Who would do that?" Harry frowned. "Do you think it has anything to do with what happened to Mrs Norris? Professor McGonagall said–"
"–I am well aware of what Professor McGonagall told you all," Snape cut him off – he had been less than pleased to hear that the witch had shared the legend of the Chamber of Secrets with a class full of second year students. "However, should the heir of Slytherin truly have returned to Hogwarts, I hardly think he or she would have the time to involve themselves in such petty activities."
"Who do you think it is, then? The heir?" Harry asked, seeing his opportunity to shift the conversation in another direction entirely. He and his friends had their own theories of course, but he wasn't sure about voicing them to the Slytherin head of house – or Hermione's plans to brew Polyjuice potion and expose Malfoy.
"I think that the events that took place last week were likely nothing more than an elaborate prank, today's incident being a similar attempt albeit it in poor taste," Snape told him. "And you will do well to concentrate on your studies instead."
Harry sighed, though he hadn't really expected is guardian to gossip with him about the potential identity of the culprit. "Last year somebody jinxed my broom, and that wasn't a prank. So you can hardly blame me for wondering."
Exhaling, Snape inclined his head. "A reasonable concern, and it will not harm you to remain vigilant. But you need not worry. I will find out who is to blame for today's excitement, and they will be severely reprimanded. You are safe here."
He just nodded, and silently, the potions master reached up, brushing his hair from his eyes and cupping a hand to his cheek. It was fleeting, but Harry leaned in to the touch.
"Get some rest," Snape said.
Harry watched as he got up again, moving around the bedframe.
"Sir?"
Snape stopped, turning to regard him.
"You're sure it's not Malfoy?"
"I hardly think that even Mr Malfoy is stupid enough to jinx a bludger and get in its way," he pointed out.
But Harry shook his head. "I'm not talking about the bludger. I… do you think he could be the heir? Those comments he made–"
" –No, Mr Potter. I do not," his guardian responded, in a tone that told him not to push the conversation any further.
'Mr Potter' – there it was again.
"You are mixing childish rivalries with things you know nothing about. It would be wise to do something more productive with your time," Snape finished, his tone somewhat colder than Harry had gotten used to.
The Gryffindor sighed, but didn't make eye contact.
When he looked up again, the potions master was gone