[HPforGrownups] Snape ponderings

[yr awen]

No: HPFGUIDX 41408

Richelle wondered:

>>>>>>>>>>>>I've been doing some thinking about Snape as I've been rereading CoS.  What on earth was Snape doing wandering around hunting for Harry and Ron during the feast? <snip> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

I think partly it was JKR's sense of building up a really good moment; just as Harry and Ron really start getting going on their hopes that they've finally gotten rid of Snape, he's right there, listening in (speak of the devil and he appears.) Snape tends to be present whenever Harry and Ron are getting into trouble, so either he's on the lookout for Harry to protect him or dock him points for Gryffindor (often coinciding.)

For all his evil snarkiness, I have to say that Snape *does* have a salient point when he (I think it's in PoA) says something to the effect that all the professors in the school are going out of their way to keep Harry safe, but Mr. Potter is 'a law unto himself.' Unfortunately, mature wisdom tends to be disregarded when it comes from a disliked source...

Richelle:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Second, why was Snape making such a big deal over the damage to the "very valuable Whomping Willow?"  I'd have thought he would hate that tree after his near death encounter with Lupin way back.  That it would've been a reminder of all those things he hated.  Any thoughts on this?<<<<<<<<<<<<

I think Snape couldn't care less about the Whomping Willow's well-being, but is using it in this case to stress the gravity of Harry & Ron's situation, and terrify them even more. They're already in deep trouble for flying a car into Hogwarts, but to have damaged something costly... ouch. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes.

HF.


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