Narcissa's hair (HP&HBP spoilers)

[Richard Shepard]

> > > > Carol:
> > > > Anyway, it always seemed to me that Narcissa's beauty is one of the reasons that Snape took the Unbreakable Vow.
> > > 
> > > Joann:
> > > I've never imagined that Snape took the unbreakable vow for any reason other than to keep playing double agent. I don't think he would do something that drastic because he felt sorry for Narcissa. Snape turned out to not be all bad, but he was hardly a prince charming. He had a soft spot for one person, and one person only. Lily Potter.
> > >
> > 
> > Richard:
> > 
> > I do not think Snape was swayed by Narcissa's beauty, but he probably was affected by the love and fear of a mother for her only son.  He might even be afraid that Narcissa will do something foolish like get herself killed by Voldemort trying to protect Draco... just like a certain Mrs. Potter :)  
> > 
> > But all in all, the unbreakable vow was not much of a risk for Snape.  He probably would have tried to protect Draco anyway.  And he was already going to kill Dumbledore anyway as well.
> >
> Carol responds:
> 
> Was he? He clearly didn't want to do it, as indicated in three scenes that I've listed elsewhere. The Unbreakable Vow forced his hand--do it or die. That took remarkable courage and loyalty on his part, IMO, not to mention ruthlessness and indifference to the risks *he* was taking on Narcissa's. You don't make an Unbreakable Vow without risking your life. That's the whole point. It's a binding magical contract, a promise that you keep or die.
> 
> Carol, noting that the scene also adds to Snape's ambiguity and raises the tension to a whole new level, at least in the book
>


Richard:

I overstated that a little.  I did not mean to say that pledging an unbreakable vow was some sort of throw away decision.  I think he felt bad for Narcissa and wanted to shut up Bellatrix.  But I had the impression that he had already promised to kill Dumbeldore before the scene at Spinner's End.  So yes, I do not think he vowed to do anything he was not already going to do.  It just took it to a hightened level.  

I still contend you get all the ambiguity you need from Snape thanks to Alan Rickman's performance in his limited presence in the film.  Go watch the movie.  You won't be THAT dissappointed :)