[HPforGrownups] Re: What would a successful AK mean?/One interesting perspective

[Sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 142910

KJ writes:
    One of the reasons for being completely dumb-struck at this scene in 
the tower is that I understood the fact of Snape's guilt immediately and 
what that decision had just cost him. I believe that Snape is DD's man 
all the way and also that DD badgered, cajoled, and begged him to take 
the final step should it become necessary. If Snape had been OFH until 
that point, he was now forced to make a decision. As Snape had such a 
need for recognition and respect as a result of his childhood, I think 
that he would have cheerfully chosen death for himself over the 
dishonour to himself and his family (assuming he has one) rather than 
obey DD's last request. I couldn't believe that JKR had done it to him. 
Bad enough that she made him ugly, greasy, and nasty, now she removes 
any chance of redemption other than at the cost of his life. I'm sorry, 
but I find that I can live without Sirius, the loss of Dumbledore was 
quite bearable, and I'm quite looking forward to the demise of Volemort, 
even at the expense of Harry. I really feel sorry for Snape.:)
KJ



Sherry now:
oh my, i had to laugh.  not at you, but at how differently we all read
things.  you felt sorry for Snape.  my reaction was, 

oh my God, poor Harry!  Frozen, unable to even try to help.  Watching the
last person who was his mentor, teacher, helper, support ... watching him be
murdered in front of his eyes and not able to move!

i even thought, Oh crap, what about Draco?  This moment was so pivotal for
him, with Dumbledore offering a chance for something different, a way out of
the trap he was in with Voldemort.  is his fate sealed now?
i felt so bad for both boys on the tower.


And maybe that's the difference.  though I like and care about many of the
adult characters--Arthur and molly, Tonks, Remus, Sirius, James and Lily,
even McGonigal, Kingsley, Flitwick--i am mostly interested in the kids.
They are the stars of the show for me.  i think the ending, the success or
failure will depend on them.  If a supposed bad guy ends up helping, i think
it must be one of the kids, such as Draco.  not Snape, or any other adult.
The whole hero's journey, that JKR herself says she is doing, tells me that
no adult is going to come to the rescue and save Harry's bacon and by
extension the WW.  

i don't have much sympathy for an adult man who can blame a child for the
sins of his father or abuse verbally a child who is so obviously
terrified--meaning Neville.

But I have hopes for Draco, if he can somehow get away from Snape and
Voldemort.  If there's a good Slytherin who is not Slughorn, i hope for one
of the kids, not Snape or any other adult.

Sherry


Sherry