"Professor" Snape

[spaebrun]

No: HPFGUIDX 98246

Reed (me):

I snipped the whole general discussion about whether or not Snape
deserves a honorific title given his behaviour and whether age or
position do automatically earn you respect. 
It is really interesting, but I think there are also some special
circumstances to consider in order to explain why Dumbledore insists 
on Harry calling Snape 'professor'.

1) For Snape it is very important to be treated with respect. He
actually seems to have a fear of being disrespected in any way, 
especially by Harry - most likely due to his experiences with 
James. So he needs to have this respect shown formally. 
Just remember Snape's insistance on being called 'sir' during
Occlumency lessons! This was his way of 'symbolically' forcing 
submittance and respect he believes Harry denies him.
So whether or not *we* (or even Harry) think(s) it is disrespectful
to call Snape with his last name only is not the point. *Snape* 
would definitely find it very disrespectful and if he knew about it, 
it would make his relationship to Harry even more tense. 

2) Dumbledore himself obviously believes that Snape is worthy of
Harry's respect, but he also knows that Snape is a difficult person. 
So reminding Harry to use the title is also a way to remind him not 
to judge Snape rashly - precisely *because* Snape's usual behaviour 
makes it so easy to disrespect him. 

Siriusly Snapey Susan said in in earlier post:
> As much as I despise Snape's methods with Harry and, esp., Neville,
> I think DD is right to call Harry on this disrespectfulness. It
> can't do anything to help improve his situation with Snape--er, with
> Professor Snape.

I absolutely agree and I think this is one of the main reasons
Dumbledore does insist on it. 
He knows that Snape and Harry have to work together and even though
you may argue that it is the adult who has to take the first step,
given Snape's and Harry's personalities I think it's not bad judgement 
to appeal to Harry first (though we don't even know what Dumbledore 
tells Snape). Age does not necessarily make you wiser, after all!

Reed