[HPforGrownups] Re: Snape is an HONEST nasty person

[Edblanning at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 39328

Amanda:
> Just to play Devil's Advocate, it is also entirely possible that Snape does
> not, in fact, give a rat's ass about helping the kids out of a bad
> situation, and is saying they were Confunded to lessen their role and get
> them (especially Harry) out of the limelight for once. Let someone else have
> it. Like Snape, say.

I love this scene. It does seem very out of character for Snape to try to get 
them out of trouble (so there has to be some other motive for his behaviour) 
and he does, ever so subtly and conveying an attitude of caring solicitude, 
manage to suggest to Fudge that perhaps expulsion, just for their own good, 
you know, might be a suitable punishment, doesn't he?

I certainly think he's putting every ounce into presenting himself in a good 
light at this point and railing against the dratted Potter and his cronies 
would not be politic. Fudge, IIRC, hasn't yet begun to express doubt in 
Harry's stability.

> 
> Alternately, he could really believe they were Confunded, but for some
> reason I really don't think he does. I don't know why that should be
> so....anyone think he really believes this? Or got any justification for
> either thought?

Half of me thinks he's saying it to present himself as the soul of 
reasonability to Fudge and half of me thinks that he might really believe it, 
as it reflects his opinion of Sirius. Another half of me (I'm a very complex 
person) thinks that perhaps he is projecting what he wishes to be the case: 
he doesn't really believe it (as he is beginning to doubt Sirius' guilt), but 
would like that to be the explanation (so that he can carry on believing in 
it).

Whatever, the effort seems to have taken a lot out of him! Although I love 
the explanation that the 'breakdown' was in fact an elaborate sham acted out 
at Dumbledore's request. Even if it was, I'm sure the emotion behind it was 
genuine.

Eloise



















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