[HPforGrownups] Re: Snape's many good points (and Sirius' many bad points)

[IAmLordCassandra at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 34713

I think Snape's bravery comes when his pride is at stake, even though some 
incidents conserning his "pride" are a bit petty. 

1. The Shrieking Shack. Snape runs in after Lupin. He doesn't know Black or 
the trio is there, but suspects Lupin of helping Black. It looks like Snape 
hasn't changed much since his school days with Lupin and is quick to hurry in 
and find a reason to get Lupin fired. Then he discovers Black and the trio. 
He might've even thought he was acting for the good HHR in some sense, but it 
seems he was acting more for his own interests. This would be his chance to 
prove Dumbledore wrong, who didn't trust his judgement on Lupin. Then he's 
called pathetic and later loses the 'glory of having captured the murderer 
Sirius Black. He's in a potentionally dangerous situation but probably 
doesn't care because it'll be a chance for him to tell everyone "I told you 
so." 

2. The boggart. A big strike against Snape's pride. I can see no one taking 
him seriously for a long time, until he brings out the big guns(wands?) and 
hits so hard that anyone would regret making fun of him. Of course, he 
could've been a big man and just ignored it all. Ok, so bullying a bunch of 
kids isn't brave, but as I said most situations are petty. He probably felt 
he needed to protect himself instead of just lying down and taking it. 

3. Calling Lupin about the 'Map'. Something Snape might've thought was brave, 
since he suspected Lupin of being in league with Black. As I've said before, 
I think Snape remembers the map and knows who filch took it from in their 
school days, and might be trying to confront Lupin with this. Snape might be 
thinking he's presenting evidence on Lupin to Lupin that could lead to 
Lupin's downfall. He probably thinks he's risking a lot by letting Lupin know 
he's on to him. (even though he's about 10 miles down the road) 

In short, I think it all boils down to when his pride is in question. Not 
exactly 'dragon slaying' bravery, but what Snape might consider bravery. 

~Cassie~