Harry swallowed hard and drummed his fingers nervously on the desk as he listened to Professor McGonagall's footsteps getting further and further away.
Another set of footsteps took over however, as his guardian came to stand behind him.
Harry took a shaky breath.
"Fighting, Mr Potter? Really?" came the silky voice.
He chose not to respond.
"I would like you to tell me," Snape began, moving around the desk to get a better view of the boy's face. "What possessed you to get into such a ridiculous brawl, and why you saw it fit to strike that other boy in the face."
Harry glanced up at him momentarily, but made no move to open his mouth.
"Nothing?" Snape pressed. "How disappointing."
A pause, and his guardian leaned in, both hands on the desk.
"You are lucky you are not facing suspension. Or worse!" he hissed. "Look at me when I'm talking to you."