Snape, mentions Snily
There was something unnatural about seeing the students - once rowdy - marching in step and silently around the grounds, like prisoners in the yard for their daily exercise. Tiny, like toy soldiers.
Severus watched from his office window. It was where he spent most of his time, removed as far as he could be from the violence of the school. He only got involved if someone went too far; it was too difficult, otherwise, to balance his head and his heart, his loyalty and his pretence.
The war would come here, he was sure of it. These students were being tortured now, but they would be lambs at slaughter in the end. He hoped he’d be able to protect most of them without breaking his cover.
One way or another, hell or high water, he would be remembered. They’d remember him. The worst headmaster Hogwarts ever had - that would be him. But perhaps he’d have the opportunity to show his true colours in the end; perhaps he’d still be standing even as the castle fell. Perhaps he could yet be remembered for the truth of himself. But that was hardly the most important thing at this stage; now, he needed to ensure his students didn’t become sacrifices upon the Dark Lord’s altar.
He pictured Lily. His reason for working silently for the downfall of the Dark Lord - to his detriment. Nothing as pure as her is meant to stay in this world. This generation’s lives had been marred by things dark and twisted; his role was heavy on his shoulders; the crown of headmaster bowed his neck as duty warred with duty.