[HPforGrownups] Re: OFH SNAPE was: Script from JKR's reading/ About Snape and Dumbledore

[Kathryn Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 157065



>> Julie:
>> I don't see how Snape refusing to give Harry Occlumency lessons 
>> after the pensieve incident is an indication that Dumbledore
>> doesn't trust him. Or that Snape can't be trusted. Dumbledore
>> could very well have demanded Snape resume the lessons, and I
>> feel certain Snape would have done so even if he delivered
>> some vituperous commentary over that demand. 


    KJ writes:

      One of the things that I liked most about this scene is that it 
ended something that was uncomfortable and dangerous for both Snape and 
Harry.

      In PS/SS Dumbledore gave Harry an Invisibility cloak. Snape was 
forced to try and keep Harry out of trouble in spite of it.

      In CoS Dumbledore protects Harry and allows him to go his own way, 
always making sure that Harry "has his chance". Snape tries to limit his 
freedom, or get him confined by way of detentions, or even expelled.

      In PoA Dumbledore gave them a time-turner, decided on his own that 
Sirius was innocent, failed to determinedly question Lupin, and failed 
to properly restrict Harry to the safety of the castle.

      In GoF Dumbledore convinces us that there is nothing he can do to 
prevent Harry from participating in the tournament, fails to notice that 
Moody is not quite himself, and yet is right there at the end to follow 
Moody back to the castle with Harry.

      I feel that this scene has Snape trying to protect himself from 
exposure through Harry to Voldemort, trying to prevent Harry from 
becoming more open to Voldemort's penetration, and yet trying to obey 
Dumbledore. Harry felt that Voldemort's access was improved by the 
Occlumency work, and in that case, he was probably correct.  It gave me 
the feeling that Snape did the only thing he could do, he set Harry up 
with the penseive, threw a horrendous fit, and made it look like he 
might murder Harry. The Occlumency lessons came to a complete halt, no 
questions asked. I think that Snape got what he wanted but it was too 
late to prevent the following events.

  KJ