Snape passionate about the dark arts? [was: Snape]

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 89844

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Kathy King" <kking0731 at h...> 
wrote:
> Siriusly Snapey Susan:
> 
> Sigune, the point I'm addressing isn't your main point, but I still
> think it's worth asking about.  Do we KNOW that Snape is passionate
> about the dark arts?  Isn't one of the things we readers are often
> cautioned about concerning JKR is that we should question statements
> of "fact" made by CHARACTERS?  I know Percy first told Harry that
> Snape wants the DADA post, and other students have said it, too,
> saying something like "everyone knows" that he fancies the position.
> 
> But has Snape ever said--or DD or any other teacher--that he truly
> wants the position?  
 
> Kathy:
> 
> Actually there is canon proof when Umbridge asked Snape about it 
when she observed his class:
> 
> OoP pg. 363, 364 Umbridge says "You applied first for the Defense 
Against the Dark Arts post, I believe?" Snape answers yes.
> 
> Then Umbridge says "You've applied regularly for the DaDa post 
> since you first joined the school, I believe? Snape answers yes 
again.
> 
> Then Umbridge asks "Do you gave any idea why Dumbledore has 
> consistently refused to appoint you?" Snape replies "I suggest you 
ask him."
>

Siriusly Snapey Susan:
Kathy, this example, I believe, was actually part of what started the 
original discussion that Snape & DD might be doing this as kind of 
a "PR stunt". :-)  For even though Snape says that he applied, and 
even though he admits that he's applied over & over, he never STATES 
that's he desperately wants the position and actually directs 
Umbridge to DD, rather than explain why he's been refused the job. :-
)  

So while this exchange could mean nothing more than that Snape HAS 
wanted the job all along, it could also fit the "Snape & DD have been 
making it appear Snape wants the job" scenario, because Snape never 
explains why he's applied/been refused.

On the other hand, there was another subsequent post to mine which 
referred us to the Royal Albert Hall interview, wherein JKR said:
"That is an excellent question and the reason is
 I have to be 
careful
 not to say too much.  When Prof Dumbledore took Prof Snape 
onto the staff and Prof Snape said "I'd like to be Prof of Defence 
Against the Dark Arts please" and Prof Dumbledore felt it might bring 
out the worst in Snape so said "I think we'll get you to teach 
Potions and see how you get along there".

So my comments have been shown to be pretty weak. 
Siriusly Snapey Susan