Pulling the Wool Over our Eyes - Snape, DD, Hermione

[kiricat4001]

No: HPFGUIDX 132718

I've been musing since reading the recent Molly/Sirius thread, 
particularly after reading Potioncat's observation that Molly and 
Snape both treat Sirius with a lack of respect.  That made me think 
about how OoP revealed flaws in many characters, and also that the 
characters who came off the worse for wear are, mostly, the good 
guys.  

We've spent hours debating Molly's treatment of Sirius and whether 
or not she's a good mother. We've argued over how much blame rests 
on DD's shoulders for Harry's abysmal situation at the Dursleys.  
We've argued over whether the bullying of Snape by James and Sirius 
can be forgiven.  We've speculated if Lupin would ever grow a spine. 
We've excused, or been horrified, by Sirius' behavior in OoP. We've 
wondered if Hagrid has finally lost his mind in bringing Grawp to 
our attention.  We can't decide whether Hermione really is the font 
of all wisdom or if she really needs a come-uppance. We've had 
enough of, or we understand completely, CAPS LOCK!Harry. And, of 
course, we've had roaring threads on Snape, especially on who's to 
blame for the lack of success of the Occlumency lessons. 

It seems to me that the tenor of the Snape discussions rarely cast 
doubt on whether he's truly in DD's camp. Snape is obviously trusted 
by DD, and thus, by the Order. (Excluding Sirius, but he and Snape 
have such a toxic history that anything Sirius says might be 
considered suspect.) We don't know what Snape's story is, but it's 
been accepted by DD.  Since early in the series, we've also had 
Hermione step up and defend Snape when Harry and/or Ron have 
expressed their reservations about him. 

Well, what if this has all been one gigantic set-up by Herself? I've 
always felt that part of what OoP was meant to do was show the flaws 
in the good characters, while raising sympathy for Snape. Add to 
this that the two characters who are held to be the brains of the 
adult and kid outfits, DD and Hermione, are steadfast in their trust 
in Snape.  What if JKR is setting them, and us, up for a fall and 
Snape is really double-crossing DD?  

Would that be a big bang or a big let-down? Would people find it 
further evidence of Snape's mystery and complexity as a character? 
Or would it be a disappointment?

IIRC, JKR did say something in an interview about a redemptive 
quality to Snape, so perhaps people think his worst deeds are behind 
him.  However, maybe his worst deeds are in HBP, and his redemption 
will come in Book 7.

Marianne, who will stop rambling now