New Member/Snape

[ebyneezy at netzero.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 11977

New here.  Trying to read all the old posts, but it takes awhile.  
Sorry if you've already discussed this, but some of my lawschool 
classmates and I have just gotten attracted to the books and 
wondering about Snape's true character.  

I don't think that Snape hates teaching.  Someone back there was 
referring to the Paper Chase.  I have definitely seen worse 
professors.  We think his behavior is just a reflection of something 
in his past.  But, there's the question isn't it.  We know that he 
came to school with great knowledge of Dark Arts, became a DE, and 
then returned to the good side.  But, why did he have so much 
knowledge, and join the DE?  What would make his return after going 
that far?  And why does he have such a hatred for Harry?  

We were thinking that maybe his family was tied to the dark side.  
And, it would seem that it would take something drastic to bring him 
back.  I usually don't put must weight into rumors, but the idea that 
Snape may have been in love with Lily makes some sense.  That would 
explain why he would have left Vold (he could have been the one that 
told V was afterr the Potters) and would explain his extreme jealousy 
of James (stole Lily), Sirius (thought he caused her death), and 
Harry (James' son).  Any thoughts?