Sirius vs. Snape

[arrowsmithbt]

No: HPFGUIDX 99401

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "dumbledore11214" <dumbledore11214 at y...> 
wrote:
> 
> Kneasy, Kneasy, Kneasy... I know you like Sirius.... very deep 
> inside. :o)
> 
> (I suspect just as much as Pippin admires Lupin :o))
> 
> What Harry was taught and how was Sirius' business. Even under normal 
> circumstances family can take interest in their younglings studies 
> and Harry's situation is very far from normal. He interfered, because 
> he cared for Harry. A lot, I'd say.
> 
>  
Kneasy:
Like Sirius? Why on earth should I like Sirius? He's the sort I avoid in pubs.
See, I suspect that you're going back to the "But he likes/loves Harry" bit. 
So what? How does that change his basic nature? It doesn't IMO. After all,
it's possible Goering loved his mother - does that make him any more 
acceptable?

Sirius isn't family at all. He has an honorary title (Godfather) that means 
absolutely nothing unless you are a professed Christian. The only obligation
it carries is to make sure that the Godchild is eventually Confirmed according
to established Church  practices. And I can't see how that has anything to do
with the WW. Otherwise it has no more connection than being Best Man at the 
Wedding does. At most it identifies him as a friend of James and Lily. It gives 
him no rights or control whatsoever.

> Alla:
> Love. It all goes back to love for me. I prefer human being who is 
> able to express love for someone else. If Sirius survived (until 
> Rowling officially negates that on her site, I am still inclined to 
> believe in it :o)), Harry would have a father figure, who loves him 
> just for him. I know that some posters said that Snape is the real 
> father figure for Harry, but sorry, does not cut for me yet.
> 
> Yes, being strict is good, but positive reinforcement is also 
> necessary. :o)
> 
>
Kneasy:
Love. That stuff. It addles your brain, encourages you to do things that
in retrospect you'd rather forget. That's romantic love, of course.
So what sort of 'love' do you postulate between Harry and Sirius?
Father and son? I don't think so. Harry sees Sirius as a link to James,
not a replacement. Unless you're thinking of going gay just about any 
other sort of love between males is pretty unlikely. IMO Harry is grasping
at the idea of belonging somewhere - the fact that it's Sirius is largely
irrelevant. Anyone would do.
A boy and his dog perhaps? That's understandable; I cried buckets over 
Old Shep.

What does Sirius feel for Harry? A debt. He feels he owes him for Lily and
James. He feels guilty. And that isn't love. Left to his own devices he would
spoil Harry rotten. Not good.

Positive reinforcement? A boot up the backside is the best there is.