What Sirius and James thought of Snape

[lmf3b]

No: HPFGUIDX 168176

Regarding the schooldays relationship in their 5th and 6th years (the 
bullying through the prank era), we should remember that this was in 
the thick of Voldemort's first reign, and it was likely well-known that 
his followers were predominantly ex-Slytherins (and parents of some of 
the current ones!) What if Sirius (who, after all, had more experience 
with Slytherian/potential DE's in his own family than James or Lupin) 
came to believe by their sixth year than Snape had actually joined the 
DEs? (Somewhat like Harry believed Draco had joined in HBP) while Lupin 
and James were skeptical of that, even if they weren't fond of the guy 
(just like Ron and Hermione were in HBP). That could be why James might 
be inclined to save Snape's life (just as Harry showed genuine horror 
and shame when he realized the SS spell could actually have killed 
Draco) while Sirius might be more inclined to think Snape, as a bona 
fide DE is "getting what he deserves."

It's as if Sirius and James reflect two halves of Harry's personality, 
the rash and angry one of OOP versus the more controlled and 
compassionate one of HBP.

Louise