reius

I have a theory. I'm pretty sure of this one so here goes: I don't think Snape is a traitor at all. Everyone's sure that he'd turned when he killed Dumbledore but in my point of view, killing Dumbledore was Snape's ultimate act of loyalty. He was so loyal to their cause and to Dumbledore himself, that he made the greatest sacrifice anyone in the order could make: he sacrificed his soul. I don't particularly like Snape, at all. I love Remus and Sirius. But I think this could be true. Remember when Dumbledore said he was sure of Snape's loyalty? But everyone else thought he was just naive because why would Snape, who was spiteful and malicious, turn away from the dark when he revelled in it? This is my take: At the end of Book 6, both Remus and Harry wonder what made Dumbledore believe in Snape so? I think Snape was actually in love with Lily Potter. When they were young, Snape always got picked on by James and Crew. Lily, though, always defended him. So, when Lily went off with James, Snape's hate of the man intensified tenfold but he never got over Lily. There's a scene in the past where Voldemort tells Lily to step aside and she won't be killed. Now why would he say that? He was the ultimate murderer with no compassion whatsoever for anyone. I bet you Snape had something to do with that. He probably pleaded and begged Voldemort for that particular favor. And when Lily was killed, Snape turned from Voldemort. His hate for Master taking over his hate for James. He always protected Harry in some way because he thinks he owes Lily at least that much. Harry is Lily's son so Snape feels at least partially responsible for the boy. Snape always insults Harry's dad but never his mother. I think Snape is still upholding his duty as spy for Dumbledore and the order. He'll probably save their necks when the time comes.