Chapter 2 - An unexpected meeting
Snape left the bathroom and walked towards his bedroom hoping that he would now be able to get some sleep. It was late and he had to get up early in the morning to talk to Dumbledore, so getting some proper rest was important. As he turned a corner he almost walked into Dumbledore, who was standing across from the door leading into Snapes rooms. It was obvious that Dumbledore had just knocked and was waiting for a reply. "Ah Severus, just the man I wanted to talk to", said Dumbledore happily and looking Snape up and down, he continued: "You seem to be in excellent form tonight?" Snape didn't reply and there was an awkward pause until Dumbledore started again: "There is something that I've been meaning to talk to you about, something of importance, which I think will please you. I wonder whether you think it a good idea that we step into your room, or would you perhaps like it better to discuss this out here in the hallway?" he said this with a good-humoured smile.
Snape went to the door, opened it and gestured to Dumbledore to step inside. As Dumbledore walked towards the door a house-elf came carrying a large tray of tea and biscuits. "Always on time Dobby" said Dumbledore smiling widely to the house-elf, who made a slight bow, trying to be polite and on the same time making sure that he didn't spill the tea. "I took the liberty of ordering some refreshment, Severus", "I see" replied Snape in his usual dry manner, before he followed Dumbledore and Dobby, who had both walked into his study. In one corner there stood two comfortable looking dark armchairs and a small table, which looked rather rickety. Here Dobby left his tray, bowed this time more deeply and went out of the room, shutting the door behind him.
Snape and Dumbledore both sat down and the latter started pouring the hot steaming tea into the two cups. He handed on of them to Snape, who took it and added some milk before he carefully set it down on the table, so it could cool down a bit before he drank it. "I hope Severus that I find you well? You have returned sooner then I had anticipated", "Yes professor, I have, I couldn't stand Wormtail a day longer and to tell you the truth I missed Hogwarts", Snape said as he picked up his cup and drank some tea. "Well, I understand. I always feel the same way about the school when I've been away for some time. I am glad you have returned tonight, because I wanted to tell you this personally before it is publicly known." Snape looked interestedly at Dumbledore, who continued: "You know of course how difficult it has been for me to get anyone to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts?"
This was more a statement, than a question, but Snape nodded. He knew that Dumbledore had had real trouble getting somebody to teach, which had annoyed Snape a lot seeing as he would have loved to teach it himself. "This year I have therefore decided to make a change in the staff, a change which I think will please you. I have decided to ask Horace Slughorn to return to Hogwarts and I believe that he will agree even though he might need a little persuasion." Dumbledore looked at Snape, whose face looked very confused. "This of course means that you will no longer have to teach Potions and to get to the point, I am appointing you Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I know you are the best man for it and in these dangerous times we need to have a qualified teacher. Considering that it was almost only the DA members who passed their Defence OWL last year I need someone who I can trust to do a good job." Dumbledore looked very pleased after this little speech and expected Snape to look equally pleased with his decision. "But Severus, you don't look happy? I had actually almost expected you to thank me, as I know this has been your wish for many many years. I had at least thought you to show some sign of appreciation?"
Snape didn't say anything, but his face had betrayed him. For the first time in years he had looked forwards to Potions and now that Dumbledore finally fulfilled his wish, he could not at all rejoice in this. "I am glad sir" he stammered, "but it is just very unexpected. Thank you! It is an honour to know that you trust me enough to let me teach." He tried to sound sincere, but Dumbledore looked right through this. "Something is not right here. I know there is something you are not telling me Severus." After a very long pause in which Snape had stared down his teacup and Dumbledore had looked at him doing it, Snape quietly said: "It is Harry Potter, sir", Dumbledore didn't say anything at it was clear that he wanted an explanation. "I had hoped that I would not be teaching him this year. He would not have been in my Potions class".
"Ah I see, or well I don't, but I know how much you dislike Harry. I don't understand it and seeing as you have never been able to give me a proper explanation I have no reason to think I will ever understand it." Dumbledore gazed out of the window for a little while. Outside it was now totally dark. The silence between the two men was heavy and uncomfortable. "Does this mean that I will have to tell Horatio that he can return to his retirement and I must teach myself, or will you submit to my will and do as I have requested?"
Snape didn't know what to say. He knew that he could not refuse Dumbledore. "I will of course teach whatever subject you desire me to teach." Snape bowed his head slightly and then very slowly, plugging up his courage he continued: "Do you really want to know why I dislike Potter, Headmaster?