Hogwarts & Tom Riddle, Severus Snape, Harry Potter

[breegenie]

No: HPFGUIDX 133598

HBP both in title, and several plot points, elevates Snape's role in
the series, making this a Tom Riddle, Severus Snape, Harry Potter
triangle rather than a
Voldemort-Harry struggle. 

This is especially made clear in Dumbledore's thoughts on Hogwarts
role:

"Firstly, and very importantly, Voldemart was, I believe more
attached to this school than 
he has ever been to a person. Hogwarts was where he had been
happiest; the first and 
only place he had felt at home."

Harry felt slightly uncomfortable at these words, for this was
exactly how he felt about 
Hogwarts.

"Secondly, the castle is a stronghold of ancient magic. Undoubtedly,
Voldemort had 
penetrated many more of its secrets than most of the student who pass
through the place, 
but he may have felt that there were still mysteries to unravel,
stores of magic to tap.

And thirdly, as a teacher, he would have had great power and
influence over young witches 
and wizards."

p. 431 HPB, US ed

This passage in HBP was very striking for me, as it outlines the
similarities between the 
three men and their relationship with Hogwarts, where we previously
only saw similarities 
between Riddle and Harry. 

All three led miserable lives pre-Hogwarts, either orphaned, abused
or abandoned by 
family, or a combination thereof.

All three felt Hogwarts was a true home for them, but also suffered
in its walls, too. Riddle 
was certainly harassed about his poverty (secondhand spell books a la
Weasley), unknown 
paternity and orphanage holidays, at least in his early years. He
never made close friends. 
Snape was teased and harassed for his looks by the Marauders, and
does not appear to 
have made friends, even though Lily defended him. Harry has made a
few close Gryffindor 
friends, but been suspected by every other student, harassed by the
Slytherins, and had 
dubious treatment at the hands of Snape.

Riddle figured out the secret of the Chamber while at Hogwarts, and
suspected more. What 
secrets has Snape discovered? Harry has the Marauder's Map, and knows
about the 
Shrieking Shack -- what Hogwarts secrets will Harry discover or use
in Book 7?

Riddle was observed closely by Dumbledore due to his vicious
childhood, Harry was 
watched over by Dumbledore for varying reasons throughout the series.
What was 
Dumbledore's interaction with Snape as a student? 

Riddle tried to return to Hogwarts as a teacher several times,
unsuccessfully due to 
Dumbledore. Snape returned as teacher, with Dumbledore's approval and
protection. Does 
this mean that Dumbledore's portrait will embrace Harry should he
return to Hogwarts as a 
teacher someday? They are in need of DADA teacher again, and will
probably continue to 
be until Voldemort's curse is lifted at his death.

Dumbledore observed no affection, friendship or love in Riddle at
several points in his life. 
He has observed and aided Harry's friendships (and probably his
relationship with GInny) 
with pride. Has Dumbledore observed love in Snape? Is that why he
trusted him? Did Snape 
express true heartbreak at his role in the murder of Lily? (Not that
this doesn't mean that  
Snape's hatred of the Marauders, loathing of Harry and admiration of
power haven't 
overiddent this love, but it could explain Dumbledore's willingness
to trust and fits with 
the canon description of Snape's confession and Harry scoffing at
Dumbledore's gullibility, 
since Harry still doesn't understand the significance of love.

HBP has reshaped the series into a Riddle-Snape-Potter triangle that
will be fascinating to 
watch unfold. And I believe these parallels provide comforting proof
that Hogwarts will 
figure prominently in Year 7, and Harry's future (even if he *thinks*
he is not coming back 
next year!)

Bree
(who hasn't posted since GOF b/c OOP annoyed her so much!)