Snape, a Deatheater.

[lealess]

No: HPFGUIDX 163943

> Pippin:
> Listees who read carefully know that Bella is involved because
> Snape says so: "Ah....Aunt Bellatrix has been teaching you 
> Occlumency,
> I see." --HBP ch 15
> 
> Really, your theory has Snape figuring out what he agreed to so
> early
> that it scarcely makes any difference, unless what you're saying is
> that
> he wouldn't have agreed at all if he'd known. 
> 
> But then we should not only see something which we could later
> recognize as the moment when he realizes what he's agreed to do,
> we should see Snape trying desperately to undo his mistake. That
> doesn't happen.
> 
> 

I have a slightly different view of the whole scene.  When Snape 
says "..he means for me to do it," "he" could be Dumbledore, not 
Voldemort.  Dumbledore has already been injured by the ring and has 
been treated by Snape, for a curse that is no doubt deadly.  Snape 
has probably succeeded in putting a stopper in death, but death may 
still be inevitable, only waiting for that cork to pop.  Previous to 
the events at Spinner's End, Snape and Dumbledore may have already 
discussed Dumbledore's eventual demise and the uses that can be made 
of it to further the cause.  So, Snape could have understood 
Voldemort's intention, but may have already been prepared to 
unstopper Dumbledore in the end.  (I don't think he wanted to do 
this, however, which is why his hand twitched for the third clause of 
the Vow and he was so agitated in the forest with Dumbledore.)

Also, I am not convinced that Snape is correct in his assessment that 
Bellatrix taught Draco Occlumency.  Draco never affirms this.  
Bellatrix seems too much of an emotional nut case to master 
Occlumency.  I think the teacher could just as easily have been 
Narcissa, who could be more canny than she appears, or someone who 
could surprise us, like Evil!Tonks.

lealess