nice

Thanks.

this was sad... sniff sniff

i loved it

Excellent vignette! And a very logical explanation of your rationale.

Great story! Also that is an intersting take on Snape not being in the inner circle.

Beautiful piece. Well thought out, rational, and quite probably realistic. The dispassionate conversation with Dumbledore, the careful avoidance of possibility even as preparations go ahead - all an excellent psychological ploy. And the ending, of course. "But a role like that is for heroes, not for him." Deeply poignant in a very subtle way. Although I enjoy Snape-the-double-agent stories myself, I have to admit that this is truly a remarkable vignette.

An interesting take on what Snape is doing. A seemingly anit-hero, revealing his character bit by bit.

Very interesting take on Snape and his spying! Since I am convinced that Voldemort did refer to Snape as the one missing Death Eater who had betrayed him and therefore has to be killed, your idea would perfectly explain how he can continue his spying job without being executed on the spot. I wonder whether Rowling is going to give more detail on this issue in the next book...

I absolutely, completely agree with all you've said. I don't think Snape would just return to Voldemort and say "Hey, master dear. Here I am. You certainly will take me back without a single second thought, right?"
Only, I probably could never write it down as nicely as you do. You should take this idea of yours and make a whole, long fic out if it, you know.

Zebee - Just read your take on Snape's spying (If you are Prepared...) and I do agree with your premise.

Also the way you develop your relationships between Snape and Dumbledore, but more especially between Snape and Voldemort.

If he was as useless as JKR seems to portray him, why would anyone become a DE, and more importantly, why would they stay?

He's gotta have something good, and you got that across well.

But then, Snape's reformation has to be real, and you get that across, too. As well as the tug back to Voldemort.

Cheers. I enjoyed your fic.

AmanitaMuscaria

I sincerly agree with you [sorry, i just dropped in to do a quick save of your story and merely happened to catch the last blurb. I'll review later?] It would not be realistic if Snape were to truly be a follower of Voldemort. Although, if in fact he is, it would probably end in his defection either way. Voldemort is not the victor in this play, obviously, and Snape is not as yet a major player. It would be facinating if Rowling went deeper into his charater, though I completely believe that Snape is not loyal to Voldemort. Did that all just make sense? Basically, I'm not argueing with you.

wow, i you ever read the books by Kathrine Kerr?

Good story.

The idea of it being a large organisation strikes me as interesting. There are other possibilities for the 'one who is cowardly, one who has left - Bagman notably. Possibly even Rita Skeeter herself :)

Snape as a 21 year old with influence - I see him rather like those 15 year old computer nerds working for Sega and the like - in the position he is because of his age, and his geeky nature, not in spite of it.

Nice one. Too bad you left this place.

You bring up very good arguments at the end, though we know that the wizarding world is unconventional and people 21 years old probably could become minister of Magic if they exerted themselves. Thoug as Stan Shunpike talks about becoming the youngest MoM, I could very well be wrong.

I like the piece. Maybe I don't understand the spell you mention, but I get the gist of it and even if it is confusing it doesn't stop me from enjoying reading this. Very effective ending, if one used occasionally by any angst writer.