[HPforGrownups] for whom are the books named?, Re: Possible message in Evil!Snape

[Sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 137185

> Guru opines:
> I've been thinking about another interpretation of Snape's actions 
from the
> start.
> 
> Suppose Snape realizes that LV has to be stopped and the Harry is 
the only one
> who can do it.  He also realizes that having been brought up by 
Muggles, Harry
> is starting out behind.  Add to that the fact that a number of the 
faculty give
> Harry special treatment and Old Sev decides he has to become Drill 
Instructor
> Snape (DI!Snape to you). Think R. Lee Ermey or Louis Gossett Jr. in 
black robes
> and a taller hat.  He's going to whip the kid into shape no matter 
what what
> and doesn't care if Harry hates him in the process.


Julie now:

Ha, Guru, you've hit my take on this! The best way to toughen someone 
up is to be tough with them. I agree with your DI!Snape theory, also 
because of the way in which Alan Rickman portrayed him. JKR did 
admit, after all, that she had to give a few Snape secrets to Rickman 
in order to help him in his portrayal. The Snape-between-werewolf-and-
children scene is one example.

Anyway - aren't army soldiers made tough through physical hardship 
and mental "banging"? One Occlumency lesson line that really says it 
goes something like this (sorry - no book in hand): "You do not even 
try - then you will be easy prey for the Dark Lord, Potter!" Argh, I 
can't remember the exact wording - but it really sounded like "I have 
no vested interest in doing this to you, but I'm doing it with 
ridiculous ease; imagine what someone *really* nasty could do to you!"

Yep - that DI!Snape thing really does it for me. Is Snape ESE? Is he 
carrying out some cleverly-twisted Dumbledorian plan? Is helping 
Harry a good way to get rid of LV for Snape? I don't know. But 
whatever the reason, he's shaking Harry into building up mental and 
emotional defenses.


Sherry now:

I'm sorry, but Harry was *not* a soldier when he first met Snape.  He was an
eleven year old boy!  And Snape began right from the start to pick on him,
even before there was any evidence that other teachers might treat him in a
special manner.  Besides, we also have Snape's completely emotionally
abusive treatment of other students, such as Neville, to show his true
nature.  Maybe, a kid like Harry who has good self esteem in many ways, can
handle Snape with a healthy dose of hatred, but Neville is not like that.
and Snape makes it clear repeatedly that he hated Harry's father and
considers him to be just like James.  i think McGonigal is the tough love
type of teacher, but Snape is just abusive and evil.

Sherry