine from Harry. "Wow, my boyfriend must be really smart." She winked at Harry when Ron groaned. "I'm proud of you," she then added earnestly, kissing him softly as if in reward to his achievement.

"What does it say about Snape though?" Ginny then asked, flipping the pages accordingly.

'On the brilliance of Master Severus Snape'

It is easy to become complacent once you've attained the status of Master but Severus Snape has never fallen for that particular trap. With talk of his already famous apprentice Harry James Potter, it might be easy to lose sight of the Master behind the student but we will remind you exactly why you shouldn't.

Severus Snape is not only the youngest Potions Master in over a century, he has also made leeway on a lot of important potions of our time. Not only has he improved tremendously on the 'Wolfsbane Potion' – which though originally created by Damocles Belby left much to be desired – he also shared some astounding research on the staff of Caduceus and invented the Ares' draught which is featured on page 3.

When we take a look at his creative process …

The article went on and on about the various potions Snape had created and improved upon. Testimonies from other Masters who grudgingly admitted to Snape having a hand in the success of their own creation and even some prizes he won such as the golden chalice which he apparently received thrice.

"Wow, Snape is more impressive than I thought," Ron finally added to the conversation. He had been reading Hermione's magazine over her shoulder. "Or are they embellishing?"

"I somehow doubt that," Hermione said, "This is a very respectable magazine. It's not like the daily prophet, you know."

"They didn't even mention the limerick potion," Ron snorted, "Who knows how many unregistered potions he created to punish people."

Hermione sighed, "You got what you deserved, you know."

"And it was hilarious too!" Ginny interjected, "I hope you step out of line at his home again."

"Never again!" Ron said, "I will be on my best behaviour at his house from now on."

Harry glanced at Snape who was reading the same magazine they were with a look of mild interest and couldn't help but think that he was lucky to have such a respected Master to guide him. He knew Snape was good, but he had never truly known just how accomplished and well-respected he was in the community.

And at once, he was overcome with a sense of pride. Not for himself, but for the dour man currently sitting at the high table, raising a sardonic eyebrow when he caught Harry staring.

And there you all go. I hope you liked the chapter and I wonder what you all would like to see next.

Please review! It pleases me so.