The Last Request of Albus Dumbledore
Oh, how I adore the middle of this story - in fact, I like it a lot. Harry will return in the next chapter. For now, I think we need to get something out of the way. ~SS19
Chapter Four: Conversations with a Dead Man
Severus Snape slammed the door to his office and was particularly pleased with the resounding crashing noise that echoed throughout the small room. Without so much as a glance at his desk, he threw himself into his arm chair, folded his arms and closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath to calm his raging heart and his slightly unsettled stomach. What was Dumbledore thinking, making him Headmaster? Did he realise what a compromising position this place him in? He had already asked that Severus look after and protect Harry Potter, which Severus had agreed to do as it was a last request - but when the Dark Lord found out that Severus was Headmaster, and he would find out, that would mean Voldemort would use the position to let Death-Eaters into the school. Steepling his fingers, he rested his chin on top and tried to find the positive outcome in this situation.
"I know what you are thinking, Severus. You need to trust me."
Severus turned his head and glanced in the direction of the portrait, which had now gained a new member. The long dead Potions' Master did not seem to be particularly pleased at sharing his frame with Albus Dumbledore, who was watching Severus. "Trust you, Albus? That is difficult. May I ask what madness possessed you when you decided that I would be an excellent successor to you?"
Albus considered, "It was not madness, Severus. It has been something I have had planned for quite some time now. You are the only person who can do this, now. You are the only person I trust enough to place in this position." He could tell that Severus was not convinced. "Severus. Listen to me, now. I know you are thinking that I am insane - but understand that, if you are in this position, you can protect the students from Voldemort. Voldemort will see my death as a benefit to his conquest, of course. It will make him arrogant - and I imagine the Ministry will be his next target. If he was to take the Ministry, he would then take Hogwarts - and I would have no control. By placing you as Head now, not only do I cement your position in his circle, but I also know that the castle and most importantly its students are in the most noble and honourable of hands - yours. I know that you cannot be corrupted Severus. You have the bravery and the courage and the resources to be the most dangerous thereat to Lord Voldemort - and I need you here."
Severus was silent. Albus continued, "Severus - when I told you that I trust you, I do. I meant every word. What I wrote in my will - about you - that is also true. You are incredibly important to me and you deserve to be rewarded - with Minerva by your side I know that Hogwarts will be safe. That was my main concern." He crossed to the very front of the portrait, "You are also my greatest weapon."
"I thought that was Potter." Severus said bitterly.
"No. Harry has much left to learn and I know that you will guide him on that path. Now, I must rely solely on you - you have always been my most valuable resource, in more ways than one." Albus reasoned softly, "Severus, this is just a chess game. I may have fallen, but I have a replacement in you - a much more powerful and intelligent replacement, someone whom I could never hope to be. Don't try and suggest otherwise - " He voiced over Severus' interruption, "You are much wiser than I, Severus - and not so easily led by your heart. Now all you need to do is find the strength to face Voldemort. I know you have that strength and that you can do this, that you can achieve the unthinkable, because I have seen you do much braver things. Please, will you trust me this one final time?"
"Why have you asked Horace Slughorn to return?" Severus asked suddenly. "I found the letter in your office." He offered by way of explanation to Albus' questioning look. Albus paused before responding, "Because this year I planned to make you Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I still wish you to be Defence teacher, as this is what I would class an emergency - and as Headmaster, you can practically do what you so please."
Severus watched him, "Why?"
"Because there is no one else I would have teaching students Defence when they need it the most. I have waited, Severus, because of the curse that lies on that position - I am hoping, though, by the end of this year Voldemort will be defeated, and you will not have to worry about what could happen to you."
"Why did you beg him to return? There are other Potions' Masters, why him?" Severus had been pondering this for some time now. "You are hiding something from me, Albus."
Albus nodded. "Yes, I am. I am hiding information from you."
Severus turned away, "Yet you will still ask me to trust you implicitly. You ask me to blindly follow you to a potential disaster."
"I cannot tell you everything because I do not yet know the answer to everything, Severus. All I can ask is simply that. Trust me. Please." He started to speak again when Severus did not reply to him and he was still staring at Severus' back, "I will be here with you, always - every step of the way - and I will never abandon you. It is something I would not do in life and I certainly will not do in death. Will you look at me, please, Severus?"
Severus returned his gaze to Albus.
"Headmaster Snape, I am now pleading with you because I have nowhere else to turn. I need you, Severus. I need you to take this responsibility and protect those around us. I need you more than I have needed anyone else - without you, Severus, we will leave the fate of this world to chance. Will you help me?"
Severus nodded once. "I will do as you command."
"Thank you, Severus. Will you consider relocating your belongings to your new office?" Albus prompted, but Severus shook his head. "Not until after your - your funeral."