"Snape's Job"

[severelysigune]

No: HPFGUIDX 93193

I am currently re-reading OoP, paying special attention to each and 
every move and word of the Potions Master, and was struck last night 
by one of the Occlumency scenes. It is in Chapter 26, Seen and 
Unforeseen, on p. 521 of the UK edition.

I quote:
<'That is just as well, Potter,' said Snape coldly, 'because you are 
neither special nor important, and it is not up to you to find out 
what the Dark lord is saying to his Death Eaters.'
'No - that's your job, isn't it?' Harry shot at him.
He had not meant to say it; it had burst out of him in temper. For a 
long moment they stared at each other, Harry convinced he had gone 
too far. But there was a curious, almost satisfied expression on 
Snape's face when he answered.
'Yes, Potter,' he said, his eyes glinting. 'That is my job. Now, if 
you are ready, we will start again.'>

What on earth is Snape so (almost) satisfied about? Snape being 
Snape, I suddenly started to wonder if he is pleased that Harry 
should think he is spying whereas in fact he isn't (?!) - but that 
does not seem to make much sense to me. And I find his suddenly 
glinting eyes quite alarming. Any theories? Please?

Yours severely,

Sigune
~ who shamelessly takes the opportunity to advertise her first short 
story, naturally about Severus S., at
www.thedarkarts.org/authors/sigune/RPS.html