by Mistress Siana » Tuesday 19 July 2005 9:45:25am
To me it seems as though DD knew right from the start he was going to die soon, he tried to prepare Harry for it. How often did he emphazize that he was old and much less valuable to the course than Harry? He must have prepared that journey to destroy the Horcrux for quite a time, and he seemed to be expecting the effects of the potion.
My guess is this: It was Snape that brewed, and possible even invented that potion for Voldemort. We don't know what exactly it did, but it must have been something very horrible. I have a feeling that it is this potion that Snape regrets so deeply. I mean, before HBP we knew Snape was a very apt potions brewer, but I think it was surprising how brilliant he was even as a teenager. I thinks it's likely he made that potion for Voldemort. Maybe it didn't have an antidote? Maybe Dumbledore knew he had to die if he wanted to destroy that Horcrux, and told Snape to kill him in order to save his (Snape's) and Draco's lives and maintain his cover. Bet Snape's Voldemort's second in command now, Narcissa said Voldemort would reward the one to kill Dumbledore beyond anyone else.
Snape finally getting the position of the DADA teacher is, in my opinion, another hint. DD knew the position was cursed since he'd refused it to Voldemort, so he knew he'd most likely lose Snape after the year. That might as well be the reason why he tried so hard to get the old Head of Slytherin back.
The Unbreakable Vow keeps me wondering: Do you think it was actually Narcissa who went against the Dark Lord's order? Personally, I had the feeling that Snape suspected Voldemort to be behind the Vow. I mean, would he really risk his life only to please Narcissa Malfoy? He himself didn't need it to protect Draco, it was just an insurrance for Narcissa. Also I think Snape was a bit too eager to make sure he didn't approve of Narcissa's treason and that the Dark Lord's word was law. I have a strong feeling the whole task of killing DD was Voldemort's final test of Snape's loyality. Come on, you don't honestly think Wormtail was ordered to live in Snape's house to assist him, do you?
I hate cliffhangers!