Snape Respects Harry Now

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 74866

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Buttercup <cathio2002 at y...> wrote:
> 
> I know Snape treats Harry poorly during Potions in OOP (giving him a 0
> (zero) on his class assignment, etc.), but during Harry's Occlemency 
> lessons I felt like Snape had acquired some respect for Harry.
...edited.
> 
> Buttercup

bboy_mn:

I am responding more to all the posts and reponses that have followed
this one.

I think we are trying to harvest a field, when in reality, we have
only planted a seed.

Snape has set himself up as Harry's adversary since the minute they
first met. You can argue the semantics, intent, and motivation all you
want, but functionally he has acted against Harry in their daily
interaction from book one. Considering how spiteful, mean, and
vindictive Snape is, it's no wonder Harry views him as the enemy and
distrusts him. Again, you can argue the underlying intent all you want
to, and it doesn't alter the functional result.

In the Occlumency lessons, Snape and Harry have gain an insight into
each other, and insight that could never possibly have occurred under
any other circumstances, and an insight that shows them that they have
common ground, common experiences, common feelings, and very subtly, a
mutual sympathy. 

With this common knowledge comes an element of common understanding
and sympathy that PLANTS THE SEED for what will eventually become a
slightly less hostile and slightly more respectful daily interaction.
But, I think deeper inside, there will grow a true respect and
understanding that is greater than that which is shown on the outside. 

In addtion, I think this deeper respect will eventually be reflected
in the heroic action of one of them (may be a past, present, or future
action); Snape saves Harry, Harry saves Snape, Snape saves Lily,
whatever. This as yet unknow action will truly solidify Harry and
Snape's respect for each other. Even given that; Snape and Harry will
never be friendly. It is possible to respect someone you don't like,
and I think that reflects the nature of Harry and Snape's yet to be
resolved on going relationship; they will never like each other, but
they will respect and trust each other.

So, do they now respected each other more? NO. 

Do they understand each other more? Yes. 

Is this new understanding and insight the 'seed' that will grow into a
greater respect? Yes. 

Will they ever be buddy-buddy, quaffing ale and swaping jokes? No.

In a nut shell.

boy_mn