OOP: Snape's Influence on the Good-Bye Scene

[Barclay, Maggie]

No: HPFGUIDX 64472


Maggie wrote:
<snip> 
> I've seen a lot of people talking about the new-found understanding 
that
> Snape has of Harry's life in the muggle world--and I agree with 
that whole
> heartedly--but I'm wondering if it was Snape who influenced all 
those Order
> members to show up at Kings Cross Station and warn the Dursleys to 
be nicer
> to Harry.  
<snip>

Jennifer wrote:

Well, the Weasleys know how Harry is treated and are members of the Order. I
would think it more reasonable for the ever-fussing Molly Weasley to be
responsible then Snape.

stardreams wrote:

I think I'm going to have to disagree. Snape has gained a new 
understanding of Harry's home life, but I don't think he would act to 
do anything about it. At the end of OotP Snape is still too angry and 
bitter at Harry for seeing his worst memory to feel overly charitable 
to Harry. The Weasleys, however, are fully aware of Harry's home life 
AND would do anything they could to make it better. Mr. and Mrs. 
Weasley could have told the Order about what Harry has to put up with 
at the Dursley's. I think the ending farewell was a gesture of 
support to Harry. It acknowledges that Harry has just lost the last 
member of his true family, but it shows him that there are still 
plenty of people out there who care for him. 

MaggieB responds:

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you both.  I believe that if
the Weasleys were going to step in to defend Harry from the Dursleys it
would have happened in CoS after they first found out how he was treated.
Why wait three years?  Doesn't seem likely to me.  

About Snape still being too angry and bitter to help Harry out--we already
know that Snape is capable of overcoming his emotions to do the right thing.
After all, he undeniably hated Harry in PS/SS, but still did everything in
his power to keep Harry alive and well.  I think he could be doing it again.

I am not a Snape-lover.  I would LOVE to continue to hate him in peace, but
I remain convinced that Snape is the one responsible for giving Harry the
hope of a better summer.

MaggieB


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