What's in it for Snape? Finding motive...

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 97420

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, AnitaKH <anita_hillin at y...> 
wrote:
> 
> When I reread PS a few weeks ago (having received my UK editions!
yahoo!!), I already knew about this - er - discussion, so I was 
looking for canon to support or refute it.  I was struck by the 
following:
> 
> "It happened very suddenly.  The hook-nosed teacher looked past 
Quirrell's turban straight into Harry's eyes - and a sharp, hot pain 
shot across the scar on Harry's forehead...
> 
> "The pain had gone as quickly as it had come.  Harder to shake off 
was the feeling Harry had got from the teacher's look - a feeling 
that he didn't like Harry at all."  Philosopher's Stone, "The Sorting 
Hat" P. 94 paperback
> 
> At this point, there is no reason for Snape to be "demonstrating" 
his preference for Slytherins; who's going to see that he was glaring 
at Harry in a room full of students?  He most certainly has no reason 
to be frustrated or otherwise concerned about Harry's abilities; 
Harry's only been at Hogwarts a few hours at most.  If Snape's 
treatment of Harry is purely staged, as has been suggested, why 
didn't Harry see an appraising look?  Snape-as-Machiavelli would be 
sizing up Harry, not shooting him a look of loathing.  Snape may be 
able to rationalize his abusive treatment of Harry (and it IS 
abusive, however strategically planned), but it's not borne strictly 
out of calm planning, if this scene is to be given credence.
> 
> I agree that Snape has some enviable teaching abilities; anyone who 
can keep discipline with a group of 12-year-olds without raising 
their voice has my undying admiration!  However, I do believe we risk 
ignoring Rowling's own signals about Snape if we ascribe his behavior 
to calculation, and as a literary character, I'd find him less 
interesting if all his vitriol could be explained away as a grand 
master plan.
> 
>  
> 
> So there!
> 
>  
> 
> akh 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 

		
So true, Anita. I would even settle for neutral look, but noooo Snape 
had to antagonize Harry right from the beginning. :)

Now, Voldie is not back yet, so excuse of pretending in front of 
Slyths does not count and who exactly would notice anyway?

I agree, even if Snape is under orders to be Harry's "enemy unmber 
one" in school, I believe that this is the role he WANTS to play, 
HAPPY to play and which is very attuned to his mindset towards Harry.


If Snape survives, I don't want him to be come "peaches and cream", 
but I do want to hear him saying to Harry "Potter, you are not your 
father".

If that means that Snape is not going be "real Snape" after saying 
those words, well than yes, I do want him to change in that aspect. I 
am guilty as charged. :o)


Alla