Halloween in COS

[nobodysrib]

No: HPFGUIDX 53695

greatlit2003 wrote:
> I noticed something unusual in the scene in Lockhart's office on 
> Halloween in COS, when Mrs. Norris was petrified. Dumbledore and 
> McGonagall were trying to revive the cat, but Snape just stood 
> there, not saying a word, and trying not to smile. This is not at 
> all consistent with his behavior in other books, because we know 
> that he is a take-charge type of person. He is never so passive. 
> Why was he smiling?
> 
Kathryn wrote:
> I think it might have had something to do with the situation as a 
> whole.  With Filch freaking out and blaming Harry.  Also, I don't 
> think Snape would take-charge when Dumbledore is there.  Snape can 
> be in charge as a teacher when he's the only authority around, or 
> when there are other teachers. But, when the Headmaster and Deputy 
> Headmistress are there....you step back and let them take care of 
> it.
> 
Great ideas.  Also, Snape wore a "peculiar expression" that Harry 
interprets as it looking like Snape were trying to stifle a smile.  
Just as the sounds of laughing and crying can be similar, I wonder if 
Snape were trying to stifle his horror.  This could coincide with 
theories that Mrs. Norris was once a person whom Snape loved, and 
also with Double!Agent Snape, knowing that his Slytherins (or at 
least Malfoy, who is present for this scene) would find it suspicious 
for Snape to be upset.

- Nobody's Rib