Snape, Apologies, and Redemption

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 152125

What would constitute redemption for Severus Snape?  Now there is a
hot topic.  Would being DDM! constitute redemption?  Would being
important, even instrumental, in Voldemort's fall?

I would say most definitely "NO" to both.  Snape's redemption is
tied up with the question of personal repentance, and repentance
requires a profound and genuine apology for his abuse of children,
particularly Harry and Neville.  Lacking that, any talk of Snape's
redemption would, I think, be... premature.  

Now, what would be an effective apology scene?  Actually, I suspect
what we are likely to get is two short sentences before he expires
with a gurgle.  But leaving aside what we are likely to get, what
would be effective?

I tend to go with the HBP model of Dumbledore's confrontation with
the Dursleys.  One problem many of us have had with the Potter saga
is the rank stupidity of the adults, manifested in multiple ways.
One way is their seeming stupidity with regard to Snape's abuse of
Harry and Neville.  This had also been the case with the Dursleys,
but the end of OOTP and the beginning of HBP laid that to rest.
And yes, as Carol says, I do believe that JKR was bowing to criticism
in that regard, and she very well should have bowed, as she had made
horrendous mistakes.

I think she has also made horrendous mistakes with regard to
Snape's abuse of Harry and Neville, and the stupidity of the adults 
in this area.  So, what would lay those issues to rest?

What indeed?


Lupinlore