Discussing Vampire!Snape without drawing blood

[jakedjensen]

No: HPFGUIDX 88488

It is very difficult to discuss some topics on this board.  Vampire!
Snape is clearly a good example.  I think good points have been 
raised by many individuals (on both sides), but all too quickly the 
discussion sparks name-calling and many responses are just off the 
mark (once again, on both sides).  I am especially saddened when 
posts contain rude remarks meant to demean an entire group of people 
simply because they think differently.  We should all try to read 
carefully, respond thoughtfully, and argue (when we must) gracefully.

As an example:

Some have pointed out that Snape ventures out into the daylight 
several times over the course of the books.  Indeed, one popular 
weakness of vampires is that sunlight is fatal.  Whether you agree 
with this or not, it is a good "canon-based" argument.

Some have pointed out that Lupin (as a werewolf) was shielded from 
the harmful effects of full moonlight by a magical potion brewed by 
Snape.  JKR presents this information in the same text (PoA) 
containing the strongest "Snape is a vampire" canon (e.g., the Snape-
Lupin exchange).  Put differently, JKR has provided a vehicle (magic 
potions) capable of protecting Snape from the damage of sunlight 
(just like Lupin).  Whether you agree with this or not, it is a 
good "canon-based" argument.

Some have pointed out, in addition, that JKR is a skilled historian 
utilizing mythology from across the board (i.e., some mythology is 
modern usage others are very dated).  Traditionally (as in the 
initial legend of dracula...the most famous vampire story of them 
all) vampires could walk in the daylight, but they were just weaker 
(i.e., sunlight was not fatal).  Modern movies and books, however, 
have often protrayad vampires as mortal to the sun.  In other words, 
death by sunlight is not a "must have" trait for vampires and it is 
even lacking in the greatest tale of them all...dracula.  Whether you 
agree with this or not, it is good "literary" argument.  


Jake