I wonder why it burned when he touched her

That was wonderful.  I'm glad she doesn't want Ron back.

Snape must be feeling pretty low right now.  Silly thing.  Oh well, he hasn't had many people around him who were trustworthy.  It makes sense he would expect the worst.

I wonder if we get a Snape's POV on things? Nice chapter. Snape obviously cares about Hermione.

LOL.  Very good.  I can't wait for more!

LOL.  Very good.  I look forward to updates!

I feel so bad for her.  But I'm glad she is finding a way to survive.

That was really enjoyable, I like seeing the day to day interactions.

Severus Snape has not been known to give effusive praise, but I'll bet Hermione can get him to give her a real compliment.  I'm looking forward to seeing what she does that finally garners the professor's attention... I'll bet he has already taken notice of his apprentice.

Beth

Maybe she'll get a better reward

Maybe she'll get a better reward

"There was no way in hell Severus Snape had lowbrow magazines stored in the bottom drawer of his desk!"

Now you have me wondering about that, too.  And I can't wait to find out when Hermione gives into her curiosity and looks in his bottom desk drawer to see for herself.

It's good that Snape felt that Ron and Lavender suited each other so well... and the way he teases Hermione, I think he is very taken with her. 

Thanks for the great update!
Beth

i really enjoy the way you've pictured Hermione and Severus's laid back relationship.  I'll be interested to see how it continues.

Thanks for your time and effort

Oh, dear.  Well, Ron and Lavender seem eminently suited at this point.

This is quite interesting. 

An interesting beginning so far.

They seem to have an "easy" working relationship, or as easy as they come where Snape is concerned. And you have it developing in a natural way.

I hope she gets her magic back in full force eventually, but more importantly, her self esteem. Will Snape help or hinder that part of it? I imagine in his own warped way, he will help, because he will not coddle her, nor will he allow her to wallow in self pity.

Oh this is gonna be fun!  I can't wait for the next chapter!!  Very good.

interesting premise - i'll be waiting to see where you take this story.  Keep up the writing and good luck!

very good, I look forward to the next chapter.

Great beginning.  I liked the way we first saw the easy camaraderie between Hermione and Professor Snape and then learned the back story.Two thumbs up!  I'm looking forward to the next chapter.Beth

Interesting. I like the way you started when she was an apprentice then went to the back story. :)

Liking this so far, can't wait to read more

Interesting start! It's going to be very interesting, too, to see how Hermione came to be Snape's apprentice and how they learned to be at ease with each other.

Author's Response: Thank you! We shall definitely be learning more of the back story as the story unfolds : )

I guess adequate from him would be equivalent to superb from anyone else! :)

This is a lovely chapter.  I very much liked the letter Mrs. Bishop wrote to Severus to make sure that he would be having Hermione's best interests at heart.  And after reading the letter to Hermione from Cornelia Higglesbottom, I wanted to send a Howler to the radio host myself.

Of course, my favorite part is their time on the settee.  Now I think they might just be ready to take that next step.  Woo hoo!

I wonder if Severus will go with Hermione when she visits her parents on Sunday?  Thanks for this lovely chapter!

Beth