Snape's Worst Memory

[jmwcfo]

No: HPFGUIDX 174168

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Cassandra Lee 
<cassandralee1120 at ...> wrote:
>
> Snape's worst memory was actually him calling Lily a "mudblood" and 
not the Marauders tormenting him. 

JW:
You fully understand the point, although I think it was evident in the 
first reading of SWM.  After all, the memory did not end with the 
Marauders' teasing - it ended with Snape insulting Lily.  Had the 
teasing been climatic, there would have been no reason to extend the 
memory any further.  Additionally, had this action been typical of 
Snape, Lily would not have looked surprised at the insult.

Clearly, the author meant for us to understand that this was a turning 
point in Snape's life, and NOT just another run-in with the James Gang.

My reconsideration of SWM focused on the irony of James' attitude and 
words.  Why did he torment Snape? Just because Snape existed.  Fast 
forward to DH - why did LV kill Snape? For more-or-less the same reason.