Snape's part in death of Sirius - Revised Time

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 108227

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "nkafkafi" <nkafkafi at y...> wrote:
> > Magda wrote:
> 
> > Sorry but I really don't see your point, Neri.  What was Snape
> > supposed to do?  Force his way into Umbridge's office and take him
> > away at wandpoint to get him to 12GP?  And why go to 12GP in the
> > first place?
> 
> Neri:
> 
> I can easily generate speculations what Snape could have done. It 
> will all be speculations, since I don't know the details of the 
> situation, but the point is that are many possibilities:
> 

Asian_lovr2:
 
I do admire how well you have thought out this subject, and equally
how well you've articulated it, unfortunately, although not
surprisingly, I don't agree.   

Listed below are several HINDSIGHT solutions. They are very easy
speculations after the fact, but we must judge Snape's actions based
on what he knew at the time, and then temper what he knew with his
personality and his attitude toward Harry. 

In my previous post (#108055), I listed the things Snape knew for a
fact. In your post (#108146), you added that Snape did properly
interpret Harry's cryptic 'He's at the place...' message; a point I
will concede and gladly add to the list.

In your post referenced above, you make several 'could be' 'might
happen' suggestions, but again at that moment in time these various
'kidnapped by DE's' suggestion are not the type that would likely
occur to any one. You might as well say Harry could be trampled by
dinosaurs. Yes, it could be, but who would ever think of it. The fact
is, that Harry is in Umbridge's custody, and as big a b... b... b...
witch as she is, being in her custody is not cause for alarm or panic;
concern-yes, worry-maybe, but panic-no.

Side note: as much as I don't agree with you, I have to admit, you
have stimulated one of the more interesting recent dicussion.
Regardless of the outcome; it's been fun.



> Neri continues:
>
> 1. First and foremost, Snape should explain the situation to HQ and 
> ask (or rather demand) assistance.
>

Asian_lovr2:

Well, I've already said I believe Snape did explain the situation to a
limited degree. How limited, however, we can't know. At this time, the
key is Harry thinks Sirius is in danger; Snape has evidence the Sirius
is Safe. Again, I concede that Snape realizes that Harry thinks Sirius
is in the DoM being held by Voldemort. Although, I suspect he has
reservations about his interpretation of what Harry said since it make
very little practical sense; Sirius and Voldemort, the two most wanted
men in the world, cavorting about the Ministy in broad daylight?
That's a bit 'iffy'. 

And, since Sirius is safe, and Harry is at the school in the custody
of Umbridge and the I-Squad, why would Snape need to ask for
assistance? As I said before, Sirius is home, Harry is at school, all
is right with the world. Although, I'm sure Snape was enjoying the
idea that Harry was in deep trouble with Umbridge. Maybe even enjoying
it a little too much.



> Neri Continues:
> 
> 2. Sirius can apparate in Hogsmead and find Harry in the forest ...
> 
> 3. Tonks can appear at Hogwarts as McGonagall ... DA members can be 
> enlisted to locate Harry in the forest.
> 
> 4. It is quite possible that Hagrid may be called from his hideout 
> to search the forest. 
> 

Asian_lovr2:

But why? That's all great hingsight, but in the moment, why do they
need to search the forest? 

Certainly, anyone in the forest is cause for concern, but Harry and
Hermione are with an armed adult, School Professor, and high Ministry
official. At this point, they aren't /lost/ in the forest, they are
simply /in/ the forest. That doesn't sound like a situation that calls
for an immediate search party.

Only after Snape sends the Order to the Ministry to check on Harry,
does he need help searching the forest. 


> Neri concludes this section:
> 
> And so on and so forth. Possibilities always increase exponentially 
> when there are several good people eager to help.
> 
> ...GBE...Great Big Edit...
> 
> Neri

Asian_lovr2:

What we have to look for is Snape's 'OH CRAP!' moment. The moment when
concern and urgency become panic and emergency. That 'oh crap' moment
is the moment when Snape thinks to himself, 'Oh crap! You don't
suppose the little brat actually tried to get to London?'.

Until that point, which occurred very late in the day, there really
was no /known/ need for action, no /known/ need to rally the troops.

When Snape hits his 'Oh Crap' moment, he reacts accordingly. I will
concede again that Snape's 'Oh Crap' moment may have been somewhat
delayed by his own prejudices toward Harry, but not to the point of
negligence. 

Conclusion; in hindsight, the list of things that could have and
should have been done is endless, but working with what Snape had
available to him, I think he did a fair job of it. 

Just a few thoughts. 

Steve/asian_lovr2