why I'm loathe to believe that Snape is evil, evil, evil

[Hagrid]

No: HPFGUIDX 138794

--- Schlobin wrote: (snipped)
> I resist believing this because it makes Professor Dumbledore out  
> to be a fool.  ...
>  
> I guess I could accept that Professor Dumbledorewas wrong about 
> Snape, but that his belief in change and transformation are still 
> valid...but the whole  idea that Snape had fooled Professor 
> Dumbledore all these years plays into the  idea that good people 
> are "fools'..and that Albus Dumbledore himself -- the greatest 
> wizard of his time -- was really gullible and foolish....
>  
> I don't like it.....

aussie says:-

I take your point. I don't know if Snape is actually ESE (ever so 
evil). I think more, he was biding his time with enough trust in 
each camp to decide which was a better deal for himself.

Not just in a Pettigrew way, but with a bid for power play. If LV 
dies and DE can continue, he would fancy himself as their next 
leader. If things hadn't gone to Draco's advantage, he could have 
remained the DADA teacher.

In Spinners End (HBP), he answered many questions. He showed he has 
a tactical mind: "I had plenty of time to think about what I wanted 
to do, to plan my next move, to escape like Karkaroff, didn't I?"

Was his original story to DD real? -He was sent to DD by LV to begin 
with. He said as much at Spinners End and that is why LV trusts him 
there.

Did he stay at Hogwarts (not completely trusted by DD, since he was 
never offered the DADA role) out of loyalty to LV? -It was the 
safest way to avoid Azkaban since DD was his only supportive witness.

Either way, Snape could have made sure he was ok, before helping 
either DE or OOP.
-aussie-