Snape's Final Straw

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 150876

E.T. wrote:
<snip> 
> Not sure, but if he does turn out to be DD's man, he'll have to
perform some major heroics!  With the rather cryptic comment JKR made
in response to the word "redemptive" being used regarding Snape, (she
didn't deny the quality might apply to him), I wouldn't be totally 
suprised if he sacrificed his life to save someone. 

Carol responds:
I think the UV made it clear that he was willing to sacrifice himself
if necessary to save Draco, but if he dies to save anyone in Book 7,
IMO it will be Harry. The problem is, he's much more useful alive, not
only as a source of information about LV but as *the* Dark magic
expert who also has skills as a Healer. I'm at least pretty sure that
those cryptic comments do imply Snape's redemption,not his being in
love with someone. Yes, I know the arguments for the opposite view,
but any reference to Snape loving someone would be, I believe, tied in
with the redemption theme in any case. 
> 
E.T.:
 2)As for what it will take to convince Harry et al.-
> 
> I think that DD's reason for believing in Snape was more than just
his gut feeling.  I think it was something more concrete.  I even have
a feeling that DD was shown not to be infallible to set us up for
what's coming.  In other words, we started seeing some of the mistakes
DD's made & that leads us to believe he's made a huge mistake where
Snape's concerned.  

Carol:
Yes and no. I do think she was setting up certain readers, kids and
the anti-Snape faction, mostly, but there are enough clues in the
books, especially 4 through 6, to make it entirely plausible that
Dumbledore was *not* mistaken. Too bad he was so close-mouthed with
Harry; it will take considerable ingenuity on JKR's part to convey the
knowledge about Snape that DD withheld now that DD is dead.

E.T.
He resisted giving Snape the DADA position & I think this was to lead
us to think that DD wasn't 100 percent sure of Snape's loyalties. 
Maybe, however, it was more a matter of DD trying to help Snape by
keeping him away from temptation. Not questioning his allegiance, but
recognizing his weaknesses. 

Carol:
Again, yes and no. I don't think he *resisted* giving Snape the
position (though that's what we're supposed to think) as waited until
he needed Snape and no one but Snape in that position. Even if anyone
else were available and he couldn't find a replacement for Snape as
Potions Master (and future HOH), Snape--Dark Arts master and Healer
who wrote detailed answers a foot longer than anyone else's on his
DADA OWL--is the most qualified DADA teacher he could find, and he
needs a highly qualified teacher in this dangerous time to make up for
the inadequacies of his predecessors. (The last thing DD needs now is
another MoM employee teaching them nothing!)

But the DADA teacher has  other responsibilities. Just as Lockhart was
*supposed* to rescue Ginny and Snape as Potions Master was required to
prepare or supply Potions as needed (Veritaserum, Wolfsbane Potion,
etc.), Snape as DADA teacher is assigned to deal with cursed necklaces
andthe like.(No one but Snapecouldhave healed Sectumsempra, of course,
whether it was his job or not.) I think that DD had decided to give
Snape the DADA position even before it became official through his
hiring of Slughorn to take Snape's old position. Snape's "timely
action" in saving DD from the ring Horcrux was his first act as DADA
teacher, IMO, sealing the bond of trust between them as Snape took
what they both knew to be a cursed position. IMO, DD had kept Snape at
his side as long as possible, both as teacher (and Harry watcher) and
as his chief assistant in preparing for the war against Voldemort,but
conditions (including, possibly, Draco's mission) made it essential
that DD give the DADA job to Snape atlast, knowing that whatever
happened, it would be their last year together. He could no longer
protect Snape from the consequences of the curse. He needed him, and
no one but him, in that position, whatever the risk to Snape or
himself. And Snape took the position knowing that full well.

E.T.:
So what I think will happen  is that the reason DD trusted Snape will
be revealed & it will be such  a valid reason that (along with the
above-mentioned sacrifice) Harry & the others will see the light.

Carol:
Yes, absolutely. The question is, what's the reason?
> 
E.T.:
> 3)Will Snape give Draco to LV?
> 
> That's a tough one!  If  there hadn't been other witnesses to DD's
death that might be easier to figure out.  I think he probably will
give him over to LV.  (It'd be nice if LV was so overjoyed at DD's
demise that Draco slipped his mind, but I really doubt it!)

Carol:
As I've said twenty-two times (well, maybe more like four),I think
Draco Disapparated straight to LV (where else could he go?) and Snape
followed him as soon as the duel/lesson with Harry allowed. I think
Snape (whether his UV still held or not) protected Draco by pointing
out that DD would not be dead if Draco hadn't succeeded against all
expectations in getting the DEs into Hogwarts. And since LV is now
(mistakenly, IMO)assured of Snape's loyalty), he may well have humored
his new favorite by not Crucioing Draco. I've already suggested the
possibilities for Draco and Snape's future relationship in another
thread and don't want to repeat them, but one thing I'm sure of: Draco
isn't going to be wandering freely around the WW with a price on his
head, and I doubt very much if he'll return to Hogwarts even if he's
let off on all charges because of his age (is he or isn't he seventeen
in the tower scene?) He'd be persona non grata, making Teen!Snape look
popular by comparison.

E.T.:
  Maybe MouldyVoldy will set Draco on Harry's tail again...have Draco
tree Harry for the kill or something.   Draco & Harry have been
antagonists throughout the story so why not let them have a final
showdown? 

Carol:
Oddly, I see Draco as Ron's primary antagonist more than Harry's.
After all, Harry has the real villain to contend with, as well as
antagonist!Snape,who probably (IMO)is not a villain at all. At any
rate, I think Harry's only "final showdown" will be with LV.
> 
> E.T. - still waiting for the facts to come in!
>
Carol, waiting with you! (And whoever put the jinx on my keyboard,
could you take it off, please? I'm tired of putting in the spaces
after I type the paragraph!)