Let's hear it for good old Snapey!

[Barry Arrowsmith]

No: HPFGUIDX 87955


 >
Talisman, dropping by and plunking a stack of golden Galleons on the
counter,

I don't agree that humiliation was the primary goal.

If anyone is up for a wager, I'm betting that knowledge of the
Draught of Living Death; the use of the bezoar as a poison antidote;
and, the ability to identify Wolfsbane, by any other name (SS 138);
will become critical to Harry before the final denouement.

Instead of being dependent on Hermione's notes, Harry will have
vivid recall of this information--just when he needs it--thanks to
this stressful little scene.
 >

Kneasy:
Oh, I like this one! Exactly  the sort of long-term clue that one can 
expect when an entire series is mapped out from the start.
It would also give some credence to the Sevvy!DD double act theory; not 
definitive proof, but an indication. Snape's personal agenda is nicely 
covered by it too.

Now we have to decide if this is a 'chance' clue or if Sevvy has some 
sort of fore-knowledge of events looming on the horizon. It's possible 
that there may have been talk  among the DEs of eliminating 
Voldys!Bane, especially since Malfoy has an interesting cocktail bar in 
his little den. Interesting that Snape gives all three names for the 
same substance: Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Aconite. "What I tell you three 
times is true." Oh, yes!

A Bezoar is  usually obtained from a goat; just what was  Aberforth 
attempting that was so inappropriate? Another straw in the wind, a bit 
of unobtrusive preparation from JKR?

The one drawback to embracing the theory of fore-knowledge and the 
emphasis  Snape  places on this is the implication that Snape probably 
won't be around at the critical time. That would be a disappointment. 
Personally, I think the Potterverse would be a much poorer place 
without him. Harry I could lose without much angst;  he's not all that 
interesting as an individual, it's the events around him and concerning 
him that attract me. But Snape is very different -  it's the person 
that's compelling.


 >
Geoff:
I wonder whether friend Kneasy was concentrating too much on the
approach of the New Year to be fair here.... His milk of human
kindness jug definitely seems a bit in need of a refill.
 >


Kneasy:
Kneasy doesn't do milk of human kindness. Pale, insipid stuff,
suitable for invalids and mewling babes -  I prefer something more  
testing -  an acid  bath for example.

 >
Laura, suspecting that Kneasy would fall into the latter of his two
student categories and that Snape wouldn't like him any the better
for it...
 >

Kneasy:
Probably true. I was not a compliant or docile student (once turfed out 
of a  degree-level class for 3 months after rubbishing an habitually 
unprepared and mediocre lecturer to his face). Snape would prefer a 
smart-arse, I  think; he'd enjoy the satisfaction of slapping them 
down. Let's face it, he needs some pleasures in his life.









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