Was Remus Lupin Involved in Bullying Severus Snape at Hogwarts?

Considering the complex dynamics at Hogwarts, the question arise whether Remus Lupin was involved in bullying Severus Snape during their time at the school. The evidence from the books and other sources paints a mixed picture, but there are a few key points to consider that suggest Lupin's involvement in the Bullying.

Remus Lupin and the Marauders

Let's begin with the fact that Lupin was part of the Marauders, a notorious group responsible for numerous pranks and detentions. In the book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (HBP), Lupin and the other Marauders received numerous detentions for their pranks, including an illegal hex that made a victim's head swell. Additionally, Lupin is implied to have been involved in a particularly dangerous prank where his friend Sirius Black 'pranked' Severus Snape into going down a tunnel with Lupin, who was in werewolf form. If Lupin had any concern for Snape's well-being, it would be doubtful he would be friends with someone who put Snape in such danger.

The Role as a Prefect

During his time as a prefect, Lupin's actions suggest that he was involved in the bullying of Severus. His outspokenness against Snape on the Marauder's map in fifth year implies that he took part in the bullying, despite his role as a prefect. As a prefect, it would be his duty to intervene and stop the bullying, but Lupin chose to remain silent and continued to bully Snape.

Lupin's Behavior in the Books

Despite the evidence pointing to Lupin's part in the bullying, the narrative of the books often portrays him as distant and detached from the conflict between James Potter, Sirius Black, and Severus Snape. For instance, in Sirius, the Boy Who Survived (SWM), Lupin is often seen reading a book while the Marauders are attacking Snape, despite his role as a prefect. This behavior suggests a lack of concern for Snape's well-being and a refusal to take action.

The Aftermath and Continuing Allegiances

Even after the incident with the tunnel, Snape's life was saved by James Potter, a detail that became common knowledge. However, it is interesting to note that the fact that this was due to Lupin being a werewolf was not made public, indicating that Snape might have been actively silenced about the incident. This suggests that Lupin did not place enough importance on breaking the solidarity of the Marauders or consider the potential harm his behavior could cause.

Continuing Romps and Near Misses

Additionally, Lupin continues to engage in near-miss situations with his animagus form, suggesting a willingness to take risks despite the potential danger to others. According to the books, these near-misses could easily have resulted in an innocent victim suffering the same dire conditions as Lupin or even death. A level of concern for the safety of others would suggest that these close calls should lead Lupin to reconsider his actions, which they do not.

Conclusion: A Lack of Decency

The evidence, both from the books and the surrounding context, suggests that Remus Lupin did not act with a modicum of decency when it came to Severus Snape. His actions as part of the Marauders, his failure to intervene during the bullying of Snape, and his continued behavior after the near-death experience all point to a lack of responsibility and a willingness to put others at risk for personal enjoyment or immature behavior.

While the books do not explicitly state that Lupin was a bully, his actions and the circumstances around him strongly imply his involvement in the bullying culture at Hogwarts. This raises questions about the moral compass of the group and Lupin's personal ethics, which contrast sharply with his later heroic actions in the series.

To conclude, while the books do not explicitly show Remus Lupin bullying Severus Snape, his actions and the mixed messages we receive about his involvement suggest a significant role in the bullying culture at Hogwarts. This nuanced look at the character highlights the importance of moral choices and the lasting impact of actions on those around us, even if the impact is often not immediately visible.