[HPforGrownups] Re: Harry Learning From Snape

[charme]

No: HPFGUIDX 114788


From: "DawnnieC"


As a person who has over 14-years experience working in the special
education field as well as several as a counselor I can tell you from
personal experience that the quickest, most efficient way to diffuse a
particularly volatile (mean, bullying, arrogant) personality is to respond
with civility.  When you do that, the power shifts from the bully to the
target (for lack of a better word).

charme:

While this is typically true in a one on one scenario where each party is
equal, there is a difference when someone in a position of authority and
power (an adult) treats a child/teenager (as a subordinate or charge) in an
insulting and demeaning fashion in front of his/her peers. The power cannot
shift to someone who is not empowered with the same authority to begin with
under your example, therefore I'd submit that perhaps Harry *needs* to talk
to Minerva and allow her to mediate between Snape, Harry and perhaps
Dumbledore to deal with the perception Harry has. This is the way Harry
regains the "power" you allude to in your statement above, IMO.

Speak of Dumbledore, this is as much his fault as it is Snape's. (Sirius'
too - Harry's only seen/heard Sirius' side of the story)  DD is the
administrator of this school, and surely does know (as he appears to *know*
everything else)  Snape rather abuses his power as a professor in this
manner.  This is why JKR alludes to DD taking Snape on as Potions Master
rather than DADA Professor - "Let's see how you get on there"  I believe she
said.

I know I won't be popular for this post....:) I'll dodge the incoming....

charme