About Snape Victorious
So, yesterday I was in bed with a temperature and diarrhoea, and what was I thinking about? The DADA job.
We know that the job is jinxed after Dumbledore refused it to Voldemort (Dumbledore tells that to Harry somewhere in HBP; I don't have the books with me now). Dumbledore, then, is perfecly aware that DADA teachers last but one year. (why did he hire Lupin, then? Snape would like to know). So, does he finally give the job to Severus because he knows they are both doomed? Is Dumbledore throwing Severus a sop?
Dumbledore: Look, my dear boy, it is true that I've asked you to kill me and that I know Voldemort will kill you too, for believing you possess the Elder Wand [long explanation about the Elder Wand], but look! You can teach Defence for one year! Isn't that wonderful?
Severus: *groans*
Considering that, why does Snape smiles triumphantly when Dumbledore declares that he's been given the DADA job? Or am I missing something in the timeline?
As far as I know, Dumbledore finds the Gaunt ring during Summer, 1996, and in the same summer Narcissa extorts the Unbreakable Vow from Snape. Dumbledore destroys the Horcrux, but wears the ring nonetheless and is cursed. When Snape confines the curse to one hand and tells him that it will spread in one year, regardless, Dumbledore inquires about the Vow and forces Snape to promise he will kill him. This happens before the start of terms, doesn't it? Or afterwards? In any case, Dumbledore decides that it's time for Snape to finally teach DADA after fifteen years of applications. Everybody, from the twins to Umbridge, knew that Snape was after the job. Was it for real? Was it part of his charade?
I personally like to think that Snape's passion for DADA is for real, and that it actually surpasses his interest in Potions, which is derivative from his upbringing and Lily's talent in it (admitting that Lily wasn't cheating on him in Potions classes). Besides, Potions is the subject Dumbledore obliged him to teach, and even a favourite subject can become heinous if you are forced to stick with it for fifteen years.
Hopefully, teaching his favourite subject was Snape's last pleasing time before turning into everybody's most hated target.