Snape as an Occlumens

[delwynmarch]

No: HPFGUIDX 106211

Penny Brooks wrote:
> In OooP, we learn that Snape is an occlumens, and presumably a 
> legilimens, when he has to teach Harry occlumency.  What I'm 
> wondering is:  why hasn't Snape used this skill before? 
(snip)
> It seems that Snape's animosity for Harry would give him a propensity 
> to do a little mind-reading on Harry.

Del replies :
Interesting question.

One answer could simply be that he's not as good a Legilimens as DD
is. We suspect that DD can read somebody's mind without a wand or an
incantation, but I'm not sure Snape could. During his lessons with
Harry, he always uses a wand and says the word. Maybe he still needs
them. And it wouldn't be very discreet to put such a spell on Harry.
What if Harry remembers the word and reports it to DD sometime later ?
How would Snape justify using such a mind-invading method on a student ?

Just an idea.

Del