If Snape told DD about the UV, how would DD have responded?

[M.Clifford]

No: HPFGUIDX 137566

Carol wrote:
> The question I wanted to pose is this:
>  
> 
> [Suppose that Snape is in fact loyal to Dumbledore, that he realizes
> he has been trapped by a combination of Voldemort's malice and his 
> own pride and folly (agreeing to take the vow and thinking he can 
> slither out of it through cleverness; not anticipating the terrible 
> third clause.)
> Suppose that he goes to Dumbledore and says something like,
> "Headmaster, forgive me. I've done a stupid and terrible thing." And
> then he tells the story, the true story with the complete vow and 
> what he saw in Narcissa's mind.
> 
> What, based on our canonical knowledge of Dumbledore, which we know
> includes total faith in Snape, would Dumbledore have said to him?]
> 

Valky:
I like this question Carol. Personally, I think my canonical
Dumbledore interpretation ain't half bad (if I do say so myself ;D) so
I'm going to have a go. But with a little twist. I am going to, for
the sake of trying very hard to stick to my own canon interpretations,
*not* suppose that Snape told the *whole* truth. I am going to suppose
that Snape, as I see him in Canon will be telling a story, similar to
the story that I believe he tells Harry about James and similar to the
way he conducts his lessons. Snape in my hypothesis is going to make
quite a one-eyed confession to Dumbledore about what he has done at
Spinners End. And it will go something like this.

**
SS: I have been visited by the Black sisters over the summer,
Dumbledore. And I have discovered from them that Voldemort has
concieved a plan for Hogwarts, which will be carried out by Draco this
year.

DD: I see Severus, thankyou for passing this information to me. You
will understand that I must ask you to be watchful of Draco through
the school year then, uncover the details of his mission, and be sure
to go lightly. Lord Voldemort will not be merciful to Draco if our
interference causes too much distraction for him.

SS: There is more Head Master, and you must listen. 

DD: Yes Severus, then lets hear it.

SS: I have already uncovered some of those details, Dumbledore. Drco's
mission is very dangerous, and his mother and Lucius are being held to
a ransom reliant upon his success in it.

DD: Of course Severus, as much as this could logically have been
deduced, Draco is very young and vulnerable and it is certain that
Voldemort has managed to gain command of the boy through some form of
coercion. This is not all you have to share with me now is it.

SS: No Headmaster, it is not. I must tell you I believe that Draco has
been ordered to kill someone very important. In Narcissa's mind I saw
thoughts of Draco in grave danger, mortal combat.. 

DD: Ah yes, Severus. But I must ask why this disturbs you so, you have
my permission.. nay, my order to protect Draco you must be aware of
this. Who do you think might be the target of Draco then?

SS: I do not know.

DD: Well Severus, you must think hard about that. Consider Lord
Voldemort, his methods and his mind. It is patently obvious who
Voldemort would send a child to kill. 

SS: Severus looks confused - No headmaster, it is not Harry Potter the
Dark Lord wishes to.....

DD: Think harder Severus, you are missing the point. A child a
helpless child, who is most vulnerable?

Severus' face blanches.

DD: Now Severus, you see I must keep my distance from Draco.

Severus gulps and nods.

Dumbledore looks deeply into Snapes shadowy eyes. Severus?

SS: Yes Headmaster, I will do as you have asked. And Severus white
face turns slightly green and then yellow. He feigns indifference but
it is too late Dumbledore has read the signs.

DD: What you have done, Severus, may be a truly terrible thing. But
you must know Severus, that we are closer now that ever before to a
victory over the evil in our world. I am as much to blame as you, as I
have given you the terribly trying duty of spying for me. We will all
make sacrifices for this war, and I am aware of the great burden I
have placed on your shoulders my dear Severus. I do not deny the heavy
fate I have laid for myself, and neither should you deny me of it.
Carry out your duty as we have always planned it Severus, I will yeild
to my lot.

SS: Headmaster, this is folly. You do not understand what you ask of me.
 
DD: I believe Severus, that I do understand, somewhat better than you do.

SS: You do not, Dumbledore. Sevvie is close to tears.. You do not see
this clearer than I. He turns away.

**

So as you can see, in my interpretation Dumbledore does not need an
actual confession of the UV to know that Snape has locked himself into
a very grave future. But in true DD style, Dumbledore quickly accepts
his own blame in the matter, and is more concerned about helping
Sevvie come to terms with his choice than he is about the danger to
himself.

I believe that over the course of the year, Dumbledore slowly, as
ever, put together the clues to the nature of Snapes dilemma. So that
by the time he was defenseless in the Astronomy Tower it all became
patently clear to him how exactly the clues fitted together. 

The pleading voice from Dumbledore, I think could be a Dumbledore
saying to Snape "Please tell me that you didn't lock *yourself* into
this god awful mess." And of course Snape in return tells DD, "Yes
Headmaster I did. And now I'm broke for ideas, theres nothing left." 

DD of course replies, to Snape "I am sorry that I have laid this
burden on you, Severus, but you know what my choice is. Take care of
Harry for me..."

And that is what *I* think DD said.

Valky