Harry's story , NOT Snape's (was Re: "An old man's mistakes")

[Merry Kinsella]

No: HPFGUIDX 139025

--- msbeadsley <msbeadsley at yahoo.com> wrote:
I don't recall when and where JKR expressed concern about 
Snape's popularity that was obviously different from her 
concern about Draco's popularity. JKR herself said that 
Snape is fun to write; why wouldn't she want him to be fun 
to read?  Neither Snape nor Draco are characters JKR thinks 
are good, healthy romantic  interests or role models. Whether 
or not Snape and/or Draco end up on the side of the light, 
they're STILL not good romantic interests or role models. <<<


You know, really good point, and I kind of missed it
myself when JKR said it.  Snape could well be on the
side of good without being a healthy or viable
romantic interest at this point.

Anyhow, the "love story" that mosts interests me where
Snape is concerned is what I perceive to be his
platonic love with Dumbledore.  Possibly the only
healthy experience of love in his life, and a mere
first step toward any other kind.  Sort of a parental
need fulfilled, late in life.

Even though, when I read some comments about Snape the
Byronic, brooding hero who needs somebody to convince
him he can be loved romantically, I think on Snape,
who had no trouble telling Hermione he "saw no
difference" when her teeth grew to her collarbones,
even though Snape himself is no oil painting.  When I
consider the myriad romantic Snape fanon out there, I
sometimes think about some noble woman patiently
engaging Snape and convincing him she loves him, only
to have him say "No thanks."  And mean it.  Not
because he feels unworthy, or can't trust.  But
because whoever it is doesn't meet his standards.

I always think it would be really something - but
awfully likely - for somebody to see the romantic
potential in Snape and have him shoot her down because
she doesn't cut it for him.  That's not something that
crosses the minds of a lot of romantics who have
targeted Snape for emotional rescue or sexual healing.

"merylanna"