Snape & Harry

[M.Clifford]

No: HPFGUIDX 68319

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Scott Santangelo 
<owlery2003 at y...> wrote:
> Wow - there is a huge divergence of opinion on this topic. One 
thing I'd like to point out (probably already has been - sorry!) is 
that Snape brings his professional behavior down to student level 
(juvenile grudge) and has a significant knowledge base, whereas Harry 
comes into the story at the ignorant, clueless student level. Snape 
has the luxury of berating, belittling, punishing and generally 
tormenting Harry from his position as teacher. Harry can only build 
up a thick skin and bear it - who wouldn't grow resentful and 
defiant? 
> 
> Naturally, I'm "blaming" Snape, not just because I think that's the 
way it's written (tons of canon fodder), but because he went to 
Hogwarts with an eager expectation and real thrill, only to confront 
the unfamiliar political realities of the WW and his own mysterious 
past. Snape never gave him a chance and dumped on him from day 1! All 
this redemption stuff, forgiveness stuff, pscyo-babble . . . Harry's 
just a kid! It's hard to show respect for someone
>  who constantly reminds you they have none for you. My 2 cents on 
the debate pile. Scrum!
> 
> 
> "Scott"

Let me be the first to say I agree. Harry owes Snape no apologies!
Perhaps, *we* are able to construe inferences of Snape as a heroic 
figure fighting *for* Harry, but Harry is a lone embattled survivor 
in his own right and until Snape comes up with the goods as Harry's 
ally in canon he remains a foe.
It may well be a disguise, it may well be anything we can make it. 
I do not dispute that Snape's heroics as a defector/spy are in 
Harry's plain veiw. Forefront, however, is Harry standing in battle 
with his own courage and his own tenacity the things that pull him 
from the clutches of death.
Harry owes Snape no apology.
Valky