Dumbledore as a parental figure for Snape

[dzeytoun at cox.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 106438

Some discussion has played out in various groups about the possibility, or probability, that Dumbledore serves as something of a parental figure for Snape.  I think this raises some interesting interpretations of various policies on Dumbledore's part.  

Parents, when they make a mistake with one of their children, often try desperately to rectify it, only to end up making more mistakes in the process.  This could well describe much of the dynamic between Dumbledore and Snape.

Dumbledore may well feel very guilty with regard to Severus.  After all, much of Severus' bitterness is founded in an incident where he feels, with good reason, that the Marauders tried to murder him.  Dumbledore did not see it that way, and essentially let them off the hook, thus engendering deep, and perhaps unhealable, wounds in Severus.

As often happens, Dumbledore, conscious of his first mistake, now proceeds to make others in an attempt to make amends.  He gives Severus shelter and provides him with great leeway in an attempt to let him reach some equilibrium.  But, as he said, some wounds go too deep for the healing.  Or, maybe a better way to put it is that some wounds go too deep for the healing THAT WAY.  Severus really doesn't need leniency and breathing room, he needs someone he trusts to work with him long and hard to try and make him understand that his attitudes (towards Harry, Gryffindors, Sirius, the world in general) are not only wrong, they are self-destructive.  But Dumbledore is likely too guilt-ridden to take on that role, as he is responsible for so much of Severus' hurt to begin with.  And there is no one else that Snape trusts enough to fulfill that function.

Just a few thoughts on the possibility and implications thereof.

Dzeytoun