The worst is yet to come

[B Arrowsmith]

No: HPFGUIDX 80835

I think we've been conned. Again.
That 'Snape's worst  memory' thing - yes, that one. I don't believe it.

Oh, I accept that it's a genuine memory, but I can't accept that it's 
his worst memory.

Think about it. Then think about all the other things we know or 
suspect about our Sevvy.
Do you really believe that a spot of severe embarrassment in front of 
his fellow pupils is the worst memory he has? You do? In that case, 
come over here, there's this bridge you ought to buy.

Four  memories are revealed in OoP. In addition there are others, of 
events which we know of or can deduce from canon. Let's  make a little 
list.

Firstly the  four revelations:

Happy Families.
Most listies assume the child is  Snape, the arguing adults his 
parents. Being contrary, I think the man is Snape, the child and woman 
his family. No matter. It is obviously an emotionally charged scene in 
the oasis of calm and domestic felicity that is chez Snape. Probably 
not an isolated incident, it's evidence that something was badly wrong, 
an on-going festering sore. Very private. Keep off.

Fly zapper
Apparently innocuous, mundane even. Until  proved otherwise it seems  
to be a random, meaningless memory.

Bucking broomstick.
Again we assume this is Snapey. It probably  is, but it could also be a 
memory where Snape is jinxing  some-one else. A young James perhaps? He 
was supposed to be the ace flyer. It'd be a fun trick to make him look 
a fool. But it's difficult to make an identification - no greasy hair, 
hooked nose, just described as 'scrawny'. Have to wait and see.

Grey underwear.
Firstly, it wasn't the only memory transferred to the pensieve; there 
were 'several', total unspecified.
I find it odd that Snape should transfer this particular memory to the 
pensieve. After all, Harry could have been told the tale by Sirius. 
Additionally, for a long time I've had the feeling that Snape *wants* 
Harry to know just how MWPP behaved, to show they were not as wonderful 
as Harry thought.
Snape could not have foreseen Malfoy's interruption, otherwise I'd 
suspect that Snape was going to 'accidentally' allow Harry access to an 
enlightening episode.

Now some memories  that can be deduced or are suspected:

Voldemort.
The breach with Voldy must have been a traumatic, bowel-loosening 
event. You don't cross Voldy. Not if you want to collect your pension. 
Probably there are two linked memories; first, the shock, horror, 
revulsion at some act of Voldemort's that precipitated the 
re-assessment, second the decision to split, knowing it could be 
terminally fatal if V survived for long. Remember Regulus.
(In my own mind I  link the re-assessment with Happy Families. I think 
V caused the destruction of Snape's wife and child. A double whammy. 
But what do I know?)

DE games.
I don't think becoming a DE is like joining the Ovaltinies. Send £1.50, 
get your tattoo,  community singing and group hugs to follow. Oh, no. 
You are expected to be seriously evil. Carving a swathe of death and 
destruction, laughing and cheering as you go.Sevvy wasn't just  a 
supporter, he was in the inner circle, expected to participate in the 
nasties. He must have reached an acceptable standard, otherwise how 
could he stay on good terms with Malfoy et al? What would it take to 
get your merit badge? Something  very nasty. More very uncomfortable 
memories.

The 'Prank'.
Sevvy obviously has strong feelings and vivid memories about this. 
Fear, anger, humiliation, hate, lust for revenge, they must all be 
there. It has to be the most traumatic event of his school years. You 
think Grey  Underwear is worse? Come off it; pull the other one for 
Long Tom Minor.

SHIPwreck.
I'm not a SHIPper, can't stand  it. The prospect of romantic sludge 
oozing from the pages of HP gives me the  dry heaves. But, just this 
once, I'll grit my teeth and confront the poor, benighted, misguided, 
rosy-spectacled little pixies on their own terms.
*If* Snapey had the hots for Lily (shudder), there must be at least two 
horrible memories. First, when he realised he'd no chance, second, when 
she marries James.(Cringe)
Rejection is bad enough, but the second, where she links up with his 
enemy James would enrage him, plus feelings of loss and betrayal. Love 
is  not logical, after all. This is an area he would not want Harry to 
access under any circumstances.

A pretty comprehensive  list, I think. Maybe posters can come up with 
more.

Grey Underwear is a useful plot device. It allows a re-assessment of 
MWPP before Sirius is retired as surplus to requirements. But I  refuse 
to accept that it is the worst memory Snape has. At best I'd rate it 
fourth after the 'Prank', Voldemort and Happy Families. Fifth, if 
you're a SHIPper.

There is a choice then. Either the 'worst memory' has a significance 
we're not yet aware of, or it's a deliberate exaggeration, verging on 
red herring-dom.

Unless it's all a mistake.
Note that Harry does not bring the memory into the open as  DD did with 
Bertha. Harry immerses himself in the pensieve. Can Snape tell, from 
outside, which memory Harry is seeing? Does he think Harry sees 
something else? His reaction is a bit extreme for memories of 
school-boy feuds and their resulting embarrassments. I use the word 
'feud' advisably. Bullying is the mental or physical persecution of 
those too weak or frightened to defend themselves effectively. Although 
caught unawares, Snape is prepared to defend himself; at one point he 
retaliates, causing a gash on James' face which spurts blood. He lost 
this round, but you just know that next time it will be Snapes turn to 
gloat.

So, is 'Snape's worst  memory' to be taken at face value?
Or is JKR saying "Go on, pick a card, any card you like..."

Kneasy