seeds of betrayal

[Sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 149593

As most listies probably know by now, I am not a DDM Snaper.  I believe he
murdered Dumbledore in cold blood, but I've got a completely different
theory as to why he did this than any I've seen proposed previously.

I recently reread POA and was hit in the face with Snape's melt down in the
hospital after Sirius escapes.  I started thinking about Snape's reactions,
and those thoughts led me to thinking about the prank.  I began to wonder if
we are all totally wrong in our complicated ideas of why Snape killed
Dumbledore, or if Snape killed Dumbledore and whether or not he did it for
the greater good, for Voldemort or for some other reason.  I think it could
be a very simple reason.  Simple rage at DD, a feeling of betrayal, a
feeling that to DD Snape will always come out behind the Marauders. 

In the little we know of the prank, Sirius told Snape how to get around the
womping willow, and Snape saw lupine transform, and James saved Snape's
life.  Snape has held a deep still painful grudge against all the marauders
for this.  He still hates James Potter and has treated Harry terribly
because of the grudge against his father.  Dumbledore even admits Snape
can't let go of that old hatred, and we have occasions of Snape speaking of
James to Harry with hatred and with intent to hurt Harry with his words.
Snape seems to be a man who hangs on to his hurts, who holds his grudges
closely to him, as if letting go and moving beyond it would somehow diminish
him.  Yet, if Sirius was punished for the prank, we don't know what that
was, and he was definitely not expelled for it.  For Snape, that must have
been absolutely infuriating!  we know he resents it all these years later,
or at least his words to Dumbledore seem to imply it.

Now move to POA.  Snape had what must have seemed to be the opportunity he'd
waited for many a long year.  He had Sirius and lupine at his mercy.  He
could see himself presenting them both to the dementors or at least to the
ministry to be sent back to Azkaban.  whether or not he really cared about
the Order of Merlin, I don't know.  But I think that what he really cared
about was the chance to pay back two of the people he hated so much and
against whom he had nursed that old grudge.

Suddenly, this is all taken away.  The trio stun him to prevent him
capturing Sirius and Lupine.  Then before he can get the kiss, Sirius
escapes.  Snape knows Harry had something to do with it, but Dumbledore
backs up Harry.  again, Dumbledore is taking the side of the marauders
against Snape.  Snape is the one, in his mind, who has been there all these
years, but Dumbledore protects the marauders again, and by extension Harry.
and in Snape's mind, Harry is too closely linked with his father, so it's
like James getting away with something all over again.

""You surely don't believe a word of Black's story?" Snape whispered, his
eyes fixed on Dumbledore's face.
"I wish to speak to Harry and Hermione alone." Dumbledore repeated.
Snape took a step towards Dumbledore.
"Sirius Black showed that he was capable of murder at the age of sixteen,"
he breathed. "You haven't forgotten that, Headmaster? You haven't forgotten
that he once tried to kill me?"
"My memory is as good as it ever was Severus", said Dumbledore quietly. -
PoA, hardcover, p.391,. am.ed.

"Fudge, Snape, and Dumbledore came striding into the  ward. Dumbledore alone
looked calm. Indeed he looked as though he was quite enjoying himself. Fudge
appeared angry. But Snape was beside himself.
"OUT WITH IT, POTTER!"  he bellowed. "WHAT DID YOU DO?"
"Professor Snape!" shrieked Madam Pomfrey. "Control yourself!"
"See here, Snape, be reasonable," said Fudge." This door's been locked, we
just saw--"
"THEY HELPED HIM ESCAPE, I KNOW IT!" Snape howled, pointing at Harry and
Hermione. His face was twisted; spit was flying from his mouth.
"Calm down, man!" Fudge barked. "You're talking nonsense!"
"YOU DON'T KNOW POTTER! shrieked Snape. "HE DID IT, I KNOW HE DID IT--"
***************
"Snape stood there, seething staring from Fudge, who looked thoroughly
shocked at his behaviour, to Dumbledore, whose eyes were twinkling behind
his glasses. Snape whirled about, robes swishing behind him and stormed out
of the ward.
"Fellow seems quite unbalanced," said Fudge, staring after him. "I'd watch
out for him if I were you, Dumbledore"
"Oh, he is not unbalanced," said Dumbledore quietly. "He is just suffered a
severe disappointment" _PoA - p.420-421.



I think it would be unrealistic to think Snape didn't feel resentment
against DD for always supporting the marauders.  They weren't thrown out of
school after the so-called prank.  Granted, JKR has said there is more to
know about the prank, but in Snape's mind, it was a plot to kill him.  For
some reason, Sirius was not expelled for the prank, and Snape could very
well have resented that fact.  why not?  I'd certainly resent someone trying
to seriously injure me not getting expelled.  And we know Snape can hold
those grudges, cling to his anger and hurt for years.  And then again, DD
takes the part of that same Marauder, Sirius.  Against Snape's own words, DD
very obviously believes what Harry and Sirius have told him.  Again, Snape's
feelings are being overlooked by his headmaster in defense of those hateful
marauders and Harry.

He would have to be a saint to feel no anger or resentment toward DD for
that seeming lack of support.  Whatever else Snape is or isn't, he is
certainly no saint.  I present the theory that it was a very personal
grudge, a very personal resentment, that caused Snape to fire that curse at
DD.  All the years of Dumbledore's betrayal, in Snape's mind, having to do
things he might not like to do, whether it's spying or helping Harry, take
your pick.  But I think it's a deep seated very personal resentment, that
Snape has had simmering inside him against DD, and at last he had his
chance.  He was certainly not going to let himself die with that now weak
and foolish old man at his mercy. the weak old man who has always taken the
side of Snape's enemies against Snape and yet expected unquestioning
loyalty.  With what we know of Snape, I see this as a very likely
possibility for why Snape murdered Dumbledore.

sherry
Thanks to alla for the quotes since my braille books are not with me!