Twist JKR?/ Some spoilers for Les Miserables

[Nathaniel]

No: HPFGUIDX 141782


Julie:
<snip>
I see your point about Snape not teaching children. His methods 
leave a lot to be desired, and he'd probably be better off elsewhere
(and happier, as certainly would most of his students!). But I do
disagree with the level of misjudgment on DD's part. Snape has never 
*endangered* any student. Bruised them a bit with his verbal slings, 
maybe. But he's left no permanent damage, not
even to Neville. 
 
I also must point out that in all the years Snape has taught we only 
know of two students he has been truly abusive with verbally. Of 
course there may have been more, and if some were as initially 
incompetent as Neville there probably were. (Does anyone but me ever 
wonder why there wasn't an *out and out* war between Snape and the 
Weasley twins during their years in Potions class? I think it's 
strange that has never been mentioned, as I can't think of anyone 
else beside Harry who'd rub Snape as badly as those two! Yet it seems 
the twins might actually have respected Snape enough to more or less 
behave in his class.)

Nathaniel here:

I'm not sure I'd call it respect per se.  Right before the Weasley 
twins "pull a Weasley" they tell Hermione that they no longer care 
about being expelled, but that previous to that moment they did care. 
I'm paraphrasing here, but they say that they have always known where 
to draw the line so as to avoid expullsion.  Knowing how Snape has a 
penchant for deducting points, giving detentions, and recommending 
expulsions the Weasley twins may have tested the boundaries, but I'd 
be willing to bet that they tried not to cross Snape too often.  I 
see them as more likely to take their revenge by making snide remarks 
about him when he's out of earshot or otherwise undercutting his 
authority.  So I suppose I don't really disagree with you.  It is 
just my opinion that they do not "respect" Snape or really even fear 
him, but rather fall just short of crossing that proverbial line that 
would really get them into trouble.