A Simple Snape Explanation

[redeyedwings]

No: HPFGUIDX 137451

What if there is no convoluted plan between Snape and Dumbledore 
concocted after the Unbreakable Vow between Snape and Cissy? What if 
Snape is simply acting under orders Dumbledore gave him a long time ago.

If years ago, when Dumbledore realized both that Snape had gone back to 
the side of Good and that LV was definitely NOT gone for good, he told 
Snape that his mission, should LV return to full power, will be to 
rejoin the Death Eaters and STAY WITH THEM, whatever the consequences 
until the very last battle.

That would explain the lack of specifics btwn SS and DD during the 
forest conversation (SS is simply saying that DD takes too much for 
granted, he's scared at what he may be forced to do with the DEs before 
the final battle) and DD is simply reiterating that - no matter what 
the cost - SS must be in position to betray LV when he is at his most 
vulnerable (ie, when Harry and DD [and RAB?] have destroyed the 
Horcruxes.

This also explains the look of revulsion and hatred, which wouldn't be 
present if the specific killing of DD by SS had already been discussed -
 SS is repulsed both with himself (for what he knows he must do) and 
with DD (for his longstanding orders that have now left SS in this 
position).

But nevertheless, being DD's man, he carries out his orders and rejoins 
the DE (destroying any hope of good relations with any Order members) 
and he now knows he'll be on their side until the end - a supremely 
unappealing prospect as he knows that he'll be asked to kill again. 
This would also explain why he's so angry at being called a coward - 
he's arguably sacrificing more for the battle than either Harry (who 
has already lost much, but hasn't chosen to give any of it up) and DD 
(who gave his life, but did so with his good name and reputation as a 
great good wizard intact).

Snape is sacrificing everything, and he knows he will most likely die 
in the process and be remembered as a traitor - I'd be damn upset if 
someone called me a coward for doing that.

Anyway, this is similar to some theories, but I see the DD/SS 
conversation as having been very simple, and not such a thought-out 
plan (there are too many things DD and SS don't know for it to be that 
step-by-step type of plan).

Anyway, first post, just wondering what everyone thinks. Great 
discussion on here - I was looking for a long time for a less-chatroom 
type of atmosphere to discuss the books at length.

Thanks,
J