Snape's worst memory

[rtbthw_mom]

No: HPFGUIDX 139564

lupinlore said:

"...it is easier to imagine a healthier and happier Severus Snape, 
still sarcastic and cynical, but without the cruel edge, growing 
very fond of a certain brash, energetic, dark-haired Gryffindor, and 
said Gryffindor finding that his favorite professor is not a 
passive, emotionally repressed werewolf but his dry-witted, 
irreverent potions master.  Perhaps Dumbledore hoped that Occlumency 
would, among other things, allow some dim shadow of that better 
world to be salvaged.  But the deep tragedy is that the better world 
is only a dream - a dream that was rendered impossible years ago by 
prejudice, blunders, hatred, and death."

rtbthw_mom now:

I think it's overwhelmingly sad that Snape didn't have the decency 
to identify with Harry when he saw all the sad memories in Harry's 
mind during the Occlumency sessions.  Perhaps this is what 
Dumbledore hoped would happen: Snape would, once and for all, 
realize that Harry really wasn't the spoiled brat that Snape always  
characterized James as being.  Harry had the same sort of childhood 
that it seems Severus had, and there should at least be some 
sympathy there between the two of them, just has Harry felt when he 
viewed Snape's "worst memory."  

Thanks for listening!