But, as to Snape's need to apologize, as I see it, this may or may not be necessary. It really depends on several factors. As I said, *action* is necessary; it's not enough simply to be sorry. And, to achieve true repentance, human beings do need (I think) to actually say "I was wrong" aloud to another human being. That's the great virtue of the Sacrament of confession in my tradition - and I'm sure other traditions and religions have the same thing.
But - well, I could go on for quite awhile! When you get a chance to read my other essays (and perhaps the story "the blessing") you will see where my thoughts are going. It all depends on a couple of unanswered questions:
Did Snape, when he reported the prophecy, actually intend to help Voldemort? Somehow, I doubt it. Did he intend to endanger anyone? When he found people were endangered, did he try to help them? If he did, I am not entirely sure he owes Harry anything. If he did not, then an apology by itself would not be enough, would it?
But I do very much want Harry and Severus to reconcile, and if apologies are needed, I do want them to be made! Ideally, in my imagination, the man and the boy would apologize *to each other*. I think both are at fault in their dealings with each other, though Severus, as the adult, may be more at fault.
(Oh, and you're right - Severus hates puppies. Even 'my' Severus hates puppies, and he's most likely a bit nicer than Rowling's!)
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But, as to Snape's need to apologize, as I see it, this may or may not be necessary. It really depends on several factors. As I said, *action* is necessary; it's not enough simply to be sorry. And, to achieve true repentance, human beings do need (I think) to actually say "I was wrong" aloud to another human being. That's the great virtue of the Sacrament of confession in my tradition - and I'm sure other traditions and religions have the same thing.
But - well, I could go on for quite awhile! When you get a chance to read my other essays (and perhaps the story "the blessing") you will see where my thoughts are going. It all depends on a couple of unanswered questions:
Did Snape, when he reported the prophecy, actually intend to help Voldemort? Somehow, I doubt it.
Did he intend to endanger anyone? When he found people were endangered, did he try to help them? If he did, I am not entirely sure he owes Harry anything. If he did not, then an apology by itself would not be enough, would it?
But I do very much want Harry and Severus to reconcile, and if apologies are needed, I do want them to be made! Ideally, in my imagination, the man and the boy would apologize *to each other*. I think both are at fault in their dealings with each other, though Severus, as the adult, may be more at fault.
(Oh, and you're right - Severus hates puppies. Even 'my' Severus hates puppies, and he's most likely a bit nicer than Rowling's!)