My theory on why Snape didn't kill Harry after killing DD (and this is long, so please forgive me):
Many people I have talked to think DD was pleading for his life, when Harry heard, "Please, Snape". I think it's the opposite. DD was pleading with Snape to take his life.
DD has always trusted Snape, and he knew that he would have to beg Snape to get him to kill him. I think DD trusted Snape so much that he would trust him to take his life. DD knew he had to die in order for Harry to finally take on Voldemort (sort of Obi Wan-insh). I think he also didn't want Draco to do it because he knew that if Draco killed him, there would be no way for Draco to ever come back and turn away from Voldemort.
DD has always trusted Snape, and he knew that he would have to beg Snape to get him to kill him. I think DD trusted Snape so much that he would trust him to take his life. DD knew he had to die in order for Harry to finally take on Voldemort (sort of Obi Wan-insh). I think he also didn't want Draco to do it because he knew that if Draco killed him, there would be no way for Draco to ever come back and turn away from Voldemort.
I think you nailed it. I just can't believe that Dumbledore would plead for his own life. Your interpretation meshes much better with his character.
Oh wow! You really might be on to something. I just assumed that when Dumbledore told Harry to go get Snape that he was going to get some kind of revitilizing potion or at least get him down to his office, BUT we all know DD is NOT stupid and most likely knew what Snape and Malfoy were up to.
I agree. Are we all softies for Snape? :-)
Same here. I thought the saddest part of the book was not just D's death, but a kind of death for Hogwarts. Harry does say he's not returning--he's going to "drop out."
And it was distressing to see how helpless McDonigall seemed to be...she had very little to do with this sixth book.
I agree.
I'd also like to know what awful thing DD saw when he had to drink the potion protecting the fake horcrux.
Regards,