Tobias Snape & Eileen Prince
Another random thought on Eileen...Even though it seems she couldn't afford much, she nevertheless made sure that Severus went off to Hogwarts with his own wand.
(If Sirius is claiming Snape was performing 7th year spells* as a 1st year [*my interpretation of Sirius's reference to curses and hexes], that means Snape wasn't in a situation like Neville or Ron, using someone else's wand because his mother couldn't afford to take him to Ollivander's.)
I see this as touching--Eileen did love her son enough to buy him a new wand (which, presumably, is not cheap).
(though I can see the possibility for more cynical takes on this, too)
I also see Snape's intelligence and talent as a student, combined with 1) a psychological need to prove himself and 2) an inclination to refuse help--both of which would lead him to refuse being taken to the Hospital Wing after getting hexed or injured by the Marauders--as making him a prime candidate for the type of kid who can be abused at home without anyone realizing it...because he's a good student. That's super lame, but absolutely true to life. Generally teachers and people at school only take note if a student is struggling and/or isn't making a conscious effort to cover up the fact that anything is wrong at home. And the smarter you are, the better you are at covering it up.
Quote from Shell Cottage on September 18, 2026, 7:59 am...if Sirius is claiming Snape was performing 7th year spells* as a 1st year [*my interpretation of Sirius's reference to curses and hexes]
yeah, admittedly, that's its own discussion topic...
