[HPforGrownups] Re: Trusting Snape/Life debt again

[P J]

No: HPFGUIDX 149106

Alla:
>Oh, PJ I afraid I probably have to disagree with you. I think that
>there is a VERY big reason why we don't know how exactly magical
>Lifedebt works and whether it can be transferred from father to son,
>etc. I think it will play a very significant role at the end.

PJ:

That's ok.  lol! I totally agree with the idea that the life debt will play 
a significant role in the end with Pettigrew.  Not sure about a huge role 
with Snape.   But as I read Dumbledore's statement to Harry, it's something 
Snape's chosen to continue with rather than something he was magically 
forced to accept once James dies.  And I really hate having to say that 
since I dislike the mental image of noble Snape in any way.  It's enough to 
give me hives.   :-)

>I view the quote you brought up in the same light. I think DD is
>correct here, but that is IMO of course.

Ok... I'm not sure what we disagree on.  Dumbledore never says that Snape 
owes *Harry* a life debt just that he's worked hard to protect Harry because 
that would make Snape and *James* even and Snape couldn't bear being in 
James' debt.   I don't see where we differ since we both seem to believe 
what Dumbledore is saying as a straight read - or don't we?

Alla:
>But do we KNOW for sure that what Snape did was "unofficial" so to
>speak? Maybe mechanics of the Life debt do require to transfer
>unpaid Life debt to family member otherwise you will die or
>something like that?

What Dumbledore says is that once James died Snape was stuck owing a life 
debt to his enemy and because he didn't want to owe James anything - and 
would rather hate his memory in peace - he's been protecting Harry.  While 
it *could* be an official transfer there's no canon for it that I can see... 
I hope I end up wrong though.  lol!

Alla:

>But LID!Snape and OFH!Snape can coexist rather peacefully. Right,
>Neri? I was so sure of it, but I don't want to misinterpret you.

I know.  They do go well together and I've liked the way it helped answer 
pesky little questions  since the first time I read it but wonder if it 
works the same regardless of whether the life debt is magically  or self 
imposed?  If so then I have no problem with it so far.  Let's see if it 
holds up as we go along.

PJ