How Snape is like Harry

[Cindy C.]

No: HPFGUIDX 28943

Cindy wrote:

> 
>Snape 
> clearly knows that Dumbledore has 
> > kept it quiet that Lupin is a werewolf.  <<snip>>.  Then, when 
> that doesn't work, he just blabs it 
> > straight out.
> > 
> > I'd say that this amounts to disobeying Dumbledore's wishes, 
> and 
> > Snape is lucky he doesn't get tossed out on his ear for it.  (OK, 
> > that would never happen, but I can dream, can't I?)
> 
>

Pippin wrote:

> Lupin "accidentally" forgot to take his potion, also disobeying 
> Dumbledore's wishes, and endangering the whole school. 
> It's only then that Snape "accidentally" lets slip that Lupin is a 
> werewolf. 

I'm not sure it's entirely fair to compare Lupin forgetting to take 
his potion with Snape revealing that Lupin is a werewolf.  When Lupin 
forgets, it is because he is racing off to assist in the capture of 
Pettigrew and to protect three students.  Lupin's forgetfulness is 
not deliberate; transforming is painful, and his job is at risk, not 
to mention the safety of the students and staff.  Definitely an 
accident, IMHO.

On the other hand, when Snape "let it slip" that Lupin is a werewolf, 
he is doing it deliberately and with malice.  There really shouldn't 
be any doubt that it was deliberate in light of Snape's prior conduct 
to encourage discovery of Lupin's secret.  Lupin's description of 
Snape's revealing the secret seems intended as sarcasm, consistent 
with Lupin's general reluctance to criticize another teacher in front 
of students.  Definitely *not* an accident, IMHO.  

Pippin wrote:

> Snape probably felt that his silence was conditional on 
> Lupin holding up his end of the deal <snip>.

If so, then Snape is inappropriately operating as judge, jury and 
executioner, and it certainly wouldn't be the first time.  I didn't 
appreciate that "maybe the dementors will have a kiss for [Lupin] 
too" remark.  As Amy said, Snape really must learn to bring these 
issues to Dumbledore and let him sort things out, despite Snape's 
vindictive, closed-minded, vengeful, mean-spirited approach to life.

Cindy (who is on a real anti-Snape tear today)