Before the Board we Stand
Chapter Six

The Board sat transfixed staring at the ghost.
"Why do you all look so terrified? Have I ever done you any harm?" The ghost had a distinct Welsh accent.
"Adriaen Snape, I must ask you not to speak for the accused." Crabbe stammered slowly.
"Why not? Because he's my son?"
"Y…Ye…Yes."
"You ought to see a doctor about that stammer. What is the evidence for my son's dismissal?" The Board looked blankly back at him. "You have no evidence, other than someone's word against his."
"We have is own word!"
"About his sexuality? Yes, but I have to agree with him you can't sack him based on prejudice, you may as well sack him on his nationality."
"He's right." Dr Parkinson agreed. "We can't dismiss him on sexuality grounds."
"Or medical." Fudge added.
"What about his relationship with Minerva McGonagall?" Lucious Malfoy demanded, determined to get something out of this hearing.
"I had a relationship with her too, and none of you sacked me." Adriaen Snape reminded him.
"That is true. There would have to be a separate inquiry regarding that incident and as both of them complied with the school rules and broke their relationship off, I think we may as well leave that matter to rest." Crabbe moved a piece of paper from the top of his pile to the bottom.
"What about the way he treats his pupils!?" Malfoy screamed at Crabbe.
"It has been proved that, that is entirely provoked. We could just as easily investigate you for more than one offence committed."
"Good." Snape rubbed his hands together. "Any other reasons for sacking my son?" The Board held back any comments. "I see. I think it is time you made your vote, which I shall refrain, from joining. Mr Crabbe, I believe they are yours."
"Right, thank you. Those in favour of sacking Professor Severus Snape from said position raise your hand." Lucas Malfoy and Joshua Zabini raised their hands. "Against?" The rest of the board put their hands up. "The board move in favour of allowing Severus Snape to continue teaching."

* * *

Albus Dumbledore appeared in the Leaky Cauldron and looked around for his young friend, whom he soon spotted on his own with the same glass of Butterbeer Dumbledore had left him with.
"Severus." He asked gently. Snape looked up; his eyes were red from crying. "Have you been crying?"
"No." Snape lied. "Hay fever."
"You know, you're not a very good liar." Dumbledore smiled kindly at his young pupil he sat down. "Whatever the Board's decision we at Hogwarts will always respect you."
"Thank you." A little blue note appeared hovering mid-air in front of them. Dumbledore took it and read it.
"We are requested for the verdict." He saw the fear return in Snape's eyes. "Don't be scared."

* * *

"We, the school governors, have ruled in favour of allowing Severus Snape to continue working at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft. This hearing is over."
Dumbledore gave Severus a hug; Severus just stood rooted to the spot in shock.
"I thought you wanted to win." Dumbledore chuckled slightly.
"I did, I mean do." It was obvious that Severus was in shock. Dumbledore shook his head sadly, Severus never displayed any emotion if he could help it, but he would bet his right knee on it that he was just waiting to recover before he celebrated.
"Gay scum." Malfoy muttered as he walked past, instantly the atmosphere changed from celebratory to pure evil. Severuslunged at Malfoy, knocking him to the ground. The more able members of the board tried to pull Severus off Malfoy, as he was in danger of being arrested.
It took just over a minute of frantic scuffling to pull the two men apart. Snape's nose was bleeding, and Malfoy had a black eye and a busted lip. Crabbe and Parkinson held the struggling Snape back, whilst Malfoy pulled himself up and dusted himself down. With one venomous look at Snape, he shot from the room, his robes billowing behind him.
"Severus, you really ought to learn to control your temper." Dumbledore scolded.
"I'm sorry, but he provoked me." Snape replied shakily.
"It's alright Professor Snape, if Malfoy takes any action we'll defend you." Crabbe said letting go of Snape's arm.
"Yeah, he had no right to say what he did.." Parkinson patted Snape on the shoulder.
"Come on you." Dumbledore clipped Snape round the ear and led him out the room. Sometimes Dumbledore felt that he was more like an ageing father to his staff rather than a mentor. Some of his staff members could be worse than the kids.