Hearing from the Great Middle

[ibchawz]

No: HPFGUIDX 140164

> I'm interested in hearing what other members of 
> the Great Middle think.
> 
> Lupinlore

You asked to hear from the "Great Middle", so here are my thoughts.  
In almost every instance of canon that I have seen used to argue the 
case for either ESE!Snape or ESG!Snape, there are too may unanswered 
questions in my mind.  Some have answered these questions based on 
emotion (i.e., whether Snape is "sexy" or not), speculative 
extrapolations, or personal preference.  I'm not saying that these 
approaches are inappropriate, they just aren't my way.  Although I am 
entertained by reading the emotional and speculation based responses, 
I'm more of a "just the facts Ma'am", logical kind of thinker.  When 
the facts are either unclear or completely missing, it is difficult 
to reach a logical conclusion.  I decided to put together a  Top Ten 
List as to why I am in the "Great Middle":

Number 10 -
In PS/SS Snape mutters the counter-curse to save Harry from 
Quirrell's curse on Harry's broom.  We later find out from DD that 
Snape owes a life debt to James as a result of the prank incident.  
The unanswered question is: How, exactly, does the life debt work?  I 
have seen speculation that it is / isn't similar to the unbreakable 
vow, but we have no canon to guide us here.

Number 9 -
Snape shows favoritism toward Draco and tries to humiliate Harry at 
every opportunity.  The unanswered questions (yes there are 
several):  Does Snape do this out of hatred for James?  Is it because 
Draco's dad is a DE and he needs to put on a show to maintain his 
double agent cover?  Is it because Draco's dad is a DE and he just 
wants to do his buddy a favor?  Is Snape just preparing Harry for the 
road ahead by force-feeding him humble pie?  Is it Snape simply 
showing favoritism to his own house?

Number 8 -
DD trusts Snape, but never tells Harry why.  The unanswered 
questions: Why did DD have an unwavering trust in Snape?  Why 
wouldn't he share this with Harry?  Is this tied in with the life 
debt to James?  

Number 7 -
Snape killed DD with the AK.  Was it really an AK?  Does it matter if 
it really was an AK or not?

Number 6 -
DD pleaded with Snape on the tower.  The unanswered question is: What 
was the real meaning of DD pleading with Snape ("kill me to save 
yourself" or "don't betray my trust in you" or something else)? 

Number 5 -
The whole "Spinner's End" chapter provides very little solid 
evidence.  How much of what Snape said is true and how much is double 
agent speak?  Was the famed "twitch" due to the unexpected third 
stipulation being added or because he really did not know what the 
task was?  Why was Pettigrew really there?

Number 4 -
Snape is a gifted occlumens.  If he can lie to LV, couldn't he just 
as easily lie to DD?  Since he is a good liar, when is he telling the 
truth?

Number 3 -
DD admitted that his mistakes can be "huger".  Could his trust in 
Snape be the "hugest" of these mistakes?

Number 2 -
Most of the story appears to be written from Harry's point of view.  
Are we being presented Harry's slant on things or is this more of a 
pensive rendition of the events?

And the Number 1 reason why I am in the "Great Middle" is -
(Sorry, while spoofing the "Top Ten List", I could not resist this 
one.)
 BIG ASS HAM (BIG Alas Severus Snape Has "Aha!" Moment.)
The question is: What was the `Aha'?  Am I on the wrong side because 
LV is going to be killed and I want to be on the winning team?  Have 
I been evil and must I change my ways?  Was the `Aha' moment part of 
his cover to fool DD so he could spy for LV?  Why am I on the same 
side as that Potter brat?

IMO, the bottom line is that JKR wrote it this way and she has given 
clues to fuel both sides of the argument.  I guess we will have to 
wait 2 more years to know for sure where Snape's loyalties lie


ibchawz