Chapter Text
Upon graduating from Hogwarts, Hermione had many career options. In particular, she couldn't decide whether she had wanted to do her Mastery in charms or Transfiguration. But what about Potions? Or Ancient Runes? While most of the students at Hogwarts were worrying themselves sick over their NEWTs, Hermione was far more concerned about where she would go next. Harry and Ron had all but begged her to go to Auror school with them. But Hermione sought the life of an academic, rather than running around chasing the Death Eaters that had escaped The Ministry's clutches, following the war. So, she had returned to Hogwarts to graduate properly, rather than rush off into a job like Ron and Harry had.
Exam results had been released in August. Soon after, Hermione had received word from her apprenticeship applications. A huge weight was lifted off of her chest when she discovered she had been accepted by all but one of her offers. Minerva had wrote that the new transfiguration Professor was too inexperienced to take on a new student. Perhaps the most surprising response had been from Severus Snape, who had offered her the position of potions apprentice. Hermione loved potions and had performed excellently in the subject; both practical and theoretical. However, she thought it unlikely that Snape liked her enough to take her on. He had a frosty rime upon his head, to paraphrase a classic English author.
When Christmas Eve came around, and the halls of Hogwarts were no longer bustling with students, Hermione was growing impatient. She had resurfaced from the dungeons only once that day, at lunch, to pick up a sandwich. Snow lay thick in the courtyards and blanketed the grounds like a fairytale. The Great Hall was decorated with festive wears, the tree shining like a beacon near the teachers table.
Hermione frowned, pulling her cloak closer to her as she re-entered Professor Snape's private lab.
"Professor?" She asked, drawing herself towards the warm cauldron that Snape was working on. He nodded his head at her in acknowledgement, never removing his eyes from the bubbling brew.
"What time are we going to finish this evening?" She squared her shoulders and readied herself for his comeback.
"The usual." Professor Snape answered. "If you are under the delusion that we will finish early because it's Christmas then perhaps you should have taken a different subject, Miss Granger."
Hermione fought the urge to shy away from his harsh tone. Severus cast a stasis charm on his cauldron and continued to throw bitter words at her. "It seems that the world is full of sentimental fools, who see fit to do no work and go about making merry instead of facing reality. Apparently you too have been infected by this plague, Miss Granger. If I had it may way, every fool who went about with Merry Christmas on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of Holly through his heart."
Professor Snape's sallow face was tinted pink in the cheeks, his eyes were ablaze as he panted from the exertion of his own words.
Hermione smiled at her teacher. "As much as I appreciate your portrayal of Mr Scrooge, Professor, might I remind you that A Christmas Carol is a story of remorse and change? You'll do well to remember that, on Christmas day, Scrooge spends his time spreading happiness and joining in on the festivities. Since I cannot even begin to imagine you walking into the Great Hall tomorrow morning, singing carols and proclaiming 'God bless us', I think you ought to steer clear of the comparison."
"Get out Miss Granger, you impudent girl!" Professor Snape snarled.
----
A wide smile fell upon Hermione's face, when an owl dropped a silver wrapped package on her lap while she was eating breakfast in the Great Hall the following morning. She unwrapped it gently, hiding the gift from the other Professors who were also sat at the table.
Inside was a leather bound copy of A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens. Opening the front cover of the book, a small piece of parchment fell out. It read:
Hermione,
So that you might never forget just who you are dealing with.
Severus.