JKR chat--Snape the coward or the one left forever?

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 92300

Siriusly Snapey Susan:
But what I meant, above, was that Snape didn't COME to the graveyard
when the dark mark called. *That's* what I was assuming Voldy meant by
being cowardly. I wasn't thinking of a long history of Snape's being
cowardly--just thinking of this as Voldy's reaction to who didn't show
that night.
> 

(Unsigned post:)
How do we know that Snape wasnt at the Graveyard scene?  Ok its veyr
unlikely considering the fact that that would mean Snape watch Harry
being killed by Voldy and Snape could of just gone back and told
Dumbledore about Voldy being back (they made a big deal out of HArry
surviving thus telling Dumbledore about it).  But despite this, it
actually hasnt been ruled out that Snape was there.  There was about
30 death eaters there, Voldy didnt talk to them all, maybe he just
didnt say anything to Snape.  I dont actually believe what Im saying 
but its a possibility.

Carol:
A possibility, maybe, but a very remote one. Since you can't apparate
from Hogwarts, Snape would have had to leave the Tri-Wizard Tournament
(under Dumbledore's nose), run to Hogsmeade (having found or conjured
a cloak and mask along the way), stay through the whole ceremony/duel
with LV and Harry, apparate back to Hogsmeade (under Voldemort's
nose), shed the cloak and mask, run back to the tournament, and
account for his absence/breathlessness to Dumbledore. Not likely, IMO. 

It seems clear from DD's treatment of him and from his own behavior
after Harry's return that he was with DD the whole time--and we see
him react with surprise when Harry gives Lucius Malfoy's name (he
certainly would have known of Malfoy's presence in the graveyard had
he been there himself). We also have his own words to Karkaroff a few
chapters earlier: "Flee, then! Flee! I will remain at Hogwarts."
(Quoting from memory, but IIRC it's in the "Yule Ball" chapter.) I
think LV knew that Karkaroff (the coward) had fled and that Snape had
remained at Hogwarts, where his loyalties lay. Crouch!Moody was spying
on Snape, remember, and was probably reporting his suspicions and
observations to LV, so LV could easily have known in advance that they
would be absent and confirmed it by the missing places in the circle.

Given all that, it seems very likely that Snape was absent from the
graveyard and that he accounted for his absence later to Malfoy by
telling him more or less what I posted in my first paragraph. As JKR
said, the fansites have it right.

Carol

P.S. Don't worry, SSS. I know you don't think Snape is a coward. I was
explaining why I didn't think LV would consider him one, either. :-)