Snape a vampire? (was Snape's Patronus)

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 107304

Brenda: "I think most readers have a love-hate relationship with
Snape. We all want to think that underneath it all he is really good;
but is he?"

This is what makes Snape fascinating – we all agree he's a nasty
so-and-so, but he seems to be on the right side.  He seems to do his
duty to the Good Side – mostly.  We saw for the first time in OoP
Snape fail to do his duty when he stops teaching Harry Occlumency.
It's interesting that the reason for it is Snape having one of his old
memories outed to Harry.  Will we encounter another of Snape's bitter
memories at just the wrong time in the future?  I'd bet on it.

I hypothesized before, recently in message 107200, that Snape is a
social phobic.  His life trajectory is very consistent with that; JKR
says there's something sad and lonely about him. It's rejection;
that's where the rage comes from.  Those who speculate Snape
hopelessly adored Lily have the right end of the stick, even if it
turns out it was someone else or all females together.

Brenda: "Until JKR reveals more about Snape we can only make
assumptions based on his appearance and actions which in my opinion
are very vampirish."

We don't know much about vampires in JKR's world, but in parallel
literature they aren't necessarily greasy and filled with anger. (or
not so, either). The fact Bela Lugosi used lots of hair pomade is
neither here nor there. Aren't many vampires in literature highly
attractive to women? (I never read Anne Rice)

Let me just say it: I think the "evidence" pointed to in Snape as
vampire theories is wishful at best, and there are many indications
against it, all of which have to be explained away.

Brenda: " I recently reread an interview with JKR where she tells her
readers not to like Snape too much and that he needs watching. She
also states that Dumbledore does not allow Snape to teach dark arts
because it would bring out the worst in him."

You never can tell when Snape's demons will get the better of him.
(See Pensieve scene) Talk about a "man on the edge," Snape's it.  As
for the DADA job, Dumbledore may trust Snape, but would you give a
recovering alcoholic a job as a bartender?  Dumbledore's right.

Brenda: "Lastly why wouldn't Rowling include a vampire character in
her story. She has witches, wizards, trolls, giants, werewolves,
goblins, elves, centaurs etc. It would be strange to entirely rule out
the inclusion of a vampire."

There's no reason for her not to include a vampire if she wants to,
but there's no reason ought to include one, either. Do stories have to
have representation from every group?  How about hags?

Jim Ferer