Why Snape is at Hogwarts (was Re: Rampant Ingratitude)

[juli17 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 129428


Gerry wrote:

> Also, I have not had a reaction on my post where I asked what lack of
> teaching talent has to do with betrayal. I would very much like to see
> arguments for this. Especially because the teaching talent Snape does
> have (keeping a class silent, making sure they actually learn) he
> uses. 
> 
> Gerry
> 

Julie says:
 I happen to agree with you. Snape is not a nice teacher, he may not
even be a *good* teacher in the broadest sense of the word (bringing
the best out in his students, including instilling confidence and a love
of learning). But he is an effective teacher from all evidence we've seen
so far. His students are at an advanced level and generally receive
high exam marks. 

Whether Snape is the best possible Potions teacher Dumbledore 
could find is probably beside the point. Dumbledore wants Snape 
there for more than teaching. Snape (along with perhaps 
McGonagall) is Dumbledore's most certain ally against Voldy,
and the one putting his life at greatest risk. And while being at 
Hogwarts probably protects Snape to a certain extent, I think 
an even more important reason Dumbledore wants Snape at 
Hogwarts is so Snape can help protect the children, including
(and perhaps now *especially*) Harry.

Think about it. Snape has had a hand in keeping Harry alive
several times now. He's also protected other children from
harm, and not only Slytherins (recall his admonition to Goyle
to stop choking Neville, and his intervention in Lockhart's
class to contain the snake). He may not do it nicely, he 
may even go out of his way to appear as grudging as 
possible, but he does it nonetheless. And he has never 
physically harmed a child (other than shoving Harry away
in anger during the pensieve incident, which didn't really
hurt Harry). 

To put it another way, if I had a child at Hogwarts, all things
being equal, I'd probably keep him/her out of Snape's
class if I could. His teaching methods leave much to be
desired. But if I had a child at Hogwarts during a war with
Voldemort, and I had to pick which teacher I'd want my 
child with in the event of hostilities breaking out at Hogwarts,
Snape would come miles (kilometers) before Sprout, Fitwick,
Trelwany (give me a break), Hagrid (yep, sorry), and just 
about every other teacher besides Dumbledore and perhaps 
McGonagall. 


Oh, and back to that Rampant Ingratitude thing--no, I don't
think Snape shows ingratitude to Dumbledore. Snape's been
by DD's side for years and remains there. IMO, he's already
paid back some of his debt to DD, and DD has every reason
to believe Snape will continue to do so until the war is over
or Snape dies trying. DD doesn't expect Snape to grovel or
to put on a false act of kindness (eek, how disturbing would
that be?) He expects Snape to help defeat Voldemort and
protect the next generation of the WW at Hogwarts--including
Harry--with his life. As long as Snape does that, it will show
gratitude enough for DD. (And for me). 

IMO,

Julie


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