Snape and Karkaroff

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 161702

It's interesting reading the earler HP books now, after HBP. I'm 
listening to GoF on CD, and have just heard chapter 23, The Yule 
Ball. Ron and Harry have just walked outside:

>>Snape is speaking,
"...don't see what there is to fuss about, Igor."
"Severus, you cannot pretend this isn't happening!" Karkaroff's voice 
sounded anxious and hushed as though keen not to be overheard. "It's 
been getting clearer and clearer for months. I am becoming seriously 
concerned, I can't deny it--"
"Then flee," said Snape's voice curtly. "Flee--I will make your 
excuses. I, however, am remaining at Hogwarts."<<<

I know we've discussed this before. But reading this situation after 
having read HBP, things seem different. Is this DE!Karkaroff speaking 
to DE!Snape? Is this DD-redeemed!Karkaroff speaking to DDM!Snape. 
Regardless of who Snape is, who is he pretending to be in this scene?

It crossed my mind that Snape, who told Bella he stayed at Hogwarts 
to be of use to LV, may be playing that game with Karkaroff. I wonder 
if Karkaroff was at Drumstrang on LV's orders? Could he have been 
there before he was captured by Moody? 

I always thought that Snape was saying he would stay at Hogwarts near 
DD's protection, as if Karkaroff should do that too. But now I'm not 
so sure. It sounds more like Snape is saying he will stay at his post 
until he hears from LV.

Potioncat, who smiles at Igor Karkaroff because my son says the name 
as, "Icky Cockroach"