[HPforGrownups] Neville and Snape

[Silverthorne Dragon]

No: HPFGUIDX 87520

  >>>>{Meri Said:}

  My question is why that is. We know why he (Snape) hates Harry, with 
  his past involvements with James Potter and the other Marauders, but 
  why does Snape abuse poor Neville so? Any ideas, or is this another 
  of the thousands of things that JKR will have to adress in the next 
  two books?<<<< 


  My personal opinion is that Snape abhors people who seem incompetent...and Neville can certainly fit that assumption with his nervous bumbling in class and less than stellar abilities. He's not exactly the most talented OR the most powerful student in the school. And since he is a Gryffindor to boot, it gives Snape somewhere other than just Harry to vent his frustrations. Also, it is possible that Snape knows some of the prophecy as well, including Neville's possible role, and so Neville, being the 'other' possible challenger  to Voldemort (and therefore another Gryffindor who may seek out undeserved **In Severus's mind** recognition) may have inherited some of Snapes dislike for Harry---guilt by association as it were....And then there is always the possibility that Neville's parents also indulged in Snape-baiting during school, much as Potter's group did....and, last but not least, if you beleive the "tough Love' Theory about Snape's 'Snapishness', then he MAY be trying to goad Neville into braver, more controlled, more magically powerful reactions, in preparation for what may lie ahead in the "war' that's sure to spring up....

  Anne