Why doesn't Snape get DADA? (Was Re: James, a paragon of virtue?)

[noesumeragi]

No: HPFGUIDX 123742




"Ces" wrote:
> I think there has to be some very important skills in Potions or 
else 
> anyone could do it.  And I do think he has some outside 
> certification.  Most of the professors have been there for years, 
the 
> DADA position being the exception.  The reason (in my view) for 
that 
> is because JKR needs that position empty every year to introduce an 
> important character. (snipped) 


Noe here:

Well, the DADA position is the exception *only* since Harry's first 
year in Hogwarts. Before, it's assumed Quirrell had hold the DADA 
position for more than a year. (Indeed, I've checked the hp-Lexicon, 
and there is an interesting essay by Melissa Erin Friedline, 
explaining why PS/SS could be Quirrell's fourth year)

It's only after Harry arrived at Hogwarts (And Voldemort started 
again his little plots) that the DADA position seems to be jinxed (to 
JKR's great pleasure). I do not think you need a "certification" to 
teach, or Lockhart would had never been hired. He has only his 
supposed merits and deeds to offer. I believe it's Dumbledore who 
decides, and part of the problem might be that Dumbledore is looking 
for someone trustworthy (see Lupin and Moody), not that is *sooooo* 
difficult to find someone who knows DADA. And then, in Ootp, 
Dumbledore is heavily discredited by the ministry, and "strange" 
things happened at Hogwarts at the end of TW tournament. So, not the 
best moment for starting to work there.


>"nrenka" wrote:
> Potions Master' itself is probably more likely referring to 
> > the institutional position than to any outside certification or 
> > especial skills.  I myself doubt that it is Snape's special 
> > irreplacable Potions skills that keep Dumbledore from letting him 
> > have DADA.  (snniped)


"Ces" again:
Lupin's telling Harry that the Wolfsbane potion 
> isn't easy to make does tell a lot about Snape's skills.  If anyone 
> could do it he could buy it at Diagon Alley.
> 
> And if Snape brought his high standards from Potions to DADA, just 
> think how skilled the students would be. (snipped)


Noe again:
actually, I think you need a different set of skills if you want to 
teach DADA or Potions, and Dumbledore is aware of *that*. Both 
positions need knowledgeable teachers and and both are risky, but in 
a different way. 

Teaching Potions, you need to be very strict and attentive if you 
don't want your class blowing up. Snape's *general* way of teaching 
(not his personal behavior around Harry) is good enough, IMHO.

But in DADA, you are treating with your students' fear. (I'm thinking 
about the kind of a DADA class which Lupin or even Moody taught) How 
would Snape teach the boggart lesson? I'm sure he would have pushed 
Neville (or any student, really) in front of the boggart after 
reading the lesson and expected him/her to do it right, or snapping 
bits of advice. Getting over the lesson might be almost traumatic for 
some students. 

Snape would destroy their autoesteem, and if you don't feel sure 
making a potion, you don't make it and buy it instead, but if there 
is a dark wizard in front of you and you don't feel sure... well, you 
can easily deduce what happens.