Severus Snape hero background
Severus Snape portrait
Slytherin

Severus Snape

Potions Master

Played by Alan Rickman
half-blood
About Severus Snape

Complex and mysterious Potions Master. Cold exterior hiding a tragic past and ultimate loyalty.

Severus Snape's Background Story

Severus Snape, born to a witch mother and Muggle father in 1960, grew up in an abusive household. At Hogwarts, he was sorted into Slytherin and developed an expertise in the Dark Arts and Potions. His friendship with Lily Evans turned to unrequited love, and her death while protecting Harry devastated him. This love drove him to become a double agent, protecting Harry while maintaining his cover as a Death Eater. Snape's true loyalty remained hidden until his death, revealing him as one of the bravest characters in the series.

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Severus Snape's Personality Traits
IntelligentSarcasticMysteriousSecretly Caring
Severus Snape's Hogwarts House
Slytherin House crest

Slytherin

Severus Snape is a member of Slytherin, a house known for its distinctive qualities and values.

Severus Snape's Famous Quotes

"Always."

"Turn to page 394."

"You have your mother's eyes."

"I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death."

Key Moments in Severus Snape's Life
1

Creating his own spells as a student, including Sectumsempra

2

Hearing the prophecy about Harry and Voldemort

3

Begging Dumbledore to protect Lily Potter

4

Becoming a double agent after Lily's death

5

Protecting Harry while maintaining his cover

6

Making the Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy

7

Killing Dumbledore as planned between them

8

Giving Harry his memories before dying

9

Being revealed as the owner of the doe Patronus

Severus Snape's Key Relationships

Lily Potter

Childhood friend and unrequited love; her death defined his life

James Potter

School rival who married Lily; Snape never forgave him

Harry Potter

Protected him out of love for Lily, despite Harry's resemblance to James

Albus Dumbledore

The only one who knew his true loyalty

Lord Voldemort

Former master he betrayed to protect Lily and Harry

Severus Snape's Magical Abilities & Skills

Potions Master - One of the greatest potion makers

Occlumency - Master of mind protection, fooled Voldemort for years

Legilimency - Could read minds and detect lies

Dark Arts - Expert knowledge without succumbing to darkness

Spell Creation - Invented multiple spells including Sectumsempra

Nonverbal Magic - Could cast spells without speaking

Flying Without Broom - One of the few who mastered this technique

Fun Facts About Severus Snape

Snape's Patronus was a doe, same as Lily Potter's

He was called 'the Half-Blood Prince' (half-blood, Prince from his mother)

Snape wrote his own copy of Advanced Potion-Making with improvements

He was the youngest person to become Potions Master at Hogwarts

Snape always wanted to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts

He was briefly Headmaster of Hogwarts

Harry named his son Albus Severus Potter after him

Frequently Asked Questions About Severus Snape

What house was Severus Snape in?

Severus Snape was in Slytherin House during his time as a student at Hogwarts. He later became the Head of Slytherin House and Potions Master.

Was Severus Snape good or evil?

Severus Snape was ultimately revealed to be good. Despite appearing to be a villain, he was secretly working as a double agent for Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix, motivated by his love for Lily Potter.

What is Severus Snape's Patronus?

Severus Snape's Patronus is a doe, the same as Lily Potter's. This revealed his enduring love for Harry's mother, even years after her death.

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