Spinner's End Clues

[Katie]

No: HPFGUIDX 153785

I am rereading HBP for the fifth time now, and I just noticed some
new (to me) clues in Chapter 2. I am also new to this group, so
forgive me if I repeat a topic that has already been brought up.

One major thing that stuck out to me on this reading was the
repeated mention of the drinks that Wormtail brought on Snape's
request. On page 24, Snape specifically calls for the "elf-made
wine", and all three (Narcissa, Belltrix, Snape) "drain" their
glasses.On page 25, both Snape and Bellatrix "slam" down their
glasses on separate occasions. Page 26, "He picked up his drink
again, sipped it, and continued." On page 35, Snape "forced"
Narcissa to drink more wine. And on page 28, "Bellatrix's mouth
twisted as if she had taken an unpleasant dose of medicine."

Now, it has come to my attention that JK rarely mentions anything
for no reason. As way of example: Way back in SS, there was a
mention of Arabella Figg, a passing comment that barely registered
on my monitor screen, but there she was in OOTP, playing a pretty
significant part. So, I feel like the repeated, but subtle, mention
of the drinks could potentially mean something.

Here's my guess: I think that there was something in the drinks that
would render the Unbreakable Vow useless...or some kind of potion
that would otherwise change what would normally be a totally binding
magical promise. Snape was the potions master, the Half-Blood
Prince, the whiz kid of potions...the presence of drinks seems
significant. It would be so easy for Snape to whip up an
undetectable potion and slip it into everyone's drinks....

Maybe this is old news...but I think it's interesting, especially
since the jury is still out on Snape...and I desperately want to
believe that he's on Harry's side! What do you all think?

anigrrrl