It's 2am where I am, and I've just finished one of the most awesome books I've ever read.

I've cried, I've laughed ... but in a few instances, I've simply punched the air in absolutely glee, because you know what? I called it. Years ago. Well, I called a version of it, anyway. I sent this editorial to both Mugglenet and Scribbulus (Mugglenet was sent it more than once), but neither published it.

And I feel so vindicated. Yes, this probably makes me petty, but I really don't mind. :D

This editorial was written after the release of HBP.



Snape's Patronus: A Theory About Why Dumbledore Trusted Him

NB: This editorial is written completely on the premise that Snape is not evil. If he turns out truly bad - then this theory is invalid!

Many people on the forums have lately been arguing over what they believe Snape's Patronus to be. Some say spider, others say bat, others have decided upon a slug for reasons of their own. My own theory? It has something to do with Lily.

Yes, yes, I hear you all groan. Another Lily/Snape shipper. But let's just for a moment assume that this is true, that Snape really did have some sort of feelings for Lily (whether romantic or purely as friends and whether Lily reciprocated these feelings or not is another matter).

Now, we've all got to remember something here - Dumbledore isn't stupid. Just because a former Death Eater seems to turn over a new leaf and spins "a tale of deepest remorse" (HBP, pg 36, UK) doesn't mean that Dumbledore is going to trust them implicitly. I believe that Dumbledore needed proof. Even if Snape admitted he was in love/had a strong friendship with Lily - again, where is the proof? What made Dumbledore so sure that Snape was on the right side?

Some have suggested the Unbreakable Vow. But I don't think so. I think it had to do with his Patronus.

All through HBP, we see that Tonks is in a state of despair, and that her Patronus has changed - because she has gone through "a great shock ... an emotional upheaval," (HBP, pg 319, UK) as Lupin puts it. It has to do with her love for a particular werewolf. Because of this "great shock", Tonks' Patronus has altered to suit her emotions, to a shape she connects with happiness, peace and protection - Remus. I believe that this is not just an interesting magical tidbit that JKR has put in the books. It has a deeper meaning (as I believe Tonks/Lupin does as well, but that's another story).

Snape's words upon first seeing Tonks' new Patronus are fascinating, to my mind. "I was interested to see your new Patronus ... I think you were better off with the old one ... The new one looks weak." (HBP, pg 153 UK) This could be merely taken as Snape's usual condescending tone towards everyone. But take into account Snape's words in OotP ... "Fools who wear their hearts on their sleeves, who cannot control their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to be provoked so easily - weak people, in other words - they stand no chance against his powers!" (OotP, pg 473, UK) It is the mention of "weak" again here that intrigued me. Tonks, showing her changed Patronus, is effectively "wearing her heart on her sleeve" for all the world to see. And Snape considers that weak.

JKR has stated many times that everything she writes into the books is there for a reason. Take this innocuous piece of seemingly useless information - " ... Ron was now struggling to finish a viciously difficult essay for Snape that Harry and Hermione had already completed. Harry fully expected to receive low marks on his because he had disagreed with Snape on the best way to tackle Dementors ..." (HBP, pg 420, UK). Harry, as a student of Lupin, obviously thinks the best way to deal with Dementors is the use of the Patronus. But why does Snape dislike this method?

Simply because of this. With Lily's death, Snape went through a great emotional shock - especially considering the fact that it was he who gave Voldemort the information that caused the Dark Lord to go after the Potters. And so, just like Tonks, Snape's Patronus underwent a tranformation. Now, I'm not saying that it turned into Lily herself, but something to do with Lily - perhaps her own Patronus. But it would have been something that both Snape and Dumbledore would identify with Lily. I don't believe that a Patronus is something that can be faked, or changed to suit your will. It is simply what is inside yourself that is mirrored. So it was through this change of Patronus that Dumbledore knew that Snape's repentance was genuine.

But Snape, liking to show his cold, heartless facade to the world, would have considered this a "weakness" that could be exploited against him - he would believe he is wearing his heart on his sleeve. And so he dislikes this method of Dementor-tackling, because it reveals his own "weaknesses", of letting others see his emotions.

This could be very interesting if Snape or someone else is attacked by Dementors in front of Harry and Snape's Patronus appears ... and Harry finally discovers why Dumbledore trusted him all along.

I totally knew Snape was good! I knew as soon as I saw the doe that it was Snape's patronus, and it meant he loved Lily Potter. It was totally obvious!!

I was a little confused by George's ear, but that was explained in the memory.