Chapter six
Back in the headmasters office
"Albus, how can you be so calm about all of this especially when you know what must be done to keep him alive!" Severus asked incredulously.
"I am calm about it because I know there is no way out of this. You know as well as I do that if you do not do complete the turning within thirty days from now Harry will die," the headmaster answered in a very matter of fact tone.
"Be that as it may, Albus, it does not mean that I will do it. I cannot! He is a student, it's forbidden for a teacher to become involved with their student! Plus I can't stand him! He is arrogant, spoiled and selfish, not to mention an attention seeking brat! No, Headmaster I simply, will not do it," Severus folded his arms and set his face in what he hoped was a resolute expression.
Albus sighed. 'Well, I had hoped I would not need to bring this up, after all, you did use my pensive in the strictest of confidence. Still, you did ask for this my dear boy; it is only because you are so damn stubborn that I must say this.'
"William Severus Snape I never thought I would see the day that you would run from a challenge!" Dumbledore smirked inwardly as he saw the potions masters face flush and his eyes spark to life with a very evident anger. He held up his hand to silence Severus, "before you fume off at me, my boy, you are going to hear what I have to say."
There was a resolute look in the old mans eyes so the potions master shifted in his seat to get more comfortable. He knew this look all too well, it meant he was in for a lecture and it was to be a doosey if that twinkle in his eye meant what Snape thought it did. The old man had clearly known something that he didn't and that always made Severus uncomfortable.
"Now then, my dear boy, know that I am truly sorry for all that I am about to say to you, but I feel that it is necessary, for all of our sakes." Taking a deep breath to steady himself Albus continued, "I know that you have other feelings than hatred and jealousy for Mister Potter and before you try to deny this fact, I would like to say that I saw a certain memory you forgot to remove from my pensive, Severus."
Severus got a sinking feeling in his chest as he realised just which memory Albus must have viewed. He glared at the headmaster.' You just couldn't help looking, could you, Albus? Finally got curious? Time to find out what I want to know without seeming like I want to…'
"Even though I may have forgotten to remove that memory, I don't appreciate the fact that you looked at it before disposing of it! Look Albus, I know not what it is that you THINK you saw but it's most assuredly not that!"
"Oh Severus dear boy, I think it was. For you see there was more than just one memory left in the pensive, more than just your dream although I'm sure that is the memory you automatically assumed I was referring to. I believe you need to give yourself, as well as young Harry, a chance. Contrary to what the both of you believe you two do deserve true happiness and I really do believe the two of you can and will eventually be that for each other. Just think over what I have said my boy."
Without another word Dumbledore was gone. Knowing there was no use in trying to reason with the old codger anyway, Severus got up from his seat returned to his rooms, considering his mentors words on the way. After Severus had departed to his chambers Dumbledore returned to his office and sighed out loud as he took a seat behind his desk. "Severus my boy you are still fighting a battle you have already lost… you love him and what's worse you do not even realize it."