In honor of the final Harry Potter film I have 2 questions for those who read the book (spoilers!)

[mreilly]

I was never convinced by the seeming redemption of Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy (if in fact this latter character can be considered redeemed). Here's why:

1) Snape was still a jerk and a bully to Harry, in my mind, despite having been with the Order of the Phoenix and not a Death Eater all along. When I reflect on the scene in the novel where Snape was tormented by James Potter and Sirius Black I still think "Good, good, he deserved it." I never felt sorry for him during that flashback nor did I consider his atrocious behavior as a professor at Hogwart's explained by the ill treatment he received at their hands (ever hear of "rising above the past," Snape?). I still considered Snape a lowly creature who - while certainly deserving credit for NOT being a death eater and NOT killing Dumbledore for Voldemort's purpose but rather Dumbledore's own plan - only did what he did for the good guys because of his ongoing obsession with Lily Potter. I realized part of the reason he despised Harry so much was that Harry reminded him of James, but, Jesus, Harry was still 1/2 Lily Potter and it was all the endless belittling, sneering and put-downs against Harry that made it impossible for me to fully exculp Snape from the crime of being a scumbag.

2) I don't think Draco Malfoy refused to kill Voldemort or maintain loyalty to the Death Eaters because of some hidden spark of goodness. I think he was just cowardly. Granted, the scene in book 7 where he refuses to positively identify Harry in disguise does seem to lend some credence to the notion he had some decency in him, but I think overall his failure to commit to the cause he was in was not so much because of doubts regarding the worthiness or righteousness of the cause, but due to fear for himself. I'm not sold that he was really an OK guy who got mixed up in the wrong crowd.

Thoughts, contradictions, opinions, etc. are welcome.

By the way, 2 other points to make just for fun: After the Slytherin house out-and-out rebelled against Hogwart's during Book 7 I'd have kicked that house off the grounds, permanently (if only I were the headmaster). Traitors. And the scene near the end of Book 7 in which Narcissa Malfoy covers for Harry (thus saving his life) after learning from him that Draco is still alive at Hogwart's is, in my view, one of the best in the entire series.

[hifiguy]

1. My thoughts, FWIW

One must also remember what a miserable childhood Snape had,before he was tormented by James, Sirius and Remus while at Hogwarts. He was as much of an outcast as Harry ever was, perhaps more so because Harry quickly made loyal friends at Hogwarts and was of special concern to Dumbledore. Also, Harry is repeatedly described as looking exactly like James but with Lily's eyes. I came to see Snape as a wholly tormented and lonely character who did manage to transcend his hatred of James and the others when the chips were well and truly down at the end of Deathly Hallows.

Draco is and always was a gutless little twerp concerned only with his own privilege and self-preservation. He would make an exemplary Tory or US Repuke. He was never able to stand up to anyone one-on-one, always depending on his pet bullyboys Crabb and Goyle to cover his ass. I was rather disappointed that he wasn't killed off in DH.

[rug]

2. I don't care, I'm just glad Dobby got it.

It should have happened to Jar Jar Binks too.

[redwitch]

3. LOL How mean!

Though I kind of agree on Jar Jar.