Fields of Magic (was Re: Potions Master Question)

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 94343

Carol wrote: <snipped>
Snape (IMO) did such a good job there (despite his sarcasm, his
students learn what he teaches) that DD has left him there for
fourteen years, also giving him the prestigious position of Head of
Slytherin House. (It's possible, though, that he was the only 
former Slytherin teaching at Hogwarts, in which case the honor would
have gone to him by default.) His current role as DD's righthand man
was probably earned by proving himself worth of DD's trust. Compared 
with the other teachers, he's still young, but there's a big
difference between 22 and 37 or 38.
 
> Potioncat responded:
> I don't think anyone would get a head of house if their only 
> qualification was that they had been in that house. Perhaps if 
> several equally qualified individuals applied and one was from the 
> house, that would be the deciding factor.  To clarify, I think he 
> deserved the position.
> 
> BTW, do we know when Snape became head of Slytherin?

Carol again:
For the record, I agree completely. He's perfect as Head of Slytherin,
whether or not he received the position by default. But I felt I had
to concede that point because someone was bound to make it if I didn't
since we really don't know of any other Slytherin teachers. I'm
guessing that they're quite rare at Hogwarts. But, to repeat, there's
no question in my mind that he deserves the position.

As for how long he's been there, the friendly rivalry between Snape
and McGonagall seems well established before Harry enters Hogwarts
(IIRC, "I couldn't look Severus Snape in the eye for weeks" occurs is
SS/PS and relates to the previous year). I think it would be highly
unusual for a brand-new, very young teacher to receive such a
position, but maybe he's held it for five years or so before Harry
enters Hogwarts. We don't have much to go on, one way or the other.

Carol