Why Snape Taught Occlumency (was: Is Lupin skilled at Legilimency?)

[amanitamuscaria1]

No: HPFGUIDX 77779

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Matt" <mschnall at g...> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "whimsyflower"
> <profwildflower at m...> wrote:
> > 
> > I think there are a few ways JKR advanced the 
> > plot by having Snape begin Occlumency lessons 
> > with Harry
**SNIP**
> > For better or worse, Snape now has direct knowledge 
> > of events during which Harry felt scared and 
> > jealous.
> 
> I agree: Those lessons just *have* to be critical in developing the
> relationship between Harry and Snape.*SNIP*  Harry is eventually
> going to find it impossible to blame Snape for hating James.  And
> Snape now knows (and will eventually process the fact) that Harry is
> *not* really so much like James, particularly the parts of James'
> character and background that Snape most hated.  Harry hasn't been 
the
> star all his life, as James seems to have been (indeed, Harry has 
much
> more frequently been the target of discrimination, bullying and
> derision) and he has never much enjoyed star treatment when he does
> get it.  Along those particular lines, Harry arguably has more in
> common with Snape than with James.


NOW ME (AmanitaMuscaria): I agree with this - I think we've now 
finished with the childish things (well, maybe not entirely - should 
at least get some action sequences), and the next books will 
concentrate on Harry developing his human characteristics. He and 
Snape (Oops, sorry, Professor Snape) will have to overcome their 
antipathy, I think. 
My guess is Harry HAS to do Potions, and he HAS to learn Occlumency, 
and I believe he HAS to learn both from Prof.Snape.
Cheers. AmanitaMuscaria