Severus sucked on his teeth before he ripped his eyes away from the source of his malcontention. Potter didn't know why he was here? It was a wonder that he even thought of himself as alive. The Gryffindor had his mind in the clouds and, no doubt, been hit by one too many bludgers during Quidditch matches. Well, at least it was something useful to do with his head!

Snickering under his breath, Severus turned back to his work, chopping up ingredients while their 'good natured' professor graded potions.

Slughorn looked up as James spoke and offered him a bemused expression. "It had taken me many years of study, but I have found that, even in the muggle world, a reaction is generally caused by a preemptive action, Mister Potter."

The snicker grew louder from the Slytherin camp across the aisle.