Addicted to You

XXI

Ron had decided to step outside for a while; he wasn't exactly thrilled by the way his fianceé had been presented in court and he wondered what else he would come to know by the end of the day. He wasn't sure how the rest of his family was taking this, and also McGonagall, Robards, Harry- those whose opinions he respected. For the time being, he needed a moment.

Neville Longbottom took the stand next and he sat fidgeting in the seat, afraid of being grilled but also determined to do whatever he could for his old professor.

"You were a student at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, when Severus Snape taught there. Correct?"

"Yes."

"Was Professor Snape a harsh teacher?"

"Y-yes...He didn't accept anything but the best." He nervously looked over at Snape, who didn't meet his gaze. "It was clear he was very well trained himself. Both in potions as well as spellcasting. It was evident that he had never been spared by life, so that he was averse to the display of weakness, and he didn't tolerate that from anyone else."

"He bullied his students, isn't that correct?" Henry emphasized, "Yourself included."

"No...well, he was just trying to bring out the best in us. It was because of him that we did everything to the best of our abilities. Sometimes that wasn't enough for him, but because of him we pushed ourselves harder."

"So, he approached teaching the promising youth of an established educational institution in an abusive and exploitative way. By striking fear into the hearts of his students."

"I wouldn't put it that way...but I think all abusers have been victims of abuse themselves to make them-"

"Mr. Longbottom, that is no excuse-"

"I agree," said Amanda quickly, "But, won't you say that his intentions were good? And ultimately beneficial?"

"That's what I was trying to say," agreed Neville. "The objective was to do well academically and we succeeded."

"Out of fear. You were scared of him." Henry insisted.

"No- that's not-"

"Wouldn't you say you were traumatized by him? Didn't this man scar you for life- emotionally?" Henry asked, in mock sympathy.

"I- I...It's not an experience I'd want to live through again..." Neville admitted, "But that doesn't mean he's-"

"I'm not asking you to say what you think." Henry interrupted. "I am simply trying to help the jury get a basic idea about the nature of Severus Snape."

"You are trying to paint him as a homicidal maniac, who took pleasure in torturing children." Amanda retorted. She turned to the jury to let them know what she thought. "Severus Snape isn't a man of many words. That's why the majority of his contributions for the welfare of people remains unnamed. Had he been a narcissistic douchebag who indulged in self-flattery, in the likeness of Gilderoy Lockhart for example, his achievements would have been known far and wide. But his influence was anonymous as he silently guided young minds down the path of success. As for his methods, they might not have been ideal but he fulfilled his duty, even if he was pitched as the villain."

"I don't know about his intentions but his ways are definitely questionable. The nurturing of young minds needs to be done with care and compassion. I mean, couldn't he have helped them by actually helping them, and not through reprimanding and punishment?" Bishop appealed to the jury. "Anyway, I would leave you to draw your own conclusions."

Neville slid out of his seat and made his way back to the benches, looking dejected. "Bugger... I mucked things up more than they already were, didn't I?"