His death is planned, but not consequence-free — His death is planned, but not consequence-free

Dumbledore and Snape arrange the headmaster's death to limit the curse's outcome, protect Draco from becoming a killer and preserve Snape's position.

The strategy is intricate, yet it makes Snape carry an isolating burden and leaves allies interpreting apparent betrayal. A controlled ending creates uncontrolled grief and suspicion.