[HPforGrownups] Sectumsempra (was Re: Snape should have kicked James/Siri...

[Kathryn Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 156282



> Julie:
snip
> I guess it boils down to these three possibilities:
> 1. The spell Snape used was not Sectumsempra but a lesser spell
> that wasn't capable of causing more than minor damage.
> 2. Snape cast a Sectumsempra, but deliberately controlled it to
> cause less damage, because he didn't want to get in trouble, because
> he's at heart a humanitarian, or for whatever other reason.
> 3. Snape cast a Sectumsempra but his magic was impaired by the
> Impedimenta spell, thus the resulting spell was very weak. 
>  
> Really, it could be any of the three, but to me #2 seems the least
> likely given Snape's disposition and inability to control his  rage/hate
> once it surfaces, even as a nearly 40 year old adult. All IMO,
>  
> Julie 

   KJ writes:

     It would not be surprising to me that Snape had more of a 
conscience back then.  That would make his resentment even stronger when 
he forced  himself to control the damage that he did, but James and 
Sirius did not feel it necessary to restrain themselves likewise. This 
would make the unfairness of their behaviour even more pointed and would 
weaken Snape's own inhibitions over time. He would be drawn to more and 
more violent means of retaliation. At the end, he was unable to match 
Sirius willingness to inflict damage by sending him into the tunnel 
after Lupin. I wonder how Dumbledore managed to keep them separated 
after that until graduation.

   KJ