Flitwick or Snape as DADA?

[Julie]

No: HPFGUIDX 91681

Adri said: 
I also think that Snape doesn't really want the DADA job. It's more 
of a useful cover as a Death Eater if the rest think that he's got a 
yen for the Dark Arts.  The rumor might have had some truth to it 
when he first began teaching, but  Dumbledore, for whatever reason, 
wouldn't let him take the DADA job. That reason probably was 
something along the lines of keeping him away from an addiction,
like keeping a recovering alcoholic away from a bar. 
Anyway, I'll be slinking back to lurkdom. Just wanted to give my $.02.

Me:
I think you have a valid point Adri.  What Snape might have wanted 14 
or so years ago is not necessarily what he wants now.  

I tend to agree that the tradition of 'loosing' out on the DADA 
position is more useful to Snape as misdirection about his true 
character as Dumbledore's agent and a 'good' guy.  While Dumbledore 
might have initially withheld it as too much of a temptation (if that 
is in deed the reason), I must point out that Snape substituted at 
least once for the DADA class.  In the third book, he covered for 
Lupin when it was too close to the full moon and his transformation. 
So he is not being kept totally away from the class.

I wonder with the prejudice against Slytherin as the house from which 
all dark wizards/Voldemort supporters spring, if its Snape's position 
as head of Slytherin that is another drawback to his holding the DADA 
job.  While the old saying is that "it takes one to know one" I 
wonder if there would a feeling of suspicion among parents and the 
Board of Governors that a Slytherin might not really teach a non-
slytherin to 'defend' adequetly.   

Also, in his role as either spy, as a 'poor looser' Snape would have 
an excellent reason to keep a critical eye on the previous odd ducks 
that Dumbledore has appointed to the position.  Perhaps a human foe-
glass for Dumbledore since as an ex-DE, Snape would be able to 
recognize any use of dark wizardry by either the revolving cast of 
DADA professors or by students (or their parents).

Julie/Inky