BARGAINING
Dumbledore was sitting in his office, reading over the paper again. He looked up at hearing footsteps, and smiled at seeing Severus. "Ah, Severus," He hummed, "Tell me, are you feeling more like Treacle Tarts or Lemon Drops today? I've had a craving for both, and I can't quite decide yet what I'd like to get."
After the mission to rescue Narcissa Malfoy, Severus had a list of several questions for the Headmaster, that only grew with the latest note to The Order. Dumbledore knew. And, while he didn't confirm or deny on their last meeting, Severus felt slighted. Even after everything, Snape had to know why he held his cards to his chest until now. What was the purpose? Entering the familiar office, Severus let his guard down slightly, now knowing that he could speak a little more freely than before, "Dumbledore," he regarded and sat across from him at his desk. He shouldn't have expected anything less than to start the conversation with candy, "Lemon, if anything, but I'm afraid my taste has grown numb to sweets," he eyed the other over, then cut to the chase, "If you were going to send someone back into the serpent's den, why didn't you ask me initially?"
"Ah, well that's a shame," Dumbledore hummed faintly, "Though I do say, Lemon drops are quite the treat." He moved to rummage in his desk for a moment, before producing a box and popping one into his mouth. As Severus cut to the chase, he just tilted his head. "And what would that have accomplished, Severus?" He asked him simply, raising an eyebrow.
Severus smiled ever so slightly at Dumbledore stating it was a shame that he'd grown numb to sweets and proceeded to eat one anyway. Some things about his old friend never changed. When the other tilted his head, Severus took a deep breath, "Perhaps a bit more discretion with some of the Order members?" he shook his head, "Dumbledore...I do not wish to relive the mistakes of my past life before turning to you, but rather, fall into my role before innocent lives are needlessly taken."
"I unfortunately don't believe that many of The Order's members are capable of discretion," Dumbledore mused innocently, "And I rather doubt that many of them believe much of what I have to say anymore." He began get another sweet out, then paused at Severus' words. "I am glad to hear you would like to fall into your role. However, as before, I do think we need another, in order to accomplish what needs to be done."
That much is certain... Snape couldn't help but agree silently, but gave a short nod in acknowledgment. He then sighed as Dumbledore stated the glaring truth about The Order's most recent predicament, "While that is the case, Headmaster, what course of action will you take to prevent the rift?" he paused briefly, divulging information to his most trusted friend, "Alastor knows about my true allegiance as well as a fair few others...a handful even know about The Dark's Lord's weakness...indeed, more spies could be useful, perhaps some clarity on who we can turn to lead us, if members are doubting you..." his eyes went to meet Dumbledore's, "Anything to keep her safe and vanquish The Dark Lord."
"There are actions that are in place, that I believe will bring them all around," Dumbledore stated thoughtfully, though offered no more information about it or what it might be. He smiled and popped another sweet into his mouth as he listened to Severus. "They do, and how do they find you, Severus? How are they believing in you, at this point?" He looked curious, then chuckled faintly. "Have you spoken to her, Severus? Told her of these things this time?"
Of course Dumbledore had been prepared with such a situation. The powerful wizard seemed always have a solution up his sleeve. No matter the casualties. When he provided no other information, Snape replied, "Then I shall keep a vigilant eye out for such actions," his eyes followed as Dumbledore continued to eat his sweets, "Some survived the war that shed light on what happened behind the scenes while I've spoken to a handful of others personally," his thoughts flashed to Snape's old enemies from school before sighing, "Yes," the word came out as bitter as it tasted on his tongue, "Never did I expect forgiveness, but she had every right to know."
"Vigilant as always, yes, would be a great idea," Dumbledore stated absently, as if the thought nearly made him laugh. He listened to Severus, quiet for the moment and taking everything in. "And those that survived the war and knew the most about you, what do they think of you at the moment?" He questioned curiously, before a light smirk crossed his face at the almost bitter word. "She did, I suppose," He agreed, "And what was her response?"
The course of the conversation and knowing Dumbledore held all of the power in it was not lost on Severus. It made him ponder whether or not to tell the Headmaster the truth. However...he didn't exactly know the entirety of the truth either, "That would be a question for Andromeda and if miss Skeeter remembers anything..." he stated quietly before grinding his teeth remembering how Lily's words had pained him, "Brief gratitude and a request for me to stay out of the way."
Dumbledore seemed to chuckle at the thought of Rita Skeeter remembering anything, but just hummed to himself. "I suppose I will have to speak with Mrs. Tonks again," He said thoughtfully, though gave a slightly softer look at hearing Snape's words. "I do say, her words may be for the best," He hummed, "We have a lot more to accomplish, after all."
Severus couldn't help but notice the response to the mention of Rita Skeeter, yet said nothing. Instead, he focused on the soft look given him. Nodding, Snape sighed, "Nothing I'm not accustomed to or hesitant to face head-on," he then stood from is seat slowly, knowing there was not much more to say. If the Headmaster needed him, Dumbledore knew where to find him, "Should you need my services again, I'll be retracing my steps..." then made his way to the door to leave.