OFH SNAPE was: Script from JKR's reading/ About Snape and Dumbledore

[snow15145]

No: HPFGUIDX 156942



> Snow:
> 
> Yes it is. It is the `why' that counts. Dumbledore could trust 
Snape 
> completely if he realizes that Snape has no other recourse. If 
Snape 
> wants out of the Voldy clan then he doesn't want to go back and 
could 
> therefore be completely trusted
or can he? Yes and no, he can be 
> trusted to the extent that their main objectives are the same but 
> getting there is another story. Dumbledore's man had quite a 
failing 
> when he refused Harry Occlumency lessons. 
>

Julie:
I don't see how Snape refusing to give Harry Occlumency lessons 
after the pensieve incident is an indication that Dumbledore
doesn't trust him. Or that Snape can't be trusted. Dumbledore
could very well have demanded Snape resume the lessons, and I
feel certain Snape would have done so even if he delivered
some vituperous commentary over that demand. Instead Dumbledore
recognizes his *own* error in expecting Snape and Harry get 
beyond their extreme animosity toward each other. (And, yes, 
he did lay it on Snape's wounds that are too deep to heal, but
I'm sure he knows Harry's unauthorized snooping in the pensieve
rubbed salt directly in those wounds. He just didn't feel it
necessary to kick Harry when he's down by pointing this out).

Snow:

Dumbledore made a mistake that he had trusted Snape too much. 
Dumbledore put too much faith in the fact that Snape could be trusted 
to do anything Dumbledore asked of him, it was a mistake but one that 
didn't scrap the plan, it just made it a bit harder. 

I suppose Dumbledore could have resumed the lessons and he did have 
an alternative but he chose neither avenue. Even after Dumbledore 
told Harry that he had made the mistake of allowing Snape to teach 
Harry he continues to trust Snape. Yes he does and continues to do so 
because Dumbledore is aware that Snape needs the same objective. It's 
like I said, Snape can be trusted to the end result but getting there 
is a different story. 

Julie: 

But I agree it is a failing in Snape to discontinue the lessons,
as it was also a failing in Harry to snoop into something
that was totally private (at 15 he certainly knew better). 
However a person doesn't have to be without human failings to 
be trusted. If that were a requirement, then there would be no
one Dumbledore could trust, including Harry.

Snow:

We know he doesn't trust Harry (he came close right before the cave 
to telling him) because he doesn't allow Harry to know just why he 
trusts Snape sooooo completely, does he? He can't trust Harry for 
fear that Voldemort would find out. 
Tricky situation.