"Before I conclude today's lesson, everybody open your books to page two hundred and eighty six. I specifically need all of you to review the Elasticity Potion and memorize all of its ingredients – including all variants and substitutions – by the beginning of class Monday. Does everybody understand?"
Professor Snape glanced around the classroom to ensure his students were aware of the task. He made a small nod, and continued in his usual deliberate monotone. "I see nobody has any questions or comments, to which I am greatly relieved. There may or may not be a quiz on this potion so I suggest you use your weekend wisely. And lastly, do not forget to bring safety glasses on Monday as I will personally demonstrate how to create this concoction. Things can get a bit messy."
His dark eyes then shifted toward Harry and Ron. "Mister Potter and Mister Weasley, a word with you after class. As for everyone else, you have precisely one minute to disappear. Every second past that is a point from your house – yes, that goes for you Slytherins as well," he said somewhat forcefully while quickly glancing towards Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. By the time he finished his sentence most of the class had already packed up and was making their way out, but Neville Longbottom was still fumbling around with his books and vials since Malfoy and his cronies knocked them off the desk whilst making their way out.
"Forty seconds left, Mister Longbottom," said Snape. "Potter and Weasley, if you don't want your house to lose points, I suggest you assist your bumbling classmate". Harry and Ron quickly made their way to Neville's seat and ensured that he had everything squared away. Snape arched an eyebrow at Neville as he hurried out the door. Snape gave Neville a slight smirk. "Close one today, Mister Longbottom. You should be grateful that these ne'er-do-wells got you out with sev… make that six seconds to spare." Neville nodded quickly and distanced himself as quickly from the classroom as he could.
Snape then narrowed his eyes and gave Harry and Ron a rather menacing look. "As for you two," he said sternly, maintaining a steely gaze on them, "you were tardy for the second time in as many weeks. I will not ask for you two… delinquents to explain yourselves because to be brutally honest, that is none of my concern. You may consider that my final warning before any disciplinary action is to be applied." Snape then rolled his eyes and shook his head in mild frustration. "And by Merlin's' beard, Weasley," he snarled, "every time I see you in my class, you look like you've just rolled out of bed. Young Malfoy and Miss Granger are without fail, alert and attentive. Even Potter here puts forth a modicum of effort in his Potions studies. I assure you, Mister Weasley, that while there are more… attention-grabbing courses here at Hogwarts, the information to be gleaned from Potions can potentially save life and limb – whether it be yours, or someone that you care about. I do hope you take this into consideration the next time you come to class." "I will, Professor," said Ron quietly. Snape nodded silently.
Harry dared to change the direction of the conversation. "Uhm Professor, that was the first time I've seen you threaten the Slytherin house." Snape turned his gaze to Harry and huffed slightly. "Astute observation, young Potter," he replied with a heavy dose of sarcasm. "As second-year students, you should be well aware that I have high expectations for all students who aspire to be wizards and witches. Said expectations are completely irrespective of their house. But for your information, Mister Potter, I have deducted more points and handed out more detentions to Slytherin students than I care to remember. Strong punishments, at times. I'm sure both of you are aware of my reputation as being biased towards Slytherin – and I will neither confirm nor deny that notion – but while I do take a certain amount of pride in my house, leniency only goes so far. If I really let Slytherin get away with everything, then it dulls the Slytherin blade that stands for ambition and cunning. Accountability is not an explicit value for any of the four houses, but regardless if you're Slytherin, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, the faculty have set certain boundaries and expectations and they WILL be respected and upheld. Great wizards and witches have risen through the ranks in all four houses – some of which I have personally taught – but on the other hand, each house has produced its share of dead weight." He glanced at Harry and Ron to emphasize those last few words.
"We'd better get going to our next class, Professor," Ron blurted out. "We're going to be late if we don't hurry." Snape threw Ron a dubious look. "And I'm sure that Potions is the only class where attendance is optional, Weasley?" "Point taken, sir. You have our word we will be on time going forward." Snape then nodded, and made a small gesture to dismiss the boys.