I'm a firm believer that the lack of a kidnap attempt in some ways proves that Snape had no intention of bringing any harm to Harry. The opportunity for Snape to kidnap HP came when they were outside of the castle, running across the grounds, nearing the boundary of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. IIRC, HP was the only "good guy" in the chase at the time. He kept trying to hex Snape and Snape kept deflecting him, while throwing
nonverbal curses of his own (I think that's an important point--we have no way of knowing how serious Snape's hexes were). At one point (I read quickly--I HAVE to read the chase scene again) Snape had HP on the ground and was screaming "I am not a coward" at him. THAT was the kidnap opportunity. In PoA, Snape himself, after being immobilized, was enchanted to float along with the others as they left the tunnel leading from the shack. He could easily have done the same with HP, and he would have been able to hand VM the greatest prize of all. So why did he scream about not being a coward? I think it was a combination of rage and frustration. He had just killed DD--because, I believe, he HAD to (I think that has to do with the argument that Hagrid overheard Snape and DD having). He did something that I think was horrific to him. Pure supposition! I don't know why I want to believe so much that Snape is being misunderstood, that he's not such a bad guy after all. I hate to say it, but I think it's because I really, really like Alan Rickman. He's a fabulous actor, one of my favorites.
Damn movies! They ALWAYS screw up the books!
I hate to say it, but I think it's because I really, really like Alan Rickman. He's a fabulous actor, one of my favorites.Despite the fact that he is a flaming liberal, I love him and will see almost anything he's in. He's an outstanding actor. Dear Lord, that voice! *sigh*
Re read the scene with Mrs. Malfoy and her sister. Snape could easily have known nothing but been drawing information out of Mrs. Malfoy. Dumbledore tells Draco that he knew about the murder attempts from the beginning of the year. How could he have known? Snape told him. Snape could easily have killed DD only because of the promise he made Mrs. Malfoy. He was not part of that night's plan. He also saved HP's life. What he told the other deatheaters about LV wanting HP for himself could easily have been a lie told to save Harry's life. We don't yet know for sure whether Snape is evil. (Although the odds are that he is.)