The Two Faces of

Severus Snape

Fan Fiction vs. Cannon

Severus Snape is a complex but at the same time very simple charactar. I have noticed in the world of fanfiction he is a better developed "person". But in the cannon world he is the archatype for the "abuse cycle"

First and formost I wanted clear that I can not stand the cannon Snape. He is lothesome, selfish, highly abusive and never should of been alowed anywhere near children. He repeated the cycle of abuse that his father gave him, and allowed his hate to consume him. Although I am a total fan girl of fanfic Snape, the fact that he was so romaticised by most the female population scares me...much like Twilight.

Was that a dig at twilight Yes and no. Yes I think Twilight is some of the most hackneed worthless popular twaddle I have ever had the missfortune to read. And can find only ONE good thing to say about it. But the more important comparrason has more to do with the non bashing aspect.

Several clinical therapists have made numerous points on how the most signifacant relationships and personalitys in twilight are abusive and or self distuctive. Cannon snape would fit right in. He continues the cycle of abuse and self harm through out all seven books. His actions twards Nevielle and Harry are cases of extreme verbal abuse. His delving into dark arts could be equated to drug abuse. Becoming a death eater could be likened to jioning a gang, and supporting his violent tendencys. so on and so forth.

I will admit there are a few times. that he had shown to be of worth. Stepping in front of a rampaging werewolf comes to mind. But when one of your students has you as a boggart you need to take a good hard look at your self.

Finaily lets take a look at his obssesion with Lilly. No I don't mean love I mean obbsession. Knowing Lilly as he did, he still didn't care if Harry died as long as Lilly was saved. Did he think Lilly would not of cared if Harry died, and she lived? Did he think she would just get over it? He wanted to posses her. If Riddle kept his word and allowed Lilly to live while killing Harry Lilly as he knew her, would have died right allong with here child. The worst pain I could ever imagine would be losing my child. I can't even comprehend that kind of pain.

My grand mother lost her last child my uncle John Paul. he was still born. And until the day he died, just thinking about him would bring her to tears. 50 years later. That is the pain his selfish desires would of brought her.

No I do not like Cannon Snape he is vile and should of been locked away for everybodys safety.

And if you disagree I parafrase Rowling herself

*The reason that Snape abused Neville long bottom is because voldemort could of gone after the long bottoms instead of the potters and Lilly would still be alive.

* Everytime Servus looks at Harrys eyes, he feels guilty causing him to lash out and verbly attack Harry.

Do you need anymore reason?

Fan Fic Sape is mostly what Snape would of been like if he made the right choices. This Snape I like This snape I am sooo crushing over. This snape is worthy of respect. It also doesn't hurt that allan Rickman inspired him. I'll admit I have been crushing on Rickman since Dogma (really good movie you should see it) I and many other women have been fan girling over Rickman for years. And the way he portrayed Snape made him cannon fooder for all our day dreams and MA rated fantasys what ever hey may be. So I blame/thank Him for being the corner stone of FanFic Snape.

The reason I like Fan Fic Snape and most others, by and Whole he has let go of his hate. He has learned from his mistakes. and threw thoughs few shinning moments were able to grow. Now I know there are some "Snapes" out there that are even worse than the cannon. And some that make cannon snape look like Rebecca from Sunny Brook farm, but the Snape friendly stories they are the ones I like. there is a fan fic writer Called Mrs Figg. (she does a lot of nsfw) she portrays him as I like best. He is still hard but he is some one who has learned his lesson, and grew to some one you can respect. And yes I like the naughty side of him...alot *hem* moving on

In many of the stories he relizes he is repeting his fathers destuctive patterns and stops them. He relizes he is blaming Harry for somthing that isn't his fault and stops.

He is what many who have been in a abusive relationship whether it be with there parent spouse or other person. We try to make sure that the cycle of abuse stops with them, and does not continue with us.

That in my eyes makes him as much of a hero as Harry in my eyes. I fight every day to make sure I don't follow in the same patterns as my parents. Most days it's easy. But some times it is so hard not to last out that I would rather have all my teeth pulled out with out noviccaine than fight against what I was taught. Needless to say I admire fanfic snape for learning and growing beyound his rage.

In all of the characters there is no such simalaritys and yet such division between Cannon and fafic that can be liked unto Janos the roman god of the dead (look him up) Janos was one "man". But if you died depending how you lived your life you saw one of two faces. One kind and welcoming. Or the other face the face that gave birth to all your nightmares. That is how I see Severus snape. A character that is a true dicotomy between good and evil.