Skyehawke :: PoA 8

[pauraque_bk]

Lo, I have a shiny new Skyehawke account! Thanks, switchknife.

Skyehawke is a very nice invitational multifandom archive with an excellent system of allowing authors to upload and edit their own work. It's like ff.net, if ff.net were actually good. (However, I find it impossible not to note that its name always makes me smile. Skyehawke... as opposed to all those land hawks.)

*

PoA 8: Flight of the Fat Lady

Only Draco Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins had anything bad to say about Professor Lupin. (107)

Draco seems to hold a grudge against Lupin for stopping him from getting into it with Harry (69), and for no other reason we're shown. I can't recall how Lupin treats the Slytherins in his class, if it's mentioned at all. I doubt he'd intentionally treat them unfairly; he's extremely interested in being the best teacher he can be.

'Look at him!' he said furiously to Hermione, dangling Scabbers in front of her. 'He's skin and bone! You keep that cat away from him!' [...] 'That cat's got it in for Scabbers!' said Ron, ignoring the people around him, who were starting to giggle. 'And Scabbers was here first, and he's ill!' (111)

This is quite different from Ron's initial "disgust" with Scabbers when we meet them in PS/SS. It's important now that we see Ron loving and caring for him, so that we can be suitably horrified when we learn the truth.

Ron's experience of Peter parallels that of MPP. Peter is unwanted and "useless", yet somehow an emotional attachment develops. Peter clings to MPP, hangs around them like the pet he literally is to Ron. In each case, the betrayal seems impossible, and comes as a huge shock.

Lavender Brown seemed to be crying. Parvati had her arm around her, and was explaining something to Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas, who were looking very serious. (111-112)

This isn't exactly relevant, but it reminded me: I'm really bothered by the fact that Neville seems not to have any friends. Harry & Ron and Seamus & Dean have paired off and are constantly in each other's company. Early on in PS/SS, before the troll incident, Hermione and Neville were seen together a great deal, but then Hermione attached herself to the Harry-Ron group. Neville is with them for the Fluffy episode (unlike in the movie!), and the Trio certainly don't dislike Neville, but... who does he hang out with? (Maybe the two mystery Gryffindor girls in his year...)

Also in this scene, Hermione again debunks Trelawney's predictions.

'Well,' said Lupin, frowning slightly, 'I assumed that if the Boggart faced you, it would assume the shape of Lord Voldemort.' [...] 'I imagined people would panic.' (117)

ellen_fremedon was right about this when it came up in the last chapter.

'That suggests that what you fear most of all is -- fear. Very wise, Harry.' (117)

It also suggests the theme of the book, that our internal demons have to be confronted just as external enemies do.

'Ah, Severus,' said Lupin, smiling. 'Thanks very much. Could you leave it here on the desk for me?'
Snape set the smoking goblet down, his eyes wandering between Harry and Lupin.
'I was just showing Harry my Grindylow,' said Lupin pleasantly, pointing at the tank.
'Fascinating,' said Snape, without looking at it. 'You should drink that directly, Lupin.'
'Yes, yes I will,' said Lupin.
'I made an entire cauldronful,' Snape continued. 'If you need more.'
'I should probably take some again tomorrow. Thanks very much, Severus.'
'Not at all,' said Snape, but there was a look in his eye Harry didn't like. He backed out of the room, unsmiling and watchful. (117-118)

A lot is going on here. We know the animosity hasn't abated, but has actually increased (107) -- but here, it's expressed passively. Lupin calls him "Severus", Snape replies with "Lupin" -- Snape doesn't want to be friends, as Lupin must know perfectly well. Lupin deliberately doesn't take the hint and does it again. The exchange also calls to mind Dumbledore, the only other character who calls Snape by his first name, who keeps Snape firmly under his thumb, and arguably doesn't respect him.

Snape needles back, pointedly alluding to Lupin's current dependence on Snape for his safety and livelihood -- twice reminding him to take his medicine, as if Lupin were a child. There may also be a sense of Snape consciously mocking Lupin's mild, passive-aggressive manner -- tit for tat.

Harry is, in a sense, a pawn for both sides. Seeing Lupin and James's son sitting together drinking tea must rile Snape, but Harry's presence also underlines Snape's power over the situation -- he waves the evidence of Lupin's condition right in Harry's face.


Previous re-read posts are here.

Comments

[fernwithy.livejournal.com]

Draco seems to hold a grudge against Lupin for stopping him from getting into it with Harry (69), and for no other reason we're shown. I can't recall how Lupin treats the Slytherins in his class, if it's mentioned at all. I doubt he'd intentionally treat them unfairly; he's extremely interested in being the best teacher he can be.

I think this is no more than an example of Draco being a plain, old-fashioned snob. We've seen him do it before, with the Weasleys--they're Pureblood (as we are reminded quite constantly), but they're poor, and Draco likes rubbing their faces in it. Lupin may be a teacher--an authority figure--but he's obviousy too poor to look the part. (Draco may not like Dumbledore much, but at least he's not just a step above being on the state dole.) So much of Draco's self-image is based on wealth and influence, and so much of his loathing of the Weasleys and now Lupin is based on poverty and at least apparent lack of influence (or interest in influence!)... I think that the loss of it is going to really throw him into a tailspin.

This is quite different from Ron's initial "disgust" with Scabbers when we meet them in PS/SS. It's important now that we see Ron loving and caring for him, so that we can be suitably horrified when we learn the truth.

I just did a post about HP characters and their pets, and I think that Ron is shown to be a great deal like Molly, especially with the twins. Harry isn't fooled by his gruffness; he knows how miserable Ron is when he loses Scabbers and doesn't take the taunting of Pig seriously for that reason. It's important in this particular scene because Ron is being outright laughed at over his concern for Scabbers. Ron has pride issues, but that loyalty of his comes through here.

The scene between Lupin and Snape is so hard to re-read, just because, unlike Harry, we know what these two men are doing to one another. Lupin's approach is totally unflappable, and that has to drive Snape crazy. I wouldn't call it "passive-aggressive," just because that (to me) seems to imply a kind of sympathy play, which Lupin doesn't do. He doesn't give a rip what Snape thinks of him.

It's a good point that he's doing what Dumbledore does. Of all the characters, I think Lupin is the one being most groomed to take over for Dumbledore after Dumbledore's undoubtedly noble demise. And what better symbol than the werewolf for the mostly good man who makes horrendous mistakes? I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Remus as headmaster in the end. I don't think it's inevitable or anything, but I do think it would fit quite well with the personalities.

There's also the possibility that Lupin's politeness to Snape isn't entirely aggressive. Oh, it has its aggressive element and it drives Snape bonkers, but it could be an honest effort at being mature. Lupin's approach, whatever else it is, is a proper adult response. He's remaining cheerful and collegial and polite. Snape comes off as holding a childish grudge in comparison. Now this is in Lupin's interest, but I don't think it's a false split. Lupin's probably had some time to reflect on the way Snape was treated since the night Sirius tried to feed Snape to him, and he may well feel that he at least owes civility.

[caesia390.livejournal.com]

*to my brain: no, no, not another lupin discussion!!!*

sorry. it's my problem.

it could be an honest effort at being mature

I don't think so. Lupin is perceptive enough to know exactly how he's needling Snape. If he wanted to apologize or somehow show Snape that he respects him, he would maintain the emotional distance that Snape obviously wants, call him 'Professor Snape' and be deliberately cool rather than address him as a friend.

Also, Lupin was friends with Sirius and James. Sure, he says that he regrets doing nothing, and undoubtedly the teasing did bother him. It was immature and wasteful, and Sirius's stupidity nearly turned him into a killer, what is very likely his worst fear. But I don't think there's anything to suggest that he ever sympathized with Snape. I think it's much more likely that he resents Snape for being right about Sirius all those years ago. ...Until, of course, he learns that Snape is innocent, and note that the last time we see Lupin in PoA (jumping ahead of pauraque, woops), he insinuates that Snape is primarily to blame for his resignation, as though repeatedly endangering a school full of children isn't enough!!!!

Beyond not taking his wolfsbane, he also never told anyone that Sirius is an animagus!!! Sirius broke in at least twice, both times displaying manic intent with a knife!

Remus as headmaster... is a chilling thought.

[caesia390.livejournal.com]

oh, and that should be 'learns that Sirius is innocent,' by the way

[pauraque]

I just did a post about HP characters and their pets, and I think that Ron is shown to be a great deal like Molly, especially with the twins.

I read your post, and I agree, it is like that. Interesting how Ron and Hermione seem to be subconsciously mimicking their parents' behavior, yet Harry is a "good parent" -- he doesn't treat Hedwig the way the Dursleys have treated him.

And what better symbol than the werewolf for the mostly good man who makes horrendous mistakes?

Ah, true. The Lupin-Dumbledore parallel rings true to me, particularly in the way they relate to Harry. Harry likes them and expects good things of them, and it's painful for him when they screw up -- in OotP there's the Dumbledore confrontation, echoed by the subtler confrontation of Lupin after the Pensieve scene.

it could be an honest effort at being mature. Lupin's approach, whatever else it is, is a proper adult response.

I have to disagree. The Boggart incident was mature? Calling him by his first name rather than 'Professor' is mature?

I also can't say it's an honest attempt. I think Remus is smarter than that, and understands people better. I can buy that Dumbledore doesn't know he's disrespecting Snape (or at least doesn't realize there could be consequences), but Lupin doesn't strike me as that kind of personality. On the contrary, he's *very* aware of other people's feelings, as demonstrated in the wonderfully fair and attentive way he treats his students.

It's the positive qualities I see in Lupin that prevent me from letting him off the hook for the way he deals with Snape. He understands people too well for it to be plausible that he doesn't know he's contributing to the tension.

[fernwithy.livejournal.com]

I have to disagree. The Boggart incident was mature? Calling him by his first name rather than 'Professor' is mature?

I wasn't referring to the Boggart scene here, but to this particular instance. I think of the last names as a schoolboy thing, the way Harry and Draco refer to one another as Potter and Malfoy, while the more civil relationships use first names (Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, etc). Dumbledore and McGonagall call one another Albus and Minerva. Remus is remiss in using it in front of a student, but Snape is remiss in merely referring to Remus as "Lupin" as well--as Dumbledore consistently reminds Harry, the last name unadorned by the honorific is also rude. For perfect politeness in the presence of a student, Snape should have addressed Remus as "Professor Lupin" and Lupin should have addressed Snape as "Professor Snape." But of the two alternatives of direct address they did use, "Severus" is adult and collegial and "Lupin" is adolescent and brusque.

I don't mean to be "letting him off the hook" when I say that part of it is an honest attempt to be friendlier. I don't think the two things are mutually exclusive, especially to someone who used to pal around with James and Sirius, where an obnoxious tweak here and there was probably part and parcel of the way they inter-related. Now, does he care whether Snape is hurt by it or takes it as an opportunity to "loosen up"? I sincerely doubt it. But this method of tweaking leaves an opening for Snape to actually behave like a colleague.

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

I can buy that Dumbledore doesn't know he's disrespecting Snape (or at least doesn't realize there could be consequences),

Really? Because I can see that too. I think Dumbledore is a bit shallow in his emotions and can't empathize with someone who is so different from him in personality. Or at least can't without concious effort, which he doesn't seem to be exerting.

[Lupin] understands people too well for it to be plausible that he doesn't know he's contributing to the tension.

Yes! Exactly! Anyone who can pick Neville out for confidence-building would be able to see that Snape does not LIKE being addressed by his given name, and stop it. If that person acutally cared about not pissing Snape off, that is.

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

I think that the loss of it is going to really throw him into a tailspin

I'll be delighted if JKR does have Draco deal poorly with his father's incarceration and his own loss of status thereof -- it'd mean she'd actually be letting Draco *develop* as a character, instead of stagnating as a cardboard cutout.

I wouldn't call it "passive-aggressive,"

I would call it passive-aggressive. Lupin is being objectionable in a way that bothers Snape greatly, yet seems so minor from an outside point of view. He's pushing the limits in apparently 'minor' ways and that's what passive-agressives *do*.

Lupin has a really annoying habit of using people's given names, even when the person he's addressing has made it clear that they don't want Lupin to do that. Not only does he call Snape 'Severus', but in OotP he calls Tonks 'Nymphadora'; this is a breach of manners, since British social rules are that only true intimates, not mere co-workers, use given names. It's also a very subtle powerplay, as it puts Lupin in a superior position that Dumbledore occupies, of being so old/powerful that he can address everyone around him as if they were a child.

Of all the characters, I think Lupin is the one being most groomed to take over for Dumbledore after Dumbledore's undoubtedly noble demise.

I can see that, and yet I think it would be a disaster. Not only would Snape spin out of control because there is no way he'd take a subordinate position to Lupin, but Moody wouldn't respect Lupin enough, and goodness knows what the other members would react like -- if Mrs. Weasley's reaction to the werewolf in the Arthur's ward is typical, there would be a lot of unconcious resistance to Lupin in charge because of his werewolfism.

he may well feel that he at least owes civility

Except civility would be moving back to using Snape's surname once Snape didn't reciprocate with Lupin's given name. As it is, it's Remus pressing intimacy on Severus, as if they were friends, and it's creepy.

[fernwithy.livejournal.com]

in OotP he calls Tonks 'Nymphadora';

Well, in her case, I think it's meant to imply that they've known each other a hell of a long time, probably before she was just known by the adolescent "Tonks"--after all, if she's the child of Sirius's favorite cousin, chances are, they would all have been around when she was a child. I can sort when I know people from by what they can't resist calling me. People I know as an adult know me as "Barbara," while people I knew as a teenager call me "Barb." My godmother has been known to slip and call me "Barbie" and my uncle calls me "Babs." Note, I hate both Babs and Barbie, but I recognize that I can't do a thing about people who've known me all my life. It's the name business--because of the manners involved--that makes me simply assume that Remus and Dora are a whole lot more than "mere co-workers." (No, I don't mean lovers--at least not at that point--but definitely old, old friends.)

[rikibeth.livejournal.com]

Not only does he call Snape 'Severus', but in OotP he calls Tonks 'Nymphadora'; this is a breach of manners, since British social rules are that only true intimates, not mere co-workers, use given names.

I know this is a tangent, but I think in Tonks' case, the rudeness involved isn't in the intimacy, as Tonks calls all her fellow Order members by their first names or nicknames, even when there's an age difference. ("You do know that's disgusting, don't you, Mad-Eye?") It's rude because she doesn't LIKE her first name and prefers not to be called by it, even by intimates, and would prefer that non-intimates not KNOW what it is. I am quite certain she came in for the very obvious teasing such a name would inspire.

Remus needs to mind his manners.

[spug.livejournal.com]

I believe that Snape made sure to remind him of the potion repeatedly because he wants Harry to find out about Lupin's secret. He explains that it is urgent and needs to be taken right away, implying that this is no ordinary medicine for some ordinary sickness. He also says he's made a cauldron full--this is not ordinary tea, this is something Snape actually makes for Lupin in large quantities on his free time, even though he clearly hates him. He wants Harry to notice, he wants Harry to wonder, because he wants Harry to find out the truth about Lupin. Lupin's the last of the trio of friends that isn't dead or mad as far as they all know, so Snape probably wants to show Harry that not even the last remaining friend of James's was a saint even though he seems like a likable chap. Maybe.

[pauraque]

I think this is a reasonable guess. Luckily for Lupin, Harry is pretty easily distracted (he starts to say something about the Dementors, then Snape comes in, and by the time he's gone, Harry has completely forgotten what he was talking about). If it had been Hermione, she would have noticed Snape's odd insistence on taking the potion, and probably worked out that Lupin was a werewolf much sooner than she did.

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

Harry is probably the least introspective and most unobservant hero I've seen in a fantasy novel. Sometimes it seems that the only way he wins in the end is that he's good at picking friends and allies -- Hermione certainly does most of his deductive thinking for him, and Ron is his window into the Wizarding World...

[wolfie-thu.livejournal.com]

Neville is with them for the Fluffy episode (unlike in the movie!), and the Trio certainly don't dislike Neville, but...
I wonder if Neville's relationship with the Trio is at all similar to the one between Snape and the "gang of Slytherins" he supposedly hung out with...both of them being allowed to tag along with the others on occasion, but not really a true member of the group. I mean, Snape did seem pretty damn alone and friendless during that whole Pensieve scene.

The exchange also calls to mind Dumbledore, the only other character who calls Snape by his first name

You know, I'm almost certain that Minerva refers to Snape by his first name in the second book, just after the bit where the Trio was discovered with the petrified Mrs. Norris.

Snape needles back, pointedly alluding to Lupin's current dependence on Snape for his safety and livelihood -- twice reminding him to take his medicine, as if Lupin were a child.

I've read, elsewhere (maybe at the Sugarquill forums?), a completely different take on Snape in this scene. The theory goes that Snape repeats himself because he is nervous, partly because he is in the same room near the time of the full moon with someone who once tried to eat him, and partly because he thinks that Lupin might be telling Harry some amusing stories from the good old days about "Snivellus". Not sure whether there's any merit to this theory, but...*shrugs*

[pauraque]

I wonder if Neville's relationship with the Trio is at all similar to the one between Snape and the "gang of Slytherins" he supposedly hung out with...

This is a fascinating thought, one to add to the strange, subtle parallels between Neville and Snape. They both have an intense, sometimes self-fulfilling fear of humiliation, and have interests out of the mainstream (it doesn't seem that Herbology is usually considered something to get excited about).

You know, I'm almost certain that Minerva refers to Snape by his first name in the second book

That may be, but Minerva and Snape have a relationship of equality and respect, which makes it come off very differently. I think Minerva is the closest thing Snape has to a friend.

[muridae-x.livejournal.com]

You know, I'm almost certain that Minerva refers to Snape by his first name in the second book, just after the bit where the Trio was discovered with the petrified Mrs. Norris.

Aha, that's where it was! I too remembered her calling him Severus in the second book, but couldn't remember quite where. Having now checked that bit, yes she definitely does.

But I think that - except in times of stress, such as that particular example - the teachers are generally formal in address to each other around their pupils. It's entirely possible, and likely, that as co-workers who spend their lives in close proximity to each other they do use each other's given names in private, in the staff room, out of school hours... but the POV we have on their lives is that of a schoolchild. At my school the teachers were always "Mr This" and "Miss/Mrs That", all the way up until I reached the sixth form, at which point a few of them became friendlier and more approachable and even people we met up with socially out of school hours on occasion. Then, and only then, did they manifest first names. :-)

So I'd say that Lupin's breach of etiquette here isn't so much needling Snape by calling him by his given name, but doing it in front of a pupil. That it is Harry just makes it the more unforgivable. Because the formality of address is something that a teacher such as Snape can use as a shield and armour and badge of authority, and Lupin has just smashed a great big hole in Snape's defences.

[tekalynn.livejournal.com]

My take on Snape's reactions in the Harry and Lupin tea-drinking scene is that he's thinking "What are you doing with this student, *werewolf*? I have my eye on you; don't even think of trying to make him think you're the 'good guy' here. I will be watching you."

[mimine.livejournal.com]

I don't really see Snape's insistence on the potion as him needling Lupin about his dependence on it (and him). It's more like he's afraid of him and absolutely doesn't want to take any chances. I must also point out that what some people say about how Snape should have taken a goblet of potion along when he went to find Remus seems to be contradicted in this scene since he says Remus is to take it right away. It probably needs some time before it would work properly.

And is it just me or does "I was just showing Harry my Grindylow,' " sound extremely suggestive?

And "Fascinating"? Hee! He's quite the Vulcan!

[marinarusalka.livejournal.com]

It's more like he's afraid of him and absolutely doesn't want to take any chances.

I think Snape is definitely afraid in that scene. It comes across not so much in his words as in his body language. Especially at the end of the scene, when he backs out of the room without taking his eyes of Lupin. Snape is, quite literally, unwilling to turn his back on Lupin.

I think that fear is exactly what leads Snape to bait Lupin about his dependency, as a way of asserting some measure of control in the situation. He's signalling to Lupin, "I'm not afraid of you. I know your secret and I control the access to the medicine you need, so dont' get uppity with me." But it doesn't work, because he is afraid, and Lupin isn't. Or at least, Lupin can appear as if he isn't.

This is one of my favorite scenes in the book, because it reveals so much about each character without explicitly saying anything, especially when you reread it knowing what the real situation is. It's all about psychological interplay. Technically, Snape should have the upper hand in the situation: he knows a secret Lupin is desperate to keep; he can send Lupin back to unemployment and poverty with a few words, while Lupin has no power to do anything to Snape except annoy him. Instead, Lupin totally has the upper hand because of his self-possession and emotional control. Lupin can, and does, push Snape's buttons; Snape can't push Lupin's, however much he tries.

Anybody who says JKR isn't capable of subtlety or complex characterizations should be smacked upside the head with a copy of PoA.

And is it just me or does "I was just showing Harry my Grindylow,' " sound extremely suggestive?

God, yes! I half-expected Snape to respond with "Is that what they're calling it these days?" But I suppose you can't say that in a children's book. :-P

[asphodeline.livejournal.com]

Lupin calls him "Severus", Snape replies with "Lupin" -- Snape doesn't want to be friends, as Lupin must know perfectly well. Lupin deliberately doesn't take the hint
I have always thought this was just a character thing with Lupin, he appears to be a friendly, considerate person and mostly uses people's first names, even when it is not entirely appropriate. I also assumed that having been at school with Snape, he would have known him as Severus but in fact, he's more than likely to have known him as Snape. Harry et al refer to the Slytherins by their surnames and only use first names with close friends/other Gryffindors. As neotoma said earlier, it's a bit creepy.
I haven't really thought much beyond this but is Lupin perhaps being a little sarcastic/belittling to Snape? Dumbledeore calls him Severus but often when he's chastising him (not always, but often) and the only other person we know uses his first name is McGonagall. It would be respectful to call him 'Professor Snape' or at the least 'Snape' in front of Harry... I think I am starting to ramble so I'll stop here!

[pauraque]

I haven't really thought much beyond this but is Lupin perhaps being a little sarcastic/belittling to Snape?

It certainly strikes Snape that way. Whether Lupin is doing it on purpose is up for debate (above). I think he is; fernwithy argues that the politeness is sincere.

[nakedcelt.livejournal.com]

Perhaps I'm missing things coming from a different background, but as far as I remember from my high school, our teachers had no trouble addressing each other by their first names in front of us, although they used honorific + surname when addressing us and talking about each other — which seems to be the way things are done at Hogwarts too. I seem to recall both Dumbledore and McGonagall addressing Trelawney as "Sybill" in front of the students, despite carefully referring to her as "Professor Trelawney". The one exception is Hagrid, whom nobody anywhere calls "Rubeus", not even Olympe Maxime, but again, I have at least one good friend who is better known by his surname than by his first name. (Again, there's another example, though in the Ministry rather than at Hogwarts: Nymphadora Tonks.) That being the case, Lupin is simply doing things the way they are usually done. His first use of "Severus" is therefore intended to show Harry, and perhaps to show Snape as well, that he and Snape are on the same team now and personal dislike should not be an issue between fellow-professionals. It is both unprofessional and unfriendly on Snape's part to address Lupin by surname alone as if he were a student. And while Lupin clearly deliberately ignores this signal, I'm not at all sure he's wrong to refuse to descend to Snape's level.

[nakedcelt.livejournal.com]

Here are some examples of teacher-teacher conversation from CoS, with terms of address emboldened. I have included only interactions between those who were teachers at the time of CoS, so Filch and Hagrid are not here; also, I have omitted conversations that took place when Harry was invisible or apparently asleep. Note that pp. 143–144 is the Duelling Club scene.

(107)
Lockhart stepped forward eagerly.
"My office is nearest, Headmaster — just upstairs — please feel free —"
"Thank you, Gilderoy," said Dumbledore.

(109)
Snape's nasty smile widened.
"I suggest, Headmaster, that Potter is not being entirely truthful..."
"Really, Severus," said Professor McGonagall, "I see no reason to stop the boy playing Quidditch..."

(110)
"Innocent until proven guilty, Severus," he [Dumbledore] said firmly.

(143)
"...Yes, an excellent idea to show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind my saying so, it was very obvious what you were about to do..." [said Lockhart, and a little later:]
"...Professor Snape, if you'd like to help me..."

(144)
"A bad idea, Professor Lockhart", said Snape, gliding over like a large and malevolent bat.

(243)
"You know, Minerva," Professor Dumbledor said thoughtfully to Professor McGonagall, "I think all this merits a good feast..."
"But one of us seems to be keeping mightily quiet about his part in this dangerous adventure," Dumbledore added. "Why so modest, Gilderoy?"

(244)
"Dear me," said Dumbledore, shaking his head, his long silver moustache quivering. "Impaled upon your own sword, Gilderoy!"

[nakedcelt.livejournal.com]

Oh, and something else occurred to me too. Just after this scene, Harry tries to warn Lupin that Snape may be poisoning him; Lupin responds by drinking the potion and saying "Disgusting." He's presumably referring to the taste of the potion, but I've always thought he was also making a sidelong reference to Harry's aspersions on Snape, which would fit with the hypothesis I've just advanced concerning the use of "Severus".

[pauraque]

Impressions certainly do change based on one's background. I worked at a school where the teachers were all called by their first names by students and co-workers alike (except one, who preferred to go by his last name only -- he'd been in the army). I do agree that Snape is being rude by calling Remus 'Lupin' -- imagine if he called Minerva 'McGonagall' in front of a student!

If either of them wanted to be truly considerate, they'd say 'Professor ____'. Neither of them does.

Harry tries to warn Lupin that Snape may be poisoning him; Lupin responds by drinking the potion and saying "Disgusting." He's presumably referring to the taste of the potion, but I've always thought he was also making a sidelong reference to Harry's aspersions on Snape

Interesting idea. I wouldn't have thought of that.

[lycoris.livejournal.com]

The exchange also calls to mind Dumbledore, the only other character who calls Snape by his first name, who keeps Snape firmly under his thumb, and arguably doesn't respect him.

Do you think so? I always thought that Dumbledore actually liked Snape. What's your argument, I'm interested now!