PS8 Theory -- JKR Foreshadows Snape's Loyalty Through Symbolism In PS Ch. 8

[Raissa Devereux]

No: HPFGUIDX 139365

Snape is loyal to DD's cause. and the three questions JKR has him 
ask Harry in Chapter 8 of PS foreshadow that, imo.....

First, snape asks about Asphodel&Wormwood. Here's an lj entry that 
explains their signicance to the Snape-Is-Loyal theory:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/hraefn/64498.html

Second, he asks about bezoars. Harry saves Ron's life after learning 
about them from HBP/Snape.

And finally, Snape asks about Aconite/Wolfsbane/Monkshood. Here's a 
passage about aconite that I find extremely telling:

Some species of Aconite were well known to the ancients as deadly 
poisons. It was said to be the invention of Hecate from the foam of 
Cerberus, and it was a species of Aconite that entered into the 
poison which the old men of the island of Ceos were condemned to 
drink when they became infirm and no longer of use to the State
. 
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/aconi007.html#med

It was said to be the invention of Hecate from the foam of Cerberus 
Cerberus == Fluffy == protection. Snape sustained an injury getting 
past Fuffy to maintain the protection of the stone.

It was a species of Aconite that entered into the poison which the 
old men of the island of Ceos were condemned to drink when they 
became infirm and no longer of use to the State.

DD knew he was dying from the horcrux and from the green goo (It 
wouldn't surprise me if we find out the goo contains aconite). 
Snape is following the plan when he AKs DD.
Then, there's a second point about aconite from the above site:
Note---Aconite and Belladonna were said to be the ingredients in 
the witches' 'Flying ointments.' Aconite causes irregular action 
of the heart, and Belladonna produces delirium. These combined symptoms might give a sensation of 'flying.'---EDITOR)

I think the aconite connection with flying ointments foreshadows 
DD "flying" off the tower after Snape AK's him. Who knows, maybe 
aconite and belladonna were in the green goo DD drank, and combined 
with the energy of the AK spell became literal movement.
 
I think the symbolism holds up, because of this third passage from 
the aconite site:

Quote:
It was then called Aconite (the English form of its Greek and Latin 
name), later Wolf's Bane, the direct translation of the Greek 
Iycotonum, derived from the idea that arrows tipped with the juice, 
or baits anointed with it, would kill wolves. 

JKR was foreshadowing the need for the Wolf's Bane (aconite) potion 
for Lupin in PoA. Snape's trauma with Were-Lupin obviously shapes 
his motivations. That being the case, she was using the questions 
to foreshadow the rest of Snape's storyarc, as well.
 
Thanks,
Raissa D.