Snape's Worst Memory

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 150715

houyhnhnm:
*(snip)*
> Then it would make sense for Snape to remove this memory when he is
> trying to teach Harry Occlumency, not for its possible effect on 
Harry
> (do you think Snape *really* expects Harry to break into his mind?),
> but for its effect on Snape. Dumbledore wanted Snape to be able to 
put
> aside his old hatreds in order for the Occlumency lessons to be
> successful.  Perhaps he instructed Snape to remove this particular
> memory because it's presence would undermine Snape's ability to put
> aside his hatred of James.  If that is true, then I would expect 
that
> at least one of the other two memories has to do with the Prank.
> 
> If this was Dumbledore's plan for the Occlumency lessons, it seems 
to
> me that it was succeeding.  Snape was much more professional and
> objective with Harry than in any other encounters between them.  
What
> Dumbledore did not count on, or could not prevent, was Harry's
> unwillingness to let go of his visions, and the sheer bad luck of
> Snape's being called away when he was.

Ceridwen:
I like this explanation.  It sounds logical, and it sounds like 
something that can be primed to go very wrong, from the writing 
standpoint.  If the Pensieve can hold originals or copies, and Snape 
put in the originals (no memory left in his head) it would help 
explain his grudging complement to Harry, and why he didn't get upset 
at all with the stinging hex.  I think you're right, he was much more 
patient with Harry in the Occlumency lesson scenes, I thought about 
how unusual that was while reading those scenes.

It would also explain Snape's white-faced anger when he joined Harry 
in the Pensieve to pull him out.  If there's no conscious 
recollection in his mind, he's suddenly confronted with the scene as 
if it is happening to him for the first time.  This is at the point 
where James is taking votes on whether he should pants Snape.  I 
think your suggestion explains Snape's reactions from this point very 
well.  If Snape is DDM!, then only a very big problem will stop him 
from following Dumbledore's orders.  This presents a huge problem, it 
modifies Harry into a copy of the memory as an onlooker who did 
nothing to help.  Not a logical stance, but emotions are rarely 
logical.

It may or may not be the reason, but I think it covers the reaction 
and the lessons being stopped.  I like it, I think I'll adopt it.

Ceridwen.