Possible reason for giving Snape the job

[ahsonazmat]

No: HPFGUIDX 135468

 Kelly says:
> My real question is why did Jo make Snape the 
> DADA teacher?  What was her reason for writing the story this 
way?  
> After all, she could have had Harry scrape an O in Potions.
 

      Although this is neither a direct nor complete answer, we do 
know that Snape could _not_ possibly be Potions master while Harry 
was discovering the wonders of the HBP textbook, for obvious 
reasons. In this regard, JKR had to get Snape out of the way. 
Slughorn's debut also serves a double purpose in that it is from him 
that Harry gets the crucial information on horcruxes. So, in sum, 
the parameters: 1) Slughorn (as the generic new character) must be 
introduced to provide the horcrux memory. 2) Snape cannot be Harry's 
potions master The resolution: switch Slughorn and Snape. 

   Of course, this is only a fractured explanation. I too believe 
there is more to it than this, specifically with regards to Snape's 
appointment as DADA teacher. 

 I must say, by way of note, that I would love to have attended 
Snape's DADA classes. If I were Harry, I'd be glad of this, as I'd 
know for sure I could learn something from this skilled - or at the 
very least, competent - DADA teacher. Snape is unquestionably 
familiar with the Dark Arts, and would (could be) used as a valuable 
source for new material. We can't, after all, expect Harry to keep 
on "expelliarmus!" -ing Voldemort everytime he sees him.


   - AA