Roles in the Order was Re: "Lapdog" and "snivel"

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 115202


  
> Dharma replies:
snip

> 
> For me, in the adult world, there are many distortions here.  
> However, I remember seeing this dynamic many times as a child, and 
> unfortunately have seen it quite regularly working with kids as an 
> adult.  I'm convinced that in the case of Sirius/James and 
> Snape, 'lapdog' is the extension of 'Snivellus' into the adult 
> world.  After all, Sirius was never really able to let go of the 
> past.   There are plenty of other good interpretations happening 
on  the list, but this one rings most true to me.  Now JKR, or a 
fellow  list member, might blow this out water...but that is the 
risk of  airing strong a strong opinion :-)

Potioncat:
I think you may be right.  Of course, I think some of the others may 
be right too.  And JKR if she reads any of this is most likely 
thinking, "Get a life!"

We don't know if Snape and Malfoy have any sort of history from 
their schooldays.  It could work out that way.  But at Grimmauld 
Place Sirius is talking about here and now. (And you are right, this 
would be an extension of Snivellus, which he is still using.)

It may have been JKR's clue to the readers that Snape's role for the 
oder involves Malfoy. Goes along with the motion Snape makes in GoF 
when Harry names Malfoy. Notice, Snape doesn't really bite at the 
insult. He makes a quick word-play to turn the tables on Black by 
saying Lucius recognised the dog on the train platform.  So if he is 
acting as Malfoy's lapdog, he's accepted it.

And as I wrote this, I was taken by this contrast.  Black calls 
Snape Malfoy's lapdog at Christmas...trying to cut Snape's role.  
Later, Harry says to Snape that it's Snape's job to know what the 
DE's are doing.  Maybe that look on Snape's face was satisfaction 
that Harry knew he was more than a lapdog.