Snape's treatment and pensieve /James v Snape

[esmith222002]

No: HPFGUIDX 138378

> Alla:
> 
> Well, even though JKR indeed said that Pensieve is objective, I do 
> think that Snape MAY have been played with the memory itself before 
> he put it into pensieve( just as Slughorn did with his) And I think 
> he indeed downplayed at least his responces. Just speculation of 
> course.

I think Snape's fury at Harry's intrusion into his memories is 
genuine. Therefore, IMO it makes no sense that Snape would modify his 
memory, when he never intended Harry to see it! 

> 
> I don't really want to get into debate about Pensieve scene again( 
I believe that there is a backstory there we are not privy to yet

I'm afraid I missed any previous huge debate on the Pensieve. What 
has always made me think is - Why that memory particularly?? We know 
from Sirius, that James & Snape were forever hexing each other, so 
Harry could have probably intruded on any number of Snape's memories 
where James was getting the better of Snape. The only two other 
things that stand out are (1) Snape's treatment of Lily and (2) the 
fact that James used Snape's own spell on him. Since I am a believer 
that Snape had feelings for Lily, I think that maybe he was 
embarassed by his treatment of Lily!! Or it could just be that if you 
try hard enough, you can fit any theory to the little hard evidence 
JKR provides!!

 > 
> To me adult James was a hero, who defied Voldemort  and who died 
> trying to save his wife and son.
> 
Just playing Devil's advocate here;
1. James continued to attack Snape even after he started dating Lily 
(although Lily never knew). He may have been more mature for Lily 
now, but the cruel streak remained!!
2. There aren't many fathers who wouldn't die to protect their 
families!
3. He did defy Voldemort, but bravery does not necessarily equate to 
goodness.
If you are to compare them directly, they are/were both cruel at 
times, they are both brave (whichever side Snape is on), they are 
both powerful wizards. The only difference, from the evidence we 
have, is that James was definitely against Voldemort, whereas Snape's 
allegiance is unclear!!

Brothergib