Snape and Harry WAS Re: Pensieves objectivity AND: Dumbledore's integrity

[Sydney]

No: HPFGUIDX 79894


> 
> Geoff:
> Yes, but can you see Harry going to Snape and saying, "Professor, I 
> realise now that my father was awful with you (or something similar!) 
> and I want to apologise on his behalf."
> 
> Can you see him after the way Snape has reacted in earlier books? 
> From the word go, in PS, he set out to humiliate Harry - look at the 
> very first Potions lesson HP ever attended. He has specialised in 
> making snide comments or comments with a sting in the tail.
> 
> Would Harry attempt a reconcilation when he is conditioned to expect 
> rebuffs, rudeness and put downs?

Me:

Well, I for one certainly hope so.  It's more than we would expect
from the avarage boy-on-the-street.  But I think the progress of the
books is to show Harry growing into an exceptional human being, not a
normal one.  I don't know if an apology is in order, necessarily, just
the same sort of compassionate tolerance (with a touch of amusement!)
that Dumbledore accords Snape.  

That's why I think it's unlikely Snape's manner will change much in
the coming books.  This is a test for Harry, really-- can he return
gentleness for aggression, without expectation of reward?  

Sydney-- (who, just to clarify, does NOT think this is the best
strategy for dealing with people like Voldemort!)