[HPforGrownups] Why DADA for Snape? (WAS Re: Do any list members think...)

[Magda Grantwich]

No: HPFGUIDX 147080

> zgirnius:
> I have been thinking again about why Dumbledore gave the DADA 
> post to Snape. 


I think it was because Dumbledore, having recognized his mistake in
OOTP in trying to keep Harry uninformed, had decided that he must
make Harry aware of what needed to be done (ie, kill horcruxes), what
his destiny was and teach him as much as he could.  At the same time,
with Harry preparing to move front and centre in the fight against
Voldemort, there had to be a covert ally in Voldemort's camp and that
would be Snape.  Moving Snape to DADA would enable Snape to strap
himself into the ejector seat that was the DADA curse and simply let
it happen.  

This fits into my belief that with Harry informed of what he must do,
the emphasis shifts from the Order to Harry, with the Order becoming
increasingly irrelevant except as a group of decoys and a means to
harass DE's.  

Dumbledore's injury from the ring indicated to him that he had to get
a move on while he was still capable of teaching Harry.  While he
certainly didn't anticipate the final confrontation on the Astronomy
Tower, I believe he and Snape had both considered Dumbledore's death
as possible and what the next step should be if it happened.

I certainly don't think they war-gamed the specific scenario in HBP
but I do think they both agreed that in any dire situation nothing
was more important than 1.  Harry staying alive and 2. Snape seeming
to be a loyal Voldemort man.  

And you can't get more loyal than by killing the man your DE rivals
claim is the man you're truly loyal to.  Bellatrix must have pitched
a fit when she heard the news.

So at the end of HBP, we have Snape at Voldemort's side having
"proved" his loyalty with an amazing and unforeseen murder and all
his DE rivals looking stupid as a result.  Also we have Snape with
the gratitude of the Malfoy family who now owe him one humdinger of a
big favour in return.

And Harry is alive and well and knows what he has to do.

So far, the plan is still working despite unfortunate complications
and unforeseen glitches.

Magda

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