"Snape's Job"

[a_reader2003]

No: HPFGUIDX 93256

> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "severelysigune" 
<severelysigune at y...> wrote:
> > 
> > I quote:
'That is just as well, Potter,' said Snape coldly, 'because you are 
neither special nor important, and it is not up to you to find out 
what the Dark lord is saying to his Death Eaters.''No - that's your 
job, isn't it?' Harry shot at him.

He had not meant to say it; it had burst out of him in temper. For a 
long moment they stared at each other, Harry convinced he had gone 
too far. But there was a curious, almost satisfied expression on 
Snape's face when he answered.
'Yes, Potter,' he said, his eyes glinting. 'That is my job. Now, if 
you are ready, we will start again.'>
(snip)
> > What on earth is Snape so (almost) satisfied about? 

(Kneasy):
> I'm in a dilemma about this little cameo myself, but IMO it's 
possible that Snape is playing games with Harry.
>(snip)
> This scene is the only instance so far that could (perhaps) nudge 
> us into trying try to think of alternatives.
> 
> Based on Snape's character, it could go like  this:
> What Snape does is kept secret and he doesn't go around advertising
his activities  for the Order, and he's certainly not going to tell 
Harry,his bete noir, what he's up to. Harry guesses, but he's wrong. 
Snape's expression would be typical of the man - "Wrong again, 
Potter. But I'll let you stew in your ignorance. If only you knew the 
truth!"
> 
Because if he really is a spy, why would he admit it? Especially to
Harry, who he  considers unable to control his mind or his feelings
and would, in Snape's mind, be a most unsafe confidant. In these
circumstances Sevvy would be happy to mislead Harry -  and us!

(Carolyn):
OTOH, isn't this the classic response of the baddy who thinks he has 
the upper hand - can't resist the temptation to boast ? Voldemort has 
succumbed to it several times in his encounters with Harry.. could be 
something about the little pest that makes them both act foolishly? 
All that goodness, no doubt, welling up inside him. Insufferable.

But assuming Snape hasn't let Harry get to him, and is thinking 
clearly - what is the double bluff going on here? Surely JKR is not 
only misleading Harry and us, but Voldie too, if your supposition is 
correct ?  

If Harry is to think that Snape IS spying on the DEs, and potentially 
passes this on to Voldie next time his mind is invaded..is this 
designed to put the wind up Voldie, Lucius & co ? Is Snape a serious 
enemy, to be afraid of in their eyes ? Or is this designed as a nasty 
shock, because up to now they thought he was spying for them ? A very 
dangerous game for Snape to play, but maybe he thought what the 
hell.. I can't be in any worse danger than I am now.

All this seems pretty out of character for Snape actually, so 
scenario 2: Voldie & co get to hear he is spying on them via 
Harry ... and roll on the floor laughing, because they know better: 
they have certain proof of what he is doing for them ? Its designed 
to be more proof of his loyalty.. to enable him to carry on spying 
for ..who?

A plot worthy of CP Snow indeed.

Carolyn