OOTP Chapter Discussions, Chapter 24: Occlumency

[severelysigune]

No: HPFGUIDX 108951

> > Pippin:
> > > All the adults, with the possible exception of Dumbledore, are  
afraid of Voldemort.  The point is being willing to say Voldemort's 
name *even though* you're afraid of him. For most people it's their 
first act of defiance. But Snape is rather beyond that. Of course it 
might be the *last* act of defiance for him ::sobs:: <<<

> > Alla:
> > 
> > Actually, you are absolutely correct, Pippin. The point is to say 
the name despite the fear. So, why Snape does not do that? He cannot  
overcome his fear? I disagree though that for most people it is their 
first act of defiance. For Snape his last one? LOL! <<


Sigune (delurking for a moment):

It always seemed to me that the Dark Mark on Snape's arm had 
something to do with it all. It seems to me that Death Eaters are 
even more in terror of Voldemort's name than other wizards and 
witches. It struck me that in CoS (and I sincerely apologise if this 
is movie contamination; I ought to reread the book), Malfoy was taken 
aback by Harry's speaking Voldy's name out loud, and so are, if I am 
not mistaken, the DE's at the DoM - as if it physically hurts them to 
hear it. I suspect that the Dark Mark is a rather powerful link with 
Voldemort, comparable in a way to Harry's scar; and old beliefs have 
it that when you speak, for example, the Devil's name, he might just 
come to you. So maybe, for DE's more than for others, speaking 
Voldemort's name kind of activates their bond, drawing his attention 
to them.
Or at the very least, the DE's are in mortal fear of their own 
leader. I guess they know better than anyone else what he's capable 
of; they could ask Avery <g>.
I have to think this out further; sorry if it sounds a bit fuzzy 
right now. Are there other people around who feel the DE's are even 
more in fear of Voldy's name, or is it just me?

Potioncat suggested in another part of this thread that Snape might 
be more or less afraid of Dumbledore. I think he certainly must be in 
great awe for him, but more in an admiring and respecting way than 
what he feels towards Voldy. Otherwise I think he wouldn't be so 
prepared to carry out DD's orders :).

Alla has a point - conquering their fear of Voldy's name seems to be 
one of the last, rather than the first, steps for most people. 
McGonagall, for example, still doesn't manage it, and I think we can 
agree that she has been up against Voldy for some time now.
And I'm with you Pippin: we don't want Snape saying Voldy's name to 
be the last thing he does. Let him keep wincing and live nastily ever 
after.

Yours severely,

Sigune