A week or so later, it was Sunday Sept 19. Hermione's 13th birthday. Harry had acted like there was nothing special about the day. They did their usual studying and working on runes and arithmancy, finishing the necessary work for their first month, and were now waiting permission on taking the first month exams. It was dinner and Hermione was sitting down. Harry hadn't yet arrived.
Suddenly Harry came through the doors, wearing a rich black robe accented in red. He carried a bouquet of red roses in his hand. As Harry strode up to the table, talk notably died in the hall. Hermione noticed the change in noise and looked to see what's going on. She turned and saw Harry carrying the roses, with a questioning look on her face.
Harry came up to her, and went down on one knee with the bouquet held out to her. "For the love of my life, I pledge myself to you Hermione, forever and always. Happy Birthday." He snaped his fingers and a birthday cake appeared in front of her with a big 13 on it. It had some sparkling candles which launched into the air and exploded in brilliant colors spelling out 'Happy Birthday Hermione. Happy 13th'. The letters grew and eventually exploded in more fireworks before fading away. Everybody cheered at the display.
The twins were suddenly there, besides Harry. Fred and George exclaimed, "Did you like it?" in their typical twin speak.
Hermione rose quickly and gave them a big hug yelling "I loved it! Thank you, brothers."
Susan looked at Hermione confused, "Why would you call the terrible two, your brothers? You aren't related to them, are you?"
Hermione just laughed and said loudly, "All of Master Snape's Apprentices are brothers and sisters. We are there for each other, through failure and triumph, through misery and ecstasy, through it all, we support each other, help each other, teach each other. It is why the Snape Apprentices, are rapidly becoming known as the best potioners in the world. I will work my damnedest to be worthy to stay amongst them!"
At this all Snape's apprentices rose and started clapping. After a few seconds Master Snape also rose. He looked at Hermione with a half-smile, and gave her a half-bow, clapping too. The other professors joined him though McGonagall looked a bit sour doing it. Soon most of the students were clapping along, even if most didn't know why. Hermione on seeing Master Snape standing turned and in response to his half-bow gave him a deep curtsey, while all the other apprentices bowed and curtseyed to him too.
After the clapping died back down, Susan then continued, "But the twins?"
Hermione answered, "Who do you think taught me this? The twins and Senior Apprentice Brinstone helped me through a couple of rough patches, since I joined. Master Snape has very exacting standards, and harshly punishes failure. I was having trouble meeting these expectations and overcoming my punishments. They showed me they cared, and shared my pain since they had suffered through similar punishments. They helped me rise above the pain and triumph. For that, I am loyal to my Master and fellow apprentices!" and magic swirled around her signifying she meant it!
Master Snape turned to his fellow professors grinning. Flitwick gave a nod one gives to a victor, with a harsh smile on his face. The other's hearing miss Granger's oath also acknowledged the victory it signified. McGonagall and Dumbledore were smiling as well, but the smile went nowhere near their eyes…to which Snape just grinned wider.
Susan then looked at Harry, "Don't look at me for a different answer, Hermione and I both shared that rough patch. The three of them were instrumental in convincing us these weren't just words, but rules they live by!"
Cedric who was listening, exclaimed "Well said you two, very well said!", then he grinned at Hermione, "It seems you have gotten your priorities straight!" To which Hermione just gave him a big hug, "Oh you!" and laughed.
Harry, "Wait! I didn't get to my presents!" Harry snaped his fingers, and a small jewelry box appeared. He then slowly handed it to Hermione, having never given someone a present since he was three. Hermione with a small exclaim, opened the box. Inside was a beautiful, old gold bracelet with alternating brown diamonds and emeralds.
Hermione gushed, "Oh Harry, its beautiful! Put it on me."
Harry while clasping it on Hermione said shyly, "The stones represent our eyes. To signify our joining. It is entailed so if lost will return to my vault, soon to be yours too."
"Harry! I absolutely love it!" She gave him a big hug and a sweet chaste kiss on the lips. Harry holding her tightly.
Harry after she broke the hug, "I have another present." Hermione exclaimed, "Harry it's too much! The bracelet was more than enough!"
Harry shook his head no and replied, "The next one involves all the correspondence I have been doing. I have arranged, through our magical guardians, our master, and the board of trustees, for the two of us to independent study DADA and HOM!" and Harry hands her the documents signed by the board coming from their master.
Hermione looked through the documents surprised, and a bit scared. "Harry, with this, Master Snape will have full Master Power outside his school for this year."
Harry replied confidently, without any fear, "Master Snape gave me a magical vow he would only use this power to make these two classes independent study, nothing else. He vowed it!"
Hermione not very convinced, and irritated he did this without consulting her. She argued "You should have discussed this with me!"
Harry hugged her and tried to reassure her. He said apologetically, "I wasn't sure I could pull it off. The headmaster could still make trouble, but I knew you disliked, and didn't trust Lockhart, as much as I."
Remembering Tonks' rule about criticizing her lord publicly, Hermione replied with a bit of potential stormy weather in the near future, "As you command my Lord, but we are going to discuss this…privately!" Harry's eyes tightened at the implied threat, but smiled anyway…it was worth it.
A few days later, Harry and Hermione were called to Dumbledore's Office. The command came via Madam Sprout as required. She assured Harry she would stay for the meeting…even though their Master would also be there. She grinned at that. Three of Snape's current apprentices were Hufflepuffs!
As the three entered the office, they noticed, again there was one chair. Harry very obviously seated Madam Sprout, then ejected his wand and hissed hard creating a beautiful padded gold and black chair. He sheathed his wand, and seated Hermione in it. He gave a half-bow to his master, receiving a nod back and stood at parade rest between the ladies looking straight ahead. He was wearing his combat robes. "Heir Potter Black reporting as requested, headmaster!" Harry had not even looked in his direction.
Dumbledore looked a bit disgruntled. Hermione was looking down, obviously avoiding his eyes, too. This was ridiculous! Dumbledore said with a bombastic might, "Greetings Heir Potter. I hear congratulations are in order! I'm glad I was able to help you become an apprentice to a world famous potioner!"
Harry looked confused, "Oh? I wasn't aware you had anything to do with it. After all, you oathed yourself to stay out of my, and my betrothed personal business last we talked…to avoid that messiness we were becoming embroiled in together. Anyway, I'm sure that just slipped your mind, old age you know. Now, what did you wish to discuss with me? Hermione and I now independent study five classes and with our duties for Master Snape, I'm sure you understand, just how incredibly busy we are."
Dumbledore with a regretful air, "Ah, that is precisely what I needed to discuss with you. It had come to my attention that you wished to independent study DADA and HOM. I'm afraid I will have to insist you give up that pipe dream. It is entirely impossible."
Harry again looked puzzled, "Oh, why would that be? My Master, as is his purview, decided those classes where not to his standard, and has pressed us to initiate independent study of the ICW syllabus for our OWLS for said courses. He realized there was no possible way to achieve his expectations for a Snape Apprentice with the current teaching of those two courses and has instructed us to see to it ourselves. It is another exacting test he is placing on us, but Miss Granger and I will do all we can to not disappoint him."
Dumbledore looked slightly sad and smug at the same time, "Unfortunately, Professor Snape does not have that authority outside his little hallway. The apprentice contract you, and your magical guardians, signed were clear on that limitation. We didn't want him to interfere in you achieving a well-rounded Hogwarts education. What you state is quite impossible."
Harry then snaped his fingers and a sheath of contracts (copies) are in his hand. "Here are the original contracts, for Miss Granger and myself, as you described." And he handed them to Madam Sprout. "Here is the amendment proviso allowing Master Snape complete control over our education as signed by ourselves, our guardians, our magical guardians, and Master Snape. You will note it is active for this academic year in the hopes things improve next year." And he handed those to Madam Sprout who read them before she handed them to Professor McGonagall. Dumbledore just barely kept himself from tearing them from Minerva's hands before she handed them to him, but not before she stated "All appears to be in order."
Dumbledore after scanning it and going red with anger stated, "None of this, matters, if the headmaster doesn't ratify such a change. All independent studies need my approval, and I see no reason to do so."
Harry with obviously feigned confusion, "Really? The board thought it was a good compromise. Especially when I offered to publish the first quiz for DADA given this year with the question 'Why is Hogwarts subsidizing a fiction author instead of teaching DADA to an acceptable standard?' Madam Marchbanks indicated the exam had absolutely nothing to do with the OWLS exam, yet every year, including NEWTS were given that exam. You should have a copy. I gave one to Headmistress McGonagall earlier this year. Silly me, I forgot to give you a copy of their ruling. You will notice the majority signed, thereby ratifying it." And Harry passed another letter to Madam Sprout.
By the time the letter reached Dumbledore, he had seen the worried frown on McGonagall when she read it. He sighed, "What do you want Harry? This could do irreparable harm to the school. You wouldn't want to tarnish Hogwarts, would you?"
Harry stopped pretending and turned cold with a vicious smile. He then commanded, "Professor, here is what you will do. All of the Snape Apprentices will now have independent study for DADA and HOM. They will not be required to attend those classes, or interact with those two teachers. Master Snape will determine if we are meeting the educational requirements and his response to failure is known. I am sure our scores will be more than competitive with the Hogwarts standard. For this 'favor', I will not go to the papers with Mister Lockhart's lack of educational technique." And Harry shifted and looked directly into Dumbledore's eyes, his own, filled with pure hate.
Dumbledore then turned to Hermione. "Miss Granger, don't you wish to avoid besmirching the integrity of this fine school, and it's professors?"
Hermione, like a properly trained high-blood witch, with her eyes cast down, and her left hand, with its betrothal ring clearly evident, clasped over her right, replied demurely, "I am a betrothed witch to Heir Potter. My lord commands that I follow the dictates of Master Snape and I will do so, as honor demands."
Master Snape let out a cough which mysteriously sounded like a laugh at first. "My apologies."
Dumbledore glanced at Snape with a frown, and looked at Harry seeing the raw hate in his eyes and sighed sadly. "I think this is a mistake, but if you want to ruin yours and your betrothed education Harry, it seems I cannot stop you. It is a shame; you are dragging others down with you. That is rather cold, selfish, and…dark."
Harry amused by the comment, "Whatever lets you sleep at night, Professor." Turning to Snape, Harry bowed "Master", turning to McGonagall he gave a head bob, "Headmistress". He then lifted Hermione up and turned to Madam Sprout, "Will you be leaving now?"
Sprout prepared for Harry's manipulations, this time, "No Heir Black, take your lady and go. I will be along later." Harry bowed, "As you will Madam Sprout." And Harry placed Hermione's arm in his and strolled out casually. Harry just ejected his wand, pointing it over his shoulder at the chair, Hisses, and sheathed it. The transfigured chair faded away to nothing, while the two approached the door. Harry never even turned to look.
Once the two had left, Dumbledore slammed his hand on the desk hard, making a bunch of the pictures wake up and start grumbling. He looked at Snape "I know this was your idea!"
Snape grinned at Albus. Damn he was so proud of Harry, he was magnificent! "My only involvement was an oath that I would not use my extended Master rights to do more than modify those two classes. Everything, including requiring me to oath that limitation was all Heir Black's doing." Snape gloats.
Sprout looked at Snape disbelievingly, "Truly, he stood in front of you and required you to oath yourself? The stones on that boy!"
Snape just grinned more. "He is Lily's son in every way." He then looked at Dumbledore, "Including how he will hold a grudge. Don't expect him to stop hating you anytime soon, Albus."
McGonagall looked with disgust at Albus, after watching the transfiguration skill displayed by Harry. She yelled, "I can't believe, I let you keep me from giving them extended assignments! Now he barely will interact with me and he is taking his Charms OWL this year! This is ridiculous! Those two are going to be setting educational records left and right, and I have no access to James's son!" and she then stood up and left, with Sprout joining her at the door.
Snape waited until they left, and just looked at Albus grinning. Albus was not amused, "I am so happy you are amused, meanwhile the prophesied one to stop Riddle won't trust me to hand him a bog roll!"
Snape with no sympathy at all, replied unrepentantly, "I had nothing to do with that. It's not my fault that I teach effectively and require results. Harry, and surprisingly, now Hermione, actually respect me more, because I am so exacting and unforgiving of foolishness. The difference is, I'm trustworthy. What I say, I do."
Dumbledore then threatened, "If Harry knew what I know…"
Snape laughed in his face, calling his bluff. With a sneer, Snape challenged, "As if he would believe you. He would see it, as your typical manipulations. You really pierce charmed yourself in the foot, when you threated to interfere with his witch and the Potter Foible…really BAD MOVE, OLD MAN!" and Snape left, continuing to laugh.
Dumbledore just growled, the worst thing was, Snape was right.
During the next Tuesday Potions class, Master Snape came to the front of the class, smiling. "I have interesting news. Thanks to your brother apprentice, Heir Potter, you all, now independent study DADA and HOM. I know, it surprised me too, when he crammed it down Headmaster Dumbledore's throat. I thought he was doing it, just for himself and his paramour, but during the negotiations he included all of you in the process. Congratulations."
Gred, looking scared, looked at Snape, "All of us, Sir?"
Snape with a wide pitiless grin, replied "Yes, all of you. I expect decent results. You wouldn't want to disappoint your master would you. Harry even said, and I quote, 'Master Snape will determine if we are meeting the educational requirements and his response to failure is known.' Obviously our two in their NEWT years will be excused from this, well unless they are taking the NEWT classes. Honestly, this will help you by giving you time to do more than play act Lockhart's wonderfully made-up achievements in DADA. Perhaps you can convince Harry to help you with DADA. He is taking his Charms OWL this year, and nightly duels myself or Dueling Master Flitwick. You would find him to be, an exacting combat instructor for your level. In fact, change of plans. I insist."
Harry looked blindsided at Master Snape, and said with growing concern, "Sir, I haven't undergone my second maturity. I can't cast NEWT spells with any power."
Snape with an unrepentant grin, "True, but you are near silent and point casting with all the OWL spells, not just charms. That is an infinite improvement for the others, over what Lockhart can do…or teach."
Hermione looked at Harry with pride, "Oh please Harry, say you will, you are a masterful instructor. I told you that many times."
Gred angrily mumbled, "In the bedroom."
Harry surprised at such an insult here, "Watch it!" he said, glaring at Gred, "Comments like that, and you will learn my qualifications. Besides, Master Snape gave me an order, not a request. Ergo, I expect all of you Thursday nights for combat magic in the dueling room at 6pm for OWL skills, 7pm for combat all skills. Don't be late!" and he bowed to Master Snape. Who grinned and nodded back.
That Thursday, all the apprentices showed up at 6, yes even the two NEWTS, as their DADA education was pathetic. They came into the room to see Heir Black in his combat robes on the other side of the class standing there at parade rest with his eyes gently glowing and his arms clasped behind his back. He looked irritated, and very dangerous. Professor Snape was sitting in the corner in a large plush chair reading a book, drinking a cognac, and smoking a cigar, apparently ignoring the room entirely. There was a transparent shield in front of him.
At exactly 6 Harry stepped forward barking out like a drill sergeant, "I am Instructor Black, your instructor in this class for combat magic. Not knowing your skill level, we will have you duel me one at a time. Attack to kill or at least with whatever you can do, and I mean anything. If you can't hex, then kick, punch, bite, or throw. This is about survival. Show me how much you can survive. When I tell you to attack. Do so, or I will hurt you."
Harry looked at Hermione and commanded, "Miss Granger, you are first. Step forward and be ready." Hermione stepped forward and stood there uncertainly. Harry with a frown of disapproval, "Miss Granger, where is your wand?" Hermione, "Oh" and popped her wand into her hand. Harry then said "Attack!"
Hermione then thought for a second, and a stinging charm hit her in her left thigh. "OUCH!" Harry then summoned her wand to him. "OK we are starting from ground zero. Not a problem, we will get you up to speed, Mine." Harry said as he walked up to her and handed her wand back to her.
Hermione pouted a bit at how Harry didn't give her time to do anything, "That hurt!"
Instructor Black was unsympathetic, "Later I can kiss it, and make it better. Now step aside, miss Granger."
There was some snickering from Gred. Harry barked, "Weasley, front and center!"
Both looked slightly confused, "Which one?"
Harry with a knowing grin, barked, "Would one of you let me attack the other one, without interfering?"
They both looked like they had been caught in a prank "...."
Harry with a smirk like he had caught them with their pants down, "Exactly, both, out here. Now!"
Both came out and had their wands in their hands. Harry did not. Harry said "Ready?" they both nodded, and Harry said "Attack!"
Before their wands started moving Harry was shifting to the side and casting stinging charms at Gred who yelled "OW!", but got a shield up blocking the summoning spell. Forge was trying to circle and Harry then went between them still attacking Gred. He casted a few spells and when Forge attacked him from behind, he moved sideways letting the leg locker and tickling spell go by, and hitting an unprepared Gred. Forge was surprised, and then disarmed, and his brother soon thereafter.
Harry was able to take down all his opponents with relative ease. Only Mr. Ackerley was able to hold him off with a decent shield, but was not able to mount a good enough offensive and was soon taken out.
After all his students had been appropriately cowed and evaluated, Instructor Black then called the class to order. "Very well, we will start on accuracy and speed drills. We will use the OWL hour to perfect the OWL combat spells or any spell you are having trouble casting. For the following 90 minutes we will work on shields, mobility, and appropriate spell chains. If you are able, we will work on decreasing verbalization and wand movements. Any questions?"
Cedric seeing a combat instructor, not a second year student, asked with complete disbelief, "How are you able to do this?"
Harry looked at him with a stone face and replied coldly, "Lord Black is an exacting and brutal instructor, similar to Master Snape. Only he had me eighteen hours a day for 29 days straight. It was improve, or suffer…and the suffering did not end until I improved. So, I improved."
Gred looked at Forge, and very seriously said, "Thank you for not killing our brother...or our family. Also, the comment about your lady, I abjectly apologize."
Harry winced, not liking being reminded he did threaten to kill their entire family. "Just keep him away from me and I will do my best, brothers. Trust me, being your brother is more important to me, than killing him. Don't let him change that, for your family's sake, Lord Black was most put out. Let's get to work." The class went well, and the students were relieved when it was done, but excited. They were worked hard, but learned more in the last 2 hours than their whole previous education.
Professor Snape had apparently ignored the whole class. It was obvious he did not want to be bothered, and not even Hermione was foolish enough to test it. Once all the students had left, he snapped his book closed, set down his drink, and came over to Harry. Harry was standing there at parade rest, waiting for orders, looking very professional.
Snape walked over in front of him and stopped 2 meters away. He eventually said, "I am satisfied with your instruction."
Harry snapped to attention, and barked "Thank you, Sir!"
Snape snorted, and continued with a thin smile on his face and his eyes looking at Harry dangerously. "You will continue this weekly, and I will be satisfied. Clear?"
Harry still at attention, not having moved a muscle, barked, "As you command, Sir!"
"Our turn, begin." and Snape attacked. Harry dodged left raising a shield. It was barely up in time.