[HPforGrownups] Re: Snape as Neville's teacher / JKR's sexy men roll call

[melissa]

No: HPFGUIDX 168623


Quoting phoenixgod2000 <jmrazo at hotmail.com>:

> Is there any evidence really that Snape's methods are targetting 
> kids that are slipping through the cracks? Harry isn't in any danger 
> of that.  Neville isn't a great wizard but the only class he almost 
> seems paralyzed in is potions.  If Snape was able to modify his 
> style to more closely mimic Sprouts, might he be more successful 
> with Neville? I don't see Snape really reaching students with his 
> methods.

Actually, isn't Herbology the only class that Neville does really well in? It's not just
potions that he does badly in (though it's probably his worst). I think that in PS
Neville seems to make mistakes in all of the classes (if I'm recalling right), and he
blows up his cauldron on the very first day. I would take that as more of he's 'bad' at
potions instead of being terrified of Snape--Snape hadn't even said a word to him by
then. 

I see Neville as being naturally very nervous (as an aside--more likely a result of his
family trying to force magic out of him, which seems more abusive than any of Snape's
behaviour) and that being near Snape makes him worse. Neville doesn't make it into Newt
Transfiguration, and I wouldn't say that maybe Minerva should have changed her teaching
style (since she can be just as sarcastic at times to Neville, and, if Snape is
considered abusive, then I'd say she'd have to called abusive at times as well).  Do we
really know whether it is Sprout's teaching style or just Neville's natural ability at
Herbology? I'd be more inclined to say it is teaching style if Neville only did badly
in Potions--but he only seems to do really well in Herbology. Actually, I'm really
curious to how Neville did on his potions OWL...if he failed, then I'd say maybe it was
due to the teaching style. If he passed, then I guess it could go either way.

cnmnluvr