All the subjects required for an Auror - Was Re: YES (Did Snape Murder DD?)

[houyhnhnm102]

No: HPFGUIDX 138323

Valky replies:

[...]
> During the Occlumency lessons Snape makes his long 
> discourse about weakness and easy prey for the Dark Lord. 
> Then he says Harry's is not important enough anyway, so he 
> ought to get over himself, *then* he calls Harry sloppy 
> and lazy, *and* I noted before, he gets even more
> angry at Harry for not repeating his Occlumency 
> defense (which coincided with his memory of defending Sirius) 
> and finally in HBP Snape is still making noises about Harry's 
> incompetence and his [Ha!] intention to become an Auror, all 
> while secretly (and obviously to me), *studying him* internally 
> defending Sirius' memory, *then* Snapes final words to Harry 
> as he runs out of the castle wind back to the same old ground, 
> You can't beat me without stealth, No Unforgivables

houyhnhnm:

I would have to go with #1.  No, I don't think Snape is scatterbrained
exactly, but he is extremely compartmentalized.  His hubris in
thinking he is in control of the process, when it has begun to take
control of him, is what brings about his downfall, IMO.

I think the inconsistancies in his treatment of Harry are simply a
reflection of that compartmentalization.  He cultivates an enmity with
Harry.  I believe (though I can't prove) that it is done with
calculation and deliberation.  He *uses* the old resentment against
Harry's father to further this enmity.  He uses all of his inner
demons to create the mental snapshot he wishes to present at a
particular time (or the outward lie), like a method actor.  He thinks
he is in control, but the inner demons end up controlling him.

So I think the calculating Snape:
 
1.  Wants to appear to detest Harry and denigrate his abilities.
2.  Really does hate Harry as the old resentments take over.

The authentic Snape (to the extent he still exists):

1. Recognizes Harry's abilities *and* weaknesses (impulsivity, for
instance).
2. Genuinely wants to help Harry overcome his weaknesses.

It doesn't work because, for one thing, Snape is hopeless when it
comes to dealing with teenagers, but mostly because Harry's
outstanding characteristic is his integrity.  A person of integrity
cannot respond to one role one day and a different role the next. 
Harry's response to Snape is an integrated one and it is consistant
hatred.