Persuasion tactics

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters (sigh), places or objects.

A/N: This is my first Harry Potter FanFiction, but I do have a Pirates of the Caribbean one already up. So please don't be too cruel.

Once I read chapter 32 of Deathly Hallows I just had to post this.

Her head was bent over an Arithmancy essay that was due in on Monday, when she sensed someone watching her. She raised her eyes to his and smiled.

"Professor Dumbledore," she said resignedly. "to what do I owe the honour?"

"Sometimes you really do sound uncannily like Professor Snape." he remarked serenely as he took the seat she had cleared for him."In fact it was Professor Snape I wanted to talk to you about. As you know Mr. Potter has a somewhat daunting task ahead of him." he paused to retrieve a sherbet lemon from an inner pocket. Of course she knew. It had taken the combined persuasion of her, Ginny, Remus and the Headmaster to stop Harry going gallivanting off after the horcruxes and to go to Hogwarts for his final year instead. So she took this opportunity to speak.

"I don't see what that has to do with Professor Snape? Except, of course, that he's your spy in his camp." Her brow furrowed as she spoke and her chocolate brown eyes were alight with curiosity.

"You see finding the horcruxes is not Mr. Potter's only problem, he must also remove Voldermort's soul from each object. That is where you two come in, I unfortunately do not have the time to research how to remove every piece of his soul because you need a different spell for each object. I thought that perhaps you would be interested in researching the different enchantments that were used." His eyes were twinkling at her – which she found inexplically annoying – from behind his glasses, which was probably what prompted her next string of questions.

"Where would I be able find the books to do said research? When would you and Harry require this information by? And what has Professor Snape said about this idea?" It all came out slightly rushed and indignant.

"Calm yourself, Miss Granger. Professor Snape has an extensive library and so do I at that ." – he smiled at her kindly – "Mr. Potter and I will be doing our own research into where the horcruxes are concealed and how to remove them from there resting places. And I have not, as of yet, spoken with Professor Snape." She sighed as the full implication of his words struck her.

"You want me to come with you when you ask him, right? I doubt that a combined front will make him any more likely to agree, but if you insist . . ."

"Oh, I totally agree. He is quite stubborn. And I did not want to attempt to persuade him if you were against the suggestion. But now I will take my leave of you."

His head was bent over an essay that was due in on Monday but that had been handed in early, when he sensed someone watching him.

"Good evening, Headmaster." he said pushing the essay away.

"Good evening, Severus. I do hope you are not overworking yourself?"

"No. I'm quite capable of marking a couple of essays without collapsing, Headmaster." he snapped, annoyed to see that Dumbledore's eyes were still twinkling at him from behind his glasses even after that retort. "Was there something you wanted to talk about because I have a considerable amount of work to finish. Starting with Miss Granger's essay which, as usual, is early." Dumbledore smiled at him kindly.

"In fact it was Miss Granger I wanted to talk to you about. As you are aware Mr. Potter has a somewhat daunting task ahead of him. And as you also know finding the horcruxes is not Mr. Potter's only problem, he must also remove Voldermort's soul from each object. Miss Granger has agreed to research the different enchantments that were used and I was wondering if you would be interested in helping her." Severus raised a single eyebrow.

"I am not interested in helping that insufferable little know-it-all do anything. If you wish me to research these enchantments then I will."

"Come now, Severus, you should not speak so ill of Miss Granger. It is my wish for the pair of you to carry out this study." After a long pause Severus spoke again.

"Very well," Severus hissed. "as you wish Headmaster. I will arrange a time with Miss Granger." Dumbledore left hastily before Severus changed his mind.

A/N: Did you love it or hate it? Please let me know, because I might not post any more if I'm not encouraged. ;-)

I know this line has been done to death so if you don't like it I'll take it down.