Snape

[Eddie]

No: HPFGUIDX 159902

> Lana:
> Are we even sure at this point if Snape is even on DD's side?
> Is it possible that he has just been "pretending" to be good.
> With all the things that have happened ( leading up to and
> including the battle), is it possible that Snape really did kill
> DD out of hatred for him?

Eddie:
Speaking for myself, I'm _SURE_ of very little.  An A-Number-One
mystery to be resolved in Book 7 is the true nature of Snape.  But
_IF_ Snape is essentially evil, or at least essentially NOT on
Dumbledore's side, then I have lots of questions about his behavior.

Here's the main question:

Why not grab Harry and take him to Voldemort any number of times he
could have?  Surely that is worth more to Voldemort than maintaining
Snape's spy status?  Even if maintaining spy status is more important,
surely _THAT'S_ been blown by the end of HBP.  Why parry and dual with
Harry during the flight for the front gates?  Why continue to _TEACH_
Harry?  (paraphrased quote: "Again and again until learn to close your
mind and keep your mouth shut!")

I've come to believe that Snape is a conflicted, tormented, person. 
He's perhaps the most 3-dimensional character in the whole series.  He
is attracted to the power of the Dark Arts and Voldemort, but he's
horrified by it as well.  Dumbledore holds the Defense Against the
Dark Arts (DADA) job from Snape so Snape won't be lured by the dark
side.  Otherwise it would be like asking an alcoholic to be a
bartender.  On these points I think I'm reasonably supported by canon.

Less well supported by canon, but (in my mind) consistent with my
above analysis:

* Snape loves/hates Lily (admires her Potions skill plus she was
probably one of the few people at Hogwarts who was somewhat kind to
him, but then she went and married his worst enemy, James)

* Snape loves/hates Dumbledore (admires his skills and position plus
he represents the enlightened side of magic, but then Dumbledore went
and helped Sirius escape right from under his (Snape's) nose).  Did
Snape kill Dumbledore out of hate?  Yes, and no.  Maybe out of love/hate.

* Snape loves/hates Harry on sight (loves his eyes (Lily's eyes) and
hates Harry's hair (James' hair).  OK, that's pretty lame, but I was
reaching for a third example)

In the end, I believe Snape will help overthrow Voldemort, but he may
die in the process, perhaps killed by Voldemort if/when Voldemort
realizes Snape's treachery.  I believe Harry will ultimately come to
some measure of respect, admiration, and even gratitude for Snape.

Eddie