Snape again/Love and Vengeance/Ending

[zgirnius]

No: HPFGUIDX 146031

lupinlore wrote:
> It does seem that a confrontation of some sort is in store.  Will it 
> be before or after the vanquishing of Voldemort?  Certainly Harry 
will 
> be in a stronger position after the vanquishing.  We have, most of 
us, 
> assumed that he must deal with Snape in some way before dealing with 
> Voldy, but maybe not.  Perhaps the confrontation will come after -- 
> and that would certainly mean Harry would have the upper hand.  
> Perhaps Snape is trying to avoid Azkaban and needs to explain himself 
> to Harry?

zgirnius:
Like you, I doubt that Snape will still be hanging about after the 
defeat of Voldemort. Which is why I would imagine that the 
confrontation will take place before the final Harry/Voldemort 
confrontation.

My sense of Snape's character is that Harry will have the upper hand in 
such a confrontation. Even though he is not yet The Man Who Defeated 
Voldemort, and cannot offer a tangible benefit such as a free pass out 
of Azkaban to Snape in exchange for his apology/explanation/what have 
you. Because Harry has the power to deny Snape what I believe he wants 
most-a role in the defeat of Voldemort. And, as I am convinced he was 
truly not happy about killing Dumbledore, he will only be wanting this 
more in Book 7. Aside from a suicidal 'trojan horse' sort of gesture 
like saving a mamber of the Trio from Voldemort/Death Eaters/whatever 
(which (I definitely see as an option as well, though I would prefer 
the confrontation), the most likely role Snape can hope to play would 
be to provide the stray tidbit of useful information he might pick up 
in the Death Eater camp. But only if he can share it with Harry and be 
believed. Which, of course, he will not be unless he can overcome the 
hate he himself has helped to create and foster in Harry. 

I would find this more interesting than the 'after the fall' scenario 
for a number of reasons. First, the stakes. After, Harry would not 
really be getting anything out of the deal except knowledge and 
emotional satisfaction. But before, he could also be getting some 
valuable assistance that would allow him and the plot to move on to the 
next adventure. And JKR could  create suspense as to whether this 
assistance will be accepted or not. And if it is, whether or not it is 
genuine... Second, it would be a more interesting test for Harry's 
character, and a more impressive act of mercy before than after. It is 
easier to be a 'nice guy' once you have won and are receiving 
everyone's accolades. And finally, I like DDM! mostly for the 
redemption story that it would be (assuming it holds...) If in the end 
Snape makes up with Harry in order to stay out of Azkaban it cheapens 
the gesture. (Though would certainly be a reasonable way to give OFH! 
Snape his karmic comeuppance for his treatment of Harry.)