[HPforGrownups] Re: Snape & the DEs

[Karen Shepherd]

No: HPFGUIDX 35369



re: the end of PoA

Elkins wrote (in response to Porphyria):

> You see, what makes the end of PoA so much more sympathy-inducing, to
> my way of thinking, then even Egg and the Eye *is* its very
> cartoonishness.  It's the fact that Snape, whose interpretation of
> events is perfectly reasonable under the circumstances, and who has
> behaved with extraordinary courage and commitment and even honor in
> trying to save Harry from murderous Black and his werewolf co-
> conspirator Lupin, and who has found the children he was trying to
> protect to be not only unappreciative but even downright hostile --
> they actually *attack* him -- and who seems to be finally about to
> get some recognition for a change, should then have to degenerate
> into a form of hysteria that seems to conform so neatly to the very
> image that has led him to be so mistrusted and disliked and
> underappreciated in the first place.

One thing I've noticed as well, that ratchets the sympathy levels to
even new heights.  I have a very strong belief that Snape *knew*
Dumbledore helped Sirius Black escape.  Unfortunately I don't have the
text at hand, but hopefully I can remember enough to get my point
across.

When Dumbledore asks Fudge, Snape and Pomfrey if he can talk with H&H
alone, everyone but Snape leaves.  Snape stays behind and pretty much
asks Dumbledore, "You don't *believe* Black, do you?", bringing up the
Prank to remind Dumbledore that Black was capable of murder as a
sixteen-year-old.  If I remember correctly, Snape says this in a low
sort of voice--shocked, perhaps, by the thought that Dumbledore believes
Black over himself?  After Snape's years of faithful service?  

And then, after Black has escaped, when Snape, Fudge and Dumbledore come
into the hospital wing, JKR describes Dumbledore as actually *smiling*
(IIRC), an expression I assume he doesn't hide from Snape.  Considering
JKR has demonstrated Snape's ability at putting two and two together
("...as only Snape could...") I don't think that would be something he
missed, unless he was too hysterical to notice.

So, to sum up my point, it's not only the fact that the kids are
ungrateful and unconvinced of Black's guilt, *Dumbledore* is as well. 
The kids' doubt I could see Snape dealing with--after all, there isn't
any love lost between the Trio and Snape, and Snape did tell Fudge that
the kids were confunded.  But Dumbledore?  Snape has risked his neck for
Dumbledore and the Good Side, and Dumbledore has said that he trusts
Snape.  However, in this instance, it would seem to Snape that
Dumbledore *doesn't* trust him to be telling the truth over a dark
wizard and murderer.  That always struck me as quite a kick-in-the-groin
for poor Severus.

--Karen S., "Potions Student"