Harry, the adults, and thanking Snape

[dcgmck]

No: HPFGUIDX 115288


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "dzeytoun" <dzeytoun at c...> 
wrote:
> 
[snip, with profound regrets]
> We have talked a lot about Harry not thanking Snape.  Yet surely 
one reason he does not is the subtle message he gets from adults that 
> Snape doesn't need to be thanked.  Frankly, all the adults seem to 
> have the attitude, conveyed in multiple ways, that Snape is only 
> doing his duty (to the Order, to James, or both) and therefore 
> doesn't need/deserve thanks.  In my opinion they are conveying an 
> even starker message.  One justifiable read of their attitude seems 
> to be "We know you don't like Snape.  We don't like him, either.  
But he does have useful functions, like doing his duty for which one 
does not need to thank him."  The other even subtler message is "Yes, 
> Snape hates you.  He saves you because he is duty bound, so don't 
> feel the need to thank him for it."

[snip]

dolor:
I really like this thought.  It brings to mind Sirius Black's casual 
negligence and disdain towards Kreacher.  Is Snape the de 
facto "house elf" in Harry's life, i.e., the one who tirelessly and 
thanklessly serves?  

Come to think of it, that also seems to reflect Percy's attitude 
toward his mother, a not uncommon youthful perspective on family 
roles and functions, unfortunately.

Technically, McGonagall is Harry's head of house.  In lieu of proper 
direction from the Dursleys, who do seem to have taught Harry 
superficial manners, she should be the one to proffer him such 
guidance at school, but she's a pretty hands-off head of house, 
except where Quidditch is concerned...

Lupin clearly only feels such responsibility when he is under 
contract to do so.  Note that he returns the Marauders' Map to Harry 
once he has tendered his resignation.  Why, then, would anyone expect 
him to give Harry behavioral directions beyond said scope, especially 
in the presence of Harry's actual legal guardian?

Dumbledore is even more removed from the day-to-day care and guidance 
of Harry.

If anyone would offer such advice about respect, I would expect it to 
be Hagrid.  Hagrid, however, is less likely to witness Harry's 
encounters with Snape, significantly uninvolved with Harry's 
occlumency lessons.

Thus, Harry has only the superficial guidelines instilled in him by 
the Dursleys, and they are the initial target of Harry's rebellion in 
each text.  Ah well...