Will we ever find out the truth about Professor Snape?

As I'm sure you all know by now, Snape basically loathes Harry with ever fiber of his being. This most likely stems back to the hatred Snape held for Harry's father. James Potter was popular, good at Quidditch, and went out with Lily Evans, and Snape was very jealous. But could Snape's attitude towards life and the people in it be stemmed even further back; possibly to a troubled childhood? Harry saw Snape hiding in a corner while his parents fought in the pensive during an Occlumency lesson. Could this be a clue to Snape's behavior? Another thing that I've been wondering about is WHY Snape has always been so into the Dark Arts. Maybe he just finds them interesting and used them in his work as a Death Eater. However, now that he's out of the fold and has a clean slate, why won't Dumbledore laet him teach DADA? Maybe he's afraid that Snape still isn't quite over his obsession with the Dark Arts? There's definitely a lot of mystery surrounding Severus Snape, and I hope to learn more about him in the future 2 books. Any thoughts?

Erm...maybe it will bring him back to his 'dark' side?

I'm not trying to police the threads by any means, but there are quite a few threads that you might want to post your thoughts in that relate to what you wrote. At the very least, you may want to check them out for reference. Hope you don't take offense, because I definitely agree there is a lot to learn about Snape. :)

Here are some threads you may find particularly useful :)
Feedback for The Guilt of Severus Snape (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=19528&highlight=Snape)

Snape loved Lily? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=11899&highlight=Snape)
(That could be yet another reason that Snape hates James, and resents Harry, although I'm not sure I buy into that theory, but it's definitely interesting.)

Why does Snape dislike James Potter? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=5392&highlight=Snape)

Why did Snape join with Voldemort in the first place? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=8253&highlight=Snape)

SEVERUS SNAPE: Simple grudge or something more? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=29418&highlight=Snape)

The Young Severus Snape v2 (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=31457&highlight=Snape)
(This thread is very interesting and discusses much of what you posted. There is also a version 1, the link is in the first page of that thread I linked you to.)

Why does Dumbledore trust Snape? Will something major be revealed? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=32357&highlight=Snape)

Which side is Snape really on? v2 (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=31477&highlight=Snape)
(there's also a version 1 of this thread also. Same thing, link is on the first post of that thread.)

Trust Snape - Never! (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=29163&highlight=Snape)

Are Snape and James cousins? (http://www.cosforums.com/search.php?searchid=357073&pp=30&page=3)

Can Snape really be trusted? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=14271&highlight=Snape)

Snape and his parents (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=8146&highlight=Snape)

All About Severus Snape (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=260&highlight=Snape)

Wow, that's a lot. Hopefully at least one or more of them will be helpful to you. There's so many unanswered questions about Snape. Can't wait to find the answers!!! :)

Yes snapes rather a mystery don't you think?

Maybe he lived in a house very similar to Grimmauld Place..

I think because the series is nearing it's end (:() we will learn a lot in a short period of time (especially about Snape), and yes, I think the fact that Snape had a troubled childhood, and school life, led him to take interest in the Dark Arts. Look at kids now... just an example would be the Columbine school shootings in Colorado. The murderers were kids who were tormented and teased, kind of reminds you of Snape....

I felt bad for him when Harry broke into his thoughts and we saw him crying in the corner and his parents fighting. When kids are in a position like that I feel so bad for them. :(

Do you think that Snape will ever join up with the Death Eaters again, or do you think that that part of his life has come to a close and he will remain loyal to the Order of the Phoenix? I mean, with all that's been going on with Harry in all the books, he never does seem very pleased with his stance within the Order, and though I like to believe that he's innocent, he still seems rather suspicious to me.

I know we'll find out more about snape's work for the order and his past prolly... but I really really don't think he's still on the dark side.

1.) Dumbledore trusts him. We'll prolly find out why for that as well, but that's a huge one in itself.

2.) For the whole series, the kids have been like "snape's evil! snape's evil!!" and I think that Jo would never ever make something that obvious.

3.)Everyone think's he's evil just b/c he's head of Slytherin house and isn't nice to Harry - remember that we get a very biased view of Slytherin because the book is told in the view of Harry, a gryffindor. And Snape has his own reasons for not liking harry, and we already know those

I'm sure we will find out the truth about Snape because I think that might be a major theme in the next books. Ooh La La, a tantilizing thought!

I think there is a lot that we are going to find out about Severus Snape. He is quite the mystery. I don't think that he will ever return to the Death Eaters. He has already strayed too far from them to still be considered loyal to Voldemort (or so we think. He could be a double agent, which would make Snape so much cooler).

Well, I think JK asked once why everyone liked Snape or were so mystified with him. I think the reason is because some of us want him to redeem himself and turn out to not be such a bad guy. But our ideas of what Snape should be and do are not the same as JK's. If she wanted, she could rewrite his charactor to be different from the one she had first invisioned. That is, she could give us what we want. But I doubt JK is going to give everyone what they want unless it is the same as what she wants. If it doesn't fit the story, then it won't happen.

I really do like Snape though, and I hope he decides to help Harry. Part of me really thinks he has been trying to help Harry from the beginning, in his own way. He and Harry may never be good friends, but I hope they gain enough respect for one another. I can't see Snape breaking down and crying and telling Harry he is sorry he treated him like garbage, but I can see Snape making some sort of remark such as, "I've been wrong about you, Potter. For this I am sorry." Something like that.

Personally, I think Snape's on the light side. Not that he doesn't have his own motives. His reasons for siding with Dumbledore could be anything from revenge to genuine interest in being good. Most likely, it's just the life debt to Harry's dad or some other thing that keeps him in check. Until he learns to push aside his grudges, which is unlikely, I doubt he'll be anything but grumpy 'ol Snape.

well think he really wants to make up with the world for al the bad things he did :) but can't because he still hates himsell and we all know you can't love someone when you don't love yourself. Though I think we will find out more about him :)

JKR said in an interview that we'll find out why Snape was a DE and it seems to me that it might be important to the plot in the end. I'd like to read about him and James's problem as I loved the chapter Snape's worst memory...

I'm certain we'll learn the truth about Snape. JKR said in an interview that we'll get all the backstory (not just Snape's) we need, so we should learn all that needs to be known.

I agree that Snape is mysterious, and I do think we will find out more about him, but I believe that Snape in way was created to draw our attention to him and away from some other important plot points about another character or theme.

This is along the lines of the idea: make a lot of noise over there (Snape) while you can do something over here that goes undetected (some new idea / secret character info, Dumbledore perhaps / major plot hint).

Remember how Snape in the first book is thought to be the one after the stone, but in reality it was Quirrel. I think this is a clue as to how JKR plans to use Snape as a literary device.

I always figured Snape was never appointed the job because of his and Harrys dislike for one another. As we have seen Harry doesnt do well in potions, until its a difrent teacher (owls test) and he does quite well. I just dont see Harry learning what he needs to with Snape as a DADA teacher. Im almost certain Snape was only a DE to spy for DD.

Ok yes yes yes, i believe that we are gonna learn loads about snape. He is a very important character who i belive is going to teach us loads about harry and the world he lives in.

I like Snape actually, I just wish he would grow up and let go of this whole hatred of Harry. I mean the Dark Lord is back now and the only real chance of stopping him is Harry and Snape's just being spiteful.

I really hope we see more of him in books six and seven. He turned against Voldy and that takes courage and he hasn't exactly been treated well by the other side.

I think that will be one of the stories in the next books-everythng about Snape. (I cant wait until the next books! Does anybody know when book 6 is out?)

I read somewhere that we will find out why DD trusts Snape! i can't wait for this book

Well, of course we will find out more about Snape. JK has been teasing us for a while.

How many times has Harry asked himself why DD trusts Snape? Do you not think the memories Harry saw in Snape's head were not carefully chosen?

I think we will find out by the end of 7. Someone once asked JKR if she was going to write a "prequel" and she said that no prequel would be needed because by the time she finished the series of 7 we would know everything we need to know. I certainly put "the truth about Professor Snape" in that "need to know" category!

I'm starting to think that maybe JK will tell us the info. of why Snape was huddled in a corner and saw his parents fighting in book 6. Maybe Snape's parents really did help influence him in what he was to become, and their constant quarrels didn't help the situation.

I felt bad for him when Harry broke into his thoughts and we saw him crying in the corner and his parents fighting. When kids are in a position like that I feel so bad for them. :(

This is my theory:
Snape was one of Voldies big supporters so I think he was there when wormtail blabbed so he knew Lily and James were going to die. He was in debt to James because when they were younger James saved Snapes life. I think the boy in Snapes memory (the little boy crying in the corner) was Harry (because it said the boy was dark haired and he was one when his parents died so he fits the description) and the "hook nosed man" was Snape and the "cowering woman" was Lily. Snape came to warn them what was going to happen before it did but I don't think they believed him because he's always been so GRR!!! and Wormtail was James' friend and they wouldn't have expected that of him. I also think that's one reason Snape thinks Harrys dad is so arrogant because he wouldn't listen. And that's why DD trusts him because he tried to help.

What do you guys think???

my theroy is that snape was probably lonley as a kid or ignored by parents and he grew up feeling unloved and uncared about so he took his anger out on other people. Or he had a bad relationship with his parents. It just seems he needs a friend.:sad: Harry's father was popular, smart, had friends and maybe snape was jealous. I do think that James was a bit full of himself an thought it was funny to pick on snape because was a little odd ball. Thus snape's loathing of harry's father. i'm not really sure if snape really hates harry or he just hates his father bcause harry really didn't do anything to snape. I think Harry feels bad for snape in a way. it seemed that snape was very sensitive to harry seeing james make fun of him because he doesn't like the idea of someone seeing how he was once an weird, unpopular, kind of vunerable child. Snape it looks like just had a rough i guess you could say upbringing. He just has a lot of anger and hateful feeling, but all in all i think there is some good in him. ;) I just love snape!:love:

I think you will find a lot of threads , as atherela showed us (see her post), all about these questions on Snape.
I highly recommend these in particular.

Young Severus SnapeV.2 (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=31457)
Seeing the good in Professor Snape (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=3834)
Which side is Snape really on?V.2 ( http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=31477)
Why does Dumbledore trust Snape? Will something major be revealed? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=32357)
Did Snape try to save James and Lily’s lives? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=14706)
Development of Snape’s character through OotP (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=20768)
Why did Snape join Voldemort in the first place? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=8253)
Do you think Voldemort knows Snape is a spy? (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=16339)

Well I can't wait to learn more about Snape. Most of all, I really wanna know why Dumbledore's trusting him that much. I mean, I'm sure there's more than the "double-spy" thingy.

We'll probably find out about him in book 6/7. I'm really anxious to find out more about him.

I would definatly have to say that we will eventually find out the truth. I think Jk has hinted at that some.

i think we'll find out at the end of book six, but it'll tie into the beginning of book seven

Yes, of course we will. JKR wouldn't leave us hanging like that!

This is my theory:
Snape was one of Voldies big supporters so I think he was there when wormtail blabbed so he knew Lily and James were going to die. He was in debt to James because when they were younger James saved Snapes life. I think the boy in Snapes memory (the little boy crying in the corner) was Harry (because it said the boy was dark haired and he was one when his parents died so he fits the description) and the "hook nosed man" was Snape and the "cowering woman" was Lily. Snape came to warn them what was going to happen before it did but I don't think they believed him because he's always been so GRR!!! and Wormtail was James' friend and they wouldn't have expected that of him. I also think that's one reason Snape thinks Harrys dad is so arrogant because he wouldn't listen. And that's why DD trusts him because he tried to help.

What do you guys think???

I really like the fact that you tried to take a different approach to this particular situation. However, I still feel that the boy crying in the corner was Snape himself when he was a kid, and the adults fighting were his parents. It could go the way you say it could have, but I just don't see that happening. If Snape had heard anything, I'm almost sure that he would have told Dumbledore, and if so, wouldn't you think Dumbledore would warn them, if anyone?

I really like the fact that you tried to take a different approach to this particular situation. However, I still feel that the boy crying in the corner was Snape himself when he was a kid, and the adults fighting were his parents. It could go the way you say it could have, but I just don't see that happening. If Snape had heard anything, I'm almost sure that he would have told Dumbledore, and if so, wouldn't you think Dumbledore would warn them, if anyone?

I don't think he would have told DD first because if he did it wouldn't "really" be him saving James' life so he tried to do it himself, even though it didn't work. And I don't think he was on DD side at that point in time, was he?
I'm glad you like my perspective! !THANKS! Post back!

I hate to tell you this, but Jo has said that we won't find out about Snape until book seven :-(

Lydon: Er - one of our connec- ... one of our internet correspondents wondered if Snape is going to fall in love?
JKR: Yeah? Who on earth would want Snape in love with them, that is a very horrible idea. Erm ...
Lydon: But you'd get an important kind of redemptive pattern to Snape
JKR: It is, isn't it ... I got ... There's so much I wish I could say to you, and I can't because it'd ruin ... I promise you ... whoever asked that question, can I just say to you that I'm - I'm slightly stunned that you've said that - erm - and you'll find out why I'm so stunned if you read book 7. And that's all I'm going to say.

Source: Transcript of Radio show 'The Connection' with J.K. Rowling. WBUR: The Connection, 12 October 1999.
http://www.hogwarts-library.net/reference/interviews/19991012_TheConnection.txt

we will find out about snape. We will find out he is a bigger git than even ron thought. The way JK talks about him she seems to let out hints he is really bad. Part of me wants me to see him redeem himself but the other is like its not going to happen. He will betray DD i think maybe leading to his death. He has to something reallty bad if JK thinks so lowly of him right. I hope im wrong but we'll see. I garuntee we find out since she said we would

Personally, I think Snape will stay loyal to Dumbledore to the end. Some very powerful event turned Snape around, and although he obviously has issues going way back (I agree that the memory of the yelling hook-nosed man was Snape's father), he always comes thru for Dumbledore.

of course we will j.k wont leave us in the dark like that.

I hate to tell you this, but Jo has said that we won't find out about Snape until book seven :-(

Lydon: Er - one of our connec- ... one of our internet correspondents wondered if Snape is going to fall in love?
JKR: Yeah? Who on earth would want Snape in love with them, that is a very horrible idea. Erm ...
Lydon: But you'd get an important kind of redemptive pattern to Snape
JKR: It is, isn't it ... I got ... There's so much I wish I could say to you, and I can't because it'd ruin ... I promise you ... whoever asked that question, can I just say to you that I'm - I'm slightly stunned that you've said that - erm - and you'll find out why I'm so stunned if you read book 7. And that's all I'm going to say.

Source: Transcript of Radio show 'The Connection' with J.K. Rowling. WBUR: The Connection, 12 October 1999.
http://www.hogwarts-library.net/reference/interviews/19991012_TheConnection.txt

:upset:

But she could just mean we won't learn about the 'Snape in love' thing untill Book 7. We could still learn something about him in the next book. :) Or hints, at the very least.

:eyebrows: Or maybe more questions? Hmm....

Oh God Yes! I need a gigantic chapter on Snape. I need to know about his childhood (what went wrong?). I need to know about his troubles with the marauders and his days as a DE. Above all else, what I really really really need to know is why Dumbledore trusts him.

Yes! We will definitely find out all about Snape. Either end of book 6, or mid-way book 7, I think. And I can't wait! It wouldn't surprise me if we get a false version of events in Snape's life first, from someone who only thinks they know the real him, and the truth gets revealed a little later. Presumably Voldemort and Dumbledore have different stories on Snape, and one version has to be wrong. I think we'll hear both.

When I first read Harry Potter, I hated Snape. But then I started reading fanfic in which he was portayed as the good guy and I changed my opinion about him. I started to notice different layers. I am pretty sure that JKR will explain some things about Snape. This is what I would like to know:

1. Why does Dumbledore trust him? (I think maybe Severus saved Dumbledore's life eve though he was a Death Eater at the time.)
2. Why did he leave the Death eaters? (I think he probably grew up and saw that what he was doing was wrong.)
3. Why did he join them in the first place? (I think that this had something to do with Lucius Malfoy. We know that Lucius attended Hogwarts at the same time as Severus and the Marauders and that he was a year older than them. I think that Lucius took Severus under his wing and manipulated him. Lucius seems like the kind of man who would do that and since children and young adults are so easy to manipulate, I don't think that Severus thought he was doing anything wrong. Lucius probably told him that when he becomes a Death Eater he will be popular and rich and seeing as Severus was so very unpoplar when at Hogwarts, that was what he wanted the most.)
4. Why does he hate the Golden Trio? (I think he hates Harry because of his father which I think is very unfair because Harry is nothing like James. I don't think he really hates Hermione. I think on some level he respects her because even though she is Muggle born, she is the best witch in school. I don't really understand why he hates Ron though. Is it only because he is friends with Harry? Or is there something between Severus and Arthur, like there was with James?)
5. Why does he torment Neville? (Is he really just so mean that he would continuosly torment an innocent child who can't help that he's no good at potions? Or is he maybe trying to toughen him up? They say that what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. We know that Neville's parents were tortured by the Death Eaters and that if confronted by them, like at the end of GoF, they would use it against him. Make him emotionaly weak. Maybe Severus's verbal abuse is a form of trying to get Neville used to it, so that he's not easily riled up and doesn't do something rash.)
6. Why does he want to teach DADA so much? (I think that he wants to teach this subject because he wants to prove that he is fighting on the side of good. And also, who better to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts but a man who knows which hexes and curses the Death Eaters use most often?)

Can't think of anything else...will be back soon. What do you think? :tu: or :td:

Apart from Harry, Snape is my favourite character because he is so complex and I just love him. Can he see the Thestrals, and if so, why? Also, is he a pure blood wizard?
Snape’s ancestry is hinted at. He was a Death Eater, so clearly he is no Muggle born, because Muggle borns are not allowed to be Death Eaters, except in rare circumstances. You have some information about his ancestry there. He can see Thestrals, but in my imagination most of the older people at Hogwarts would be able to see them because, obviously, as you go through life you do lose people and understand what death is. But you must not forget that Snape was a Death Eater. He will have seen things that… Why do you love him? Why do people love Snape? I do not understand this. Again, it’s bad boy syndrome, isn’t it? It’s very depressing. [Laughter]. One of my best friends watched the film and she said, “You know who’s really attractive?” I said, “Who?” She said, “Lucius Malfoy!”

Also, will we see more of Snape?

You always see a lot of Snape, because he is a gift of a character. I hesitate to say that I love him. [Audience member: I do]. You do? This is a very worrying thing. Are you thinking about Alan Rickman or about Snape? [Laughter]. Isn’t this life, though? I make this hero—Harry, obviously—and there he is on the screen, the perfect Harry, because Dan is very much as I imagine Harry, but who does every girl under the age of 15 fall in love with? Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy. Girls, stop going for the bad guy. Go for a nice man in the first place. It took me 35 years to learn that, but I am giving you that nugget free, right now, at the beginning of your love lives.
JK
I think this will answer your questions.

Oh Heck yes. That has been one of the mysteries of the series. How could DD trust someone so implicently who was once a DE and had probably commited terrible acts on LV orders. I dont think it will be revealed until the end of the series

4.Why does he hate the Golden Trio? (I think he hates Harry because of his father which I think is very unfair because Harry is nothing like James. I don't think he really hates Hermione. I think on some level he respects her because even though she is Muggle born, she is the best witch in school. I don't really understand why he hates Ron though. Is it only because he is friends with Harry? Or is there something between Severus and Arthur, like there was with James?)


An excellent question. Why DOES Snape hate Harry and his two best friends? I think that he resents Harry for being who he is- a celebrity, popular, and good at Quidditch- just like James. However JK makes it seem like James soaked up all the glory of his popularity and talent, but Harry is modest about it, and hates when people notice him because of his scar. I think that maybe, in a way, Snape is jealous of Harry. I don't really know what to make of Hermione and Ron being loathed, though. I mean, Hermione is one of his best students; why should he hate her?! His reasons for hating Ron may go back to the rest of Ron's family, but I don't know. Any thoughts?

I hope so, I would really like to know

This is my theory about Snape. Part of it is posted in Was 18 year old Harry at Godric Hollow And part in All about Lily. It kinda takes parts of each thread into concideration and I Didn't know where it best fit till I found this thread.

While reading GoF Sanpe was telling Harry the rest of the world may believe your great but I know something or other, when Karkaroff is waiting to tell Snape about the dark mark on his arm. Anyway an idea that made total sense to me hit. (sorry for not getting the exact quote but I was in a hurry to see what you all think) Snape was at Godric's Hollow that night and he somehow helped save Harry. Now I think Lily's protection is far more important but there is a mystery about Snape and this works for me till JK tells me the real story. Snape either for DD, to prove to DD, or for both DD and Lily and maybe to repay James so he would not feel indebted to him anymore, helped to protect Harry. It was not an act Voldemort was aware of. So VM shows up does what he does and Snape is redeemed in DD eyes, has repayed James, and helped the wizarding world to remain intact. He however is not recognized for his acts and is resentful that his efforts cannot be seen by others because to reveal them would be to give his position away. As it is Snape can go between both DD and VM getting info. Since he is not recgnized with his efforts he is therefore throwing all the past resentment and new onto Harry who is famous because something Snaped helped to make happen. Anyway hope I said it the way it is working in my head. Where are the holes in my theory and supports? Let me know!

Posted in All about Lily ~ I think that Lily actaully had help from Snape. With her great charms and snapes potions and his knowledge of the dark arts they found a way to save Harry. Lily was never truely opposed to Snape and Snape had reason to repay James and restore his reputation with DD so till JK tells me I think this is a possibility.

I think that this theory seems plausible. I didn't really understand some of it, though (no offense or anything). Like the part about Snape showing DD something... do you mean that he was showing DD that he wasn't a DE anymore, and was proving himself honest? Sorry if I'm babbling. Anyways, thanks for the great theory! :)

Yes that was exactly what I meant. That that is why DD trusts him and that DD doesn't say why that is why he trusts him because it would jeapordize Snapes Position as someone who can still infiltrate the DE and also with the Mom coming after him.

Oh, I see. Thanks for clarifying. :) Now that I know that, I agree with you. That sounds quite possible to me.

3. Why did he join them in the first place? (I think that this had something to do with Lucius Malfoy. We know that Lucius attended Hogwarts at the same time as Severus and the Marauders and that he was a year older than them. I think that Lucius took Severus under his wing and manipulated him. Lucius seems like the kind of man who would do that and since children and young adults are so easy to manipulate, I don't think that Severus thought he was doing anything wrong. Lucius probably told him that when he becomes a Death Eater he will be popular and rich and seeing as Severus was so very unpoplar when at Hogwarts, that was what he wanted the most.)

Actually, Lucius is about 5/4 years older than Snape. In an interview around the time of GOF, JKR said that Snape is 35/6 years old. In OotP, one of the Daily Prophet articles said that Lucius is 41.

But I agree with your idea that Lucius could've manipulated Snape. When Snape arrived at Hogwarts, Lucius was probably in his fifth year and may have been a prefect. I can imagine some of the other students picking on Snape and Lucius telling them off, then telling Snape that he had potential or something and that he'll look after him.

4. Why does he hate the Golden Trio? (I think he hates Harry because of his father which I think is very unfair because Harry is nothing like James. I don't think he really hates Hermione. I think on some level he respects her because even though she is Muggle born, she is the best witch in school. I don't really understand why he hates Ron though. Is it only because he is friends with Harry? Or is there something between Severus and Arthur, like there was with James?)

I think part of his hatred towards Harry is jealousy and hatred of James, but I just have a feeling that there could be something else to it.

Hermione I think he just hates because he sees her as a 'know-it-all', just as he hates Neville because he's a 'dunderhead,' and they both bug him.

Ron though - I never got the impression that he had anything in particular against Ron. No more than any other Gryffindor, anyway.

Ron though - I never got the impression that he had anything in particular against Ron. No more than any other Gryffindor, anyway.

I think that this is a good thought, but I don't completely agree with you on it. How often in the books is Snape mentioned terrorizing anyone but Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville? I think that Ron is treated worse than all the others; maybe because he's such close friends with Harry, and we all know how much Snape hates Harry. What do you think?

I hate to tell you this, but Jo has said that we won't find out about Snape until book seven :-(

Lydon: Er - one of our connec- ... one of our internet correspondents wondered if Snape is going to fall in love?
JKR: Yeah? Who on earth would want Snape in love with them, that is a very horrible idea. Erm ...
Lydon: But you'd get an important kind of redemptive pattern to Snape
JKR: It is, isn't it ... I got ... There's so much I wish I could say to you, and I can't because it'd ruin ... I promise you ... whoever asked that question, can I just say to you that I'm - I'm slightly stunned that you've said that - erm - and you'll find out why I'm so stunned if you read book 7. And that's all I'm going to say.

Source: Transcript of Radio show 'The Connection' with J.K. Rowling. WBUR: The Connection, 12 October 1999.
http://www.hogwarts-library.net/reference/interviews/19991012_TheConnection.txtI kind of love that transcript, it sort of suggests that Snape has been in love and love is so powerful but also so painful if it goes all wrong and I think love went all wrong for our dear Snape. Love gone wrong would explain his attitude towards people, a love he could never properly get over perhaps one similar to what caused Quirelle to turn to Voldemort. To love someone who dislikes you can be the most painful love off all and that might have been what happened between Snape and Lily perhaps or another girl he knew.

I think that this is a good thought, but I don't completely agree with you on it. How often in the books is Snape mentioned terrorizing anyone but Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville? I think that Ron is treated worse than all the others; maybe because he's such close friends with Harry, and we all know how much Snape hates Harry. What do you think?

OK, so we don't really see him terrorising anyone apart from the Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville. But compared to Harry, Hermione and Neville, Ron seems to get off pretty easy. Snape seems to have labeled H, H an N and openly bullies and humilates them. Ron, on the other hand, only seems to incur the wrath of Snape when he stands up for Hermione or speaks back to him.

[EDIT= Wow, I've now been here for 101 days!]

I think that Snape can be trusted but most people (fellow employees, students, order members) just don't due to as u have sed his suspicious nature. I think a life debt with wizards is much more than just any normal debt and that in turn holds Snape to Harry but I think there is a deeper reason in him becoming a double agent that has to do with a promise he made to Lily...I think that he is possibly the most loyal person to Harry that Harry could find but Harry just doesn;t realise all the efforts he goes to being a double agent for him, hopefully an event in the next book will help Harry to realise that Snape isn't such a bad guy after all.

Originally Posted by mynameisrene
I think that this is a good thought, but I don't completely agree with you on it. How often in the books is Snape mentioned terrorizing anyone but Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville? I think that Ron is treated worse than all the others; maybe because he's such close friends with Harry, and we all know how much Snape hates Harry. What do you think?

We may not see Snape 'terrorizing' (I'm thinking that is not an appropriate word...more like bullying them or harassing then, but terrorizing is pretty harsh) any other kids, but again, the books are from Harry's P.O.V., so we really wouldn't see him acting up with other students. However, we did hear from the Weasley twins in book 1 that Snape isn't particularly nice and that he always favors his own students. I don't think he's really nice to anyone but the slytherins, but, yes, I'm sure he's harder on Harry and gang than others. I am curious how he treats Ginny in her class. She's a Weasley afterall and she has a connection to Harry also.

But, for the thread question -- yes, of course we'll find out the truth about Snape. JKR knows what a huge fan base he has, and even without that, she said when she finishes up book 7, she doesn't want a lot of loose ends. I imagine she wouldn't want tons and tons of mail asking the questions we didn't get answered. Besides, whatever the truth is about him, I'm pretty sure it'll be a big deal which is why she is waiting soooooo long to spring it on us!! :p

Assuming that the mystery surrounding Snape has some significance on the plot of the books, they yes we will probably find more out about him. But if not, then I don't really think there is a reason for us to know. However interesting it may be, I don't want random details of Snape thrown in the mix just to satisfy fan's wants. There is no way that we can ever know all that everyone wants to about Snape, but maybe a few choice details will become important in books 6 & 7.

As I'm sure you all know by now, Snape basically loathes HArry with ever fiber of his being. This most likely stems back to the hatred Snape held for Harry's father. James Potter was popular, good at Quidditch, and went out with Lily Evans, and Snape was very jealous. But could Snape's attitude towards life and the people in it be stemmed even further back; possibly to a troubled childhood? Harry saw Snape hiding in a corner while his parents fought in the pensive during an Occlumency lesson. Could this be a clue to Snape's behavior? Another thing that I've been wondering about is WHY Snape has always been so into the Dark Arts. Maybe he just finds them interesting and used them in his work as a Death Eater. However, now that he's out of the fold and has a clean slate, why won't Dumbledore laet him teach DADA? Maybe he's afraid that Snape still isn't quite over his obsession with the Dark Arts? There's definitely a lot of mystery surrounding Severus Snape, and I hope to learn more about him in the future 2 books. Any thoughts?

Harry didn't see Snape's parents fighing in the pensieve. He saw them in Snape's mind.

J.K. Rowling said that Snape has told Dumbledore his story and Dumbledore believes him. She also said that when Dumbledore made Snape a part of the staff Snape said he'd like to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts and Dumbledore said that he would start him out in potions and see how he did.

Dumbledore trusts Snape for a reason, but we won't know that reason until later. J.K. Rowling said that we will find out over the course of Half-Blood Prince and book 7. We just have to wait and see.

Wow! I haven't checked this thread for a while... I have a new theory, everyone! Feel free to shoot it doen if you don't agree, and please say if you think I'm onto something or not... here goes...
I think that, maybe Petunia was a witch at one time, and fell in love with Snape. Snape was a death eater at the time, and Lily didn't approve of Petunia's boyfriend. Anyway, Lily and James and the rest of the Order drove the two apart, and Snape, though he was now in the Order, was still spying on Voldemort, so he somehow convinced him to go after the Potters. Then, after he realizes what he's done, he goes over to the "good" side and breaks all ties with the death eaters. Any thoughts on this far-fetched theory?

We found out in the 5th book that Snape had been bullied by James and his friends. I also believe that there was a budding romance or crush between Lily and Snape. People are always saying that Harry looks like his late father. This leads me to believe that Snape sees a little too much of James in him; enough to make him angry or scared due to the horriable past he had with James. As for the Ron thing well...James friends also helped pick on Snape so maybe he feels he should attack Ron and Hermoine also. As an off side remark and an idea... the unanwered reason for why Snape saved Harry? Well Harry is also Lily's son....wink wink....

the unanwered reason for why Snape saved Harry? Well Harry is also Lily's son....wink wink....
I dunno.... the lily/Snape thing...I just don't see it. As for why Snape saved harry, Snape's a jerk for sure. But he's not evil. He's not gonna just let someone die.

We found out in the 5th book that Snape had been bullied by James and his friends. I also believe that there was a budding romance or crush between Lily and Snape. People are always saying that Harry looks like his late father. This leads me to believe that Snape sees a little too much of James in him; enough to make him angry or scared due to the horriable past he had with James. As for the Ron thing well...James friends also helped pick on Snape so maybe he feels he should attack Ron and Hermoine also. As an off side remark and an idea... the unanwered reason for why Snape saved Harry? Well Harry is also Lily's son....wink wink....

yep too true, Snape probably does see a lot of James in Harry, and this could be why he's so awful to him, as for the rest of them, i think it's just a matter of theyre not Slytherin so why be nice, after all it is more fun to be the bad guy.

I don't doubt that Snape might of had a crus on Lilly, but theres no way she liked him never mind did they get together.

What does everyone think about my new theory? Do you think it makes any sense?

Wow! I haven't checked this thread for a while... I have a new theory, everyone! Feel free to shoot it doen if you don't agree, and please say if you think I'm onto something or not... here goes...
I think that, maybe Petunia was a witch at one time, and fell in love with Snape. Snape was a death eater at the time, and Lily didn't approve of Petunia's boyfriend. Anyway, Lily and James and the rest of the Order drove the two apart, and Snape, though he was now in the Order, was still spying on Voldemort, so he somehow convinced him to go after the Potters. Then, after he realizes what he's done, he goes over to the "good" side and breaks all ties with the death eaters. Any thoughts on this far-fetched theory?
You know i half agree with this. I think Petunia was once a Witch but she wouldn't accept it after the way she treated Lilly. But i don't think she ever went to Hogwarts and definately didn't get together with Snape.

I've wrote alot more about this in the other forums i go to: WWN

All the lose ends will be tied up in book 7.

Yes, but if Petunia knew all about such things as Dementors, how would she have learned it all? Could she have gone to another school? Also, do the books say anything about Harry being the only witch/wizard in his area? I mean, at his hearing, the head of the court said that the area that Harry lived in contained no other registered witches and wizards. Does this possibly mean that Aunt Petunia was expelled?

Petunia is simply a muggle, JKR said so on her website.
She eavesdropped on "that awful boy" when he told Lily about the dementors, that's why she knew about them.
That's interesting, that who was that awful boy: something tells me, that it wasn't James, but Snape.

J.K. has a website? Cool. I might have to check that out sometime. I've never heard that info. from a reliable source before. But if J.K. herself said it, I believe it. Ok... I have to think up a new theory. :) Also, I think the idea of "that awful boy" being Snape instead of James is very interesting. However, Petunia could indeed have been speaking of James, whom she loathed just as much as her sister while the two of them were alive, correct? Does anybody have a new theory about what could have happened with Snape and Voldemort and such?

we will find out everything, duh!

There is simply too much build up on his character to not tell the rest of his story.

There is simply too much build up on his character to not tell the rest of his story.
I agree she wouldn't have put so much into the character development to leave him as just a background character.

We will and I think JKR planned it all after Snape's Worst Memory to tell more about him and it is just too obvious...

God, why o why are people interested in this git? Is it because once he was a Death Eater and now, supposedly he's reformed? Is it because people think Alan Rickman is an accurate portayal of this slimeball-one of the few Wormtail comments I'll agree with? IS it because he's head of Slytherin? Is is because he can bully pre-teens and teenagers? Is it because he can fool Lucius Malfoy? Really what is it about this git that people want to know? Did he tell Dumbledore that Voldemort was after the Potters? Why does Dumbledore "trust" Snape? To that I'll part this wisdomon you- keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.
Snape to me is about as interesting as tax returns, now Mundungus Fletcher, that's an interesting character, Remus Lupin is an interesting character, Tom Riddle is an interesting character, Severus Snape is great big bulling Git who's getting back at Daddy through the kids at school.
Oh and yes Jo probably plans on revealing Snape's past, I hope we get to see what choices he made to become the git he is today...
on a side, in case you can't tell, I don't think much of Snape, not at all...
CD

There's no doubt that we'll find out all about Snape's childhood life in the coming books and if he's really on the good side. But I want to find out most of all why he is so mean to Harry yet he tries to save the boy's life.

*Gasp!* Someone who isn't even slightly puzzled by Snape?

God, why o why are people interested in this git? Is it because once he was a Death Eater and now, supposedly he's reformed? Is it because people think Alan Rickman is an accurate portayal of this slimeball-one of the few Wormtail comments I'll agree with? IS it because he's head of Slytherin? Is is because he can bully pre-teens and teenagers? Is it because he can fool Lucius Malfoy? Really what is it about this git that people want to know? Did he tell Dumbledore that Voldemort was after the Potters? Why does Dumbledore "trust" Snape? To that I'll part this wisdomon you- keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer.

It's a possibillity, but it creates a misinterpretation of the word "trust". If DD considered Snape an enemy, he wouldn't trust him.

Snape, to me, is like a jigsaw puzzle. We've been given all the edge and corner pieces, but none of the middle pieces which makes it complete. If you look beyond his petty bullying (which is indefendable, unless you believe it's just an act, which I don't), Snape is the only character which can't be pinned down. He's a complete mystery, and will remain so untill we learn more about him. Or at the very least, have at least one question answered - why he (supposedly) left the DEs. To me, that's the one question that Snape's character balances on.

Snape to me is about as interesting as tax returns, now Mundungus Fletcher, that's an interesting character, Remus Lupin is an interesting character, Tom Riddle is an interesting character, Severus Snape is great big bulling Git who's getting back at Daddy through the kids at school.
Oh and yes Jo probably plans on revealing Snape's past, I hope we get to see what choices he made to become the git he is today...
on a side, in case you can't tell, I don't think much of Snape, not at all...
CD

LOL. I find it ironic that you see nothing interesting about Snape because he's a bullying git, but you list Tom Riddle, a hypocritical genocidal maniac (who is also getting back at daddy), as interesting.

Don't get me wrong, I find all the characters in the books interesting (except Colin Creevy, he just bugged me), but you don't have to like a character to find them interesting.

I think that part of why Snape's such a git is so that JKR can show that Harry's viewpoint on life is only influenced by his experiences. As Harry gets older he starts seeing that maybe there is more to Snape than meets the eye. Also, Snape really brings a kind of human quality to the grown ups in the story. Harry can see that not all adults have it together.
I think these are important messages for kids to learn. The world isn't what it seems and it's not perfect.

My theory is that Snape is on the good side. I have been playing with an idea, that Snape acts like a git not only because he might be one, but also to put up a show, so to speak. He may be appearing on the wrong side and very nasty to Harry to conceal his right side and mission...to actually protect Harry. He knows what Voldemort's side is really like, having been a Death Eater, so who'd know it better.

I don't think he'll ever be a flowery, smiley character, though, his grumpiness is part of him. :grumble: But he is from Slytherin, so he is not an "usual suspect" for being on Harrys side. He has saved Harry or helped Harry along a few times already, big time so. But then....JKR herself said somewhere, that while she enjoys writing Snape, she wouldn't want to meet him, which might not suggest an ending where Snape'd turn out a good guy :huh: Snape is a very complex and interesting character, though, can't understand how anyone can see only a git in him :p

For me the ultimate ending would be Snape ending up being something of a godfather -figure to Harry, now that Sirius is gone. :love:

Snape, to me, is like a jigsaw puzzle. We've been given all the edge and corner pieces, but none of the middle pieces which makes it complete. If you look beyond his petty bullying (which is indefendable, unless you believe it's just an act, which I don't), Snape is the only character which can't be pinned down. He's a complete mystery, and will remain so untill we learn more about him. Or at the very least, have at least one question answered - why he (supposedly) left the DEs. To me, that's the one question that Snape's character balances on.


I pretty much agree, and I have thought that perhaps the fear Lily would die made him come into his senses. I'm also interested in what made him join the DEs at the first place. Could it be that after bullied 7 long years at school he wanted to be the the one giving, not receiving.

There's no doubt that we'll find out all about Snape's childhood life in the coming books and if he's really on the good side. But I want to find out most of all why he is so mean to Harry yet he tries to save the boy's life.
This is a very intriguing point. I think that Snape is definetely jealous of Harry, yet knows that Harry is a good person, and therefore tries to save him when he's in peril. Also, Snape was jealous of James, but I think that he's starting to realize the fact that Harry, despite the resemblence, is NOT James, but his own person. Though Snape truly loathes Harry, he's maybe trying to see that he's not his father, and all the bad things that he has ever done at school are simply responses to the circumstances he's in at the moment. Any thoughts?

You bet we will! JK has said that we will have enough "backstory" that there won't need to be a prequel. So I think we'll find out about his past. I think she said something about there won't be any books after either, and JK isn't an author to leave us hanging.

You bet we will! JK has said that we will have enough "backstory" that there won't need to be a prequel. So I think we'll find out about his past. I think she said something about there won't be any books after either, and JK isn't an author to leave us hanging.


I hope so! I don't want to wonder for the rest of time about Snape and whether he is really a good guy or not, and why he is the way he is...

You bet we will! JK has said that we will have enough "backstory" that there won't need to be a prequel. So I think we'll find out about his past. I think she said something about there won't be any books after either, and JK isn't an author to leave us hanging.
Good! I hope its in the next release!!! :clap:

Does my new theory make any sense, or does it sound too far-fetched? I know that I've been wrong in the past, and I don't know about it this time. ANy thoughts?

I Think That We Will Always Be Guessing As To Snapes Character.
I Have A Few Thoughts Though. I Am Sure That Snape Has Some Hate For His Father, But I Think He Also Sees Harry As Very Reeckless And Dangerous. Not Only Harry A Danger To Himself But To The Order. If We Put Snape In The Position Of Being A Spy For The Order ( Which Is Guess Work ) Then He May Be Indangering Snape Himself Because He Is The One That Has To Save Harry Behind All The Time. Risking Breaking His Own Cover And Life.
Another Thought As I Have So Many And They Change Daily Is That Snape Went Into The Order As A Spy. I Had Talked About This On Another Thread. That From The Begining He Has Been Working With Dd And The Order.

it depends how much you want to know but i dont think JK will leave us hangin!

Well, at this point, if we don't, then Rowling is a truly wretched writer. She might've been able to leave the character hanging in the background after the first book, but now Snape's a major player in the events.
What's the interest in this git? I myself like the fact that he's a git--he's bad-tempered, sarcastic, and petty, and eventually he gets around to doing the right thing...even if he's still a nasty piece of work. Maybe it'll all prove to be an act in the end; however, I don't mind if Rowling keeps him a git all the way, because I like her idea that there aren't many people in the world who are perfectly good or perfectly evil. Her books work because she points out the fundamental contradictions in all people--whether they're predominately good or bad, there's a mix of both in nearly everybody. Snape may usually act as if he wants to knock Harry a good one upside the head (occasionally justified, if not too often!), but Harry has yet to accept the fact that Snape does what's needed when it counts. I can't see that pattern breaking any time in the next two books.

Assuming that the mystery surrounding Snape has some significance on the plot of the books, they yes we will probably find more out about him. But if not, then I don't really think there is a reason for us to know. However interesting it may be, I don't want random details of Snape thrown in the mix just to satisfy fan's wants. There is no way that we can ever know all that everyone wants to about Snape, but maybe a few choice details will become important in books 6 & 7.Gah! It's an open conflict, we've GOT to know. To even doubt that we will is heresy! :p

I believe Jo Rowling answered this in an interview/chat question. Hrm...
From The Connection interview (http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/articles/1999/1099-connectiontransc.html), 12 Oct 99

There’s an important kind of redemptive pattern to Snape

He, um, there’s so much I wish I could say to you, and I can’t because it would ruin. I promise you, whoever asked that question, can I just say to you that I’m slightly stunned that you’ve said that and you’ll find out why I’m so stunned if you read Book 7. That’s all I’m going to say.
There! Mystery solved! We WILL find out more about Snape in Book 7.

xray

Gah! It's an open conflict, we've GOT to know. To even doubt that we will is heresy! :p

I believe Jo Rowling answered this in an interview/chat question. Hrm...
From The Connection interview (http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/articles/1999/1099-connectiontransc.html), 12 Oct 99

There’s an important kind of redemptive pattern to Snape

He, um, there’s so much I wish I could say to you, and I can’t because it would ruin. I promise you, whoever asked that question, can I just say to you that I’m slightly stunned that you’ve said that and you’ll find out why I’m so stunned if you read Book 7. That’s all I’m going to say.
There! Mystery solved! We WILL find out more about Snape in Book 7.

xray


OHHHHHH I had forgoten about that interview. Yes! So she will let us in on the good stuff :)

Snape clearly had to redeem himself in a unique and certain way for Dumbledore to trust him the way he does. I too feel some sympathy for Snape. Since he was James and Lily'a age, he must have been pretty young when he was a death eater and still suffering from his negative childhood and adolesent experiences. Snape probably felt the Death Eaters would finally offer him a chance to exhibit power which seemed appealing to him because he was often powerless in regards to his family and his peers in school

Snape Would Have Had To Redeem Himself With Dd Before Harry And His Parents Were Attacked. Otherwise Dd Wouldn't Trust In Him. We Know That James Saved Snape At Least Once If Not More Than I Times. Maybe Snape Found Out About Volds Plan To Kill The Potters And Told Dd Because Of The Whole Magical Bond Of Snape Being In Debt To James. Although I Can't See Dd Still Trusting Snape Once The Debt Has Been Repaid Whose To Say He Wouldn't Go Back To Vold. I Guess Either Way You Look At It We Are Stiill Trapped In The Circle Of Who Snape Is.

I do hope we find out more about Snape's past. Even though J.K. says we shouldn't feel too sorry for Snape, I can't help it. Just seeing that memory makes me feel sorry for Snape and I'm very sure those childhood moments have affected how he is today. Hopefully, they will be revealed sometime soon in case J.K. 'does something to him'.

As I'm sure you all know by now, Snape basically loathes HArry with ever fiber of his being.

I don't think he does actually. Severus Snape is a complex man who has a very colourful and dark past. He is a man who has been hurt many times in his life and is now covering up his real emotions by either not showing any or by being cold and snarky. He doesn't want any people to come close to him. I am hoping that his icy shell will be cracked by Harry in book six or seven. We already know that we will find out a lot more about him (his greatest fear, his Patronus shape, his history with Lily, why Dumbledore trusts him) in book six alone which sounds to me like a lot of Snape action which makes me very happy ^_^

We will find out several thing in the last two books or at least it seems that way. There are several places that i recall seeing questions asked about snape that were answered with you will find out or something along those lines.

Snape is the most despicable character in the books! However I do want to know why he turned on Voldemort.

i apologize if this has been posted already in this thread.

i believe the reason snape has never been allowed to teach DADA is because of the fact that dumbledore naturally assumed that snape and harry would never be able to get along, what with sev's past with james and the marauders.

dumbledore also knew that harry would eventually have to face voldemort. we all know how snape treats harry in his potions classes. think what would have happened if snape had been allowed to teach DADA. i doubt harry would have been as proficient with the lessons and would eventually be hardly able to face voldemort, what with snape's constant criticism and bullying during defense lessons.

so i think dumbledore hoped for the best, but was willing to sacrifice harry's potion-making skills for the ability to be able to eventually defend himself if worst came to worst (worst being snape and harry not being able to get along).

i hope you understand what i've tried to write.

i think we will eventually hear about his future....in the fifth book, about the occlumency, and the kid in front of a man yelliing at a woman, obviously his parents..so we know his past was bad...also knowing that ppl teased him and stuff....so yea ive heard rumours o na site that hell start being romantic o0o0o

yea other rumours were about harry's eyes and about lily and james... other stuff, that seems beleivable...its a good site but i forget the name so yea

i believe the reason snape has never been allowed to teach DADA is because of the fact that dumbledore naturally assumed that snape and harry would never be able to get along, what with sev's past with james and the marauders.

dumbledore also knew that harry would eventually have to face voldemort. we all know how snape treats harry in his potions classes. think what would have happened if snape had been allowed to teach DADA. i doubt harry would have been as proficient with the lessons and would eventually be hardly able to face voldemort, what with snape's constant criticism and bullying during defense lessons.

so i think dumbledore hoped for the best, but was willing to sacrifice harry's potion-making skills for the ability to be able to eventually defend himself if worst came to worst (worst being snape and harry not being able to get along).

i hope you understand what i've tried to write.

I understand this, and thank you very much for your imput. I like the idea that Dumbledore knew what Snape's personality was like, and that he would more than likely dislike some students more than others and maybe not accomplish as much as should be. The only thing that I can find to comment on about your theory is that, you make it sound like the only reason that Dumbledore won't give Snape a chance at this post is because of Harry. I'm not saying that this is a bad thing; I've just never really thought about it this way before.

I believe and agree with Staples. Good post!! It's makes perfect sense. Dumbledore cares too much for Harry and would want him to have enough power to vanquish the Dark Lord and I think that Snape hinders this. But the only problem is why doesn't Dumbledore make Snape stop the way he is treating Harry in the first place if he cares for him that much. I believe he doens't tell Snape to stop because like he said in Phoenix he wanted Harry to be normal and experience all of the bad things in life.

I'm sure we'll find out everything before the end!

I believe and agree with Staples. Good post!! It's makes perfect sense. Dumbledore cares too much for Harry and would want him to have enough power to vanquish the Dark Lord and I think that Snape hinders this. But the only problem is why doesn't Dumbledore make Snape stop the way he is treating Harry in the first place if he cares for him that much. I believe he doens't tell Snape to stop because like he said in Phoenix he wanted Harry to be normal and experience all of the bad things in life.
Good thinking! I agree with the reason why Dumbledore doesn't tell Snape to stop; I mean, Harry has to do things for himself every once in a while, right? And it makes perfect sense that Dumbledore wants Harry to know as much as possible. However, doesn't Dumbledore think that potion-making could come in handy in vanquishing the Dark Lord, too? I realize that it's not as important as DADA, but I'm sure it has its uses. Any thoughts?

I hope we'll find out more about the past of all characters and that more people get more attention. It's a bit boring that there is only the trio.
Snape is an important person, for the Order and ptobably for Voldemort. I think we need to find out more about him.

I think that we will, too. However, I made up this post because I'm too curious for my own good, and wanted other opinions as to what could be beneath the surface of, in my opinion, one of the most mysterious characters of the series. Personally, I think that Snape is kind of like Shrek in a way. You know how in the movie Shrek, the main character (Shrek) is an ogre, and how he wants everyone to see him as more than just that? Maybe Snape is the same kind of person. Does anyone have any thoughts?

I just can't wait to see what Snapes boggart and Patronus is. I'm not exactly sure J.K. will tell us, but she gave people the idea she may. I kid asked her what Snapes boggart was, and she said giving away his boggart or patronus would give too much away. I hope J.K. doen't wait until the last chapter of book 7 to tell, I'd just DIE.

I never even thought to ponder about Snape's boggart or patronus. They must reveal a lot about Snape if J.K. doesn't want us to know. What do you think they could be?

Well, we find out his patronus and boggart in the next two books.

LOL I know that we're going to find out, but doesn't anyone have any ideas as to what they could be?

There’s an important kind of redemptive pattern to Snape

He, um, there’s so much I wish I could say to you, and I can’t because it would ruin. I promise you, whoever asked that question, can I just say to you that I’m slightly stunned that you’ve said that and you’ll find out why I’m so stunned if you read Book 7. That’s all I’m going to say.[/indent]
There! Mystery solved! We WILL find out more about Snape in Book 7.

xray

Now that I've thought about it a little bit more...

We've not really seen a whole lot of redemptive acts from Snape. We've heard that DD trusts him, we don't know why. We assume he left the Death Eaters and went to DD to help him "redeem" himself.
As far as we know he's done that once.
A pattern involves more than one occurance.
Does that mean Snape has gone back and forth?
What things has he done to redeem himself?

So many questions...

As true as all this may be, maybe we will never know. It could just be a trick of the author to let you guess all the secrets behind Snape and his attitude. Personally, i believe Snape will be uncovered if we find out what it is mentally that drove him to the dark arts so long ago. Some people may not notice it, but Snape is one the most layered characters in HP.

jkr said that she would finish the series with everything we would need to know. and i think that the truth about snape is one of those things that she needs to incorporate. i think that we will see a lot more of the good snape in books to come. But i do believe he will be killed by Voldemort--he said that the one who betrayed him would pay.

I fwe ever find out the truth of Snape it will proballay be in the 7th book so that JK can keep it myterist so readers like us will continue to talk and make theories about his past life and his allgenice to the Order. It will also allow for so hatered between Snape and Harry in the 6th book and until the truth comes out in the 7th book.

I think that we will know everything we need to know about Snape when the books end. There is so much that Rowling hasn't explained about him, that I'm just sure that she'll put a lot of his character in the remaining two books. I want to know why Dumbledore trusts him so much. I would like to know more about his past. I think Snape is a great character and we need to know more about him. I'm pretty sure that by the end of the books...we will know everything about him.

I think that we will know everything we need to know about Snape when the books end. There is so much that Rowling hasn't explained about him, that I'm just sure that she'll put a lot of his character in the remaining two books. I want to know why Dumbledore trusts him so much. I would like to know more about his past. I think Snape is a great character and we need to know more about him. I'm pretty sure that by the end of the books...we will know everything about him.

i completely agree

I think we will right before he's about to die in whichever book that's in.

As true as all this may be, maybe we will never know. It could just be a trick of the author to let you guess all the secrets behind Snape and his attitude. Personally, i believe Snape will be uncovered if we find out what it is mentally that drove him to the dark arts so long ago. Some people may not notice it, but Snape is one the most layered characters in HP.
I totally agree with you here. Thanks for the intriguing post! What are some of the things that could have driven Snape into the Dark Arts all those years ago? In my opinion, this is the most fun part about not knowing what's going to happen- you can make up outrageous theories about the wierdest things, and see if any of them are right. :) Personally, I think that maybe Snape's lack of confidence was the cause. Let's think about it. Snape didn't have any friends at hogwarts. I know people at my school who are the same way, and you tend to see a change in them over time. Snape may have thrown himself into the Dark Arts because he thought that it could help him to fit in, since he maybe didn't know how else to make friends.

More and more lately I am beginning to think that Ron may be more right that Hermione about Snape. Jk has said we aren't to feel to sorry for Snape and to keep and eye on him. If he really is against Voldemort, I think he is awfully mean to the kid who is going to have to defeat him. I don't think Snape is a Death Eater, but perhaps he hasn't reformed as much as Dumbledore may think. He is proficient in both Legilimency and Occlumency, which would help him deceive his true intentions from Dubledore. Once again, I don't think he is a Death Eater, but there is some sinister reason why we shouldn't be feeling sorry for him, even after seeing his worst memory.

As for what drove him to Dark Arts, I think probably his family situation as well as being bullied at school. The dark arts were probably a sucessful was in which to protect himself, something he was unable to do while being dangled upsidedown by James and Sirius.

I was reading some interviews with JKR, and two quotes about Snape 'caught my eye':

First (http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/articles/1999/1099-connectiontransc.html)
What about Snape?
JKR: Snape is a very sadistic teacher, loosely based on a teacher I myself had, I have to say. I think children are very aware and we are kidding ourselves if we don’t think that they are, that teachers do sometimes abuse their power and this particular teacher does abuse his power. He’s not a particularly pleasant person at all. However, everyone should keep their eye on Snape, I’ll just say that because there is more to him than meets the eye and you will find out part of what I am talking about if you read Book 4. No, I’m not trying to drum up more sales, go to the library and get it out. I’d rather people read it.

Second (http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/articles/2003/0626-alberthall-fry.htm)
SF: Right I shall bear that in mind. Worth watching Serverus Snape
JKR: He's worth keeping and eye on, definitely

In both interviews, she mentions 'eye' in relation to Snape -and in both cases she is being overabundant. Also, in the books there are occasions where Harry thinks that Snape is reading his mind when he stares at him. And of course in PS/SS their first interaction involves a good deal of eyecontact.

This may be farfetched, but maybe there's something interesting about Snape's eyes?

:starts searching book 4 for clues about Snape and eyes:

You know, I never really paid enough attention to that quote. Look at what JKR really said: she affirms that Snape is a wretched teacher and a nasty person, and then she says, "However," implying that what she says next is in oppostion to the previous comments. He seems bad--BUT......
And she refers to GoF, in which Snape reveals the Dark Mark and explains it to Fudge. I've said in other threads that this moment is not to Snape's advantage if, in fact, he is still evil. Why give Fudge all this information about DE's--including Snape? The only motive I can see for Snape's doing this is that he is backing up Dumbledore: he only revealed the Mark when Fudge persisted in not believing Dumbledore. That scene is the affirmation of Snape's loyalty to Dumbledore--there is more to Snape than meets the eye: he's not just that snarky git treating his students badly.

This may be farfetched, but maybe there's something interesting about Snape's eyes?

:starts searching book 4 for clues about Snape and eyes:

What color are Snapes eyes? I seem to remember something about being cold and black (I could be very wrong). The reason I ask is every one is always commenting on Harry's eyes. Wonder if there is a connection there?

I've discussed my believe that Snape and Lilly had a relationship of sorts before.
A solid argument can be made for it, and I stand by it.

I know which Snape's boggart is, it is...HIMSELF !!!
I'm sure of that, just take a look on book 4, when he look at himself in the mirror of enemy (sorry i don't known the right term, i'm french :)) at the end, in the maugrey's office.
It's so obviously, isnt it ? I think he's fighting with himself everytime.

I know which Snape's boggart is, it is...HIMSELF !!!
I'm sure of that, just take a look on book 4, when he look at himself in the mirror of enemy (sorry i don't known the right term, i'm french :)) at the end, in the maugrey's office.
It's so obviously, isnt it ? I think he's fighting with himself everytime.

Interesting. I don't remember that really, I do think I remember someone using that section to argue that is the reason that Snape can't be a vampire though.
But even if it is true that Snape saw himself in the mirror: doesn't it show the owner's foes? Not the person looking in it? I could be wrong though...

Well maybe, but it can explain several thing about his caracter.
I don't think Snape is a vampire but an animagus, he's change into a bat and he spy Voldemort like that.

I agree with the reason why Dumbledore doesn't tell Snape to stop; I mean, Harry has to do things for himself every once in a while, right? And it makes perfect sense that Dumbledore wants Harry to know as much as possible. However, doesn't Dumbledore think that potion-making could come in handy in vanquishing the Dark Lord, too? I realize that it's not as important as DADA, but I'm sure it has its uses.

Hey, I just thought I would share my views on this, even though it requires backtracking a little on the conversation going on in here, sorry about that! I think that Dumbledore is a good headmaster (as just about everyone who isn't evil in the books thinks!)
and I to not appoint a teacher because he may have a grudge against a future pupil of your school (since Snape has been after the job for years, according to PS/SS) is not the action of a good headmaster. I think there must be a real reason why Dumbledore has kept Snape close (and safe?) while not allowing him his perfect post within the school. I don't knwo what this could be, but I don't think Dumbledore shows enough favouritism to do this just for Harry. I mean, sure he definatly has a close relationship with Harry, but to be fair we haven't seen his relationships with other students in private. He does care for Harry a lot, but to deprive a teacher of a post he deserves, and the school of a good teacher, just for Harry's benefit doesn't seem very fair. I think that Dumbledore feels either or both of these are not the case, and he must have good reason for thinking so.
Sorry that was a bit long; wanted to explain myself as best I could!!

yes

As I'm sure you all know by now, Snape basically loathes HArry with ever fiber of his being. This most likely stems back to the hatred Snape held for Harry's father. James Potter was popular, good at Quidditch, and went out with Lily Evans, and Snape was very jealous. But could Snape's attitude towards life and the people in it be stemmed even further back; possibly to a troubled childhood? Harry saw Snape hiding in a corner while his parents fought in the pensive during an Occlumency lesson. Could this be a clue to Snape's behavior? Another thing that I've been wondering about is WHY Snape has always been so into the Dark Arts. Maybe he just finds them interesting and used them in his work as a Death Eater. However, now that he's out of the fold and has a clean slate, why won't Dumbledore laet him teach DADA? Maybe he's afraid that Snape still isn't quite over his obsession with the Dark Arts? There's definitely a lot of mystery surrounding Severus Snape, and I hope to learn more about him in the future 2 books. Any thoughts?

I've been thinking of Snape's Worst Memory...

Page 642, US version, OOTP
"Harry's stomach gave another pleasurable squirm—was Remus Lupin. He looked rather pale and peaky (was the full moon approaching?) and was absorbed in the exam…"

I think that the prank against Snape happened that night, after the OWL examinations.

I think that JKR added the occlumency lessons for a specific reason. I think that she needed a way to show a flashback of the past. (She used TR's diary, Harry's dementor attack in PoA, Moody's photograph, and DD's penseive memories in this manner before. I also think that
she is probably going to use Ron's brain attack to give more
information about the past in book 6).

I think there is something important about the scene where James and gang torture Snape (Snape's Worst Memory). There is something we were supposed to notice in that scene (aside from the obvious). I also think that that is the night
that Snape was almost killed by Lupin. (Harry notices that Lupin looks strange in Snape's penseive memory, and wondered whether the full moon was approaching.)


I just realized something.

In Tom Riddle's diary we at first think that TR is a good kid and that Hagrid let the monster loose.

In Dumbledore's penseive memories (regarding the DE trials), we at first believe that Crouch Jr. was perhaps innocent and that his father was the bad guy for disowning him.

Is JKR telling us not to take what we see (read) at face value?

How about Moody's picture? Who is Aberforth? (I know this next part is irrelevant but why can't Aberforth read? Dumbledore is obviously educated. Why would his brother be illiterate?)

Maybe the voice Harry hears in PoA isn't his father either (this is the part where Harry hears what he thinks is his father yelling at Lily to run with Harry). Maybe it's someone else.

Maybe Snape isn't the victim we are lead to believe in OOTP either.

You really have to have a lot of appreciation for Severus Snape. After all, he is a spy from the order, yet, he mustn't draw attention to himself by being too friendly with Dumbledore or the Gryffindors. Here's a thing I think about a lot...
Voldemort obviously knows Snape is working against him, so it would be only natural for Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle to know this also. Why then, don't they hate him for siding with The Order?

You really have to have a lot of appreciation for Severus Snape. After all, he is a spy from the order, yet, he mustn't draw attention to himself by being too friendly with Dumbledore or the Gryffindors. Here's a thing I think about a lot...
Voldemort obviously knows Snape is working against him, so it would be only natural for Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle to know this also. Why then, don't they hate him for siding with The Order?

Because he really isn't a good guy perhaps.

You really have to have a lot of appreciation for Severus Snape. After all, he is a spy from the order, yet, he mustn't draw attention to himself by being too friendly with Dumbledore or the Gryffindors. Here's a thing I think about a lot...
Voldemort obviously knows Snape is working against him, so it would be only natural for Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle to know this also. Why then, don't they hate him for siding with The Order?


I wouldn't call it "obvious" that Voldemort knows Snape is working against him. In fact, I don't think Voldemort knows at all. We know from the canon that Snape is skilled in Occlumency, so he can lie to LV without being detected.

Another take on this is that Voldemort thinks Snape is spying on the Order for the Death Eaters instead of the other way round, which would allow Snape quite a bit of leeway in his actions and demeanor, since Snape would need to keep Dumbledore thinking he's on the good side.

And, as to the question in the title of the thread: we'd better find out! We'd just better! We can't be strung along by such an ambiguous character and never really know the truth. Why does Dumbledore trust him? When do we get to know?

What color are Snapes eyes? I seem to remember something about being cold and black (I could be very wrong). The reason I ask is every one is always commenting on Harry's eyes. Wonder if there is a connection there?
Oh, good point! I'd never even thought of that before. I think you're right, though. We also know that Harry's mother had green eyes, and Lord Voldemort has red eyes. COuld there possibly be a connection with all of those?

Snape is too important of a character for JKR to lead us this far and not tell us the truth about him. I think in these last two books we will find out all the information we need to know about Snape. I'm sure that she will tell us all about his past, including why Dumbledore trusts him so much. However, I'm not quite sure how we will find out. Will it be from Dumbledore's mouth or Snape?? Or some other character or way?? There are just so many ways that he could find out the truth about Snape. I also think we will find out more about why Snape hates James so much. I still think that there is more to it than just the fact that James saved Snape and the whole James picked on him thing, or atleast I hope there is more to it than that.

I realize that we will probably find out the truth about Snape. I guess I gave this thread a very bad title. :) I made this thread so that all the curious people (such as myself) could discuss things about him, and try to dealve deeper into his psyche. I mean, J.K. wouldn't be so cruel as to put out all of this mysterious information about the man, never to tell us the whole truth about him; would she? If anyone has thoughts about the man, his personality, or why he is why he is, etc... please post them so that we can all feed off of each others' ideas! :)

I wouldn't call it "obvious" that Voldemort knows Snape is working against him. In fact, I don't think Voldemort knows at all. We know from the canon that Snape is skilled in Occlumency, so he can lie to LV without being detected.

I think that the only person who knows what side Snape is on is Snape himself. He's a Slytherin; given the choice, he'll save himself, rather than siding with one side or another. I think by the end of the book, we'll know who's side he's on, but we'll probably have to wait until Book Seven to know for sure.


How about Moody's picture? Who is Aberforth? (I know this next part is irrelevant but why can't Aberforth read? Dumbledore is obviously educated. Why would his brother be illiterate?)

I think that Moody's picture is just to show us that a lot of people are likely to die in the coming war (although his comment about never finding any part of Caradoc Dearborn may be a bit suspicious, for those on the paranoid side at least.) It's trying to show us what happened to the Order last time so we'll be prepared when people start dropping like flies this time around.
Also, DD may have been joking when he said that he's not entirely sure Aberforth can read.

I don't think Snape's entirely innocent. While he is bullied by James and Sirius, Snape did take every opportunity to hex James (according to Lupin) and there may be something we haven't seen yet. I believe that JKR has told us not to feel *too* sorry for Snape, so there's got to be another side to things.

Good point. I love the way this thread is changing.

I think we will find out a lot more about snape and what/if he is hiding something. I think Jk has said that we will fidn out things like patronus and a few other things dont remember exactly. It was on the world book day chat.

Snape is a very strange kind of vampire.
Maybe he can see himself in the miror because he is a half-vampire. :cool:
btw his eyes are black and deep

Volare, I don't think Snape is a vampire. It's a rumour. I think JKR said that he wasn't, but I'm not sure. Someone else could tell you for definite though.

But agreed, he has many vampiric qualities which makes people think that Snape is a vampire. Perhaps that's what JKR wants us to believe - for now.

Maybe his mother or father is a vampire.

Perhaps, we've had a glimpse of his parents in OotP, and JKR wouldn't give us that without filling us in a bit more about them. But it depends how vampires reproduce. Anne Rice vampires reproduce by humans having to drink vampire blood. I dunno if that's something Anne Rice made up, or if that's the general belief. JKR may have made her vampires different.

Snape is a very strange kind of vampire.
Maybe he can see himself in the miror because he is a half-vampire. :cool:
btw his eyes are black and deep

Maybe you would enjoy this thread? Snape, a vampire? v3 (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=31470&highlight=vampire)

I'm not sure if you are aware of it or not, but Jo said in her World Book Day chat last March that there was no connection between Snape and vampires. Here's the quote. :)

Megan: Is there a link between Snape and vampires?

JK Rowling replies -> Erm... I don't think so.

I am in the midst of rereading GoF, and something struck me strange about the Quidditch World Cup. When the DEs were floating the Roberts family in the air, one of them turned Mrs. Roberts upsidedown revealing her voluminous drawers. I immediately thought of Snape's Worst Memory. That kind of taunting and embarrassment is sickly childish. It confirms my belief that Snape or someone who had seen the Mauraders taunt Snape at Hogwarts did that dirty trick to Mrs. Roberts.

If it were Snape, I think that leads us to question his ethics even more. If it were someone who had seen it done to Snape at Hogwarts, we have another potential DE on our hands that we don't know about. And the same age as the Mauraders.

What do you think?

I am in the midst of rereading GoF, and something struck me strange about the Quidditch World Cup. When the DEs were floating the Roberts family in the air, one of them turned Mrs. Roberts upsidedown revealing her voluminous drawers. I immediately thought of Snape's Worst Memory. That kind of taunting and embarrassment is sickly childish. It confirms my belief that Snape or someone who had seen the Mauraders taunt Snape at Hogwarts did that dirty trick to Mrs. Roberts.

If it were Snape, I think that leads us to question his ethics even more. If it were someone who had seen it done to Snape at Hogwarts, we have another potential DE on our hands that we don't know about. And the same age as the Mauraders.

What do you think?

We've been discussing this very topic in the Deconstructing The Marauders V.8 ( (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=1804599#post1804599) thread. It's a really interesting debate in that thread (a lot of the discussion revolves around Snape, actually most of it does). Maybe you'd like to join the discussion. It's always nice to hear new ideas in that thread since we've discussed it ad nausea and can't seem to reach any consensus. Fresh ideas can sometimes shed new light on the topic. I hope you'll join us. :)

I think I'll go sniff it out. About what thread number?

Right around post #248 (it's one of my own) we started to discuss it again. It's been discussed in quite a few of the previous versions, and I'm sure a lot of the thread regulars will show up with a totally different interpretation than what I posted. (Many people defend James and Sirius in this situation) I won't say more here at risk of going off topic, but I'd love to have you join our discussion. :)

There is something about the penseive memory that has always nagged at me, besides what happened to Snape.

In every book JKR has shown us a glimpse of the past. She did it
with Tom Riddle's diary, Dumbledore and Snape's penseive memories,
etc. I find it rather interesting that in Tom's diary we first
believe that Tom is a wonderful kid who helped to capture the
monster in the chamber. We are also lead to believe that Hagrid let
the beast out.

In Dumbledore's memories we see the DE trials. We are again led to
believe that perhaps Crouch Jr. is innocent and that his father is a
heartless person (we later find out that Crouch Jr. is in fact a
DE).

Now about Snape - I read a very interesting article at Mugglenet
(Snape Losing Control -2), which discusses Snape's penseive memory.
Here is the link:

http://www.mugglenet.com/editorials...ower/nt36.shtml

This article claims that JKR named the chapter "Snape's Worst
Memory" because it was the worst memory of James Snape had. The article
claims that Snape specifically picked this memory for Harry to see
so that his hero worship of James would be destroyed.

Think about it, Snape had already had a few Occlumency lessons with
Harry and would have realized that Harry's childhood was not a happy
one. (Harry did not live a priviledged childhood like James.) JKR
even makes sure that we understand that Snape has caught glimpses of
Harry's miserable life with the Dursleys (Snape asks Harry who the
dog belonged to, etc.).

Snape even tells Harry about how Voldemort uses people who wear
their hearts on their sleeves, etc. Snape now knows that Harry is
nothing like his father, yet he obviously still hates him.

He plants the memory of James into the penseive as a trap. (Want to
make a bet that Dumbledore warned Snape that Harry might take a peak
into the penseive? How could Snape resist this setup?!)

So, of course, Harry looks into the penseive and he is emotionally
destroyed by what he sees (Harry even begins to day dream that his
father somehow forced his mother to marry him).

Snape puts on a show about being angry, and throws Harry out (but
not before telling Harry not to mention the memory to anyone).

I find it hard to believe that this is Snape's worst memory
(watching or participating in the torture of other people are not his
worst memories though). JKR also lets us see other humiliating
childhood memories of Snape, but Snape doesn't even react to Harry
seeing these--that's bizzare!)

I also wanted to point out that Snape has in fact made a mistake in
letting Harry see that particular memory because if you really pay
attention to what is happening in that scene you do find out a lot
about Snape. During the penseive memory (before Snape is attacked),
James and gang are discussing question 10 on the exam. The question
is on how to detect a werewolf. (I find it funny that Snape gives
this same essay to Lupin's students during PoA. Hermione realizes
what Lupin is because of this essay.)

Anyway, the marauders are discussing the exam (all the while calling
each other by their animagus nick names). Snape also seems to be
engrossed over the exam as he walks past James. Was Snape also
engrossed over question 10?
Was he putting two-and-two together about Lupin? If so, does it mean
that he already knew what Lupin was when he followed Sirius during
the prank? If so, what was Snape up to? (It really reminds me of PoA
when Snape follows Lupin into the Whomping Willow. Was he planning
on killing Lupin so that he could get some stupid award? Did James
ruin his plan?)

I remember reading somewhere that the books seem to be building on
the theme of mistaken identity and that by the 7th book something
large was going to be revealed. I think that Harry is going to tell
Hermione about this memory and she is the one who is going to figure
out what Snape is all about. She did it with Lupin, she will do it
again.

There is something about the penseive memory that has always nagged at me, besides what happened to Snape.

Now about Snape - I read a very interesting article at Mugglenet
(Snape Losing Control -2), which discusses Snape's penseive memory.
This article claims that JKR named the chapter "Snape's Worst Memory" because it was the worst memory of James Snape had. The article
claims that Snape specifically picked this memory for Harry to see
so that his hero worship of James would be destroyed.

Think about it, Snape had already had a few Occlumency lessons with
Harry and would have realized that Harry's childhood was not a happy
one. (Harry did not live a priviledged childhood like James.) JKR
even makes sure that we understand that Snape has caught glimpses of
Harry's miserable life with the Dursleys (Snape asks Harry who the
dog belonged to, etc.).

Snape even tells Harry about how Voldemort uses people who wear
their hearts on their sleeves, etc. Snape now knows that Harry is
nothing like his father, yet he obviously still hates him.

He plants the memory of James into the penseive as a trap. (Want to
make a bet that Dumbledore warned Snape that Harry might take a peak
into the penseive? How could Snape resist this setup?!)

So, of course, Harry looks into the penseive and he is emotionally
destroyed by what he sees (Harry even begins to day dream that his
father somehow forced his mother to marry him).

Snape puts on a show about being angry, and throws Harry out (but
not before telling Harry not to mention the memory to anyone).

I find it hard to believe that this is Snape's worst memory
(watching or participating in the torture of other people are not his
worst memories though). JKR also lets us see other humiliating
childhood memories of Snape, but Snape doesn't even react to Harry
seeing these--that's bizzare!)

I also wanted to point out that Snape has in fact made a mistake in
letting Harry see that particular memory because if you really pay
attention to what is happening in that scene you do find out a lot
about Snape. During the penseive memory (before Snape is attacked),
James and gang are discussing question 10 on the exam. The question
is on how to detect a werewolf. (I find it funny that Snape gives
this same essay to Lupin's students during PoA. Hermione realizes
what Lupin is because of this essay.)

Anyway, the marauders are discussing the exam (all the while calling
each other by their animagus nick names). Snape also seems to be
engrossed over the exam as he walks past James. Was Snape also
engrossed over question 10?
Was he putting two-and-two together about Lupin? If so, does it mean
that he already knew what Lupin was when he followed Sirius during
the prank? If so, what was Snape up to? (It really reminds me of PoA
when Snape follows Lupin into the Whomping Willow. Was he planning
on killing Lupin so that he could get some stupid award? Did James
ruin his plan?)

I remember reading somewhere that the books seem to be building on
the theme of mistaken identity and that by the 7th book something
large was going to be revealed. I think that Harry is going to tell
Hermione about this memory and she is the one who is going to figure
out what Snape is all about. She did it with Lupin, she will do it
again.
This is a very good point. I've never really thought about any of these things before. I mean, I never really paid attention to the fact that, the memory Harry just HAPPENED to see in the pensieve was the one where his father was torturing Snape. This could definitely be a plot to make Harry stop looking up to his father. Also, I totally agree with you that Hermione could come up with all the facts about Snape. Like you said, she did it with Lupin, she can do it again.

In my view, it doesn't seem likely that Snape was setting up Harry with the pensieve. I think that Snape simply wanted to remove the memories in case Harry broke thru to his mind....after all, they show Snape as insecure and unpopular, as well as in a humiliating situation -- not something he'd want anyone to know, let alone Harry.

That's true. I think that when Harry saw Snape in the pensieve, it may have showed his teacher as a weak and unpopular student. In other words, like some of the kids that all the so-called "popular" kids pick on at school. If I were a teacher, I wouldn't want my students to see me like that, either. I mean, it's kind of harder to take orders from someone who couldn't even stick up for themselves as a kid. If I were Snape, I wouldn't have wanted my students to see me like that (though it's not as if they didn't already know how unpopular he was in school). It's just one of those things that you tyr to not let anyone find out about.

Well, seeing as I seen to be the only one who actually cares to analyze the complex character of Professor Snape, I'm going to change the thread name back. :)

I certainly hope so. He's been incredibly ellusive so far, and it'll be great to find out what really makes him tick, why he is how he is, and whether he is truly on Harry's side or not. There are so many debates about him, they just have to be resolved! Regardless of the plot, he he! Just for our peace of mind! :D

As I'm sure you all know by now, Snape basically loathes Harry with ever fiber of his being. This most likely stems back to the hatred Snape held for Harry's father. James Potter was popular, good at Quidditch, and went out with Lily Evans, and Snape was very jealous. But could Snape's attitude towards life and the people in it be stemmed even further back; possibly to a troubled childhood? Harry saw Snape hiding in a corner while his parents fought in the pensive during an Occlumency lesson. Could this be a clue to Snape's behavior? Another thing that I've been wondering about is WHY Snape has always been so into the Dark Arts. Maybe he just finds them interesting and used them in his work as a Death Eater. However, now that he's out of the fold and has a clean slate, why won't Dumbledore laet him teach DADA? Maybe he's afraid that Snape still isn't quite over his obsession with the Dark Arts? There's definitely a lot of mystery surrounding Severus Snape, and I hope to learn more about him in the future 2 books. Any thoughts?

I think i heard somewhere that JK said if Snape taught DADA it would bring out the worse in him. there is obviously a lot we don't know about Snape yet.

Did he love Lily?
I think maybe he had some of feelings for her. but going back to Snapes worse memory its a funny one i can't believe that was his worse memory unless we miss read it and the fact that he called Lily a mud-blood was what made it his worse memory because he loved her so much.

Why does Dumbledore trust him?
I don't know there must be a good reason D is not a fool and wouldn't trust anyone willy nilly. maybe he was the one that told D that the potters were marked for death in order for them to go into hiding. but still there something there we need to know now!

I aslo read somewhere (can't remember where) that Snape animagus is a spider and he spies on V as this spider! i don't know about that.

We need to know more! i love Snape

Role on July the 16th.

Snape is a difficult character to analyze because he is just so darn clever. He never shows a definite emotion towards anything or anyone (except for Dumbledore, the Marauders, and Lord Voldemort) which in turn makes it harder for us to find out anything that is close to him or something which we can use to unlock further secrets into this complicated potions master's mind. As far as we can tell, Snape had a really crappy childhood (one which I can relate to, or actually I can relate more to Tom's childhood) and became one of our misunderstood children nowadays who choses the wrong things. All of his childhood he had been under other's commands so when Voldemort offers a helping hand, he is attracted to it like magnet to magnet. Snape sues his new position of power to take revenge on all those who have ever wronged him (if he killed his parents or if their still alive, I have know idea, but I would say he would take the Riddle route and take out Mr. Snape). Snape then for some reason renounces his evil ways (or does he?) and joins Dumbledore at Hogwarts.

As far as we can tell Snape is a man who has always been very cautious and likes to take things into consideration, he likes things to be precise and accurate measured in extremely fine detail. During Occlumency lessons with Harry in OotP, he defines people who lack self-control as weak, which tells you quite a bit about the way he probably sees things.

“Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, who cannot control their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to be provoked so easily – weak people, in other words – they stand no chance against his [Voldemort’s] powers.”
(OotP, p. 473)

Control isn’t just something to be desired, it’s the key to survival. Snape very rarely shows any emotion that could be used against him (contempt, disdain and enjoyment of somebody else’s failure or pain are his most common ones, and those aren’t nearly as easy to manipulate as e.g. love or devotion). He keeps his distance, which can be seen e.g. in the way he addresses other people. Snape likes titles. He calls Dumbledore “Headmaster”, whereas Dumbledore calls him by his given name. He normally addresses the other teachers as “Professor”, whereas the people on the staff generally address each other less formally (Minerva, Sibyll, Poppy, and so on). Slightly odd. He seems to view titles and polite formalities very much as a sign of respect, seeing as the only people he doesn’t address in a formal way are the people he despises. It’s “Lupin” and “Lockhart”, not “Professor Lupin” or “Professor Lockhart” for example (when talking directly to them, that is). He insists that his students (and especially Harry) remember to call him “sir”, which I interpret as a demand for respect, or at least recognition of his authority.

Yet, the funny thing is, during Occlumency lessons he loses control, and not just some small talk he actually starts throwing things across the room at Harry, this shows for one thing that the memory in the pensieve was one which was very important to him. In my quest to decipher this memory I have come up with the idea that it was his worst memory because first he gets into a fight and starts to lose, second the girl that he likes (assuming it was Lily he liked which I am sure of, you'll see in a moment why) trys to protect you, third you insult her for trying to help you, fourth she walks out on you and insults you back, and finally you continue to get beat up.

I believe it was Lily Snape liked because Sirius and Lupin tell Harry that James was always beating on Snape throughout their entire year together, so why should that single fight hurt Snape the most? I'll tell you why, because the girl you've had a crushed on saw u get beat on, trys to help u, u insult her, she insults you back and walks out on you, and u continue to get beat on, and u lose the girl u like forever. That would truly be my worst memory.

To end this thread, I look forward to finding out Snape's worst fear (his boggart) and what he symbolizes as a protecter (his patronus) I believe these two items will be the most important revelations on Snape's side which will lead us to unlocking his past life and why he is how he is today.

Ali: Why specifically does Dumbledore trust Snape?
JK Rowling replies -> Another excellent and non-answerable question. I shall merely say that Snape has given Dumbledore his story and Dumbledore believes it.

JK Rowling's World Book Day Chat

snapes secret must have a vital part to play in the next two books so yes i believe we will find out the truth about snape at sompoint snapes past may some how have a direct link to voldemorts demise.

Well, i believe as do many that all secrets and unsolved mysteries will be explained by the end of bk 7.

Snape has told his story, well maybe he has and maybe it is perfectly honest (well without the perfect bit). But maybe he did just make a mistake, we know he liked the dark arts and we know he had a bad childhood. Maybe just the thought of being a part of something, being known and respected by others. The DE's may have made it seem really appealing and unwittingly Snape joined.

Maybe it all happened while he was still at Hogwarts and he went to Dumbledore as soon as he realised what he had done.

in case you can't tell, I don't think much of Snape, not at all...
You know what Corbin, i would never have guessed.

Anyway, you're kinda right he's not as interesting as everyone says, all the characters are not as defined as you think, they're all with hidden aspects, with Snape i think it's just that well the puzzle is filled in but its a bit blurred. All his character is there, just you all missunderstand him.

One of you mentioned that he's hiding his character or that he's simply just to moody to be understood, but well if ya look at it the right way it's not difficult to realise why he acts the way he does.