I had thought of Hagrid, and then thought that he does appear to accept it, eventually. But I now think that you (or Sionna, or the Red Hen, or whoever!) must be right - it is surely significant that his first instinct is that Snape is not a murderer. And I hope that JKR does not make him Sirius's equal and opposite - because that isn't how I see them.

I'm sorry it took me so long to get round to reading this - I am rather rationing my internet access while I am finishing up the old job/moving house/ starting the new job. But hopefully I'll soon have lots of time to read more!