Fantastic Potions and How They Helped Albus Dumbledore in HBP

[felicitys_mind]

Reconciling the death of Albus Dumbledore with Severus Snape's loyalty to him.

On Aug 12, I revised and vastly expanded the essay and changed the title to “Fantastic Potions and How They Helped Albus Dumbledore during HBP”; it was reworked to include excellent comments from readers, to fill in areas that were unclear, to include my latest ideas

Comments

[meep]

Well, I'm sold. I hadn't heard of the Felix theory before, but it makes sense, especially if one of Dumbledore's objectives was to save Draco (and it was) and to allow Snape to stay under deep cover. One could say the Death Eater breakin was unlucky, but as a result, Snape had the chance to "prove" his loyalty to Voldemort over Dumbledore (and fulfill the Unbreakable Vow), so that any doubts would be erased in the minds of the Death Eaters there (I don't think Voldemort has anything like trust, so I don't think his trust/distrust of Snape is an issue). Because if Dumbledore's objective was the horcrux, then he's not so lucky - all that trouble for a fake. We've seen with Harry's use of Felix that "unconscious" objectives can be met by the potion, even if on the periphery

[felicitys_mind]

Good points, Meep. I edited for clarity and mentioned your comment about the unconscious objectives met while under the influence of Felix. It's perfect to explain the five minutes Harry was given to get the cloak that he already had with him.

And you are correct that Snape's AK was beneficial to Snape in a way because it did solidify Snape's credentials as a DE. There were numerous clues in "Spinner's End" that Snape's loyalities were questioned by Voldemort (hence the presence of Wormtail to spy on Snape) and Snape himself talked of DE's who whispered about Snape's treachery. So even though Snape IMO didn't want to unstopper Dumbledore, Snape is now in a far stronger position with Voldemort.

[kali_kali]

Yes!

That's all I can say really. Wonderful theory, and you've sold me on it.

[ptyx]

It's perfect. I can see no flaw in your theory.

[ptyx]

I'm reccing your essay on my LJ.

[felicitys_mind]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed reading it.

[bronze_ribbons]

Wow. Thank you for the thought-provoking read! (Here via ptyx.)