Why would Snape want to bump off Malfoy, no matter where his loyalties lie (and who do you guys think you're kidding?) I mean, as far as we know, the second clause of the Unbreakable Vow, where he swears to protect Malfoy, is still in effect. It's the only thing that could keep Malfoy around for the seventh book, frankly.
Y'know, there really was something different in the style of OotP. That one I took ages to adjust to, but this one's in my system like highly emotional sugar.
Did those of you who
didn't think Dumbledore was going to die note that "anguish" was a bit of a strong word to use for Rufus Scrimgeour being a butthead? Ah well, it's still a pithy quote, even if it's JKR's most poorly-placed land mine to date.
Oh, interview. Not that it'll do any good - I have experience with denial and interviews - but here:
Emerson's Interview wrote:
MA: OK, big big big book six question. Is Snape evil?
JKR: [Almost laughing] Well, you've read the book, what do you think?
ES: She's trying to make you say it categorically.
MA: Well, there are conspiracy theorists, and there are people who will claim -
JKR: Cling to some desperate hope [laughter] -
ES: Yes!
MA: Yes!
ES: Like certain shippers we know!
[All laugh]
JKR: Well, okay, I'm obviously – Harry-Snape is now as personal, if not more so, than Harry-Voldemort. I can't answer that question because it's a spoiler, isn't it, whatever I say, and obviously, it has such a huge impact on what will happen when they meet again that I can't. And let's face it, it's going to launch 10,000 theories and I'm going to get a big kick out of reading them so [laughs] I'm evil but I just like the theories, I love the theories.
Do what you will; but I will hinder it if I may.
-- Eowyn of the Mark