Snape's unfairness was Re: [HPforGrownups] Re: Snape and Raistlin Majere

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 126934


<SNIP>
> 
> Does he sabotage the potion really? You see, Harry was with his back to 
> the desk, so it's his guess again. That we, the readers, buy into this 
> guess so easily, is another demonstration of JKR's skills.

Yes, I think that he did.  I really don't buy into all the "it's
Harry's point of view" argument.  I think JKR pretty much presents it
like it is.


> I read this scene as either the potion rolled off the table, or Draco 
> helped it on the way down, and Snape, of course, did nothing to save it.

Well, that in effect is sabotaging the potion.

> 
> I still recommend that Harry tries his best at each potion, and not to 
> take his eyes off it until he gets the full marks.

I just don't see any future in Harry trying to work with Snape except
under the most extraordinary and limited of circumstances.  I think
that Dumbledore is coming to that conclusion as well.  I think that he
probably believed, up until OOTP, that when push came to shove Snape
could put aside his grudge, especially if he were given the type of
information he would obtain from Harry's mind during Occlumency
classes.  I interpret the heaviness in Dumbledore's voice as he
acknowledges his mistake as being a combination of weariness and
disappointment in both himself and Snape.

The simple fact of the matter is that there are some people who just
cannot work together for an extended time.  People who have a very
deep and lasting grudge will always find ways to express it, whether
given an excuse or not.  No amount of patience and no number of
repeated attempts to work together will make any difference.  I
suppose JKR could write Harry as a kind of "suffering martyr" who
decides to put up with Snape for the good of the cause, but that would
be a silly and insipid thing to do, not to mention unrealistic and
unbelievable -- much more worthy of a Sunday School lesson or an after
school special than a well-written story.

If I had to bet I would say that Harry will get into Advanced Potions
one way or another.  I would also bet the whole thing will be an
absolute disaster with Snape and Harry in an ever-escalating war that
ends in a rather spectacular and amusing fashion.  I can see Snape and
Harry working together for a very limited time for a very limited
goal, say on a specific mission for the Order.  Anything beyond that
is asking too much of human nature, and Dumbledore would be well
advised to keep the two of them apart as much as possible.


Lupinlore