McGonagall and Snape

[juli17 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 111910

Aura said:

<So, do we think McG and S like each other? Not in a shippy way, but I just wonder how Snape gets along with the rest of the staff, if at all. <snip rest>

Juli sez:

My opinion is that Snape does get along with the rest of the staff. That doesn't mean he's best buddies with all, or even any, of them. But I think we'd hear if there was a lot of tension between Snape and other teachers, and I refer here to the permanent staff, not the revolving door known as the Defense Against Dark Arts position. 

Since we mostly see Harry's POV, we don't really get to witness much interaction between Snape and other teachers, except with Dumbledore and McGonagall. We know Dumbledore trusts Snape and believes his story, and all indication is that McGonagall trusts Snape equally. Whether that is from her own personal experience or because she trusts Dumbledore's opinions without question, I don't know. But I do think McGonagall respects Snape as a fellow teacher and an ally against Voldemort, while at the same time enjoying their house rivalries. She might even like him a little, enough to perhaps have an occasional social conversation with him over a cup of tea (which would take a bit of bravery and tolerance, I should think!).

As for the other teachers, the best example comes from Hagrid, I believe. Whenever Harry accuses Snape of anything devious or unsavory, Hagrid repeatedly defends Snape. That's not an indication that Hagrid actually likes Snape or would seek out his company, but he does seems to respect Snape's teaching ability and integrity. I have a feeling the other teachers feel the same. You can respect someone without having the least desire to engage in a social relationship with that person.

Juli