On the perfection of moral virtues--Snape, the shack, and unilateral authority

[leslie41]

No: HPFGUIDX 169065

> Alla:
> 
> I think this is related to the question I asked in another thread. 
> Could you give some canon that Snape would be a hero for killing 
> Sirius? Not for capturing, but for killing. Is there any indication 
> in the books that people were allowed to use lethal force against 
> Sirius Black and not just being not sent to Azkaban, but rewarded 
> for it.

As for the Order of Merlin, that's only a hypothesis.  But the Order 
of Merlin is not a reliable indicator of a wizard's merit anyway, it 
seems.  But Snape certainly would have been hailed a hero, and 
vindicated with regard to his hatred of Black and Lupin, which for 
him would be enough of a "reward."  The fact that he's wrong about 
them is entirely beside the point.  He cannot be expected to 
be "right" in this instance. His motives may be suspect but his 
actions are totally blameless, and despite what Harry says, he 
doesn't let his grudge get in the way.  He waits, observes and 
listens, then withholds lethal force when it is justified.  Any one 
of us would be lucky in that situation to demonstrate that much 
reserve. I myself would certainly not listen to a bunch of 13-year-
olds if I were confronted with a murderer, especially a murderer 
who's also a magician.  I would either run away, or get that murderer 
to the authorities as quickly as possible.  I think many judge Snape 
harshly not because of what he does but because of the way he does 
it.  He crazy with glee over the capture of Lupin and Black, gloats, 
and takes obvious pleasure in their capture and impending 
imprisonment.  His improper attitude obscures, for some people, the 
propriety of his actions.  

Which is Snape all over, and why I'm such a fan of the 
character.        

As for the use of lethal force, it certainly was appropriate in 
Snape's case, as Black started toward him with "a roar of rage".  
Though wandless, Black obviously indended harm.  If a known murderer 
heads toward me with a "roar of rage," and I have a gun, I'll shoot, 
even if he doesn't.  So would a cop, most likely. 

But Snape doesn't.  He shows he is willing to use lethal force but 
only if Black doesn't behave himself.  His aim is capture, not 
killing.  Of course, either way Snape believes that he's going to be 
praised, and vindicated.