Severus smiled slightly, one of the smiles few ever got to see. Genuine and with emotion. A hand caressed down over the side of her face with all the care and affection he felt for her. His angel, his light within the darkness.

"It is not traditionalism that makes them say those terms, to think that way. It is fear and anger that their ways are being forgotten as those of use raised among muggles instead push muggle thoughts and values upon them." Severus closed up a bit for a moment then, looking down from her eyes.

"It was... weakness that had me saying what I did. I... should have been stronger. Strong enough to hold back their fearful rhetoric."