Why didn't Snape come back when Harry used the Resurrection Stone?

Well, just re-thinking DH I couldn't explain me following question, maybe you can "Have a guess, then":

When Harry used The Resurrection Stone Lilly, James, Sirius and Lupin.
But a few minutes ago he discovered the truth about Severus and that he loved Lilly. Why didn't Severus come back.

On one hand it seems to be clear: James, Sirius and Lupin didn't like'em but I think that after "The Princes Tale" Harry felt sorry for Severus and I'm sure that there would be quesions he would want to ask him.

It would be very interesting to know, what you do think about this situation.

Thanks to everyone, reading this text!

My impression was that Harry was not seeking answers at that point. He was greatly disillusioned by Dumbledore who he'd just found out had 'raised him for the slaughter' and he was devastated to find out that he had to die. He sought only to bring back those he loved and who loved him; those he felt could best give him the courage he needed as he walked toward his death.

It occurred to him to ask about whether or not death hurt as he was bound for death, to apologize to them all for the sacrifice they had made on his behalf and to plead with them to stay with him. They responded to his questions and pleas, but those questions arose from his current needs. Harry brought them back, as Dumbledore later stated, to enable his self-sacrifice - to give him courage and strength to get through his walk toward death.

nicely put!

snape was a good guy, but harry didnt love him like he loved his parents, sirius, and remus.

My impression was that Harry was not seeking answers at that point. He was greatly disillusioned by Dumbledore who he'd just found out had 'raised him for the slaughter' and he was devastated to find out that he had to die. He sought only to bring back those he loved and who loved him; those he felt could best give him the courage he needed as he walked toward his death.

It occurred to him to ask about whether or not death hurt as he was bound for death, to apologize to them all for the sacrifice they had made on his behalf and to plead with them to stay with him. They responded to his questions and pleas, but those questions arose from his current needs. Harry brought them back, as Dumbledore later stated, to enable his self-sacrifice - to give him courage and strength to get through his walk toward death.

yes very well put, I believe that as well though I am a little disappointed he did not after voldemort was defeated, call back Snape or DD or his mother and father to ask about...well anything.

yes very well put, I believe that as well though I am a little disappointed he did not after voldemort was defeated, call back Snape or DD or his mother and father to ask about...well anything.


He no longer had the stone, and felt it better not to try to find it - a decision that Dumbledore agreed with - it showed his moral fiber or whatever that the only Hallows he wanted to keep was the cloak. And note that the only use he had for the stone was to give him the strength needed to reach Voldemort to sacrifice himself for others, and the only time he used the wand once he had it in his physical possession was to repair his old wand, so that he could get rid of the Elder wand.

I think Harry wanted those who he most loved to be there with him as he walk to his death. I don't think he loved Snape, nor like him, but felt pity for him

I think it's simple: he cared about the others a lot more than Snape at the time. I mean, he must have been really overwhelmed with all that information...he wanted to see the people he cared about most.

He no longer had the stone, and felt it better not to try to find it - a decision that Dumbledore agreed with - it showed his moral fiber or whatever that the only Hallows he wanted to keep was the cloak. And note that the only use he had for the stone was to give him the strength needed to reach Voldemort to sacrifice himself for others, and the only time he used the wand once he had it in his physical possession was to repair his old wand, so that he could get rid of the Elder wand.

yeah I know and I do agree with what he did it is just that there was still some questions I did not get answers to and was just hoping maybe he might get the stone back and try and get them answered, but I understand why he didn't.

I think maybe it was that these were the people Harry considers to be his family.

I also thought for a moment that maybe these are the people who love Harry. I'm sure if Lily twisted the ring Snape would show up... but I don't know if he loved Harry... if that's what calls people from beyond the veil.

I think it's because the resurrection stone only brings back the people who the wearer wants to see at that moment. At that moment Harry wanted love and support, and nobody could provide this more than James, Lily, Sirius, and Remus. Dumbledore did love Harry immensely as well, but he was more to Harry then simple love and support, and Dumbledore being present could have made Harry stray away from his task because he had so much curiosity about Dumbledore at that point.

As for Snape, again, it was just meant to bring back the people who would love and support him, and although Snape's affection for Harry was revealed, it wasn't until he was dead, and Snape had no loving effect on Harry's soul.

He liked Snape a bit better after seeing the memories, but he didn't love him closely like his parents and Sirius and Remus. Besides, he thought he was going to really die soon so he could ask him in death. He wasn't seeking answers, or there would be a whole lot of other people he would've brought back.

Besides, as a literary device it would have been redundant. Harry had just seen Severus in the pensieve, so it would have been odd to have him show up again. I mean, what would Severus say? Same with Dumbledore, Harry was about to see him at the 'King's Cross' vision, so he couldn't pop in just ahead of that.

He wanted the people around him that would give him support and courage to do what he knew must be done....self-sacrifice.

There were moments in that scene where Harry seemed very mature and other's where he seemed like a little boy who just needed a hug from his Mom.

Patronuses act as a source of warmth and they drive away despair, which is represented by the dementors. Sirius, Remus, and Harry's parents are supposed to act as Patronuses, to drive away the dementors and comfort Harry in his despair, and Snape isn't exactly a warm, fuzzy, father-figure, is he?

Snape didn't come back because Snape didn't love Harry. Snape loved Lily, not Harry. With the resurrection stone, the people that loved Harry, his parental figures, were the ones that came back. They were the ones who would give Harry encouragment. Snape would not have given him encouragment...that's just not in his character.

harry hated him

Yeah, Snape had never been a mentor or father figure to Harry, all Harry saw him as up until the night Snape died was a mean, cowardly, ignorant bat-like weirdo.

So Snape doesn't really fit in with James, Lily, Sirius, and Lupin.

Besides, as a literary device it would have been redundant. Harry had just seen Severus in the pensieve, so it would have been odd to have him show up again. I mean, what would Severus say? Same with Dumbledore, Harry was about to see him at the 'King's Cross' vision, so he couldn't pop in just ahead of that.

I respect your opinion, but I don't think it would have been too odd from a literary standpoint because Harry had just seen his parents in the pensieve too.

My impression was that Harry was just bringing back those he loved and who he knew loved him. I think he would have called DD and it would have been ok even if he was in the next scene. But at that moment he was disillusioned with DD because Harry had just found out that all along, DD meant for him to die. Harry thought DD had loved him and was totally disheartened until he talked to DD later when he came back to life. And there was no love lost between Snape and Harry. So it makes sense he would just call his parents, Remus and Sirius; mentors and loved ones to give him courage and protection now that he knew he had to face death.

i agree that snape was not in harry's inner circle and thus wasn't "invited" to the party. the other thing is that, yes, he had just seen his memories in the pensieve. snape's memories served to drive harry to the forest, so snape did what he could to get harry to do what DD wanted of him. the other thing is that harry saw snape die and he knew it was not a peaceful death, so having him there when he was asking "if it hurt" wouldn't have helped him make his decision easier.

Harry didn't really need emotional help from Snape, he was about to walk into his death and despite Snape turning out to be a good guy he was still not good towards Harry for the most part of his stay at hogwarts.

It wasn't like Snape was always super friendly to Harry.
Actually, Snape hates Harry...
it's Lily he loves...

As others have said, Snape wasn't too nice to Harry while he was alive despite the fact that they were on the same side. I doubt this would change much after death. Harry doesn't need that when he's going to die.

Yeah, that has me confused as well. I mean, he's far from being a "loved one", but he still played a major influence throughout Harry's life. Severus Snape was the person who helped toughen Harry up to be strong and quick enough to defeat Voldemort. He made sure Harry was safe, didn't get into trouble, etc. Even though he was never nice to Harry, he did help him in a major way.
Harry was encouraged by the love he felt from Lily, James, Sirius and to some extent Remus Lupin. I think that love he needed, the security he needed from his Mother's loving touch, words of encouragement, the look of appoval, pride, admiration, "that's MY Baby" from Lily's eyes would have been conflicted if Snape was there.
What I'm referring to was the bad blood between James and Severus and Sirius and Severus. I also don't think James would have let Snape in among their inner circle. Although Harry felt empathy toward Snape, it wasn't love. Even though he tells his Son Severus Snape was the Bravest Man he ever knew, I don't think Harry would come to terms with that immediately. Certainly not as he's walking to his Death. He'd only want those who REALLY loved him at his side.

Harry only needed those 4 people. It would have been out of place that Snape showed up. Even more when Tonks and Fred didnt and Harry was close to them. He just need those 4 people thats what it comes down too. Once he saw them he felt no need to turn the stone and call back more people.

I agree. Harry loved these four; his mum and dad were a part of him as Dumbledore indicated; Sirius had run to protect and care for Harry at every opportunity and showed love for Harry - even while trying to come to terms with being on the run, just getting out of Azkaban, etc. they didn't have that much time together, but more than enough to establish love between them; Remus, who Harry finally got close to - no mean feat because it was hard to do, but in DH Harry felt close enough (now Remus instead of Professor Lupin) and enough love for him to be harsh with him, just as he was with Ron some pages later when Ron left camp - then Harry felt remorse after both - but that is our Harry, loveable hothead at times. But Remus still loved him, made him godfather and Harry happily accepted. Both Sirius and Remus acted as mentors as did his parents being a part of him. So it makes sense he would ask these four, even though he did have love for Fred, Dobby, Colin, Tonks and others. The four he asked had shown him mutual love and also courage in the past and he knew they would be more than capable of giving it to him when he most needed it.

That would be good, Harry going off to face death and ghostly James and Sirius fighting with a ghostly Snape who was drooling over Lily. Big help that would have been to Harry. Harry brought back the ones he loved and knew would love him, and Snape doesn't fit the bill.

I think that Harry just didn't like Snape enough for him to want him to accompany him into the Forest, and even though Snape was good in the end and that it's not as if he and Harry are going to suddenly be friends.

I'd say Harry didn't really have enough time to mull it over his head and forgiven Snape yet...I mean, I'm sure he did...but he just didn't think about. No time to think after looking in the pensieve but the task at hand. The people that came out where the ones that have always gave him support. The people that made him feel comfortable and protected. Snape just wasn't that person at least not at the time.

I think Snape didnt come back was because the Resurrection Stone brought back people that Harry loved - at this time, Snape being a 'good guy' still hadnt sunk in fully with Harry, and Harry hadnt loved Snape as much as he had ever loved his parents, Lupin and Sirius

He wanted the people around him that would give him support and courage to do what he knew must be done....self-sacrifice.

There were moments in that scene where Harry seemed very mature and other's where he seemed like a little boy who just needed a hug from his Mom.
I had the same thought! :)

I think Harry called on the people that he loved best, and not necessarily everyone who loved him. Otherwise, Dumbledore would have been there too.

I like to think that Snape and Dumbledore were somewhere watching it all together. :lol: I just imagine Dumbledore saying "No need to go back for this one, Severus - you've helped him enough." I actually wrote it all down Here (scroll down) (http://www.thehpn.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=3831.45).

i was wondering the same thing about dumbledore, why didn't harry see dumbledore, i suppose because he was still angry with him, but still....

The party was about the loved ones. The ones who cared about Harry, who loved him. It wasn't Snapes place to be there. In fact it would have been tasteless.

Harry wanted people around him whom he had loved and had loved him. He was looking for comfort and strength so he could face death. He didn't want to be alone when it happened. Snape was not exactly a warm fuzzy type. Snape loathed Harry. That wasn't exactly what Harry needed right then.

Well Fred and Tonks and Dumbledore (or any of the other dead) didn't come back either. It was the people closest to his heart - his parents and the other two good Marauders: Harry loved Sirius and Remus. Though Snape had proven that he was on the right side and in love with Lily, he still had committed atroious crimes, had been on the Dark side out of choice before Lily's murder and had always hated Harry even when he was working for Dumbledore. Harry would respect him, but not love him. If Snape had come back, then Tonks, Fred, Dumbledore, Colin Creevey, Ted Tonks, Cedric and all the other people who had died fighting Voldemort would have come back too, and that would have spoilt the effect of a small comforting party to escort Harry to his "death".

I think her drew those to him who he cherished.
I know that he had just discovered the truth about Snape, but he had not had chance to digest this news, I think he was more concerned at that point about the fact he was about to sacrifice himself and he just wanted to be with the people that made him feel strong and loved, therefore giving him the strength to do the right thing

the first answer got it right imo. and also, snape is still not someone harry really loves, even if he does appreciate him now. he sort of, well, sucks.

A lot of people died in the war. They died because they belived in the cause. They died to make the world a happier and better place. But there were four people who had died only to save Harry. There were a lot of people who would have died to save Harry. A lot of people who thought the world of him. But I don't think anyone loved Harry as much James,Lily,Remus and Sirius did. They would have gladly given up their lives in order to defeat Voldmeort. But they died trying to save Harry. And thats why they were the only ones who returned.
Snape did a lot for Harry. But he did it, because he loved Lily. Not because he cared about Harry.
Even Dumbledore doesn't return. At the end of the day what mattered the most to Dumbledore was the greater good. Even Ron and Hermione had each other.
Everyone else had someone to fall back on.
But Harry,James,Lily,Sirus and Remus only had each other.

In a strange way the stone is also like the mirror of Erised. It only produces an illusion of your heart's greatest desire. Harry after all he had been through still wanted nothing more than to be with his true "family"
At the end of the day it was these four people who mattered to him the most. He had fought for them. His inspiration and sustanance came from them. And he wanted only their support to be with him at the end.
The circle completes itself. He wanted to end where he began; surrounded by those who loved him the most.

Well, just re-thinking DH I couldn't explain me following question, maybe you can "Have a guess, then":

When Harry used The Resurrection Stone Lilly, James, Sirius and Lupin.
But a few minutes ago he discovered the truth about Severus and that he loved Lilly. Why didn't Severus come back.

On one hand it seems to be clear: James, Sirius and Lupin didn't like'em but I think that after "The Princes Tale" Harry felt sorry for Severus and I'm sure that there would be quesions he would want to ask him.

It would be very interesting to know, what you do think about this situation.

Thanks to everyone, reading this text!

Regardless of the fact that he was pretty much redeemed, I'd guess that because Snape was not someone that Harry would consider a source of comfort and at the moment he is holding the stone he is getting mentally and emotionally prepared to give up his life.

Simply put- Why call up the spirit of your dead Potions prof. who loathed you when you could have the company of your parents and their friends who adored you?

Edit: As brave as Snape revealed himself to be, Harry clearly wasn't ready at just that moment to take in this new "incarnation" of Snape the hero. Makes sense, imo.

He only wanted to bring back the people he loved most, and in that particular moment needed to comfort him. He could have brought Fred or Tonks back as well (along with a lot of other people who died that night). I was a little dissapointed there, I wanted to hear a last funny retort from Fred, I'm sure he would have said it was okay, as would Tonks or any other. Harry must have been really angry with Dumbledore, though, he was one of the first people he had come up with when thinking about the resurrection stone. I wish he had brought everyone who died at Hogwarts that night back, it would have been very characteristically Harry, to call them back to say he was sorry.

Snape may have been on the good side, but that doesn't change the way he treated Harry. He treated him quite bitterly, and for no apparent reason. The people Harry had resurrected were his closest people he had. I think there's a much better chance that Harry could have brought Dumbledore instead of Snape.

Snape didn't come back because Harry didn't love him. Only those who Harry loved the most had come back. But Dumbledore didn't come back, so I gather that he doubted Dumbledore and that's why he didn't come back?

In addition to what others said already, I just want to ask those who would have wanted Snape to be part of the group to picture the nice meeting between Snape, Lily and James. Not exactly what I'd call a comforting and relaxing surrounding for Harry. :eyebrows:

At that time, Harry didn't need Snape, he'd put him completely out of his mind- and he didn't even think to ask Lily about her friendship with him, because that wasn't important just then. The people called back by the Stone were those who loved Harry, whom he loved, and who had, as James said, become a part of him through that love- something Snape certainly never felt for him. It wasn't a conscious decision to call only James, Lily, Sirius and Lupin back- they were all he had to call upon for support.

Harry never loved Snape, he never cared for him, they loathed each other until Snape died. Lily, James, Sirius, and Lupin were those to whom Harry had grown attached to and had really cared about. They were the people who gave him strength for what was ahead, Snape wouldn't given that to Harry. Although Harry knew the truth about Snape, he still didn't care about him.

Hey guys! Thank you for the answers, they have been more than I expected...

Well but in that point I think, Snape hated Harry as much as James, so that isn't the point, wheather Snape loved Harry or not.

Lupin? Did he really LOVE Harry? Even like a son? I don't think so.

Harry named a son after Snape and Dumbledore, but instead of them, Lupin, after whom no child was called, appeared, why?

At least, Dumbledore loved Harry very much, even more than Lupin I think, and also I think that Dumbledore would help Harry and not hold him back....

It's just, from the first book I had special oppinions about Snape, and after all it was nearly like i thought and it's a really, really sad story, The Princes Tale....

After all I wanted a Time in the Books in that Snape excuses his hate against Harry and maybe they got quit.....

But, after all, Snape's dead seems the best way to end up suche a great man!

Give it up for Severus Snape! Probably the bravest man I ever knew!

In my mind Snape isn't dead... :)

Hey guys! Thank you for the answers, they have been more than I expected...

Well but in that point I think, Snape hated Harry as much as James, so that isn't the point, wheather Snape loved Harry or not.

Lupin? Did he really LOVE Harry? Even like a son? I don't think so.

Harry named a son after Snape and Dumbledore, but instead of them, Lupin, after whom no child was called, appeared, why?

At least, Dumbledore loved Harry very much, even more than Lupin I think, and also I think that Dumbledore would help Harry and not hold him back....

It's just, from the first book I had special oppinions about Snape, and after all it was nearly like i thought and it's a really, really sad story, The Princes Tale....

After all I wanted a Time in the Books in that Snape excuses his hate against Harry and maybe they got quit.....

But, after all, Snape's dead seems the best way to end up suche a great man!

Give it up for Severus Snape! Probably the bravest man I ever knew!

I would respectfully disagree that Remus did not love Harry. We could make the same argument with Sirius. Did Sirius love Harry? There was no son named after Sirius. Why? Harry had a godson named Teddy Remus Lupin as a namesake and I am sure if he had another son he would include Sirius. If Lupin didn't love Harry, he would not have made him the Godfather of his son during wartime when he knew he was liable to die (he had been marked by Voldemort as a special case, they were after him specifically as we saw in Chapter 1 in DH and which he realized when he went to Grimmauld place - tailed for 3 days by a DE). Harry showed how much he knew Remus loved him and how much he loved him in return by inviting him in the reunion scene. All four loved Harry for himself, not because he was their son.

Dumbledore did love Harry; but remember that was right after the pensieve scene where Harry became disillusioned by Dumbledore - he thought he was raising him for slaughter and he wasn't sure about DD's feelings. So in that moment, he didn't want to see dumbledore, only those who he loved and who he knew loved him and had showed him support in the past. They were a part of him and could give him courage.

The four people Harry wanted to see and wanted to walk with him were called forth. Harry may have loved DD and respected Snape's work, but they weren't who he needed at that moment. His parents and their two best friends who had stood and died for him were the people he wanted to come and escort him to his death. DD ans Snape dies for the plan to eliminate LV, those four died for Harry, in Harry's estimation and they deserved to be there with him and he owed them that loyalty.

Lupin? Did he really LOVE Harry? Even like a son? I don't think so.
I agree - I think it's the other way around - Harry loved him.

he'd put him completely out of his mind
I doubt that, since Snape was the reason Harry discovered that he had to die in the first place.

I agree - I think it's the other way around - Harry loved him.

My impression was that Lupin loved him very much, otherwise he would not have asked him to be godfather or listened to Harry's advice at Grimmauld, or attempted to counsel Harry on numerous occassions throughout the book. Remus, a man who was not loved by many, gave his love freely when it was returned. Remus could have asked Arthur to be godfather, a proven great dad and a good friend or Kingsley, also a good friend. But he didn't. He asked Harry because IMO he trusted him and he loved him. Lupin knew he was marked for death and had a huge chance of dying during the war, he would take the issue of guardianship of his beloved son very seriously. He didn't name Teddy after Harry as if he merely honored him, he placed the responsibility of the care of his son in his hands, that requires love and trust.


I doubt that, since Snape was the reason Harry discovered that he had to die in the first place.

I agree. Harry was thinking about what he'd just heard in the pensieve which drove him to the need for love and comfort - and mostly courage to face his walk to death.

Harry only asked his family back his parents and they made Black his godfather and Lupin made Harry his sons godfather and they were all related as a family that loved each other. Snape hated Harry and Harry didn't like him either and he wasn't in the family so he wouldn't fit it and Dumbeldore would but Harry was mad at him. Harry had to knock out the dementors and the four peole in his family made him happy and the book said they were patroneses and knocked them out and made Harry have courage.

My impression was that Harry was not seeking answers at that point. He was greatly disillusioned by Dumbledore who he'd just found out had 'raised him for the slaughter' and he was devastated to find out that he had to die. He sought only to bring back those he loved and who loved him; those he felt could best give him the courage he needed as he walked toward his death.

It occurred to him to ask about whether or not death hurt as he was bound for death, to apologize to them all for the sacrifice they had made on his behalf and to plead with them to stay with him. They responded to his questions and pleas, but those questions arose from his current needs. Harry brought them back, as Dumbledore later stated, to enable his self-sacrifice - to give him courage and strength to get through his walk toward death.
nicely put :wow:
Even i wondered why Snape didn't come back but your eplanation pretty much answers the question.

Hey guys! Thank you for the answers, they have been more than I expected...

Well but in that point I think, Snape hated Harry as much as James, so that isn't the point, wheather Snape loved Harry or not.

Lupin? Did he really LOVE Harry? Even like a son? I don't think so.

Harry named a son after Snape and Dumbledore, but instead of them, Lupin, after whom no child was called, appeared, why?

At least, Dumbledore loved Harry very much, even more than Lupin I think, and also I think that Dumbledore would help Harry and not hold him back....

It's just, from the first book I had special oppinions about Snape, and after all it was nearly like i thought and it's a really, really sad story, The Princes Tale....

After all I wanted a Time in the Books in that Snape excuses his hate against Harry and maybe they got quit.....

But, after all, Snape's dead seems the best way to end up suche a great man!

Give it up for Severus Snape! Probably the bravest man I ever knew!I agree that Dumbledore could have been there and it would have had the same effect as Lupin being there, however, if Snape would have been there it would have destroyed Snape and Harry as characters for me. I can't imagine that Harry within minutes forgave Snape for 7 years of torture. It probably took a few years after the last chapter to see why Snape would have done as he did, why he acted the way he acted.

I also think Lily, Snape, Lupin and James were there because we finally get to see that they are united, that there is something after life, and the Marauders (including Peter) are reunited in Death. It wouldn't have had the same effect if we saw Sirius James Lily and Snape standing side by side. It would have taken away a lot from Snape's character through 7 books and Harry's character through 7 books.

Originally Posted By Lord Godric: I agree that Dumbledore could have been there and it would have had the same effect as Lupin being there, however, if Snape would have been there it would have destroyed Snape and Harry as characters for me. I can't imagine that Harry within minutes forgave Snape for 7 years of torture. It probably took a few years after the last chapter to see why Snape would have done as he did, why he acted the way he acted. I also think Lily, [Sirius], Lupin and James were there because we finally get to see that they are united, that there is something after life, and the Marauders (including Peter) are reunited in Death. It wouldn't have had the same effect if we saw Sirius James Lily and Snape standing side by side. It would have taken away a lot from Snape's character through 7 books and Harry's character through 7 books.

As another poster said, there was a familial tie with those who were gathered, parents and godfathers (Sirius - Harry/ Harry-Teddy). They all knew they loved each other. Dumbledore was loved but his presence wouldn't have worked in the scene (see below). And for those of us watching the Remus/Harry deal from the start, the love that grew between them was evident and it would have been odd for him not to have been there from a literary standpoint. (I agree JKR likely wanted us to see the Marauders young, happy and united again, but she couldn't have used that as a reason for Harry. Harry needed courage and wouldn't have called them back just to see them united - and also Peter too would have come if that were Harry's purpose.)

But more than that, Harry wasn't going to ask Dumbledore back at that particular moment, he was totally disillusioned with him...his being there wouldn't have made much sense to me, also from a literary standpoint. Harry knew what he had to do, die, but he thought DD had been playing him - he didn't know DD had high hopes that he would be coming back. He only thought DD meant for him to die. Harry understood and agreed he had to die, but he was still very bewildered (in a not so happy way) by the idea that DD planned for him to die without telling him until the last moment. He didn't have any questions for DD and there was no point in bringing him back to unleash recriminations - not when he sought comfort, love and courage. Under normal circumstances, DD would have certainly been there I'd think.

My take on it was that he didn't care about Harry like Sirius, Lupin, Lily and James did; that and he wasn't close with Harry. If he'd truly cared about Harry and had a close tie to him, then I think he would have come back with the rest.

My take on it was that he didn't care about Harry like Sirius, Lupin, Lily and James did; that and he wasn't close with Harry. If he'd truly cared about Harry and had a close tie to him, then I think he would have come back with the rest.

I don't think it is just that. Dobby didn't come back, and he was devoted to Harry, as well as Dumbledore.

Sirius tells Harry: "We are part of you . . . Invisible to anyone else."

Dumbledore said earlier in the series that those "we love" never truly leave us. That's why I think those are the people Harry really loves.

What's cool is that later in life, Harry must have felt a much closer connection to Snape, since he named his son after him.

Thus, the invisible connection became "visible." :)

Yes, I agree that it was the ones Harry loved(and loved Harry) most that appeared, and like SIP said, he probably did come to connect with Snape later on with the name of his son.

Simply put, it was the true marauders that came back. The ones that loved each other as much as they loved Harry. Harry never had love for Snape after all that he put him through. But he had respect, otherwise he would have been able to use curses against Snape in HBP. Respect would not make Snape come back with the use of the stone, though.

Snape wasn't family...was he?
Lupin and Sirius, James and Lily all had love for Harry....and Harry needed their power to keep him going!

He didn´t want to come back. He thought the Marauders sucked completely.
Hmm. Okay. To behonest. Tonks didn´t appear either and she was closer to Harry than Snape, wasn´t she?

Well, just re-thinking DH I couldn't explain me following question, maybe you can "Have a guess, then":

When Harry used The Resurrection Stone Lilly, James, Sirius and Lupin.
But a few minutes ago he discovered the truth about Severus and that he loved Lilly. Why didn't Severus come back.

On one hand it seems to be clear: James, Sirius and Lupin didn't like'em but I think that after "The Princes Tale" Harry felt sorry for Severus and I'm sure that there would be quesions he would want to ask him.

It would be very interesting to know, what you do think about this situation.

Thanks to everyone, reading this text!
Even though Harry might have understood Snape a bit better right at that moment, it was too soon for Snape to be someone important to Harry, as we later see him name a son after him. I understood only the important people for Harry came back, otherwise it would have been a bit crowded with everybody who had ever died . :)

Good question. However, at the point when Harry thinks that he is going to die he only really wants to see his loved ones, people that will help him and stay close to him in this hard task. Do you really think it would help matters if Snape turned up? This was a time for the real marauders to come together and the main focus was on Harry. I was glad Snape didn't appear. :D

Well I think it would rather have disrupted the mood to have Snape declaring what a complete dunderhead Harry is moments before he was about to sacrfice himself then having James and Sirius trying to throttle him while Lily and Lupin try to keep the calm :lol:

Lol, I can imagine it. I wish it happened, would've been hilarious.
It would interrupt my crying though...turn them into tears of laughter rather than sadness.

Anyway, it wasn't like Snape didn't treat Harry badly.
Snape: "Potter you're in the forbidden forest, 50 points from Gryffindor, and a detention."
I'd be expecting THAT more than support.
Snape:"Does dying hurt? Does sying hurt? Of COURSE it hurts, Potter, you saw the way I died...dripping blood...in agony...bitten by a giant snake..."

Lol, I can imagine it. I wish it happened, would've been hilarious.
It would interrupt my crying though...turn them into tears of laughter rather than sadness.

Anyway, it wasn't like Snape didn't treat Harry badly.
Snape: "Potter you're in the forbidden forest, 50 points from Gryffindor, and a detention."
I'd be expecting THAT more than support.
Snape:"Does dying hurt? Does sying hurt? Of COURSE it hurts, Potter, you saw the way I died...dripping blood...in agony...bitten by a giant snake..."

:rotfl:

I have to agree...I can't imagine a postdeath scene between Harry and Snape that was both in character and that fit the mood of the moment. And even though Snape helped Harry, and Harry felt sorry for Snape, there was hardly any affection in the relationship. It seems to bring back your loved ones, not the ones that you want to irritate with personal questions to lay bare the reasons why they tormented you in school.

I believe that Snape did not return for a lot of the reasons mentioned here in this thread.

I would also like to put this out there again, because I think it is vital to understand. Snape did not love Harry. He did not even like Harry. We see this when Dumbledore straight up ask Snape is he cares for the boy after everything that has happened. We see that he does not. It is still his love for Lilly.

J.K. said it in her post DH interview. Snape was still a mean bully of a man to Harry. Now, Harry being the exceptional person that he was found forgiveness for Snape. He saw that the man was capable of love and self sacrifice. That is why he named a son after him.

Even if Harry wanted Snape to come back, I don't think Snape would have wanted to. Snape simply did not like Harry.

Harry chose to bring back only those that he wanted to see most at what was supposedly his last hour. There's plenty of dead people he could've brought back, a couple more, or maybe the entire dead community of the fallen, but only those who were most important to him. His parents, and his parent [two] good friends who have been supportive like family to him were probably his best choices. Snape was cool, but just a little differently cool...(don't get me wrong, he's still really cool)

People came back who were special to Harry and who he wanted with him at that important and scary time.

He may now have understood Snape's motivations and true feelings, it didn't make them friends all of a sudden. Snape still would not have been a support that Harry needed.

I believe that Snape did not return for a lot of the reasons mentioned here in this thread.

I would also like to put this out there again, because I think it is vital to understand. Snape did not love Harry. He did not even like Harry. We see this when Dumbledore straight up ask Snape is he cares for the boy after everything that has happened. We see that he does not. It is still his love for Lilly.

J.K. said it in her post DH interview. Snape was still a mean bully of a man to Harry. Now, Harry being the exceptional person that he was found forgiveness for Snape. He saw that the man was capable of love and self sacrifice. That is why he named a son after him.

Even if Harry wanted Snape to come back, I don't think Snape would have wanted to. Snape simply did not like Harry.

I think this is the essence of it...love. It was the whole theme of the book. Harry brought back those he loved and who loved him - to give him courage and support to face death.


Each person who came played an important role:

They were the perfect group of people to explain why they all were perfectly content to sacrifice their lives to die for him and the cause, as Lupin did; how each of them were and would be a part of him for the rest of his life - as Sirius did; that death was not something to fear - Sirius and Lupin again, and that they were proud of him and how their love and closeness would be with him till the end (which was not just that day - but for the rest of his life) - his mum and dad.

Those were the only questions he had and those four people gave him the brilliant and necessary answers he sought. He wrapped their love around him and warded off the patronuses and then walked toward death. He finally dropped the stone, but it didn't matter then - he knew they were still a part of him.

The best part of the book in my opinion.

when Harry was walking into the forest he only wanted to have the people he loved around him to give him strength to keep walking. he wouldn't have cared about any questions he wanted to ask Snape.

when Harry was walking into the forest he only wanted to have the people he loved around him to give him strength to keep walking. he wouldn't have cared about any questions he wanted to ask Snape.

I agree. Harry wanted ot be around the people who loved him most and thathe loved most. Also, all that came from the stone also was killed by the AK curse, of which harry knew he was going to 'die' of. Therefore he wanted to ask them whether it hurt, the ak curse. If snape was there and harry said ''does it hurt'' snape would have been like ''yeah man did it hurt'' !!!! :D

I think this is the essence of it...love. It was the whole theme of the book. Harry brought back those he loved and who loved him - to give him courage and support to face death.


Each person who came played an important role:

They were the perfect group of people to explain why they all were perfectly content to sacrifice their lives to die for him and the cause, as Lupin did; how each of them were and would be a part of him for the rest of his life - as Sirius did; that death was not something to fear - Sirius and Lupin again, and that they were proud of him and how their love and closeness would be with him till the end (which was not just that day - but for the rest of his life) - his mum and dad.

Those were the only questions he had and those four people gave him the brilliant and necessary answers he sought. He wrapped their love around him and warded off the patronuses and then walked toward death. He finally dropped the stone, but it didn't matter then - he knew they were still a part of him.

The best part of the book in my opinion.

...I agree entirely. You actually voiced exactly what I was thinking.

I think that's the key point: James, Lily, Sirius, and Lupin died while loving Harry. Snape died while loving Lily. Although Harry admired Snape later on and respected him for what he went through, at that moment, Harry needed people who loved him, to give him strength to do what he needed to do.

Also, it's kind of poetic justice to have the three best friends along with Lily appear together again, one last time. It needed to be just the parental figures with Harry. (Now I'd wonder why Dumbledore wasn't with him, but if he had been, their conversation at King's Cross would have been pointless so there's not really any point in having him come back as well).

It was also my favourite chapter in the book, and probably my favourite in the entire series.

think that's the key point: James, Lily, Sirius, and Lupin died while loving Harry. Snape died while loving Lily. Although Harry admired Snape later on and respected him for what he went through, at that moment, Harry needed people who loved him, to give him strength to do what he needed to do.

Yes, but not above all others. OK James and Lily did, because Harry was their son but Sirius saw things and acted on them through his connection to James. And Lupin certainly had Tonks and Teddy much more in his heart than he did Harry.

Yes, but not above all others. OK James and Lily did, because Harry was their son but Sirius saw things and acted on them through his connection to James. And Lupin certainly had Tonks and Teddy much more in his heart than he did Harry.

Sorry, I wasn't really clear. I meant people who did in fact love Harry. Not that Harry was the only source of love in their lives, but they did truly love him. James and Lily loved him as their son, Sirius loved him as a brother/godson, and Remus loved him, well... as his best friend's son, I suppose. But they all did love him, and that's what Harry needed most.

As much as Snape did for Harry in the end, he did not love Harry.

Yes, but not above all others. OK James and Lily did, because Harry was their son but Sirius saw things and acted on them through his connection to James. And Lupin certainly had Tonks and Teddy much more in his heart than he did Harry.

I agree all of them had love for others in their hearts, including Harry (and even Lily and James who certainly loved their own parents, etc). But the point was iMO, all four of these people loved Harry for himself - not because he was James and Lily's son or because of some other reason. They knew Harry and loved him for who he was. He loved them as well.

But IMO, the important thing was that they gave him love, comfort and courage when he needed it to enable his self-sacrifice, that was what Harry needed at that moment.

I think it would have been kinda awkard if Snape was there. I mean, he justconfessed to having undying love for Lily, and her husband would have been there....not so good....
If he had shown up, i think that Snape would have been spending his time drooling over lily and not helping harry at all!

Yes, that's the other thing. It would have kind of killed the moment to have Snape there. *laughs* I can just imagine it... Sirius and Snape... Oi.

To be honest though, I think James would have been just as forgiving towards Snape as Harry was. After all, it was said that James would have forgiven Peter, and that would be much harder to do that to forgive Snape for being his childhood enemy. (See, this is why I love James.;))

Lol, I can imagine it. I wish it happened, would've been hilarious.
It would interrupt my crying though...turn them into tears of laughter rather than sadness.

Anyway, it wasn't like Snape didn't treat Harry badly.
Snape: "Potter you're in the forbidden forest, 50 points from Gryffindor, and a detention."
I'd be expecting THAT more than support.
Snape:"Does dying hurt? Does sying hurt? Of COURSE it hurts, Potter, you saw the way I died...dripping blood...in agony...bitten by a giant snake..." :rotfl: That just made my day.

I don't think Snape had anything to offer Harry of value at the moment.

Maybe Harry would have liked to say something to Snape, make peace with him - but Harry thought he was about to die, so he probably figured he could tell Snape that when he met him him the afterlife.

This moment was about Harry seeking comfort and strength to go to his death - Snape I don't see being very good at it. Snape was never kind to Harry and I don't see him being capable of offering much comfort - even if he wanted to.

Yes, that's the other thing. It would have kind of killed the moment to have Snape there. *laughs* I can just imagine it... Sirius and Snape... Oi.

To be honest though, I think James would have been just as forgiving towards Snape as Harry was. After all, it was said that James would have forgiven Peter, and that would be much harder to do that to forgive Snape for being his childhood enemy. (See, this is why I love James.;))

We don't really have any proof that James did not forgive Snape/let the rivalry die down. In fact when Harry goes to Sirius and Lupin after seeing the memory in OotP they say James changed a lot as he grew up more. So who is to say that James was not totally different say a year after that incident.

Anyway, it wasn't like Snape didn't treat Harry badly.
Snape: "Potter you're in the forbidden forest, 50 points from Gryffindor, and a detention."
I'd be expecting THAT more than support.
Snape:"Does dying hurt? Does sying hurt? Of COURSE it hurts, Potter, you saw the way I died...dripping blood...in agony...bitten by a giant snake..."
:clap: That is funny :rotfl:
But, odds are it would have happened liked that. :lol:

...I agree entirely. You actually voiced exactly what I was thinking.

I think that's the key point: James, Lily, Sirius, and Lupin died while loving Harry. Snape died while loving Lily. Although Harry admired Snape later on and respected him for what he went through, at that moment, Harry needed people who loved him, to give him strength to do what he needed to do.
I agree with this as well. Even though Snape was vindicated at the time Harry went to the forest. He was not an source of compaionship, support, and comfort throughout his life. His parents died saving him and showed up again in Goblet of Fire to give Harry strength. I believe the memory of them gave him strength his whole life when they couldn't do it in the flesh, Sirius and Lupin were there. It was only fitting that they all returned. Snape was not a source of comfort therefore did not return when the Ressurrection Stone was used.

Well, it's actually difficult to explain. See, Severus didn't really love Harry, he loved Lily. And he cared for Harry only because he was Lily's son, he didn't care for him as a person, as Harry James Potter, at all. Wheras Sirius and Remus cared for Harry, loved him not because they loved his mother, but loved him as Harry James Potter.

Harry did not love Snape did he? He thought Snape was one of the bravest men he had ever known. He did not say " He was the most wondrous man I have ever known". Harry loved his parents and Sirius. Sirius was like a dad to him and both of them shared this incredibly close relationship and he wanted to apologize to Remus and let him know that he was most sorry that he had to die just after giving birth to his son. Snape and Dumbledore don't really fit that mantle now do they. He came to admire them but I don't think he could ever love them the way he loved his parents and Sirius....

I, in my opinion, think that those people whom he thought he had caused their deaths are the ones that came back. He appologizes to them for their dying, and says that he never meant for them to die. He feels because of the prophecy he caused his parents deaths, he caused Sirius' because he believed his vision, and he caused Lupin's by getting him involved in the war so soon after he became a father. He felt responsible for all of these people. Dumbledore did not come back either because did not feel responsible for his death as he brought it upon himself. Snape's death was not caused by Harry, in Harry's mind, it was caused by Voldemort's desire to be master of the wand, and at that momment Harry did not realize he was master of the wand. Had he had that knowledge he may have felt responsible for Snape's death as well since Harry was the master of the wand. Just my guess.

Harry chose to bring back only those that he wanted to see most at what was supposedly his last hour. There's plenty of dead people he could've brought back, a couple more, or maybe the entire dead community of the fallen, but only those who were most important to him. His parents, and his parent [two] good friends who have been supportive like family to him were probably his best choices. Snape was cool, but just a little differently cool...(don't get me wrong, he's still really cool)

I know! Harry brought back his parents and Sirius because he loved them more than anything in the world and as blackdog4ever said he wanted to bring back Remus to express his grief for Remus. Teddy had just lost both his parents and Harry understood more than anyone what it is like to be an orphan. It was the moment for him to surround himself with everyone he loved. That is why he does not bring back Snape or Dumbledore... That is my take on it...

I think it's clear that he brought back his "family".

His parents, his godfather and their best friend, who was also very close to Harry and asked him to be godfather of his son.

Harry needed those who had cared for him best, who had laid down their lives for him. He needed the people who had been a family to him.

His mother and father are obvious, as is Sirius. Remus had finally become truly a part of Harry's family by DH. Harry was also now a part of Remus's family, being Teddy's godfather.

Snape just wouldn't have fit in. He loved Lily, and didn't even like Harry. He sure wouldn't have been very supportive, more sarcastic than anything.

And seriously, had Snape been there when Harry asked if dying hurt...

Sirius responds "not at all" and Snape looks at him, dumbfounded.

"Of course. We all know the man to ask about the pain of death is the one who got killed by a curtain. Let's not ask those who were killed by Avada Kedavra, or even, heaven help us, the man who practically had his throat ripped out by a giant, poisonous snake. No, curtain-boy is the one to ask. He sure knows what he's talking about."

Sirius responds "not at all" and Snape looks at him, dumbfounded.

"Of course. We all know the man to ask about the pain of death is the one who got killed by a curtain. Let's not ask those who were killed by Avada Kedavra, or even, heaven help us, the man who practically had his throat ripped out by a giant, poisonous snake. No, curtain-boy is the one to ask. He sure knows what he's talking about."

:rotfl:

I would have to agree; Harry brought back his family - those he loved and that he knew loved him.

Harry didn't lay calculating when he opened the snitch, canon doesn't say that - nor was there time. He opened it and those he loved and who he needed most in that moment were just there. He was sad that all of them had sacrified themselves for hi. IMO he didn't invite Remus merely to apologize because he'd left a son behind. If that were the case he'd have brought Fred back who'd left a devastated twin behind - Harry felt horrible about that and I am sure he'd want to apologize to Fred. Harry was sad for Mad-eye's sacrifice too - he didn't bring him back though. Remus was there because Harry loved him and he loved Harry for himself - just as Sirius, James and Lily did. Their relationship had evolved to a closer state where Remus felt love for Harry and made him his son's godfather and family member and Harry accepted the responsibility out of his love - Rem knew he was marked for death by Voldy, the godfather of his son was an important decision, he wouldn't choose someone he didn't love and trust. As for levels and types of love - I don't think that was relevant. He loved his parents and Sirius and Remus based on his relations to each of them.

He was particularly sad for Remus because he'd just left a son hours before and it was very fresh on his mind - but he was equally as sad for Sirius who finally had a chance to prove his innocence and have a life - a chance he never got due to his sacrifice. He was equally sad that his parents' lives had ended when they were so young and they had no chance to live and experience happy times with him. They had also had to leave a son, just like Remus; but that sacrifice wasn't as fresh on his mind.

He wanted them all close to him, not one more than the other, but all he considered his family. Snape didn't fit the bill, there was no love between them and he could not provide Harry with comfort in that moment. Harry loved DD, but he was disillusioned with him, so he'd have too many questions before DD could provide comfort.

The reason I suppose that Harry did not call Snape was because first of all, he still hadn't totally processed all he had seen in the pensieve at the time. He was very focused on what he had to do. That was how he managed to put one foot in front of the other. Once he was at "King's Cross", I think he was more relaxed and could think about it.
The second reason is...well, Harry's about to die. He wants to be comforted. Snape tells the truth, or, at least, his version of it. His version of the truth is that yes, death does hurt, you will no longer see those you love, and you have no idea what sort of afterlife you're walking into. No sugarcoating. In such a stressful situation, sometimes sugarcoating is needed.

Ditto to the above, and besides, Harry would have wanted to ask Snape if he had shampoo wherever he went.

The reason I suppose that Harry did not call Snape was because first of all, he still hadn't totally processed all he had seen in the pensieve at the time. He was very focused on what he had to do. That was how he managed to put one foot in front of the other. Once he was at "King's Cross", I think he was more relaxed and could think about it.
The second reason is...well, Harry's about to die. He wants to be comforted. Snape tells the truth, or, at least, his version of it. His version of the truth is that yes, death does hurt, you will no longer see those you love, and you have no idea what sort of afterlife you're walking into. No sugarcoating. In such a stressful situation, sometimes sugarcoating is needed.

I agree, sugarcoating would not have been Snape's thing, lol. However, I think dying hurts - getting hit with the AK curse, as all four that returned likely were, probably hurt. But the actual going from life to death is not painful - that is what I thought they were speaking of. I think that is why Sirius said 'no' and then Lupin added, 'and he'll want it quick, he wants it over', because the actually part you suffer can hurt, but not death itself. I think it was the same for Snape. I don't think passing into death would have hurt, just before when he got bit and suffered. And they all know what the afterlife is beause they were in it, so I think Snape would have been able to know also - they all seemed to be up to date on the earthly wizard world as well. That was my impression from the reading.

Harry wanted the people who had loved him and given him emotional support in his life. Snape most certainly didn't fall into any of those categories. Harry didn't leave out Snape because he would have been blunt. He left out Snape because he had never had a kind word or gesture for Harry since Snape loathed Harry until he died. Regardless of what he found out about Snape's true allegiance and role, that didn't change Snape's demeanor and opinion of Harry.

I don't think that Snape would have been a welcome addition to the other four Harry called up anyway.

Simply stated, I don't think Harry felt the need for answers at the point. Later on, he might have wanted answers, but at that moment, he knew he had to sacrifice himself and his main concern was getting through that. He wanted to use the last moments of his life to see his family and get their support.

Simply stated, I don't think Harry felt the need for answers at the point. Later on, he might have wanted answers, but at that moment, he knew he had to sacrifice himself and his main concern was getting through that. He wanted to use the last moments of his life to see his family and get their support.
Exactly. Besides, if he were to die, he'd have his answers soon enough.

Or maybe Severus just didn't want to come back?
Snape: "Oh so NOW the Potter boy needs me. Well guess what? Dead people have no obligations and I choose not to go back. Now let me get back to my lifetime of happiness I never got on the other side."

Okay, maybe it didn't go exactly like that.

Seriously, what Harry needed at that moment was reassurance and support, the kind that a child gets from his/her parents. Severus was the man who gave Harry the truth which led Harry to go to the forest, and the people Harry brought back were the ones that Harry knew would give him the kind of love and support that he needed to sacrifice his own life. Severus was an immensely brave man who earned all the respect he got from Harry later on, but he wasn't really the kind of guy Harry would expect to give him a hug and tell him that it'll be alright in the end.

The stone brings back people the user wants to see. Those were the people Harry wanted to see -- Lily, James, Lupin, and Sirius. All who appeared had cared for him and supported him -- and I think Harry also wanted Lupin there to talk to him. Harry needed them there to make sure he would have enough strength to do what had to be done.

Harry obviously came to a deeper understanding of, and respect for, Snape in the years that followed. But I see no reason, at that particular time, for Harry to want Snape to come back.

Then why didnt Dumbledore come back at that point? Surely Harry wonted to see him. (even though he did later)

Then why didnt Dumbledore come back at that point? Surely Harry wonted to see him. (even though he did later)
Because that wasn't what Harry needed at that point. Dumbledore would have distracted Harry from what he needed to do, and time was running out. I'm not saying that Dumbledore and Harry didn't love each other, they did. But Harry needed to stay focused on going through with the sacrifice. I believe it is one of the reasons he whispered to his mother to stay close to him -- he knew that she understood best of all what he was facing.

Then why didnt Dumbledore come back at that point? Surely Harry wonted to see him. (even though he did later)

I think maybe she was showing us we're reunited with our loved ones after death. Harry was temporarily dead so he got to see Dumbledore. He had already seen his mom and dad and the rest of the Marauders, who were reunited in the forest. This was why Snape wasn't there. He wasn't a loved one of any of them. He hated most of them, in fact.
H

Then why didnt Dumbledore come back at that point? Surely Harry wonted to see him. (even though he did later)

Hmm, maybe because he was the one who was sending Harry to his death? I'm sure that Harry understood why he had to do it but seeing the person who had planned this all along without telling him was most likely not the first thing that came to Harry's mind.

And I agree with all posters who wrote that Harry needed the people who had loved him and showed him this love. Snape protected Harry but he never loved him.

Because that wasn't what Harry needed at that point. Dumbledore would have distracted Harry from what he needed to do, and time was running out. I'm not saying that Dumbledore and Harry didn't love each other, they did. But Harry needed to stay focused on going through with the sacrifice. I believe it is one of the reasons he whispered to his mother to stay close to him -- he knew that she understood best of all what he was facing.

I agree with you about Dumbledore. From my impression of the reading, however, Harry didn't bring anybody back for specific reasons. He asked if it hurt and it "the childish question fell from his lips before he could stop it" and when he said "I didn't want you to die" then addressed Remus, "right after you'd had your son, Remus, I'm sorry" - the book says "the words came with his volition" meaning he didn't plan them before or intend to say them. He didn't bring anyone back to say anything in particular.

He wasn't only sorry for Lupin's sacrifice - he said he was sorry for them all. Lupin's was fresh on his mind, but he too felt bad about Sirius giving his life instead of clearing his name and finally having a life. I didn't feel He only want his dad to stay with him, but all of them - his dad just responded. I don't feel he was asking Sirius if death hurt, Sirius just responded. Any of them could have responded when he told Remus he was sorry he'd lost his son - but Remus did; his answer in terms of why they all didn't mind the sacrifice for the things they gave up - because the wizard world would be a happier place for those remaining. Same when Remus said it would be quick - Harry didn't ask him about suffering, but it was a notion that went along with 'hurting' that any of them could have addressed.

So although he was looking at his mum when he said 'stay close to me' I don't think he meant it as in 'you stay close and the rest of you may go' - nor that he thought she of the four may decide to leave so he had to ask her specifically to stay. My impression was he was just a boy speaking his feelings, to his mum, about his need for them all to stay close.

That was my take on it all - propelled by the next paragraph down or so which indicated that Harry took each step because all four were at his side - not his dad, or Sirius or Lupin or his mum, but rather all four were necessary to him in that moment to give him the courage he needed. Respecting all opinions, that was my reading of the scene and what made it so profound to me. It was as if your mum, dad and two family members were escorting you and you were surrounded by their love. Something Harry had never experienced in life.

I don't see why Snape would be there,Harry had rather strange relationship with him.I found it interesting that when Snape died and Harry did not yet know he was on their side,he still wasn't sure how to feel about his death,it seemed almost as he felt slightly sorry for the horrible way he died.He really does have an amazing capacity for kindness.But I really don't think it would have made sense to have Snape there in the end.

Harry gained a respect for Snape after seeing his memories, however he never actually loved Snape in the way that he loves his parents, Sirius, and Lupin. They all acted as parental figures for him at one point or another, so they were the ones best suited to provide Harry with guidance and encouragement when he was about to die. Besides, I think the revelation about Snape was too recent in Harry's mind to have really sunk in yet.

Harry brought his family back with the ressurection stone. Harry may have respected Snape as a teacher and as a spy for the order but he didn't consider Snape family. The same point with Dumbledore at this time Harry is coming out of a time when his trust for DD was at an all time low. Harry considered DD as him mentor and guide not as a father figure, which was the way he felt about Sirius and Remus.

Harry brought his family back with the ressurection stone. Harry may have respected Snape as a teacher and as a spy for the order but he didn't consider Snape family. The same point with Dumbledore at this time Harry is coming out of a time when his trust for DD was at an all time low. Harry considered DD as him mentor and guide not as a father figure, which was the way he felt about Sirius and Remus.

I agree very much with this, Sile. He was looking for loving support, not tutoring, information, or mentoring. He knew what he needed to do already, and just needed loving, caring people to draw strength from as he walked to his scary destiny.

Snape was not very good in that department.

A lot of people died in the war. They died because they belived in the cause. They died to make the world a happier and better place. But there were four people who had died only to save Harry. There were a lot of people who would have died to save Harry. A lot of people who thought the world of him. But I don't think anyone loved Harry as much James,Lily,Remus and Sirius did. They would have gladly given up their lives in order to defeat Voldmeort. But they died trying to save Harry. And thats why they were the only ones who returned.
Snape did a lot for Harry. But he did it, because he loved Lily. Not because he cared about Harry.
Even Dumbledore doesn't return. At the end of the day what mattered the most to Dumbledore was the greater good. Even Ron and Hermione had each other.
Everyone else had someone to fall back on.
But Harry,James,Lily,Sirus and Remus only had each other.

In a strange way the stone is also like the mirror of Erised. It only produces an illusion of your heart's greatest desire. Harry after all he had been through still wanted nothing more than to be with his true "family"
At the end of the day it was these four people who mattered to him the most. He had fought for them. His inspiration and sustanance came from them. And he wanted only their support to be with him at the end.
The circle completes itself. He wanted to end where he began; surrounded by those who loved him the most.

I agree with you, but I had to remark, the way you wrote that was very poetic and drawing on the beginning in that way was quite profound. I missed a bit of this thread and was just doing a bit of catch up reading, not planning to write, but that was a really thought provoking post. Very nicely said. :)

That would be good, Harry going off to face death and ghostly James and Sirius fighting with a ghostly Snape who was drooling over Lily. Big help that would have been to Harry.

:lol: :rotfl:


I think that the person who quoted the book had something, where Dumbledore said that the people we love never leave us. These were the people Harry loved. I don't think it even had so much to do with who loved him. Also the book said they were a part of him. I think those things were connected. I doubt Harry "picked" people. I think it was a natural outpouring of the "teddy bears" Harry loved and wanted for comfort at that time.

It would have been wonderful if he did, I don't feel we see enough of Snape in the last book!!!!

But as previously stated Harry only had his closest loved ones with him.

Well, just re-thinking DH I couldn't explain me following question, maybe you can "Have a guess, then":

When Harry used The Resurrection Stone Lilly, James, Sirius and Lupin.
But a few minutes ago he discovered the truth about Severus and that he loved Lilly. Why didn't Severus come back.

Note Albus did not come back, either. :D

I think Harry was bringing back the people he loved/who loved him, in order to receive their emotional support at a difficult moment. I don't think Harry loved Severus at that moment, or probably not even later. Respect, sure, but not love. Seeing Snape was not going to make him feel better.

Why didn't Severus come back.Yeah, and then Sirius and James would have had a nice little levicorpus session on him to show his most baggy Y-fronts.:D
Nice before-the-death scene for Harry...

Not really. It seems like the dead know pretty much everything that happens "in our world". S and J would probably have found Snape OK, but what about Harry? I firmly believe that Harry never learned to actually like Snape. He might have respected him enough to name his son Severus, but Harry like Snape? Is it possible?

What I wondered in this scene was Dumbledore's absence, not Snape's. I expected Dumbledore to emerge. Alone. Nobody else.

Yeah, and then Sirius and James would have had a nice little levicorpus session on him to show his most baggy Y-fronts.:D
Nice before-the-death scene for Harry...

Not really. It seems like the dead know pretty much everything that happens "in our world". S and J would probably have found Snape OK, but what about Harry? I firmly believe that Harry never learned to actually like Snape. He might have respected him enough to name his son Severus, but Harry like Snape? Is it possible?

What I wondered in this scene was Dumbledore's absence, not Snape's. I expected Dumbledore to emerge. Alone. Nobody else.

I didn't really think about it while reading, but upon reflection, I don't think Harry would have called DD back at that moment because Harry had just become disillusioned by him - he had planned for Harry to die the whole time and never told him. As Harry had already made up his mind to do it, I don't see a point in his wanting further explanations at that point that he'd get shortly once he joined the afterworld. I think he was more looking for courage to face death and needed a little love and comfort besides. DD would have made him ansy and questioning, not comforted and courageous in that moment imo. Snape would have had a similar effect. I think that is why he called those he did - they could provide all of that and he was content and comfortable with them all prior to his calling them.

I didn't really think about it while reading, but upon reflection, I don't think Harry would have called DD back at that moment because Harry had just become disillusioned by him - he had planned for Harry to die the whole time and never told him. As Harry had already made up his mind to do it, I don't see a point in his wanting further explanations at that point that he'd get shortly once he joined the afterworld. I think he was more looking for courage to face death and needed a little love and comfort besides. DD would have made him ansy and questioning, not comforted and courageous in that moment imo. Snape would have had a similar effect. I think that is why he called those he did - they could provide all of that and he was content and comfortable with them all prior to his calling them.

I agree. I always figured that the four who appeared were those he wanted most to see. Until you pointed it out, I never really thought about why that was so.

Out of all his dearly departed, these four were those he was most sure loved him for his own sake. You're right, he had a lot of ambivalence about Snape and Dumbledore at that moment.

Frankly, I would have expected to see Tonks or Fred before Albus or Severus.

he regards lily james sirius remous as his family members.
but severus isn't.

They were a part of him - Sirius, Remus, Lily and James. That is what Sirius told him. :)