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

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 169069

> > 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.

Leslie41: 
> 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. <SNIP>


Alla:

Let me try again, maybe I was not clearly expressing myself.

I do not care for the purpose of this question whether Snape's 
actions are right or wrong. I mean, I do care very much of course, 
but for the purpose of this question it is truly irrelevant.

All that I am questioning is your assertion that Snape would have 
been hailed a hero for **killing** Sirius Black. Let me say it 
again - **not** for capturing Sirius Black. We all know that Snape 
almost got his Order of Merlin for that. So, sure for that - for 
**capturing** he will be a hero.

Where is the canon support that Snape would have been **rewarded** 
for **kiling** Sirius? For all I know Snape does not kill Sirius 
precisely for that reason - he does not want to stand trial or 
hearing or whatever. He does precisely what he will be rewarded for -
 captures the "murderer" and his "accomplices"

In the quotes that I brought upthread it is said that Muggles are 
encouraged to report to the authorities and Witches and wizards live 
and fear and await the capture.

So, I make the conclusion that the only people who were 
**authorised** to capture and I don't know, maybe kill him if he 
does not obet, were aurors and unspeakables and whoever?

Is it not a reasonable conclusion to make? What in the books is in 
contradiction with such conclusion?

I will make further assumption, which is of course can be incorrect 
OR correct.

Witches and wizards who kill people are being punished for that, are 
they not?

They at least have to explain to Ministry their actions and if they 
are not deemed innocent (HAHA) they will be sent to Azkaban, no?


So, my conjecture is that since it is not specifically said that 
wizarding population was allowed to use lethal force, they would be 
punished for using it against Sirius Black same way as against any 
other person.

Of course, Snape may be able to get away with it - claiming self 
defense or not. But if he is not, he is going to be shipped to 
Azkaban, no?

So, again, why are you ( generic you) so sure that he will be called 
a hero instead of criminal if he kills Sirius Black?

Maybe that was the reason why Snape was not in  a hurry to kill, but 
instead to capture Sirius and Lupin?

And again, whether I consider Snape's actions right or wrong is not 
the issue for me here. No, I am not hiding that I consider them 
wrong, LOL.


I am just thinking that Snape's reserve has to do with him not 
wanting to go to Azkaban, that's all.


JMO,

Alla