Snape and the Nicknames

[darrin_burnett]

No: HPFGUIDX 67951

Amanda, the premier Snapologist: 

> Given that. I find it hard to credit that Snape could have known 
that Sirius called James "Prongs," and not think that Lupin was 
connected with that name at all.
> 
> Given *that*--I find it beyond odd, now, the way Snape reacted when 
the Map insults him in PoA. Because he truly does not seem to think 
Lupin was a party to the Map or its insults. Or was he hoping to trip 
Lupin up and make him reveal himself? From JKR's comments, we now 
know that Snape is indeed interested in the DADA post; he doubtless 
considers himself an authority; why in the world would he consult 
Lupin whom he hates? Unless he was trying to trap him.
> 


Snape actually pushes it even farther in PoA. Page 212, UK:

"You don't think it more lilkely that he got it directly from the 
manufacturers?" And the last four words are italicized in the text.

Lupin gets Harry the hell out of Snape's office after that.

But then Lupin acknowledges that Snape probably knew who they were on 
page 213.

Harry: "Why did Snape think I'd got it from the manufacturers?"

Lupin: "Because... because these mapmakers would have wanted to lure 
you out of school."

I think Snape was clearly trying to let Lupin know he knew exactly 
who those four on the parchment were -- and it seems clear he at 
least knew who Prongs was. And it stands to reason that if Snape kept 
skulking about, trying to curse James, trying to get the rest in 
trouble, he'd have heard the other nicknames.

But Snape, at the time of the PoA office scene, doesn't know it's a 
map. For all he knows, it's just James, Sirius, Lupin and Peter 
figuring out a way to torment him for all eternity. 

Knowing his views on Harry, he'd likely suspect that Harry had gotten 
a hold of a Snape-insulter and was enjoying the hell out of it, when 
in fact, Harry is as shocked as anyone. 

Perhaps Snape suspected Sirius gave it to him, or James had it tucked 
away in an old chest somewhere.

But, it seems like Snape would try to punish Harry for this outrage, 
just as he would punish him for if he found "Snape SUCKS!" written in 
his notebook. (It's probably there.)

Lupin got him out of the office too quickly, I suppose.

Darrin