Snape/Lily and why it makes sense . . . (at least to me) -- part 1

[Dr M M]

No: HPFGUIDX 1806

As promised, here comes my longwinded analysis of why I think Snape was
in love with Lily.  And of course, after explaining that Snape's actions
are best explained by this belief . . . attempt to convert you to this
belief >:) And in rather good timing considering some of the recent
posts. . . 

First off, I'm going to give a brief explanation of how I see Snape's
personality as much of what I think is based on my judgement . . . 

Snape is an intensely emotional person.  While he doesn't want to show
the emotions all his actions are dependent on them.  However, his
emotions tend to be less moderated than most peoples.  I see him as
having two emotions, intense hate and intense love.  There's no in
between for him.  And although he might not have many loyalties he would
do anything for the people whom he is loyal too.

Now. . . on with the show. :)

1) Snape's hatred of James

We all know that Snape hated James.  What's not evident in the books so
far is *why.*  Lupin says that it's because Snape was envious of James'
Quidditch skills.  Quite frankly, I can't buy it.  I'm quite sure that
Snape couldn't stand James as a person and James probably was quite
tormenting as a child (in the ever annoying cruel child way).  However, I
can't see either of these reasons as reasoning for the intense loathing
of James that Snape has displayed.  That and plain dislike (as I see
Draco disliking Harry) are two different things.  But if Snape had fallen
in love with Lily this dislike could easily turn to hatred.  Imagine that
the woman you loved fell for and married the man whom you most despised
in the world.  Wouldn't that make you hate the man even more?  And not
only can't Snape regulate his emotions like most people, his loyalties
are so few that this would be even harder.  So, while most people would
have given up this hatred over the years Snape has been unable too.

2) Snape's interactions with Harry

Snape's actions toward Harry seem frequently contradictory, and IMO, seem
much more explainable by the Snape/Lily theory.  If Snape loved Lily and
hated James wouldn't it make sense that he couldn't *stand* to see the
byproduct (ugh, that sounds clinical) of their love walking around.  And
since it's frequently stated how much Harry looks acts like James it
would be an even bigger slap in the face.  I can't imagine anyone, and
especially Snape, who could see a mini-version of the man you hated with
the eyes of the woman without pain.  Snape, being the type of person he
is, he gets a perverse pleasure out of tormenting Harry as much as
possible.  Making Harry somewhat unhappy is the only way he can deal with
it.  That doesn't make it any more right -- just more understandable IMO.

And as I'm sure there are people going, "But if Snape loved Lily wouldn't
he care about her child even if it was also the child of a man he hated"
I'm going to say that his hatred isn't the only emotion he's going by. 
In the first book, despite the fact that Snape can't stand Harry, he
saves Harry's life.  While he may have owed James a debt by that time
(IMO) that debt has been paid by telling Dumbledore that V. is after them
(more on this later). In PoA, when Harry's life is "put in danger" by his
foolishness in going to Hogsemede he's visibly infuriated (which can be
explained both because he wants Harry to live and that Harry was
squandering his mothers sacrifice).  Again, in GoF, when Harry gets to
participate in the tournament, Snape is also upset because of the danger
that Harry could be in (and the annoyance about breaking rules can't be
the only reason).  Throughout the books Snape seems to be attempting to
protect Harry from his own foolishness.  Harry's escapades, besides
breaking countless rules, put his life in danger.  These contradictions
are best explained by Snape's love of Lily (IMO of course).

blech....That's enough out of me for the moment.  I'll post more (Snape
as a spy and Snape and Sirius) later in a part 2.

And remember, all of this is just my opinion.  I could be wrong or right
so I don't know or claim to know for sure.  I just know I like the idea.
:)

And Penny, if you want to use any of this in a Snape/Lily supporting FAQ,
go ahead ;)  I'll probably be the most vocal supporter of the idea on
this list, that's for sure.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*
DrMM can be reached at drmm at juno.com or #9689360 on ICQ
The Many Worlds of DrMM at http://drmm.simplenet.com/
Most Recent Anime: Kiki's Delivery Service
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