Severus bowed slightly when he was poured a cup of tea, long pale fingers gathered it slowly, watching the liquid as though it was the most important thing he has ever seen in a while, his safety blanket probably. He wondered why she seemed untouched by his unfriendliness, he guessed he'd have to put a bit more effort into it.
"That's very wise." he said, his voice hinting a bit of sarcasm, even though it really wouldn't mean anything in the contest. His eyebrow curled slightly at the question. "I believe my summers are none of your business, professor, but I assure you I haven't written my family for a long while." he said in a quiet plain voice.