"I hope we still strive for a little more than well enough, even if it is deplorable optimism." Severus' lip curled. If tears were inevitable, he might as well make it brief. He planted his hands on his desk and leaned toward the latest casualty. "I don't care, Milton, how much you love your students. I don't like you - and if they do, it's simply because you can be counted upon to let them walk over you. The last thing this pack of idiots needs is someone who spends all his time petting them. We turn out witches and wizards, not contented imbeciles. You're a daft, spineless bit of doormat, and if I have to tolerate you for another two minutes, I won't be held responsible for my actions."