Who's the Meanie? (was Snape's mom-domestic abuse

[Talisman]

No: HPFGUIDX 159951

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "zgirnius" <zgirnius at ...> 
wrote:
>
> pcotu:
> > I think in this last book, Harry sees Snape's memories.  He sees
> > Snape's muggle father abusing his witch mother.  I thought this 
>>was a major flaw, for no witch would put up with this.
> 
> zgirnius:
> The story of Merope Gaunt Riddle is potentially relevant here... 
<snip> So a possible explanation is that Eileen was 
> worn down by psychological abuse and was not able to defend 
herself 
> with magic.

Talisman:
"--a hook-nosed man was shouting at a cowering woman, while a small 
dark-haired boy cried in a corner--" (OoP 592).

In like vein (to Merope's paternal woes), the meanie may be a 
father, not a husband.  Maybe a blood-proud one who is refusing to 
acknowledge a Half-blood grandchild, or to reconcile with a daughter 
who married a Muggle.

She would "take it" (not physical abuse so much as the yelling) if 
she were trying to regain a lost familial status for herself/her 
child.  Get back on the tapestry, so to speak.

No matter what kind of prick he might be, hexing Daddy wouldn't help.

I rather expect Snape's familial outlook to be quite different from 
Voldemort's.

I think we'll find he cared for his "Muggle" father.  That's why he 
stays at Spinner's End.

Indeed, the theory I usually go with is that Snape is a pureblood 
who only passes as a Half-blood, out of loyalty to the Muggle Step-
father who..er, stepped up...and helped out his Mum, when the wizard 
daddy wouldn't do right by her.

Sort of a reverse of Tom Riddle, Sr.

In which case the meanie could be the wizard cad.  Again, if she is 
pleading on behalf of her child's family status or well-being, she 
isn't likely to take a combative stance.  She's appealing to his 
heart or sense of duty.  And, afterall, he's magic, too.