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

[siriusgeologist]

No: HPFGUIDX 37974

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "ritadear2" <ritadarling at i...> wrote:
> 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 Rita wrote:
> 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.
> 

> "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.  

And I agree with that, and that is not what my point was.  I was 
illustrating why seeing Snape as a father figure to Harry was simply 
incomprehensible to me.  Yes, Snape has reasons to act nasty to Harry 
(possibly to keep up the "bad guy" charade as you have 
suggested)...and there is no reason for him to exhibit the chummy 
behavior you suggested above...and there are certainly things the 
trio can learn from Snape...but fatherly behavior is NOT one of them.


> 
> "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. 

Again...I was refering to things one generally sees in a father 
figure.  I never said they weren't learning from Snape, but what I 
meant by "offered anything overtly" was meant in terms of support or 
other familial qualities.  And I'm not saying he be should expected 
to either.


> 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.


Yes I will concede that Harry has learned valuable things from Snape, 
but how to treat a son is certainly NOT one of them. And I realize 
you agree with that, but the point of my post was to illustrate where 
Snape is NOT fatherly...not to necessarily illustrate that he was not 
important or valuable.

Carole