Snape, Apologies, and Redemption

[Tonks]

No: HPFGUIDX 152292

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, juli17 at ... wrote:
> 
> Lupinlore:
> Ahh, but the real problem with that is that DD is supposedly  
a "very wise man" and "the epitome of goodness."  Sorry, but in my 
book  a wise man and epitome of goodness does not stand back while 
children are   abused.  And yes, I think showing him doing so does 
amount to approving of the abuse of said children.  Which is, IMO,  
> reprehensible.  And which, barring further explanation and a 
profound and genuine apology from Snape for his abuse, makes the 
books much fodder.
>  
> Julie:
> The bottom line really comes down to what each individual person 
> considers "child abuse" at the level where it must be publicly  
condemned and punished. (Snip)> Unfortunately it becomes less clear 
when you speak of milder forms of "abuse" such as yelling at a 
child, spanking a child, humiliating  a child in front of a class, 
etc. One reason it is less clear is  because EVERY HUMAN BEING born 
in this world has been abusive to others in their lives, including 
children (Snip)I don't consider Snape abusive in the criminal sense, 
where public condemnation and punishment are required. (Snip)> But 
it's clear from the books that none consider it on the level of
> abuse in the above criminal sense. 
>  
(snip) Umbridge's actions are criminal and punishable, Snape's
> are not. Thus Dumbledore is under no moral obligation to condemn
> Snape, nor is JKR. 

Tonks:
I agree with Julie. In addition, and in defense of DD (as usual), I 
would like to say that we must remember what skills Snape 
possesses.  He is apparently one of the best Potion Masters in the 
WW. And his knowledge of the Dark Arts is very important, as well as 
his knowledge of the counter-curses to the Dark Arts. Add to this 
the fact that he is a double agent and we have a Professor that MUST 
stay at Hogwarts. He is an invaluable resource, even if we take his 
secret agent activities out of the picture. 

Allowing Snape to teach children even though he is a bit sarcastic 
at times is simply a necessary evil.  Snape is not sexually abusive 
of the kids. Except for the time that he threw Harry out of the 
pensive, Snape has never been physically abusive. We can not protect 
children from nasty, mean spirited people. They are everywhere. We 
all know them. If you try to rid the world of them you will burn 
yourself out and have no energy to go after the real criminals. 
Nasty people are just there. They are not pleasant. They will not 
get golden crowns in heaven, but they are not criminals either. We 
just have to learn to cope with them and not allow them to get to 
us. That is hard, but it may well be an important lesson for Harry 
in his fight against LV.

Tonks_op