Disclaimer: The usual. None of the characters are mine, their all JK Rowling's, but I'm not using them for profit, so it's all ok. I've been getting some strange reactions about my pairing, but oh well. I find it easy to write about these two.

"That will be all for today. In tomorrow's lesson, you will be making this potion, which will then be assessed by me, so I suggest that you all learn the method thoroughly. Miss Chang, will you please stay behind." He hoped that didn't sound too suspicious.

"He's given you a second chance, Cho." Cho attempted to ignore the comments. She just hoped that Snape hadn't heard them.

"Professor?"

"Did you sleep well last night?"

"Reasonably, Professor. Why do you ask?"

"I waited for you." The minute the words came out of his mouth, Severus wished he could have bitten his tongue off.

"Oh." There was an uncomfortable pause.

"No, I mean, don't take that the wrong way. I just thought, well, that you and I are alike in some ways, and I wanted to talk to you because I thought it could help you." Hopefully, it would help him, too.

"You lost someone close to you as well, sir?"

Severus took a deep breath. "I will tell you tonight."