Severus Snape is one of the most complex and controversial characters in the Harry Potter series. As a double agent who appeared to serve both Dumbledore and Voldemort, Snape’s true loyalties were a major mystery in the books. Many readers debated whether Snape was truly on the side of good or evil. However, careful analysis of Snape’s actions throughout the series strongly suggests that he was secretly protecting and helping Harry all along, despite their mutual animosity.
Why did Snape hate Harry?
On the surface, it seemed that Snape despised Harry due to his bitterness and resentment over his past. Snape harbored an intense hatred for Harry’s father James, who had bullied him during their school days. Snape’s loathing for James caused him to see Harry as an embodiment of his archenemy. Additionally, Harry was a constant reminder to Snape that Lily, the woman he loved, had chosen James over him.
Furthermore, Harry was seen by many as the symbol of Voldemort’s downfall, being the boy who lived after Voldemort’s killing curse rebounded on him. This served as a bitter reminder to Snape that the Dark Lord he once served had been vanquished by an infant. Snape took out his resentment over this humiliation on Harry.
However, despite Snape’s contempt for Harry on a personal level, he still protected him in subtle ways throughout the series.
Evidence that Snape was protecting Harry
Here is the key evidence that suggests Snape was secretly helping Harry over the course of the books:
- Snape saved Harry’s life in his first Quidditch match by counter-jinxing his broomstick when Quirrell tried to knock him off.
- Snape tried to protect Harry from Lupin in werewolf form in Prisoner of Azkaban by standing between them.
- Snape gave Umbridge fake Veritaserum in Order of the Phoenix to try to prevent Harry from being questioned.
- Snape provided Dumbledore with the date Harry would depart Privet Drive before the Order moved him.
- Snape insisted Dumbledore to kill him in Half-Blood Prince to solidify Voldemort’s trust.
- Snape left Gryffindor’s sword for Harry to find in Deathly Hallows.
- Snape cast Dumbledore’s patronus to guide Harry to the sword.
- Snape told Harry he had his mother’s eyes as he died.
Let’s analyze some of these key events in detail:
Saving Harry during Quidditch
In Harry’s first Quidditch match, his broomstick began jerking uncontrollably, nearly knocking him off. Hermione noticed Snape staring at Harry and muttering, and realized he was jinxing the broom. She set Snape’s robes on fire to break his eye contact and stop the jinx. It then became clear that Quirrell had been the one jinxing the broom, and Snape’s muttering was actually a counter-curse.
If Snape wanted Harry dead, he could have simply allowed Quirrell’s jinx to knock Harry from his broom. But instead, he subtly intervened to protect Harry when his life was threatened during the match.
Standing between Harry and Lupin
When Lupin transformed into a werewolf in Prisoner of Azkaban, he nearly attacked Harry and his friends. Snape stepped between them and ordered the trio to run while he held Lupin off. This action directly protected the students from Lupin’s deadly werewolf form.
Tricking Umbridge with fake Veritaserum
In Order of the Phoenix, when Umbridge tried to force Snape to provide Veritaserum to interrogate Harry, Snape pretended to refuse before giving in and fetching a fake or watered-down version of the truth serum. This trickery prevented Harry from being forcibly interrogated and revealing Order secrets under the influence of the real potion.
Insisting Dumbledore kill him
Towards the end of Half-Blood Prince, Snape insisted that Dumbledore kill him in order to cement Snape’s cover as a Death Eater and Voldemort’s most trusted servant. This ensured Voldemort would share secrets with Snape that allowed him to continue secretly helping Harry defeat the Dark Lord.
Why did Snape protect Harry?
Despite hating Harry on a personal level, Snape still protected him throughout the series for a few key reasons:
- Loyalty to Dumbledore – As a double agent against Voldemort, Snape’s allegiance was truly with Dumbledore. He agreed to protect Harry due to his devotion to Dumbledore.
- Love for Lily – Snape’s unrequited love for Harry’s mother made him honor her sacrifice by protecting her son.
- Desire to defeat Voldemort – Having turned against his old master, Snape wanted to secretly undermine Voldemort however possible.
- Regret over revealing the prophecy – Snape felt guilty over telling Voldemort about the prophecy that marked Harry, making him determined to keep Harry safe.
Although Snape hated teaching and being hard on Harry, he knew Harry needed to appear mediocre at school to avoid drawing Voldemort’s suspicion. This likely fueled his harshness towards Harry in class. However, he still protected Harry discreetly behind the scenes.
Does Snape’s treatment of Harry negate his protection?
Some may argue that Snape’s frequent verbal abuse, threats of punishment, and apparent hatred of Harry contradict him secretly protecting the boy. However, Snape’s public mistreatment of Harry was a calculated cover to fool Voldemort and his Death Eaters. He had to maintain his guise as a loyal servant of the Dark Lord.
Additionally, Snape was an emotionally damaged individual from years serving two masters and his unrequited love for Lily. He psychologically needed an outlet for his bitterness, which unfortunately took the form of lashing out at Harry. However, these human flaws do not erase the many times Snape risked his life to keep Harry safe.
Key moments of Snape helping Harry against Voldemort
Here is a timeline summarizing some of the major occasions Snape covertly acted to aid Harry and undermine Voldemort:
| Year | Assistance to Harry |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Saved Harry from jinxed broomstick |
| 1993 | Stood between werewolf Lupin and Harry |
| 1995 | Gave fake Veritaserum to Umbridge |
| 1996 | Provided Order with date to move Harry |
| 1997 | Arranged own death on Dumbledore’s orders |
| 1998 | Left Gryffindor’s sword for Harry |
| 1998 | Led Harry to sword with patronus |
This timeline demonstrates Snape’s long-running commitment to protecting Harry and covertly supporting him, despite their mutual disdain.
Did Snape’s motivations justify his actions?
There is debate around whether Snape’s motivations, however noble, justify his harsh treatment of students. Some argue the depths of his sacrifice and risk-taking to secretly undermine Voldemort absolve his flaws.
However, others contend his behavior set a damaging example that students like Neville Longbottom suffered under. They argue no motivation excuses vindictive bullying that only perpetuated pain and injustice.
There are merits to both perspectives. Undoubtedly, Snape played an invaluable role in defeating Voldemort. However, as an educator, perhaps he should have found less destructive ways to cope with his own demons rather than taking them out on students.
Arguments defending Snape
Here are some key points often cited in Snape’s defense:
- He had to convincingly maintain his cover as Voldemort’s loyal servant
- Showing favoritism towards Harry would have drawn suspicion
- His harshness added credibility to his pretended disdain for Harry
- He experienced lifelong trauma from being bullied and losing Lily
- He worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to protect Harry
Arguments condemning Snape
Here are some counterpoints made by those critical of Snape’s behavior:
- He picked on innocent and vulnerable students like Neville and Hermione
- His bitterness as an adult was no excuse for bullying children
- He abused his power and violated his duty of care as a teacher
- His ruthlessness caused lasting emotional damage to students
- He failed to curb his own cruelty despite doing good against Voldemort
Conclusion
The depth of Severus Snape’s heroism and sacrifice in secretly protecting Harry while acting as a spy against Voldemort was undeniably crucial to defeating the Dark Lord. However, as an educator, the ways in which he channeled his pain and bitterness into harming vulnerable students remain highly questionable.
Perhaps the truth about Snape lies between two extremes. He was neither an evil Death Eater nor a saint. But a damaged, flawed human who despite heroic efforts against Voldemort, failed to overcome his inner demons. The good and bad in Snape serve as an insightful reflection of the complexities of human nature.