The Impact of Snape's Bullying on Harry Potter: An Alternative Scenario

Harry Potter's journey through Hogwarts is famously fraught with challenges, but one of the most enduring relationships in the series is that between Harry, his teacher Severus Snape. While Snape is often portrayed as a complex figure with a hidden agenda, his character is largely defined by his bullying behavior. What if these kinds of dynamics did not shape their relationship? In this thought experiment, we explore how the plot of Harry Potter would change if Snape did not bully Harry.

Changes in the First Year

In the first year of Hogwarts, Snape's relationship with Harry is characterized by a series of adversarial experiences, from suppressing Harry in class to confiscating his books and misinterpreting his actions. But what if Snape approached Harry with a more fair and unbiased attitude? Here are some ways the plot might change:

Harry loses points in Potions class only when he does something wrong himself, making him less likely to be singled out unfairly. Snape's selection of Harry to demonstrate knowledge is still a form of testing, but not necessarily due to favoritism or bias. Snape never confiscates Harry’s book on Quidditch, which would prevent Harry from observing Snape's wound and overhearing that it was Fluffy. This detail might slightly change Harry's suspicions about Snape’s intentions. After the Quidditch match, Harry remains a prime suspect. Hermione still sets Snape on fire, and the Trio still attempt to stalk him, unaware that Quirrel is orchestrating the events.

Subtle Adjustments to the Second Year

In the second year, the relationship between Snape and Harry remains strained, but without the overt bullying that defines their interactions in the first year. Here are some notable changes:

Snape does not mention James at all in this scenario, focusing instead on the acted-out transgressions of the trio. Harry still gets blacklisted due to a Potions mishap, but the motive behind the action is not known at the time. Despite being blacklisted, Harry's actions remain unchanged: he still sets off fireworks in class. The consequences are the same, but Snape's motivation for punishing Harry is different. Without a history of bullying, Snape targets Harry for his rebellious and disruptive behavior rather than any unfounded prejudice. The end of the year still sees Snape perceiving Harry as the miniature version of James, and Snape targets Harry as a troublemaker in line with his established behavior. However, this portrayal is more a reflection of Snape's own temperament and judgment rather than bullying.

Probing the Impact

It's easy to argue that, if Snape were a more fair and non-bullying individual, Harry's relationship with him might have led to different outcomes. However, if we maintain Snape's character but assume he judges Harry based on actions rather than bias, the final year remains largely unchanged. Here's why:

The Slytherin relationship remains strained. Without the constant bullying, Harry might not go to Snape for advice or support. The potential for Snape to become a mentor or ally to Harry is diminished. This is a critical loss in the original story, as it allows Harry to gain a valuable, if complicated, ally in Snape. The climax and resolution of the story, where Harry confronts Voldemort and ultimately triumphs, remains largely the same. However, Harry's interactions with Snape are less adversarial and more grounded in mutual professional respect rather than resentment.

In conclusion, while the core plot and themes of Harry Potter remain largely intact, the absence of Snape's bullying transforms the nature of their relationship. This thought experiment highlights the significant role that character dynamics play in shaping both the narrative and the emotional landscape of the series.