Harry looked up at the entrance to the headmaster's quarters after dinner the next day, holding the note in his hand. It was all very odd to be called to Dumbledore's office without being dragged in by a teacher, or without even knowing why he was in trouble. Maybe Snape had finally found a way of expelling Harry on some odd technicality. If that were the case, Harry wouldn't go without a fight.
Even with the knowledge that Professor Dumbledore had never treated Harry as if he were too stupid to understand, or that he was one of the few wizards that Harry could ever trust; Harry felt a shiver of fear course up his spine. There was a sense of trepidation urging Harry to turn back from the large stone creature that lead to Dumbledore's office.
"Sherbet lemon!" Harry pronounced loudly, watching the creature jump from its place to reveal the staircase. He swallowed his fear into the hallow of his throat. Dumbledore would never call him just to lecture him. Especially when he knew of no wrong he had done other than drift off in Snape's potions class. He had been in worst trouble than that several times before and had never been scolded or expelled.
Inside Dumbledore's office, he heard Snape's voice rising unpleasantly and sounded hushed. Harry winced,
but pushed the door open a crack.
"Professor," Snape hissed. "This is simply not a good idea. I am not the best choice for this assignment!"
"Severus," Dumbledore said quietly, calmly. "I am sorry, but the boy is in too much danger to continue here without special instruction. Furthermore-" Dumbledore tilted his head forward, giving Snape a direct look that Dumbledore had mastered. That look meant that he knew something very personal about its recipient. Even though the gaze was not directed towards himself, Harry could feel the wordless chastisement in his skin. "- some of us have duties when it comes to the protection of our youth."
Before Snape had his chance to answer back, Dumbledore looked to the doorway to see Harry's eyes peeking there way through the slim opening, trying to disappear. Harry's sudden presence did not seem to bother Dumbledore in the least. Rather, it looked as if he had known he was there all along.
"Harry. Come on in, my boy. I do believe we have things to discuss."
It wasn't often that Snape was bettered by someone else; and seeing the brash personality of his teacher clashing against a higher power made Harry give a small, controlled smile. Since Harry came in, Snape had regained some of his composure, but his seething hatred shone through quite clearly.
"I hope you understand, Harry," Dumbledore said, "that you are fifteen years of age and that your time at Hogwarts will be ending very shortly. These halls are well protected, but that will not always be the case. We feel that your situation needs extra care against Lord Voldermort due to the great many number of incidences concerning his return. Professor Snape will train you in extensive Dark Arts Defense techniques for at least the remainder of your studies this year. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Professor," Harry answered, watching Snape out of the corner of his eye. As he expected, Snape made a small sneer that was directed to no one, but was felt by everyone in the room. "I understand."