The Overarching message - Caning

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 191657


> Alla:
> 
> In the Dumbledore approved legilimency lessons Harry certainly consented.  I would not call those lessons an analogy to what I consider a mind rape, just usual Snape's abuse. I  had several other accidents in mind, when Harry *thought* that Snape was reading his mind. I do not remember him exhibiting anything remotely resembling consent in those accidents. You may of course argue that Harry was imagining things. I think he was not imagining anything and Snape was reading his thoughts without his consent. I think Dumbledore  is guilty of that too by the way, on several occassions.
> 

Pippin:
Snape's attempt to use legilimency on Draco is brushed off with contempt, not the shock and revulsion I would expect if it was considered the equivalent of a sex crime. 

  Snape and Dumbledore may feel, as adults in a position of responsibility, that they have the right to examine any student's mind if necessary, just as Madam Pomfrey can examine their bodies. Don't let's forget there is a war going on and Harry's mind is a battleground, already invaded by the enemy.
  

And just as Madam Pomfrey can give Harry skele-gro potion with its painful side effects,  Dumbledore and Snape can decide that teaching occlumency, painful though it is,  must be done  to counteract Voldemort's incursions on  Harry's mind. I agree that Snape takes personal pleasure in  punishing Harry and this is inappropriate, but I don't see that happening in the occlumency lessons. Snape appears  to regard them as a deeply wearisome and unrewarding chore that he undertakes only because Dumbledore insists it is necessary.

Respecting the only request Harry made to keep some things private, Snape did not return to Harry's thoughts of Cho -- and this was probably too bad, because otherwise the love effect might have been discovered sooner 

Pippin