Why Snape hates Neville

[Lori]

No: HPFGUIDX 127610


> Lori:
> > Belittling Neville, as a wizard, also protects him from 
> > being "thought" of as a capable opponent of Voldemort if he 
> > is truly "the One" who was meant to destroy Voldement per 
> > the Prophecy.
>  
> SSSusan:
> Yes, belittling Neville might protect him from being seen as a 
> capable opponent, but it also risks *Neville* himself thinking 
> he's not a capable opponent!  This strikes me as working very 
> much against the goal of wanting the two potential prophecy boys 
> to be as confident & prepared as possible.


Lori here...

SSS - I think that you have a point... but let me add...

I don't believe that Neville's existence relies on Snape's approval 
or on receiving compliments from Snape.  He does excel in other ways 
(herbology, friendship, loyalty, bravery (in SS "standing up to
his friends"; OotP "traveling to and battling in the M of M)
etc.) One's confidence comes from within
 belief in oneself.

I also believe that all the children realize in some shape or form 
that Snape is not what he appears (i.e.: membership in the OotP, 
possibly good or bad) and that he has issues of his own... demons, 
if you will.  Children are very aware creatures.

I don't think they take the verbal attacks as personally as we 
think.  It is written that Neville fears "Snape", just as Ron 
fears "spiders" or Hermione fears "a poor grade" or Harry fears 
the "dementors".  Most overcome their fears and don't let them 
rule their existence.

Also, as to the point of having "both boys" as prepared as possible, 
I believe that Harry and the DA have taken on that task via 
Hermione's idea.  It was stated that Neville trained harder than 
anyone... a new fire was lit beneath him after the mass escape from 
Azkaban. And all this with the (unstated) approval of Dumbledore... 
he must have known about the DA meetings early on as did others... 
Sirius and Molly knew (via Mundungus overhearing) so therefore (in 
theory) Snape knew as well via the OotP.  No one stopped them

they just warned not to continue
 to avoid expulsion via Umbridge

But, they were learning new skills and becoming prepared
 for future 
battles.

IMO –Lori :)