Snape as baddie (was: Snape and expulsion)

[v_hayrabedian]

No: HPFGUIDX 109425

Meidbh wrote:
> Then again, JKR did tell us not to get too fond of Snape (Book Day 
> talk with Stephen Fry). Much as I hate the thought I think he may 
> turn out to be a baddie after all...

I'm not convinced by the 'Snape as baddie' theory. While he is 
certainly *capable* of playing both sides off against each other, 
I'm not sure that it would be the wisest thing for him from a 
personal point of view. And, whatever else you may think of him, 
Snape has always been able to look out for his own best interests. 
When the fake Mad-Eye Moody went for him in GoF (I'm convinced that 
there was more to it than simply searching Snape's office), Snape 
could have walked out. When Karkaroff conferred with him on whether 
or not to run, Snape could have gone with him. When Dumbledore asked 
him to spy on Voldemort, he could have said no. The fact that he 
didn't do any of these things points to one of two things:

1. a sense of honour (it's not unheard of, you know) 
2. enlightened self-interest.

It could very well be both,a ctually, but I'd wager that it's more 
the latter. If Snape is very much aware of what would be best for 
his own safety and yet chooses to disregard this, he must have a 
very good reason. If he really is a baddie and has been working for 
Voldemort all along, why the big play with Quirrell? In PoA, he was 
convinced that Black was guilty. If so, surely he wouldn't want to 
attack someone so favoured by Voldemort? For that matter, why reveal 
himself as a Death Eater to Fudge? Not many knew about the brand on 
his arm (Sirius certainly didn't) and revealing it could only have 
made things worse for him.

I truly, honestly do not believe that Snape would be stupid enough 
to really be working for Voldemort. He has too much invested in the 
world around him, whether he realises it or not. 

And, as a matter of interest, who would have taught Snape Occlumency 
to a level capable of fending off Voldemort? I suspect that it was 
Dumbledore himself. I also suspect that Snape's Occlumency and 
Legilimency skills are nowhere near the equal of Dumbledore. 

No. Much as I hate to say, I think that what Rowling meant was that 
Snape's going to get himself killed, most likely in the seventh 
book. It would be exceedingly neat, in a tragically Greek sort of a 
way, of Snape gives his life for Harry's. Life debt paid, loose ends 
tied up, and Snape can be a hero (heroism being much easier to 
acknowledge posthumously). Woo.

Er, yes. Also, I'm a newbie. First day, first post. Cheerful, ay?

Vic.