To those that are familiar with this story: No, this isn't a new chapter to this old story. I'm just going back and touching up in a few places. But, if you'd like to re-read, feel free.

A New Apprentice

Severus Snape glared irritably at the headmaster with his beetle black eyes. The old man was, once again, interfering with his work, peace of mind and sanity. "I don't need help," he said stubbornly. "I have no desire for an apprentice."

Albus Dumbledore smiled gently at the furious professor. "I understand Severus," said the older man. "You've demonstrated your capabilities of managing everything. But the Dark Lord's increase in activity will add to your work load."

Professor Snape unconsciously rubbed his forearm where he bore the Dark Mark. "I have handled it before," he said shortly.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled behind his spectacles. "Of course you have," he said. He pushed a plate of cookies toward Snape, who declined it with a sneer. Dumbledore cleared his throat and looked the younger man in the eye. "It is my wish for you to have an apprentice. Someone to help you and lighten the burden you carry. You do much for the school," he added with a smile.

After a moment, Snape nodded grudgingly. Dumbledore beamed and reached out to pick up a cookie. Snape pointed his wand covertly at the plate of cookies and muttered a spell. The cookies sprouted spider-like legs causing Dumbledore to withdraw his hand in surprise. The bewitched cookies ran right off the desk and hid themselves about the headmaster's office. "Oh really Severus," Dumbledore admonished, although he was chuckling. "Those were my favorites. And they were fresh too."

Snape crossed his arms over his chest and settled back in his chair. His expression was one of amusement. Seeing this, Dumbledore decided to add another piece of information.

"Well, Hermione Granger has already agreed to assist you," Dumbledore said, attempting to sound casual. Snape bolted upright in his chair and opened his mouth to protest but Dumbledore held up a hand. "Severus, you'd be hard pressed to find a more reliable student. She's a lovely young woman and she's quite capable of balancing her classes with extra work with you."

Snape scowled at the old wizard. "I suppose I should be grateful that you informed me of my assistant at all," he said angrily.

"This will be good for you, my boy," Dumbledore said happily, ignoring Snape's irritation. "You had better head toward your classroom. Wouldn't want you to be late on the first day of classes." He grinned as Snape stood up and stalked out of the office.

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger sat in the potions classroom at the table farthest from Snape's desk. All of the students were glancing back at the door wondering where their potions master was. He was never late for classes.

Snape stepped into the room and walked up to the front of the class with his robes billowing ominously behind him. He tapped the chalkboard with his wand and instructions for brewing a rather complicated potion appeared. "Get to work," he snapped.

Harry, Ron and Hermione glanced at each other and started working. Hermione worked steadily, occasionally nudging the boys and giving them a warning look before they added an incorrect ingredient to their potions. She finished before anyone else in the class.

Snape looked up and noticed the Hermione had just completed the potion. He strode over to where she was standing. He scowled down in the cauldron, but the potion looked perfect. "Put some into a vial, label it and bring it to my desk," Snape said gruffly, before going back to his desk. Hermione quickly did as he asked and stood in front of his desk. She laid the labeled vial on the desk and looked up at the professor expectantly.

Professor Snape just looked at her for a moment. "Well, Miss Granger, you have once again finished before the rest of your incompetent classmates," he said silkily. This statement awarded him with a few glares from the students still working on the potion. "Normally I would find this irritating," he continued, "but today it's proves to most convenient."

Hermione looked puzzled. "Why is that, Professor?"

"Because the headmaster has burdened me with you as an apprentice," he said, smirking when she scowled, "I'm forced to make use of you to keep him off my back. I have much to do today, so you will be going to the hospital wing to get a list of the various potions Madam Pomfrey needs. You may leave now and give me the list at dinner."

"Yes, sir," Hermione replied, turning walking back to the table. She ignored Ron and Harry's curious stares and gathered her belongings. "See you later," she whispered to them. She walked out of the classroom and headed toward the hospital wing.