Snape's Loyalties

[snapesmate]

No: HPFGUIDX 73739

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Charlie Moody <shaman at m...> 
wrote:
<snip>
> As for Snape's choice of teaching methods re:  occlumency - he is 
> strengthening Harry's mind by forcing him to detect and resist 
> invasion, and by encouraging him to clear his mind;  I think this 
is sound, though I would strongly urge a more pro-active inculcation 
of serenity, were I Harry's teacher.
> 


I think teaching occlumency is rather like teaching someone to ride a 
bicycle.  You kind of hold the bicycle and get them rolling, ("brace 
yourself, 1, 2, 3..) but then the person must "sense" how to balance 
(guard there own thoughts)themselves.  No one can explain HOW to 
balance, you just have to grasp/catch onto it for yourself.  Once you 
do learn the initial balancing (invasion repelling), then you can be 
taught how to improve on it or be given further "tips and tricks" as 
to how to tweek your skills.  Occlumency, I would imagine, is one of 
those things that must be "triggered" to start with.  I did find how 
far Haryy got into Snape's thoughts quite interesting.