First names (was Snape: The fact that he exists)

[marika_thestral]

No: HPFGUIDX 71510

corinthum wrote:
> Just a quick comment to add.  I agree with bibplhile and Rhiannon 
that Lupin used Snape's first name to show that he wasn't trying to
> > condescend.  It reminds me of Dumbledore, who you'll notice always
> > uses people's first names when speaking directly to a person, 
even in circumstances where some would consider this disrepectful.  I 
see this as Dumbledore's way of showing equality between himself and 
whomever he is speaking to, whether it be a student, a teacher, the 
Minister of Magic, or an evil overlord. < < 

Irene wrote:
> Dumbledore is Snape's boss, and he is 120 years older than Snape. 
He can use first name without expecting reciprocation or permission.
> Lupin is Snape's colleague and former classmate. Unless Snape had 
invited him to use Severus, I can't see it as a good thing. <<<<<


Me:
I can't see anything but that Lupin tries to be nice and respectful 
at the same time. Page 118 in PoA - when Harry sees Lupin getting his 
potion from Snape - is a good example: "I should probably take some 
again tomorrow. Thanks very much, Severus." [---] Harry looked 
curiously at the goblet. Lupin smiled. "Professor Snape has very 
kindly concocted a potion for me."

The last sentence he says to Harry when Snape has left. Which means 
that he speaks well of Snape even when he is not around, and when he 
is around he uses his first name like the rest of the staff. At least 
McGonagall does. 

To me it seems like a normal thing that colleagues use first name - I 
don't really know much about British boarding schools thou. In Sweden 
where I live, students start to address teachers by first name quite 
early. I would say about the age of 13.

Back to Lupin - I think he is the most likable character in all the 
books so far. He is not perfect, but that just make him more human 
(even if he is not entirely :-)  I really hope that Snape (who is the 
character I find most fascinating) will realize that Lupin is an OK 
guy.

/Marika