2. Chapter 2

Thank you all for all the adds and the reviews. You know how to make a girl loved.
With special thanks to Pagemaster4TW for making up one of the Limericks (It's the more provocative one) and for brainstorming with me for hours! Hours, I tell you! He gave me a bunch of ideas and I'm sure to incorporate many of them.

Chapter 2

At first, Snape didn't quite know how to respond. Harry was eyeing him thoughtfully and for a moment, Snape considered if Harry was making a joke. The sense of apprehension he got from the boy implied otherwise though. Snape opened his mouth to speak, closed it for a second as if reconsidering, then opened his mouth again.

"Are you sure that you know what that entails?" he asked carefully.

"I know what it means," Harry huffed, "It means that you teach potions, don't you? At Hogwarts or another school for that matter."

"It does," Snape said, stroking his chin slightly, "Among other things, of course. A potions Master might also use their skill in other fields of the magical world such as healing and scientific research. But am I to understand that teaching is something you wish to pursue?"

"It's not like I haven't taught anyone before," Harry argued, "I've taught the D.A. and if I do say so myself, all of my 'students' did very well. Why do you think you have such an abundance in your NEWT class this year?"

"I didn't ask if this was something you would be able to do," Snape countered, "I am well aware of your success in teaching before. But is it something you enjoyed?"

Harry actually smiled at that question. "It was," he admitted, "Very much so, even. It was amazing to see everyone improve as they did. And to think that I had a hand in it."

"As a hired Professor, one would need to attempt to teach every child that sets foot into Hogwarts," Snape said, "Not only the ones who actually desire to learn your craft as was the case with the D.A. Is that something you can do?"

Harry frowned for a moment as he thought that over but he was quick to recover. "It is," he said, "I would much prefer that over being an Auror."

Snape's lips quirked upwards ever so slightly but he tried covering that up by sipping his tea.

"Very well," he said evenly, "But why potions? You've already established that you do quite well when teaching defence. You could always go in that direction."

Harry groaned. "I told you I've had enough of that particular field. Besides, there's something… calming about brewing potions."

"You're not saying this to try and please me, are you?" Snape asked suddenly, "Because you can be whatever you want. Quite literally, I imagine. Who would dare to turn down Harry Potter?"

"Oh, stop it," Harry snarled, throwing a biscuit in Snape's general direction, "As if I would accept any handouts. No, I like potions and I like teaching. I've thought about this for a while now and I think that this would be a good choice for me."

"You realize that you will need to catch up on your studies for that to work," Snape said importantly, "You're about to step into your last year and you haven't even begun on the development of your Magnum opus yet."

"What?" Harry asked, suddenly very worried, "Is a thing like that even expected from students? Isn't there some sort of higher education for that?"

"Don't worry, Harry," Snape said soothingly, "It's not as if anyone is expecting you to cure Lycanthropy or something like that."

Harry snorted. "I should hope not. If the great Severus Snape isn't able to do that, how am I supposed to?"

"In any case," Snape interrupted, "You are expected to create something new of your own. And not the – I apologize for saying this – rather clumsy attempt at an original potion you created two years ago. You will need to perfect it through trial and error and not stop when you think it's good enough. Good enough is not perfect and that's what you need."

"While that sounds exciting and all," Harry said, "I don't understand why that's necessary for a teaching job. Did Trelawney have to do something like that for divination?"

"I hardly think anyone ever blows up their teacup just by interpreting it incorrectly," Snape said, "In many of the courses you take at Hogwarts, it is quite enough to have a basic understanding of the subject. As a Potions Master, however, you need to be capable to counteract – in an instance's notice – whatever your students are able to mess up. You have no idea what kind of volatile concoctions can be created by students haphazardly throwing things in their cauldron. Seemingly at random!"

The frustration was evident in Snape's voice and Harry smiled in his hand. At one time, he had been one of those students.

"You need to be able to diffuse any situation and correct or heal any wrongdoings. Evading permanent damage to any student is advisable, even if their own lack of resolve and focus are the direct cause of their failure."

"It could always be Slytherins throwing things in other people's cauldrons," Harry offered.

"What a silly notion," Snape replied coldly, "That is a very unlikely event. But even so, that is one more thing you would need to be prepared for. Do you understand why it is so important to learn everything there is to know about potions? And knowledge is not enough either. You require a true understanding of the art and that requires focus and hard work."

Harry sighed wearily as he envisioned the amount of work that was already laid out for him. But even when aware of the arduous task in front of him, his resolve did not falter.

"I understand," he said, "And I am ready for it. I want to do this."

"If you are certain," Snape said agreeably, a true smile now on his face.

"I am," Harry said proudly.

"You will need a master to guide you over the years to come," Snape continued, "I presume that it would be satisfactory for myself to take on that role?"

Harry rolled his eyes at the unnecessary question. "Of course."

"You will also need to stay at Hogwarts for another year after this one," Snape said absentmindedly as he started scribbling away on a piece of parchment, "A specialisation year so to speak."

"Is that what you did?" Harry asked curiously.

Snape stopped writing for a moment and regarded Harry carefully. "It was not," he admitted, "But as you are well aware, I was struggling with more than simply my education at that point in my life."

Harry flushed slightly. "Right," he said.

"But for you, it will work out just fine," Snape said, kindly ignoring Harry's discomfort. "You need not worry about that just yet, though. You first need to pass your NEWT's. You will be expected to study independently for a great deal of your time. And you will be required to share your research with me in order for me to assist you to the best of my abilities."

"Does that mean you'll be looking over my shoulder the entire time?" Harry asked exasperatedly.

"In the literal sense of the word, no," Snape replied, "But essentially, yes."

"Wonderful," Harry said sardonically.

"If not, you can always study something else," Snape said evenly, "But if you wish to pursue the career of a Potions Master, this is what you need to do. What did you expect? That you could waltz into Professor Dumbledore's office at the end of your last year and ask him for a job? It's not that easy."

"It seems to be that easy for defence," Harry mumbled.

Snape shot him a devastating look, and Harry quickly realized that Snape had failed time and time again to land the defence job and had only been able to do so last year.

"Right," he said quickly, "Sorry."

"I assure you that it will not be that easy," Snape said, "So if you wish to reconsider –"

"I don't," Harry said quickly, "I'll do it. Tell me what I should do."

"You will begin – as you have before – by preparing the theorem of what you seek to create. You are not permitted to start brewing until I have read and approved your construction."

"Right," Harry said, "When should I –"

"I imagine you can think of what it is you wish to pursue already," Snape said, "But while my library is by no means insignificant, it is of paramount importance that you use all the knowledge you can possibly acquire in the construction of your theorem. Therefore, I suggest that you wait until we are back at Hogwarts for you to actually begin your research."

"Will I still even need to take classes like transfiguration and charms?" Harry asked.

"Naturally, you do," Snape replied, "No knowledge is ever wasted and besides, you should always wish to keep as many doors open as possible. If you – for some reason – should have a change of heart at some point and wish to pursue the path of an Auror once more, I would be most aggrieved to see you deprived of that opportunity simply because you didn't feel the need to apply yourself in your final year."

"I could spend more time in private research of I dropped those classes, though," Harry said.

"You will do no such thing," Snape snarled, "It doesn't really matter when you finish your research. There is no time limit, though I do hope you would see fit to focus enough to finish in a timely fashion. I myself became a Potions Master at the age of twenty-one."

"That's hardly fair," Harry pointed out, "Everyone knows that about you. It was an achievement on its own, so I hear. So you can't possibly expect me to do the same."

"My point is that you will continue to do well in your other chosen courses," Snape said sternly, "Fail to do so, and there will be consequences."

"And this is why it's hard to have a parent at school," Harry mumbled.

"You understand that my being your assigned Master would give me the same right of chastisement," Snape pointed out, "Even more so than it would for a parent. I will seek discipline and diligence from you as I would from any other apprentice."

"Have you ever had an apprentice before?" Harry asked at the prompt.

"No," Snape admitted, "But I've taught plenty of students. I know precisely what I'm doing."

At that point, Hedwig flew into the dining room, dropping a letter onto Harry's plate. She perched on the back of her master's chair, waiting patiently for a few scraps of bacon.

"It would appear that your Hogwarts letter has arrived," Snape pointed out.

"The last one I'll ever get," Harry said mournfully, "Or would I still get one for this specialisation year you mentioned?"

"I imagine not," Snape replied, shaking his head, "For I can inform you of the requirements myself since I will be the one overseeing that year."

Harry turned his attention to the letter, opening it with a pang of regret as he glanced at his list of school supplies. His last list. He was officially an adult now and would soon need to venture into the adult world. Maybe this extra year would end up being a welcome surprise. He wasn't ready to leave Hogwarts just yet, after all. One more year was not enough. Not at all.

"That's odd," Harry frowned when he took a closer look at the list.

Snape made a questioning sound as he glanced at his copy of 'The Practical Potioneer' that had also just been delivered.

"There's a history book on my list," Harry said, 'Connections through the ages' by Maya Bell," Harry frowned in disgust. "They obviously made a mistake. I don't take history anymore."

Snape had an annoyed glint in his eyes, "There's been no mistake. The headmaster will explain everything at the start of the year."

Harry frowned but felt that he shouldn't press the matter further.

"Can I go get my things with Ron and Hermione?" Harry asked, "It'll be the last chance I'll get."

"That goes without saying," Snape said, "I too shall come to get the things you and I both require to get this apprenticeship started.

"I just hope you won't be too hard on me," Harry chuckled nervously, "I can just imagine getting the old Snape back just for this occasion."

"I will treat you fairly but I will also be strict," Snape replied, "I have no patience for dunderheads as you well know."

"I know, I know."

"What?!" Hermione squealed. Harry wasn't sure if she was elated or just plain upset. "You're taking a specialisation year? That's possible? Why hasn't anyone told me about this?"

"Calm yourself, Ms Granger," Snape chided, "You have not heard about this because it is a rare occurrence. Most students simply graduate and move on with their lives. Thankfully."

"But sir!" Hermione replied, her voice trembling with excitement, "If that's a possibility, I feel like everyone should get that opportunity."

Snape quirked an expressive eyebrow. "And what specialisation would you have in mind?"

"I don't know," Hermione said, "I've never thought about it. I didn't think it necessary before."

"Exactly," Snape pointed out, "If and when a student shows the need or desire to move forward in one particular subject, arrangements may be made for them. But a student such as yourself, who delights in learning everything rather than focus and apply herself to one field of study has no need for specialisation."

"but I could specialize in different courses!" Hermione said eagerly, "Perhaps I can take two per year for a few more years and then –"

"Ms Granger," Snape interrupted, "You clearly miss the point of what specialisation means. Has your third year taught you nothing? Even you cannot possibly hope to gain that much information in such a short time."

Hermione's shoulders drooped.

"I suggest you discuss this with your head of house," Snape finally said, "She might be able to guide you where you wish to go. But first, you should focus on your seventh year."

"Yes, professor," Hermione agreed.

Ron consoled his now official girlfriend by draping his arm around Hermione's shoulders and earned himself a coy smile in return. Harry felt a pang of jealousy at their intimacy and glanced over at Ginny automatically. When he met her gaze, he felt himself go beat red.

What was wrong with him? He shook his head to clear his mind of any intrusive thoughts and focused on the task at hand.

They were almost done with their shopping. Hermione had commented that their new history book was one that had only recently been published, which was odd enough in itself since Binns didn't seem to accept anything new that happened. He had always used the same old material, never finding the need to upgrade.

And yet, here they were.

"Why do you think we've all been signed up for History classes?" Harry asked, furrowing his brow, "Didn't we get tortured enough during our first five years? I thought we were done with that horrible class."

"I don't know, Harry," Hermione said, frowning in confusion herself. "It's certainly odd that the school would make it mandatory again. Do you think it's been demanded by the Ministry for some reason?"

"After Umbridge, I doubt they would try that," Harry said, "On the other hand, I guess you never know for sure."

Ron sighed as they stopped in front of the Quidditch supply store

"I wish that I had a new broom
The one with the bright yellow plume
Have to use one from school
Makes me look like a fool
I just want my own broom that goes zoom."

"You have only one more year to go, though," Hermione said cleverly, "Wouldn't it be kind of a waste to get a broom just for that?"

"So I guess that we don't need to eat
Or to wear shoes that protect our feet
When I go up and fly
Venture out in the sky
More than anything, I feel complete"

"That's a tad melodramatic, don't you think?" Hermione argued, "You can't possibly be comparing flying with basic necessities."

"Either he does or he's influenced by the potion," Harry chuckled, "You know, to be extra poetic."

Ron glared angrily at Harry and opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but closed it again.

"Go ahead, Ron," Harry urged, laughing, "What's on your mind?"

Ron whispered in a fierce tone,

"Professor Snape is a cunt,
I'm overflowing with want
To hex his hair blue
His skin and robes too
And up his arse conjure a shunt"

"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed loudly, "Language!"

"Is Ickle Ronniekins at it again?" Fred asked as he captured Ron's head in a one-armed embrace

"Who knew that one could be so poetically rude!" George added happily.

"Which reminds me Forge,"

"Do tell, Gred!"

"We ought to speak to this master of pranks."

They turned around and walked over to Snape who stood a few feet away, perusing the list he had written down before.

"Master!" Fred exclaimed loudly.

"We bow before your brilliance," George said solemnly as he bowed very deeply, his arm outstretched in a wholly exaggerated manner.

"Mr's Weasley," Snape said curtly, glaring all the while as if he hoped that they would move away just by encountering his fearsome gaze. Unfortunately for him, the twins were no longer his students and even when they were, they were never afraid of the Potions Master.

"We need the recipe to that brilliant potion you constructed," Fred said.

"We will pay you handsomely for it," George added with a wink.

Snape snorted in amusement. "You'll have to be more specific, I'm afraid," he said, "I have created many different potions over the course of my life and I'm sure I know not of which one you speak." But the twitching of his lips suggested otherwise.

"Come now, Professor," Fred said importantly, "You know very well what we're talking about."

"Poetic justice," George sighed happily, "Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? We want to sell it at our shop."

"Can you imagine," Fred said dreamily, "To have an entire class of students who can only speak in Limericks?"

"That is not a particularly pleasant idea, Mr Weasley," Snape said icily, "So no, I don't think I will."

"Sleep on it, if you would," George said, "We'll gladly give you a percentage of the profit."

"Ten per cent will do," Fred said, "As well as bragging rights going to Professor Severus Snape."

"Perhaps in another lifetime," Snape replied before stepping forward and joining his son.

"Are you quite finished getting your school supplies?" Snape asked.

"We have everything," Harry replied, chuckling happily as he glanced at his redheaded friend. Hermione was rolling her eyes and blushing fiercely for some reason.

"And how are you today, Mr Weasley?" Snape asked, a sadistic smile on his lips.

Ron thought for a while before sighing and answering.

"I am honestly not very well
I am constantly tired as hell
To think of each word
Is most unpreferred
Could you please just cast me a spell?"

"Very impressive," Snape smirked, "You will soon be among the most eloquent of your age group. As for casting a spell, I'm afraid I cannot."

Ron looked disappointed and even glared at Snape but didn't speak again.

"There is no spell or antidote to counter the potion," Snape explained, "As I have told you before. Surely, you have learned by now to not go rummaging through people's private stashes, haven't you?"

Ron nodded solemnly.

"I'm sure it will wear off in a few days," Snape assured him, "And so will the colour of your hair."

Ron's face coloured a fierce red which mismatched his now green hair terribly.

"Harry, I have gotten you the things for your extracurricular brewing," Snape said, earning himself a subtle glare from Hermione which he chose to ignore.

"What kind of things?" Harry asked curiously.

"You will be needing more than two cauldrons," Snape explained, "So I picked up five more. I also got you a new pair of dragonhide gloves, a set of precisely accurate scales, stirrers of each kind of material and cutting tools. I also didn't neglect to set you up with at least the more basic of ingredients as well as some of the rarer ones that I'm sure you'll be able to use. And if not, I am certain that I can use them for myself."

"Wow!" Harry exclaimed, "That's really great. But you didn't have to do that."

"Don't be ridiculous," Snape huffed, "Of course I did." He handed the shrunken packages to Harry who put them away in his pockets.

"Now was there anywhere else you wanted to go?" Snape asked, "Or could we possibly go home now?"

Harry gave his friends a longing glance but was also eager to inspect the wares Snape had bought for him. Maybe, he could even get some ideas going about what he was going to make. He would see his friends soon enough. And Ginny – who had been tagging along somewhat abashedly – would also be there.

"We can go," he said.

"Would you want to join us for dinner?" Snape asked Ron, Hermione and Ginny.

Ron frowned.

"Coming over is always a thrill
But this time I don't think I will
Don't trust your food
And I'm not in the mood
I'd sooner go dine in Brazil"

"What an odd thing to say," Snape teased. "Very well. As you wish. Shall we go, Harry?"

Harry hugged Hermione and Ginny – lingering just a tad too long in Ginny's embrace – and clapped Ron encouragingly on the shoulder.

"Hang in there, mate," he said in mock sadness, "This too shall pass."

As Harry glanced over his shoulder, he saw Hermione laughing at Ron's antics while Ginny looked away as if she had been caught staring.

"I've noticed you've taken quite an interest in young Ms Weasley," Snape mentioned out of the blue. Harry felt himself flush and quickly looked away.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he mumbled.

"Don't you?" Snape jibed, "It's a shame because I've also noticed that she seems rather fond of you."

Harry shrugged, not really ready to share any intimate details of his love life just yet.

"I do hope that you're being careful. If not –"

"Nope!" Harry interrupted, forming a makeshift cross with his two index fingers and pointing them at Snape. "We are not having this discussion! And most certainly not in the middle of the street. Nope, nope, nope!"

Snape rolled his eyes but grinned good-naturedly.

"Come on," he said, "We're flooing back. And then we can talk."

Did you guys like it? I really screwed myself over, giving Ron that potion, didn't I? Haha.
I'm not entirely sure if I'll be able to update. I'm going to an amusement park, you see.

Kindly take the time to write a review if you will. I'm always happy with the feedback.