Dumbledore's trust for Severus Snape.

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 138018

Finwitch:

It took this sixth book - but I have now realised the truth. As has 
Harry, I think - partly because he finally said to Dumbledore that 
yes, Dumbledore trusts Snape but he does not.

Truth is, Dumbledore's been telling the real reason often. He does 
keep saying "innocent until proven guilty, Severus" - when Snape's 
accusing Harry of this or that. Oh yes, THAT'S the reason. Dumbledore 
trusting Snape says nothing of *Snape*, but of Dumbledore.

Because Dumbledore believed his story. That's it. There is no secret 
reason (although Tonks &co. feel more comfortable to belive there 
was), just that. Dumbledore trusted Severus Snape simply because 
Dumbledore is a trusting man. Because Dumbledore believes very firmly 
in the principle of 'innocent until proven guilty'.

And of course, there's also the matter of well - if no one ever 
believes the redeemed, who ever will redeem themselves? And just 
complete trust of the one single person is so valuable that few would 
break it.

All in all, Dumbledore didn't need a special reason to trust Snape. 
He'd need a special reason NOT to trust someone. And that's what I 
find to be his greatness, courage and goodness...

It would undermine Dumbledore's goodness if there was any secret 
reason. There is none, because (as I seem to recall JKR saying) 
Dumbledore is the Epitome of Goodness.

I just wonder, will the Protection Magic of Dumbledore's still be in 
Force with Dumbledore gone?

Finwitch