[HPforGrownups] Re: Snape as father figure, was Sirius as Father Figure

[Amanda Geist]

No: HPFGUIDX 130931

Phoenixgod:

> Snape doesn't have Harry's best interest at heart. He isn't being
> hard on Harry for any other purpose other than being hard on the son
> of his bully makes whatever passes for his heart a little lighter.
> thats what seperates Snape from what you're talking about.

With all due respect--we can't say that in certainty from canon. We know
next to nothing about Snape's motives. I think it likely that Snape does
have Harry's best interest at heart--if only because Harry is central to the
winning of the conflict that is now the heart of Snape's existence.

I give you all the point: there is no love for Harry there--but I believe a
respect is growing, that Snape will be better prepared to acknowledge than
Harry will. See my earlier post (which I sent before this one downloaded,
don't know what's up with the email)--Harry has many father figures who each
fill part of the role.

Phoenixgod:

> I actually agree with you here.

I think there's a 12-step program for that available.  :)

> I think there was the glimmer of a
> breakthrough between the two of them that is broken by actions on
> both their parts. Growing closer without growing warmer is a perfect
> way to describe it.

Thanks. I really think that was one of the more brilliant plot devices JKR
has come up with, the Occlumency lessons, because it allowed such
information exchange without any of the "getting to know you" emotions or
development usually associated with learning such things about each other.

~Amanda