Snape's Motives

[lizvega2]

No: HPFGUIDX 88846

Jo herself said that we have to keep an eye on ol' Severus. I know 
that some think he's really a nice guy under the sarcasm and grease, 
and other's think he's hoodwinking Dumbledore and the Order.

You know what I think? I think he's pretty similar to Harry when it 
comes to 'acting the hero' Think about it:

First year: He KNEW Quirrel was trying to steal the stone, possibly 
not because he was hiding Voldemort under his turban, but he knew he 
was up to something, did he go to Dumbledore? No. Even after he knew 
that Quirrel was trying to kill harry during quidditch, he didn't 
say anything. He went so far as to referee the next match. To 
protect Harry? As Quirrel suggested, but he was only speculating. 
Perhaps Severus was hoping Quirrel would try something, and he could 
swoop up and save the day.

Prisoner of Azkaban: In the shreiking Shack, and afterwards, Snape 
was practically giggling with excitement at catching the 'bad' guys. 
Remember how nuts he went when Fudge told him he wouldn't be getting 
the order of Merlin?

I don't think that Snape's acting double agent for Voldemort, but 
neither do I think that he's being totally honest with Dumbledore 
either. I think that he's basically looking out for himself. He 
jumped Voldemorts ship, because he realized he was on the losing 
side. Maybe, he felt that HE was more powerful than Voldemort, but 
that Dumbledore was more powerful than both. Notice, he came to work 
at Hogwarts two months before James and Lilly died. Coincidence? 
Surely not. The truth is, though, we don't know. Jo's expertly laid 
clues among the red herring's make it difficult to decipher 
anything. Bless her.