Severus Snape's voice was flat. "You didn't apologize not because you forgot. It was simply because you thought I wasn't worth an apology."
McGonagall's body swayed violently. She took a step back and braced herself against the desk. Her face went from white to red, then from red to an even deeper shade, like the mark left by a slap—one that would not fade for a long time.
Her eyes glistened with tears, but none fell. She bit her lip, hard and for a long while.
Seeing the conflict escalate, Dumbledore finally spoke. He raised his head, looked at Severus Snape, then at McGonagall. His voice was not loud, yet it carried an unquestionable force that instantly overwhelmed the tension in the room.
"Enough! Minerva! Severus! Both of you, calm down first!" He stood up. His chair slid back behind him with a faint scraping sound.
He walked around the desk and stood between them, on the invisible line that divided the two.
"Past grievances and stereotypes about the Houses should not be brought into our judgment of the current situation." His voice grew heavier as he looked at McGonagall.
"Minerva, those students' remarks were inappropriate and must be dealt with. I will have Filch increase patrols and forbid any disrespectful public discussion of the victims. The students involved will be punished according to school rules: points will be deducted where appropriate, and detentions assigned where necessary. But what we need is solid evidence, not angry speculation."
McGonagall's lips moved. She did not argue. She withdrew the hand braced on the desk and let it hang at her side, fingers pressed together. She nodded lightly.
Dumbledore turned to Severus Snape. "Severus, as Head of Slytherin, you have a responsibility to guide your students. That cold, indifferent attitude—especially toward an incident