"Certainly productive," Severus replied in what he hoped wasn't a terribly dry tone. It wasn't often that he humoured girls with conversation. Not since his and Lily's falling out two years previous. The mere thought of it made his body want to tense all over again but he banished such thoughts from his mind. He couldn't concern himself with her anymore. It was over.<br/><br/>"Very productive," Regulus chimed in, studying his cousin briefly before turning his attention to the arriving trolley. He hesitated a moment, wondering if he could get away with eating a chocolate frog but he could already hear Walburga Black's nagging voice in his head.<em>Don't you dare, Regulus. You'll spoil your appetite.</em><br/><br/>Severus felt the corner of his lips twitch threateningly as he watched Regulus dismiss the woman before turning his attention back to Narcissa. "How was your summer?" He wasn't particularly interested in hearing about it, he felt obligated to at least attempt to make some conversation.<br/><br/>There had been a clear shift over the summer. Severus was no longer the strange wizard everyone either ignored or targeted. He had been given an opportunity here to fit in and he didn't intend to ruin it. Besides, the Blacks were important allies. It was simply smart strategy on his part and he had a sneaking suspicion Regulus knew this.<br/><br/>They<em>were</em>Slytherins, after all.