Quote from Shell Cottage on September 18, 2026, 8:11 am

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.