[HPforGrownups] Re: Snape's involvement in the murder of Sirius

[elfundeb]

No: HPFGUIDX 169296

Jen:
The other idea I mentioned was that Kreacher was not the one to pass
all the relational information about Sirius & Harry that Dumbledore
credited to Kreacher at the end of OOTP. Besides not demonstrating
that kind of insight into the relationships of the humans around him
in my opinion (post #169113), Kreacher was also not around at
Christmas to witness Sirius when he was out of his blue period and
showing more affection to those around him, including Harry.

Debbie:
While I was flipping through the books in responding to the Snape Snape
Snape thread, I came across this from the beginning of OOP chapter 24.

"Kreacher, it transpired, had been lurking in the attic.  Sirius had found
him up there, covered in dust, no doubt looking for more relics of the Black
family to hide in his cupboard. Though Sirius seemed satisfied with this
story, it made Harry uneasy.  Kreacher seemed to be in a better mood on his
reappearance, his bitter muttering had subsided somewhat and he submitted to
orders more docilely than usual, though once or twice Harry caught the
house-elf staring at him avidly, but always looking quickly away whenever he
saw that Harry had noticed."

This is the opening paragraph of the chapter.  The second paragraph refers
to Sirius' cheerfulness evaporating "now that Christmas was over" and his
increasing sullenness as "the date of their departure back to Hogwarts drew
nearer."  Based on the positioning of the two paragraphs and the reference
to the passage of time, it appears that Kreacher returned right after
Christmas. but that the Trio did not return to Hogwarts for some days
thereafter, giving Kreacher ample time to observe Harry and Sirius.

And Harry in fact notes that Kreacher did spend time observing him,
undoubtedly at Narcissa's request.  Furthermore, based on what Dumbledore
tells Harry after Sirius died, Sirius gave Kreacher access to all sorts of
Order information, not just the identity of Order members but also "the
Order's confidential plans."  I get the sense that Kreacher was permitted to
lurk anywhere at OGP, at his own pleasure.

The other notable thing about this passage is the sense I get that Narcissa
instructed Kreacher on exactly what he should be looking for.  In that case,
it may not matter whether he has any insight into human relationships or
not; the relationship between Sirius and Harry should have been obvious to
anyone who was looking for it.

On another note, could Snape's information that helped dispose of Black have
been that Harry was not succeeding at Occlumency?  The grand plan to lure
Harry to the DOM could not have gone forward if Harry had developed a knack
for Occlumency like his knack for flying, or even his mastery of the
Patronus Charm.

Debbie
speculating the night away


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