Halloween in COS

[Brittany]

No: HPFGUIDX 53699

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?


Ok, I have time before class to type in a quick answer.  If I 
remember correctly, Snape does what greatlit describes, and then 
later in the conversation smiles hugely when it looks as if he may 
be able to get Harry in trouble for something.  Then he gets rather 
angry when it looks as if he can't.  Doesn't he try to get him 
suspended from playing Quidditch or something?  I can't remember 
every detail, but anyway, I think the slight smile earlier on would 
be because *Harry* and, of course, Ron and Hermione, were found by 
Ms. Norris and the writing on the wall.  Also, even though Snape is 
apparently loyal to Dumbledore, I think he would still hold dislike 
for muggle-borns and squibs.  I mean, he was a Death Eater once.  
So, he probably found the whole thing at least slightly amusing - it 
was Filch's cat that was petrified.  I think he would have taken it 
far more seriously if it had been a student.  But honestly, I do 
think Snape trustworthy, and I wouldn't nitpick this too much.

Brittany