MY 4th Scene Analysis

JKR words in green my analysis in Silver

Beginning thoughts- This scene is so powerful, and actually contains the major themes of the plot. The dialogue between Moody and Snape, two DEs, shows us the power (image)of deception.(and symbol of the invisibility cloak) And both characters give so much away about themselves, but subtly-the Slytherin way. The ironic tone of the novel is captured within this scene.
And Potter has no idea! Again with the irony!
(pg 469).Filch stopped a few steps below Harry and turned. At the foot of the stairs stood the only person who could make Harry's situation worse: Snape. He was wearing a long gray nightshirt and he looked livid.
"Its Peeves, Professor," Filch whispered malevolently. "He threw this egg down the stairs."
Snape climbed up the stairs quickly and stopped beside Filch. Harry gritted his teeth, convinced his loudly thumping heart would give him away at any second. . ..
"Peeves?" said Snape softly, staring at the egg in Filch's hands. "But Peeves couldn't get into my office. . . ."
"This egg was in your office. Professor?"
"Of course not," Snape snapped. "I heard banging and wailing -"
"Yes, Professor, that was the egg -"
"- I was coming to investigate -"
"- Peeves threw it. Professor -"
"- and when I passed my office, I saw that the torches were lit and a cupboard door was ajar! Somebody has been searching it!"
"But Peeves couldn't -"
"I know he couldn't, Filch!" Snape snapped again. "I seal my office
(470).with a spell none but a wizard could break!" Snape looked up the stairs, straight through Harry, and then down into the corridor below. "I want you to come and help me search for the intruder, Filch."
Two opposite objectives are trying to work at the same time. Notice that both work within their objectives, disregarding the other. The way they fight for importance (shown by Finch and Snape cutting each other off) can indicate a theme that we tend to deem our objectives more important than anyone elses, because they are ours, and they impact us personally.
Perhaps the question is, where does Snape sleep so that he could hear the wailing of the egg? Or perhaps he came for the same reason that Potter came- that he has a Marauders map (of sorts) and was coming to see why Crouch was in his office. I mean, the incident of the 3rd book, Snape might have realized how important and useful tool a map could be, so he got one. ( I dunno). That would fit if he is lying to Filch here. But I think he's more of a "partner" with Filch (they do have similar values) so he might be telling the truth. So he wouldn't lie to Finch. This is further shown by the fact that he wants Finch to help him search for the intruder.
"I - yes, Professor - but -" Filch looked yearningly up the stairs, right through Harry, who could see that he was very reluctant to forgo the chance of cornering Peeves. Go, Harry pleaded with him silently, go with Snape . . . go. . . Mrs. Norris was peering around Filch's legs.... Harry had the distinct impression that she could smell him.. . . Why had he filled that bath with so much perfumed foam?
"The thing is, Professor," said Filch plaintively, "the headmaster will have to listen to me this time. Peeves has been stealing from a student, it might be my chance to get him thrown out of the castle once and for all -"
"Filch, I don't give a damn about that wretched poltergeist; it's my office that's -"
Actually, one could parallel Filch's hate of Peeves to Snape's hatred of Potter! Think about it! Snape always (outwardly) wants Potter expelled for all the bad stuff he's done, right? And yet Potter hasn't, because (1) of who he is and (2) the result is never bad. Peeves is always causing mischief, but for some reason (Rowling has promised us more info on the ghosts in the later books) he hasn't been kicked out. So he's feeling the same resentment toward Peeves as Snape has toward Potter!
And the way Filch goes about Peeves is annoying- I'm reminded of the times that Snape has made some random comment about Potter and Minerva or Dumbledore has basically said "Severus, I don't give a damn about Potter's involvement."
Or- they are letting their perceptions and hatred rule their judgements. That's why for both of them, whenever something bad happens, it jumps to Potter\Peeves (depending who you are)
The foam mention is cool, because it indicates that too much vanity can be a vice. Case in point-Lockhart. But, Snape has the opposite problem.
Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.
Snape stopped talking very abruptly. He and Filch both looked down at the foot of the stairs. Harry saw Mad-Eye Moody limp into sight through the narrow gap between their heads. Moody was wearing his old traveling cloak over his nightshirt and leaning on his staff as usual.
"Pajama party, is it?" he growled up the stairs.
"Professor Snape and I heard noises, Professor," said Filch at once. "Peeves the Poltergeist, throwing things around as usual - and then Professor Snape discovered that someone had broken into his off -"
"Shut up!" Snape hissed to Filch.
(471). Moody took a step closer to the foot of the stairs.
Now enters the real opposite force. Filch is cast aside and the two opposites fight. See how Snape goes into defensive mode with the hissed "Shut up!" If others were around, then he would act his usual way- cool and calm, not feeling nervous, not showing his nervousness in such an open manner (well, open for him). But since he perceives that no one is there-not even Potter-(and due to the fact that Filch is more of an associate)-he can react in a greater defense, and well...in fear. I mean, "Moody" was an Auror, made to hunt down DE's. This might indicate a previous experience with "Moody" we don't know about.
And notice where Snape cuts off Filch- in the middle of the word "office." He doesn't want "Moody" to know he knew someone was in the office. Some could even interpret that Snape knew "Moody" was not himself even this early in the book- but look at the scene when they find out who "Moody" really is. He doesn't know. He is operating like a Slytherin- don't give away anything that they don't think the other person knows. Snape is operating that this "Moody" is really "Moody" -which is juicy ironic.
Harry saw Moody's magical eye travel over Snape, and then, unmistakably, onto himself. Harry's heart gave a horrible jolt. Moody could see through Invisibility Cloaks... he alone could see the full strangeness of the scene: Snape in his nightshirt, Filch clutching the egg, and he, Harry, trapped in the stairs behind them.
Moody's lopsided gash of a mouth opened in surprise. For a few seconds, he and Harry stared straight into each other's eyes. Then Moody closed his mouth and turned his blue eye upon Snape again. "Did I hear that correctly, Snape?" he asked slowly. "Someone broke into your office?"
The magical eye is a metaphor for the sense of logic and deduction and shrewdness of Snape to put pieces together. In using the same idea of 'eye', it allows for both 'Moody's' and Snape's concept of shrewdness to be compared. "Moody" is surprised to find Potter there- though magical means, "Moody" is aware of the truth of the reality, like Potter witnessing this midnight scene. Snape is now the one working in falsehoods when in so many other cases he was ahead of the game by his logic, furthering the ironic tone of the scene.
And now a game between the DE's start, each one lying, trying to fabricate a false truth for the other one to follow.
Something tells me "Moody" is not as good as a Slytherin as Snape is- jux how "Moody" and Snape hide their feelings. Snape's energy is very inward, and he doesn't allow himself to react (typical DE behaviour). But look at "Moody"- his mouth opens in disbelief and he stares at Harry. This should tell us that "Moody" is odd- for if it was the real Moody, something tells me he would not open his mouth if he saw something- it would be too obvious- and to fight DE's you have to act like them- secretive, closed.
In short, he breaks character. Its the first sign we have that Moody is not who he says he is.
"It is unimportant," said Snape coldly.
"On the contrary," growled Moody, "it is very important. Who'd want to break into your office?" "A student, I daresay," said Snape. Harry could see a vein flickering horribly on Snape's greasy temple. "It has happened before. Potion ingredients have gone missing from my private store cupboard ... students attempting illicit mixtures, no doubt...."
"Reckon they were after potion ingredients, eh?" said Moody. "Not hiding anything else in your office, are you?" Harry saw the edge of Snapes sallow face turn a nasty brick color, the vein in his temple pulsing more rapidly.
I keep seeing this scene as a chess game. Hiding true intentions, just like a Slytherin would. See how fast Snape changes the importance of his objective in jux. to "Moody"?
This is the first mention of a vein "flickering horribly". We are seeing that perhaps he is scared. He's letting his emotions crawl into his behavior, but he's trying to mask them with his voice. He's trying, but I think "Moody" sees the frustration, and keep pushing his advantage. What Harry is taking as grease on Snape's forehead could might as well be sweat. This definitely brings new dimensions to Snape's character.
(Note- jux this scene to the one Snape has in the Shrieking Shack in the III book. I think the roles are reversed)
The use of "hiding" both creates an irony (they are both definitely hiding something) and yet they both adamantly deny it. They are really so similar!
"You know I'm hiding nothing, Moody," he said in a soft and dangerous voice, "as you've searched my office pretty thoroughly yourself." Moody's face twisted into a smile.
YES! BECAUSE "MOODY" HAS JUST GOT DONE SEARCHING HIS OFFICE! YOU SHOULD BE SMILING AT THE IRONY!!!! Its not just JKR smiling, its Moody too!
"Auror's privilege, Snape. Dumbledore told me to keep an eye -"
(472). "Dumbledore happens to trust me," said Snape through clenched teeth. "I refuse to believe that he gave you orders to search my office!"
" 'Course Dumbledore trusts you," growled Moody. "He's a trusting man, isn't he? Believes in second chances. But me - I say there are spots that don't come off, Snape. Spots that never come off, d'you know what I mean?"
Snape suddenly did something very strange. He seized his left forearm convulsively with his right hand, as though something on it had hurt him. Moody laughed. "Get back to bed, Snape."
And the trust issue- "Moody" continues to push his advantage by lying to Snape- Snape seeing this as a lie, retorts. I love the way that "Moody" mixes the trust issue with the Dark Mark. This tells me that there was a real Moody and Snape interaction in the past, because if there wasn't Snape would have been thrown off by the fact that Moddy would not have known he was a DE. (Of course, if the list was made public, or something like that, then its possible). "Moody" is also saying to Snape - "Once a DE, always a DE", pushing "Moody"'s ideal that he hates anyone who has betrayed Dumbledore.
This is so sad, really. Snape is always right, in some way. And someone always tells him he's wrong. Its sad- no wonder he's relied on the laws to get positive reinforcement.
"You don't have the authority to send me anywhere!" Snape hissed, letting go of his arm as though angry with himself. "I have as much right to prowl this school after dark as you do!"
"Prowl away," said Moody, but his voice was full of menace. "I look forward to meeting you in a dark corridor some time....
Snape's like a little kid! I can see him mentally stamping his foot, saying "I don't hafta listen to you!" but in vain. (ah ha- "vain" and "vein" - play on words? Oh. Funny, JKR) He knows he's losing. I think also that we see how crazy "Moody" is- saying he's ready to fight Snape anytime...even in Dumbledore's environment.
...You've dropped something, by the way. ..." With a stab of horror. Harry saw Moody point at the Marauders Map, still lying on the staircase six steps below him. As Snape and Filch both turned to look at it, Harry threw caution to the winds; he raised his arms under the cloak and waved furiously at Moody to attract his attention, mouthing "It's mine! Mine!"
Power of outside influences and how they don't really impact the person so convinced in their reality.
Snape had reached out for it, a horrible expression of dawning comprehension on his face -
"Accio Parchment!" The map flew up into the air, slipped through Snape's outstretched fingers, and soared down the stairs into Moody's hand.
"My mistake," Moody said calmly. "It's mine - must've dropped it earlier -"
Enter shrewdness of Snape. He has found something which might help him win this game.
(473). But Snape's black eyes were darting from the egg in Filch's arms to the map in Moody's hand, and Harry could tell he was putting two and two together, as only Snape could. . . .
"Potter," he said quietly.
"What's that?" said Moody calmly, folding up the map and pocketing it
Moody's oblivious! Has no clue! Oh, how the tides have turned! One thought must be running through his mind- Potter has both seen him let down his shield, and that fact that he is out so late. I think the former reason is relatively minor to the last, because his true motive (protection) comes into play. its cool how Snape manages both at the same time and that managing in both forms such a mangled image (as in what happens next).
"Potter!" Snape snarled, and he actually turned his head and stared right at the place where Harry was, as though he could suddenly see him. "That egg is Potters egg. That piece of parchment belongs to Potter. I have seen it before, I recognize it! Potter is here! Potter, in his Invisibility Cloak!" Snape stretched out his hands like a blind man and began to move up the stairs; Harry could have sworn his over-large nostrils were dilating, trying to sniff Harry out - trapped. Harry leaned backward, trying to avoid Snape's fingertips, but any moment now-
This is quite an interesting image. Snape realizes how much Moody has revealed about himself to someone else (yes, even if it is Potter). Perhaps this is a symbolic image of an epiphany. One clue (in this case, the Map) is enough for Snape to realize he's missing something- in this case, Potter. The way he walks around, hands outstretched, like a blind man, has been used in many works as how humans go through life- blind. And that some things in life are hit and miss (the way Snape randomly walks around).
"There's nothing there, Snape!" barked Moody, "but I'll be happy to tell the headmaster how quickly your mind jumped to Harry Potter!"
"Meaning what?" Snape turned again to look at Moody, his hands still outstretched, inches from Harry's chest.
Personification as to how people and how much we deem their importance to our being can stop us from attaining the truth. IRONY!
And I bet, Potter's pretty nervous right now!
"Meaning that Dumbledore's very interested to know who's got it in for that boy!" said Moody, limping nearer still to the foot of the stairs. "And so am I, Snape . . . very interested...." The torchlight flickered across his mangled face, so that the scars, and the chunk missing from his nose, looked deeper and darker than ever.
Snape was looking down at Moody, and Harry couldn't see the expression on his face. For a moment, nobody moved or said anything. Then Snape slowly lowered his hands.
Another important image of Snape he must maintain - That by chasing after Potter in such a crazed way, he might be taken as wanting to hurt Potter (I can see those same hands trying to choke Potter). That's why he stopped. He must have realized how crazy he looked, and because he has to maintain two personalities (tough guy and caring for Potter) he stops.
(474)."I merely thought," said Snape, in a voice of forced calm, "that if Potter was wandering around after hours again ... it's an unfortunate habit of his ... he should be stopped. For - for his own safety."
"Ah, I see," said Moody softly. "Got Potter's best interests at heart, have you?" There was a pause. Snape and Moody were still staring at each other, Mrs. Norris gave a loud meow, still peering around Filch's legs, looking for the source of Harry's bubble-bath smell.
Nice break from the tension- that Meow from Ms. Norris. I think Snape realizes that he already lost.
"I think I will go back to bed," Snape said curtly.
"Best idea you've had all night," said Moody. "Now, Filch, if you'll just give me that egg-"
"No!" said Filch, clutching the egg as though it were his firstborn son. "Professor Moody, this is evidence of Peeves' treachery!"
"It's the property of the champion he stole it from," said Moody. Hand it over, now." Snape swept downstairs and passed Moody without another word. Filch made a chirruping noise to Mrs. Norris, who stared blankly at Harry for a few more seconds before turning and following her master. Still breathing very fast. Harry heard Snape walking away down the corridor; Filch handed Moody the egg and disappeared from view too, muttering to Mrs. Norris. "Never mind. my sweet.. . we'll see Dumbledore in the morning ... tell him what Peeves was up to...."