Snape as teacher/Ambition

[catherine at cator-manor.demon.co.uk]

No: HPFGUIDX 17116

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Dinah" <bludger_witch at y...> wrote:
> Yeah, Draco... I just thought about that yesterday while packing my 
dumb
> electric toothbrushes. Draco is not the natural pick for Severus as
> "teacher's pet". He has the ambition, that's something Snape as 
head of
> Slytherin admires naturally, but Draco doesn't want to work for
> achievements. If he wants something he uses his fathers reputation, 
his
> place in the Quidditch team is bought, he doesn't even bully people 
himself
> but lets Crabbe and Goyle do the dirty work. And he doesn't seem to 
be such
> a great student, either.
> 
> Another crucial point is that he relies heavily on Snape to get 
others
> students in trouble and to keep him out of it. I don't see Severus 
as a
> person who would normally tolerate that well.

I've been thinking about Draco and Snape as well.  I do think that 
Snape cuts the Slytherins some slack, mainly to annoy the Gryffindors 
(Telling Ron and Harry to help Draco in potions class is one such 
example).  However, I don't think the relationship is as clear cut as 
that.  The Slytherins do show respect and a certain amount of fear in 
front of Snape - they are careful never to do something directly in 
front of him.  For example, when Draco uses the fact that Snape's 
back is turned to flash his "Potter Stinks" badge.  There is also the 
scene where he is so nasty to Hermione (BTW, I'm glad I mentioned 
that - it's generated a lot of response!).  Snape turns to Draco and 
says "Explain."  Draco doesn't want to get into trouble and lies.  
Snape believes him, probably because he doesn't want to punish the 
Slytherins - but there is still the fact that Draco appreciates the 
fact that he has to be careful about what he says.
Fair in this scene?  No - he sides with his house.  But I don't think 
that it is as black and white as it seems.  (apart for the comment to 
Hermione.)

Catherine