Snape couldn't decide which was worse, having Harry Potter doing well in his NEWT potions class or having Carol Longbottom fail. How was he supposed to teach a child who was already doomed?
"Perfect potion, again," Severus hissed as he walked by Potter's station. Ever since the defeat of the Dark Lord and every secret being revealed, the boy had excelled in every subject. Snape felt cheated, trying to figure out if the Gryffindor had been withholding his talent or had taken summer courses at another school. What felt even more wrong, was that he was beginning to enjoy having an assistant teacher.
He should pull out his wand and throw a Fire Hex at the little Golden Boy. If only to see what would happen.
Where was the insolent brat that had arrived only ten years ago? Clearly buried with the Dark Lord, along with his damned potions text.
"Carol! No!" Potter shouted, diving across the room with ginger root in hand. He dropped into Longbottom's bubbling cauldron and it immediately calmed to a simmer.
Damn it!
"Well played, Potter. Miss Longbottom, please refer to your text in the future and not Miss Weasley's breasts."
Snickers filled the room while Longbottom attempted to turn into a tomato. Severus sat down heavily behind his desk and dismissed the class. As soon as he thought they'd all left, he held his head in his hands.
"Is there something wrong, Professor?" came the inquisitive voice of the Boy Who Lived.
Severus Snape stood, pointing his wand at the prat and Harry Potter burst into flame.
Wow. He hadn't expected that to work. Only Potter wasn't writhing in pain, he simply stood as if the flame was surrounding him, not burning him alive. Snape ended the spell in shock and sat down again. A loud thud echoed throughout the room when the Potions Master dropped his head on the desk.
"You know, killing me isn't going to solve all your problems," Harry pointed out, suddenly insightful.
"I am well aware of that Mister Potter. Remind me why you are still here?"
"It's friday, Severus. I've finished classes for the day."
A gentle hand on his back allowed a heavy sigh to escape him. "You've been like this ever since the Last Battle. Won't you tell me what's really bothering you?"
"All the world has turned upside-down..."
Harry chuckled softly and kissed the back of his love's neck while tangling with the hand resting on the desk. "Can't stand being happy, eh? Well, get used to it. We'll be moving soon."
"As much I appreciate your help, why do you bother attending my classes?"
"The students like you better when I'm around. Besides, I think it takes two Professor's to handle one Longbottom in Potions."
"Indeed." Severus lifted his head for a soft kiss and a more happy sigh left his lips this time. "I still can't decide whether to kill you or not."
"I'd come back with a knife and kill you in your sleep if you dare," Harry answered cheerfully, kissing the disgruntled Slytherin again.