Origination of Snape?

[Karen]

No: HPFGUIDX 151045

So I'm re-reading a Georgette Heyer novel that I haven't read for  
years, "The Foundling", and our hero Gilly runs across a boy who has  
run away from his grueling tutor Mr. Snape ( a largely villified  
person by young Tom). Imagine my surprise. I do have to wonder if JKR  
is a Heyer fan (as anyone in their right mind should be, for such  
delightful stories as she wrote are rare.) Has anyone ever heard any  
comments on this?

kchuplis