[HPforGrownups] Forgiving Snape / was Re: Harry's potential father figures /Religion in HP

[Sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 131125

Tonks:
I agree with Pippin and want to add that if Harry is the better man 
and forgives Snape that does a number of things: 

1. It allows Harry to move on with his life and not be bound to 
Snape because of his anger towards Snape. Harry can let it go for 
his own sake. This is good mental health. As the saying goes the 
best way to get even with an enemy is to live well. 

Sherry now

Why does there need to be either retribution or forgiveness?  I would
consider Harry to be acting in a very mature fashion, if he decided he still
hated Snape's guts, realized he had to work with him till Voldemort was
defeated, then turned his back on Snape and never dealt with him again.
Neither forgiving nor taking vengeance, but living his life with Snape not
affecting it either way.  I don't think Harry has to forgive to be mature or
even to be the better man.  I think he can choose to do neither and allow
indifference to be his main feeling toward Snape someday.  And even if he
does forgive, let us remember, that forgiveness does not necessarily mean
forgetting.  

Sherry