Snape and the Boggart class

[Wanda Sherratt]

No: HPFGUIDX 47415

I was rereading PoA, enjoying the many Snapey scenes in it, and came 
to the Chapter 7 scene where Lupin is about to teach the students 
how to fight the Boggart in the wardrobe in the staffroom.  I like 
the way the scene was set, first of all - the room is empty, except 
for Snape.  I wonder, first of all, what he's doing there, all 
alone - reading?  Thinking?  We seldom "intrude" upon Snape, and 
it's interesting that the one time we do, we don't really know what 
to make of him. How do people interpret his remark to Lupin, as he 
prepares to leave: "I'd rather not witness this"?  Is he just being 
sarcastic, saying that he expects the students' efforts to be a bit 
of a fiasco?  (It didn't happen - they all did pretty well.)  Or is 
he suspecting something like what actually happens - he's going to 
figure in the lesson, as he's bound to be someone's greatest fear?  
Is he leaving in order to save face, or is he, in his own way, 
getting out of the way so he won't inhibit the lesson?  Naturally, 
being Snape, he can't resist a parting shot at Neville and 
Hermione.  I'd be interested in hearing other people's views on this.

Wanda