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Let's talk about teenagers for a moment. School is hard by itself. Toss in abuse and bullying from those around you and it gets even worse. Everyone has a breaking point. No one can walk around being verbally and physically abused for almost 5 years and be unscathed. That's what happens when you are at the "bottom" of the "food-chain". No one takes you seriously. Some pity you. Others laugh at you. Shouts chase you down the hall. Pathetic, weak, your parents would be ashamed. The words get to be too much. You start to try to throw your weight. Maybe merge with a powerful group, to keep you safe. Teenagers are delicate. Your words can hurt them. Actions leave a lasting impression, good or bad it's up to you. Those that shroud themselves in black and green don't seem to realize that they are pushing you too far. Then… one day something happens. Years of built up tension begin to explode inside of you. You want to rip out your hair, you want to scream. The Slytherin Head Of House is shouting at you after class for messing up again. He shouts how useless you are. Your hand clenches around something in your pocket. Your palm begins to bleed.
An hour later, Severus Snape is found dead. Muggle means. A potions knife to the throat. No one can prove who did it. No one expects you because… you are weak, pathetic and your parents would be ashamed. You wash the blood off in the sink. Hermione stares as you leave the bathroom. She is the only one to suspect, it seems. She is the smartest witch of our age. No one else even thinks to suspects. After all… who would blame pathetic little Neville Longbottom for murder?