"Severus, you're not going to act this grave when all of our old pupils return to us, are?" an old woman with a tight bun in her hair said with a roll of her eyes.
"Why does it matter how I act, Minerva?" Professor Snape asked in reply. Wouldn't it be best if they see me as I was ten years ago? It might make them happy."
"That, Severus, I highly doubt would be the case," she replied in a huff.
"Now, now, Professors…fighting is a waste of time, don't you agree. There is, after all, so much that still has to be made ready for everyone." Both of the old teachers looked at the entrance to the Great Hall and nodded slowly. Professor Albus Dumbledore entered swiftly and gracefully.
"We weren't fighting, Headmaster…merely…exchanging views of attitude for next weekend," Snape said with a smirk.
"Of course you were," Dumbledore replied with a twinkle in his bright blue eye. "No matter, you should both get back to work. I shall head back to my office. I still have to find another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, you know."
"Ahh, Headmaster, about that-" Snape started but was quickly cut off.
Dumbledore gave a small chuckle and said, "No, no, no, Severus. I think I'll keep you precisely where you are for the moment. You are indeed the finest Potions Master Hogwarts has ever seen. Why would I rob our students of your fine expertise?"
Snape raised his eyebrows high and gave a small smile of pride. Then, he realized, that he had just been turned down once again for the job he wanted most. Dumbledore was just being nice about. "Fine then," he replied curtly. I'll just go help Flitwick with some decorations." With that he turned on his heel and left to help the small professor.
"Don't hurt yourself, Severus," McGonagall called after him, sweetly.
"Don't be cruel, Minerva, now…go and help them both," Dumbledore told her just as sweetly.
The old woman scowled and walked away in anger.
Dumbledore went back to his office in search of a DADA teacher that might last more than a single term.