Why Dumbledore trusts Snape

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 116844


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, juli17 at a... wrote:
> Pippin wrote in passing:
> 
> 
> This got me to thinking. Dumbledore must trust Snape so 
> completely because of one of three reasons that I can see.
> 
> 1. Because of something Snape *did*. 

<snip>


> 
> 2. Because of something Snape *is*. 

<snip>


> 
> 3. Because of a betrayal by Voldemort so deep that there 
> is no question where Snape's loyalty now lies. 

<snip>

Actually, I think there is a fourth at least as likely as these, that 
is 4) Because of something Snape *wants.*  I think it is very 
interesting and possibly meaningful that Dumbledore has never said "I 
like Severus Snape."  He has never even said in canon, that I 
recall, "I respect Severus Snape."  Rather it is always "I trust 
Severus Snape."  Meaning that he believes he can rely on Snape to act 
in certain ways in certain situations.  Now, from what we know of 
Snape perhaps the thing other than anger that best describes him 
is "willful."  He seems to be a man of incredibly strong will.  Given 
that, it would make sense if Dumbledore has knowledge of something 
Snape wants or desires, something he can only get if Voldemort is 
defeated.  This would certainly be enough to inspire his trust.  He 
knows that Snape will never depart from the path of getting whatever 
it is Snape desires, and therefore he trusts Snape in the struggle 
against Voldemort.

I think it is suggestive that DD has never really  upbraided Harry 
for his lack of respect toward Snape.  Other than remonstrating with 
him gently over using Snape's correct title and other than gently 
asking Harry to use his own logic with regard to the situation in 
Umbridge's office in OOTP, DD has never told Harry he should avoid 
arguing with Snape, or that Snape is a man Harry should respect, or 
that Snape is more worthy than Harry knows, or that Snape has good 
qualities Harry hasn't seen or doesn't appreciate.  In fact, 
Dumbledore has never even suggested that Harry should thank Snape for 
saving his life.  The strong message he seems to be sending is that 
Snape really is as nasty and selfish as Harry perceives him to be.  
(And it is worth noting that even JKR herself talked about 
Snape's "latent" good qualities, rather than just his good 
qualities).  Now, why trust a nasty, selfish man?  Because you know 
something said nasty, selfish man strongly desires, and know how said 
nasty, selfish man must act to acquire it.

Lupinlore