CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Chapter 28, Snape's worst memory

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 115097


 snipping summary<<<
Alla wrote:
> 1. So, what is the reason for the title of this
> chapter? It had been discussed many times, but why not
> give it another try?

Potioncat:
The more I think about it, "why" did Snape have to take thoughts out 
of his head anyway? You would think if he can match LV, he wouldn't 
need protection from an Occlumency student.  I'm not sure if this is 
just the way JKR decided to work it, or if there is more to the 
process than we know.

But, if you had to protect your memories from others, wouldn't you 
protect different memories from different people? So perhaps Snape 
wouldn't care if Harry saw some DE event in his memory, but wouldn't 
want Harry to see him in this humiliating circumstance. Just as 
Harry was determined that Snape not see him kissing Cho.

You know, as often as this group discusses the events of the 
Pensieve scene, hardly ever does anyone refer to it as Snape's worst 
memory. 
> 
> 2. Do you agree with Fred and George that " a bit of
> mayhem" is exactly what Umbridge deserves? 
> Is it an effective way of dealing with her? Do you
> think that something similar should have been done
> earlier?

Potioncat:
I think the timing was perfect. And although the teachers were 
limited in what they could do, they were resisting her before that  
as well. (Minerva offering her cough drop springs to mind.)

Fred and George had nothing to lose at that point.  They didn't need 
to finish school.  They had confidence they would be able to get 
away.
> 
> 3. What do we learn about Harry from his refusal to
> drink the tea in Umbridge's office?

Potioncat:
He wasn't particularly quick on that one!  But he is beginning to 
think.
> 

> 
> 5. We witness Marauders and Snape taking their DADA
> OWL. If we assume that this memory was Snape's worst
> memory, could he remember this exam deep in his mind
> and assign his werewolf essay in POA based on those
> questions?

Potioncat:
Do you mean his real intent was to help the students pass OWLs? Such 
a concerned teacher! ;-)  

Actually, as you've asked, I happened to notice that the students 
studied werewolves in both first and second years. Under Quirrell 
they learned how to treat werewolf bites.  So I wonder if Snape was 
correct that they should have been farther along in DADA?  Of 
course, after Lockhart that would go without saying!

Or, do you think it was the DADA OWL that tipped him off to Lupin 
being a werewolf?  In which case did the prank happen before or 
after OWLs...Wait a minute.  I'm supposed to be answering questions, 
aren't I?

> 
> 6. This question is specifically for my benefit. Can
> anybody please explain to me why Snape was still
> reading his exam paper even though Flitwick collected
> the parchments. Were they writing two copies of the
> exam with one copy left for the student personal
> records? I would appreciate the clarification.

Potioncat:
I've seen answers to this already. Someone recalled Blue books, used 
in tests at university level.  Blue books!  What a memory, I'd 
forgotten about them.

Do you know who else reads over the exams afterwards?  Hermione!  
She knows more hexes than most older students. She has been known to 
tell teachers about contraband in the common room. Who does she 
remind me of?

 9. Why did Snape call Lily "mudblood"? Do you see any
> indications in this chapter that he could have
> feelings for her?

Potioncat:
He calls her a filthy little Mudblood.  And unless that three word 
phrase is the common use, (and it could be) he was being deliberate 
instead of simply reacting. 

But, and it isn't clear, it seems he has use of his wand at this 
point, but he doesn't use it.  He regains his wand, is struck rigid 
and falls, then the hex is lifted and he gets up.  Either he doesn't 
grab it as he scambles to his feet, or he does, but doesn't use it.

So is Lily the reason he is particularly distracted in the middle of 
a fight? 
> 
> 10. What do you make out of Snape's reaction after
> Pensieve fiasco? Will he ever want to see Harry in his
> office again?

Potioncat:
Did he ever want to see Harry in his office before?  

They've continued as teacher and student.  The summer will pass by.  
And even though Snape never forgets, he will have to interact with 
Harry. In fact, given Harry's state of mind at the end of OoP, Snape 
was doing better at it than Harry was.


Great job on the Chapter Discussion, Alla!

Potioncat