[HPforGrownups] Does Snape hate muggleborns?

[Star Opal]

No: HPFGUIDX 51365

   Sally wrote:
>After following the recent thread, "Who's more out of line?", it
>started me thinking that Snape's mistreatment of Hermione may
>possibly be indicative of his hidden loathing for muggleborns.

Well here's what always stuck out to me:

"'It has happened," she told the silent staff room. 'A student has been 
taken by the monster. Right into the Chamber itself.'
Professor Flitwick let out a squeal. Professor Sprout clapped her hands over 
her mouth. Snape gripped the back of a chair very hard and said, 'How can 
you be sure?'" - CoS ch 16 pg 293, US pb

Up until Ginny the attacks had focused on muggle borns. At this point 
McGonagall hasn't said who was taken. So why would Snape "gripped the back 
of a chair very hard" if he loathes or hates muggle borns? No mention of 
sneering, or looks of triumph or amusement. He's disturbed along with 
Flitwick and Sprout.

The thing that got me about this 'scene' is that this is one of the few 
times we see Snape acting without (as he thinks) any students around. 
Infact, he's only around the core teachers. So if he is still trying to do 
the spy thing... I mean, no Slytherin or otherwise students, no new 
untrustworthy teachers, no _outsiders_ are in the room. So this is a very 
important moment to look at Snape as he acts without anyone watching him. 
Also there is very little Harry POV in this scene. It describes what is said 
and the consequent actions by the listeners.

Star Opal
"Just the man," he said. "The very man. A girl has been snatched by the 
monster, Lockhart. Taken into the the Chamber of Secrets itself. Your moment 
has come at last." - Snape CoS ch 16

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