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

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 93458

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "justcarol67" 
<justcarol67 at y...> wrote:
> 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? 

Carol:
> My impression is that Snape has a common bond with the 
students,including HRH: He detests Mrs. Norris. Possibly he 
even dislikes Filchhimself, despite sometimes having to work 
with him (and have his leg tended by him in CoS). <<

I agree with part of this. I think Snape's amusement is because 
he destests the cat. But the interesting thing to me is that he 
seems to be trying to hide his feelings and failing. That's not 
what you'd expect from an Occlumens. But perhaps 
schadenfreude is not a feeling he has much practice in 
concealing. Usually he's all too willing to take delight in others' 
misfortune.

It might be in deference to the gravity of the situation as Berit 
suggests, but is Snape really aware of that? Surely Snape as 
head of Slytherin is not going to be shocked by Draco's racist 
outburst--he wasn't above using the M word himself in his 
student days. Snape knows nothing about Dobby's warning 
either. 

Only Dumbledore and McGonagall have been around long 
enough to remember the original opening of the Chamber. To 
Filch and Snape surely it's just a legend and the writing on the 
wall is more likely a student prank as Filch believes. Until 
Dumbledore gives his diagnosis, it's reasonable to think that 
Mrs. Norris is merely suffering from Petrificus Totalis, a spell 
which Hermione used successfully only a few months before.

I think Snape is showing consideration for Filch's feelings, 
strange as it may seem. I see them as old friends, bound 
perhaps by   rather lowly origins and a common hatred for the 
students. I firmly believe that Snape's background isn't quite as 
lofty as it appears. His speaking style is quite a bit less flowery 
and affected when he's talking to Filch--a traditonal giveaway. 

Pippin
"An Englishman's way of speaking absolutely classifies him/
The moment he speaks he makes some other Englishman 
despise him"--My Fair Lady