although Snape obviously isn't as far gone as Snape
*Headdesk* Should be "Snape obviously isn't as far gone as Tom," of course! And I'll agree with Sigune's comment that it's horrible that Tom is condemned for his parents' actions, which he had nothing to do with. I had assumed before HBP (and JKR's interviews) that Tom turned out bad partly because he was mistreated and/or neglected at the orphanage, but I don't recall seeing any evidence of that in HBP. Rather, he seems to be the one terrorizing the other children, just because he can.
no subject
*Headdesk* Should be "Snape obviously isn't as far gone as Tom," of course! And I'll agree with Sigune's comment that it's horrible that Tom is condemned for his parents' actions, which he had nothing to do with. I had assumed before HBP (and JKR's interviews) that Tom turned out bad partly because he was mistreated and/or neglected at the orphanage, but I don't recall seeing any evidence of that in HBP. Rather, he seems to be the one terrorizing the other children, just because he can.