Why Snape must ultimately be a hero

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 152075

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Don L." <lauciricad at ...> wrote:
>
<SNIP>
> 
> This is the fate of Snape.  IMO, his actions will play a key part 
in 
> the destruction of LV, but his success could only have occurred 
with 
> his perceived part in the death and sacrifice of Dumbledore.  His 
> part in Dumbledore's death will add to his conflicted character and 
> will drive his actions.  Until the end, Harry and the rest will 
> misunderstood and doubt every thing Snape does, almost to their own 
> ruin.  Yet in the end Snape's actions and probable sacrifice while 
> not decisive, will clear the path for Harry to defeat LV. It may 
well 
> be the final scene where Harry realizes Snape's sacrifice and 
> redemption rather than Harry's defeat of LV that most will find the 
> most memorable and satisfying of book seven.
> 

Ahh, but only if there IS true redemption.  And simply being a part 
of the fall of LV, even instrumental in the fall of LV, is nowhere 
good enough, IMO.  Only a profound and genuine repentance on Snape's 
part of his abuse of Harry and Neville, meaning a profound and 
genuine apology, can constitute redemption.  Absent that, any part he 
plays in the fall of Voldemort would be, IMO, totally irrelevant.

Lupinlore