Trusting Snape - Susan and Tammy

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 149085

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "cubfanbudwoman" 
<susiequsie23 at ...> wrote:
<SNIP>
> 
> 
 So, yeah, it was a failure, and I think it 
> speaks to one of those failings of character in Snape that I 
> mentioned before, that he was unable to set aside those old 
> wounds... but in my view the evidence points to Snape's actually 
> *trying* to do DD's wishes... at least at first.

I do think that, when looking at Occlumency, you have to go farther 
than just Snape and Harry.  Some people argue for Sirius having some 
guilt via his confrontation with Snape.  I suppose that might be so, 
but any guilt Sirius might have is minor indeed.  I think Dumbledore 
is correct in that most of the blame certainly belongs to him.  But 
it is likely he goes too far.  In trying to take all the blame, he 
only piles annoyance and frustration onto the situation.  There is no 
way that Harry is going to release Snape from part of the blame, nor 
should he.  Dumbledore seems doomed to constantly bumble in this 
regard, managing only to add frustration and annoyance to the 
Snape/Harry dynamic.  Harry will not trust Snape on DD's say-so, and 
Snape will not meekly accept his assignment with regard to Harry 
simply because DD tells him it's necessary.



> 
> (And for those who really strongly desire to see Snape punished, 
> I've always pointed out that, if he *is* DDM and truly cared about 
> the man, and truly wanted to leave behind his DE days, DD's 
> presenting him with this awful choice might be just the 
> painful "comeuppance" or punishment that Snape "deserved!")

Oh, no, no, and not only no but H*ll no! IMO, Snape's situation from 
killing Dumbledore no more amounts to an appropriate punishment for 
his abuse of Harry and Neville than Voldy's unpopularity is an 
appropriate punishment for his abuse of the two boys.  If JKR is not 
to avoid speaking tacitly in favor of the abuse of children, Snape's 
punishment for his treatment of Harry and Neville must be clear, 
unequivocal, and directly linked to his reprehensible actions.
> 

Lupinlore