Snape's choice of memories for the pensieve

[macfotuk at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 109230

I haven't been able to track all of this thread and besides this my 
comments below will very likely belong in other threads on Snape,and 
also not be original (impossibility of an original thought, 
especially on anything as analysed as the HP books?), but here goes 
with some thoughts arising from re-reading the 'Snapes's Worst 
memory' chapeter of OotP:

1. Yes I agree Snape may have 'planted' the memory Harry saw - But, 
just because Harry thinks it should be Snape's worst memory because 
of the humiliation aspect, I think Snape would have other reasons 
for hiding this memory from HP (3 below).

2. There's little doubt in my mind (because it's said so several 
times) that it's Dumbledore's pensieve. I wonder if the bell jar in 
the time room at the MoM (containing the eternal hummingbird to egg 
and back again) isn't also full of the same stuff since it shimmers 
in the same way. No idea what significance this yet has (may ever 
have).

3. This point (point 3) is probably where this post belongs 
elsewhere, but here goes - re-read the entire memory in the 
following mindset: Snape is hopelessly (literally) in love with Lily 
for some reason, i.e. he feels that at some point there was reason 
to be hopeful; that or she was simply so attractive even badboy 
(pathetic and much wronged and so nasty boy I see him as more like) 
Snape could not help being infatuated. His apparent focus on reading 
the DADA exam paper afterwards is all a ruse to hide what he is 
really up to, which isn't to follow the marauders (why go near such 
awful bullies?) so much as to be near one of their number's real 
target i.e James is following Lily Evans cos he too is infatuated 
and that's what Snape is doing too, if more covertly (from a bush). 
Others have said that Snape can't love Lily because he calls her 
mudblood, but this is exactly what a 'man' might do when a 'girl' is 
seen publicly to be his only defence from bullies - he has (by some 
absurd honour view) to belittle her to make himself look less 
pathetic/unmanly even if it hurts both him AND her to do so. He 
knows that because (some unseen back history here) Lily has given 
him reason to be hopeful, she will understand/forgive his insulting 
her in public.

4. Snape's loving Lily (yes I know not an original idea of mine) 
explains a lot that has happened and might yet happen in the plot as 
it moves to the finale of book 7. Snape loves Lily and hates James 
as an enemy and rival. He hates Harry for at least four reasons and 
cannot prevent his most spiteful urges emerging whenever in his 
presence. Reasons to hate HP = 1. He is the son of, and closely 
similar in appearance and (Snapes's view) arrogance to, Snape's arch-
enemy James Potter. 2. He (HP) is the reason for Lily's (Snape's 
eternal beloved) death, and 3. HP is the son Snape and Lily never 
had because James Potter won. 4. HP is a constant reminder to Snape 
of Lily's death, James' victory over him in winning her heart and of 
any discomfort/gult/anguish Snape may feel about his part (see next 
point) in her death.

5. As a one-time DE Snape would very likely want to see out his 
grudge with/resentment at James Potter. Like Tom Riddle, Snape has 
childhood emotional scars plus interests in the very darkest magic 
and, at least at one time, the prepardeness to use these methods to 
achieve revenge, desires and so on. He was a natural recruit. Unlike 
LV however, Snape can (does, or once did) feel love and has a strong 
sense of honour and justice, as much as the best of the other OotP 
members. Don't forget DD's words that it is out choices that matter, 
not just potential. Even so, being a DE and sidekick of LV afforded 
Snape a chance that if JP were removed, but Lily spared (as even LV 
hinted was possible at her death) then Snape could reclaim his love 
from a formerly hopeless situation. Thus, he could be a player in 
the death of JP (indeed he might gloat at it) yet his horror at LV's 
zeal to also kill Lily was what finally turned him against HP. It 
was perhaps to save Lily that Snape turned traitor to LV and when LV 
did not spare Lily Snape was placed in an irretrievably (perhaps) 
tragic position - on the wrong side (DD's and not LV's) despite his 
inclination otherwise. This leaves me wonderng how, if at all, Snape 
can (or will) redeem himself to either side. He could go either way 
and it would not be a surprise. To return to LV (if he ever left) 
would be to go with his natural inclinations given that Lily will 
never again be. His sense of honour however, despite his nastiness 
otherwise, might keep him loyal to the OotP not least because he 
can 'never go back' (to LV).

I've a  million other thoughts on Snape (who hasn't?), but will get 
these posted to see if there's stimulating commentary.

"macfotuk"