#snape ask

thanks for the ask!

Do you think Snape was unhappy even after joining the DEs?

OMG this had been sitting in my asks for a long time and never got round to answering, but now I'm doing it! 7. Which staff member do you think gets along well with Snape?

I think this is difficult to answer, a lot of it is based on wishful thinking. Albus Dumbledore is an obvious one, for reasons we all know. However, I like to think he trusts Madame Pomfrey. After all, she has been taking care of him when he was sick since he was 11 and first got to Hogwarts, she has seen him fighting colds, fevers, coughs, stomach bugs, and often she has to insist he takes medicine (even if more than half the potions from the Infirmary he has brewed himself and he reminds her at every turn).

Besides Madame Pomfrey, I've seen a lot of fanon friendship/rivalry between Snape and Minerva McGonagall, and I think it makes sense. Both were raised in the muggle world, few understand Severus's childhood and what it's like to live in the most absolute poverty like Minerva did, and I think they just respect each other as great, powerful and intelligent wizards. Besides, they are both Dumbledore's rocks: the deputy Headmistress and Severus himself.

8. If you had to assign Snape to a house, which one would it be?

I'd love to hear your opinions on 1, 26, 49, and 50!

Do you have a snOTP? What is it?

I'm a multishipper and adore reading Severus paired with almost everyone, but my otp is Snack/Snirius, which is Severus paired with Sirius. I was never much of a fanfic reader until last year when I was unemployed. The first fic I read for the Harry Potter fandom was a Severus x Sirius fic on ao3, and I read all of the authors' fics and fell in love with the ship. I adored the author's depiction of the characters. The main appeal for many is the hate sex and the bickering, and while that's nice, my favorite aspect is that they are very similar and have so much "What if" potential. I love fics where they survive the war and help each other heal. I also just love Sirius groveling and begging Severus for forgiveness. I could go on about them for a long time.

What genre do you think Snape preferred to read?

My silly goofy answer is romance, specifically chicklit books. Imagine him just reading a romance during a break between classes. He needs something that doesn't need a lot of brain power because most of his attention is on making sure Harry doesn't die and deal with children every day.

In all seriousness, I don't think he had much leisure time to read anything aside from textbooks. Maybe during the summers before Voldemort returned, he read mystery books. And he would be the sort to figure out the mystery almost immediately, but he keeps reading because he wants to be vindicated.

Do you prefer tall!Snape or short!Snape?

I don't mind either, but short!Snape has a soft spot in my heart. Sassy and short is *chef's kiss*. Also, I like his partner towering over him. Smol Snape. Pocket size Snape. Also, I love the idea that Severus and Lily are the same height.

Had Snape lived, would he continue teaching at Hogwarts?

No, not even if he'd stayed the headmaster of Hogwarts. Let the man rest. He's exhausted from dealing with children (Voldy included). And I don't think he wants to teach Harry's and his generations' children. I usually imagine him brewing at home and selling his potions. Or just leaving the Wizarding world behind.

I hope you enjoy my very first Snape Ask in celebration of 400ish followers! The Gem Asks are headcanon asks and are each named after a gem, and have to do mainly with Snape’s possessions, family history, and the relationships he had in canon.

I’m making two more asks as well!

I. Emerald

Do you think all of the Prince family were Slytherins, or not?

II. Ruby

Which of Snape’s canon friendships and relationships do you think could have used more development in the books?

III. Amber

If Snape made a Horcrux, what object would he have used?

IV. Silver

What is Severus Snape’s most prized possession?

V. Gold

What does Severus Snape’s Gringotts vault look like? What does the Prince vault look like?

IV. Opal

Does Snape use mirrors, or does he avoid reflective surfaces? And why? Do you think he would use a scrying bowl?

VII. Onyx

Oh ho game night? The Legendary Malfoy-Snape Game Night? Thank You so much anon!

There is a huge sign that says "Leave your dignity at the door."

Winning- They all have their talents it all just depends on the game.

Most Competitive- All of them, but Narcissa will take you down.

Most Laid Back- C'mon now. We all know that that's not possible id winning comes with bragging rights.

Loosing- Most Likely Lucius because if it's a muggle game Severus and Narcissa will team up just to see the cute little nose scrunch that Lucius dose when he's irritated.

If it's Poker. Strip Poker. Both of them bitches are going down.

"Uh oh. He put his hair up"

(Luce looks ravishing with his hair in a bun and he knows it, but he mostly does it to keep the long strands out of his face)

"This is the only game that you are completely invested in. You pervert."

"Hmmm... If I'm a pervert why are staring at my chest?"

*blushes* "..... Shut up"

Snacks- All of them. It just depends on whose turn it is to host.

Severus has a more laid back, chill environment. Whether it's at his flat in london (HC? Maybe.) or at Spinner's End.

Fast Food? Yes. Especially McDonald's. (@sneverussape thanks for putting me on.)

Burgers. Chicken Nuggets. Fish and Chips. Yes.

Sometimes Severus will make the more cultured snacks that he grew up with during his childhood. (Sticky Buns, Koshered Food, oh and most definitely Hamantaschen, etc.)

The Malfoys are bougie through and through. They'd have entire platters of food stacked high.

Cakes and Cupcakes with every frosting imaginable.

They had an image to maintain

(They both secretly enjoyed Severus' simplicity more though they would never admit it aloud.)

There was a few months after the first Wizarding War where Severus tried to improve his mental health and Body Image.

He ate healthier foods.

Like Salads with the little crispy bread balls (what are those called?)

Cucumbers with Dressing.

And on game nights Narcissa and Lucius would help him replace the more hearty foods like Steak and with Salmon or Shrimp. (They'd eat up all of Sev's Greek Yogurt and Fruit though.)

Drinks-

Alcohol? Probably. Even though it lower inhibitions.

Most likely different muggle Juices and Sodas.

Lucius loves Dr. Pepper.

Narcissa prefers Sprite and Sunkist. The darker soda gives her gas.

Severus will probably drink anything as long as it isn't laced or poisoned.

Games-

(Not all of the games they play but the ones that I am most familiar with.)

Monopoly

Not for the weak. Only true Slytherins can succeed.

Lasts forever

"That hotel was NOT right there when I left"

"Yes it was"

"You two are cheating"

"No we aren't"

"How did I end up in Jail then?"

".....Tax Fraud"

Twister

"Accidental" Sexy Touches

"Lucius.... Your hand is not supposed to be there"

"The spinner said Blue and guess what's directly above blue" *smacks ass and leaves hand there*

"...... I hate you"

*evil chuckle* "oh I know"

"Cissa you can't tickle me that's cheating"

"I play to win, so fall bitch"

Uno

Number one way to get your ass kicked

Severus most definitely "cheats" on this game, just to make it more interesting

He'll make up rules and different versions of the game on a whim

Legilimency? You bet your pimp cane.

"Don't you dare change the fucking color you piece of toad shit"

"Eat my ass."

"Will do babe. Right after you draw 4 cards"

"You wanker"

"Nope, that's what I have you for"

"I'm withholding sex for a week if I don't win"

"Lu Sweetheart... You and I both know you won't last a week. You can barely last an hour without jumping either me or Severus"

Truth Or Dare

Someone always ends up streaking through the Manor or Skinny Dipping.

Severus with Make-up? Yessir.

Lucius in a Crop Top and a mini Skirt? Lol Yes

Narcissa Lip Syncing to the Pussycat Dolls? You bet your ass.

Lucius and Severus dressing as one another and pretending to be each other. (I need a fanfiction on that now lol)

"Cissa....Cissa....Cissy.... Cissy.... C'monnn I wanna go cuuddddle"

"I do NOT sound like that... And I'd never say something as inane as 'I wanna go cuddle'... And stop pouting I don't pout."

"Yes you do"

"Fine then be like that" *clears throat*

"I am Dracula bleh bleh bleh"

"Fight me bitch"

*Narcissa in the Background red in the face and dying of laughter*

TBC....

I’ll divide my answer into three parts. 

1 - Repentance vs Regret 

So, you are right. I do think Lupin regrets some of his past actions - but the thing is, it seems to make you think he understood the seriousness of his actions/has grown up/is now a better person. And I strongly believe it is not the case regarding the subject of bullying. 

“In repentance, there is a retrospection of the past mistake and a search for a better way so as to not commit the mistake if such a situation arises in the future. In repentance, there is a commitment towards change. Thus, repentance is an act that intends to make one a better person. If you are repenting, it means you are learning from your mistakes and willing to change to become a better person.”

This, does not apply to Remus. We know from the books he never understands and/or refuses to acknowledge what he and his friends did wasn’t justified or deserved; he doesn’t address it as bullying as I explain in this post. Lupin’s behaviour pattern is quite clear throughout the saga: he never or only partially acknowledges his faults and they are always someone else’s doing for the most part. 

“Regret is a feeling of remorse that is a negative emotion as it leads one to think continuously about his past action or behaviour and causes more shame, guilt, anger, disappointment etc.

On the other hand, repentance is a positive emotion as it makes one learn about his mistake, and he vows not to repeat it in the future.”

Lupin gives the image of a kind, understanding and mature person who knows how to put into question is own behaviour when necessary when he tells Harry and Sirius he knows he should have prevented them from tormenting Snape (Chapter 29 of OOTP). But then, as the conversation continues, if you closely analyses his thoughts - he keeps indulging into self-beating and talking about his own behaviour. He is completely self-centred and cares more about the image he gives than about the consequences of his actions and this clearly is the way he functions:

- He is willing to risk Harry’s life by not telling Dumbledore Sirius is an animagus rather than confess he betrayed his trust as a teenager: he cares more about what the headmaster thinks of him than about the consequences of his actions.

- He finds the time to acknowledge he should have behaved better - what a mature reaction - but never acknowledges Snape’s trauma or the seriousness of what was done to him. He thinks of it as a “rivalry”. 

- He puts a lot of effort into burnishing his and his friends’ image by justifying bullying with “rivalry”, “jealousy”, and agreeing with the fact “it was a mutual hate and those are things that happen” rather than admitting they behaved terribly.

So yes, Remus regrets his actions. But it is clear to me he firstly regrets them because it gives him a bad image in front of Harry and Dumbledore, and to himself; he never learns from his mistakes nor can make sure to not repeat them in the future, because he simply refuses to acknowledge them and put his energy into minimising them or making them, for the most part, Snape’s own fault. I find Remus to be a self-centred and cowardly person, and this behaviour goes along with it. 

However, I am not saying this makes him a bad man and understand this is directly linked to the fact he is a werewolf and giving a positive image of himself is nearly vital for him. But clearly, the fact he regrets his actions means nothing besides what I just explained, in my opinion, because Remus refuses to acknowledge what they did. He never repents and we must not mistake regrets for repentance. Remember that being critical of a character doesn’t make him less interesting or likable and has nothing to do with your personal liking of him. Snape isn’t a saint either, it’s actually interesting to have characters with layers. However, Remus was written kindly and “loved” by the books’ narrative and POV; Snape was not.

2 - He still behaves, in his thirties, like a bully

...which shows he does not repent or feel sorry for what was done to Snape and their other victims. I had the chance to discuss this with @ottogatto and she was very helpful and gave me a very interesting insight on Remus’ behaviour as we see it through Harry’s eyes in the books. 

As she explained, nearly every time the subject of Snape is brought up, Remus will subtlely put the fault on him. “He was jealous”, “Your father was more popular than he was and he hated it”, “He was jealous of James’ talent for Quidditch”, “Sirius and James were good at everything and everyone loved them, unlike Snape” are embedded quotes from HP5. Why was Snape furious against him at the end of HP3? “Because he wanted the Order of Merlin”; not because Remus had nearly killed him again as well as three students, just as he had done when Snape was younger. He keeps dismissing the consequences of his actions and justifies (to both Harry and the readers), the abuse Snape went through at the hands of the Marauders. He uses a florilegium of excuses commonly used by bullies that are both very vicious and even pervert in their aims (pervert = lead someone away from what is considered acceptable. Distort or corrupt the original meaning or state of things. Exactly what he does repeatedly). This is still the behaviour of an abuser. If @ottogatto finds the post she made about it, you may like to read it as well. Remus refuses to acknowledge Snape is right to act in the way he does regarding the bullying he went through and thus deepens the hate that already exists between Harry and Snape.

From the (wonderful) @ottogatto: You see, when you tell people how your target is jealous of you, it demonizes them in a shameful way. It tells how they are a pathetic person attacking you wrongfully, oh poor innocent human that did nothing wrong. Jealousy, after all, is a fault that remains completely on the jealous one. It gives your listeners the image that your prey is a mistrustful person while putting you in the position of someone who can be envied -- supposedly for your goodness. Because that prey is framed as mistrustful and ill-intentioned, it allows people to doubt whatever accusation your target might have: either "they're lying", or "exaggerating", or "making things up". Only those who are versed in the mechanisms of bullying -- the easy or the hard way -- will spot the problem. Otherwise, people will find a pretext, a rightful excuse, or an innocent, well-intentioned goal, to keep your prey alone, weak, and "punished".

3 - It is absolutely normal Lupin doesn’t defend himself or hits back when Snape reveals he is a werewolf

...because he is in the wrong. Snape doesn’t even cause his loss of job and you may want to reread the books while not taking Harry’s perspective for the unbiased truth. Dumbledore is obviously the one who asks Remus to resign. Remus just nearly killed three students and a professor, and roamed freely onto both Hogwarts grounds and Hogsmeade as a werewolf, risking many deaths and infections because he forgot the potion Snape had been brewing for him (he depended on Snape, another reason not to fight with him). Dumbledore just learns it isn’t the first time he betrayed his trust and he did the same for two years as a teenager, risking Hogwarts’s closure and reputation and his position as headmaster, breaking the promise he made to him when he was accepted as school. The worst thing is, it is Sirius who tells Dumbledore. Not Remus. Remus clearly demonstrates he is dangerous in spite of himself - Dumbledore learns as well he hid a very important information from him (Sirius being an animagus) during the year, supposedly risking Harry’s life. Dumbledore doesn’t apologize for Snape’s behaviour when he tells him goodbye and it is reasonable to suppose it is because he is fine with Lupin’s identity not being a secret anymore. 

I understand Snape’s decision (and certainly Dumbledore’s as well, as read in Snape: A Definitive Reading and various clever posts on Tumblr) may seem cruel and negatively impacted Remus in a society full of prejudices; but I understand Snape’s decision as well. Lupin was a walking danger and had proved it countless of times, nearly killing him: I’ll always argue his decision wasn’t a bad one but you may disagree. I’m sorry for Lupin and what happened to him- but I also am lucid and acknowledge the fact he continuously risked people’s lives and was a danger to society at this point (because said society didn’t help him in any way, don’t get me wrong). But to come back to your main point, Lupin was the only one who caused his loss of job, and he had no legitimacy to call out Snape for revealing his true nature to the public, because clearly only this knowledge would prevent him from doing harm in the future. It’s a complicated situation that goes deeper than Remus and Snape’s relationship. 

29. How do you headcanon Snape's bedroom would look like? I love this question! So, his bedroom at Spinner's End...He has his own, but it's very small. I imagine it was very bare when he was little, but as he got older, there were things that he added that made it 'his' space. I don't think he'd get a lot of furniture, mostly just an old bed, one wardrobe, a desk and a chair. With time he got a side table and shelves for books. He had a lot of posters all over his walls as a teenager. Cheap books he got wherever he could. Jars with weird stuff in it.

I have one very specific headcanon i'm drawing right now, it'll show you more when i finish :)

His bedroom at Hogwarts is definitely more cozy than his home. It's also messy in contrast to his office and storeroom.

42. Do you think Snape cried often?

3. Which Disney character, according to you is most like Snape?

In terms of pure aesthetic, but NOT personality I would say Frollo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Gloomy and pinched face, wears dark sweeping robes, is super dramatic. Personality wise I'd say he's a lot like Nani from Lilo and Stitch. Focused on taking care of a reckless brat with a heart of gold, and drowning in constant stress. Someone take him surfing and let him chill out a bit.

12. If you had to chose a Golden trio era student to be Snape's friend, who would it be and why?

Luna! I think Luna knows a lot about loneliness and being the weird kid. I think she'd be a good friend to him and both a grounding presence when he's too high strung and whimsical enough to bring him out of the doldrums. She's a compassionate and loving character, and now I want to write about Snape and Luna being a Brotp.

21. What particular memory do you think Snape used to conjure his patronus?