I'd also like to point to "only those I could not save". That line always gets left out by the Snape haters - but we really do see moral growth in Severus Snape, and he's about the only character in the entire saga who shows this. Neville (my other favorite) grows, too, but primarily in competence and confidence. He's a decent person, as far as we can tell, from start to finish. As for Harry - cardigrl has shown that he grows, too, but in the wrong direction. From being a pretty likable little kid, he goes to being a bully, a cheater, a liar, and a torturer, and he is never sorry for anything he does.
The person who is sorry for the harm he has done, however selfish his reasons and however stunted he may seem, is always preferable in my eyes to the person who never makes amends or apologizes for anything.
no subject
I'd also like to point to "only those I could not save". That line always gets left out by the Snape haters - but we really do see moral growth in Severus Snape, and he's about the only character in the entire saga who shows this. Neville (my other favorite) grows, too, but primarily in competence and confidence. He's a decent person, as far as we can tell, from start to finish. As for Harry - cardigrl has shown that he grows, too, but in the wrong direction. From being a pretty likable little kid, he goes to being a bully, a cheater, a liar, and a torturer, and he is never sorry for anything he does.
The person who is sorry for the harm he has done, however selfish his reasons and however stunted he may seem, is always preferable in my eyes to the person who never makes amends or apologizes for anything.