If James bullied Severus because the latter knew a lot or liked dark magic, then why didn’t he also target the wealthy pure-bloods from important families? Instead, he conveniently chose a poor half-blood boy with no financial resources or family support as the main target of his taunts and abuse.
James hated dark magic, but rather than torment all the future dark wizards who were already showing signs of what they would become, he decided to go after someone who couldn’t defend himself socially or economically. James didn’t go after the boys with money and strong family support because he knew that would have consequences. Bullying someone with present, well-resourced, and influential parents could cause him problems. With Severus, he didn’t have to worry. He was a nobody. Just a poor half-Muggle kid who couldn’t even afford decent clothes. He was the easy prey, and that’s basic bully behavior: you go after the person you perceive as the most vulnerable. The dark magic excuse is just that—an excuse. James targeted Severus because his social and economic position allowed it, while Severus’ situation made it so there were no consequences for James’ actions.
















