Pondering on the Prank

[quick_silver71]

No: HPFGUIDX 142609

In my wandering on HP fandom I've found that "the Prank" (where 
Snape was tricked by Sirius Black and almost had a run in with Wolf!
Lupin) is generally analyzed from two points of views : the view 
that it was an incredibility reckless prank or the view that it was 
attempted murder on the part of Sirius Black. Another common point 
made is that it is the culmination of years of conflict/bullying 
between the Marauders and Severus Snape. Finally Sirius statement in 
PoA (that Snape deserved it) is often used as damning evidence 
(which it is) of his own immaturity and his deep and uncontrollable 
hatred of Snape. 

Now I'd just like to say that the Prank was a horrible event and I 
don't condone or support what Sirius did. 

That said I've often wondered if the Prank was more complex and 
layered then we've been led to believe.

The Prank comes across, to me, as not being part of the ongoing feud 
between the Marauders and Snape but as being a singularly unique 
event. Sirius Black, by all accounts, acted alone, without even 
informing James, against Snape. Yet the conflict with Snape seems to 
have been dominated by Snape vs. James...it is James who strikes 
first in "Snape's Worst Memory" and most of the dialogue in that 
scene involves James and not Sirius. So why did Sirius feel the urge 
to either kill or scare Snape badly in 6th year?

Now RAB stands a good chance of being Regulus Black and it could be 
that he ties in with the Prank. Wouldn't that be a motive? What if 
Sirius Black felt that Snape was luring his younger brother down the 
dark path? Sirius would have felt that the time had come for 
desperate measures and it ties in nicely with Sirius leaving home at 
16 (which occurs in the same general time as the Prank)...it could 
be that Sirius feels he's tried everything to save Regulus from his 
fate. It also explains his comment in PoA...Regulus ended up dead 
and Sirius certainly wouldn't have been forgiving if he felt Snape 
was responsible.

It also explains the odd lack of discipline around the 
Prank...Dumbledore seems to have a soft spot for kids that try to 
murder in the name of family (Draco anyone?) and the fact that 
Dumbledore didn't answer Snape in PoA when Snape claims that Sirius 
was an attempted murderer at 16 because Dumbledore understand how 
much more complex it is (whether Snape ever fully understood is 
another question). It should also be noted that if Sirius had really 
wanted Snape dead he simply wouldn't have told James
was telling 
James Sirius's way out?

Quick_Silver