Positive Spin on Snape, Occlumency, and Albus writing Petunia

[dzeytoun]

No: HPFGUIDX 114896


OK, I think we've pretty much covered the ground on Snape's evil 
qualities.  I do, personally, think his bad aspects pretty well sum 
him up.  However, I'm pretty good at making up stories, so, I asked 
myself is there any way to put a positive spin on Snape, the 
Dursleys, and Occlumency from OOTP, as well as incorporating the 
information we have from JKR's website about Albus writing Petunia.

So, let's start with three facts:

1) JKR has said that Dumbledore's last letter was the one left with 
Harry in 1981
2) Snape saw the scene of Harry being chased by Ripper
3) At the end of OOTP the Order threatens the Dursleys

So, how to put a positive scenario to play here?  Well, let's see if 
this is plausible (in terms of facts, not in terms of character 
motivations, necessarily):

Dumbledore has some sort of contact with Petunia, knowing that she 
dislikes the magical world.  He decides to leave Harry with the 
Dursleys for his safety, deliberately cutting off all communication 
with Petunia for reasons we do not yet know.  He sends Mrs. Figg to 
Privet Drive to "keep an eye" on things.

Since he is cut off, Dumbledore does not understand the level of 
suffering Harry has experienced at the Dursleys.  He knew Harry 
would "suffer," but did not expect out and out abuse.  Now Mrs. Figg 
only sees things externally, and while what she sees (the poor 
clothing, thin body, etc) is bad, she isn't privy to the worst of it, 
and Harry doesn't talk to her.  Reading her reports Dumbledore 
reluctantly decides Harry had better stay where he is.  He misses the 
part about Harry living in a closet because the Hogwarts Letters are 
addressed automatically by a charm and no one actually reads the 
things (weak, considering that hundreds of them went to Privet Drive, 
but I suppose possible).  In any case, by the time he actively checks 
the Dursleys have already given Harry the smallest bedroom.

Harry never talks to Dumbledore, or anyone else, about the situation 
at Privet Drive.  Only during Occlumency does this come out.  Snape, 
being a nicer person than he appears, informs Dumbledore, who then 
tells the Order to confront the Dursleys and put a stop to such 
behavior forthwith.



Now, I put this forth as a mental exercise to put a positive spin on 
everyone and their actions with regard to Occlumency and Privet Drive.
Comments?  Questions?  Ripe tomatoes?

Dzeytoun