Snape as Head of Slytherin

[foxmoth at qnet.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 30686

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., dsslouisville at y... wrote:
  I  am not a huge Snape fan, and must say that I am 
slightly disturbed  everytime that he blatantly abuses his power 
intimidate and harass  Gryffindors.  

> You would never see the another HoH, such as McGonagall, 
threaten to  poison someone's pet by testing their schoolwork on 
it.  I think the  question is why does Dumbledore allow the 
harassment unchecked on  Gryffindor, esp. HRH and N?  Is he 
trying to toughen them up for the  upcoming battle?  Has he 
given Snape instructions to this end?

  JKR has said that Dumbledore wants the students to encounter 
all sorts of people. I think Gryffindors, especially,  tend to 
assume that they're entitled to universal love and admiration.   
It's possible that both  Dumbledore and  Snape consider this a 
very dangerous attitude. 
  I think Snape's dislike of the kids is genuine, but it also serves 
a purpose. Most adult wizards have a soft spot for Harry, and for 
Neville too, seemingly. Those who don't  pretend to.  It would be 
very dangerous for these kids to grow up assuming that 
everyone in the wizarding world is their friend. 

Pippin