A Black and White Snape Theory

[Randy]

A Black and White Snape Theory

By Randy Estes

As many have stated that JKR uses the symbols of Alchemy, one can 
see certain patterns in the HP books that have been discussed by the 
old crowd and other groups.  There are three important processes or 
stages of Alchemy named: the dissolution or black stage, the 
purification or white stage, and the perfection or red stage.  These 
are explained in "The Alchemist's Tale:`Harry Potter & the 
Alchemical Tradition in English Literature'" by John Granger.


The processes of Alchemy dictate that Black (Sirius) must die or 
dissolve, and White (Albus Dumbledore.) must die or purify, and 
finally the red stage will bring Harry Potter to perfection.  I 
would be very concerned for Ginny Weasley or Rubeus Hagrid given the 
red stage is coming in Book 7.

Another theme of Alchemy (or specifically the Alchemical Wedding) is 
the death of the Black King which could be Kingsley Shacklebolt ( a 
black wizard named king) or it could also refer to Regulus Black ( a 
black ruler) who initials are RAB. I believe we will hear the tale 
of Regulus Black in book 7 as many have surmised.  I have a few more 
ideas related to Regulus Black.

What if Regulus Black was the only real friend that Severus Snape 
ever had.  Maybe Snape longed to be like the pure "Black King" and 
therefore named himself the "Half-Blood Prince" in his attempt to be 
like Regulus.  They were both Death Eaters, and could have felt a 
certain kinship.  However, when Regulus turned against Voldemort, 
Snape may have been emotionally destroyed by his death caused by the 
Dark Lord.  If Bellatrix proves to be the one who killed Regulus, 
Snape would also have a natural hatred of her evidenced in his 
constant antagonism of her.  What is Sirius Black teased his brother 
constantly which led to further hatred of Sirius by Snape?  What if 
Snape found the dying Regulus Black and only then discovered that he 
was working for Dumbledore against the Dark Lord.  What is Regulus 
made the "Unbreakable Vow" with Snape as his dying act.  This could 
cause Snape to work for Dumbledore to continue the search for the 
horcrux objects. 

He would thus do all in his power to help Dumbledore bring down the 
Dark Lord through his deception and mastery of Occlumency.  He must 
always be seen as antagonistic to Harry and Neville to avert 
Voldemort's suspicions.  He must always align himself with known 
followers like the Malfoys and thus praise Draco Malfoy at all 
opportunities.  He must always be antagonistic to mudbloods such as 
Hermione Granger.  I also believe the theory that he was working 
with Dumbledore even when he shouted the AK spell to avert suspicion 
from himself and continue the work of the Order behind enemy lines.  

Snape almost seems to symbolize Judas betraying Jesus Christ to 
perform the necessary task that allows the greater plan to be 
accomplished.  Snape would be understood only by Dumbledore and 
reviled by all followers of Dumbledore who knew him.  Dumbledore 
seemed to have his moment of doubting in the Cave while drinking the 
potion similar to the ponderings of Jesus at Gethsemane before his 
ultimate betrayal by Judas. ("Let this cup pass from me
")  
Dumbledore must carry out his duties with the full knowledge that 
Snape will betray him and lead to his death. I think there is 
something extremely powerful in the surrender of his life for the 
good of everyone else.  ("No greater gift" as has already been 
written).  I wonder if Dumbledore has now gained another kind of 
power that Voldemort cannot defeat.  One is reminded of the scene in 
Star Wars where Obi-Wan gives up his life to help gain a place of 
power to help the others.  The distinction has already been pointed 
out that Lily gave up her life willingly while James did not.  
Dumbledore will have given up his life willingly to save Harry and 
the free Wizard world.  "It is one's choices that really matter
"

Just for the record, I have never been a Snape fan in the past, but 
I see these possibilities in the storyline that have deeper meaning 
than a simple betrayal of Dumbledore by Snape.

Randy