There are lots of debates about the werewolf prank. I wanted to address the argument some Marauder stans make that Snape should not have trusted anything Sirius said/that Snape was dumb to listen to Sirius. (Inspired by another post.)
For the sake of this argument, let’s put aside the debate on whether or not Snape knows Lupin is a werewolf at that point. That’s a separate argument; let’s focus only on whether or not Snape should have operated on any word of Sirius Black’s. Sirius is his bully after all.
Saying that Snape should have expected Sirius to put him in a situation where he would have died horrifically (and Remus would have killed him) means that Snape should have expected Sirius to be a murderer and a total sicko. For comparison, DRACO doesn’t turn in Harry at the manor, nor does Harry let Draco die in the room of requirement. That argument (that Snape was dumb to trust Sirius wouldn’t lead him to a gruesome death) says, Snape should have expected Sirius to be a complete trash human being/the lowest of the low. Because death by werewolf wouldn’t be quick or painless. Snape would have been MAULED to death by teeth and claws.
How badly does your school bully have to bully you that you automatically assume they are trying to get you MAULED TO DEATH when they interact with you? That’s worse than name calling and mild pranks, right? Anyone who claims Snape was dumb to listen to Sirius accepts the premise that Sirius was a nightmare bully. Someone whom you expect by default to cause you major bodily harm. Someone whom you would logically assume is trying to kill you when they say say something as simple as prod the knot on that tree. (And remember, Lupin says Snape glimpsed him at the end of the tunnel; Snape never actually went inside the Shrieking shack. He was somewhere in the tunnel when James saved him.)
You’re basically saying if Snape believes Lupin is a werewolf, Snape should expect Sirius is fine with him getting horrifically mauled to death by his friend in werewolf form. Or, if Snape has no clue Lupin is a werewolf, Snape should still expect Sirius might kill him another way (maybe by being bludgeoned to death by the whomping willow). Snape is a healthy 15 year old; he has no reason to assume he is in danger of death. If he were to die, he wouldn’t keel over; his death would have to be brought about by violent circumstances.
Subscribing to the idea Snape was dumb to listen to Sirius Black and not instantly assume Sirius was leading him to his death means subscribing to the idea that Sirius is a vicious, dangerous bully. An actual criminal capable of planning out murder. (So you Marauder stans, don’t tell me the marauders didn’t bully Snape if you think he should have had second thoughts about looking in the willow tunnel).
