[HPforGrownups] Why is Slughorn raving about Lily instead of Snape?

[Magda Grantwich]

No: HPFGUIDX 134363

--- Florentine Maier <florentinemaier at hotmail.com> wrote:

> I find it highly peculiar that Slughorn constantly compares Harry's
> potions ability to Lily's. Slughorn must have been teaching Snape
> too, 
> who has been in the same year as Lily. Wouldn't it make more sense
> if Harry reminded him of Snape?


Slughorn is cultivating Harry (at least until Harry asks him for that
memory) and one of the ways to cultivate someone is to flatter them
in little ways.  Telling Harry that he has his mother's talent is
flattering to Harry.  Telling Harry little anecdotes about Lily's
days in school is a way to bond with this famous kid.  

Praising Snape - or any other potions prodigy - to Harry is
meaningless. And I don't think that Slughorn knows about the
Harry/Snape animosity.  He doesn't strike me as the kind of person
who picks up much outside of his own interests.

Magda

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