[HPforGrownups] Re: Wondering.... about Snape & McGonagall

[Magda Grantwich]

No: HPFGUIDX 116259

> Dungrollin:
> However, what I suspect that DD and MM aren't aware of, is the 
> venomous malice with which Snape treats Harry when there aren't
> any adult witnesses.  They're both aware that Snape can be unfair,
> but since they don't see the full extent of his unpleasantness,
> they assume that it can't be doing that much harm....  
> If they were fully aware of how nasty he can be, I think they'd 
> disapprove somewhat.



Many people assume that Snape's nastiness is some kind of "thin edge
of the wedge", that it's a harbinger of some truly viscious urge
barely restrained and dying to get out, that if Snape had his way
he'd really be sadistic physically to the kids.

But I think it's more likely that the snide gittishness is a safety
valve, a way he lets off steam when the pressure's on and he has
order yet another cauldron because Neville's melted his again or
Potter's been caught yet again breaking rules all over the place. 
This is how he lets it out - he vents, then it's over and done with
and life goes on.

And they know him better than Harry does - they've known him longer
and in many more situations than Harry has.  Whatever he's doing to
Harry, Neville and the many years worth of kids going through potions
is apparently seen by both of them as worth putting up with because
of some greater good or advantage to having Snape around.  

What that is yet, we don't know.  Hopefully we'll find out before the
end...

Magda


		
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