[Blaise smiles softly, knowing that, from Severus, it's a compliment.] I'll still work extra hard though, [he says, trying to clamp down on his excitment and leaning forward a bit,] and I'll make sure none of my other marks drop and really, you wouldn't regret it, I promise.

[Indulgently] I have always expected a great deal from you, Blaise, and you have not failed me yet. I don't expect you to now.

[Blaise flushes from the praise.] And you wonder why I don't want to study under anyone else.

[Severus refills his teacup]

I am curious, actually. I'm not precisely the easiest taskmaster, and it could be quite stressful for you to retain appropriate marks in your other classes and satisfy my exacting demands.

[Blaise laughs,] I'm actually looking forward to it. And my schoolwork is easy, I'm not worried about it.

[Severus arches his eyebrow]

N.E.W.T. courses are easy, are they? Perhaps I should speak to your other professors, as they are obviously not challenging you.

[Blaise smiles, shrugging. He doesn't think he's been in this good a mood in months.] Maybe you should, or maybe they just don't have your. exacting standards.

[Severus smirks]

Shall I tell them you have a problem with discipline? I'm sure Professor McGonagall would be appalled to know of a Slytherin who isn't being challenged. Idle hands, and all that.

[Blaise's smile is almost coy,] Oh, it's not discipline I have a problem with, it's just that I stay on top of my school work and, really, the work isn't all that hard. [He shrugs lightly,] If I'm being honest a lot of times I'm not challenged in your class either - then again, I share the period with Longbottom and Potter so it's not surprising.

[Severus frowns]

Perhaps I should exert myself when it comes to your lessons in particular. Talent such as yours should be nurtured.

[Blaise smiles,] Your classes are very well run, and more challenging than most - I just. enjoy potions too much I suppose. But. [He flushes a little, toying with his tea cup before taking a quick sip.] Thank you.

[Severus nods slightly]

You're welcome.

[Blaise's smile turns a bit shy and he takes another sip of his tea,] Are you working on anything fun?

[Severus frowns in thought]

Unfortunately, not at the moment. I'm brewing the Wolvesbane potion, and the delicacy and control necessary to prepare it properly does not lend itself well to other projects.

[Severus smirks, a thin-lipped expression]

Wolvesbane is a jealous potion.

[Blaise laughs, smiling a bit at Severus,] Well then, I suppose it's a good thing you're devoted.