Snape's Role in the Order

[Lolua]

There's a new editorial on MuggleNet that discusses how Snape is managing to spy on the Death Eaters for the Order of the Phoenix. It's got good evidence and research -- though the reliance on Greg from HP Progs is a little heavy -- and it might go a little far in terms of Lucius, but overall I think it's really good.

What is Snape doing for the Order of the Phoenix? by Tammy Nezol
www.mugglenet.com/editorials/editorials/edit-nezol01.shtml

On why Snape can't just be pretending to be your run-of-the-mill Death Eater:

Karakaroff is the coward, Crouch Jr. is the faithful servant, and Snape is the one who has left forever. After all, Voldemort was on Quirrel's head long enough to know where Snape's loyalties lie. I put this only at an 85% possibility because while these pieces fit well, I would not put it beyond Rowling to use this quote to make us think we know something we don't.

I highly doubt that Voldemort would bring Snape back under his wing after vowing his death. Voldemort's power rests with making the other Death Eaters fear him. He instills this fear by letting them know what will happen to those who cross his path. Even if Snape comes back begging forgiveness or carrying valuable information, Voldemort has to kill him. To not kill Snape is to lower the amount of power he has over his Death Eaters. To not kill Snape would be a sign of weakness. Voldemort has to do what he has sworn to do in order to preserve his power. Also, the fact that Snape did not show up for the first call of Death Eaters would also make it more difficult for him to rejoin the pack.

On why some Death Eaters may chafe under Voldemort's leadership:

Those such as Lucius Malfoy are not likely to appreciate groveling. They do not appreciate having limited power. In fact, they probably never wanted Voldemort to return in the first place. I'm not saying all the Death Eaters fall in this category, but a significant number of them probably do.

Think about it. Why didn't the Death Eaters seek out Voldemort after his fall? Why did they not try to bring him back to power? I think that Greg at Harry Potter Prognostications is right. They had gone as far as they could with Voldemort and had become trapped. They didn't want him to rise again; they were better off with him powerless.

The crucial connection:

If we accept that some of the Death Eaters are not thrilled to have Voldemort back, this makes the conundrum a little easier to understand. Remember, Snape is a good friend of Lucius. Snape still talks to Lucius, which is interesting as Lucius is Voldemort's servant and Voldemort has sworn Snape's death. Snape knows Lucius and the other Death Eaters better than other Order members do because he has been around them. He has worked with them and kept up contacts even after Voldemort’s death and after his reason was revealed. Therefore, it is not too much of a leap to say that Snape knows of their malcontent. He knows which Death Eaters may not appreciate the current situation.

[Sirius Black]

What's Snape doing for the Order? While I cannot share too many details, which might compromise the safety of members of the Order whom I actually care about, I can give you a few clues.

Snape constantly reminds me that his tasks are 'life-threatening', 'highly dangerous', and 'absolutely vital in the struggle against the Dark Lord.' Which, of course, means that he has been busy trying to push me to do everyone a favor and strangle him with my bare hands.



Yeah, sorry, can't share any details. The war effort has to be more important than spilling the beans on old Snivelly.

[Harry Potter]

: tries to cover up a snort of laughter :

[Big Brother]

SOMEONE has to do the scut work that even a house-elf won't do. I can't see Kreacher actually doing laundry for muggle-borns and blood traitors. At least, not doing their laundry WELL. Making potions, adding detergent and bleach in the right order, it's all the same thing.