Right, he had prepared as much as possible in advance. Crates with ingredients were to be delivered at his command. They had worried about the preparations contradicting their story, but classes had to start, and getting everything ready at the last minute, was stressful enough. They had all agreed that the headmaster would not allow Severus any leniency. So why risk a confrontation when they could have everything set up in time. It would be a long day. There was only one problem, "Do you think that you and Ron will be any help? In the past, you have not exactly been shining examples of potion students." Was that taking it a step too far? Yet the good-natured ribbing felt natural. He was comforted when Harry laughed out loud.