Snape, Lupin, and the map

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 96870

> Bookworm:
> Snape accuses Sirius of attempted murder when they were 16. 
> Depending on when Sirius' birthday is, he could have been 16 by the 
> end of 5th year. If the Prank occurred prior to the Pensieve scene, 
> it would possibly explain Lupin's lack of reaction. Given the way 
> Snape attacked Lily Evans ("mudblood") what would he have said if 
> Lupin had tried to help--possibly call him a werewolf in front of 
> all the other students?

Carol:
Although Snape refers to Sirius as being sixteen at the time of the
so-called Prank, it's unlikely that he knows the exact date of
Sirius's birthday. He does know, however, that Hogwarts students,
regardless of their birthdate, are sixteen years old when they enter
their sixth year. It seems likely, then, that Snape is equating age
sixteen with sixth year, in which case the Prank occurred *after* the
Pensieve scene, which unquestionably took place at the end of fifth
year (when Sirius, by Snape's estimation, would have been fifteen).

Carol