More insight into Snape/Snape's challenge

[IAmLordCassandra at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 68614


I was re-reading the 'Occlumency' chapter when I certain scene caught my eye. 
One that I think gives us deeper insight into Snape than anything else in the 
book. 

"Then you will find yourself easy prey for the Dark Lord!" said Snape 
savagely. "Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, who cannot control 
their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to be provoked 
this easily-weak people, in other words-they stand no chance against his 
powers!..."  <snip>

"I am not weak," said Harry...<snip> 

"Then prove it! Master yourself!" spat Snape... 

(US ed. page 536) 

Did anyone else get the feeling Snape was speaking for experience here?  That 
it was once he who had been weak and had to Master himself? 

Then there is Snape's challenge.  "Prove it! Master yourself!"  I don't think 
he meant simply in Occlumency.  Snape himself has said he sees Harry as 
nothing more than a weak child with an inflated head who considers rules beneath 
him. He is firm in this hatred and loathing and opinion towards Harry, no matter 
how irrational the reasons.  Now, in his own way, I think he is asking Harry 
to prove him wrong.  

I think this little exchange has become one of my favourite scenes in the 
book now ^^ 

Any thoughts? 

~Cassie~ 


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