[HPforGrownups] Re: Why Dumbledore trusts Snape -- another theory (short)

[Gail Bohacek]

No: HPFGUIDX 42138

I previously said:

> > My personal pet theory is just the opposite...that Dumbledore saved
>Snape's life when he was still a Death Eater...that having a life-
>debt to Dumbledore wouldn't allow Snape to work for Voldemort any
>longer: therefore he started to work for Dumbledore's side as a spy.

Lama responded:

>Hi.. Good theory (ANY theory involving Snape is good!) except it
>didn't work that way for James Potter.. he reportedly saved Snape's
>life while still at school, and we know how much gratitude that got
>him (& Harry).

I reply:

I think that the relationship between James (& Harry) and Snape is different 
from the relationship between Dumbledore and Snape....James and Snape are 
peers, went to school together...became enemies further on down the 
line...and Harry has been just a continuation of James (as far as Snape is 
concerned).  The life-debt that Snape feels compelled to repay is done 
begrudgingly.

Dumbledore, on the other hand, is much older, a much more powerful wizard 
(at least, if not more, powerful than Voldemort).  More of an authority-type 
figure.   I can also see the two (Dumbledore and Snape) on friendly terms (I 
recall the incident at Christmas dinner in PoA where D-dore and Snape 
(although reluctantly) pull a cracker together)...and I see Snape, although 
strongly set in his miserable ways, still deferring to Dumbledore's 
decisions (Such as when Harry, pretending to be asleep in the Great Hall in 
PoA, overhears the conversation between Dumbledore and Snape as they talk 
about Lupis).  Somebody with as much anger inside of him as Snape does could 
have walked out of Hogwarts a long time ago, but something is compelling him 
to stay...and for the record, I am willing to bet 20 Galleons that 
Dumbledore saved his life.

Lana continues:

>How about.. instead of saving Snape's life, Dumbledore >saved his wizard 
>credibility, rehabilitated his >reputation, or allowed him to save face in 
>some way.  >For a character as proud (& fearless) as
>Snape, that might actually earn more gratitude than >saving his life?

I reply:

Very good...and I think that is an extension of the life-debt that I am 
talking about...


-Gail B.  who is wondering what butter-beer tastes like: could it be 
anything like butter-scotch?


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