no spoiler, unless you haven't read HP3

[_talisa_]

Maybe the reason Snape protected Harry several times, even though he hates him, is because he is indebeted to Harry.. When Harry saved Peter Petigrew (Wormtail's) life, Peter was in Harry's debt, even though he wished he wasn't... because Lord Voldemort doesn't want a servant in Harry's debt (said by Dumbledore, I think..) But it didn't matted.. When one wizard saves another's life, it forms a binding magical contract.

James saved Snape's live when Sirus almost tricked him into going to the Womping Willow/Shrieking Shack. Maybe Snape never got a chance to pay James back, so he is doing so by taking care of Harry, even though he despises him.

What do you think?

http://www.livejournal.com/community/hogwarts/893815.html

http://www.livejournal.com/community/hptheories/332117.html

http://www.livejournal.com/community/harry_potter/3161137.html