The Third Week
Chapter 4 of 21
beaweasley2It’s Hermione’s third Friday as Severus’s apprentice. Well, if Hermione was going to insist on being Severus’s apprentice as repayment of his life debt, he might as well put her to work, right?
This is my response for the Dictionary Drabbles Fun Challenge for April 12.
I wish to give the accolades due to my beta, Southern_Witch_69 for checking this over to make sure this story presentable. Thank you so very much! You rock!
April 12
Severus left the Malfoys’ feeling as if he’d just walked away from his camarilla and entered the apothecary in a bad mood. The shop assistant knew better than to assault him with her annoying presence as he selected out his purchases, but that didn’t stop the apothecary, Herbert Rottenbacher, from asking about the rumors he’d heard that Severus had accepted an apprentice. By the time Severus made it home with his request list and supplies, he was in a foul mood.
“Oh, sir, let me help you!” Hermione said the moment he walked in, arms full, heading to his supply cupboard.
“Would you cease your importunate solicitation!” he snapped irritably.
“My what? I was – I finished cleaning down the worktables, the floor, scoured the cauldrons, and even cleaned and dusted the shelves and supply cupboards. I was running out of things to clean since you warded your books. Did you forget I’d promised to be here to finish…”
“Must you be so voluble, Miss Granger?” he snapped. “You knew very well that as my apprentice you’d get all the grunge work.” He dropped the items on the worktable and stretched, trying to relieve the knot in his back. The ingredients for the potion he intended on brewing that afternoon were on the table, cleaned and ready for him. He deepened his scowl, although he was impressed. “You hardly have a woebegone look about you. Possibly I didn’t give you enough to do?”
“It’s only one room, and you and I haven’t been all that – messy.” Hermione looked at him with a contemplative tilt of her head. “Mum and I used to clean the entire house in an afternoon.”
“I didn’t ask,” he started to say while grabbing up several jars and then turned abruptly, his robes in a billowing. “Next time I’ll leave you questions to answer and access to the necessary books.” Hermione had collected an armload of containers and apparently followed him, nearly colliding into him when he turned around. “Will you…”
“Sir, I have a question regarding the potion directions you left on your desk,” she said, handing him one container after another.
“I’ve no doubt,” he said in an exasperated sigh as she hurried to the worktable for more ingredients. Hermione turned, biting her lip, obviously not really wanting to annoy him further. “You might as well ask.”
“There are two parallel marks between ‘sixteen’ and ‘anticlockwise,’ and again between ‘nine rotations’ and ‘repeated three times.’ I don’t know what it means.”
A reasonable question. “The caesura in the directions is my own annotation,” he said. “It signifies a change from the directions. The first, for changing from a stirring rod to a wooden spoon; the second, is to remind me to add a clockwise rotation. I suppose I’ll have to be more careful of my annotations from now on.”
“Have you always deviated from the directions, sir?” she asked and then blushed. “I mean, I know about your annotations in your Potions book Harry had. They were brilliant. Harry never did better in Potions before.”
He crossed his arms and glared at her. “My own afflatus while brewing. I don’t suppose I’ll ever have my book back?”
“I can ask him…?”
“Never mind,” he snapped and then swept his hand at the worktable. “Well, since you saw fit to pull all the ingredients – get to work. I’ll be monitoring your progress.”
“Pugnacious git,” Hermione mumbled under her breath as she started the cauldron burner.
Severus smiled. He’d let the impertinence slide, this time. He was wearing her down.
~TBC~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o0o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author’s Notes:
Oh, give him some time. She may wear on him yet!
The word list (swiped from the dictionary.com's past week's list):
camarilla
importunate
woebegone
voluble
caesura
afflatus
pugnacious
------------ --------- --
Words with definitions below:
camarilla \kam-uh-RIL- uh; -REE-yuh\, noun:
A group of secret and often scheming advisers, as of a king; a cabal
or clique.
------------ --------- ----
importunate \im-POR-chuh- nit\, adjective:
Troublesomely urgent; overly persistent in request or demand; unreasonably solicitous.
------------ --------- -------
woebegone \WOE-bee-gon\ , adjective:
1. Beset or overwhelmed with woe; immersed in grief or sorrow; woeful.
2. Being in a sorry condition; dismal-looking; dilapidated; run-down.
------------ ------
voluble \VOL-yuh-buhl\ , adjective:
1. Characterized by a ready flow of speech.
2. Easily rolling or turning; rotating.
3. (Botany) Having the power or habit of turning or twining.
------------ -----
caesura \sih-ZHUR-uh; -ZUR-\, noun;
plural caesuras or caesurae \sih-ZHUR-ee; -ZUR-ee\:
1. A break or pause in a line of verse, usually occurring in the middle of a line, and indicated in scanning by a double vertical line; for example, "The proper study || of mankind is man" [Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man].
2. Any break, pause, or interruption.
------------ --------
afflatus \uh-FLAY-tuhs\ , noun:
A divine imparting of knowledge; inspiration, a strong creative impulse, especially as a result of divine inspiration; an impelling mental force acting from within
------------ --------- ---
pugnacious \puhg-NAY-shuhs\ , adjective:
Inclined to fight; combative; quarrelsome.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Repaying The Life Debt
229 Reviews | 7.33/10 Average
I really enjoyed this story. You have a real gift for taking those words and weaving them into your plot seamlessly. Well done.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'ts fun to do these. I try to inspire others to try. It's not hard. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'ts fun to do these. I try to inspire others to try. It's not hard. Thank you for the review.
This story just gets better and better. The innocence of new love and the tender ground being broken. The last bit in the posted chapter practically had me dancing around my desk like a mad woman!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. Did you see the extra bonuses? If not, check in the reviews!!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. Did you see the extra bonuses? If not, check in the reviews!!
How wonderful that Severus has become comfortable enough with her to show her his ancestral home and his family!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he is. I'm glad you are enjoying this one. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he is. I'm glad you are enjoying this one. Thank you for the review.
That wizard sounds really strange.I loved this bonus. It was just so sweet, the beginnings of a relationship...
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Teehehe I'm glad you're enjoying this. So glad you found the bonuses! Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Teehehe I'm glad you're enjoying this. So glad you found the bonuses! Thank you for the review.
Hmmm.... I wonder what sneaky old Lucius is up to? Thanks for the bonus!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
He's peripheral, and ran into a bit of a curse. Do read the reviews, most of the chapters have the bonus or two. If you can't find them, you can see them on my LJ
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
He's peripheral, and ran into a bit of a curse. Do read the reviews, most of the chapters have the bonus or two. If you can't find them, you can see them on my LJ
It is great to see Hermione and Severus getting so comfortable with each other. As for that moment before the kiss....
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes, nothing like the slow budding of friendship turning into romance. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes, nothing like the slow budding of friendship turning into romance. Thank you for the review.
LOL. I like that he doesn't want to outright admit how good the pepermint idea is. And I simply love that you depicted Ron as competent and smart. He isn't exactly my favourite character, but I don't like to see him bashed either. Thanks for that.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thankyou for the reivew. Nope, he's not ready to take advise from a former student, even if she's right. I chose to make Ron have a bit more of a brain than I ususaly type him, but he has his moments too. (Hint: start checking the reviews. 
This story has hidden bonuses in the reviews. Don't want you to miss them!)
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thankyou for the reivew. Nope, he's not ready to take advise from a former student, even if she's right. I chose to make Ron have a bit more of a brain than I ususaly type him, but he has his moments too. (Hint: start checking the reviews. This story has hidden bonuses in the reviews. Don't want you to miss them!)
Lovely. I really like their interaction.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much.
This is a very promising beginning. I hope Severus knows what he got himself into. *g*
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm glad you are enjoyingthis attempt at taking vocab words and making a story out of them. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm glad you are enjoyingthis attempt at taking vocab words and making a story out of them. Thank you for the review.
I've just caught up with the reading that has been sadly neglected recently. I can't say much I adore this story. It's just brilliant. Thank you for writing it.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. There is one more chapter to this story. Thank you so much for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. There is one more chapter to this story. Thank you so much for the review.
Wow, he told her he loved her! That's so great! I wasn't expecting it for a while, knowing our dear Severus. Yay, I'm finally caught up. Thanks for keeping me up so late, by the way. Ye gads, it's midnight!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he loves her, and finally admitted it. I'm sorry I kept you up so late.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he loves her, and finally admitted it. I'm sorry I kept you up so late.
I liked his introduction of his family. They seem like an odd group. Lol
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. I know I made them sound like an odd group but it was the words - really! The words made me do it!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. I know I made them sound like an odd group but it was the words - really! The words made me do it!
Great last line. Lol
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you, I like that one two.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you, I like that one two.
Lucius is definitely a troublemaker. It's nice that Hermione and Severus are together. They are cute together.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh course Severus and Hermione are ging to stay togerther! Severus was just standing up to his prejudiced friend. Besides, he would have a hard time getting rid of her, wouldn't he?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh course Severus and Hermione are ging to stay togerther! Severus was just standing up to his prejudiced friend. Besides, he would have a hard time getting rid of her, wouldn't he?
She was so forward with him! It was great. Oh, and of course, masterful use of the vocabulary, as usual. 
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you so very much. I really tried. Yep, she is going for what she wants - him.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you so very much. I really tried. Yep, she is going for what she wants - him.
Ah, finally a minute to myself so I can catch up on my reading (and if Merlin allows my writing). Wonderful chapter how on Earth do you manage to write a story using a word challange without being obvious? Hat's off to you g/f.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Wow, thank you. I'm not obvious? That compliment means a lot to me. I was simply trying to use the words and create a story worth reading, I'm flattered that you like it. *waves* Thank you very much.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Wow, thank you. I'm not obvious? That compliment means a lot to me. I was simply trying to use the words and create a story worth reading, I'm flattered that you like it. *waves* Thank you very much.
All I could say was "Awwwwwwwwww...." So lovely! and the bonuses are both exciting and cuuuuute!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm very flattered that you liked the story and the bonuses.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm very flattered that you liked the story and the bonuses.
Yay, he woke up!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes he did. And about time too! Stubborn fool.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes he did. And about time too! Stubborn fool.
Lol, clever witch, and oh so conniving.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes she is, isn't she?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes she is, isn't she?
He actually told her he loved her! Yay!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep! I hope you check out the bonuses in the reviews! You'll love them!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep! I hope you check out the bonuses in the reviews! You'll love them!
He loves her!!! HE LOVES HER!!!And he told her before she said anything. OMG!"Who would have ever thought she of all people would find that protuberance kissable." Well, I don't know any woman in this ship that would pass up a chance to kiss Severus ... on his nose, one his ear, on his lips, on his ..... well, we won't go there just now. *sigh*
Tee hee.I love this story and giggle everytime I get an email telling me you have posted an update.Beth
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he told her he loved her! and Yes, he was first.I'm so glad you like the story, Beth. I hope you'll come back and check out the review bonuses. Thank you so much for your support.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh and I forgot!!~ * ~Severus finished his rounds, delivering his potions. Jenson in the Apothecary in Diagon Alley had requested a large order of complicated potions and paid handsomely for the potions Severus delivered. He inquired after Hermione, smiling when he told Severus that her work was top quality, complimenting him on her training. Even Plitheroa at the Cartwright Apothecary on The Promenade had relented that Hermione’s potions were of an acceptable quality, requesting more of Hermione’s Alexindora Potion and Deliquesce Embrocation and paying the exuberant rate for which he charged her for them. Severus put the Galleons Hermione had earned with her potions in a separate pocket to give to her. He walked down The Promenade slowly with a contented smile on his face. He entered Rourke McCloud’s Bijouterie, thinking he might just get Hermione a small token. The tall, thin wizard looked up from his workbench when Severus entered the shop. “Let me know if you’d like to see anything.” Severus nodded as he walked along the displays and glass counters. Nothing struck him as being something she’d like or that suited her personality, until an object caught his eye. His palms started to sweat, his heart seemed to beat erratically, and there was a huge lump in his throat. The shopkeeper appeared before him as if summoned. “Did ya find something then?” he asked. “I’d like to see that one,” Severus said, pointing. The shopkeeper handed it to Severus with a smile. “You’ve fine taste, sir.” It was perfect: simple, elegant… expensive.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Two bonuses in two replies for the same chapter!!! Wheeeee....I check for the bonuses every time I post a reply and then again a few days later just to make sure I don't miss one.Now, just what can this "simple, elegant... expensive" and small token be? A ring perhaps? I love this story!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he told her he loved her! and Yes, he was first.I'm so glad you like the story, Beth. I hope you'll come back and check out the review bonuses. Thank you so much for your support.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh and I forgot!!~ * ~Severus finished his rounds, delivering his potions. Jenson in the Apothecary in Diagon Alley had requested a large order of complicated potions and paid handsomely for the potions Severus delivered. He inquired after Hermione, smiling when he told Severus that her work was top quality, complimenting him on her training. Even Plitheroa at the Cartwright Apothecary on The Promenade had relented that Hermione’s potions were of an acceptable quality, requesting more of Hermione’s Alexindora Potion and Deliquesce Embrocation and paying the exuberant rate for which he charged her for them. Severus put the Galleons Hermione had earned with her potions in a separate pocket to give to her. He walked down The Promenade slowly with a contented smile on his face. He entered Rourke McCloud’s Bijouterie, thinking he might just get Hermione a small token. The tall, thin wizard looked up from his workbench when Severus entered the shop. “Let me know if you’d like to see anything.” Severus nodded as he walked along the displays and glass counters. Nothing struck him as being something she’d like or that suited her personality, until an object caught his eye. His palms started to sweat, his heart seemed to beat erratically, and there was a huge lump in his throat. The shopkeeper appeared before him as if summoned. “Did ya find something then?” he asked. “I’d like to see that one,” Severus said, pointing. The shopkeeper handed it to Severus with a smile. “You’ve fine taste, sir.” It was perfect: simple, elegant… expensive.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Two bonuses in two replies for the same chapter!!! Wheeeee....I check for the bonuses every time I post a reply and then again a few days later just to make sure I don't miss one.Now, just what can this "simple, elegant... expensive" and small token be? A ring perhaps? I love this story!
lovely...but you stopped too soon! thanks so much
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know! But they are supposed to be a Drabble! (That's why I put extra in the reviews! I have to make it short!! Oh, and you're welcome.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know! But they are supposed to be a Drabble! (That's why I put extra in the reviews! I have to make it short!! Oh, and you're welcome.
“Oh, yes, you are one who truly enjoys all the finer things. Your house reeks of excessive ostentation.”--Great line.Bellwether, now that's one I haven't ever heard.Severus should know that Hermione wouldn't suggest something, especially from Ron, if she didn't suspect that it would work.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know I keep getting these words and I"m like, OMG and I have to use that? 
Then read the dictionary for the meaning and play with the word a few tries until something clicks. But I'm telling you - this is fun!I think he's just considering the source, and contemplating what she meant by the suggestion. In the end - he did trust her.Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know I keep getting these words and I"m like, OMG and I have to use that? Then read the dictionary for the meaning and play with the word a few tries until something clicks. But I'm telling you - this is fun!I think he's just considering the source, and contemplating what she meant by the suggestion. In the end - he did trust her.Thank you for the review.
She's spunky. I like that.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yes, this time I wrote a spunky Hermione for a change. I'm glad you approve!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yes, this time I wrote a spunky Hermione for a change. I'm glad you approve!
Wow, I look at these every week and say, "There's no way I could write a story with all of these words included," and you've done it for multiple chapters in one story. How cool is that?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. If you were ever interested in giving a go at it, email me and I'll give you some starting tips. It's not really that hard. It actually really fun. But I do really appreciate the compliment, and I'm flattered that you like the story.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. If you were ever interested in giving a go at it, email me and I'll give you some starting tips. It's not really that hard. It actually really fun. But I do really appreciate the compliment, and I'm flattered that you like the story.