The Continuing Tragedy of Severus Snape: Reflections on Books 1-5

[wynnleaf]

No: HPFGUIDX 164576


> Carol, who thinks that Snape is made of sterner stuff than you
> evidently do (but believes that he's currently suffering mental
> anguish over the death of Dumbledore)
>

I find I mostly agree with your views on Snape.  I did not agree with
your earlier post where you said that you didn't think he was mortally
afraid of Voldemort.  He may not be "mortally" afraid (wonder what
that really means?), but he's intelligent, therefore he *has* to be
afraid of Voldemort.  And since he's engaged in a seriously risky
endeavor, in which he can easily get tortured and killed at
Voldemort's hand or his command, it would make sense that he fear
Voldemort with a mortal fear.

Also, fear does not negate bravery.  In fact, Snape is *more* brave,
if while fearing Voldemort, he goes to him anyway as a spy.  Brave
people are not unafraid; they just go ahead with what they must do in
spite of their fear.  Snape would be a fool to not fear Voldemort.

Okay, on another note:  

I read a lot of Cassy's website and notice that she believes Snape
will die and Harry will forgive Snape as he dies.

I disagree with this because I believe that JKR has set Harry up to do
3 things in regards to Snape.

1.  JKR has made a big point of Harry's hatred of Snape growing more
and more personal.  Therefore, Harry must overcome his hatred of
Snape.  And JKR won't let him destroy Voldemort with his power the
dark lord knows not of -- love -- until he overcomes that hatred.

2.  JKR has had Harry think that he will "never" forgive Snape. 
Therefore Harry will forgive Snape.

3.  JKR has had Harry time and again reject Dumbledore's trust in
Snape.  Therefore Harry, as DDM!Harry, will come to trust DDM!Snape.

Harry can forgive Snape in a dying!Snape scene.  But it takes time to
build trust.  So I think that Harry will have some time over the
course of DH to overcome his hatred, forgive Snape, *and* learn to
trust him.  So no forgiveness while Snape is dying -- it's too quick.

But that doesn't mean Snape will live.

I am very curious as to what those of you who agree with DDM!Snape
think.  Will Snape live or die and why?

wynnleaf