Snape and the Order

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 93913

> Carol wrote:
> > > Unlike Potioncat, I think he became a teacher before 
Voldemort's fall (around September 1 rather than November 1 or so). 

> Debbie wrote:
> > I think canon strongly implies that Snape did not begin teaching 
at Hogwarts until *after* the events at Godric's Hollow.
 
x>snip a question from Carol< 
> Debbie answers:
> <snip> In the Shrieking 
> > Shack, Sirius was very surprised to discover that Snape was at 
> > Hogwarts, and only at that point did he learn that Snape was a 
> > teacher. 
 
> Carol wrote:
> Sirius was busy working with the Order and deciding whether to be
> Secret Keeper.  >snip<  So there's no reason why he
> would know whether Snape was there or not, and no particular reason
> why he would be following Snape's movements in any case.

Potioncat:
You know, before I joined this group I never had to change my mind 
about this and that and all the rest!

I began adding to this post, continuing in my agreement with Debbie 
that Snape began teaching after the year started.  I also used as 
canon Sirius' surprise that Snape is a teacher at Hogwarts.  But, 
Carol made a good point (as usual) that there was no reason for 
Sirius to know.  After all, how many young men in their 20's keep 
tabs on the faculty of their old school?  And we all believe that no 
one in the Order knew about Snape. So now I'm on the fence yet again.

I can accept something like this:  Some of the DE's are placed in the 
MoM.  So when an opening or two come up at Hogwarts, Snape suggests 
he apply as a way of keeping tabs on DD.  He's already working for 
DD, although LV doesn't know it.  This gives Snape protection 
(Hogwarts magic) and better access to DD.  Shortly after school 
starts LV makes his move and gets blasted and Snape continues at 
Hogwarts in anticipation of LV's eventual return.

I just realized that this sounds just like the double-agent theory, 
which I don't agree with, but I'm not sure how to explain the 
difference.

This is one of the many things I hope JKR clears up.  Although on the 
other hand, if she leaves some mystery we can all be discussing these 
books for years!!!!
Potioncat