Snape as A-hole Drill Sargeant [was: Re: Harry, Snape,Occlumency]

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 94595

Anne wrote: 
> <snip> First of all, having been a DE, Snape knows what the DE can
do...every last little horrible detail, no doubt whether he did it
himself or not. Second, he knows Voldemort is coming back, either
because of inside information, or because he trusts DD's judgement in
the matter. Third...by the time he gets Harry...it has already
started. The Hogwarts teachers are already making preparations to keep
Voldemort, or at least his faith DE, from getting something valuble
(The Philospher/Sorcerer's stone). So, in essence, there is no more time.
> 
> Snape is a survivor of a war--one we could probably draw parallels
to in Vietnam and the like. He knows what's about to happen...worse
yet, he not only knows what it means in a general way for his chosen
side, but he has an excellent idea what his former allies are capable
of. He is already in 'war' mode...and since he knows there's no more
time, that Harry MUST survive and do certain things, he's not going to
have a whole hell of a lot of patience for the kid...and he'll have
even less for a reluctant, combative one. Ther's no time to indulge
Harry in that, even at age eleven--Voldemort has already found
him...has already dragged Harry onto the battlefield, in
> fact...and anyone associated with him as well.
> 
> And of course, since no one else but a select few *see* the war is
not only coming, but is already here, Snape is twice hogtied...somehow
he has to teach thise kids, almost instantly, things that even their
parents don't think need to be taught (and will certinaly hang HIM for
if they find out about it!). <snip>

Carol:
These are excellent points, Anne, particularly with regard to Snape's
teaching methods in the Occlumency lessons. There's no time to spare
for niceness, and if Snape had attempted it, Harry would have been
immediately suspicious. He has to remain in his established character,
trying to impart a sense of urgency to Harry, who I hope will be
better prepared and more willing to listen to Snape in the next book.

There's only one point I don't agree with, the last one. Muggle
parents like Hermione's might object to Snape's teaching methods, but
the WW has different standards. Look at Filch's preferred methods of
discipline, which at some point must actually have been used. Look at
how Arthur Weasley was punished by Filch's predecessor (I've forgotten
his name): Mrs. Weasley states cheerfully that he still has the scars.
Even Lucius Malfoy expects Draco to work hard and earn his marks. I
imagine that many teachers used methods like Snape's or even
Umbridge's when the parents of Malfoy's generation were kids.
Dumbledore knows and approves Snape's methods. We don't hear of a
single parent complaining about him. I think it's we Muggles, viewing
the WW from the outside, who pass judgment on it, both for its
disciplinary methods and for its treatment of house-elves and other
non-humans.

Other than that, I agree entirely with your post. Snape knows what's
in store and he can't afford to be polite to Hermione as she eagerly
offers to give the answers that he wants *Harry* to give. He can't
afford to waste time being nice to anybody. Time is running short and
the kids, especially Harry, need to be prepared for what's coming.

Carol