Rating:
PG-13
House:
HP InkPot
Characters:
Severus Snape
Genres:
Essay
Era:
The Harry Potter at Hogwarts Years
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix Half-Blood Prince J.K. Rowling Interviews or Website
Stats:
Published: 06/06/2007
Updated: 06/06/2007
Words: 2,965
Chapters: 1
Hits: 505

The Snape Question

darkriddler

Story Summary:
Snape--good, evil, or complex?

Chapter 01

Posted:
06/06/2007
Hits:
505


Now. I'm sure this question has been congealing in our minds like rather old molasses, so it is by far time that it was addressed. Well, it's already been addressed...multiple times...but it couldn't hurt to throw my own two cents in, could it?

This investigation will be as unbiased and thorough as I can possibly make it, but bear with me, 'kay?

The Red Herring

Snape, in this scenario, could easily go either way. For the previous five books, he has been suspected time and time again as being evil, but each time he has proved his worth. Many have used this in their arguments, saying, why should it be any different this time?

And perhaps it shouldn't--perhaps this is just another one of JKR's ways of testing us. However, we must always look at the other side of things. It is equally plausible that all five books have been leading up to this very moment. I'm sure that most of us are familiar with the term "red herring," but just in case, I shall describe it here for you.

"An action, theme, or piece of information meant to lead a character or the reader astray. Mysteries often employ red herrings to complicate the plot and draw the reader's attention away from the real solution, thus prolonging the pleasure of reading. The term derives from hunters' use of the smoked fish to distract their dogs" (NYPL, 671).

Therefore, one might argue that JKR was using Snape as a red herring for most of the books--a double red herring, perhaps. The fact that the reader is aware that Snape is a red herring could be a red herring in itself--JKR could be banking on our belief that Snape MUST be good, because he always has been, to disguise the fact that he is "anything but." Does that make sense?

Dumbledore's Word

Another piece of evidence that we must look at is Dumbledore. Throughout the books, Dumbledore has remained steadfast in his belief that Severus Snape is working for the Order. Ever since HPPS, he has been firm in his statements that Snape is a double-agent, a spy working for the "good side." Even still, in HBP, he says the same.

In Chapter Twenty-Five of HBP, Harry asks Dumbledore once more in his fit of anger whether he can be sure than Snape is with the order. Dumbledore's response is clear.

"Dumbledore did not speak for a moment; he looked as though he was trying to make up his mind about something. At last he said, "I am sure. I trust Severus Snape completely." (HBP, US 549)

Again, this could be looked at two ways. On one hand, Dumbledore is asserting his belief once more that Snape is, essentially, good. Nevertheless, it is blatant that he is, for a moment, indecisive. Most people would interpret this as uncertainity as to where Snape's loyalties truly lie. And this could very well be the truth--however, there is another way of looking at it. Dumbledore could be considering whether or not he should tell Harry the true reason behind his unwavering trust for the former Death Eater.

One must admit that Dumbledore is not far from exempt from exceptional abilities. We are aware that he, himself is a Legilimens, and thus should be able to tell if Snape is/was lying. However, we also know that Snape is an accomplished Occlumens, and could quite possibly be misguiding Dumbledore's efforts. It all comes down to this--which wizard do you think is the stronger?

On one hand, you could say Snape. After all, he was able to fool Voldemort for all those years, and the Dark Lord is the greatest Legilimens the world has ever known. But if you believe what Snape says in HBP Chapter Two, then there was nothing for him to hide in the first place. But one must also realize that Dumbledore is "the only one [Voldemort] ever feared." Surely this implies greater power?

It is also highly possible that Dumbledore is aware that he does not have much longer to live. It has been theorized that his injury by the ring Horcrux is slowly killing him. We already know that it has significantly weakened him and slowed his reflexes. If he sustained that great an injury from a single Horcrux, it's not looking too good with the other Horcruxes yet to be uncovered and destroyed.

Another interesting point on the injury. In the book, Dumbledore tells us that it was Snape's skills that saved him from a certain death. Why would Snape go to the trouble of saving Dumbledore, when he could just as easily kill him? There are several opinions, which I shall list, but not fully elaborate upon. For one, obviously, it could be that Snape does not truly wish to kill Dumbledore. Also, the reason may be that he or the Dark Lord wants to give Draco a "chance," whether by encouraging or sadistic motive. But if this is the reason, why then did Snape offer to HELP Draco at Slughorn's Christmas party? Draco had not even made an attempt on Dumbledore's life yet! If Voldemort had wanted Draco and ONLY Draco to fulfill the task, then why did he put Mme Rosmerta under Imperius in the attempt to poison Dumbledore by means of Katie Bell and the cursed necklace? Another theory is that there was simply another, unknown reason why Voldemort did not wish to kill him yet. But going back once more to the Mme Rosmerta argument, this does not quite make sense.

We must also take into account the simple fact that Dumbledore came to Privet Drive to pick Harry up for the summer. Although we know that he wanted Harry to accompany him to see Slughorn, we must also consider the other reasons. After all, Dumbledore did not come pick up Harry after the dementor attack at Privet Drive the previous summer, just after Voldemort regained his power. So why now? Could it be that Snape has already told him of the Vow he made with Narcissa? More than possible. Or it could simply be that he realizes the true danger that Harry, and everyone else, has now been placed in.

In HBP, Dumbledore finally consented to give Snape the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. We know that he had previously refused the post, given that he feared that Snape would be tempted. Could the fact that he relented be because of his unwavering trust in Snape? Or could it be because he knew that Snape was clearly a spy for the other side, and there was no longer any reason to deny him the position. Dumbledore is obviously aware of the "curse" supposedly placed by Tom Riddle/Voldemort on the DADA job--no one has lasted more than a year. Perhaps the reason he kept Snape in the Potions post so long was to keep him at Hogwarts. Is he aware that Snape will not need more than a year? If so, is this because of Snape's betrayal or because he is aware of the Unbreakable Vow and has already forced Snape to agree that he will kill Dumbledore should Draco fail? After all, if Snape kills Dumbledore...he can't stay at Hogwarts any longer, anyway.

In Chapter Two, Snape tells Bellatrix and Narcissa that it was he who gave the Dark Lord information leading to the capture and eventual murder of Emmeline Vance. This is hard to explain away if Snape is indeed loyal to Dumbledore. What reason would he have for betraying an Order member if he was on the "good side?" Perhaps Voldemort ordered him to prove his loyalty in some way by making good on his position as a spy. After all, Snape would have to reveal some evidence as fruit of his labours as a spy against the Order, or risk being found out. However, if this is true, would he have not told Dumbledore and then been presented with an alternate plan? Or was there not enough time?

The Vow That Could Not Be Broken

In the very second chapter of HBP, Snape makes the Unbreakable Vow. The contents of this promise are this--

1. To watch over Draco as he "attempts to fulfill the Dark Lord's wishes" (HBP, US 36)
2. To protect Draco from harm
3. To kill Dumbledore in Draco's stead, should the boy fail

This is a tricky position for Snape to be in, no matter where his loyalties truly lie. He has Narcissa, Bellatrix, and an eavesdropping Pettigrew as witnesses. Should he admit to being an Order spy or refuse to make the Vow, he will be killed. Should he declare his loyalty to Voldemort and make the promise, he is guaranteed his exposure to Dumbledore and the Order as a traitor. If we assume that Snape is inherently good, then we accept that he went straight to Dumbledore afterward and told him of the Vow. Dumbledore would have then realized that he was going to be killed by the end of the year by either Draco or Snape, and if he resisted, Snape and the entire Malfoy family would suffer the conscequence--death.

Assuming Snape told Dumbledore what had happened, it is quite possible that he made a similar vow (or Vow) to the Headmaster.

Remember what Dumbledore made Harry promise in Chapter Twenty-Five:

"'Be sure to understand me, Harry. I mean that you must follow even such orders as 'run,' 'hide,' or 'go back.' Do I have your word?'
'I--yes, of course.'
'If I tell you to hide, will you do so?'
'Yes.'
'If I tell you to flee, will you obey?'
'Yes.'
'If I tell you to leave me and save yourself, will you do as I tell you?'
'I--'
'Harry?'
They looked at each other for a moment.
'Yes, sir.'"
(HBP, US 551)

If Snape is inherently bad, then one must believe that he kept these matters to himself, fooling Dumbledore and the rest of the Order. Not a simple task, even for as accomplished a wizard as Severus Snape.

The Discussion in the Dark Forest

Recall Hagrid's testimony concerning the discussion between Snape and Dumbledore in the Dark Forest. Apparently, Snape was saying that he didn't want to do something any more, and Dumbledore responded quite firmly saying that he must. Primarily, we must consider the location of this incident. The Dark Forest is a notably dangerous place, especially at night. And why would the privacy of the Headmaster's Office be insufficient? Was the possibility of being overheard by a student or even a portrait of a former headmaster be too great? Why?

Also, what is it that Snape no longer wishes to do? Is it something inconscequential? Does he wish to stop spying for the Order and retreat from both worlds? Or is Dumbledore holding him to his word that he would kill him? If Snape is working for Voldemort, why would he bother arguing with Dumbledore under such secrecy? It would be wiser to keep quiet and blend into the background.

Occlumency

In Harry's sixth year, the Occlumency lessons come to a halt, and Dumbledore instead begins to give Harry private lessons. He tells Harry that it is his understanding that they (the Occlumency lessons) were not going too well, anyway. But Occlumency seems to be such a valuable talent, not something to be tossed away as though it is inconscequential. Does he no longer trust Harry with Snape?

It is also intriguing that he chooses to show Harry memories, rather than continuing on the Occlumency studies himself or instructing him in more advanced magic. Why did he not show Harry the memories before? There are two possible reasons--either that Harry was not mature enough, or that Dumbledore now realizes that he is "running out of time."

"Severus...please"

Easily the crux of HBP--Dumbledore's plead with Snape. There are three, very different, interpretations of this request. The first, and seemingly most obvious, is that he is begging for his life. However, one finds it difficult to envision Dumbledore groveling with ANYONE for something so trivial as life, especially after his statement in HPPS--"to the well-enlightened mind, death is but the next great adventure." So that brings us to the other option--that he is pleading that Snape "do the right thing." This could mean anything--making good on his vow to kill Dumbledore, protecting Draco.... The third is that Dumbledore is begging Snape to repent, to join the Order and the "good" side before it is too late.

One must realize the context of this situation. Dumbledore and Snape are surrounded on all sides by Death Eaters who seem to have no problem killing Dumbledore themselves should Draco fail. However, if one of THEM kills Dumbledore instead of Snape, Snape will die because he will have broken the Unforgivable Vow. Either way, Dumbledore is going to die. So Snape is faced with two choices--killing Dumbledore and sacrificing his place in the Order, his job, and his position in society--or standing back, watching another kill Dumbledore, and then dying himself. It is doubtless that, should both Snape and Draco fail to kill Dumbledore, the Dark Lord would eliminate the cowardly Malfoy as well.

Should Snape kill Dumbledore, he may lose his place in the Order, but he will maintain his status as spy for Voldemort--as well as rising significantly in glory and favoritism amongst the ranks of the Death Eaters. He would be primely positioned to work internally against Voldemort and to assist Harry when need be.

Killing Dumbledore is no easy task. Voldemort himself could never manage it. So either Dumbledore LET Snape kill him, or he was already so weakened by the effects of the two Horcruxes (the ring and the locket) that he could not resist death.

The power of the Killing Curse should not be discounted, however. We learn in Book Five that it takes extraordinary hate to fuel such a curse. If Snape was truly on Dumbledore's side, then it would have been impossible for him to kill. But we must also consider how complex a character Snape truly is...is it impossible for him to bear both enough love for the Order/Dumbledore to try to protect him, and enough hate to kill him? Only time (and Book Seven!) will tell.

We must also carefully examine the aftermath of the murder. When Harry is attempting to subject Snape to the Cruciatus Curse, Snape merely waves it aside with a flick of his wand. For the moment, he makes no attempt whatsoever to curse Harry in return. The most he does is hurl insults involving Harry's father.

A notable quote is this--

"...somewhere overhead Snape was shouting, 'Have you forgotten our orders? Potter belongs to the Dark Lord--we are to leave him! Go! Go!'" (HBP, US 603)

Again, this could go either way. It could be that Snape is, once more, protecting Harry by distracting the Death Eaters and leading them in another direction. Or it is possible that Voldemort truly did order that they leave Harry alone. If this is true, however, why not capture Harry and bring him to Voldemort themselves?

It is not until Harry attempts to use one of Snape's own spells upon him and subsequently calls him a coward that Snape seems to truly lose his temper. Nevertheless, one must note that he still does not attempt to kill Harry. His face "was suffused withi hatred just as it had been before he had cursed Dumbledore," but still he managed to control himself enough to refrain from using Avada Kedavra. He does attempt "Sectumsempra," but is interrupted by Buckbeak. Afterward, he runs into the forest--though whether to escape the scene, free Harry, or flee Buckbeak we do not know. At the same time, he is described as being in "as much pain as the yelping, howling dog stuck in the burning house behind them." Pain is not enough to fuel an Unforgivable...he lashes out in pain, not fury or hatred. Or--is it some combination thereof?

Snape is obviously in agony. Either he has just given up a comfortable and assured life as a double-agent, or he has just killed one of the only men he ever cared about. There is a possibility that Snape will be "honoured above all others," now that he has killed Dumbledore. Nevertheless, killing Dumbledore was something Voldemort never managed to do. Could this be salt in the wound for the Dark Lord? Will he hate Snape more than ever, and perhaps suspect some sort of prior agreement between Dumbledore and Snape?

But where else can he go? Either way, he must face the conscequences of his actions and choices.

In Conclusion...

There are great arguments for both sides of the fence. But nonetheless, there is only one way to discover the truth, and that is to read the seventh book. In the end, it's all up to JKR.

So, I can't tell you one way or the other. On one hand, Dumbledore does seem to truly trust Snape. However, we must remember that Snape is a very power-hungry and ambitious man with a troubled and abusive childhood. Most of all, you must understand that we are viewing Snape from Harry's eyes.

In the end...what do you believe?

I've decided to post some fanfics and fanart from both camps, to assist you in making a decision either way.

FANFICTION

"Unbreakable" by darkriddler (some shameless self-plugging, I know)
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2487338/1/

"The History of Half a Prince" by time_child
http://www.fictionalley.org/authors/time_child/THOHAP01.html

"Confessions of an Executioner" by Magic Words
http://www.fictionalley.org/authors/magic_words/COAE01.html

"Bargains" by Gehayi (not specifically related, but referenced)
http://www.fictionalley.org/authors/gehayi/bargains01.html

"Duel" by Jocelyn (excellent)
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2488992/1/

FANART

"Severus, please" by athenethegrey
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/idreamofshoebox/severusplease.jpg

"Coffin" by Caladan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/idreamofshoebox/caladancoffin.jpg

"Snape" by Caladan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/idreamofshoebox/caladansnape.jpg

"Snape in black and white" by PapaLaBaysha
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v447/idreamofshoebox/snapebw.jpg

"Dear Severus Snape" by kyla79
http://fs7.deviantart.com/i/2005/199/e/9/Dear_Severus_Snape_by_kyla79.jpg