Up at the staff table most of the seats were empty as the professors were handing out schedules to the students. Normally Professor Snape was the first to admit that he hated attending breakfast, and he was always the first staff member to tend to his snakes so that he could leave. This morning however, was different. One Harry Potter was missing.

"Where is that Dunderheaded boy?" he thought as the seethed in his chair.

Upon entering the Great Hall it was blatantly obvious that the two were late. Although it wasn't uncommon for the them to be seen together, it did look strange to some. Most people began whispering about why their red headed friend was already seated at the table rather than walking in with them.

Exhaling out a breathe that he didn't know he had been holding, Professor Snape sighed with relief. He soaked up the image of the boy. He had obviously not been eating well, as he was much thinner than at the end of the school year a few months prior.

While handing out time tables to his students, unavoidable gossip was starting up among the children. He turned to look at the Golden Trio and was genuinely surprised to see that Potter and Granger seemed to be having an intimate staring contest. Across the table sat the Weasley boy who looked oblivious to the apparent electricity between the two and continued to shovel food into his mouth.

With a roll of his eyes, Professor Snape walked over to the Gryffindor table.

" , , you were late?" Snape questioned menacingly.

"We are not required to attend breakfast, Professor. And it was my fault anyways," replied the boy monotonously.

"Obviously the little punk thinks no one is worth his time," Snape thought.

"Meet me in my office after class, Potter. Don't be late. And shut your mouth Weasley, chewing with it open does not appeal to anyone... especially women," Snape added as an afterthought while smirking evilly.

"That should give the red headed idiot a hint...I may watch over Potter, but that doesn't mean I have to make his life easy," Snape noted bitterly.

After a moment Weasley looked to Granger for approval, who just laid her eyes on him in disgust and continued to stare at Potter.

Feeling like his mission was accomplished, Severus strutted quickly out of the hall and to his classroom.