 Re: Snape's patronus
I have to disagree. I see where you are coming from, which is a Harry-centered perspective, which is completely understandable, but there is a lot more than that.
Potions class, in the first place. Severus Snape was never cut out to be a teacher, that was part of his role as a protected spy. It was a comfortable position, granted, but it was something that should and would have never been mixed with a personality like Severus' in the first place. Secondly, he had a reputation to maintain. If Dumbledore knew Voldemort was going to come back, than he knew he would need his spy, as well. I find that it would probably be easier to be accepted back into the fold as a Death Eater after working so long for Dumbledore if you have been insulting and biased for the Slytherins, than if you had treated your Master's mortal enemy nicely. Thirdly, Severus held a gigantic grudge against Harry and James. But it was also about the fact that he had to see the name and face of his childhood tormentor in Harry, had to see the eyes of the person he had loved- and probably he considered having killed- on that face, to remind him of his biggest mistakes and what was taken from him. (Not to mention, if you still hate Snape, after Harry has forgiven him, than you hold a heck of a grudge, as well.) And part of him probably blames Harry, just a little, as well as himself and Dumbledore, for all the DE meetings and the things he's had to do to keep his cover. Because he can't blame, Lily, of course, but he can look at the person he's done it all for, and hate him a little more for that fact.
No, Severus Snape is far from being a perfect person. He had many flaws, had many shortcomings. He was still a Slytherin, and he would never be the things Gryffindors held dear. But he worked his whole life for some kind of redemption, died for some kind of redemption. And love. I think for someone who grew up with so much hate in his life, to be able to love someone so strongly, for an entire lifetime,- that deserves respect. If you can't repsect him for holding a position that many, many others would have crumpled in, or for his expertise in Potions, or for his loyalty to Dumbledore, than, at least, repsect him for that.
Last edited by teddylupin : 08-08-2007 at 11:00 AM.
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