[HPforGrownups] Re: Jo's OWN Words/Harry using Crucio/I am about to Rant/Danger Designating the

[Kemper]

No: HPFGUIDX 174079

> Magpie:
> It is hard not to notice the difference between Slytherin and the
> other houses even without the clear distinction between it and the
> rest of the school in every book including the last one. Not only
> has it apparently always been based on blood Purity, the other
> houses are all Sorted for virtues...and Slytherin isn't. I don't
> think "cunning" or "ambition" have ever been really considered
> virtues the way courage, wisdom and loyalty have been.

Kemper now:
Cunning and ambition are human (not heavenly) virtues as are courage,
wisdom and loyalty.

Cunning is an admirable word.  The Sorting Hat did not say Slytherin
valued deceit.  Hermione is cunning (Timeturner).

Ambition is what pushes humanity to its dreams (even though those
dreams might not be for humanity.)  Ron is ambitious (secret, keeper
practices).


> So
> it's not a surprise that one is at a loss to really think of it
> integrating along with the other houses, or that non-Slytherins
> displaying Slytherin qualities ennoble the Sytherin qualities, while
> Slytherins using the qualities of other houses ennoble the Slytherin.

Kemper now:
Magpie, I think I may not understand this sentence.  What I think
you're saying is something like: Snape is esteemed because he is
brave, and he is not esteemed because he is cunning (I do not see him
as ambitious post graveyard scene)

I understand how this is perceived by the reader.  This is Harry's
story, we see through his eyes.  He values bravery and admires Snape
for his bravery.  It is Dumbledore's perception as well, he being a
Gryffindor.  The reader is not close to any Slytherin to see their
take on Snape.

Similarly or on the side, we see that Luna admires Hermione's brains,
wondering why she wasn't in Ravenclaw.  Luna, the only non-Gryffindor
student we have any real contact with.  Does she say anything about
any Gryffindor's bravery?  No.  She values wit beyond measure.  Would
it be in her character to admire Snape for his courage?  No.

Going back to Snape.  He doesn't seem to admire courage in others.
Why would he?  What we do see in HBP is Snape remarking that he
underestimated Harry knowing such Dark Magic as the Sectumsempra.
There seems to be surprised realization that he, Snape, was duped by
the cunning Harry Potter mastering Dark Magic under everyone's crooked
or broken nose.  A year later, and it is Voldemort who learns that
he's been duped as he listens with 'rapt attention' to Snape's cunning
as told by Harry.  If Voldemort could admire the virtues in another, I
think would admire Snape and not for his courage, wisdom, or loyalty:
all of which he has in spades.

Oh... what about Draco?  Nineteen years later and what does he think
about his old Head of House?  "What a courageous teacher"?  or
something like "the most cunning Slytherin to ever walk Hogwarts"?

Kemper