Why Won't Snape Eat At OotP HQ? (WAS: Snape at Grimmauld Place)

[houyhnhnm102]

No: HPFGUIDX 157075

aussie writes:

> The way DD invited himself into the Dursley's house 
> and shared a drink there would suggest eating in another's 
> house is a demonstration of not being rude. Snape didn't 
> mind being rude and that is why Ron could remember Snape 
> never having eaten there.
 
> My point is, TOLERATING someone that has been an 
> historical rival is a good starting point, but not 
> enough to trust the other. Real effort needs to be 
> taken to overcome resentment, and Snape has always 
> been more comfortable keeping resentments fresh and alive.

houyhnhnm:

I can't argue that Snape would choose to be convivial if he 
were free to do so.  There is no way to tell.  Maybe he would 
not.  He is happy in his misanthropy, perhaps.  But the fact 
is that he is constrained from doing so by his role as a spy 
(his life and the Order's success are dependent on his ability 
to fool the greatest Legilimens that ever lived). 

I have always felt that the really sad thing about Snape is 
the fact that the very nature of his chosen path of atonement 
keeps him from evolving beyond the bad emotional habits that 
led him astray in the first place.

aussie:

> I have been in discussion groups where Christians, Moslems, 
> and Jews were invited. Some joined in freely, while others 
> were barely tolerating the others being there. Food that was 
> presented was clearly separated onto Halal and Koshers plates, 
> but some participants suddenly decided to start a religious fast.

houyhnhnm:

Wow!  Well, I only have dial-up, so I can't even imagine such a thing.