Cindysphynx wrote:

"Brilliant and Talented -- I see no basis in canon for this at all... How do we know that Snape isn't just a middling potion-brewer? We do know that he is far from a brilliant  teacher, however. I'd substitute "Nosy and Mean" for "Brilliant and 
Talented." :-) What in canon am I missing?"

But, wasn't it noted somewhere that he came to Hogwarts knowing more spells than any other first year ever?  I don't have the books in front of me to search, but I know it was said somewhere.  

Personally, I don't go in for the fanfic at all (I prefer my own imagination;-), but I am definitely a Snapist.  Some of the things he says and does absolutely make me cringe, but I do think there is reason (if only irrational and emotional, petty, Snape reason, lol) for his behaviors.   *I* like Snape because he is about the only reasonable character who doesn't like Harry.  I find all the "Potterlove" to be a bit nauseating after a while and I like to root for a guy who doesn't like Harry and doesn't have to!  I think it's an important lesson for Harry to learn, too, that everyone who doesn't LIKE him isn't necessarily evil, that even he is unable to escape the unanimous popularity issue.  The world isn't divided into good and evil dependent soley on who likes Harry and who doesn't, kwim?

As far as Sirius goes, I like him fine, no reason not to.  I think so far he's a bit of a bore.  Yeah, there was the prank, but that hasn't added any depth to him.  He needs to be developed a LOT more than just Harry's falsely accused hero godfather for me to have any interest in him.  Right now, I think Filch is even more interesting.

Rita

_________________________________________________________________
iVillage.com: Solutions for Your Life 
Check out the most exciting women's community on the Web   
http://www.ivillage.com