Evaluating Snape (was: Re: Lupin's resentment )

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 94140

 
> 
> Susan:
>x> 
> Let's call it GRADE ABUSE.  Think of those times when Snape is not 
> only snarly or acidic or sarcastic in his comments towards Harry, 
> but when he **totally unfairly**--with no foundation--gives Harry 
a 
> zero on the day's potion.  At least twice that I can think of 
Harry 
> was given a zero when he either flat-out didn't deserve the zero 
or 
> someone *else* [was it Draco?] caused the potion flask to be 
> broken.  And IIRC, comments are made throughout the books which 
> imply that Snape *routinely* gives Harry unwarranted zeros and 
> delights in doing so.  
> 
> x> 
> I know, I know.  Lots of the time I defend Snape and argue that he 
> is, overall, a good guy.  I also do believe he is extremely 
talented 
> as a potionmaker.  But when it comes to his teaching methods, I 
will 
> often argue that he is out of line.  This is part of the "not a 
nice 
> guy" even though he's a "good guy" in the fight against Voldy, I 
> guess.
> 


Potioncat:
I"m working from memory and I think it was GoF that the episodes you 
mention are found in.  I had the feeling that part of the time, 
Harry assumes he got a zero or thinks he sees Snape write a zero.  
Later he believes that DD made Snape adjust the grade to a passing 
score.

But I think Snape knew very well how Harry's potion turned out, 
whether he had a sample or not.  And I doubt DD had to make him 
change grades. He's already given him the appropriate one. (Not a 
zero.)  Snape certainly may have put on a show to make Harry seem 
even less capable than he is.  To paraphrase "No one who's seen you 
in my class would argue the need for remedial potions." Whether that 
is so the DE's will think badly of Harry or well of Snape, I'm not 
sure. (DE's getting the info from their own little ones at the 
school.)

It doesn't seem that he does anything to lower Hermione's grades, 
since she takes top marks in his class.  And Longbottom manages to 
pass as well.
Potioncat (who really ought to go to bed)