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

[onnanokata]

No: HPFGUIDX 115233


potioncat wrote:
 
  
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 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.

Dharma replies:

Well to me it would make sense for Snape, as a spy for either side, 
to be in close contact with Lucius.  There is plenty of evidence to 
suggest that Lucius is a leader in the ranks of the Death Eaters but, 
if Snape never achieved equivalent status, then Lucius would be a 
good source of information from or about Voldemort.  Staying in good 
favor with Malfoy is works well strategically for Snape.  To some 
extent, at present being "Malfoy's lapdog" is utterly desirable.

As to Snape's satisfaction...I really like the suggestion of Harry 
finally seeing that Snape is not just a lapdog.  A very similar 
thought I've always had is that, Harry is finally acknowledging that 
Snape is part of the plan, for better or worse.  Harry is enraged and 
speaking from a very angry dark place, but he's finally forced, 
through his own words, to confront the idea of Snape as an integral 
part of the unit moving against Voldemort.  Harry no knows what 
Snape's job is in the Order.  He unwittingly speaks to Snape's 
authority in knowledge of the Death Eaters plans, and Snape drives it 
home for him.