"What lies would those be?" Crabbe asked.
Snape was finding it hard to believe that once Oscar Crabbe and Lucious
Malfoy had been the best of friends; it seemed since Michael Goyle had
dies two years previously Crabbe had become more powerful and not as supportive
of the Malfoys.
"His alliance with Voldemort, his status
as an informer…."
"He was cleared of those as you well know."
Crabbe replied coldly. "Now, if you have nothing relevant to say please
be quite." Malfoy looked dumbstruck at his once friend, but sat down quietly.
"What exactly do those say?"
"They basically say that if I am not lenient
and pass every Slytherin the entire Magical Community will hear about my
secrets." Snape answered.
"Your sexuality?"
"I don't know what he meant, no one but
Minerva McGonagall knew of my choice until today that is."
"You have other secrets?"
"Only personal ones."
"Can you tell us you medical history?"
Dr. Jonathan Parkinson, Pansy Parkinsons father asked.
"I don't see the point in discussing Severus'
medical history at this hearing." Dumbledore again began. "Unless you are
about to commit an act which defies our law."
"We would not dismiss Professor Snape on
medical grounds. However all the other items we have discussed are aiding
his dismissal." Crabbe replied.
"It is not against the law to be homosexual!"
Snape lost his temper. "You just want to dismiss me because you're afraid
that I might commit a vulgar act on a child."
"That is not the case, there are many parents
of pupils at the school who would not wish their child taught by a homosexual."
"That is wrong! Many of the students have
Muggle parentage! Homosexuality is accepted in their world, so why not
ours! Muggle Law states that someone cannot be sacked from his or her job
on sexuality grounds, so why do we have to be different!"
"Professor Snape, the key word in your
little speech was 'Muggle Law' we are not going by 'Muggle Law' we are
conducting this using Wizard Law, there is a considerable difference."
"The key word in your speech was 'Wizard
Law' there is no law against Homosexuality, you lot are just Homophobic."
Snape stared at Dumbledore, as did the rest of the board.
"This meeting is adjourned until this evening
then was shall inform you of our verdict." Crabbe gathered up his notes
and one by one, the board left the room. Once the room was empty, Dumbledore
turned to Snape.
"Whatever the board's decision I want you
know that you can always talk to me." He put his hand on the young mans
shoulder.
"Thank you." Snape replied. "I'll see you
this evening."
"Don't get drunk!"
"I won't, anyway you've forgotten something."
"Your teetotal." Dumbledore smiled at his
own forgetfulness. He stood and watched as Snape walked from the room,
his hands in his trouser pockets. "I do hope that the board make the right
decision."
