The interview was set for one week from Friday. So, nine days now to prepare himself. He sighed deeply. This was usually when his inner monologue kicked in, though he suspected one of the voices was influenced by the consciousness of Hogwarts.
"Prepare yourself for what? It's just an interview. You've conducted countless before."
"It is NOT just another interview. It's an interview with HER."
"Alright, so she saved your life. How many times did you save her and her friend's lives, hmmm?"
"That was different and you know it! I was honor and duty bound to protect them. They were children and my charges, I might add. Not the same."
"Assuming that's correct, let us follow that logic, shall we? James Potter saved your life and was not honor-bound to do so."
"What?!!! Do NOT say that name and he did not save my life! It was his fault I was there in the first place! Honor bound?!? That man knew almost nothing of honor."
"His intent was not to kill you and so, yes, he did save your life. Did you feel uncomfortable around him after that?"
"Yes, in fact, extremely uncomfortable and you damn well know it!"
"Oh, give over, Snape. The point is, you have saved people's lives and they've saved yours. What exactly is it about this particular incident that so bothers you?"br
"Well? Nothing to say? That's a first. Out with it already."
"Maybe...perhaps I wanted to die and her actions denied me that."
"Really? That's the best you can come up with?!? Are we to now ask every person prior to saving, 'ehmm, excuse me, but are you absolutely sure you'd like me to save you from this charging Hippogriff? Take your time thinking on it, I'll just wait.' Ludicrous."
"I am not going to argue with myself, it's idiotic!"
"Well, get over your silly qualms about the woman and STOP arguing with yourself."
"No, because I'm WRONG!!"
"Ah, well, on that we can agree. Now that that's settled, how about a spot of tea?"
That last bit sounded a bit too much like Albus Dumbledore so Snape cast a quick eye to the portraits in the room but couldn't see the former Headmaster skulking about any of them. He had better not be! There was plenty enough for him to fret about with the Granger visit fast approaching.