Why Doesn’t Snape Tell Anyone at Hogwarts That Pettigrew is a Traitor?

During the events depicted in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the true identity of Peter Pettigrew as a traitor becomes clearer, yet many wonder why Severus Snape, who should have critical insight, doesn’t expose him to the rest of the Hogwarts community. This article explores the reasons behind Snape’s silence and the complexity of his role as a double agent.

Snape's Role as a Double Agent

Until Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PoA), no one at Hogwarts truly believes Sirius Black’s innocence. This is, in part, because Snape, as a double agent, is bound by secrets of his own. He cannot come from the cold to reveal Pettigrew’s treachery, even when he despises him.

Cell System in the Death Eaters

One crucial factor to consider is the cell system used in the Death Eaters. Here, each member only knew a few of their fellow members due to the risk of betrayal. The division between Pettigrew and Snape ensured that Ragpetter won’t inform on each other to Voldemort. Voldemort, being a master of control, wouldn't let these potential defectors share too much information, thus preserving the cohesion of the faction.

Snape and Dumbledore’s Knowledge

While the full extent of Snape’s knowledge in PoA remains ambiguous, it’s possible that Dumbledore was aware of Pettigrew’s true identity and intentions. However, Dumbledore’s knowledge wouldn’t have significantly changed the course of events. Without tangible evidence of Pettigrew’s betrayal, even with Dumbledore’s support, Sirius Black would still be considered a fugitive and would need to escape to avoid being arrested.

Snape's Antipathy and Hatred

Snape’s hatred and antipathy towards Sirius Black, especially after Black’s alleged betrayal, add another layer of complexity. Dumbledore’s trust in Harry’s testimony may have been pivotal, and Snape’s belief in his own legitimacy as a defender of the Dark Lord likely prevent him from acknowledging Voldemort’s death under Pettigrew’s influence.

The Quirks of the Narrative

J.K. Rowling’s narrative often includes elements that serve the story more than they do common sense. For instance, the cell system in the Death Eaters is established for convenience, allowing the story to move forward without the need for an overly detailed explanation of Voldemort’s modus operandi. While it may seem illogical that each Death Eater only knew the identities of select others, this serves the plot by maintaining the secrecy and unity of the faction.

Additionally, Rowling’s narrative often reflects themes and character developments more than practical convenience. Severus Snape, having only just turned to the Dark Lord, wasn’t privy to all of Voldemort’s secrets and confidences. This further explains his silence regarding Wormtail’s betrayal.

Conclusion

Snape's silence concerning Pettigrew's betrayal is deeply rooted in his role as a double agent, the complex cell system of the Death Eaters, and the strategic need to preserve the faction's unity. While his actions may seem questionable from an ethical standpoint, they are integral to the intricate narrative of the Harry Potter series.