Rows in the Forest - what might one reveal about the other.

[M.Clifford]

No: HPFGUIDX 139063

I am using the clever suggestion of another HP fan (who noted that the
HBP row in the forest reminds of the one in PS/SS)to work on here as I
try to unravel the subject of the argument between Snape and DD.


In PS/SS the argument with Quirrel comes at the height of our
suspicions about Snape, we are in no way aware that Quirrel is not
just Quirrel, and as for the comment about Loyalty, we take that to
mean that Snape is trying to force Loyalty to himself from Quirrel,
when in fact he is speaking of his own unfathomable loyalty. 

This is so cleverly done and so brilliantly misdirecting, why
shouldn't JKR use it all over again. ;D 
So lets assume she does. And lets piece together things we didn't
know then with what we may or may not know now.

First We didn't know Quirrel was not just Quirrel. He was carrying
Voldemort around in his Turban. Can we likewise contemplate that
Dumbledore is no longer simply Dumbledore? He has after all taken on
one of Voldemorts Horcruxes. Has he, also, chanced to taint himself
with Voldemort, in a different way?

Secondly we did not know that Snape was trying to stop Quirrel going
after the stone. This time we are told that Dumbledore seeks from
Snape an investigation in his house. Recently here one of our resident 
brilliant thinkers sugessted that this does not necessarily mean
Slytherin House. Hagrid adds 'in Slytherin' himself to /his/
recollection of the conversation. Clearly, however, from what Hagrid
said he only heard DD say Snape should investigate 'his house'. This
could as equally mean Spinners End as it could mean Slytherin.

Somewhere in HBP we assume from what we know that Snape works for
Dumbledore and is watching over Draco, that DD means to ask for Snapes
help to find out about the assassin. However the dangers of assuming
from what we know are fairly obvious since the first book. We would be
wiser to assume that we *don't* know what Snape is doing.

Finally we have the question of loyalty. In PS/SS we believe that
Snape is a ringleader or a servant of LV looking for loyalty to
himself or Voldemort.  And here we again assume that Snape saying
"Maybe I don't want to do it anymore" and "You take too much for
granted" is all about loyalty to Dumbledore. But I think it is not.
This part, I am actually quite certain is all about Harry. The very
last thing that Harry would think Snape and Dumbledore would be
talking about.  And the only one subject in HBP that could parrallel
the Philosophers stone in PS/SS. 
Harry is the subject. I am sure.

So in light of PS/SS and assuming what we don't know, lets just assume
that Snape is actually trying to protect Harry the last thing we'd
expect him to be doing in speaking to Dumbledore. But definitely the
parrallel of Snapes role in PS/SS. Lets assume also that Dumbledore's
plan, which he delayed for so long and always dreaded having to put in
to action, has the unfortunate side effect of being subject to a great
deal of Voldemorts will and so Dumbledore is like Quirrel (aiding LV's
will). And finally lets assume that Dumbledore's order to Snape has
nothing to do with the assasination attempts at all, and everything to
do with what is to happen in Book Seven, after DD has gone.

When Snape asks Quirrel if he's figured out how to get past Fluffy
yet, we think that he is using Quirrel to help him get to the stone.
If we parrallel this with Snape saying DD takes too much for granted,
then we must be seeing here something of Dumbledores plan.

My personal take is that DD's strategy for defeating Voldemort is not
to work against Voldemorts will but to leave him to it to *even help
him achieve it* (since Voldie's habit is usully to destroy himself),
which would make Dumbledore similar to Quirrel in the Forest. 

Snape replies that DD takes to much for granted.

In PS/SS Snape says to Quirrel 'You do not want me as your enemy.'
Parrallel this to the HBP argument and I think we see a Snape who
doesn't want to work against Dumbledore/Harry anymore. He is perhaps
saying now the very same thing. (You do not wnat me on the enemies
side) I think he believes that he would be more use to Dumbledore
helping and teaching Harry, but DD wants him to continue as Harry's enemy.

Finally the speech about loyalties. Parrallel this with Investigate
your house. Wormtail is in Snapes house, and he is indebted to Harry
hence it is an investigation into loyalty. 

*Peters loyalty ultimately falls on Harry's side of the fence.* 

So he needs to be protected, and perhaps Dumbledore realises that
Pettigrew will not be killed by Voldemort if he's useful, and his use
is to spy on Snape. If Snape turns, Pettigrew dies, and along with him
one of the key weapons against Voldemort. (this is just speculation
but it works for me)

So to wrap up. 

Snape is simply telling DD what he *thinks* is the best course of action. 

ie I (Snape)should work *with* the boy, he's not up to it alone. 

Dumbledore disagrees and says that the WW is better served by Snape
doing Voldies will. 

Maybe it is keeping Peter Pettigrew safely in the service of Harry. It
could be something else but this seems to fit. 

Any takers?

Valky