Title: Losing
Author: RebelR
Rating: G
Summary: The more I considered the end of the Philosopher's Stone the more I thought the Headmaster's behaviour was wrong. Snape internal monologue
Disclaimer: None of the characters here belong to me. They are the creation of the all knowing J. K . Rowling and I believe a multinational entertainment company might have a stake in them too.
I do not know if I should be furious or despondent. I can hardly believe the actions of the Headmaster tonight. Oh, I knew points would be awarded, was confused in fact that they had not yet appeared on the board. I can even admit to myself that some of them were earned, the potions challenge was particularly difficult, but to announce it in such a manner! He humiliated my house. He insulted the children and discredited their hard work. It was hard work, as biased as I may be, McGonagall has always made sure the over all points system stays fair. They earned that victory, as they have earnt all the previous wins.
He could have given the points out any time between the incident and the presentation. He could have spared them this snub, he could have spared me. But no, he went for the theatrics and I ... I lost some of them tonight. As the flags changed colour and the rest of the great hall cheered, I watched those who were silent. Hannah, Kalen, Olliz, all of whom had been wavering, had still held the possibility of another way. I lost them tonight, as their lips pursed and their gazes narrowed. I lost them tonight as they whispered harsh words among themselves to cover the hurt they were feeling.
And lets not forget Draco, Draco who hated Potter and his little gang, Draco who would have made their lives more difficult and unpleasant in hundreds of little ways but would have done it on his own, would have used it to prove himself. Not now though, now he loathes Potter and worse he fears him. Fears the fact Potter has got the support of Dumbledore. So he'll call on Daddy and maybe some of his friends, suddenly everything is that more serious, it always is with adults involved.
I thought we were meant to save them, I thought the he belived in them, believed that they were more than an ancient legacy and a crafty old hat. He told me to lead them away, to do whatever I had to.
I hope the Headmaster is merely misguided. I hope he did not see the way he destroyed the future of some of those children tonight. I would rather have him fallible than cruel. It is what I must believe, because he promised me, he promised me, that we would give these children every chance to choose.
He promised me.