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- George Clooney

April 30, 2006, Washington


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Harry Has it Wrong!

by The Dungeon Queen
August 21, 2005

Spoiler Warning: This editorial is laden with major plot details from book six, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - read at your own risk!

As I finished my second reading of “Half Blood Prince,” I badly needed a tangible, logical explanation for Severus Snape’s actions. Some fellow Harry Potter fans are convinced Snape is still loyal to Voldemort and others write convincing cases that Snape is acting according to Dumbledore’s instructions. In spite of its magical setting, it appears to me that all of the characters in the Harry Potter universe act reasonably and rationally based on their life experiences. What, then, can possibly motivate Severus Snape to act as he does in books one through six and what importance will this have in the final book of the series?

Harry believes he knows why Snape betrayed his parents to Voldemort and joined Dumbledore in his fight against the Dark Lord. In understanding Snape, however, Harry has it wrong - at least partially wrong. After Dumbledore's death, Remus Lupin, Professor McGonnagall, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and others are in the hospital wing discussing why Dumbledore was so certain of Snape’s loyalty. Harry is convinced he knows the reason and shares the following with his friends:

“‘I know," said Harry, and they all turned to look at him. ‘Snape passed Voldemort the information that made Voldemort hunt down my mum and dad. Then Snape told Dumbledore that he hadn't realized what he was doing, he was really sorry he' done it, sorry that they were all dead.’...’And he didn't think my mother was worth a damn either.’ said Harry, ‘because she was Muggle-born...'Mudblood,' he called her...’” p. 616 (American edition)

I am convinced Harry has Snape’s story only partially correct. Snape did tell Voldemort about the prophecy, but Harry is wrong about Snape's feelings for Lily. I think Snape cared a lot more about Lily than Harry realizes. Dumbledore acknowledges how much Snape regretted his decision to tell Voldemort about the prophecy. "I believe it to be the greatest regret of his life and the reason he returned-" p. 549. However, Harry interrupts Dumbledore before he had finished his sentence. Harry again questions Dumbledore:

"How can you be sure Snape is on our side?"

Dumbledore did not speak for a moment; he looked as though he was trying to make up his mind about something. At last he said, "I am sure. I trust Severus Snape completely." p. 549.

It appears Dumbledore was thinking about telling Harry something more about Severus and his reasons for leaving Voldemort, but chose not to. Perhaps, Dumbledore had given Severus his word that he would never reveal Snape’s reasons for leaving Voldemort.

I think Severus loved Lily. He clearly hated James. Although he knew them both, it would not explain his distress and anguish in learning Voldemort’s plan to hunt them down and kill them. Loving Lily, however, would certainly provide more a credible explanation for his decision to leave the Dark Lord. Everyone listening to Harry’s explanation "seemed to be lost in horrified shock, trying to digest the monstrous truth of what happened." p, 617. They are so shocked by Dumbledore's death that nobody questions Harry’s assertions about Snape’s feelings for Lily. As readers, JKR is manipulating her readers to accept Harry's explanation as valid and accurate.

In the chapter "Flight of the Prince", as Harry battles Snape, Snape makes a very interesting comment to Harry. Harry attempts to use the Sectumsempra spell against Snape, and Snape responds angrily, "You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? It was I who invented them - I, the Half-Blood Prince! And you'd turn my inventions on me, like your filthy father, would you? I don't think so...no!" p. 604. From Harry’s potion book, we know Snape invented the Levicorpus spell, the Sectumsempra spell and many others. We also know James Potter used the Levicorpus spell to publicly humiliate Snape in front of Sirus, Lupin, Lily and a number of other Hogwart’s students. When Lily attempted to help Snape, he called her a filthy little mudblood. Perhaps this is the event that turned Lily away from Snape permanently. It was some time after this that she started dating James. Snape who was only a half-blood, hated James Potter the pure blood - who ultimately married Lily, had the popularity and respect from the other students, and who took recognition for the spells Snape invented. In spite of it all, Snape continued to love Lily. It is his love that that caused his remorse and agony when he learned of Voldemort’s intent to kill the Potters. Snape retained enough compassion and humanity that he had no stomach for killing and torturing people, especially people who were half-bloods such as himself or muggle-borns like Lily. Dumbledore continually reminds us of the power of love and its ability to overcome adversity and evil. Love for Lily is what kept Snape from surrendering himself to Voldemort.

I find it incredibly interesting in crafting and writing the consecutive chapters, "The Cave" and "The Lightning-Struck Tower," that JKR cleverly structures the earlier chapter to foreshadow the later chapter. Both Harry and Snape act in ways that can be interpreted as following Dumbledore’s orders, and identical verbiage is used to describe both Harry and Snape’s emotions as they are commanded to do the unthinkable. The following describes Harry when he forces Dumbledore to drink the potion: "Hating himself, repulsed by what he was doing, Harry forced the goblet back toward Dumbledore's mouth and tipped it.” p. 571. Snape is described as follows right before he kills Dumbledore: "Snape gazed for a moment at Dumbledore, and there was revulsion and hatred etched in the harsh lines of his face." p. 595. I must admit I believe Snape was acting according to Dumbledore’s instructions and is no longer loyal to Voldemort. Snape hates Harry, he hates James, but he always loved Lily and continues to be loyal to Dumbledore in spite of killing him.

In the final book of the Harry Potter series, the remaining portion of Snape's story will unfold. In book six, Harry learned more from the Half-Blood Prince through his potions book than he learned from any other teacher. In Snape's first DADA lesson, Snape attempts to teach Harry and his fellow students how to execute spells without a wand. Even when Snape and Harry are fleeing Hogwart's, Snape continues taunt Harry telling Harry what he has to learn to succeed against Snape and the Death Eaters. "Blocked again and again and again until you learn to keep your mouth shut and your mind closed, Potter." p. 603.

It will require immense talent and skill to break the magic protecting each of the remaining Horcruxes. Dumbledore, who was the greatest wizard of his time, lost his hand obtaining one Horcrux and was almost killed in his effort to obtain the other. Dumbledore might well have died had Draco and the Death Eaters not drawn him to the Astrology tower. One of the Death Eater even comments on Dumbledore's pale and weak condition. "He's not long for this world anyway, if you ask me!" said the lopsided man..." p. 594. Harry must learn a great deal before he will be powerful enough to crack the magic and destroy the remaining four Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort. Snape is the one person remaining who understands Voldemort’s mind and has the knowledge and expertise to help Harry. Harry will have to learn to trust Snape and become his student again before he will have the skills to defeat Voldemort. Snape will have to set aside his hatred of James to help and teach Harry to vanquish the Dark Lord. In spite of their differences, love drives and motivates them both.

User reviews Review this Editorial

Cher
2006.07.10
Good Job!! I too think that there is much more to the Snape saga yet to be ... Read full review

winterbliss
2006.07.09
i think that you have given the best argument thati have read on this site ... Read full review

Myrto
2006.07.08
It is a very clever editorial, and the fact that Snape might have been in l... Read full review

Luna
2006.07.07
The hate from Snape is eighter genuin or acting to convince Malfoy. It's a ... Read full review

BOO
2006.07.05
Another thought y sape is gd - doesnt he alert the other members of the ord... Read full review

marauder16
2006.07.05
I agree with Dungeon queen, when Snape came in front of Dumbledore the book... Read full review

KenJay
2006.07.04
Bingo, Snape loved Lily. This is a key for book 7. Dumbledore's absolute tr... Read full review

Trust in Snape
2006.07.04
I think this is great. It summerises everything that i was thinking! ... Read full review

Ann
2006.07.02
Exactly. Anyone who's read a bit more than the average person will recognis... Read full review

shyamal
2006.06.27
yeah. could be right. Snape also hates Harry because he looks like James, a... Read full review

will
2006.06.27
i think this happens to be absolute rubbish, if snape really wanted the dar... Read full review

Severus is good
2006.06.27
I am now converted to think that Snape is on Dumbledors side. Iam trying to... Read full review

Patrik almighty
2006.06.26
This is a great theory I must say.. but let me hit you with some knowledge:... Read full review

Ali Khan
2006.06.25
I agree and disagree. I agree thst there is more to the reason why Dumbledo... Read full review

Prongs lover
2006.06.23
I agree that Snape loved Lily. It makes perfect sense. I believe when Harry... Read full review

SkyPilot
2006.06.22
Close. I believe Voldemort was going to leave Lily for Snape, but ended up... Read full review

Sarah
2006.06.20
This is a fantastic theory, one that is very plausible. I always thought ho... Read full review

mary
2006.06.20
Dead on is this piece. It is obvious that Snape has a severe case of unrequ... Read full review

Padfoot16
2006.06.16
Severus Snape = Pursues Evans I learned this anagram years ago and have stu... Read full review

Ashley
2006.06.11
Rowling often said that she was surprised how some reader's guesses were de... Read full review

Cassie
2006.06.11
i'm actually speachless. this is an awsome theory, and i believe it. i alwa... Read full review

Liz
2006.06.10
I like many aspects of your editorial, as it has answered several of my que... Read full review

joanne
2006.06.08
this is a very interesting review and in fact when i read the book I was al... Read full review

meredith
2006.06.06
i can't say i agree, though this is a fabulously thoughtful theory, bravo

Uriel
2006.06.06
Well...I must say you didn't come with someting new. It's possible and a lo... Read full review

Gabrielle
2006.06.03
This is an interesting thoery, and is good in the fact that it isn't comple... Read full review

Nicole
2006.06.02
I agree with this theory nearly completly... the only thing is I am not qui... Read full review

DeadlyFairy
2006.05.27
I believe too that Snape is totally inocent, and that he acted under Dumble... Read full review

Phat
2006.05.27
You have the bull by the horns on this matter, though I mayshare different ... Read full review

Tonks¢¾'sLupin
2006.05.22
I couldn't think of a better reason! As soon as I read that part of book si... Read full review

Antoinette
2006.05.20
I agree that Snape still has some good things to do to help Harry find and ... Read full review

macnos
2006.05.18
First of all i believe that Snape is not at all working for the order. Peop... Read full review

Roni
2006.05.17
I agree with the editorial. I support the theory that Snape loved Lily. H... Read full review

Jessie
2006.05.15
Maybe Snape is Harry's father? or maybe He resents Harry for being James' s... Read full review

Lise
2006.05.14
I had the exact same theory soon after reading book 6, before getting any i... Read full review

Amanda
2006.05.14
I also think there was something else going on between Snape and Dumbledorr... Read full review

grint_lovah
2006.05.13
I totally think Regulus did take the horcrux. And didn't Voldemort or rathe... Read full review

hazel
2006.05.12
I agree with you. I believe that Snape is no longer loyal to Voldermort be... Read full review

Gryffindor Gal
2006.05.12
Although this has certainly made me think about Dumbledore's death, I still... Read full review

Daryl
2006.05.12
Snape's regret and love of Lily is very plausible. Harry has always had wro... Read full review

samiam
2006.05.08
i think dumbledore was pleading for snape to kill him. And i think it wasnt... Read full review

Weaslygurlthtsme
2006.05.08
This editorial makes so much sence. Snape`s love for Lilly would explain hi... Read full review

pearl1003
2006.05.07
I think that your theory is very creative and i say it's beautifully done. ... Read full review

Jen
2006.05.07
I reread Book 6 recently and stumbled across another piece of information w... Read full review

Faiz
2006.05.05
Amazing perspective! I've re-read the book several times looking for clues ... Read full review

Severely Lupine
2006.05.01
I didn't read this completely, but it looks like your ideas are identical t... Read full review

Hermione
2006.04.30
It´s a very good theory, i agree. I think the reason Snape hates Harry is t... Read full review

Lang
2006.04.29
I compltely agree with this. It is evident that JK Rowling left some things... Read full review

Adithi
2006.04.29
That all sounds good, but if he loved Lily Potter so much, why is it that h... Read full review

fairyfran
2006.04.28
Exactly, but if you remember, Dumbledore and Snapes argument in the forest ... Read full review

Mene
2006.04.26
Agree in part. Yes AD and Snape had an agreement but nothing more than that... Read full review

andrew
2006.04.25
I agree with this mostly, though there are some questions left unanswered i... Read full review

anna
2006.04.24
i definitely agree with you...and you should think about one more thing...w... Read full review

harrypotterpianofreak
2006.04.22
Lots of people are talking about how Snape is a good Occlumens and how he w... Read full review

Padfoot's Imortal Beloved
2006.04.22
I absolutly agree with you!!! I never thought that Snape was evil and I w... Read full review

mozartharley
2006.04.22
While it is obvious that Snape will play a huge role in Book 7, I think you... Read full review

Kelsey
2006.04.17
Honestly, I thought from the beginning that Snape had love Lily. I'm glad ... Read full review

Sridhar
2006.04.17
I definitely agree with your editorial. Snape is the one man after Dumbledo... Read full review

cherry
2006.04.16
I think Harry is only blinded by his hatred with Snape.That's why his not b... Read full review

DENNIS
2006.04.15
YOU ARE TRULY ONE OF THE BRIGHTEST PEOPLE I HAVE READ DRAGON QUEEN.THAT WOU... Read full review

life-goes-on
2006.04.15
i think thats brill, all for its own reasons BUT i also hav some stuff to s... Read full review

Michele
2006.04.15
it is possible, but would the love snape held for Lilly have overcome the h... Read full review

Jen
2006.04.14
What about the following theory: Yes, Snape was in love with Lily but neve... Read full review

Gotta Love Harry
2006.04.14
I kind of disagree, kinda don't. I really don't like Snape, but fact is, I ... Read full review

Lotus_nox
2006.04.13
Dungeon Queen yoyu hit the nail on the head. Snape is a very complex charac... Read full review

palaeo-goddess
2006.04.13
I enjoyed the theory that Snape loved Lily and had not thought of it before... Read full review

I Love Åsa
2006.04.11
I agree with Swedish pigwidgeon, aka Åsa (love you) <3 ! The whole Dumbled... Read full review

Morgan
2006.04.10
yea. Snape cared for Lily and thats why he protectes Harry to honor Lily's ... Read full review

Swedish pigwidgeon
2006.04.10
I think you´re right. The whole Dumbledore-Snape thing was planned. I have ... Read full review

Lekha
2006.04.09
I for one, firmly believe that Snape is "Dumbledore's man through and throu... Read full review

Doreen
2006.04.08
I agree totally with you. I believe Snape loved Lily and hated James. I b... Read full review

Charms
2006.04.07
I LOVE IT!!! many of my questions have been answered. even reading some of ... Read full review

GEorge-YEuTlin
2006.04.07
If Snape was in lov ewith Lily wouldn't he try to be a better guide to harr... Read full review

Sara
2006.04.07
Wow. This is an amazing editorial. It makes sence in every way and would fi... Read full review

Alexis
2006.04.06
I half believe it is true but the other half has me thinking. Like if Snape... Read full review

hui156
2006.04.06
Exellent editorial. Why didn't I see any of this? But I think that Snape i... Read full review

xxxxx_leah_xxxxx
2006.04.04
i have never seen it from this point of view. i always thought snape was st... Read full review

MeS
2006.04.04
I agree that Snape was probably in love with Lily... Thhis makes his anger ... Read full review

snape_freak!!
2006.04.02
awesome article. i completely agree with you. i have had the same theories ... Read full review

Afia
2006.03.31
fabulous article. i hope snape's innocent and loyal to dumbledore and also ... Read full review

ginny_is_ausome
2006.03.30
I can see easily how you got ur opinions. i dont like snape at all but i do... Read full review

John35SA
2006.03.30
I agree whole-heartedly that snape acted on dumbledore's orders. If you rem... Read full review

i hate snape
2006.03.26
i totally disagree with you.i think snape is evil and he always will be.i a... Read full review

Angel
2006.03.26
I think that Harry was right all along.I think Snape was never fully on Dum... Read full review

lseo
2006.03.25
also, if snape was voldemort's buddy he might have been allowed to hold the... Read full review

lseo
2006.03.25
i agree with what you said about 'the following describes Harry when he fo... Read full review

lsudon
2006.03.24
You are secretly JKR! Tell the truth!! There are many points that I thought... Read full review

Lucy
2006.03.24
Yah, some points are true but when snape is about to kill dumbledore he say... Read full review

JKR
2006.03.22
I think you have some great points in this, I never thought of those ideas.... Read full review

Severus' Secret
2006.03.22
I liked your editorial, and am very happy there are still people who stand ... Read full review

Gwen
2006.03.21
That's a very interesting theory. I never thought that the whole Snape / Li... Read full review

kat
2006.03.21
Wow! That's an interesting way to put it. I never thought that Snape could ... Read full review

Sapphyre Phoenix
2006.03.19
Though your theory is very well thought out and quite plausible, I have to ... Read full review

glory
2006.03.18
I am particularly interested in how Harry will overcome his hatred and prej... Read full review

Dawn
2006.03.16
I finally understand now. That must've taken a long time to cook up. Person... Read full review

dia j
2006.03.15
i definitely like your ideas about harry having to work with snape to bring... Read full review

hermione_ron_harry
2006.03.14
I find your view on this subject intriguing. I am on the fence about what I... Read full review

Crysie Jaydin Coy
2006.03.13
This it the first editorial I've read but after reading the book five times... Read full review

DiMi
2006.03.13
I don't know if Snape really was IN love with Lily, but it's an interesting... Read full review

L.M.Ertley
2006.03.13
I totally agree.My sister and I never did see eye-to-eye on the matter. Sh... Read full review

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