Albus Dumbledore's hands shook as he read the letter Minerva McGonagall had opened. "Albus..." she whispered, "How can he not want to come?"
This comment was apparently too much for Severus Snape, who had leaned towards Albus in order to read over his shoulder. Even Severus' eyes widened at the sheer arrogance of the miserable whelp that bore the thrice-cursed (by Severus, himself, if no one else) name Potter. "Just as arrogant as his father, I see... convinced that he doesn't need to learn control." Snape said snidely.
Albus had to force himself not to bury his head in the letter, as Minerva spoke sharply to him, "What are you going to do about this!? It's unacceptable, and you know it!" Her fear had made her voice into that of a harpy's, and the shrillness grated on Dumbledore's nerves. Truth be told, Dumbledore was not looking forward to this conversation. If it were anyone else, he'd have taken Snape along - but that was asking for more than trouble if he took Snape to see Harry Potter. There was enough bad blood between James and Severus that Albus had often wondered what Snape would respond to more - Lily or James? In a vacuum, it would have been a fascinating experiment. However, with this... response... to the invitation to attend Hogwarts, Albus was certain that the boy had entirely bollixed up the experiment. Ah, well. So long as Harry Potter was in the next Hogwarts class, all was not truly lost.*
Albus let out a great sigh, and said, "It appears that I must talk with Harry Potter myself. He will see reason, surely..."
Snape's eyes gleamed malevolently, as he asked (with the trace of a gloat), "And if he doesn't?"
"Oh, he will. One way or the other." Albus Dumbledore said, "I bid thee adieu."
This left Minerva and Severus staring at each other, as they mouthed (as was their custom) "Did he just...?" For Albus had indeed left them both in full Wizarding Regalia (and clashing green and purple to boot), to talk with Harry's relations.
*Albus has hopes for a reconciliation. Albus is a giant pygmypuff softie sometimes.
[a/n: Yes, Snape is a git. Yes, he's predisposed to not like Potter. Ce la vie. Minerva, truth be told, is also predisposed to not like the sort of lad that would refuse to come to school and be taught.]