Snape in love

[Bonnie Kretschmer]

No: HPFGUIDX 3513

--- Amanda Lewanski <editor at t...> wrote:
> Oh, but I see such tragic possibilities, too....Snape's no
> longer in a position, with the return of Voldemort, to be free
> to love anyone (by which I mean to expose them to potential
> danger by acknowledging a relationship or even feelings). In
> my opinion, Snape clearly has some less-than-safe role to play
> with the Death Eaters. What a lousy time to find the love of
> your life.

Actually the rumor is that Snape will find love in Book 7.
If that is the case, then (with the downfall of Voldemort)
Snape would actually be quite free to love and do so quite
happily.

However the basis for the rumor also supports the Lily love
story line which I tend to think is more likely, even if I
would personally prefer to see Snape live happily ever after.

> So while Snape may be launched into a redemptive pattern
> (great term),

Thanks, but not mine, see below.

> I don't think he'll find fulfillment this time either (I am
> of the loved-Lily school). 

So am I, however I think there is room for both of these story
lines together.  After all, there is nothing to cure a broken
heart like a new love.  :o)

> At least, if he denies love himself this time, instead of
> being dumped, it's a bit more noble.  

True, as well as being better on the self-esteem.  :o)  However,
I think that if the future Mrs. Snape doesn't show herself until
book 7, he may not have to deny himself anything....

> And where did you get hold of the rumor that he falls in love,
> again?
> 
> --Amanda

I think the Snape-falling-in-love rumor started because of a
radio interview with Christopher Lydon on WBUR's The Connection.

Below is a transcript of the section on Snape (made available
to me by Angie_v10 on the coolboards group).  You can listen to
the whole interview in RealAudio on their web page - which I did.

Lydon: What about Snape?

Rowling: OK, Snape is the -- a very sadistic teacher. Loosely
     based on a teacher I myself had, I have to say. I think
     it -- children are very aware -- and we -- we're kidding
     ourselves if we don't think that they are -- that teachers
     do sometimes abuse their power. And this particular teacher
     does abuse his power. He's not a -- he's not a particularly
     pleasant person at all. However ... everyone should keep their
     eye on Snape, I'll just say that, because there's more to him
     than meets the eye, and you will find out part of what I'm
     talking about if you read Book Four. And no, I'm not trying
     to drum up more sales, go to the library and get it out, I'd
     rather people read it --

Lydon: One of our -- one of our Internet correspondents wondered
     if Snape is going to fall in love.

Rowling (laughing): Yeah ... who on earth would want Snape in
     love with them? That is a very horrible idea.

My note: *I think the rumor was started by the initial automatic
reaction that JKR had: that "yeah".  However, after hearing it 
myself, I think it was meant as more sarcastic, as in, "yeah,
like that would happen ... NOT!"  So, as I said before, not
ironclad, but still an interesting thought.*

Lydon: Well, you get an important kind of redemptive pattern
     with Snape, and then -- 

*Yes, this is where I got that cool phrase.  I wish I could take
credit for it, but I can't.*  *sheepish grin*

Rowling: It -- it is, isn't it? I -- I -- there's so much I wish
     I could say to you, and I can't because it ruins -- I -- I
     promise you -- whoever asked that question, can I just say to
     you that I'm -- I'm slightly stunned that you've said that,
     and you'll find out why I'm so stunned if you read Book Seven.
     And that's all I'm going to say.

*Thus the rumor was born that Snape falls in love in book 7.*

As you can see, she could also very easily be talking about Snape
being in love with Lily and that we find out about it in book 7.
After all, she has also said that we will find out much about Lily
in books 5 and 7, including something quite astonishing in book 7.

Hope that helps!
Bonnie