What made it Snape's Worst Memory?

[Cat McNulty]

No: HPFGUIDX 164202

My apologies to all if this has already been discussed or proposed.  I will try to be as concise as possible.
  Snape had been publicly humiliated by James and Sirius many times prior to this particular incident. This is canon.
  Ques - What made this particular memory worse than the others of degradation and humiliation at James' hand?  
  Ans- Lily and Lily's part in the memory. When James attacked Snape and Lily came to his defense (Amer. OotP Pg. 648) James said, "you're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus--" ... Snape said, "I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!" "Lily blinked." (Maybe in disbelief at Snape's insult?) Then "'Fine,' she said coolly. 'I won't bother in the future. And I'd wash my pants if I were you, Snivellus.'"
  My contention is that it was his embarrassed outburst, that was meant to get back at James, actually insulted Lily (someone that he liked/cared about). Her hurt verbal reaction actually closed the door to any future friendship between Snape and Lily. That IMO was the worst part of the memory for Snape ... the loss of Lily as a friend and her using the name Snivellus.
   
  Cat >^-.-^<
   
   


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]