Did Snape defend trio at the end of PoA? /Are appearances important to Snape?

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 142175

> >    KJ:
> >      <snip> 
As well, he seems to harbour no particular resentment 
> when 
> > the Trio knocked him out in the shack. He defended them admirably 
> to 
> > Fudge. Why?

a_svirn: 
>   Surely to avoid the most uncomfortable question: just why did 
they 
> knock out a teacher that had hastened to defend them from a 
> dangerous criminal? Snape did not want the minister to inquire into 
> this business too particular. What he wanted is to silence the kids 
> and Sirius. Sirius was to be silenced forever and preferably before 
> he could give his version of the events to Dumbledore. He was very 
> anxious to feed him to a Dementor without further ado. About as 
> anxious as later Fudge was to silence Barty in the same fashion if 
> not as successful. 


Alla:

Absolutely, a_svirn. I think I am 100% agreeing with you on this one. 
I never bought " Snape defending kids in front of Fudge" argument.

Now, to prevent this post from being just " me too", I want to add 
that I think it fits PERFECTLY with  the argument that " being 
perceived as authority" or something like that is very important to 
Snape.

How could somebody like Snape acknowledge in front of other people 
that three thirteen year olds overpowered him? Of course he won't do 
so, because IMO it will diminish his image as powerful wizard, which 
he cultivates so often ( again IMO).

There is NO indication in that scene that Fudge would even dare 
propose that kids will be expelled or something like that, IMO. What 
we DO see though is Hermione trying to tell  the real story and Snape 
shutting her up repeatedly.

What we also see here is Snape hoping that "Dumbledore will not 
interfere in Sirius' execution" ( paraphrase, don't have a book with 
me now). Oh, yes, he wants Sirius soulless ASAP, IMO.

Now, I am intrigued about your comparison with Fudge silencing Barty 
later. I agree it does look the same, but the difference to me is 
that Snape wants revenge, Fudge on the other hand may have something 
to hide.

Are you saying that Snape is afraid if the true story will come out 
for some reason? Maybe that Snape WAS aware that Pettigrew was a 
traitor from the beginning and chose to keep his mouth shut? It was 
always wierd to me that during those years Snape never met Peter.

Just speculating here of course.


Alla.