Who would love Snape?

[wanderingstar1979]

No: HPFGUIDX 107003

> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "potioncat" 
> > <willsonkmom at m...> wrote:
> > Potioncat:
> > I once came up with idea that Snape is a cockroach animagus and 
> > posted it about a year ago. It was before I was familiar with 
> > checking canon first and there was a major canon flaw to my idea. 
> >(Thank goodness!) But there is canon support for it as well. 

> > One of the things that keeps haunting me about that idea, is 
> > that cockroaches have an oily protective coating. The strongest 
> > argument against it is that cockroaches don't like the cold.  And 
> > Snape's dungeon is always cold.

> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "koinonia02" <Koinonia2 at h...> 
> wrote:
> "K":
> We are talking about the HP books. The oily hair is mentioned 
> constantly. Either it's just a description used to make Snape 
> appear all the more evil or there's something up with his 
> appearance.

Hi!  I'm new here, and although I love analyzing books to death, I 
have to admit that ultimately I belong to the "wait and see" camp.  I 
will be completely amazed if it turns out that JKR really thought out 
ahead of time every single little piece of symbolism that I'm 
scrutinizing, and every teeny tiny "clue."  All the same, I (the 
research nut that I am) am currently working on a gigantic (perhaps 
ridiculous) theory about the books that I'm sure my list Elf will 
have a fabulous time going over before she can post it for me (my 
newbie self having moderated status and all), and that I'm sure you 
all will think I'm crazy after reading.  :-)  
So, with those disclaimers, here's to analytical joy!   

I was thinking about what K and Potioncat had to say about the 
significance of Snape's predilection for the cold and his "oiliness" 
or "greasiness," and about Potioncat's theory of Snape as an 
animagus.  Now, as a newbie, I may be committing the same error of 
not checking canon as thoroughly as I should before attempting to 
post, but I thought that anything is possible, and instead Snape 
being a cockroach animagus (and therefore needing the protective oily 
coating), I thought of OTHER animals.  In particular, I thought about 
animals that like or prefer the cold, are at least partially black, 
white (pale skin), and might have some yellow coloring (teeth), that 
can be found in Europe, that might be able to fly or at least have a 
wingspan (bat references), and that have a NEED for some kind of 
grease or oil for their well-being.  Here is what I found:

SWANS: Cygnus Coscoroba 
Yes, wouldn't this be odd ... or maybe not so odd, considering the 
Hans Christian Andersen tale?  Perhaps that is what is so fascinating 
about it!  There are a few different types of swans: the Trumpeter, 
the Mute, the Tundra (Berwick's or Whistling), the Whooper, the 
Black, and the Black-Necked 
(http://www.fact-index.com/s/sw/swan.html).  Now, this is a bit of a 
preview of my other theory, but suppose JKR really does plot out stuff 
like this, what if it doesn't completely fit her "plan"?  Well, artistic 
license of course!  An author is allowed to take species, theories, what 
have you, and combine them into characters, or make more than one 
character out of them, or change them to her liking, right?  So if 
not every bit of information matches the books EXACTLY, I suppose 
that's to be expected (that's what the idea of "based on" is all 
about).  

Now, I could only find this information on a website about the 
Trumpeter Swan (although it is native to North America, not Europe), 
so I can't draw the conclusion that ALL swans do this, but one 
*might* make that assumption: "When preening, a Trumpeter presses its 
bill against the base of the tail to extract a greasy fluid from an 
oil gland. This is used to recondition, clean, and waterproof the 
feathers." 
(http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/factsheets/birds/swan.htm)
 
It would make a lot of sense if Snape's oily hair served a real 
purpose, wouldn't it?  :-)  Not to say he is definitely an animagus, 
but as Potioncat proposed, it makes for an interesting possibility.  
Although I can't recall for certain, I don't think anyone actually 
ever said: "I know for sure that he is NOT registered with the MOM as 
an animagus."  Even if someone HAD said that, it doesn't mean he 
isn't, because 1.) As we've seen with Rita Skeeter, people don't 
necessarily register themselves if they are being sneaky, and 2.) As 
we've seen with Sirius (who said at one point, I believe, that only 
three (? four if you count the dead) knew he was an animagus), not 
everyone has to know if one is an animagus.  

More on swans:
Most of the swans are white, but have at least partially black 
bills.  Perhaps this is indicative of Snape's pale complexion and 
dark hair and clothing?  Also, some of the species (The Tundra - 
Berwick's - and The Whooper) have yellow on their bills - again, 
perhaps indicative of Snape's yellow teeth?  There is a particular 
species of swan, the Black Swan (from Australia), which is black with 
a red beak and white patches under its wings.  Again, none of this 
information matches PERFECTLY, but taken as a whole, it certainly 
suggests some of Snape's appearance - especially the white, black, 
yellow color theme.  Then again, anything thought about long enough 
can suggest just about anything else, and I'm fully willing to admit 
it, but it's food for thought. 
(http://www.fact-index.com/s/sw/swan.html)  
(http://www.fact-index.com/m/mu/mute_swan.html)  
(http://www.fact-index.com/t/tu/tundra_swan.html)
(http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/er/factsheets/birds/swan.htm)

Then, there's that myth (or maybe not so myth) that swans mate for 
life.  This should prove particularly satisfying for those who favor 
the LOLLIPOPS ship, or one of those sort of lost love, or "Love Boat" 
kind of SHIPS.  If, indeed, Snape is an ugly duckling/swan, or merely 
has the characteristics of one, and has mated for life, if his mate 
is lost, no wonder he is so depressed!  OR, if his mate is NOT lost, 
then perhaps we have yet to meet her and he is merely protecting the 
nest? 

About the Mute Swan: "These monogamous birds reuse the same nest each 
year."  Well, Snape keeps coming back to Hogwarts!  Wasn't there a 
post a while ago about where he went during the holidays?  His 
actions used to be kind of ... predictable?  "Although this bird can 
be tame, it is aggressive in defense of its nest, and its size and 
impressive hissing make it a formidable adversary for animals as 
large as a Fox."  Impressive hissing, huh?  Like, a snake or a 
Slytheryn?  I'm curious if anyone remembers Snape being characterized 
as "hissing"?  For the life of me, I can't remember!  

"Unlike Black Swans, Mute Swans are strongly territorial. The familiar 
pose with neck curved back and wings half raised is a threat display."  
So, no wonder he goes swooping around like a bat, maybe his mate is 
nearby!  Maybe that's why he gets so pissed off when he thinks Harry 
has been in his office?  "Despite its name, this bird can make a variety 
of hisses and grunts," or insults?  Ha ha ha "but it is certainly much 
less vocal than the noisy Whooper and Berwick's Swans." Well, yes, he's 
not very social.  "The most familiar sound associated with Mute Swan is 
the whistling of the wings in flight once this bird has laboriously taken 
off from the water."  Or the familiar sound of his swishing cloak as he 
turns and walks away?  Something like that, I know it's been in a post 
lately.  I'm sorry I couldn't quote all your wonderful postings!  

(http://www.fact-index.com/m/mu/mute_swan.html)
I should warn, however, that I have read that certain swans do not 
mate for life.  Most of what I found DOES indicate that they ARE 
monogamous, and EXTREMELY territorial and vicious when protecting 
their nest, mate or young ones.   

"All Mute Swans in Britain are considered the property of the British 
monarch" I just thought that was funny, sorry.

I also thought this was kind of interesting:
"Cygnus, the Swan, is also a constellation.  The star Deneb is a blue 
supergiant and forms the swan's tail, and one of the vertices of the 
so-called "Summer Triangle". In a Chinese love story, Deneb marks the 
magpie bridge across the Milky Way that allows separated lovers to be 
reunited on one special night of the year in late summer. In other 
versions, Deneb is a fairy who acts as chaperone when the lovers 
meet.  The star Albireo is at the swan's beak. It is one of the most 
beautiful double stars of the sky, a golden star.  Another 
interesting star is 61 Cygni. This star has one of the highest proper 
motions of any star in the sky (except the Sun).  It is one of the 
closest stars to our solar system.  The star 16 Cygni B is an 
extrasolar planetary system.  Cygnus also contains Cygnus X-1, which 
is considered to be one of the most likely black hole candidates.  
Several star clusters and nebulae are found in Cygnus.  

History and Mythology
In Greek mythology, the constellation represents several different 
legendary swans. Zeus disguised himself as a swan to rape Leda, who 
gave birth to the Gemini, Helen of Troy, and Clytemnestra. 
Orpheus was transformed into a swan after his murder, and was said to 
have been placed in the sky next to his lyre. 
Finally, it is said that a youth named Cygnus was the lover of the 
ill-fated Phaethon. Cygnus searched desperately for his body in the 
river Eridanus. Zeus took pity on him and changed him into the 
waterbird that has since borne his name." 
(http://www.fact-index.com/c/cy/cygnus.html)

Well, if you didn't like that star stuff (how could you not?) how 
about this: guess what other constellations CYGNUS the SWAN borders?  
How about:
CEPHEUS, the legendary king of Ethiopia, father of ANDROMEDA, and 
husband of CASSIOPEIA.  
(http://www.fact-index.com/c/ce/cepheus__constellation_.html)
DRACO, the dragon 
(http://www.fact-index.com/d/dr/draco__constellation_.html)
LYRA, the lyre
VULPECULA, the Fox
PEGASUS, the winged horse 
(http://www.fact-index.com/p/pe/pegasus__constellation_.html) 
... that in turn borders ANDROMEDA (Andromeda was a princess condemned 
to be sacrificed to a sea monster; she was rescued by the hero PERSEUS.)
LACERTA, the lizard (http://www.fact-index.com/l/la/lacerta.html) ... 
that in turn borders CASSIOPEIA (mother of ANDROMEDA and wife of 
CEPHEUS)

Tres weird, no?

I think that's enough about swans ... but what about other birds????

I know, you hate me already!!!

Well, I'll spare you the details.  I read about Vultures, Ravens, 
Puffins, and Penguins.  There is at least one "type" of each bird 
that either doesn't mind or prefers the cold.  Also, Penguins and 
Puffins swim and therefore have to have waterproof feathers, which 
calls for an oily or greasy coating.  If I recall correctly, Ravens 
waterproof their feathers as well?  All these birds (I think) are 
also pretty territorial when their nests or mates are threatened.  
Puffins are kind of small, though, but they are black and white, and 
can have yellow beaks.  Penguins, as we well know, do not come in 
colors other than black and white, unfortunately for my theory J.  
Vultures come in many different colors and sizes and climates.  
What's interesting about vultures is that I read on one site that 
some cultures believed that they were psychic because they were 
always there before creatures had died, making it seem like they had 
foreknowledge of the event.  Perhaps this mimics Snape's talents?  

Vultures are also apparently very "misunderstood" - I know all you 
Snape fans will love that one - according to some Vulture fan 
websites.  Some vultures are social, but others are very solitary.  
Ravens are quite intellectual, in fact, many believe that they have 
their own "language" and can even communicate with humans somewhat.  
On two different websites, I read that in North America, ravens and 
WOLVES cooperate to find food - hmmmm, Snape and Lupin anyone?  
Ravens are also undisputedly monogamous and also quite romantic 
(awwww).  Anyone remember "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH?"  I 
think those birds at the end were ravens.  Maybe crows.  Well, 
anyway.... 

I meant for all the information I had found on the other bird species 
to be as detailed and well thought out as the section on swans, but 
you are probably bored to tears already, and I lost half the pages 
along the way.  :-( 

Sorry if my first attempt at posting was a disaster!  

I guess my point was ... hi?

"wanderingstar1979"