In the cold, gloomy Potions classroom in the dungeons of the school, as always, the quiet sounds of glass, flasks and the bubbling of a chemical reaction were heard, unheard by anyone that night except the Potions Professor.

Severus, preparing for tomorrow's lesson with the senior year, created one of the potions for a visual example. The usual sleight of hand and precise calculation of ingredients became the background when the man was immersed only in his thoughts. He walked around the office with calm and measured steps, collecting the things he needed, for a moment caught by the weight of silence and the pleasure of the same.