The Nature of Snape's Spy Work

[va32h]

No: HPFGUIDX 143490

Quick_silver71  wrote:

> How does Snape spy?
 
*Snip* 
 
>The actions of the Order is book 5/6 seem to be 
>based more on Dumbledore's assumptions about Voldemort's plans 
>then any inside information. 

va32h: 

It is possible that Dumbledore is masking Snape's information as his 
(DD's) own assumptions. 

Dumbledore has always seemed especially protective of Snape's role 
in the Order, and particularly in terms of what he (DD) tells Harry. 
Harry's instinctive dislike of Snape would make him discount any 
information attributed to Snape. Look how horrified Harry was at the 
revelation that Snape was the Half Blood Prince. 

I also think that Snape passes false information to the Voldemort 
camp. His speech to Bella in the "Spinner's End" chapter shows this -
 claiming Dumbledore has been weakened (which I just don't believe) 
and that Harry is merely a sub-par wizard with talented friends 
(which Snape probably desperately wants to believe, but which is 
also not true.)

quick_silver:
> In conclusion: I personally believe that Snape is good (as much as 
> he troubles me) but I don't believe that his purpose in the story 
>is as much to provide information to the Order or Harry as it is to 
> remind them that there are human being on the other side. Snape 
(and also Draco) are a lesson to Harry that he must remember his 
>mercy (and remember the limits of his mercy).

va32h: 

I agree. Snape is more important to the themes of the books, less 
important to the plot. If Snape is ultimately good, Snape and Harry 
are both going to have to learn to put aside personal dislike for 
the greater good. (It will be a sad commentary on Snape if 17 year 
old Harry and pushing-40 Snape end up learning this lesson 
together). 

Sirius said it plainly - the world isn't divided into good people 
and Death Eaters. There are plenty of good guys with horrible 
qualities, and bad guys with redeeming ones. 

va32h