OOP: Sirius thoughts ...

[kiricat2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 67724

Pippin:

> At the beginning of the story Harry thinks his godfather's attitude 
> is kinda cool.  IMO, JKR wants us to realize that's a problem for 
> Harry.   Having the attitude lead to the godfather's death is a lot 
> more effective and dramatic than having the godfather say, "Gee, 
> I've been making everybody around me miserable. I guess 
> acting arrogant and superior, holding a lifelong grudge, and 
> refusing to obey orders even when I know they're for my own 
> good and other peoples' isn't the way to go." 

Gee, this doesn't sound at all like a certain Potions Master, does it?

"I make the Gryffindors miserable, especially Harry and Neville, 
because I can." (And we have  a JKR interview transcript to tell us 
from herself, the author, that Snape is "a sadistic teacher.") 

But, let's continue:

"I have held a life-long grudge against James Potter and it is so 
strong that I can't let go of it, even though Potter has been dead 
for about 14 years.  No, I so don't want to let it go that I'll carry 
it into the next generation and let it color my view of Harry from 
the very first moment that 11-year-old kid walks into my classroom. I 
know I was told by Dumbledore to teach Harry Occlumency, but I just 
got so pissed off at him when he rifled through the Pensieve that I 
figure I was entitled to ignore those orders, even though I know they 
were for Harry's benefit, the Order's benefit and the benefit of all 
those fighting against Voldemort."

Evidently a perfectly acceptable attitude, as long as it's not from 
Harry's godfather.  

And, yes, JKR may want us to realize that Sirius' attitude is a 
problem, especially since Harry may be more prone to being swayed by 
it because it is Sirius and not Snape or Hagrid or Molly Weasley. 
But, she also shows us that Harry realizes this to some extent.  When 
Sirius suggests coming up for a Hogsmeade weekend, Harry is very 
hesitant about that. Harry doesn't want to initiate any communication 
that might tip off Umbridge to who his correspondents are. So, yeah, 
Sirius has problems, but Harry is not blind to them.

Marianne