[HPforGrownups] OOP: THEME, New Characters, Harry/Snape

[Amanda Geist]

No: HPFGUIDX 61448

> S
>
> P
>
> O
>
> I
>
> L
>
> E
>
> R
>
> S
>
> A
>
> H
>
> E
>
> A
>
> D
>
> Theme: Death of father figures
>
> I thought JKR has destroyed all the father figures in Harry's life
> rather throughoutly in this book: Dumbledore turns out to be great
> but fallible, The Big physical DEATH, and the worst one, James --
> the spiritual guide, the perfect idol, the palace of everything
> Harry wants to be, smashed down completely. JKR has destroyed that
> image now.

I shall reopen a thread that hasn't come up in a year or so, by saying that
one father figure is never mentioned as a father figure, but I strongly
believe he is--Snape. He is the one who doesn't listen, the one who gives
you curfews, the one who doesn't understand, the one you only appreciate
after you've grown up, but maybe never ever *like.*

Harry's relationship with Snape is growing and maturing as well--especially
with both of them seeing some of the other's memories. Do not leave Snape
off the list. Father figure does not equal "positive."

> Random Snape and Harry thoughts
> I think this would now be the relationship most explored in the next
> two books.
> 1. The Occlumency lessions. I think Snape has come to realise that
> Harry did not exactly lead a happy life outside Hogwarts. The most
> moving part (apart from the big death, of course) for me was Snape
> asking Harry 'To whom did the dog belong?', and he has softened
> considerably afterwards.

I also noticed, when Snape's asking Harry "what that last memory was," and
Harry asks if it's the one where his cousin tried to stand him in the
toilet, and Snape says no. Softly. Not low and dangerous, not hissing, not
menacing. Softly. I think Snape has come to realize that Harry hasn't had it
easy.

> 2. JKR wants to keep Harry in Potions class. a. He needs it if he
> wants to become an Auror b. he doesn't seem to have done too badly
> in OWLs.
> 3. Okay, in keeping with his behaviour this year, Harry is going to
> vent his frustration on Snape, even though there is virtually
> nothing going on with. From what it looks like, things are going to
> be interesting next year.
> 4. Snape obviously knew about the prophecy. It becomes obvious now
> why he picked out Harry and Neville on their very first lesson. He
> knew that it has to be these two. Also explains why he is totally
> filthy with Neville whenever he messes up.

OMG, nobody else has said that. I never thought of that. Post that again
under a Neville heading so the Neville people will read it.

> 5. But how much does he know about the prophecy? My heart jumped a
> beat when Dumbledore said that someone eavesdrops on the Trelaway
> interview and that this person only knows about the first part of
> the prophecy. I hope it wasn't Snape but there's always a chance.
> (Please, let it be Wormtail)

I had that exact thought, actually skipped ahead to see who the eavesdropper
was. They didn't *say*! Arrrghhh.

Good thoughts.

~Amanda