but if it does, it will be because Harry Potter of all people knows everything about him now.
I used to think "of all people" about this, but I don't now. I think Snape strove the last year of his life to become somebody who could dedicate himself to protecting someone he truly couldn't stand. It's easy to protect those you like, but giving your life for someone who hates you is the hardest thing in JKR's universe and I think he died satisfied because he'd managed that necessary thing.
I don't think he was 100% terrible with children because there is an (extremely immature) exception: in a petty way, he is very good at spitefully championing his own tribe of Slytherin kids, whom he sees as perpetually wronged. Even though, if I were head of a school, I would warn or fire a teacher who behaved as he did for most of the series, the Slytherins did experience him as responsive and sympathetic; he even gave career advice to Crabbe and Goyle, who could not possibly have charmed him with their dimwitted thuggery. We see this most clearly in his steadfast protectiveness of Draco, and the way Scorpius is honored to meet him in Cursed Child, reminding us of how the Malfoy family must understand that they owe everything to him.
ETA: I thought a lot about Snape between 1999 and 2007 and I guess it didn't go anywhere.
Hee. Me too, and I finally did do something with it. Heh. This guy is one for the ages. I like smart grumps.
no subject
I used to think "of all people" about this, but I don't now. I think Snape strove the last year of his life to become somebody who could dedicate himself to protecting someone he truly couldn't stand. It's easy to protect those you like, but giving your life for someone who hates you is the hardest thing in JKR's universe and I think he died satisfied because he'd managed that necessary thing.
I don't think he was 100% terrible with children because there is an (extremely immature) exception: in a petty way, he is very good at spitefully championing his own tribe of Slytherin kids, whom he sees as perpetually wronged. Even though, if I were head of a school, I would warn or fire a teacher who behaved as he did for most of the series, the Slytherins did experience him as responsive and sympathetic; he even gave career advice to Crabbe and Goyle, who could not possibly have charmed him with their dimwitted thuggery. We see this most clearly in his steadfast protectiveness of Draco, and the way Scorpius is honored to meet him in Cursed Child, reminding us of how the Malfoy family must understand that they owe everything to him.
ETA: I thought a lot about Snape between 1999 and 2007 and I guess it didn't go anywhere.
Hee. Me too, and I finally did do something with it. Heh. This guy is one for the ages. I like smart grumps.