The prospect of the faculty - well, of Finnigan and Longbottom - ganging up was as unpleasant as it was inevitable. Severus' mouth tightened as another year's parade of rude, entitled Gryffindors traipsed through his mind, unchecked in their misbehavior. Some things were never meant to change, apparently. "Additional chaperons are always welcome," he said, a little testily. He hadn't been out on a Hogsmeade trip or to a Quidditch game in years, but the more willing volunteers there were, the less the chance that he would have to fill in. "As for your arrival, I'll be sure you're sent the curriculum, the texts, the examination guidelines, and your predecessor's plans - not that I would recommend following those; the man was hardly fit to babysit. It will be up to you to decide how much time you'll need to prepare for the start of term. In any case, you're to be here no later than eight in the morning on the first of September." Which always, always came too soon.