Once a DE, always a DE? (was: Harry is ... brat)

[Melody]

No: HPFGUIDX 67871

Alla wrote:
>By the way, I have to be honest and say something else. Before OOP I 
>was one hundred percent sure that whatever fate awaits Severus at the 
>end, he will never turn back to the Dark Side. After OOP, I have my 
>doubts. He disobeyed Dumbledore's direct order and I wonder whether 
>the saying "Once a traitor - always a traitor" will turn out to be 
>true.
> 
>I would be very upset if it happens. I want him being able to achieve 
>redemption, but again now I am not sure. Before OOP Dumbledore's 
>constant reminder that he trusts Snape was reassuring. After seeing 
>Dumbledore's stupidity it is not anymore, for me at least.


Hmm.  You got me wondering, which I guess I why I read this site.  :D

Was Snape's decision to stop teaching Harry Occulmency a direct and
purposely harmful to the mission action on Snape's behalf?

I say no.  Snape did not stop teaching Harry to hurt the Order.  He
did it because it was too hard for him.  Dumbledore admits it when he
is reflecting back with Harry at the end.  He admits he should have
taught Harry himself.  He admitted that because Snape was more fragile
in the realm concerning the Potters than he admitted.  

Snape agreed to teach Harry.  Even though Harry brings back so
terrible memories that Snape would rather repress and not deal with,
and I do not blame him for not dealing with them since James is dead
and Snape does not *have* to see him.  Snape agreed to teach Harry
because it was what Dumbledore wanted and also because Dumbledore was
so busy.  Snape did his duty despite these problems in his life that
might or might not have to do with him becoming a DE.  

Snape is trying to teach Harry.  He is trying to follow orders.  And,
he did up until it became beyond bearable for him.  He tried his
hardest, and it was just not enough.

Every human has his or her limits.  Snape, even under Dumbledore's
orders, is still human.  Or vampire...::wink to Pippin::  The fact he
failed in this proves he is not all powerful and not all in command
with his mind as he says.  He has this very raw, very sore, very
personal part of his childhood that he has been either running away
from or just plain ignoring for years.   

The fact Snape failed to complete an order does not worry me.  Snape
was just being human.  He was not reverting back into old "evil" ways.
 Dumbledore was apologetic to Harry about the fact he let Snape teach
him instead of himself, and I fully expect Dumbledore to be as
apologetic to Snape. 

This belief of mine may be from my need to believe a soul can change
their ways and can become "good" again, but I, in a way, *need* Snape
to truly have changed despite what the Trio thinks.  A soul can change
for good.  Even if the shell is ugly.  :P


Melody