Severus Snape, the potions master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had spent many weeks in St. Mungo's hospital. In the final days of term last year, he had been bitten by Remus Lupin, a colleague turned werewolf. There was no cure. In saving a group of third year students, he had become inflicted with an ailment which made him almost a pariah to the wizarding world.
"I of course want you to remain here," Albus Dumbledore said, firmly.
"But what about the students …" Snape began.
"I trust you, Severus," Dumbledore said. "You are an excellent potioneer and an excellent teacher. Hogwarts needs you, and, of course, I need you."
"Many of the parents won't be happy," Snape said. "Especially what happened with Lupin. They think it is too dangerous to have a werewolf on school grounds," he said bitterly.
"I trust you, Severus," Dumbledore said again. "As long as you take the Wolfsbane Potion, you will pose no danger to students or staff."
"But Lupin …"
"What happened with Remus was a series of unfortunate and unforeseen catastrophes. That won't happen again. For one, you can brew the potion yourself and I will personally check that you have done so."
"There's still the issue of the parents," Snape said.
"Severus, do you really think I care what the parents think? If I did, I would have resigned long ago—the number of owls I have received criticizing the way I run the school. Many may disagree, but they don't know you the way I do, Severus. I wish you to remain at Hogwarts, and expect to see you on the first day of term."
Severus Snape nodded, feeling touched by Dumbledore's faith and confidence in him. Though he would never show it, he cared deeply for the kindly yet powerful old man sat on the desk across from him.
"My biggest concern over your condition isn't your ability to teach, but your ability to serve as my eyes and ears among Voldemort's followers," Dumbledore said bluntly.
"He … doesn't like werewolves," Snape admitted. "He sees them as a tool, nothing more. No werewolf was permitted to bear the Dark Mark. I do not think I will be as close to him as I once was."
"He will still trust you?" Dumbledore asked.
"I have many years of information on you to give him," Snape said. "He will trust me. But whether his trust of my information and my value to his cause will allow him to overlook my … condition … I cannot say."
Dumbledore nodded, thoughtfully. "Then it is imperative that you find a way to reach his inner circle—werewolf or not. I can't stress this enough, Severus. If we want Voldemort to fall, then you need to be alongside him. You are the key to his downfall."
"He may not rise again …" Snape began.
"He will," Albus said shortly. "And soon. Lucius Malfoy's escape is a huge blow. I fear he has gone to seek out Voldemort."
"Lucius is an able wizard," Snape acknowledged.
"With Lucius assisting him, I fear Voldemort's return will be upon us soon."
"Are you going to mobilise the Order of the Phoenix?" Snape asked.
"Not yet,"
"That is a mistake."
"I disagree," Dumbledore said.
The two stared at each for a few seconds. Severus Snape was one of those closest to Albus Dumbledore along with Minerva McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid. He knew his insight would be listened to and considered.
"If we can stop Lucius …"
"Severus, do you trust me?"
"Of course,"
"Then trust when I say, we cannot act rashly. I have a theory, and if I am correct—which I think I am—then we may be able to end the menace of Voldemort for good. When he rises, it is imperative that you do as he asks. It is imperative you are in his inner circle when it comes time for him to fall."
"You have my word," Severus Snape said.
"Remember, all that we do is for the greater good," Dumbledore said. "If he asks you to torture. You will do it."
"I will …" Snape said, but slowly.
"If he asks you to kill, you will do it."
Severus hesitated a second.
"Severus …"
"I will," Snape said, finally.
"Good," Dumbledore said with a nod.
"Now to the Ministry of Magic. Fudge is going to fall."
"No great loss," Snape said.
"The wizarding world cannot afford such disruption … however, I cannot deny that a more, shall we say, able Minister of Magic would be a relief."
"You will be asked to take charge,"
"Naturally."
"But you will refuse?"
"Naturally."
"Then who will you support? Your word will have a lot influence."
"The three main candidates are Amelia Bones, Dolores Umbridge and Rufus Scrimgeour. Of the three, I believe Amelia Bones would be the best choice. She is an exceptionally gifted witch with decades of experience. She will not take the threat of Voldemort lightly."
Snape nodded. It was a sound pick. He didn't know Amelia Bones personally, but he knew her by reputation. She was tough, non-nonsense and had a stellar reputation as a tough but fair Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.