A Different Look at Snape

[lennyb2002]

No: HPFGUIDX 35666

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "elfundeb" <elfundeb at a...> wrote:
 
> The flip side to this is that while Snape SEEMS to favor the 
> Slytherins, he is not equipping them with the real world survival 
> skills that the Gryffindors are getting.  Leading Draco on to 
believe 
> that he appoves of his suck-up comments ("I'll tell Father you're 
the 
> best teacher . . .") and letting the Slytherins get away with 
> classroom behavior that would earn the Gryffindors detentions isn't 
> going to make the Slytherins tough.  So if 
> some of the Slytherins end up fighting with the DEs, they will not 
> have the preparation that Harry & Co. received, right under the 
> Slytherins' noses.

Slytherins are already fighting as DE's. In particular, the fathers(?)
of Crabbe, Goyle, and Malfoy. Snape has seen this friendship once. In 
his class, he sees the cycle repeating itself with their sons, Draco, 
Crabbe, and Goyle. There hasn't been anything mentioned that suggests 
that Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle's relationship is anything different 
than Lucious' friendship with the adult Crabbe and Goyle. So, young 
Draco, like his father, has surrounded himself with yes men, not 
friends. The Crabbes and Goyles provide an easy relationship for the 
Malfoys not necessarily one that's right.
     So, I'm arguing this: if we say that Snape's teaching isn't what 
it seems, then, so is his favoring of Draco. I don't think he's 
necessarily preparing Slytherins to fall on the battlefield, but to 
fall in their rigid social constructs. If Draco, in particular 
doesn't catch on, then he will definitely lack the grit to war it out 
on the battlefield. Overall, Snape is trying to provide Draco with 
something that will ensure that Draco fights for the right side.  
     Yes, Snape derives pleasure dishing out punishment. However, he 
has been just as consistent in his Aunt Petunia like care for Draco 
as his menacing of Harry and torturing of Neville. There is a reason 
for his heavy sensitivity and supporting of Draco.
      In GF, The trio overhears Draco saying that his mom wants him 
at Hogwart's so that he can be closer to home. Narcissa doesn't seem 
to visit much does she? Later, Draco blindsides Harry for asking if 
Draco has "seen (his) mother lately?" She is the female Narcissus; 
she does not care for others-including Draco. Lucious cares to Draco, 
but mainly as a political confidant or employee. Lucious spends money 
on Draco, but overall, Draco seems heir to emotionally impotent 
parents. Draco has not accepted his disappointment with them. Without 
a better alternative for a parental figure, Draco will emulate his 
parents. Snape tries to provide this different role model to Draco. 
Snape hopes that one day, Draco will find the strength to refuse a 
tatoo on his arm unlike Lucious.
       Draco reminds Snape of his younger self. That's why Snape has 
no problem treating Draco so favorably. As with Neville and Harry, 
Snape knows what Draco inherits in the world and what mistakes should 
be avoided. The mistake for Draco, like Harry, is being like his 
father. To avoid emulating his father, Draco needs a better option. 
Snape offers Draco the emotional care he lacks at home. Should Draco  
choose to be like Snape rather than his father, Draco releases 
himself from the easy path. If Draco learns to listen his feelings, 
he could accept his parents faults and admit that he doesn't like 
Crabbe and Goyle. If Draco doesn't trust his feelings, his easy path 
leads to serving evil. Draco will become a Death Eater like Lucious, 
his father, who serves LV halfheartedly.
       So, here's what I predict happens somewhere in the remaining 
books. Snape is indeed the traitor amongst the Death Eaters. LV makes 
Lucious, Crabbe, and Goyle responsible for delivering Snape to be 
killed. They decide to involve their children to get him. Lucious 
tells Draco the plan, expecting Draco to comply. Draco is torn 
between obeying his father, or saving his favorite teacher and 
risking himself and life as he's known it. 

Thanks for reading. I hope it made sense.     

"lennyb2002"