DDM!Snape the definition (was Re: Snape on the tower)

[julie]

No: HPFGUIDX 162424


> 
> Carol, who thinks OFH!Snape, if he exists, is a lame and boring plot
> device whereas DDM!Snape is an exciting, dynamic character who will
> alter Harry's thinking in some profound and unexpected way in Book 7

> I think the reverse.
> Sarah

Julie:
I just want to clarify what I think DDM!Snape means. I suspect
it's the way many others also define DDM!Snape, though I don't
speak directly for them. At the core DDM!Snape means only one
thing, that Snape is loyal to Dumbledore and to Dumbledore's
goals. It does NOT indicate that Snape is good-natured, kind,
selfless, generous, that he provides a home for stray puppies
and kittens, or that he is morally right in all--or even most
of--his actions. Nor does it indicate that he should be given
a free pass for his wrongs, past or present. DDM simply means
he has chosen of his own free will to stand with Dumbledore--
and consequently with the Order and Harry--against Voldemort.

Whether Snape is motivated by his conscience, by love (for
Lily or someone else), by a desire for vengeance, or some
combination of the above, that he has CHOSEN to stand by 
Dumbledore's side (to put his trust in Dumbledore as much
as Dumbledore has put his trust in Snape) is what sets DDM
apart from OFH!Snape. DDM!Snape is not magically compelled 
to serve Dumbledore, by life debt, or Unbreakable Vow, or 
anything else. 

But DDM!Snape is no hero, at best he's a tragic anti-hero,
tarred by his own numerous misdeeds and misjudgments. He
is certainly not lily-white nor is he remotely saintly in
character. He's plenty grey, as Jen says, and as we have 
observed clearly in the books. He can be cold, angry, bitter,
sarcastic, vindictive and downright mean. He can be haunted
by his past, vengeful to those he believes have wronged him,
and blinded by his own twisted perceptions of himself and 
others. He can act out of both noble and malicious impulses,
sometimes both at once. He's beset by his own demons that he
can't quite vanquish, yet the one constant in his life is 
that he remains loyal to Dumbledore and devoted to furthering
Dumbledore's cause whatever the consequences to himself. 

At least that's how I see DDM!Snape. And that's why I agree
with Carol that DDM!Snape is an exciting, dynamic character.
How else can you see someone so complicated and so conflicted?

Julie