Chapter Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban Ch 18: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Pron

[nikkalmati]

No: HPFGUIDX 190533



<dumbledore11214 at ...> wrote:
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<snip>

> Having said it, it is completely irrelevant to the point I am making. Yes, Snape could have been killed, as I said several times and never disputed that. All I am disputing is taking away Snape's choice in what have happened. Had he never went there, nothing would have happened.
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> Sirius made the task easier for him, which he had no business to do, but thats all he did, and again his mindset is also irrelevant for what I am saying. He could have just beeing a teenager idiot, he could have wanted to kill Snape, makes no difference in my opinion.
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> He still did not *make* Snape to go there.
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>
Nikkalmati

I don't see why it is a matter of proving Sirius "made" or "forced" Snape to go.  No one really argues that.  He tricked Snape, he enticed Snape and, yes, he preyed on Snape's weakness.  Sirius had important knowledge he withheld.  The Prank might not meet the requiirement of first degree murder, but I could easily argue either voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, if things had not gone well.  So what is the point of arguing Sirius did not make Snape go?  It sounds like an attempt to absolve Sirius of all responsibility.

A major reason some of us hold that Sirius bears responsibility is because he never expresses any remorse, even as an adult.  He never admits he could have gotten James killed (I assume James could not transform in the tunnel) or Remus killed or expelled.  Sirius would have born responsibility for those results, I assume you agree?  Otherwise why wouldn't Lupin forgive him without any trouble.  After all, it was not his fault.  I personally am appaled that Sirius never expresses to Harry or to Lupin that maybe it was not a good idea. Instead he tries to pass the blame all to Snape.

BTW although Snape saw Mrs. Pomfrey and Lupin going to the WW in the evening, a full moon can occur at any time of day and I assume Lupin would have to go to the Shack whenever a full moon was due. 

Snape and Lily's discussion in DH is not completely in accord with what we learn in POA. Snape seems after the Prank to still not be sure what is happening with Lupin.  Is that just because he has promised to conceal it?  According to Lily's reply he has already told her his speculation and she has rejected it.  So, when did she find out the truth?  How widespread was the knowledge of the Prank?  Did all the Gryffindor's know or did James and Sirius tell only Lily?  
   
Nikkalmati