Things had been going well lately. Professionally, the string of successful retrieval missions, and the various broadcasts and subversive activities at the Ministry, had to be lowering the morale of their foes and undermining them in the eyes the general population. Inside the castle, people had settled down after the move, and the newly revised routines were becoming established.
On a personal level, Snape was relieved to have been able to retrieve his operative: he'd felt an all too personal sympathy with Theo's difficult situation, surrounded by Riddle's forces. The latest returnee had turned out to be neither an undue security risk nor a threat to his relationship with Al.
But the crown of a good day was the sound of happiness Al's voice. Al's mourning had affected Severus more deeply than he would've ever believed possible, and it was just so good to see Al's bright smile.
"You certainly look enthusiastic," Severus observed, an answering grin already tugging at the corner of his lips. "What have you learned today?"