Lily and James, a hpappy couple?

[slgazit]

No: HPFGUIDX 82687

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "jeffl1965" <jeffl1965 at h...> 
wrote:

[Tonks as the betrayer]

>    I agree with that profile of her, but just because she seems 
> happy, doesn't mean that the idea of more power or money won't 
appeal 
> to her. Even the most strong of character can be persuaded. Peter 
> wasn't really that large of a character in the books since he was a 
> rat for most of them. ;)

Peter was in the story since the beginning - he was there in every 
single book, except OoP. In PoA he played a very pivotal role, not 
just for being the cause of Sirius' escape, but also in the 
relationship between Ron and Hermione. There is enough canon to 
expect him to be central to the plot in the coming two books as well.

Peter was perfectly situated to be the betrayer - the weakling that 
no one thinks twice of. Entrusted with one of the most important 
secrets in WW because he is considered so above suspicion. Even DD 
does not suspect him at all (note the same goes for Snape...).

Tonks is a delightfull person, but she is too young and 
inexperienced, and completely unrelated to the main characters, to 
play any pivotal role. I think her importance to the story (other 
than to provide comic relief, a-la the twins :-)) is that she is 
something of a role model to Harry. Half blood, a freshly minted 
auror and is a lot closer in age to the kids than all the other 
middle aged and above order members.

>     Fair enough. I don't trust Snape in the least. When DD buys the 
> farm, Snape will have lots to think of. He is very loyal to the 
Order 
> and while I can't really state that I know his mind beyond a 
> reasonable doubt, I'm very much on the fence on him.

I don't see any indication that Snape is loyal to the order. He is 
loyal to Dumbledore. I don't think DD's trust in him is misplaced, in 
that I don't believe he'll betray the order while DD lives. It is 
after DD dies and Voldemort's triumph seems assured that Snape will 
be put to the test. Will his old DE oath, mortal fear of Voldemort 
and hatred of anything Potter prevail over whatever it is that binds 
him to the deceased headmaster? I don't know, but I am sure how that 
question is answered by JKR will make for a fascinating read!

> DD seems to know 
> a man's heart and I *think* he'd know Snape's true nature after all 
> these years to trust him as he has.

DD is not infallible. He did not suspect Wormtail, and he completely 
misjudged both Harry's and Sirius' natures in OoP (keeping the first 
in the dark, and the second in a virtual prison). He assigned Snape 
the task of teaching Occlumency to Harry and by his own admission did 
not well consider the effect of their personal relationship and 
histories on the lessons. I am not sure if he considered the impact 
of his own death on his followers.

> He's not off my list of suspects by any means, but I'm just stating 
> that there are others to consider.

Nor did I say that he is the only possible candidate, only that he 
seems to me the most compelling for the role. Of course, JKR has 
surprised me many times in the past, so who knows...

>    I can see your point. I just wondered what James' motives were. 
> Was it to impress Lily? Did he think that this prank, out of all 
the 
> ones they've done, was a bit too much?

Why not consider that he simply grew up? I have 5 and 15 year old 
sons and I see all the time how behaviours that frustrate me to no 
end suddenly go away as the kids mature. We have testimony from many 
trusted adults throughout the story what a great person James Potter 
was when he was older. It had to start somewhere...

> because had James had a change of heart and meant to be galliant 
and 
> all that, Snape would've had a slightly better opinion of him, 
which 
> apparently he doesn't and he even carries his hate on to the next 
> generation of potters.

Snape is a jealous vindictive person. As such his hatred of James 
could even intensify as a result of owing a life debt to him. Human 
nature...

As for his feelings wrt Harry, I am firmly in the camp of Snape-loved-
Lily-that's-why-he-turned... Seeing the eyes of the woman he loved in 
the face of the man he hated most of all is enough to explain his 
attitude (both the protective and the hostile behaviour he displays).
 
Salit