Where was Snape?

[jklb66]

No: HPFGUIDX 36512

In regards to why Snape wasn't around to protect the Stone when 
Dumbledore was away, Eloise wrote:

> So I think his disappearance is plot-driven. But I can't for the 
>life of me think how outside of plot-considerations I would account 
>for his absence. I'm *sure* he knew Dumbledore was away - he's too 
>pivotal a figure at Hogwarts not to. He pretty well knew the trio 
>were up to something as well. He knew Quirell was after the stone. 
>His absence doesn't make sense - UNLESS Quirell got to him first. 
>That's it! He stunned him, or hexed him or stuck one of his 
> own potions in his pumpkin juice (what a useful device pumpkin 
>juice is becoming) or something.
> 
> There. Reputation saved. And all in the time it took to print off 
>my essay.
> 
> I feel an acronym coming on. S.U.C.C.E.S.S.  (Snape Unfortunately 
>Concussed Couldn't Ensure Stone's Safety).

Wonderful, Eloise!  Yes, Snape DID know that something was up and 
that Harry & pals would probably do something stupid and risk their 
necks to save the Stone.  After all, that very afternoon, Snape says, 

"You want to be more careful....Hanging around like this, people will 
think you are up to something....Be warned, Potter-- any more 
nighttime wanderings and I will personally make sure you are 
expelled.  Good day to you."

This is almost warm and fuzzy for Severus.  In his own inimitable 
way, Snape is trying to keep the trio safe and sound inside their 
common room that evening.

So, back to the original question, why isn't Snape guarding the Stone 
personally?  I can't believe it was for an "evil" reason (I admire 
the nasty b*****d too much) so I like your theory.  Quirrell, knowing 
that Snape was a threat, took him out earlier in the evening with a 
stunning spell, a sleeping potion, or something similar.

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. rules!

-Jennifer
"Yes, Severus does seem the type, doesn't he?  So useful to have him 
swooping around like an overgrown bat."