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

[vmonte]

No: HPFGUIDX 97512

Laura Walsh wrote:

True, we see Harry and Ron both goofing off in Divination
and History of Magic. But with the latter, they make up for
it by copying all of Hermione's notes (a monumental task)
and studying them rather hard. With Divination, they are
actually prepared to work at it, until it becomes clear that
Trelawney really doesn't know how to teach it, because,
while she has a bit of the power, she doesn't know that she
does and she mistakenly thinks that her spooky voice and
other mannerisms will make up for her lack of understanding.

We see examples of where both Ron and Harry goof off, but
I think these are notable because they ARE exceptions to
their normal hard work.

vmonte responds:

I disagree with you. Harry and Ron often rely on Hermione to get them 
through their classes.  I think that Harry and Ron, like many kids, 
do well in the classes they enjoy, and end up playing catch up with 
the rest of their classes.  They are great procrastinators.  If you 
don't believe me, read Hermione's reactions to their work habits.  

I think that they are both, at present, average students.  I'm not 
talking about Harry's incredible and natural DADA talents; I'm 
talking about regular school work.  

I do not blame Harry (or any child) who cannot do well in Snape's 
class. Snape may know his stuff, but he enjoys setting the children 
up for failure.  You are right that when Harry wants to learn 
something he has no problem mastering incredibly difficult spells.

Harry has a lot on his plate!  I don't really think that it's bad 
that he is not as studious as Hermione, he does after all have to 
constantly save the wizarding world from Voldemort!  

That said, I think that he will have to become more focused, and 
studious in the next book.  He has had some near misses in his 
confrontations with Voldemort. Instinct is only going to get him so 
far, he is going to have to master himself. His life may depend on 
it.    

vmonte