Secrets

Snape stood over his large cauldron, muttering to himself. he was at the most complicated step of his veritaserum potion and kept softly repeating the next six steps so he wouldn't botch the whole thing. It had become a habit of his over the years.
The potion contained some expensive ingredients, and it was part of the new batch of potions he brewed every year to replenish Madame Pomfrey's stores. As he went to add the tip of dragon tongue to the mixture, a loud knock startled him from his intense concentration. He had dropped the whole jar of dragon's tongue into his cauldron. It was useless.
Much like his now ruined potion, he was fuming.

Snape flew to the door in a rage thinking that whoever had disturbed him had better have a damn good reason for it. He pulled the door open and was greeted by a short witch with bushy hair. He recognized Hermione Granger immediately.
"Miss Granger, didn't I rid myself of you four years ago?" he said, not at all trying to conceal his dislike. Hermione's eyes narrowed, but she shrugged off the snide comment because she knew she had some persuading to do.
"Actually, that's kind of why I'm here, Professor. I'd like-"
"To what? Ruin more of my potions?" Snape cut her off with a sneer. She once again decided to simply ignore it, and started over. "No, I came to ask about an apprenticeship with you, sir." Snape stood in silence, glaring at her.
"You must be joking..."

Snape had reluctantly agreed after finding out that Headmistress McGonagall had already made the decision to accept Hermione as staff at Hogwarts. Asking Snape had been merely ceremony. He knew he couldn't really say no...but he didn't have to like it.
He made it perfectly clear to Hermione what would be expected of her. He had drawn himself up to his full height, drawing his robe around him for the full effect.
"I am an esteemed member in the Potions community. I have extremely high expectations and, should you fail to meet my requirements, I will not hesitate to ask you to leave."
However, it didn't have the exact effect he had hoped for.
Hermione replied to his little speech, "I am well aware of your "position," sir, and have a clear memory of what your classes were like. This is why I came to you first."
And with that, she strode away from the dungeons, presumably to get everything situated with McGonagall.

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A/N- Just to let you know what sort of "universe" they're in, think post-DH, except Snape didn't die, and ignore the epilogue. A few other things are different, but they'll be revealed later in the story.
Also, this is my first time posting, and my first EVER fan-fic, so be nice, please. Reviews would be appreciated though.