On the trivial and the profound

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 165491

Eggplant:

> One of Snape's "mistakes" led to the death of the Potters, if he felt
> genuine remorse over that it seems odd he would treat their only son
> like shit for 6 years.

Pippin:
And being nice to Harry would make up for it? Eurgh!! 

If Harry could be told what Snape had done, it might be different, but he 
wasn't supposed to find out. And Harry is a good kid -- if
Snape was nice, or even just tough but fair like McGonagall, Harry
would  think Snape was okay. And Snape would no more have earned it
than Harry has earned his rep as a potions genius, even if Snape
was the best teacher Harry ever had.  

If Snape's conscience burns him every time he thinks about his role 
in the death of the Potters and the Longbottoms, would he really
want Harry's innocent, unknowing affection and respect? Or Neville's? 
How could he possibly bear it? 

I wonder if it feels so good to provoke their hatred because he thinks,
way deep down inside, that he deserves it. 

Nah, that couldn't be it.

Could it?

Pippin