How and when did Snape learn Occlumency ?

[candlekicks]

No: HPFGUIDX 116496


--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Tammy" <elsyee_h at y...> wrote:
> 
> 
> Del wrote:
> > 
> > We know that Snape is a superb Occlumens now and apparently a 
good
> > Legilimens as well. But when did he learn that ? And who taught 
him ?
> > 
> <extra large snip>
> 
> > Anybody have any answers or additional questions ?
> > 
> Tammy replies:
> 
> I've always wondered if different witches and wizards could have an
> intrinsic ability. For example in the case of Snape and 
occlumency, he
> would have a natural talent already in him for it, one that 
required
> little actual learning for him to master it. We already know of one
> thing that is definitely a natural talent, metamorphmagus, so how 
do
> we know there aren't other smaller things that are natural 
talents. 
> 
> If you look at muggle paranormal phenomenon with that in mind, 
those
> people who can move things with their mind would simply be witches 
or
> wizards who have a natural talent for levitation and summoning. It
> sounds like something JKR would try to do, explain weird muggle
> happenings with a simple magical answer.
> 
> -Tammy who's natural ability seems to be demolishing her house.

Linda:
I don't have my books with me but.... if I remember correctly, beubg 
a Parselmouth is also an inate ability, not a learned one. Can 
anyone help me out with that one? I seem to remember a conversation 
in CoS that speaks of it as a rare ability.... ?

-Linda, who's natural ability is not her memory :)