Snape's future role

[esmith222002]

No: HPFGUIDX 142575

I have been wondering about Snape's role in book 7 (I have been 
absent for a while, so excuse me if this has already been suggested), 
but it seems at least one of the tasks for Snape may be the 
identification of the final Horcrux.

We know that the locket, cup & Nagini make up three of the remaining 
Horcruxes, but we have no idea what the fourth Horcux is specifically 
(unless it is Harry himself!).

If we consider the potential plot of the final book, then Harry has 
to hunt down the remaining Horcruxes and destroy them. I think the 
locket won't be too difficult to find (either in the House of Black 
or in Kreacher's possession). Nagini will be with Voldemort, and 
hopefully is not too difficult to kill. However, bearing in mind DD's 
difficulty in tracking down Horcruxes, I can't believe that Harry 
will be able to seek out the final two Horcruxes (cup & ??), destroy 
them and defeat Voldemort in a calender year!!!

I wonder if Snape may return to Voldemort and explain that DD knew 
about the 6 Horcruxes, and that some are destroyed. He could claim 
that DD never trusted Snape enough to reveal the location of all the 
Horcruxes, but that DD may have passed the knowledge on to HP. 
Bearing in mind Voldemort's respect for the prophecy, this would be 
worrying news. Snape could promise Voldemort that he would act as 
proector of the Horcruxes. Hasn't his removal of DD proved his 
allegiance!!

The final confrontation between HP and LV could then unfold thus.
LV - 'It seems I have underestimated you Potter. You have succeeded 
in destroying all but one of my Horcruxes. However, you still face me 
today with the knowledge that you cannot completely vanquish me'.
SS - 'I hate to disagree my Lord, but I have destroyed your final 
Horcrux. You are indeed a mortal man'.

Brothergib