October was already turning out to be a bad month for Severus. Not only had the Dark Lord been lusting for blood more than usual but, Dumbledore had actually taken Severus aside and told him to call off this "silly, flirtatious game with Flint." It had angered him so, even more than it would have normally, because he knew that damned Sinistra was behind it.

I'm not even homosexual! He thought on a rather bland day as he made his way to the Great Hall. I don't even look homosexual--I don't think so, at least--so, how dare they assume so! His cloak flowed behind him like a kite in a delicate wind and his hair was hanging in his face--he had no time to attend to his appearance, being a professor and all. He made his way to a seat at the end of the High Table, unfortunately right beside that damned Flint. Severus was barely able to keep himself from snarling Sinistra's way but, seemed content with glaring daggers in her general direction.

Flint had already grabbed a seat at the High Table before Severus entered. He smirked, watching the greasy-haired man sit down. Yes, he had heard about Dumbledore's talk with Snape. It actually had no affect on Flint, considering that Marcus really didn't care if the older man was flirting with him. He turned to look at Sinistra, grinning. He found it rather funny that Sinistra had the guts to actually speak with Dumbledore about Snape. He turned back around, looking at Severus.

"So, going homosexual, are we? I must say, you're not my type. I like the men that have silver-blonde hair and icy blue eyes. They make shivers go up my spine."

He said, snickering. Yes, he found Draco Malfoy incredibly attractive. All those times in the Quidditch Locker Rooms were so fun. And the showers...oh....they were steamy hot...

A hush fell upon the Great Hall, thick as fog. Severus' head snapped in Flint's direction, eyes wide with fury.

"My sexual orientation is none of your-" pausing, he glanced around the hall to see that everyone was watching him, "None of anyone's business!" His glare was more menacing than ever before.

A small mutter came from the Gryffindor table. "I always knew there was something incredibly wrong with Snape." Harry whispered to Hermione and Ron. Ron fell backwards, off of his seat, hitting the floor with a small thump. After getting back up, all the students went back to their food.

Flint snickered at Severus' answer. He knew that there was something else about Snape that no one knew.

"Ah, but...see, your fellow professors have to know these things. Just so they can keep an eye on....your actions."

He said, grinning mischievously at the elder professor.

That was the last straw for the Potions Master.

He had reached for his wand in his sleeve but, he realized he'd left it in his quarters. He grabbed the next best thing.

A large spoonful of mashed potatoes.

Glop.

Marcus got smacked in the face with a spoonful of mashed potatoes. He quickly wiped it away, giving Snape a very rude hand gesture (and no, not that hand gesture...the middle finger gesture, for all of you perverts out there).

"That's it, Sevvy poo."

He said, picking up his goblet and sloshing the juice all over Snape.

Severus didn't say a word but, instead, picked up a large dish of yams and threw them in Flint's direction. They somehow managed to plop in Minerva McGonagall's lap.

The Great Hall grew quiet, for the second time that meal. Everyone wanted to hear what the stern witch would say. The smirk slid off Snape's sallow face as he watched her, awaiting her harsh words or, perhaps, strong hex.

McGonagall's face turned to an angry glare. She took out her wand, pointing it at Severus.

"What do you have to say?"

She asked, pushing some of the yams off of her robes.

"Severus, I would have expected much better behavior from you. You're a professor, for Merlin's sake. Try to act like one. Do you think you're setting a good example for the students by doing that?"

She asked in her stern tone, narrowing her eyes at him.

He raised his eyebrows for a second and crossed his arms over his juice- soaked robes. There was an awkward silence and he began to speak.

"Me? Me? What about her or him?" He motioned to Flint and Sinistra before continuing, "Romances are not allowed between professors--that is very clear--and I have no desire to take part in a makeshift shag session with a silly, dimwitted boy with foul teeth."

McGonagall glared at Severus for a few more minutes, then looked to Marcus. He was gaping at Snape.

"Foul teeth?"

He managed to squeak out. He really hadn't noticed that his teeth were horrid looking. McGonagall shook her head, looking away from them both.

Severus smirked at them both.

"And what do you have to say, Minnie?"

Minerva glared at Severus. She had told him over and over again to NEVER call her Minnie.

"I say that you two need to quit acting like children and become civil adults."

She said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Marcus snickered behind his hand.

"Yeah, Sevvy."

He said, smirking evilly.

"Civil adults?" Severus shook his head. "Since when has anyone been civil here?"

"Well, I've ALWAYS been civil...but you guys haven't." Minerva said, smirking.

Marcus blinked, seeing the smirk. "YOU can SMIRK?"

"Contrary to popular belief, Minerva isn't a dried up old prune. She's just rather raisin-like." Severus took this opportunity to sit down.

Minerva gave Severus a rather evil glance. He was getting on her last nerve and it was very easy to tell.

"Severus, I suggest you lose the attitude, or I'll speak with Dumbledore about your position as a professor here. I've heard that this school needs another caretaker."

She said in a menacing tone.

Marcus burst into laughter.

"Imagine! Snape...with a BROOM!"

Severus glared at both Minnie and Marcus.

"You know as well as I do that my position here at Hogwarts is well secured." He smiled then, an eerie smile, because he knew that she knew exactly what he was referring to.

"With that being said," He turned and pushed his chair in, "I'll retire now."

Minerva nodded.

"Goodnight, Severus."

She said, then turned back to her food.

Marcus, on the other hand, glared after Severus.

"I'll see you later, Sevvy."

He said, in a tone that suggested he'd keep that promise.

"That is not an option, Flint." Severus said sternly, as he walked towards the teacher's lounge.

Marcus shook his head, watching Severus leave.

"He's such an arse at times."

Minerva nodded and all went quiet between them.