Is Snape being mind-controlled or truly in league with Quirrel (or pretending to be)?
From Ch. 77, Quirrell confronts Snape in a discussion that touches on Snape’s loyalties and the 3rd floor corridor. It ends with this:
The Potions Master looked like he was about to choke on his own fury. “What do you want? ”
“Nothing, really,” said the Defense Professor, continuing to gaze at the forest ceiling. “I was only curious. I suppose I shall just watch and see where your plotting goes, and meanwhile I will say nothing to the Headmaster—so long as you are willing to do me a favor now and then, of course.” A dry smile crossed the face. “You are dismissed for now, Severus Snape. Though I wouldn’t mind having another little chat soon, if you’re willing to speak with me honestly of where your loyalties lie. And I do mean honestly, not the false faces you’ve shown today. You might find you have more allies than you thought. Take some time to think it over, my friend.”
Snape in canon is one hell of an occlumens. When Sprout is being controlled by Quirrel, she is described as blank-eyed:
Ch. 104:
At that the Herbology Professor turned to face not-Susan, her expression vacant, a new set of plant tentacles rising in the air behind her.
Ch. 105:
A blank-eyed Professor Sprout had now risen from the ground and was pointing her own wand at Harry.
Snape seems normal:
Ch. 105:
The Defense Professor stepped back, and began to move his left fingers in the air as though manipulating a puppet on strings.
Professor Snape pushed himself up from the ground by smooth motions, and stood once more before the corridor door.
Ch. 106:
After a single step into Dumbledore’s forbidden chamber, Harry shrieked and jumped back and collided with Professor Snape, sending the two of them down in a heap.
Professor Snape picked himself up and resumed standing in front of the door. His head tracked to look at Harry. “I am guarding this door at the Headmaster’s orders,” said Professor Snape in his usual sardonic tones. “Be off with you at once, or I shall deduct House Points.”
Is Snape being mind-controlled or truly in league with Quirrel (or pretending to be)?
From Ch. 77, Quirrell confronts Snape in a discussion that touches on Snape’s loyalties and the 3rd floor corridor. It ends with this:
Snape in canon is one hell of an occlumens. When Sprout is being controlled by Quirrel, she is described as blank-eyed:
Ch. 104:
Ch. 105:
Snape seems normal: Ch. 105:
Ch. 106: