Snape's fear of Voldemort

[rach9112000]

No: HPFGUIDX 76236

After rereading OotP it still bothers me why Snape chose to look for 
Harry in the forest after Harry had given Snape the cryptic clue 
of "padfoot" at the Ministry. I know he saw him go into the forest 
with Umbridge, however I do not put it down to pure coincidence that 
Snape stayed behind to look for Harry in the forest whilst the rest 
in the order went to the Ministry. I think for some reason Snape did 
not want Voldemort or the death eaters to know of Snapes efforts to 
help Harry. He could not risk running in to them and being seen as 
actively going against Voldemort.I think regardless of Snapes hatred 
for Harry's father, Snape no longer supports Voldemort and therefore 
will help Harry when necessary even though his hatred for his father 
has passed on to also not liking harry.
   In addition, perhaps Snape is also for some reason unwillingly 
indebted to Voldemort, which is why he makes no effort to hide his 
dislike for Harry. And even will highlight it for everyone to see by 
openly unfairly treating him. So that on appearance, it may appear to 
death eaters, such as the Malfoys, that Snape is doing his best to 
ward off Harry. When infact, this is just a cover up for his support 
of Dumbledore etc.
   Rachel