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

[hilary_tamar at hotmail.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 1842

--- In HPforGrownups at egroups.com, Dr M M <drmm at J...> wrote:
> 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.

I agree with you on the matter of loyalty. Not sure I'd peg him as 
having only those two emotions, though he can get ... intense about 
things.

He's also REAL good at holding a grudge.

> 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.  

Neither can I. 

>But if Snape had fallen
> in love with Lily this dislike could easily turn to hatred.  

I'm going to offer an alternate theory that still fits in with your 
theory of Snape's emotions. What if it wasn't Lily Snape was in love 
with, but James? 

Consider handsome, smart, athletic, popular James Potter -- a 
crush could develop quite easily. It may not even have been 
homoerotic, though that would be a really interesting twist -- it 
could have been plain hero-worship. Think Colin Creavy, only more so.

It would make him predisposed to hate Sirius, too, out of jealousy.

Then when Sirius pulled that vicious prank on Snape, and James went 
along with it until the last minute, well, how would you feel? 

I'd be pissed. Especially if James reacted to Snape's love/crush 
(platonic or otherwise) with disdain or derision. 

And yes, I know they were in different houses, but that wouldn't stop 
an attachment from growing, especially since Slytherin and Gryffindor 
have classes together.

> Snape's actions toward Harry seem frequently contradictory, and 
>IMO, seem much more explainable by the Snape/Lily theory. 
 
Or by seeing James physically reborn in Harry. They seem to have 
similar personality traits, too.

> 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.

While I can hold a grudge as long as the next person, Snape's strikes 
me as too obsessive. I do worry about him.

> 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.  

Ditto on this being my opinion. 

>I just know I like the idea.

So do many other people, I guess. Takes all kinds. <grin, duck & run>

Another objection I have to the Snape/Lily thing is that it's just 
too sappy for words. Way too romance novel for my tastes. Not to 
mention very convenient. And if JKR DOES use it as the raison d'etre 
for Snape's actions, I shall be physically ill. <g>

I'm re-reading PoA now (The British ediion. Three cheers for Canadian 
bookstores!) and hope to develop my theory further after I'm done 
with it.

ht