"Don't dare compare me to Pettigrew," Severus snapped, though it lacked the icicles it tended to. "I am already exceptional at transfiguration." Now that was the sort of tone that he generally had, smirking in satisfaction.

He pointed his wand at Remus and turned his scarf into a snake, which, on second consideration, had not been a good idea.

Severus's eyes widened and he rushed forward, dropping his wand to pull the reptile from around Remus's neck before it strangled him. To have Severus show concern over anything other than himself was quite the feat.