What Have I Missed?

The owl swooped and pecked the man's face but his laughter did not ease. The students watched with trepidation fearing a public mental breakdown but the Potions master paid them no mind and addressed his mysterious imagination.

"Don't do that, you'll fall in. Come away, love". His laughter erupted again.

"I... did warn you Baby, come on." His hands were held out as though in welcome and he suddenly stepped back as though something had hit him.

"You've got heavier; you're like a little elephant"

He chuckled and rubbed his arm gently.

He kept his hands high as though carrying a heavy weight and slowly walked about the room.

"So what film is it I have to endure tonight?"

"Most certainly not. That's horrible taste, must be your mother's influence. Definitely not! Far too old for you! Perhaps. I'll consider it. Oh really? And what do you want to ask?" He lowered his head and smiled slightly.

"Hmm. Well, yes, but don't tell your mother", he whispered in a conspiring tone.

He lowered his arm and sighed. His chuckles had not stopped. He suddenly froze and stared at something the students could not see.

"I did not! You little rascal! Did I not say don't tell your mother?!"

"No". He ducked quickly and drew his wand with a smirk.

"Titilare!"

He ran, his robes billowing behind him as he unceremoniously leapt for make believe cover.

He let out a gasp of surprise and tentatively touched his greasy hair. He cast a quick mirror charm and a scowl appeared.

"Aliaia".

"Come here".

"Come".

"What did you do?"

"Can you … change it back?"

He quickly cast a glare at the Great Halls entrance and muttered. "Don't you laugh; I'll set her on you!"

A grin broke out as he muttered "wonderful, incredible, and only six! Go show Mum!"

"Don't Severus me! You laughed and so you'll get yours. He sidestepped some non-existent spellwork and held out his arms to catch the air that raced past with the swish of his black cloak.

He strode towards the doorway.

"You're a bad influence on her. If she's anymore like you I'll have to glue her hands to the table once she goes to school."

He rubbed his arm again.

"If only to stop her being violent to the other students. He smirked and closed his eyes, savouring a moment. He sighed gently and with a smile on his face he went to sit back at the dinner table and only then did he notice the shocked faces about him.

"What have I missed?" He grumbled.

"Rather a lot I should imagine, Severus. Rather a lot." Came the quiet remark from the wizened headmaster who stroked his beard distractedly.