[HPforGrownups] Snape as Death Eater

[Horst or Rebecca J. Bohner]

No: HPFGUIDX 14292

Margaret Dean wrote:

> I dunno . . . I think it gives Snape more depth if he's allowed
> to be nasty as part of his true personality, rather than it being
> a put-on of any kind.  (That's my one problem with the otherwise
> excellent and moving fic "The Potion-Master's Apprentice.")

I agree with you, actually:  there is that aspect to him, and if I write a
sequel I'm going to talk about it, specifically as it relates to Harry and
the Marauders (for whom, I do agree, Snape really *does* have some nasty
vicious feelings).  It just didn't come up in this one.

I think Snape resents that James Potter's son is so crucial to Dumbledore's
plans to defeat Voldemort (as I think Harry really is) and that Dumbledore
puts so much faith in Harry, shows him so much trust and gives him such
freedom to act.  What would have happened in any of the first four books if
Harry had screwed up?  Something pretty dire, for sure.  I think Snape knows
that, and it really ticks him off because

a) he wants to see Voldemort defeated and as far as he's concerned, there's
too much at stake to play games with uncertainties;

and ironically

b) Harry *hasn't* screwed up so far, which means that Dumbledore's faith in
him might not be excessive or misplaced after all.

I also agree with those who say Snape is jealous of Dumbledore's closeness
with Harry, because Dumbledore's friendship and trust is one of the few
things that Snape really prizes in his own life, and it's hard for him to
share it with the son of the man he always envied.

Just my thoughts on the subject.
--
Rebecca