Harry and Snape's redemption

[Don L.]

No: HPFGUIDX 150906

My first post.  After reading and enjoying this forum since joining 
several weeks ago, I believe, along with many readers, that the 
Snape/Dumbledore/Potter triangle as it relates to redemption, 
sacrifice and heroism to be the most fascinating and anticipated 
aspect of the Harry Potter series as it draws to conclusion.  I have 
read hundreds of books of fiction, my favorites haveing been the LOTR 
series, the Chronicles of Narnia, now joined by the Harry Potter 
series.  While undeniably different in plot and character, their 
thematic approach to love, friendship, redemption and sacrifice flow 
through each story defining strength and hope, and encouraging the 
reader that in the end good indeed will always triumph over evil.

I originally intended to reply to several of the entries today 
regarding the discussions of Dumbledore and Snape, but instead will 
add this as my written thoughts and predictions on the series.

Redemption, in my mind is the primary motive for Snape and Harry.  
Dumbledore is the only person that knows this, understanding the true 
relationship and motives of Snape and Harry.  He alone, understands 
that Snape and Harry share guilt and the need for redemption because 
of the sacrifice and death of Harry's mother Lily Potter.  Harry, 
because her sacrifice saved his life and Snape because his actions 
and betrayal lead to her death.  Dumbledore correctly understands the 
parallel needs, but foresees that Snape and Harry will most certainly 
detest and hate the other and never willingly work together to 
destroy Voldemort, both seeing redemption as a personal goal.  

Snape, having heard the Prophecy, and seeing the scar on Harry's 
forehead must certainly acknowledge the destiny Harry must play in 
the demise of Voldemort, yet fails to comprehend and act according, 
and must certainly be constantly reminded of this fact by 
Dumbledore.  Harry acknowledges his destiny after the battle and the 
ministry yet Dumbledore has barely a chance to prepare Harry or 
convince the two to work together before he died at the hand of 
Snape.  How Snape and Harry come together in the final conflict with 
Voldemort and how each redeems himself is the key in concluding the 
story. 

Harry, while present for the death of Voldemort, will not actually 
kill him as prophesized.  The prophecy implicates Harry and 
Voldemort, requiring one to eliminate the other.  Voldemort must 
personally kill Harry, either to fulfill the prophecy or in order to 
become whole and immortal.  Harry must bring about the demise 
Voldemort, but perhaps not directly.  I think history will repeat 
itself.  In the final conflict a combination of Voldemort's arrogance 
and anxious hate will set in motion a series on unanticipated magical 
consequences that offset by Harry's luck, ingenuity and friendship, 
lead to his own demise.  

Good will prevail, friendships and love will survive, but like most 
evil, Voldemort will ultimately fail because of his own actions and 
failings, as with most evil persons in history and fiction. Voldemort 
has fallen victim to his own misunderstanding and loathing of the 
concepts of love and self-sacrifice.  First at Godric's Hollow, later 
at the Little Hangleton Graveyard and finally at the Astronomy Tower, 
not having felt love or self-sacrifice he cannot prevent them from 
altering and diminishing his power.  Neither Voldemort, nor most 
readers have accurately anticipated the exact manner in which 
Voldemort's plans and devices have failed at those key junctures, but 
can anticipate that in the end they will again.  

Dumbledore's demise is certain but not without purpose.  Like Gandolf 
and Aslan before him, Dumbledore's sacrifice sets in motion the 
method by which Harry finds the determination, strength and wisdom 
within himself and his friends to defeat Voldemort.  However, unlike 
Gandolf and Aslan, Dumbledore will not return, allowing and requiring 
Harry, Snape and others to defeat Voldemort.  Dumbledore's sacrifice 
was, at the moment preceding his death, understood by Snape only.  By 
causing the death of Dumbledore, Snape accepted his role and destiny, 
which he acknowledges will lead him close to Voldemort and the 
possibility to achieve his goal of killing Voldemort thus receiving 
redemption for his part in Lily Potter's death.  

Snape's character was defined by his uncontrollable love for Lily, 
which later thwarted by James Potter was corrupted and manipulated by 
Voldemort, leading to betrayal and Lily's death.  Lily's death and 
Snape's resultant self-loathing ultimately motivated his need for 
redemption yet he was unable to withhold his hatred and cruelty from 
Harry because of it.  In return, Snape's cruelty and actions as 
perceived by Harry will most certainly come into play in the final 
conflict.  I believe Harry actions will thwart Snape and prevent him 
from destroying Voldemort.  

Harry has been a decidedly good judge of character and motive 
throughout, but in the case of Snape, will ultimately be proven 
wrong.  Harry, also unable to control his hate for Snape, will 
misconstrue and thwart Snape's plan to defeat Voldemort.  However, a 
furious and again thwarted Snape will overcome his self-centered need 
for revenge and redemption and will finally comprehend Harry's 
destiny, save Harry again and as prophesized Harry will defeat 
Voldemort, but give his life in the process.  Realizing Snape's true 
motives, Harry may even attempt to save Snape but will probably fail.

Harry, now with the lives of Snape, Dumbledore and Lily on his 
conscience, will need some redemption himself, which I believe will 
only occur by forgiving Snape before he dies.  Harry will forgive and 
acknowledge Snape as a hero.  Snape like Gollum, Edmond and in many 
ways Harry are tragic, misunderstood, heros and their motivation for 
redemption determine the outcome of their respective stories. Snape 
will pay the ultimate price for redemption but Harry will live to 
mourn him as a true hero.

I do not trivialize J.K. Rowlings work by anticipating or predicting 
the outcome of her book or by comparing her work with those of JRR 
Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.  Indeed they all occupy my imagination and 
bookshelf with equal standing and affection. 

Don