Needs to Hate (was: Re: Death Eaters: Etymology--& Dark Mark & Snape)

[Amanda]

No: HPFGUIDX 80471

Tamee theorized:

> Actually this makes perfect sense to me, as recently I've been 
developing a
> theory that the reason Snape hasn't been able to get past his 
hatred for
> James and co. is that he's been using that emotion to maintain his 
cover.  I
> think that a truly successful Occlumens must use some emotions or 
perhaps
> obsessions to cover their deceptions.  It keeps them from having 
obvious
> blank spots and can distract the Legilimancer.  Snape himself 
says, "Only
> those skilled in Occlumency are able to shut down those feelings and
> memories that contradict the lie, and so utter falsehoods in 
[Voldemort's]
> presence without detection." (US OOP 531).  So I think when faced 
with
> Voldemort, Snape has always used his hatred and resentment to 
deflect
> attention away from his deeper motives.  It seems a simple enough 
manuever
> for him.  He did hate James and Sirius with a passion; they were 
openly
> siding with Dumbledore;  Dumbledore blatantly favored Gryffindors 
and MWPP
> in school (in Snape's mind); they were responsible for all his 
misery; why
> would he help them in anyway.
> 
> I think the distractions used depend on the personality.  Snape is 
a bitter,
> miserable man so he uses that.  He makes his hatred useful to him, 
and yes,
> I think Snape wants Harry to hate him as much as Snape hates James 
and
> Harry, especially, if Snape is doing any kind of spying that leads 
him close
> to Voldemort.

Amanda responds:

I don't do this often, post a simple amazed agreement. But I've been 
delving into the intricacies of Snape and Snapetheories for long and 
long, and this strikes an immediate resonant chord. This tallies so 
well with his comment to Harry about those who wallow in sad 
emotional memories (or whatever it was precisely; I am at work). 
Snape, deliberately using the negatives associated with James to help 
shut down or oppress the memories which would be "handing Voldemort 
weapons, memories he fears," is an *instant* click. Yes.

It would follow that he would use a hatred of Harry as well, which 
Harry hating him would certainly help foster--especially if he says 
things to Harry like, "Yes, that is my job," knowing that Voldemort 
still has a window to Harry's mind....

Aha--Harry may *need* his hatred of Snape, to help him hide things 
like the above (if he ever *learns* the stupid skill in the first 
place). Snape sees Harry's hatred of him as a potential resource for 
Harry? Hm. It's not Harry's type of tool, it's Snape's, but it would 
fit with Snape doing what he thinks best while not feeling any 
particlar obligation to explain or enlighten (a la Dumbledore, in 
fact).

[And, of course, being who I am, I *personally* think the memories 
that would be "weapons" in the hands of Voldemort are of Lily. But 
that's just me.]

Utterly brilliant. (takes hat off, does sweeping bow).

~Amanda, onetime premier Snapologist