Grey!Snape and Character Growth (was:Voldemort's Plan for Snape & the Ring...

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 162802

> Betsy Hp:
> I think this encapsulates the issue I have with Grey!Snape.  Either 
> in HBP or in Book 7 Snape goes through a life-change where he 
> finally figures out who he is and what he stands for, right?  But,
> much as I love Snape (and I really, really love him <g>) I don't 
> think he can be this active growth-wise.

Jen: You and others have argued Grey makes too much of Snape, that 
the story will veer off from Harry to Snape.  To me Grey is already 
front and center!  HBP told us what we need to know about the life 
Snape lived and how it came crashing down around him.  He was once 
the Half-Blood Prince, a name that meant something significant to 
him, and now...he's left with nothing.  

I didn't mean Snape went through character growth in HBP, what I 
meant by the crucible was that a confluence of events forced Snape 
out in the open (ironically on the wrong side).  While Dumbledore 
dealt in mercy and Voldemort in savagery, Snape walked a tightrope 
between them engaging in neither one.  He seemed to prefer that, he 
didn't want to be a toe-the-line Order member or a snivelling DE, 
he's above those jobs:  "..you are neither special nor important, and 
it is not up to you to find out what the Dark Lord is saying to his 
Death Eaters."  "No--that's your job isn't it?"....there was a 
curious, almost satisfied expression on Snape's face when he 
answered. "Yes, Potter," he said, his eyes glinting. "That is my 
job." (OOTP, chap. 26) 

Now Snape is saddled with Draco and the Chosen One and suddenly 
Dumbledore's problems of compassion and mercy are Snape's problems.  
He detests the position he's in with every fiber of his being, he's 
avoided being attached to any person or group because that could lead 
to weakness and yet...he'll still choose to follow Dumbledore's 
plan.  (I'm not holding my breath for Snape to learn about mercy 
though <g>.)

Betsy: 
> I feel like his job is to be a sort of dark mirror for Harry.  And
> I think an important moment of growth for Harry will be when 
> the "real Severus Snape" is finally revealed to him.  But I do 
> think it'll be a revelation rather than Snape *becoming* the person
> Harry needs to see.

Jen: Harry doesn't understand what Dumbledore did, that you can be on 
the same side even when you don't personally like someone or share 
his values.  Harry needs a lesson in the grey area of life ;-), not 
finding out the real Severus Snape is a lot like him on the inside. 
Draco will be Harry's biggest revelation imo, his nemesis from the 
same generation who *does* change before his eyes in terms of loyalty.

Betsy:
> IOWs, I think Grey!Snape makes it a bit too much about Snape.  (Can 
> you belive I'm making this argument?!?) 

Jen: No!  Just as odd as me arguing so fervently when I hoped Snape 
would go away in book 6. What's up with us?!