Draco's anger (was Snape and Occlumency)

[juli17 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 121922



> Alla:
> 
> Actually, I just reread the scene and I agree with you Lupinlore. 
> Even though I also was inclined to agree that Snape welcomes 
> McGonagall with some kind of good feeling and I don't see any.
> 
> "Professor McGonagall!" said Snape, striding forward, "Out of 
> St.Mungo, I see!"
> "Yes, Professor Snape," said Professor McGonagall, shrugging off her 
> travelling cloak, "I am quite as good as new. You two - Crabbe- 
> Goyle-" - OOP, p.852.
> 
> I think I WANTED Snape to be at least glad that McGonagall came 
> back. I see no sign of it in the text - no smile, or at least half-
> smile, nothing...
> I still think that in general Snape respects her though. 

Julie says:
I read it as Snape being glad to see McGonagall. When he
says "Professor McGonagall!" the exclamation mark indicates
a strong outburst of emotion behind Snape's words. It could
be anger, annoyance, disgust, etc, but there's nothing to indicate
so (and Snape and McGonagall don't have a past history of
enmity). I read it as surprise with an element of satisfaction.
He's glad to see she's returned.

Remember also that we see the scene (as we do most all)
from Harry's POV. If there was anything unpleasant or 
unenthusiastic about Snape's greeting, we would have read 
'"Professor McGonagall(!)" Snape sneered/muttered/glowered.'
The very fact that there is no negative connotation conferred
on Snape's tone or expression is a pretty good indication
that his mood at that moment is, if not cheerful, at least
fairly agreeable ;-)

Julie
(who can't imagine Snape ever being described as "smiling,"
particularly not while the narration reflects Harry's POV!)





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]