[HPforGrownups] Snape & Draco

[Allen, Rebecca]

No: HPFGUIDX 32597

> Aja wrote:
> 
> But Snape *isn't* a spy at the time Malfoy starts Hogwarts. 
> At that point
> most of the wizarding world believes Voldemort to be dead.  
> In CoS even
> Lucius Malfoy says it wouldn't be good to be enemies with 
> Harry--certainly
> not an idea he would have entertained aloud in front of his son had he
> believed Voldemort to be alive. If Lucius doesn't know of Voldy's
> existence, I can't imagine that Snape would, however 
> intelligent a spy he
> might be. 
> 

Given that there was never any proof that Voldemort actually died, surely Dumbledore would entertain the possibility that he might come back someday (Hagrid does!), and take certain precautions in anticipation. He could have asked Snape to ingratiate himself with the Slytherin to gain their trust and thus be privy to an new information about Voldy. 

Also, former Death Eaters can be dangerous with or without Voldemort, and Lucius is a prime example. Dumbledore would probably want to keep Snape still a little 'under cover' and snooping on the Slytherin for that reason alone.

> 
> I've always seen Snape's liking for Draco as genuine based on an
> instinctive bond and the fact that he seems to take a liking in the
> class--and Snape. (I can't imagine Snape gets to be on the 
> most popular
> list of that many students, so it's probably a nice change for him!) 

(snipped for brevity)

I don't see that they really have much in common -- Draco gets what he wants through his family's wealth and power -- he's really pretty spoiled -- and it's hard for me to imagine that Snape would find this really endearing. I particularly can't believe that Snape would wiling let anyone malinger in his class without an overriding tactical reason. Also, we know that Snape is giving Hermione better marks than Draco, which seems to imply his 'favoritism' is more show than substance.

I don't think being liked is one of Snape's big priorities. :-)

Of course future books may prove me dead wrong, and then you can all laugh at me.

Thanks, Rebecca


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