The Prank in DH (was Re: Predictions for the End (what I think, hope and know)

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 167306

> zgirnius:
> Based on my participation in this and other forums for online fan 
> discussion, it seems to me few fans believed that James Potter was 
> ever an arrogant so-and-so (I know I had no suspicions about it as 
a 
> reader). "Snape's Worst Memory" in OotP came as a shock to them, 
and 
> me, as it did to Harry. To the extent that some still have trouble 
> seeing the scene in this way. But the scene was well-telegraphed by 
> Snape's comments since PoA. Snape is just not trusted by most 
readers 
> as a reliable source on the Marauders (quite reasonably, I know *I* 
> would not trust his interpretations of their actions). I do not 
> believe that his having been proved correct in one aspect has made 
> Snape that much more reliable in the eyes of the readers.

Alla:

But this is a different though to me. Sure, I was surprised by that 
scene. As I said previously though I was not and will not be 
surprised if the prank will turn out to be a premeditated murder. I 
mean, disappointed? Yes, I probably will be. Surprised? No way. At 
the very least it is quite clear to me that Snape sincerely believes 
that Marauders tried to kill him. Unless he lies through his teeth 
obviously, but as I said even if the more sinister interpretation 
will come true, the most I am thinking of is that Snape played his 
part, not that Sirius did not play his part, whatever that was.

So, no, I will not be surprised.

And Snape is unreliable source of information? Um, I had read the 
arguments convicting Sirius of murder based on Snape's word and 
Snape's word alone many many times. Which is surely valid 
interpretation IMO, but to me we have SO many questions about that 
night and almost no answers that any conclusive judgment is 
premature. Dumbledore's supposed taking Marauders side in prank is 
the one I find especially amusing. I mean, really, where in canon it 
says so? The fact that Dumbledore did not expel Sirius? Isn't it 
possible that he did not deserve expulsion not only per Dumbledore's 
opinion but per what **really** happened that night?  Hogwarts has so 
many nasty punishments besides expulsion, who says that Sirius was 
not given one of them?

So, I would say that I have not seen Snape judged as unreliable 
information source much. I mean, no, I did, but by the fans who are 
not fond of him.  And vice versa is true of course.


Zgirnius: 
> The Marauders tend to be (quite unreasonably, in my view) 
considered 
> as reliable sources on their own activities, and even Snape's, 
though 
> the latter observation is not relevant to my argument.
<SNIP> 

Alla:

Quite unreasonably? I guess we have to agree to disagree right away 
if we are going into Marauders are liars argument. Sorry. Personally 
I am still yet to see Sirius to be proven a liar once in cannon.

Remus hides information, yes. But does he lie? So, are you talking 
about both of them or just Remus?


Zgirnius:
> The revelation that Sirius (and *especially* James) planned to 
murder 
> Snape by werewolf in a premeditated set-up would be absolutely 
> shocking to me; far more that the Worst Memory was. I can only 
> imagine that fans less fond of Snape than I, and more fond on the 
> Marauders, would find it even more shocking.
> 
Alla:

Right, see above. It could have been shocking to me earlier in the 
series. Right now for me it definitely will not be. Disappointing, 
yes? Shocking, no.


Carol:
<SNIP>
If a double agent should die a horrible death for stating
that a known enemy of the person he's reporting to (LV) is in England,
then good heavens, let's tear him to pieces and let the Inferi eat
him.

Alla:

Now that is a great idea. Snape as a snack for Inferi. Sure I am all 
for that, lol. But no, I will much prefer Snape suffering inside 
forever than seeing his bloody death, not a fan of horror movies or 
books ( although that will do as well, worse comes to worse)

Carol:
<SNIP>
But if providing such seemingly useful information is part of the
> unavoidable risk of being a double agent and cannot in fact be used 
by
> the Death Eaters or Voldemort as long as Black follows DD's orders 
and
> remains at Order HQ, perhaps we should be a bit more lenient.
><SNIP>


Alla:

No.