[HPforGrownups] Does Snape like Dumbledore?

[Horst or Rebecca J. Bohner]

No: HPFGUIDX 20769

> I was just going to post a counter-question like that...Actually, I
> think Snape owes Dumbledore too much to be able to like him entirely.
> Respect him, yes. Obey him, yes. But *like* him, I don't know.

I don't know.  From everything I've seen of Snape's interactions with
Dumbledore, he's not merely warily deferential or coldly respectful, he
really seems to care very much what Dumbledore thinks, and be almost
pathetically eager for his understanding and approval.  I wouldn't say that
Snape likes Dumbledore -- I'd say that he loves* him.

There doesn't seem to be any resentment in Snape's behaviour toward
Dumbledore, and although I agree with you that Snape owes D. a huge debt, it
doesn't seem to weigh on him the way that his debt to James did.  Unless you
have some examples in mind from canon that would indicate Snape's view of
Dumbledore is tinged with bitterness -- I personally can't think of any.

I've said before and I'll say it again:  when Dumbledore goes (as I believe
he will, and soon -- my money's on the end of Book 5), I don't think anyone
will grieve for him more deeply than Severus Snape.  But being Snape, he'll
never let us see that grief, either.  He'll suffer in silence, and he'll
suffer alone.

Taking out a handkerchief and blowing my nose very loudly,
--
Rebecca J. Bohner
rebeccaj at pobox.com
http://home.golden.net/~rebeccaj

*No, not in a slashy way.  In a fatherly-mentorly way.  Sheesh.