Harry and Snape

[Nightcrawler]

I firmly believe that things will get "better". JKR allowed Harry to look into Snape's pensive for a reason.

The state of Harry and Snape's relationship is the fualt of both of them. Neither of them can be held entirely responsible, and neither of them should be excused.

Come on people, this is a book designed to entertain! If Harry died, millions of children everywhere would be disapointed. He's our hero! JKR surely wouldn't do something like that! (...Please Jo, I know you're reading this...) On the same note, it is highly probable that we see at least a little improvement the Snape/Harry relationship.


In HBP (book 6; Half-Blood Prince) I believe that Harry will treat Snape differently.

Harry is turning 16, a stage that every male must go through. This is quite a pivotal stage. This is the stage where each subject briefly glimpses past the blindfold of immaturity, and chooses to either face the world outside like a man, or pull the wool back over his eyes, and remain a brat forever. To quote Ben Parker, "These are the years that you become the man you will be for the rest of your life. Be careful who you turn into."

Harry has come to a fork in the road. On one side of the path (the one that branches off to the side and then disapears behind some bushes), he can apologize to Snape and show respect. Where does this road lead? Harry has no idea and neither do we. It might lead to a (grudging) freindship. It might be a dead end.

The other path just plows ahead in the same direction it has been moving for the past five years. Harry knows where this path leads (Ironicly, this is the same path that James took). If Harry choses the path of arrogance, he will never patch things up with Snape and as a result he will never grow to his full moral capacity. In other words, he will be an immature jerk forever, and heck, maybe Hermione and Ron will outgrow him and no longer hang with him. His ego would sink him to the bottom of the ocean and he would become someone who is little better than Dudley or Draco.


No, Harry will at least attempt to patch things up with Snape (IMHO).

[Nightcrawler]

Ah, the joys of forgetting important points in your initial post. Whilst I reach over the dinner table quite rudely in order to help myself to a double post, the rest of you can feel free to glare, mutter quietly to one another or clear your throats.



Anyhow.

Suppose Harry apologises and Snape rejects it. In fact, suppose Harry's attempt to patch things up only infuriates Snape more.

Would he have been better off ignoring the situation? Would Harry's apology have been wasted?

In my opinion, no. I believe that an apology does not always have to be a means to an end. Sometimes the apology can be an end in itself. Even if Snape chooses not to respond to Harry's outwardly stretched hand, the moral growth on Harry's part will still take place. At least Harry will aknowlege his past mistakes and attone for them.

He should apologise, not because he expects forgiveness or freindship, he should apologise because it is the right thing to do. In a sense, he is apologising to benifit himself. Whether or not Snape chooses to also benifit fron Harry's apology will be completely besides the point.


Taking into account the pride and stubborness of both Harry and Snape, I should note that it does not even have to be a literal apology. A mutual, unspoken understanding would do just fine.


I've got a hunch that Snape may not survive through to the end of the series, which is a pity because he has become one of my favourite characters. However I feel quite strongly that there will be reconciliation before he dies. And I hope that he doesn't die.

I also have a feeling that Dumbledore will die. He is not afraid of death and he is quite skilled, so rather than a crushing defeat, I feel that Dumbledore's death will be a calm Obi Wan Kenobi like death. "Strike me down and I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."


I'm not asking for Harry and Snape to be best mates. Just mutual respect and forgiveness. There will always be disagreement between the two, but there is no need for disagreement to turn to biterness. All I'm asking for is that their relationship is say... like Superman and Batman. Or Spike and Angel. Or Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott. Or like Shrek and King Harold. Or Lional Luthor and (young) Lex Luthor. You get the idea.

How would I end the series? Well, with Dumbledore gone there will need to be a new Headmaster. If Snape is still alive, he would be perfect for this position because, #1 This could finally be his time to shine and get the respect he deserves, and, #2 by this stage, Harry and Snape will have made ammends and their moral growth can continue to grow.

With Snape as Headmaster, I would also have Harry as Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher. Their relationship could be professional and they would not need to be "buddies".

[*Lily*]

OH NIGHTCRAWLER!! Exactly what I've been trying to say since I started this topic!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!

[Nightcrawler]

Awww, thanks Lily