Snape's position

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 92436

Sue wrote:
> The big question to me is why is Snape still alive.  He is too 
> smart to just be running around for Lucius Malfoy while Crabb and 
> Goyle are showing up at important events like the MoM.  If Snape 
> is really a DE, he would have had to know what means Voldemort was 
> going to use to get Harry to the MoM.  Why not just TELL Harry 
> what was coming.  
<snip> 
> We know Snape is powerful and smart.  
<snip>
> The way I see it there are only two possibilities: 
> 1. Snape is very close to Voldemort and DD is a fool where he is 
> concerned.  He is doing a "job" for Voldemort that will allow him 
> access in and the ability to take over Hogwarts when he is ready.
> 
> 2. Snape is indeed working for the Order, Voldemort knows this and 
> is setting something up which will be the end of the Order and 
> Snape.  IOW Snape is nothing more than a pawn.
<snip> 
> Voldemort would not keep anyone around he doubted unless that 
> person was useful in some way and I can't imagine Snape putting up 
> with being below Crabb or Goyle on any totem pole.
<snip> 
> What is the story with Severus Snape?! (Sue screams loudly at her 
> computer).  I just don't get it. Someone help me...Carol? Susan? 
> Potioncat? Anyone?

Susan here, checking in.
Well, Sue, I do NOT know what the story is w/ Severus Snape any more 
than anybody else [and a lot less than many esteemed members of this 
list].  **For now** I am taking some things at face value [while 
some of those esteemed members are probably rolling their eyes at my 
naivete].  

Assumptions:
1) Snape really was a DE [well, that one's a fact]
2) Snape really did choose to leave Voldy before his downfall
3) Snape really is on the side of The Order
4) Snape really is spying on Voldy while having convinced Voldy he's 
spying on DD & The Order

Now, as for what you see as the only two possibilities.  I see 
something else, because of the assumptions above *and* the fact that 
I agree that Snape is powerful & smart.  If Voldy wants Snape as his 
spy--and he's the *only* DE we're aware of in such a prime spot for 
keeping an eye on DD--then he *will* let Snape "off the hook" or 
instruct him not to do certain things other DEs are doing, such as 
showing up to fight at the MOM.  This is precisely so that Snape can 
maintain his position of trust w/ DD.  If Snape showed up w/ the 
others, he'd have blown his cover, right?  And maybe Voldy feels it 
is way too early in the contest to give up his one big spy.  

It's a lovely position for Snape, actually.  He has built-in excuses 
to give Voldemort whenever he doesn't seem loyal or when he can't 
show up somewhere [like the graveyard?], for he must keep up 
appearances w/ DD *and* must keep an eye on DD.  In return, DD can 
help Snape select information to give Voldy or Lucius--enough to 
stay convincing but not enough to be too damaging.

As for Snape possibly having been able to tell Harry precisely how 
Voldy would attempt to get to Harry, I'm not sure you're not giving 
Snape too much credit there.  I don't know whether I believe Snape 
knew specifically how it would be accomplished.  But also, *even if 
he did know/suspect*, Snape has to be just as careful in how much 
information he gives to DD/Harry/The Order as he is in giving info 
to Voldy.  If it appears that they know too much, Voldy is likely to 
suspect that Snape is betraying him.  Who else would have that info 
& could share it w/ Harry or DD?  Snape walks a very fine line, imo, 
a line which requires him to be a very good actor & liar and a very 
good judge of how much information is enough/too much.

Does that help, Sue? 

Siriusly Snapey Susan