Snape? A father figure? Ewwwwww

[siriusgeologist]

No: HPFGUIDX 37961

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "archgarchus" <Kimstr at h...> wrote:
> Dear Captain Tabouli,
> 

>   JKR is brilliant in that despite all of Snape's disagreeableness 
> and rancor, he is really the only true "father" figure in the 
series 
> to Harry. 

Okay I only occasionally drop in on this list (I'm an old timer who 
generally only shows up to defend Sirius) and I'm definitely NOT a 
Snape-lover nor do I hold with the Snape-James-Lily 
triangle...generally makes me want to gag.  That all said up front 
you might not want to read any further....

But might I respectfully say, ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?  SNAPE A 
FATHER FIGURE, to HARRY?????

With a father figure like that who the heck needs the Durseleys? 


>I can hear the protests now...What about Dumbledore and 
> Lupin and Black? Well, I would argue that Dumbledore is more of a 
> grandfather figure. He helps Harry certainly, but he is by nature a 
> more "distant" character...aloof and benevolent. Lupin and Black 
are 
> the proverbial "uncles". Their concern for Harry, as thus far shown 
> in the series, is powerful but isolated. Thus, it is Snape who 
> actively and consistently protects Harry (Most evident in SS and 
> GoF). And, never forget the look that Snape gives Harry at the end 
of 
> GoF. 

Sure he protects Harry in SS because of some twisted sense of 
obligations to satisfy a life debt.  But come on....Snape has 
ridiculed, taunted, and just been wholly unpleasant to Harry and his 
friends, how can you possible suggest that he's been "a true father 
figure"  He's not showing Harry how to love or be loved. Most of the 
time he appears to be a seething mass of resentment towards Harry. He 
isn't offering any guidance through the perils of the wizarding 
world.  He hasn't offered Harry anything overtly except malice and 
sarcasm.  What kind of example is JKR setting up if she intends Snape 
to be a father figure to Harry?  Seems to me he's trying to get Harry 
expelled at first possible convenience.

Yes Sirius is only able to appear occasionally, but look at the 
interaction between them.  Harry trusts him to ask advice, goes to 
him for support guidance.  Sirius Listens to Harry without malice 
without ridicule and abuse.  I'm sorry but for a rle model Sirius is 
a bit more Fatherly than anything I've seen out of Snape.

I'd agree that Dumbledore is distant, retaining the role as 
benevolent headmaster, and Lupin the role of uncle...but Harry is 
definitely beginning to see Sirius as a father figure.  Sirius 
definitely undertook that role in GoF.  How you ever came to a 
conclusion that Snape was being portrayed in that role I will never 
know.

BTW...none of the above rant is meant to be any kind of personal 
attack, just a vehement stating of my opinion...no malice 
intended...not even the part about losing your mind.

A Sirius Defender

Carole