The Kunoichi and The Potion Master

Chapter 3

Disclaimer:

I don't own any of the Naruto or Harry potter characters. If I did I wouldn't be writing fan fiction and Snape wouldn't have died.

Chapter 3:

Severus Snape was neither warm nor approachable, in fact he was the main reason that many of the students that inhabited the school had developed a extreme fear of the dungeons. His viper sharp tongue was unusually still as he observed his new 'assistant' as she began her test.

The test was to brew a simple truth telling potion, otherwise known as Veritaserum, that was extremely difficult for a simple novice to brew and yet he could not contain his curiosity as the blonde went about the preparation and brewing of said potion with the ease of an old hand. There was no hesitation in her movements, no shaky hands or slipping knife as he would expect and he was baffled, surely he of all people would have heard about someone so talented in his art...

''It seems that you aren't as incompetent as I thought Miss Uzumaki.'' he drawled as he crossed the room to inspect the potion which was a perfect, translucent hue.

He watched as she gave a quick smile and ignoring the tightening in his stomach at the unexpected reaction, clasped her smaller hand in his.

''Class starts on Monday at 08: 00, if you're late then don't bother coming in at all.'' he stated with a slight sneer before proceeding to bottle the potion on the counter.

''I wont be late...Severus.''

Severus snapped his head round at the use of his first name, a sharp response on the edge of his tongue only to find that he was once again alone in the bowels of the dungeon.

''Cheeky Minx.'' he muttered with annoyance before continuing to prep the room for the arrival of the students who would no doubt manage to destroy some apart of the room during their lessons

When the Golden Trio finally reached the Great Hall, they saw two red heads that proceeded to wave at them frantically. Harry smiled, despite what had happened not even moments before on the train, the twins were always good for a laugh.

''What took you guys so long?'' whined Fred, casting them puppy dog eyes while his twin mock scowled at the three.

''Malfoy.'' came the short reply from Ron, the word causing the twins to glance over at the Slytherin table in time to see the Malfoy Heir mock faint to the snickers of his fellow dorm-mates.

''Prat wasn't so brave-'' Started George with a slight glare

''When he was cowering in our compartment earlier.'' finished Fred.

The two looked at Harry sympathetically,while Ron patted his back awkwardly for support. Harry was about to respond when he looked over to the Staff table, a flash of blue catching his eye.

''Oh brother oh mine, me thinks Harry has spotted our lovely new professor.'' Fred sang while draping himself over his grinning twin. Harry blushed and was about to deliver a hot retort when the double doors to the Great hall burst open, admitting a stern faced McGonagall whom was guiding a flock of shuffling first years.

Harry vaguely listened as the sorting began, more interested in the staff table, where unlike the previous years there were two new faces- one belonging to the man whom had come to his aid on the train. Once the final name was called, Dumbeldore rapped his wineglass to get the attention of the whole hall.

''Welcome all, new and old for another year at Hogwarts. Now there are a few announcements to make before we can enjoy our truly magnificent feast. First, I would like to remind students that the Forest is strictly off limits to all students and those found breaking this rule will be dealt with harshly. Second I would like to welcome to additional members of staff this year, Professor Lupin whom has generously accepted the post of Defence against the Dark Arts and Miss Uzumaki, who will be the assistant for Professor Snape for the rest of this year.''

Harry turned back to look at the new professor; her looks were bright and unusual. She had long blonde hair and stunning blue eyes, on each cheek were three whisker like markings that gave her face an interesting appearance. Suddenly those intense blue eyes met his and Harry felt his breathe catch as he witnessed a emotion within them that , to him, was almost hauntingly familiar. But before he could analysis it the weight of her gaze was gone, the professor now speaking to Snape in hushed tones.

''Now please tuck in!'' invited Dumbledore, twinkle present behind his half moon glasses.

Hermione and Harry seemed to be the only ones not eating. Harry because of his forced starvation during the summer and Hermione out of anger as she watched Ron sneak dazed looks at the blonde professor. Harry poked at his soup and had to bite back a small grin as he listened to all the boys bemoan the fact that the blonde was in the grasp of the Dungeon bat. Somehow he had a feeling that this was going to be an interesting year.