Trying | Hogwarts OC student

chapter 25

Alistair Montrose sat in the dimly lit corner of the Slytherin common room, his mind swirling with frustration and unresolved tension. The recent encounter with Lila and Snape's subsequent interrogation had left him on edge, unable to shake off the feeling of scrutiny that seemed to follow him everywhere.

Snape emerged from the shadows, his tall figure casting a looming presence as he approached Alistair with measured steps. His dark eyes bore into Alistair's, a silent challenge that demanded attention.

"Montrose," Snape's voice was low and controlled, a hint of reproach underlying his words. "We need to talk."

Alistair clenched his jaw, the tension palpable in his posture. He met Snape's gaze evenly, steeling himself for the impending confrontation.

"What now, Professor?" Alistair's voice was edged with defiance, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

Snape arched an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "You've been reckless," he stated matter-of-factly. "Your actions with that girl... they have consequences."

Alistair scoffed, his tone laced with bitterness. "Since when do you care about my actions, Professor?" he retorted, his voice tinged with sarcasm.

Snape's gaze hardened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "I care about the reputation of Slytherin House," he countered sharply. "Your behavior reflects upon us all."

Alistair scoffed again, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Oh please," he scoffed. "Like anyone cares about Slytherin's reputation except you."

Snape's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something akin to hurt passing through them. "You underestimate the importance of loyalty and honor," he replied evenly. "These are qualities that define a true Slytherin."

Alistair shook his head incredulously, his frustration boiling over. "And what about fairness, Professor?" he challenged, his voice rising slightly. "What about treating everyone with respect, regardless of their blood status or House?"

Snape's expression darkened, his patience wearing thin. "Respect is earned, Montrose," he retorted sharply. "It is not given freely."

Alistair stood up abruptly, his fists clenched at his sides. "And how exactly do you expect me to earn your respect, Professor?" he demanded, his voice tinged with anger. "By conforming to your narrow-minded ideals?"

Snape's jaw tightened visibly, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You will learn to respect authority," he stated firmly, his eyes boring into Alistair's with unwavering intensity.

Alistair took a step closer, his own gaze locked with Snape's. "Or what?" he challenged defiantly. "You'll give me detention? Take points from Slytherin? Go ahead, Snape. Do your worst."

Snape's expression hardened, his voice cold and measured. "Do not test me, Montrose," he warned, his tone final. "There are consequences far greater than you realize."

Alistair held Snape's gaze for a moment longer, the tension crackling between them. With a frustrated sigh, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the common room, leaving Snape standing in the shadows, his eyes following Alistair's retreating figure with a mix of concern and disappointment.

Snape watched Alistair storm out of the common room with a furrowed brow, his thoughts swirling with a mix of frustration and concern. He knew the boy had potential, but his reckless behavior and defiance threatened to undermine everything Snape had tried to instill in him.

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Snape followed Alistair down the corridor, catching up with him just as he reached the entrance hall.

"Montrose," Snape called out, his voice commanding attention.

Alistair halted in his tracks but didn't turn around. He crossed his arms tightly over his chest, visibly bristling with anger.

"What do you want now, Professor?" Alistair's voice was sharp, tinged with resentment.

Snape approached him slowly, his expression unreadable. "We're not finished," he stated firmly, stopping a few paces away from Alistair.

Alistair finally turned to face Snape, his eyes flashing with defiance. "What more is there to say?" he shot back. "You've made your point clear enough."

Snape folded his arms across his chest, his gaze steady. "You think this is about punishment, Alistair?" he asked, his voice quieter now, tinged with disappointment. "This is about guidance. Discipline. Teaching you what it means to be a part of Slytherin House."

Alistair scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "And what have I learned, Professor?" he retorted bitterly. "That I should bow down to your authority and ignore everything else?"

Snape's jaw tightened slightly, his patience wearing thin. "You're not just defying me, Montrose," he said evenly. "You're jeopardizing your own future."

Alistair's expression softened slightly, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his eyes. "I just..." He trailed off, struggling to find the right words. "I don't want to be judged based on who I associate with," he admitted quietly. "Lila... she's different."

Snape studied Alistair for a moment, his gaze searching. "Different how?" he asked, his voice softer now, a touch of curiosity underlying his tone.

Alistair hesitated, unsure whether to confide in Snape. But something in the professor's demeanor urged him to speak.

"She sees me for who I am," Alistair admitted reluctantly. "Not as a Montrose or a Slytherin, but as... me."

Snape regarded him thoughtfully, his features softening imperceptibly. "And what do you see in her?" he asked, his tone measured.

Alistair's gaze dropped to the floor, grappling with his emotions. "Someone who understands," he replied quietly. "Someone I can be myself around."

Snape nodded slowly, digesting Alistair's words. "I understand the desire for acceptance," he said finally, his voice tinged with empathy. "But trust must be earned. Both ways."

Alistair met Snape's gaze, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I know," he murmured, his tone subdued.

Snape inclined his head slightly, his expression grave. "But you must learn to navigate these complexities without compromising your principles."

Alistair nodded slowly, absorbing Snape's words. "I'll try," he promised earnestly.

Snape regarded him with a nod of approval before turning to leave. "Return to the common room," he instructed. "We'll discuss your next steps."

As Snape walked away, Alistair stood alone in the entrance hall, his thoughts swirling with a mix of uncertainty and determination