HARRY POTTER, Part 3

(For those of you who know how the story ends, don't tell me whether or not I'm wrong here.  I'm just using this blog as an opportunity to think through a few things.)

My favorite Harry Potter character is Severus Snape.  From the very beginning, I have found him to be more than what he appears.  I feel that if Dumbledore can trust him, then so can we.  I know he was a Death Eater, and, as I begin Book 6, I see that he is playing both sides even more so than I thought.  After reading Book 5 and seeing how Harry's dad and friends treated Snape, I like Snape even more.  He has every reason to dislike Harry.  Of course, Snape IS an adult and should be able to put aside memories of childish pranks and let Harry be Harry and not look at Harry as if Harry is his dad, James Potter.

As someone who was teased all throughout my schooling--ok, I STILL am--for everything from being overweight to wearing glasses, it honestly made me bawl when I read the story of James Potter and his cronies being cruel to Snape (Book 5).  I can relate to Snape's embarrassment, but at the same time, I am the type of person who chose to take the teasing and dish it right back, without any intention of menace whatsoever.  Of course, even those of us who tease can cross the line, but as soon as we realize that we have, most of us will apologize if we're able.  From that standpoint, I wish Snape had learned to deal with the teasing from his classmates rather than fighting them back and, ultimately, egging them on.

When we look at what Harry learned about Snape during his Occulumency lessons, you'd think Harry would have more compassion on the man.  I mean, here's a man who has been overlooked and misunderstood his whole life.  Snape's parents were bickering--and ignoring--Snape.  The kids at school didn't understand him--they didn't WANT to understand him--so he was ostracized at school as well.  The poor man never could catch a break!

Don't get me wrong, here.  It don't pity Snape.  I simple feel compassion for him.  I feel as if he was misunderstood.  If one person would have taken the time to look deeper into Snape and who he was rather than seeing his greasy outer appearance (while growing up, I mean), then maybe Snape wouldn't the appearance of the epitome of evil.

Let's just remember for a moment, if you will, just who it was who actually saved Harry during the very first Quiddich tournament.  When everyone thought he was the one putting a spell on Harry's broom, we learn that Snape was actually the one mouthing the counter-spell to save Harry.  I can't forget that. 

There's a good heart in Snape.  I just KNOW there is.....

Besides, why else would the powers that be have chosen Alan Rickman to play Snape?!  He is, by the way, PERFECT for Snape!!!!  I LOVE him in that role!!!  Even if I hadn't seen at least the previews before reading the books, as I've been reading them, I SEE Alan Rickman in my head as Snape.  ("I'm gonna cut your heart out with a spoon!"--Greatest line EVER!)

If I'm wrong about Snape and he turns out to truly be a Death Eater who is doing everything in his power to see Voldemort rise to power again, then I'm going to be more disappointed than I can say.  I'm preparing myself for the death of Dumbledore in Book 6--I do know that's coming, but I still don't know which side Snape is really on.  I desperately want him to be the TRUE hero who ultimately saves Harry's life.....!