Why Snape is my hero, an analysis of "The Prince's Tale"

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 172511

Zara:
> It would have made little psychological sense for Harry to spend 
> much time processing this data right after seeing it, since 
> together with the story of Snape's fall and redemption he got the
> news that he himself must die within the hour, a matter which 
> naturally absorbed his full attention. (On the other hand, as I was
> a sobbing weepy mess too teary eyed to read for several minutes, I 
> did). But his final evaluation, at a later time, I deem to have 
> been similar to mine.  Nothing else explains his choice to give his 
> younger son, the one who inherited his grandmother's green eyes,
> the middle name "Severus".

Jen:  There was one moment in the forest that made me realize Harry 
had taken in everything he witnessed in Snape's memories and already 
come to see him in a new way:  "But he *was* home.  Hogwarts was the 
first and best home he had known.  He and Voldemort and Snape, the 
abandoned boys, had all found home here." (Chap. 34, p. 697, 
Scholastic)  He could recognize the similarities between all three of 
the boys at 11 even if their lives took such different turns in the 
end.  There wasn't any judgement in Harry's mind in that moment in 
recognizing Snape as someone like himself (or amazingly, judgement 
for Voldemort, either).

After re-reading chapters 33-36 this morning, I'm certain Harry 
believes Snape is Dumbledore's Man through and through.  And Harry's 
belief is good enough for me. :)  I expect Harry speaks for the 
author when he proclaims Snape's love for his mom since childhood in 
front of everyone and names his son after Snape.  I still have much 
sorting out to do for myself from the new information in DH; the 
story of Dumbledore was a blow for me although the chapter at 'King's 
Cross' did much to alleviate my disappointment.  After all, JKR has 
consistently made her adult 'good guys' both flawed and remarkable in 
their own ways, imo.  

There were also pleasant surprises, such as Kreacher's story & 
Regulus and the fact that Lily and Petunia once had a relationship 
(not to mention Tuney's request to attend Hogwarts - priceless!)

Jen