Another Curse-Breaker + HP7 book title?

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 145137

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Corey Overton" <coverton at n...>
wrote:
>
> Brothergib:
> They are not sure exactly what the remaining Horcruxes are, and
> they certainly don't know where they are. The only person who
> knows is Voldemort. Therefore someone has to get Voldemort to
> tell them where the Horcruxes are. ...
> 
> 
> Corey:
> But why kill Dumbledore? Why not just go to Voldemort and try
> and find out himself? 
> 
> Your fellow list member, Corey

bboyminn:

Hi Corey, welcome to the group. I see you received me email address.

As to the questions you ask and the point they make, I agree in
GENERAL, but we don't have a general case here, we have a very
specific and immediate case. 

Snape, Draco, a pack of wild Death Eaters, and a greatly weakened
Dumbledore, plus a hidden Harry, are at the top of the Tower. Their
mission, though it is primarily Draco's mission, is to kill Dumbledore. 

Now what should Snape do? What action should he take? What action will
provide the best possible outcome in that situation? 

That is a very difficult decision for anyone to make, and an extremely
difficult decision to make under the presure of the moment.

So, in general, I think you are right, as part of Dumbledore's grand
plan it would have been nice for Snape to have pumped Voldemort for
information. Of course, it would have to be done carefully so
Voldemort didn't get wise to the fact that Dumbledore was Horcrux hunting.

But Snape is faced with a specific situation. How does he maximize it?

If he turns and fights the DE's, his cover is blown and he is no
longer of use to the Order as a Spy in Voldemort's camp. Further, it
is one against four blood thirsty battle-pumped vicious Death Eaters
and Draco, and he would very likely not win, in which case Dumbledore
would die anyway, and further Snape himself would die. True there is a
slim chance that Snape might be able to overcome Draco and the DE's,
but even with that outcome, Snape usefullness is pretty much at an end.

So, to the group in general, under these very specific circumstances,
what should Snape have done?

They are on the top of a tower with limited space and only one exit.
An exit which leads down to a heated battle in progress.

Dumbledore is down, weak, and defenseless.

Harry is hidden and petrified.

Draco has failed at his task.

Snape arrives on the scene.

Now what should Snape do? How should he act to maximize the situation
for the greatest good and the greatest long term outcome? 

Or if you don't believe Snape should have acted for long term outcome
or greatest good, that doesn't change the basic question. 

What should Snape have done?

Welcome to the group, Corey. I think you will find the discussion deep
and heated. Enjoy.

Steve/bboyminn