Snape, DD, and MM

[lupinlore]

No: HPFGUIDX 127260


In the ever expanding spiral of posts concerning Snape lately, a lot 
of people have mentioned his interactions with other faculty, 
particularly Dumbledore and Minerva, as being more positive than 
those with the students.

I think this is generally true.  However, I also think that fanon 
has greatly exaggerated the positive aspects of Snape's interactions 
with other faculty.  To wit:

DUMBLEDORE:  He is very respectful toward Dumbledore, and obeys him 
instantly at the end of GoF despite his obvious anxieties.  However, 
he also has no problem pitching an absolute hissy fit in DD's 
presence at the end of PoA.  This might indicate that Snape sees DD 
as something of a parental figure, but I think the idea that their 
is a paternal relationship there is badly overblown in the fandom.  
For one thing, Dumbledore seemed greatly amused by Snape's 
discomfort at the end of PoA.  That strikes me as in line with 
having respect for Snape, and having hopes for him, but nevertheless 
finding him annoying and disappointing enough to take pleasure in a 
dramatic comeuppance.  I think the disappointment in Dumbledore's 
voice - if it is disappointment - at the end of OOTP also speaks to 
respect and disappointed hope, but not really to paternal feelings.  

McG:  Certainly they interact with respect, but the "friendliness" 
between the two of them is, once again, greatly exaggerated in 
fandom.  At the end of OOTP, a scene often cited, Snape is civil and 
correct, but their is no indication of warmth or pleasure in seeing 
Minerva.  Indeed, his reaction seems more in line with surprise and 
unexpressed annoyance at being interrupted while berating Harry.  
Similarly, her interactions with him in this scene, while civil and 
professional, show no sign of personal warmth or friendship.  In 
fact she proceeds to reward Harry and his friend's in Snape's 
presence, forcing Snape to acknowledge, against his will, that it is 
just.  It is true that ten points come off from Harry, but that is 
merely Minerva being professional and acknowledging another 
teacher's ruling over which she has no control.  Indeed, the whole 
scene reads as yet another subtle jab at Severus (i.e. "oh, and 
after I've given 200 points you did want your measly 10, didn't you 
Sevvie old boy?")  - in effect twisting the knife she'd already 
inserted earlier on by forcing Severus to assent to giving points in 
the first place.

So, in sum, Severus' interactions with DD and McG are mostly civil 
and polite, but I see very little indication of a paternal 
relationship on one side or a friendship on the other.  I think 
these things are largely fandom creations.

Lupinlore