James the Berk?

[delwynmarch]

No: HPFGUIDX 105437

Valky wrote :
> James only uses physically non-harmful hexes Snape ( I won't say 
> harmless because I concede the truth of psychological harm), Snape 
> employs a more dangerous attack on James than James even considers 
> unleashing on Snape. 
> Although I accept that James was indeed having a bit o' a lark at 
> Snapes expense I see he was *already noble*. 

Del replies :
I have to respectfully disagree on that point.

The reason James and Snape used different kinds of spells is that
their *goals* were different, not their mindsets.

James was trying to *humiliate* Snape, not to necessarily hurt him.
That's why he had him fall, he had him hung upside-down, and he had
his mouth washed with soap. He was trying to make people *laugh* at
Snape, not pity him.

Snape, on the other hand, was trying to win what he considered to be a
classic wizard duel. The best and fastest way is to disable your
opponent, hence the physically harming curse.

And I sure don't think that humiliating someone is *noble*.

Del