Apprentice No More
Chapter 21 of 21
beaweasley2Severus has decided to end the charade. So he tells Hermione that she can no longer be his apprentice.
This is my response for the Dictionary Drabbles Fun Challenge for August 2.
This is my response for the Dictionary Drabbles Fun Challenge for March 22.
Apprentice No More
~August 2 ~
Severus arrived at Grimmauld Place at the appointed time to speak to Potter about Hermione. He knew that with her parents back in Australia closing escrow, Potter was the next closest thing Hermione had to family. Him and the Weasleys. Severus wasn't ready to face the Weasleys.
The old house-elf opened the door and escorted Severus to the brummagem drawing room. Potter and Miss Weasley were waiting for him. Severus smiled as he recognized Hermione's blouse on the girl. "Hello, Professor Snape. Or may I call you Severus?" she asked, holding out her hand.
Severus cringed inwardly but accepted her hand. "You may," he said smoothly. Might as well. I'll be seeing a great deal of you in my future, I'm sure. "Although I am your quondam professor, I no longer serve Hogwarts in that capacity. Since I'm sure we shall be well acquainted in the future, first names are appropriate." He turned to Potter, considering how best to approach the matter at hand. "Mr. Potter," he said with a nod to the boy, extending his hand cordially. He noticed that Potter had grown since he'd last seen him and was definitely a young man now.
"Harry," he replied, accepting to shake his hand, "if you'd like. I assume I'm allowed to call you Severus as well?"
Severus nodded.
"What brings you here?" Harry asked politely.
At least the boy is being civil. "I came to ask your consent regarding my intentions toward Miss Granger," Severus said smoothly. Miss Weasley's smile grew to one of absolute delight. Apparently, she approves at least.
~ * ~
Severus had practiced what to say nearly all week. He'd even practiced what he wanted to say in the mirror. He'd considered a lovely sesquipedalian sentiment, but somehow actually saying such a speech in the mirror just didn't feel right. He felt positively pusillanimous, considering that this was supposed to be a very simple matter. "You just simply tell the girl she will no longer be your apprentice," he murmured to himself as he sorted out his bills and receipts. "Oh, bloody hell, blokes do this all the time," he snarled, dropping the hand clutching the receipts on the desk.
"Do what all the time, Severus?"
He looked up to see Hermione staring at him. "I think we need to redefine the nature of our association." There that's as good a start as any. "I do not believe that you intend to pursue a career in Potions, and therefore, we should reconsider absolving our arrangement and redefining our relationship."
Hermione turned to face him, the task to reorganize the panoply of vials and jars on his shelves momentarily forgotten. "Pardon?"
"I believe I was telling you that I think we should reconsider having you continue with your apprenticeship," he said, keeping his tone smooth to hopefully avoid sparking her temper.
"Not this again," she said with a sigh. "I don't want to end the apprenticeship."
I knew she'd say that. "It really is for the best that you do," he replied, hoping to reason with her.
"When?" she asked resolutely, one hand on her hip and the other holding a very expensive jar of Re'em blood.
"Tonight is as good a time as any," he stated, relieved she was being so reasonable. "Besides, your time would be better served in pursuit of your education. I think it best that when school begins in September, you should finish your last year."
"I am already taking N.E.W.T. study courses! I see no reason to return to the school in the fall," she said, brandishing the jar with a defiant flourish of her hand.
Severus cringed inwardly. "It would be best if you served out a full curriculum," he suggested calmly, hoping she wouldn't actually drop the expensive ingredient.
"I don't need to," Hermione stated, crossing her arms.
"Would you please be sapient, woman," he demanded, agitated. "It would be for the best. As of tonight, the apprenticeship is to be dissolved."
"So that's it? It's over, no discussion?" she asked. "You simply want me to leave for school?"
"Yes. Obtaining your N.E.W.T.s is important. With the abbreviated schedule you are receiving an abridged course of study not a full comprehensive curriculum," he explained, knowing his logic was flawless.
"But that also means I'd be gone from your life. That's it, isn't it?" Severus cringed at the righteous indignation in her tone. "You want me out of your life."
Severus stood up and leaned forward with both hands placed firmly on his desk. "Who ever said I want you out of my life?"
"You did!" she snapped at him.
"I did not!" he snarled at her. "I simply said that I no longer want you serving me in the capacity of my apprentice and that you should return to school."
"Why, for bloody Merlin's sake?" she demanded angrily.
"Because after you finish school, I want you to become my wife!" he shouted, slamming his hand down on his desk.
Hermione's mouth opened and closed.
Severus could feel his heart pound in his chest.
The clock on the worktable struck six.
Hermione turned to set the jar of Re'em blood on the shelf.
Severus swore softly as he closed his ledger, crumpling the receipts as he did so, and shoved the mess in his desk. He wished he could simply egress and avoid the rejection. He started for the door, not looking in her direction.
Hermione suddenly threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him off balance. He barely had time to grab onto her before she nearly bowled him over. "Yes! Oh, yes! Yes!" she repeated over and over as she kissed his face.
"Yes?" he asked. "To which part? Marrying me?"
"Yes," she said exuberantly. "To all of it except ending my apprenticeship. I'll just ask Professor McGonagall for permission to have my Potions tutorage on weekends!"
Severus smiled at her, hugging her tighter. "My brilliant witch. I'll draft the necessary letters."
~ * ~
Hermione owled Ginny and Luna as soon as they got home. She couldn't stop staring at the exquisite ring on her finger and the way it caught the light. She was going to be Mrs. Hermione Snape.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o0o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ The End ~
Authors Notes:
Apparently Severus likes westerns as much as I do. He did after all quote Val Kilmer from Tombstone.
Thank you, Southern_Witch_69, so much for this chance to try these new words. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this challenge. And thank you also for helping me clean this up and catching my mistakes! You're the best!
Yes, this is the end of the story. Thank you so much for all of you who have followed this attempt I made at taking weekly vocabulary words and creating a story worth reading. A special thank you to everyone who left a review. They are appreciated more than you can know.
The word list (swiped from the past week's list from dictonary.com) :
1. quondam
2. pusillanimous
3. sesquipedalian
4. egress
5. panoply
6. sapient
7. brummagem
.......Words with Definitions. ......
quondam \KWAHN-duhm; KWAHN-dam\, adjective:
Having been formerly; former; sometime.
------------ --------- --------- --------- -
pusillanimous \pyoo-suh-LAN- uh-muhs\, adjective:
Lacking in courage and resolution; contemptibly fearful; cowardly.
------------ --------- --------- --------
sesquipedalian \ses-kwuh-puh- DAYL-yuhn\ , adjective:
1. Given to or characterized by the use of long words.
2. Long and ponderous; having many syllables.
3. A long word.
------------ --------- --------- ---------
egress \EE-gress\, noun:
1. The act of going out or leaving, or the right or freedom to leave;
departure.
2. A means of going out or leaving; an exit; an outlet.
3. To go out; to depart; to leave.
------------ --------- --------- ---------
panoply \PAN-uh-plee\ , noun:
1. A splendid or impressive array.
2. Ceremonial attire.
3. A full suit of armor; a complete defense or covering.
------------ --------- --------- --
sapient \SAY-pee-uhnt\ , adjective:
Wise; sage; discerning.
------------ --------- --------- ---
brummagem \BRUHM-uh-juhm\ , adjective:
Cheap and showy, tawdry; also, spurious, counterfeit.
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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.