Snape + Voldemort, the one plot problem

[meltowne]

No: HPFGUIDX 68466

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "stlcole" <cole.bitting at a...> 
wrote:
> The one plot problem I have is Snape's attempt to interfere with 
> Quirell in PS. Certainly, Voldemort was aware of Snape's 
opposition...

Let me take a stab at this -

Either Snape knows that Quirrel is LV, or he does not.

Assuming he does not know, he has a plausible excuse for thwarting 
Quirrel - if LV believes Snape is his own double agent, he must 
appear to work toward DD's goal of protecting the stone.  Presumably 
Snape does not know what specifically is being protected, nor why or 
from whom.

If he does know, we have a puzzle - if he's working for LV, why did 
he work to keep him from getting the stone?  If he's on the side of 
the Order (and DD), why doesn't he tell them Quirrel is LV?  Since 
neither situation fits, I assume he does NOT know about Quirrel/LV - 
he suspects Quirrel may be working for LV, but doesn't know to what 
end.