[HPforGrownups] JKR's opinion of Snape

[Paula Dickson]

No: HPFGUIDX 137899

Brothergib:
Why did you make Quirrell the bad guy instead of Snape? 
JKR: "Because I know all about Snape, and he wasn't about to put on a 
turban." 

>From the mouth of JKR herself! Does suggest that Snape would not 
willingly help Voldemort!

That leaves us with Good Snape or Snape Only Out to Help Himself!!

It is possible that Snape has bided his time before killing DD, and now 
knows he can use Harry to help him destroy Voldemort.

I am still in the Good Snape camp though!!

Paula: 
OK...this is one that I'm having trouble with.... Just because Severus wouldn't ever wear a turban doesn't mean that his alleigience doesn't lie with him. I think Severus has just enough 'favor' with LV that he wants to keep him around quietly (or at least semi-quietly) so taht he can glean information from him. 
I believe there is 'SOMETHING' that connects Severus and LV.  There is some kind of bond there that is more than just a minion/master thing.  HBP brought the suprise of Severus actually being the HBP.  There are only two sides that Severus can take...Harry's or LV's. It's a good theory that Snape is only out for himself, but I have trouble with thinking that he would take out a many years long vendetta against James by lashing out at Harry. Unless there's more to it than JKR has told us in canon I really don't think childhood pranks cause *That* much damage to ones mental health.  I honestly can't think of any other reason he would be so nasty to Harry, other than a stewing hatred of James.  What I want to know is, Why did DD allow Severus to treat Harry so nastily...surely he KNEW about the mis-treatment. His mis-treatment of Harry aside from the fact that Harry is James's son would lead me to believe that Snape is, and has always been on the side of LV.  Severus afterall does gain quite a bit of knowledge about Harry and where he stands during and after the occlumemency lessons. Severus also has the luxury of being at Hogwarts for most of the year...meaning that if his allegience lies with LV, he is gaining LOADS of information that he can report back to LV.
I just cannot see Severus as a 'good guy'.  I think he did one heck of a good job fooling DD into thinking he is, but there's been too much interference by Severus for me to think his allegience lies on DDs side. 
I do think Severus had a hand in the events that unfolded at Godric's Hollow.  I think he took great joy in witnessing the events that transpired there. I also think he had something to do with the events that led up to Sirius being sent to Azkaban. I've no firm canon reference to lead in this direction, it's just a gut feeling. But, All that said, I think Severus did a mighty good job in fooling DD and the rest that he was on their side.  I just think there is too much hate in him to be on the 'good side'. 
I dunno....these are just random thoughts that I had after contemplating a few of the posts I've read. 
Paula