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

[earendil_fr]

No: HPFGUIDX 93031

Earendil:
> > I sincerely believe Karkaroff to be the "one who has left 
forever". 
> > <snip>
> > 
> > By giving away the names of fellow Deatheaters Karkaroff 
condemned 
> > himself to never return to the Dark Lord's side. 
> > 
> > And this would leave Snape as the coward.


Mo:
> I really like your theory! 
> 
> It actually changes my mind about some things, and now I am 
starting 
> to look at the "three" (left forever, coward, faithful) 
differently.
> <snip>
> However, my question is, was Snape ever in the "closest circle" of 
> Voldemorts? I can't recall. Because, if he wasn't, he wouldn't 
have 
> been listed among the "three."

If you believe Karkaroff was in the 'closest circle' (indifferently 
as the one who left forever or as the coward), then it would be 
logical to assume Snape was as well. First, Karakaroff and Snape 
know each other well. Second, Snape's role among the Deatheaters was 
important enough for Karkaroff to mention his name at his trial. 
Besides, Snape was close enough to Voldemort to do some spying for 
the Order... And Snape seems to be a close friend of Lucius Malfoy, 
who was proven to be one of the inner circle...

I personnally think Snape was one of the close circle, but it's only 
speculation. We have no real 'canon' proof of his closeness (as far 
as I can remember anyway).

Earendil.