Snape? A father figure? No, but still not bad.

[ritadear2]

No: HPFGUIDX 37969

Carole wrote:

"... how can you possible suggest that he's been "a true father 
figure" He's not showing Harry how to love or be loved."  

and I agree.  I don't think that Snape is a "father figure" for Harry 
at all.  But, I have to go on to disagree with other stuff you wrote.

"Sure he protects Harry in SS because of some twisted sense of 
obligations to satisfy a life debt."

Nah, I think he protects Harry because it is the right thing to do.  
Like Harry or not, he knows he has to protect him.  I believe that 
Snape would do the same for any student at Hogwarts.  

"But come on....Snape has ridiculed, taunted, and just been 
wholly unpleasant to Harry and his friends..."

Yup, that's right.  And how else is he supposed to behave, given 
his position?  Was he supposed to crack into a huge welcoming 
smile at the sight of Harry the first day of potions?  Maybe run 
over and give him a great big thump on the back and say "Well, 
here he IS!  Hey, kiddo, I've been living a double life for the past 
decade or so, spying on the Dark Lord, risking life and limb for 
the good side and you can count on me to always be there to 
save your neck when you need it, but, hey, don't blow my cover, 
OK?" *wink*wink*.  I'm not saying he does like Harry, or even 
doesn't loathe him, I'm just suggesting it is impossible for us to 
say either way by the behavior we've seen so far.  

"He isn't offering any guidance through the perils of the wizarding 
world. He hasn't offered Harry anything overtly except malice and 
sarcasm." 

I disagree.  He seems to be a very good potions teacher.  Those 
kids seem to KNOW their potions when they leave.  But, more 
importantly, I think that HRH are learning something more 
vaulable--that not everyone who doesn't like them is bad.  I think 
this is especially important for Harry, who I think can get caught 
up in the rush of his popularity and be tempted to think that 
anyone who isn't his friend is an enemy.  So, not fatherly, to be 
sure, but still valuable.

Rita