Professor Snape & Professor McGonagall
In this thread, you can discuss the complex relationship between Professors Severus Snape and Minvera McGonagall, both Heads of House toSlytherin and Gryffindor respectively. Questions, quotes, theories, artwork, and videos all welcome!
I don't think it's a coincidence (besides the obvious plot points) that the narrative often focuses on Professors Snape and McGonagall. And come to think of it, that constant pairing may be an unintended clue of Professor Snape's fidelity to Hogwarts throughout the series. I can't recall much of their dynamic without a reread, but what always struck me was how Harry Potter (or the narrator) noted Professor Snape's ability to keep a class quiet without expending any effort. It almost seems as though Harry Potter could (before Professor Snape's antagonism) recognise the good in Snape's teaching based on his experience with McGonagall. But it would be interesting to see what others think.
I think that they were in good terms as adults, but I can't help to think that Minerva knew how badly Snape was treated by the Maradeurs and did nothing to defend him because James Potter was her "golden boy".
I think McGonagall didn't comprehend how bad the bullying was for Snape.
Marauders got plenty of detentions so we can't say that they walked away unscathed but those halfhearted measures didn't deter them. James was also said to be one of her favourite student, being good in both transfiguration and quidditch, something they both had in common which influenced her favorable attitude towards James.
Yes: as strict as Professor McGonagall can be, she has her blind spots and a little naivété. The opening scenes of the Harry Potter series, where she assumes nobility on Dumbledore's part about not using certain powers is one such example. On the contrary, we see later that Dumbledore attracted a fatal infection because of being tempted by the Dark Arts. So it's entirely reasonable that she could both not be aware of the bullying, yet still punish James Potter and co.
Yeah, I do think she gave plenty of detentions to marauders particularly James and Sirius. Harry had his hands full with copying the detention records of marauders and it required multiple sessions for it (we don't know if he was even done with it considering the cave and tower incident happening few days later).
Yeah, McGonagall seemed the type who didn't shy away from docking points and assigning detentions to her own house students.
