Snape, trying very hard not to smile? Or is he just allergic to cats?

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 93449

Berit wrote:
<snip> 
> I've noticed another one of his [Snape's] expressions that is harder
to explain 
> considering the situation he's in: Mrs. Norris has just been found 
> petrified, and Dumbledore is examining the cat very closely to find 
> out what's the matter with her. Everyone is also aware of the very 
> dire message written on the wall where the cat was found: "The 
> Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware." 
> (CoS p.106 UK Ed) So this is clearly a serious situation to everyone 
> present. Then, what do you make of this:
<snipped quote>
> 
> Why does Snape seem to find the situation amusing? Does Rowling want 
> us to think he might be a baddie after all, excited about what has 
> just happened? Or is this a rare moment of Snape thinking something's 
> funny? Is it possible he's just trying not to smile at the strange 
> sight of Dumbledore's long crooked nose buried in Mrs Norris's fur? 
> Does Snape even possess that kind of humour? Anyone out there who
has delved deeply into the psychological make-up of our Snape and can 
> give a satisfactory explanation as to what Snape's "most peculiar 
> expression" is all about? <snip>


My impression is that Snape has a common bond with the students,
including HRH: He detests Mrs. Norris. Possibly he even dislikes Filch
himself, despite sometimes having to work with him (and have his leg
tended by him in CoS). Filch is a Squib and "has no subtlety," as
Snape would say. He believes in instruments of torture to punish
students. Snape has more imaginative methods of keeping them in line.
BTW, I loved Snape's line when Filch thinks that Peeves has stolen
Harry's golden egg: "I don't give a damn about that wretched
poltergeist!" I don't think he gives a damn about that wretched cat,
either.

Carol