Snape's involvement in the murder of Sirius

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 169324

> 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.
<snipped canon quote>
> 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.

Jen:  I read that information when reviewing relevant sections for my 
initial post but didn't draw much of a conclusion from it.  It sounds 
like Kreacher had just returned from seeing Narcissa according to 
Dumbledore's explanation, and Harry catches him looking 'avidly' at 
him once or twice after that.  The only inference I could draw from 
the look was that Harry had been a topic of conversation with 
Narcissa and Dumbledore confirms as much.  

What I would have liked to see to make the plot of OOTP hang together 
better for me would have been Harry noting Kreacher watching at a 
time when he's in conversation with others, particularly Sirius, or 
some indication Kreacher has observed Harry interacting with others 
which would lead to the conclusions Dumbledore credits him with at 
the end of OOTP.   Take the scene where Sirius hands Harry the 
mirror - couldn't Harry have bumped into Kreacher as he was leaving, 
a very small hint of what was to come later?

Debbie: 
> 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.
<snip>
> 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.


Jen:  The problem with the plot here imo is that Sirius has started 
to withdraw to Buckbeak's room and have 'fits of the sullens' at the 
same time Kreacher returns.  There's no mention of Harry visiting and 
talking with Sirius when he withdraws, say, or Sirius showing 
particular affection to Harry during this time period like the 
mention of Sirius feeling 'delight' with his visitors and 
particularly Harry during the time Kreacher is absent.  There are so 
many things that could have been dropped in the story to hint 
Kreacher is observing something pertinent to Harry and Sirius and 
none is mentioned.  He could have been lurking around the kitchen 
during the fight between Sirius and Snape (I mistakenly said Kreacher 
wasn't back at that time but he was).  Kreacher could have been 
mentioned in the same room while Harry has a conversation with 
Hermione and Ron about his concern for Sirius' mood, something he 
mulls over in his head but doesn't say out loud.

Anyway, I'll leave it at that.  This isn't the only thing in OOTP 
that doesn't work completely for me, possibly due to the sheer volume 
of information, but I don't know that any of my observations are 
things that will be revisited in DH.  I honestly do see some holes 
that could be filled with new information if that's JKR's intention.

Jen