[HPforGrownups] Death Order; Snape

[Amanda Lewanski]

No: HPFGUIDX 1642

<spoiler warning---book 4 details discussed, amongst other things>

Vicki Merriman wrote:

> I think James died after Lily, and that that may be important in a
> later book.  NOw why everyone, including apparently Voldemort, thinks
> James died first is a question I don't know the answer to, but it
> seems more likely to me that Voldemort is either lying or simply
> wrong, and that James died last.

Aha! Aha! I might have an idea on this. Harry was protected from the Avra
Kedavra spell because Lily's love was "imprinted" on him. Perhaps Lily's
love also protected James, just a little, so that he did not die
immediately---but because he was not blood kin like her son, he did not
survive. And I think her bloodline might be very important.

There's been precious little mention of Lily in the books, as compared to
James. I think there's something special about her that's not been covered
yet. I've been wondering why Tom Riddle looked a bit like Harry. There's
some connection there---why did Dumbledore have a flash of triumph in his
eyes after finding out Voldemort had been raised via Harry's blood?

On a related line, I've also thought that one reason for the dedicated
potentcy of Snape's dislike for Harry may have been that Snape loved Lily,
too. And James, whom he already didn't like, got her. Even if someone like
Snape were let down easy, rather than dumped or snubbed, he's gonna carry a
grudge. Every time he looks at Harry, he not only sees James (whom Harry
really resembles), but Lily's eyes, which would remind him of humiliation.
That could help explain the complexity and durability of his intense
dislike. And could help explain why Snape stays with the good guys, even
though.

Any thoughts?

--Amanda