Pensieve scene - Lily revealed?

[lavaluvn]

No: HPFGUIDX 104393

I apologize for most likely repeating ideas (nothing new under the 
sun and all), but does anyone else think that the Pensieve scene of 
James tormenting Snape was as much to reveal Lily's character as 
anything?  As much as we've ever been given, anyway.  I think she 
came out looking rather impressive.  Lupin, who should've been the 
one to stop his friends' bad behavior, was clearly afraid to say 
anything to them (that description of his eyes pretending to move 
over his reading... he knew what he should do, but didn't dare, just 
like Ron with his brothers), but Lily stepped right inbetween, even 
to defend a racist jerk.  
 Having never actually seen an example of a teen peer willing to get 
between an armed bully and his (also armed) victim, I find this a 
mark of a truly strong and brave person.  I just wish we would hear 
more specifically about her.  I actually liked the POA movie addition 
having Lupin discuss Lily to Harry.  While reading the books I'm 
always wishing we could hear more about her.  Lupin may very well 
have loved Lily, and as co-prefects they must have spent some time 
together, but he knew he was too much of a moral coward to deserve 
her affection in the end.

Well, maybe that's a little harsh, but by the end of that Penseive 
scene, were you not disgusted by everyone but Lily?  Maybe 15-year-
old boys just aren't very likeable?  Harry, of course, was focused on 
the shock of his father's behavior.. after all his idolizing of his 
father throughout the other books, not too surprising, even though it 
was his mother that saved his life.  She's gotten suspiciously short 
shrift.  Saving up some bombshells for the end, I hope.

Just out of curiosity, have any of you ever tried to stop a bully in 
action?  I have vague memories of someone on this list probably a 
year ago (!) talking about doing so, but can't remember.  I must 
shamefully admit to being one of those who would have slunk away 
grateful it wasn't me.  Back in my teen days, anyway (what, iron age, 
at least).  Now, to defend my own children, different story....

Andromeda
Who has gone on way too long tonight and should now go to bed.