Sorry. The Sudden Movement.

[darrin_burnett]

No: HPFGUIDX 56233

Corinth:


> Now, Snape, at the time of Voldemort's first reign, was very young,
> just out of high school.  From what we know, he doesn't seem to be
> from a rich, important, or influential family.  

We don't know ANYTHING, one way or the other, about Snape's family. 
Rich, poor, important, pointless, dead, alive, Muggles (I doubt this 
one), purebloods. We don't know anything.

One thing we do know is that Snape knew more curses than most seventh-
year wizards when he got to Hogwarts. This could indicate his folks 
were wizards who had, if not an interest in the Dark Arts, at least a 
tolerance for Severus learning the Dark Arts.

It could also indicate Muggle-born status though, as Snape, like 
Hermione, tried to do as much as possible to make up for his years 
out of the magic world.

See? What little we have could go either way.

For these reasons, I
> doubt he was a member of Voldemort's inner circle.  A Death Eater,
> certainly, and he may have worked his way pretty high in the ranks,
> but not quite to that level yet.  It is possible (probable, in my
> mind) that he later learned who the inner circle members were while
> working for Dumbledore.  However, Voldemort can't know this for
> certain.  Therefore, Snape may feel a bit at risk if Harry starts
> listing the names in front of him.  Suddenly, with outside witnesses
> (namely, Fudge) there, he can no longer claim ignorance about these
> matters.  Note: Fudge doesn't need to be evil to accidently leak 
this info to Voldemort or one of his supporters.
> 

Problem with Snape being a "lower member."

Why did he get the Dark Mark and why was he summoned? Voldemort 
referred to three missing DEs, besides the ones who are dead or in 
Azkaban. One serving at Hogwarts, one too cowardly to return and one 
left forever and marked for death.

Snape was supposed to be in that circle. He told Fudge that. When it 
turned black, he was supposed to apparate and appear by V-Mort's side.

On his first night back, the Inner Circle would have been V-Mort's 
guests of honor.

No, the evidence points to Snape being part of that group. And since, 
as you point out, names were being passed about, he would know who 
the other members of the circle were.

I believe the reaction was to Lucius Malfoy's name. I do agree that 
it is possible Snape didn't want Harry to see his reaction, and it is 
also possible that Harry is getting dangerously close to figuring 
something out about Snape that old Severus doesn't want the kid 
learning just yet.

Darrin