Unfairness in the House Points System: Snape's Behavior and Dumbledore's Role in *Harry Potter*

Throughout the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, the relationship between Professor Snape and the trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione is often a subject of scrutiny. One of the most pressing issues that arise is the apparent unfairness in the way Snape awards and deducts house points. This article explores the reasons behind this behavior and analyzes how Dumbledore, despite his supposed trust in Snape, manages the moral and ethical implications of Snape's actions.

Snape's Unfairness and Unwarranted Trust

Snape's actions regarding the house points are met with a stark contrast to the other teachers at Hogwarts. Professor McGonagall, for instance, is known to be particularly strict with Gryffindors, due to her leniency with other houses. However, Snape's treatment of the trio and its house, Gryffindor, paints a different picture. He is perceived as biased, often deducting points gratuitously from Gryffindor while seemingly overlooking similar misdeeds by Slytherins.

One key question arises: Why didn't the trio complain to Dumbledore about Snape's unfair deducting of points? The answer likely lies in several factors, with trust being a significant one.

Trust and Moral Obligation

Dumbledore, who holds "absolute trust" in Snape, seems to lack an adequate moral imperative to condemn Snape's actions. Despite the obvious bias, Dumbledore does not reprimand Snape, which could be seen as a lack of moral fortitude. For a war leader or a decision-maker, demonstrating the resilience to address even supposed allies' wrongdoings might be essential. Given Snape's strategic value and his ability to influence Voldemort, Dumbledore might need to bend over backward to maintain the trust and ongoing cooperation of someone who seems to threaten his power in some ways.

The implication is that they often did, but to no avail—so they quit trying. This indicates an understanding of the futility of trying to fight against an apparently unyielding system. The teachers at Hogwarts are seemingly unresponsive to student complaints, further cementing the trio's decision to stop trying.

Snape's Targeting and Justification

Snape's targeting of Gryffindor for deductions, particularly against Harry, Ron, and Hermione, goes beyond mere caprice. There are instances where Snape makes exceptions, such as when Ron mentions that Snape often daps points because of Fred and George. However, it's unclear if this reflects a pattern or an ad hoc decision. Moreover, in the Half-Blood Prince, when Snape and Draco discuss detentions, it shows that he has justified reasons for deducting points from Slytherins.

Snape's treatment of the trio is unequivocally unfair. The evidence available suggests that he never awards points to Gryffindor or praises non-Slytherin students. On the other hand, the other heads of house like Sprout and Flitwick do award points generously to Gryffindor, and even McGonagall, despite being hard on her house, is often fair in comparison to Snape.

McGonagall's Fairness and Authority Bias

Professor McGonagall, particularly in Order of the Phoenix, demonstrates a willingness to award points to Ravenclaw when warranted. Her interventions, such as that of the Moody Impostor Crouch transforming Draco and Snape's placation, show a more balanced and fair approach compared to Snape's biased treatment. It confirms the contrast Rowling has set up between McGonagall's fairness and Snape's bias.

McGonagall's belief in authority can sometimes lead her to be harder on Gryffindors, but she is not seen as unjustly harsh or non-responsive to student complaints. This is not uncommon among authority figures, who sometimes prioritize the well-being of their own house or students when faced with repeated issues.

Conclusion

The unfairness in the house points system, particularly in Snape's treatment of the trio, raises questions about trust and morality. Despite Dumbledore's supposed trust in Snape, he does not address the apparent bias, which leads to an understanding that the trio eventually quits trying to fight this unfairness. This behavior is mirrored in other authority figures in the series, who do not act on student complaints, further reinforcing the narrative's message on the importance of vigilance and the balance of power.

Keywords: snape, dumbledore, house points, bias, harry potter