Why doesn't Snape get DADA?

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 123787


Edis:"We have Canon that he felt he did better at OWL potions than he
expected but it is unlikely he will get a top grade and we know Snape
is implacable about only accepting top grades into his Potions NEWT
classes. I can't see Jo pulling an academic miracle and giving Harry
that grade...

But if Snape becomes DADA teacher this year then there is scope for a
new potions teacher to be more lenient and accept Harry into class."

That seems plausible, if scary. Giving Snape DADA seems like a mad
idea, though.  Dumbledore probably didn't give Snape DADA for the same
reason you wouldn't give a recovering alcoholic the keys to the liquor
cabinet.

I thought the problem would be resolved by Harry getting a shockingly
unexpected "O" in Potions, thereby forcing Snape to take Harry into
his class.  It would be profoundly irritating to Snape, all the more
so because a) he always trashed Harry's grades, and b) He can't
repudiate Harry's grade because it would be turning down a compliment
(my student got an "O.") Snape looks bad no matter what he does in
this scenario.

Here's another factor that makes your hypothesis believable: Neville.
He ought to be an automatic into DADA (fighting real DE's heroically
ought to get you into advanced something) and he will do better in
Potions than expected as well. I expect Neville and Harry to stay
together in most classes.

How do you think Snape would feel if a new, supportive, Lupin-like
teacher made students like Neville excel?

Jim Ferer