It was as if Snape had started handing out sweets.

The hippogriff took off into the air. . . . He and his rider became smaller and smaller as Harry gazed after them . . . then a cloud drifted across the moon. . . . They were gone.

It was only when he was back in bed that it struck Harry that Dumbledore might not have been quite truthful. But then, it had been a quite personal question.

You are determined to hate him [Snape], Harry,” said Lupin with a faint smile. “And I understand; with James as your father, with Sirius as your godfather, you have inherited an old prejudice. By all means tell Dumbledore what you have told Arthur and me, but do not expect him to share your view of the matter; do not even expect him to be surprised by what you tell him. It might have been on Dumbledore’s orders that Severus questioned Draco.

Read as much as you possibly can. Nothing will help you as much as reading.

What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally the whole school knows.

If only the hat had mentioned a house for people who felt a bit queasy, that would have been the one for him.