In defense of the Snape apologists :-)

[Cindy]

No: HPFGUIDX 136142

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "vmonte" <vmonte at y...> wrote:

> houyhnhnm:
> 
> Yes, it is a matter of interpretation. My interpretation is that
> Snape's motives are always mixed. He is still trying to prove he
> should have been Head Boy as much as he is trying to protect the
> school or its students, but there is little evidence in the text to
> prove or disprove this theory. Certainly, he shows no hesitation in
> going after the dangerous lunatic who *he* believes betrayed the
> Potters to Voldemort.
> 
> vmonte responds:
> He is still trying to prove that he is head boy material? In his 
late 
> thirties? How sad, yet probably true. This only confirms that he 
is 
> only interested in himself, IMO.
> 

Okay, a show of hands.  If he is truly ESE!Snape on the side of 
Voldemort, would he have taken the vow in the first place?  

pg 32  AE HBP

"The Dark Lord has forbidden me to speak of it" Narcissa continued, 
her eyes still closed.  "He wishes none to know of the plan. It 
is...very secret. But--"

"If he has forbidden it, you ought not to speak," said Snape at 
once. "The Dark Lord's word is law."

Oh reeeeeeally?  Then if that's the case, and Snape believes it, 
then to take the vow and even talk about it is "breaking the law."  
In effect, Snape would be taking a vow to thwart Voldemort's revenge 
on Lucius.  I don't call that being loyal. I call that Snape 
thinking with something else besides his brain. 

pg 34

Snape caught hold of her wrists and removed her clutching hands.  
Looking down at her tear stained face, he said slowly, "He intends 
me to do it in the end, I think.  But he is DETERMINED (emphasis 
mine) that Draco should try first.  You see, in the unlikely event 
that Draco succeeds, I shall be able to remain at Hogwarts a little 
longer, fulfilling my useful role as spy."

So taking the Unbreakable Vow not only spared Draco, it caused Snape 
to leave his post at Hogwarts earlier than Voldemort intended. Even 
Bella is pulled in against her better judgment--actually she behaves 
like she is in shock--which may be a shrewd move on Snape's part to 
show her disloyal to Voldemort.

pg 36

"Certainly, Narcissa, I shall make the Unbreakable Vow," he said 
quietly. "Perhaps your sister will consent to be our Bonder."

Gotcha Bella.  

Cindy (who thinks Dumbledore is dead because Snape is an 
unsufferable know-it-all with no social skills whatsoever)