"Severus. I am not asking you," Dumbledore said coolly, surveying the younger man from behind his crescent-shaped glasses.
"You have never asked anything of me, headmaster. You've made that quite clear to me numerous times," Severus replied, eyebrow raised.
"Very well. You will help Miss Granger. She will act as your apprentice this term and the following and you will treat her as she deserves to be treated." Dumbledore ran a wizened hand along the crystal rim of the pensieve, directing his anger towards the swirling memories in the basin.
"Fine," Severus spat, a sneer plastered across his pallid features. "I will allow her to be my apprentice but I expect her to act professionally. If she asks any number of idiotic questions I will not answer them."
"I expected as much from you. I can make no promises, but I assure you that Miss Granger is not the young woman you remember her to be. Not since the battle at the Ministry."
Snape cocked an eyebrow and collapsed into one of the plush chintz armchairs guarding Dumbledore's desk. "I had no idea she was so affected. The rest of her friends seem as obnoxious as ever."
"Dolohov nearly killed her, Severus. That is no small thing." Dumbledore began to pace, a crease appearing in his forehead.
"Maybe for her. I was very nearly murdered in my fifth year and I survived without subjecting my teachers to my misery. As you may recall, I was forbidden to speak of it," Severus hissed, crossing his thin arms tightly across his chest.
"Clearly it meant a great deal to you," Dumbledore said, ignoring Snape as he stood abruptly, wand appearing in his hand.
"Fine. I will help her. Anything else I can do for you, Albus? Babysit Potter? Rehabilitate Draco? Give Longbottom dancing lessons?" Snape stood his ground, glaring at his employer.
Dumbledore sighed, turning to face him, velvet robes swishing behind him. "No, Severus. That will be all. For now."
Severus snorted, storming to the door. Of all the idiotic, foolish things he'd been asked to do, this had to be-
"Severus?"
"What." He muttered, refusing to face him.
"She needs you."
Snape let out a deep breath, throwing the door open without another word. Dumbledore smiled, running an idle finger down Fawkes back, eyes twinkling merrily as the bird chirped his thanks. "They will be an interesting pair, won't they?"