Professor Snape's role

[maa-dee]

No: HPFGUIDX 99919

Linda wrote:

> The pensieve that 
> revealed his background to Harry, & Harry's to him, made a 
> compelling 
> scene for me - I felt that he could no longer contain as much 
> animosity toward Harry, while Harry could no longer see the 
> Professor 
> as evil.  

One would think so, wouldn't one? But Snape reacted very angrily
towards having his privacy invaded like that. At times, Snape seems to
think that Harry is a reincarnation of James. Snape assumes that Harry
is arogant, hates him and feels above everyone else. When Snape
discovered Harry inside the pensieve, he probably felt horribly
violated and figured Harry would have found the scene funny, and a
great way to make fun of Snape. Snape practically threw Harry out of
his office.

At any point Snape could have seen that Harry does not like the fame
and attention that surrounds him. I think Harry only enjoys fame when
it's for something he's earned and he's proud of, Quidditch being an
example. There have been many times in the previous books when Harry
has been picked on and ridiculed. Snape would have seen even more of
these situations when seeing Harry's memories during Occlumency lessons.

It appears as though Snape has a lot of evidence in front of him that
points to the fact that Harry isn't an arrogant bully, like James was.
But he seems pretty happy to ignore those facts. It might be that he
knows Harry isn't like that, but chooses to persecute him for being
big-headed (even when he isn't) because he knows it will annoy Harry.

Harry, on the other hand, after having seen the memory in the
pensieve, does not find it funny. He's horrified that his Father and
Sirius were such bullies, that Lupin didn't do anything to stop them,
and that his Mother seemingly hated James. And not only does he feel
very sorry for Snape, he knows what it's like to be the one being
bullied (whether by Malfoy, Snape or Dudley).

However, Snape's continued hatred and mistreatment of Harry eventually
puts an end to Harry's sympathy. At the end of OotP he doesn't feel
sorry for him, and has somehow managed to shift the blame he felt for
Sirius's death onto Snape, increasing his hatred for him.

Like you, I really wanted Snape and Harry to start getting along. But
Snape seems to make a habbit of annoying and infuriating Harry. And
Harry lets it bug him. I think it's probably the easiest way for Harry
to vent any angry feelings he's having: blame it on the most hatable
man, Snape.

Linda wrote:

> I am feeling that Snape is a very important piece of the 
> puzzle, one that will eventually help lead Harry to victory over 
> Voldemort.  

Maddy writes:

At some point, I think they have to reconcile somewhat. I also think
that Snape has some vital part to play...IMO, I think Harry needs to
grow up a bit and learn not to take Snape's digs to heart. (although,
Who can blame the kid for taking it personally?) And if Snape is being
genuine, he needs to stop being such a jerk. If he doens't genuinely
have it in for Harry, then JKR needs to reveal whatever his problem is.

=)
Maddy
(who's feeling very long-winded)