The "row" in the forest--what Snape doesn't want to do any more (Was: Mr. Sn

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 136905

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "saraquel_omphale" 
<saraquel_omphale at y...> wrote:
> Valky wrote: I'm
<SNIP>
> 
> Saraquel: spanner in the works!  Although I think all the posters 
in 
> this thread have made some excellent arguments, I'm afraid I'm not 
> convinced of the premise that Snape and DD were arguing about Draco 
> at all.  

I agree that it is assuming too much that Snape and Dumbledore were 
arguing over Draco.  Let me offer yet another interpretation.  At 
this time Dumbledore has reason to believe that someone is out to 
commit murder at Hogwarts.  But, does he at this time truly know he 
is the target?  He says to Draco that he knows Draco has been trying 
to kill him, but he may have just deduced that at the moment - or 
else have gotten some evidence we don't know about yet.  Who, after 
all, has been harmed?  Students.  And what student might be a target 
of an assassin?  Harry, of course.  Or maybe Dumbledore realizes he 
is the target, but is afraid that when the killer realizes that he 
(DD) is not such easy pickings, the killer may move to a more readily 
approachable victim.

Now, we have speculated long before this that Snape may have a 
mission from Dumbledore to watch over Harry.  Perhaps that is what he 
doesn't want to do anymore?  Certainly his feelings for Harry seem to 
have been aggravated by the Occlumency incident, not to mention their 
interactions in DADA.  Perhaps the conversation went something like 
this:

Snape:  It is impossible to deal with that arrogant boy!

DD:  I know about your feelings, Severus.  But Harry must be 
safeguarded.

Snape:  In occlumency last year...

DD: You know my views on that, Severus.  I will hear no more about it.

Snape:  The boy constantly disrespects me in class!

[At this point Hagrid happens along]

DD:  I know this is difficult for you, Severus.  But you cannot 
pretend that you have exerted a maximum effort.

Snape:  It is impossible!

DD:  Severus, I have already told you that this is imperative.  I 
suggest you start your investigations in your own house.

Snape:  You assume too much!  What if I don't want to do this anymore!

DD:  Severus Snape that is absolutely enough!  You have given your 
word that you will do this, and you WILL do it!  I will hear 
absolutely nothing else on the subject!

Thus Snape is forced to continue his (to him) humiliating task of 
watching over the (to him) arrogant and irresponsible Harry Potter.  
What are the affects of this?  Perhaps none.  Perhaps it weakens his 
loyalty to Dumbledore, a loyalty already strained by the Unbreakable 
Vow.  Perhaps it sets the stage for a further disintegration when 
Harry attacks Draco, and Snape, when he complains to Dumbledore about 
Harry's recklessness and arrogance, is told to bite his tongue and 
continue with his mission.  

Who knows?  But one more possibility for the grist mill.

Lupinlore