Only the beginning
It was the last day before the winter break and Severus wanted to hang himself.
You would think the students would consider to behave given the prospect of their return home? Apparently that wasn't the case for several of his students who made it their sole goal to annoy him into hating his life even more than he usually does. Rubbing his forehead he could already feel the headache approach, maybe he should take a headache potion before the next class.
In hindsight, now standing in the hospital wing, he should have taken the potion when he had the chance.
"It is most decidedly not my fault!!! Potter, that dunderhead, is simply incompetent enough to be unable to brew something as simple as a Calming Draught!"
"Am not"
"How could it be my fault that he is incompetent?? OW can you not be more gentle Madam?"
"Awe is the little baby hurt? Maybe you should call your father to hold your hand"
"I would not have to endure this treatment at all if it was not for your foolish attempt, we all know Gryffindors lack brain capacity but even they should be able to keep up with the coursework!"
Severus wants to smack both of the boys right now, taking a deep breath he channels his inner Minerva who surely would disapprove of him hitting their students. Which were already seated in their respective hospital beds, whining and pouting that it was the others fault...who could have guessed. Luckily Madam Pomfrey had to deal with them, treating the superficial burns and cuts that both of them received once Potters potion had indeed exploded. Though he obviously claims Malfoy had sabotaged him, the usual.
"oh come of it, you did something to my potion!! It was perfectly fine before you walked past it. Maybe just being near you contaminated it..I certainly wouldn't blame it..being near you is rather unfortunate"
The Slytherin splutters as he glares at him, tightening his lips into a fine line. Severus knows that Malfoy must be fuming if his body language is anything to go by.
"It does not matter whose fault it is, though I can assure you Mister Potter your potion was anything BUT perfect therefore 5 points from Gryffindor. You will both leave the hospital separately and if I catch you fighting, arguing or anything else that will ruin the upcoming holidays you will be spending every night with Filch until I am satisfied that you have learned your lesson. You are students, and while you are insufferable you are not toddlers. I expect better from you" he drawls with a schooled expression.
One that Malfoy usually masters as well, though he seems to lose it whenever Potter is involved.
He looks purposely at Malfoy since he knows that stubborn Gryffindor would probably just try and challenge him. while Malfoy is subject-able to his advice, scolding and praise. If this day were to end peaceful it was because one of the boys manages enough self-restraint to leave the hospital wing first and actually go into his common room like he was ordered to. Without waiting for the other and start a staring contest which would undoubtedly evolve into bicker which then would involve hexes and most of the time schoolboy squabbles. That boy had to be Malfoy today because it was him and not Minerva that had caught or taught them at the time of the ... incident.
The Slytherins have a small staring duel, though Malfoy Junior is way too young to actually stand a chance against someone as established as him. Hence why he is the first to look away, a slight incline of his head telling Severus that he had understood and would follow the order he was given.
Giving Poppy a small nod he walks out of the room, feeling the satisfying swish of his robes behind hin. God he really hopes this is the last of it, just one more day and he could finally leave this school for a few days..maybe even a whole week if he is lucky.
As long as he doesn't have to settle anymore Potter-Malfoy disputes he would be content...