Neville's memory & Snape

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 36689

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., <porphyria at m...> wrote:
> Kitty espoused a theory I'm particularly fond of myself:
> Yeah, at the risk of sentimentalizing Snape, I'd say the books do 
hint at this very possibility. Regardless of how mean Snape is to 
Neville, he's warm and fuzzy compared to Neville's own family. Uncle 
Algie literally endangers the child's life (multiple times) in order 
to smoke out his magical ability, which is one among several 
indications that adrenaline directly affects wizarding skills. And 
when Voldemort needed to break Bertha Jorkin's Memory Charm, he did 
it by repeatedly torturing her. So I've wondered many times whether 
Snape imagines that if he can either terrify or infuriate Neville 
enough that it'll break the charm. Doesn't that have Big Bangy 
potential? I wouldn't put it past Snape's degree of cunning, 
especially since...
---
Yet it's obvious that kindness gets better results! See how good 
Neville is at herbology (prof. Sprout is *kind* to him!) or in 
Lupin's class!
 
> Back to Neville again, I'm always amazed at the way Neville tells 
his own story towards the beginning of PS/SS. Quoted in part:
> 
> "My Great Uncle Algie kept trying to catch me off my guard and 
force some magic out of me -- he pushed me off the end of Blackpool 
pier once, I nearly drowned -- but nothing happened until I was 
eight. Great Uncle Algie came round for dinner, and he was hanging me 
out of an upstairs window by the ankles when my Great Auntie Enid 
offered him a meringue and he accidentally let go. But I bounced -- 
all the way down the garden and into the road. They were all really 
pleased, Gran was crying, she was so happy."
> 
> What does everyone make of the way Neville phrases it? Is this his 
black humor? Breezy stoicism? Abject emotional distance? If nothing 
else, he's not expecting sympathy from his listeners. His speech is 
the product of a culture whose idea up upbringing is quite merciless 
and unyielding. If Snape's own concept of education partakes of this 
same philosophy then it's quite possible that he does intend the best 
for Neville after all. Maybe the image of Snape in Gran's clothing 
symbolizes more that we first suspected...
---

Trying to scare him - push him into a pool? Guess they tried to teach 
him swimming - and they *did* get him out. Besides, that was years 
ago - Neville's over it by now. Hagrid asked had Harry done any magic 
when *scared* or *angry*? That's when most magical children do it, 
but not Neville. That's when Neville does NOT do it.

Anyway - It's NOT the way for Neville. He bravely and subconciously 
refuses to relent for someone trying to scare or hurt him. 
Absolutely. Kindness of the auntie offering treats leading to 
accidental death-threat - That's when Neville showed his magic. For 
the auntie.

Harry's doing the same - but those he defies want him NOT use magic 
so he does.

Now - Voldemort broke a memory charm with his crucio, but if Snape's 
taking a leaf out of Voldemort's book - it's not doing him any favor! 
Dumbledore, Sprout and Lupin taught with kindness - and Neville 
learned. Kindness serves better - but the likes of Snape fail to see 
that.