Why Snape went to the shack, apology meter (was Thanking Snape)

[davewitley]

No: HPFGUIDX 36694

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "cindysphynx" <cindysphynx at c...> wrote:
>
> The bottom line is that Snape left his office with one important 
> piece of information -- that Lupin was headed toward the Shrieking 
> Shack.  He didn't know about Black or the Trio at that point.  The 
> desire to catch Lupin was the sole catalyst for Snape's actions.  
The 
> presence of the Trio (which Snape did not suspect until he arrived 
at 
> the Willow or confirm until he arrived at the Shack) did not cause 
> Snape to change his conduct at all, IMHO.  So no, I don't think 
> Snape's motives were honorable.  He wanted to get Lupin fired, and 
> that is the only reason he ventured out that night.
> 
What Dicentra said about this was far more interesting than what I am 
about to say, but I believe the above is incorrect.  As I remember 
it, Snape believed that Lupin was helping (the escaped criminal) 
Black, and was following with the aim chiefly of catching Black and 
secondarily of proving Lupin's guilt.  It wasn't about getting Lupin 
fired at that point.

I also think that the apology meter is a little harsh.  Snape is 
mean, but he was acting from correct motives as he saw the situation, 
and blundered, thus causing considerable damage.  Harry and his 
friends also acted from essentially good motives, and caused a little 
unintentional damage.  So, if Snape really owes Harry quite a big 
apology (since his main fault was not listening),  then Harry owes 
Snape a little apology.

David