Depth? Things to take on their face value (Was: Sirius' loyalty)

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 139863

> Neri:
> I predict that two characters who are going to justify their second
> chances will be Draco and possibly Kreacher.

Pippin:
But they were only shown mercy, not trust. I'm asking
how Dumbledore's belief that someone on their second 
chance can be *trusted* is to be validated if Snape
failed his trust. 

Neri: 
> Also, even if Snape betrayed Dumbledore's trust and killed him, it
> might still be possible for Dumbledore to turn out right about Snape
> in the end. For example in the Life Debt theory: Dumbledore trusted
> Snape because Snape has a life debt to Harry.

Pippin:
That wouldn't be real trust, it would only be the kind of magical
obligation that binds Kreacher. I want proof that someone who once
failed can be trusted in the future to choose good, not  just
in time for the crucial victory, but for every day of sixteen years.
Obviously Dumbledore believed that was possible, even if he
was wrong about Snape himself, and I need to see that belief 
validated in some way. 

Dumbledore sometimes doesn't do what his philosophy tells him
he should, but we've never had any indication that Rowling
thinks the philosophy itself is wrong. Epitome of goodness and all 
that. Face value.

Pippin