Snape's unfairness was Re: [HPforGrownups] Re: Snape and Raistlin Majere

[Irene]

No: HPFGUIDX 126902



lupinlore wrote:

> irene wrote:
>>We discussed possible strategies Harry could adopt in
>>his dealings with Snape a while ago. Changing his
>>attitude to "Don't give him any excuse" might be a
>>winning one.
> 
> 
> Let me give another example, however, that cuts against this 
> interpretation.  In OOTP, Snape deliberately sabotages Harry's potion 
> so that he will be able to give Harry another zero.  That does not 
> strike me as the behavior of someone who needs an excuse.  Rather it 
> is the behavior of someone who manufactures an excuse where none 
> exists.

Does he sabotage the potion really? You see, Harry was with his back to 
the desk, so it's his guess again. That we, the readers, buy into this 
guess so easily, is another demonstration of JKR's skills.
I read this scene as either the potion rolled off the table, or Draco 
helped it on the way down, and Snape, of course, did nothing to save it.

I still recommend that Harry tries his best at each potion, and not to 
take his eyes off it until he gets the full marks.

Irene