[HPforGrownups] Re: In Defense of Snape (Against Snape in JKR's words)

[Charme]

No: HPFGUIDX 122140


> Alla:
>
> NO, Betsy. That is the fundamental difference between how you and me
> see the character of Snape. To me not a DE anymore does not
> equal "being redeemed".
>
> I also maintain that there are enough hints in the text to go with
> doubnle, triple agent Snape, but I am notr eally sure.
>
> Snape as sadist, who enjoys the sufferings of Harry and Neville
> needs redemption, IMO.
>
> I do agree though that Snape and Harry's relationship will be
> developed. I just wonder which way it will go.
>
>
> Just my opinion,
>
> Alla
>

Charme:

I have a slightly different take here:  maybe appropriate, maybe not.  My 
view about Snape's DE/not DE position goes back to another post I made 
recently: just because one isn't a KKK member, one can still be racist. Look 
at the Blacks: they supported the concept of pureblood racism but stood 
short of wanting to fully back LV according to Sirius.  For example, with 
what Sirius' mother shouts from her painting, it appears to me that just 
because Momma Black wasn't a DE, she sure didn't let that stop her from 
being a racist. The same may apply to Snape and people like him.

Snape hasn't been redeemed in canon yet: all DD says is that he vouches that 
Snape isn't a DE anymore, was and now is working for the Order, and that DD 
trusts him, and then there's for me a sticky conversation Snape has with 
Harry at the beginning of their Occulmency lessons. JKR's plot and character 
construction of Snape leaves me right at the point to believe has not yet 
redeemed himself: I simply don't have enough information to push myself to 
the forgiveness/understanding I saw mentioned with regard to Snape earlier 
in this thread.

What also interests me is when Harry questions Snape about it being Snape's 
job to get information about the DE's and LV in OoP:

"That is just as well, Potter,' said Snape coldly, 'because you are neither 
special nor important, and it is not up to you to find out what the Dark 
Lord is saying to his Death Eaters.'
'No - that's your job, isn't it?' Harry shot at him.
He had not meant to say it; it had burst out of him in temper. For a long 
moment they stared at each other, Harry convinced he had gone too far. But 
there was a curious, almost satisfied expression on Snape's face when he 
answered.
'Yes, Potter,' he said, his eyes glinting. That is my job. Now, if you are 
ready, we will start again."

It's that "staring at each other" and Snape's "curious, almost satisfied" 
expression that unnerves me. Especially what is Snape satisfied *with* 
exactly? That Harry knows? That Harry has a backbone?  That Harry doesn't 
know he's a double agent? Hm?

 Since I haven't personally interpreted any canon yet other than Snape 
saving Harry in PS/SS from Quirrell/LV as a positive action indicative of 
his "redemption" (and I think he did that either because of his annoying 
debt to James and or more likely because he is a teacher and as such 
expected to protect students in danger no matter who they are), I am not 
sure what to make of that.  His position and obvious efforts to "perform" 
his job accordingly does *not* to me mean that he has lost his ability to be 
a racist, nor to be a danger later on.

God, I love Snape's character.  Figuring him out truly does tax my obvious 
brilliance and intellectual capacity ;) Now, if I could only apply that 
effort to getting the housework done and focus on world peace.... (heh)

Charme

Charme