Snape as an Occlumens

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 106215

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Penny Brooks" 
<pennygbrooks at y...> 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?  <

I think he uses it all the time, though it was more useful when 
Harry didn't know he could do it. Think of all the times Snape 
looks searchingly into Harry's eyes. But you have to remember, 
Snape is a liar. He's perfectly capable of accusing Harry of 
something, looking into his mind, discovering that Harry is 
innocent, and continuing to carry on as if he still believed Harry 
were guilty, the better to find out what else Harry might know.

He's also quite capable of discovering that Harry is guilty and yet 
pretending to believe Harry's lies. After all, as we learned back in 
Book One, Snape is *not* prying into Harry's affairs to try and get 
him in trouble. He's trying to keep Harry safe.


Pippin