Snape vs. Dumbledore?

[vixinalizardqueen]

No: HPFGUIDX 43779

I was reading PoA for the 200,000,000th time yesterday (as you do) 
when I noticed something quite interesting which I haven't really 
given much thought to before.

At the end of the book, whilst Snape was talking to Fudge about how 
"he" "saved the day"(!!!), Snape comes incredibly close to actually 
making a negative comment about Dumbledore. Sorry, I can't remember 
exactly what is was, but it something to do with how he was worried 
how Dumbledore would treat Harry's role in the incident.

Ok, not exactly an earth-shattering criticism, but considering what 
Snape owes Dumbledore (for his trust in him, etc) it was a bit 
too-close for comfort. Anyway, it made me begin to wonder about 
Snape's true feelings for Dumbledore, and where his loyalties
actually lie.

Point 1:- If it *is* true that Snape is after the DADA job, then 
obviously he'd be a little miffed that he hasn't been considered, 
especially after the disasters which have occurred through 
Dumbledore's appointments for the position in the past.

Point 2:- No secret that Snape detests Harry, whilst Dumbledore
pretty much favours him (giving him so many chances after bending the rules, 
etc. Ok, even if things have usually turned out for the best, I
almost agree with Snape that any other student would be expelled after
taking so many dangerous risks and disobeying orders so much). I cannot 
believe that Dumbledore's preferential treatment of Harry has not hit 
a nerve of Snape's.

Point 3:- Considering Malfoy, and the average Slytherin's dislike of 
"mudbloods" entering the school, it is hard to believe that Snape 
agrees with this policy. 

Point 4:- Dumbledore's affinity for Sirius, and the fact that 
Dumbledore didn't even expell him after the prank which nearly cost 
Snape his life.

Ok, to an average person this wouldn't really weigh up against the 
trust that Dumbledore has put in Snape, and the secret thing which 
obviously leads to this trust, and is possibly a bond between the
two. 

However, Snape is definitely not an average person. We have seen that 
he holds grudges (boy, does he hold grudges!!!) for an exceedingly 
long time (he even dislikes Harry because of his FATHER and his 
treatment of him!!!). With the imminent split between the Dumbledore 
faction, and the Fudge faction at the end of GoF, it will be very 
interesting to see where Snape's loyalties lie. Even if he isn't a
DE, he could still join the Fudge camp, and possibly campaign for a new 
Headmaster of Hogwarts (possibly even himself?). He's
(apparently!!!!) gone to do Dumbledore's bidding for the moment, but only time will tell.

The Lizard Queen (who feels she has rambled enough for one night;))