The best reason for Dumbledore to trust Snape

[saraquel_omphale]

No: HPFGUIDX 137750

mimbeltonia wrote:
> Dumbledore could have decided to trust him not on his honest 
> face and touching tale, but on basis of a carefully worded 
> unbreakable vow to fight Voldemort as a double agent whatever it 
> took. Thus, DD would know Snape was still faithful to their 
agreement 
> simply because Snape was still alive. Regardless of Snape being 
evil 
> or good, he would therefore be one of the most thrustworthy people 
> around DD, simply because being anything else would kill him at 
the 
> spot.

Saraquel:
I too have toyed with the idea that Snape might have taken an UV 
with DD, but one to protect Harry, as payment for the life-debt to 
James', which his action in blabbing the prophecy to Voldemort 
reneged on.  

*However*, my instinctive feeling is that DD is not the sort of 
person who would demand that.  Somehow, I think DD wants people to 
make FREE choices, and a UV could be seen as a form of compulsion - 
Ok Severus, I'll believe you have repented when you take a UV. The 
faith here is in the power of the UV, rather than Severus. I think 
DD is more along the lines of: I'll have the faith in you that you 
have repented and in doing so will empower you to continue in this 
decision, knowing that if you lapse, you forsake the real power 
which my faith in you gave to you, and the chance to regain that 
most important of characteristics, self respect.

It's often said on the list that Snape wants RESPECT and 
recognition.  The reason he still wants it IMO is because he has no 
self respect.
 
Saraquel