This Snape hater accepts Snape is good-ish

[lealess]

No: HPFGUIDX 138020

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "houyhnhnm102" <celizwh at i...> 
wrote:
>I don't actually see Snape as sadistic, even verbally, in spite of
>what Rowling has said about basing him on a sadistic teacher she had.
>Umbridge is sadistic.  Snape's verbal cruelty has a number of payoffs
>for him -1)classroom management--it's easier to control students with
>fear than to earn their respect, 2)relief from the enormous amount of
>psychic energy it must take to keep all that anger under control,
>3)projection and momentary relief from his own self-hatred; but I
>don't think enjoyment of others' pain is one of the payoffs.  I think
>he is indifferent to the feelings of others, a grievous enough sin in
>and of itself.

lealess:

In fact, we see Snape becoming less sadistic in HBP, and more 
concerned with teaching and helping (Draco, at least), for whatever 
purpose.  This may be because he has finally realized his dream, but 
it is also as likely it is because he knows the DADA position is 
cursed.  He may just know this from observation.  Dumbledore may or 
may not have shared Voldemort's desire for the job with Snape.  But 
Snape can probably figure the curse out for himself.  It is well-
rumored amongst the student body, after all.  Whether or not he 
thinks he can counter the curse is another question.

I think this is why he is relatively calm in detention with Harry.  
He realizes his time is limited and he is trying to teach Harry 
something, whether right or wrong.

What interests me is if Voldemort really still wants the job, and 
why, with a loyal Death Eater in place, he doesn't lift the curse, 
let alone set his follower to accomplish whatever goal he has through 
the DADA job (as he did with Quirrell and Crouch Jr.).  Perhaps he 
just doesn't trust Snape.

>From the little we see in the DADA class, Snape is actually teaching 
the students a valuable skill, not indulging in a sadistic desire to 
belittle them, nor falling uncontrollably under the spell of the Dark 
Arts.  He is teaching defense, after all.

Rambling on


lealess