Saints and Sinners ||Severus Snape

prologue

prologue

"Let me repeat this again," said Dumbledore. "You wish to discontinue your education at Hogwarts school again?"

His difficulty grasping the decision was hidden underneath layers of his long grey and white beard, but his discontent was defined in his voice. Through the lenses of his half-moon glasses, he eyed Alicia Malfoy as if she was insane, just incredibly insane. His stare was firm and determined, but Alicia Malfoy didn't budge.

"Yes," answered Alicia, her voice stiff and direct.

"May I ask why?" Dumbledore squeezed his eyes tighter.

Alicia blinked a couple of times, unable to find an answer appropriate for her request. Instead, she shook her head. "I'd prefer to keep it private."

Dumbledore let out a stifled sigh. "Ms. Malfoy, if I may, your return to Hogwarts required many strings to be pulled. It was not easy getting you back here."

"I understand, headmaster," said Alicia, breathing hitched. "However, my expulsion from fifth year proved justified upon my return. I would like to withdraw myself as a student of Hogwarts."

Dumbledore thought her crazy. Not many would walk away from an education at Hogwarts and treat it as second or third choice. It is, after all, housed by the greatest wizard of all time - himself. He had given the girl many chances to redeem herself from previous disturbance to the well-being of the school, students and staff members. And yet it is her that always chooses to reject the offers.

But leaving Hogwarts was not an easy decision for Alicia. Coming back was not easy, but it was the easiest choice when Dumbledore offered her another admission. Leaving again, it was a hard decision. But this time she knew it was the right one.

Hogwarts was not her home anymore. It was no longer a safe place; a magical place. It was a disaster.