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Severus Snape was one of the most complex characters in the Harry Potter series. He was a half-blood wizard serving as Potions Master, Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, and Headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as well as a member of the Order of the Phoenix and a Death Eater. His double life played an extremely important role in both of the Wizarding Wars against Lord Voldemort.

But with Harry, Ron, and Hermione taking up most of the spotlight, not everyone is giving Severus the recognition he deserves. So, to shed some light on him and the entire series, potterheads turned to the Internet to cast Lumos on their beloved persona.

#1

Difference With Other Teachers

Difference With Other Teachers

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This fascination with Severus Snape isn't just a phase. In 2011, he became the (surprise) winner of a poll to find the public's favorite Harry Potter character. With 13,000 votes, Snape, who in the movies is played by Alan Rickman, took 20% of the 70,000 votes cast in the survey from the books' publisher, Bloomsbury. The organizers said he was the clear winner, beating Hermione Granger into second place.

Harry Potter, the hero of one of the most successful book series in history, took fourth place behind Sirius Black but ahead of his pal Ron Weasley, who came in at a measly number five.

#2

He Exhibits Real Emotions

He Exhibits Real Emotions

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Valquerys
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Id probably feel the same. Emotional trauma was a pain to deal with when I had it. :(

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Hermy, a moderator of one of the biggest online Harry Potter communities, r/harrypotter, said she has deeply mixed feelings about Snape. "I was the same age as Harry for most of the book releases, and as a kid, I thought he was evil incarnate!" she told Bored Panda. "Now, I think he is just a profoundly flawed man--and that's what makes him such a compelling character, if not a great person."

Overall, Hermy isn't a big fan of Snape. She thinks he had good moments, like honoring Dumbledore's wishes when Draco was tasked with killing Dumbledore and defecting from the Death Eaters, but for her, his flaws are very difficult to overlook. "What I often hear from other fans is that Snape is ultimately loyal to Lily Potter, but I think loyalty isn't the right word for what he actually does. I think he's obsessive, insecure, and unable to move past a high school crush," Hermy explained.

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#3

When Snape And Harry First Meet Eyes, Harry's Scar Hurts. But It's Actually Because Quirrel's Head Is Turned At That Exact Moment, And Lord Voldemort Is Living On The Back Of Quirrel's Head. In Fact, Snape Actually Notices That Harry's Scar Hurts And Turns To Look At Quirrell. He Later Confronts Quirrell Because He's Suspicious Of Him Working With Voldemort

When Snape And Harry First Meet Eyes, Harry's Scar Hurts. But It's Actually Because Quirrel's Head Is Turned At That Exact Moment, And Lord Voldemort Is Living On The Back Of Quirrel's Head. In Fact, Snape Actually Notices That Harry's Scar Hurts And Turns To Look At Quirrell. He Later Confronts Quirrell Because He's Suspicious Of Him Working With Voldemort

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"Lily was very clear about not being interested in him, yet he refused to acknowledge her feelings. When Harry arrives, he becomes a target for all that pent-up frustration despite never having wronged Snape (initially, at least!). At that time, it's been 11 years since Lily died, and probably 15-20 years since he was rejected. Any person we knew in real life who couldn't process a teenage heartbreak would not get the same indulgence that Snape gets from part of the Potterverse. But that certainly doesn't make him evil. Creepy, yes. Not evil. The matching patronus thing still weirds me out."

For her, Snape's bad qualities outweigh the good, but they don't negate the good. "I respect him, but I don't like him."

#4

In Snape's Death Scene, You Can See A Gryffindor Scarf Hanging In The Background. If You've Read The Books, This May Be A Subtle Nod To Dumbledore's Line To Snape, "Sometimes I Think We Sort Too Soon"

In Snape's Death Scene, You Can See A Gryffindor Scarf Hanging In The Background. If You've Read The Books, This May Be A Subtle Nod To Dumbledore's Line To Snape, "Sometimes I Think We Sort Too Soon"

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In 2017, J.K. Rowling celebrated the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts by apologizing for killing off arguably the most divisive character in the series. The author obviously agrees that Severus is a polarizing character, saying, "Snape is all grey. You can't make him a saint: he was vindictive & bullying. You can't make him a devil: he died to save the wizarding world."

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But what do you think about him? Tell us in the comments.

#5

In The Harry Potter Movies (2001-2011), Snape’s Costume Was The Only One That Never Changed. According To Costume Designer, Jany Temine:"Because, It Was Perfect. When Something Is Perfect You Cannot Change It.” She Joined In Prisoner Of Azkaban And Changed Most Costumes Except Snape’s

In The Harry Potter Movies (2001-2011), Snape’s Costume Was The Only One That Never Changed. According To Costume Designer, Jany Temine:"Because, It Was Perfect. When Something Is Perfect You Cannot Change It.” She Joined In Prisoner Of Azkaban And Changed Most Costumes Except Snape’s

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Pamela24
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And apparently, Alan Rickman himself had a lot to do with the design: "Rickman felt that he needed a lot of buttons, because, in his mind, he saw Snape buttoning up when he developed the character. He also wanted the sleeves to be tight. He realized that the whole look was essential to the character's completeness."

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#6

Severus Snape Is Grey

Severus Snape Is Grey

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#7

An Interesting Note About Snape Being Unattractive

An Interesting Note About Snape Being Unattractive

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Dianna Siever
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I HATED how adorable/ good looking Harry, Hermione, and Ron were in the movies. They were all described as ugly-ish misfits in the books, with Hermione bearing the brunt of it.

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#8

This Harry Potter Detail Is Probably Well Known But Has Always Fascinated Me. An “Asphodel” Is A Flower From The Lily Family Meaning “My Regrets Follow You To The Grave”. And Wormwood Means “Absence”. So Snape Was Literally Saying “I Bitterly Regret Lily’s Death”

This Harry Potter Detail Is Probably Well Known But Has Always Fascinated Me. An “Asphodel” Is A Flower From The Lily Family Meaning “My Regrets Follow You To The Grave”. And Wormwood Means “Absence”. So Snape Was Literally Saying “I Bitterly Regret Lily’s Death”

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#9

Does Snape Even Sleep

Does Snape Even Sleep

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Electric Ed
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes you wonder what sort of potions he was cooking up between classes...

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#11

Hermione Actually Respects Snape

Hermione Actually Respects Snape

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Pamela24
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well...Hermione isn't suprassed by Harry in their 6th year because Snape no longer teaches Potions but because Harry has Snape's book. If he didn't have it, she would most likely still be better than Harry because there's no reason to think that Slughorn was that much of a worse teacher than Snape nor that his methods would suit Harry that much better than Hermione.

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#12

Snape Had An Unfortunate Life Bringing

Snape Had An Unfortunate Life Bringing

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Jaded Queen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then in all likelihood he would not have been so talented and deeply loving of lily and inturn be selfless & brave for her. He was abused that made him isolated and he had thrown himself in potions and dark arts the things he had natural affinity for, instead of trying something new like magic ministry job or quidditch. Nobody other than lily cared for him. All his attention and love and excess ccare of the years concentrated on one focal point. That made lily not just his love interest but the axis of his life. His obsession. Think about it. Person u love dies, and it's sad yes, but most people move on to different things and people. But not Snape ,due to his past conditioning and experience and guilt, he never ventured in anything new,that would have made his life a little more bearable. He still would have protected Harry but also enjoy his life. I know rough experiences are bad. But most good/working skills come from them. Not talking about morality or psycholgy Like lotus in mud

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Nhaundar
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its mostly the sorrounding and the people shaping someone, not the person itself.

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Tabitha L
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nature vs nurture. There are plenty of killers who had lovely childhoods and loving families. And there are plenty of people who had rotten childhoods who grew up to be kind and generous.

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Dawn Ours
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

annnnd Harry had what ? it all comes down to choice , just because you weren't cuddled just because you were bullied or abused does NOT relieve YOU of the ability/right/ responsibility to choose to become better than you were shown.. is it hard? of course it is nothing in life that is Worthwhile or worth doing/becoming is easy ...and Snape by the way did change because of Dumbledore's example/and belief in him ...you don't just quit and say this is all I can be ...you keep learning and growing and become better ...no one is ever perfect but you keep trying.... you owe that to yourself .

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Jaded Queen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then in all likelihood he would not have been so talented and deeply loving of lily and inturn be selfless & brave for her. He was abused that made him isolated and he had thrown himself in potions and dark arts the things he had natural affinity for, instead of trying something new like magic ministry job or quidditch. Nobody other than lily cared for him. All his attention and love and excess ccare of the years concentrated on one focal point. That made lily not just his love interest but the axis of his life. His obsession. Think about it. Person u love dies, and it's sad yes, but most people move on to different things and people. But not Snape ,due to his past conditioning and experience and guilt, he never ventured in anything new,that would have made his life a little more bearable. He still would have protected Harry but also enjoy his life. I know rough experiences are bad. But most good/working skills come from them. Not talking about morality or psycholgy Like lotus in mud

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Maurettis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's basically the opposite of James. But it proved he was still far from the other deatheaters as when he tried to protect Lily by warning Dumbledore, and never let anyone know until his death. Also the crippling pain he felt when even though Lily didn't love him, still seeing her dead, was excruciating, to the point he let his emotions work towards the end of the Dark lord

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Coco D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally I believe that's way he held onto Lily for so many years they've known one another since they were young and she was the only one to show him any form of genuine love for a long time.

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Tina Scogin
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think he had to live that difficult life to be in the position he was in at the end. Otherwise, would he have been where he was when Dumbledore needed him? No one wants bad things to happen, but sometimes they need to happen to prepare yourself or even others down the road. Sometimes you don't even know why something bad happens, but I believe its always so something positive can happen later.

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Mónica Elisabeth Sacco
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Abuse from.his school mates who ashamed and bullied him in every posible occassion

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Death Metal Kitty
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He already was more than what others knew him for. Another quote is particularly apt here... "Because he's the hero Hogwards deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A dark knight."

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#13

He Knew What Was Going To Happen For So Long

He Knew What Was Going To Happen For So Long

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#14

Petunia Probably Knew Snape

Petunia Probably Knew Snape

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Maca Fabry
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are you talking about? In the books Lily and Petunia meet Snape at the same time when they were kids. So of course they knew each other. Also Petunia didnt have a crush on him hahaha.

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#15

Snape Is Actually The One To Teach Harry The Spell Expelliarmus, Which Becomes His Signature

Snape Is Actually The One To Teach Harry The Spell Expelliarmus, Which Becomes His Signature

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Jaded Queen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone: HARRY!! use anything other than expelliarmus. Harry: LOL!!! NO, Expelliarmus.

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#16

After Harry Screams At Snape For Killing Dumbledore And Bellatrix Knocks Him To The Ground, Snape Makes Sure The Others Go On Without Him And That Harry Is Safe Before He Leaves

After Harry Screams At Snape For Killing Dumbledore And Bellatrix Knocks Him To The Ground, Snape Makes Sure The Others Go On Without Him And That Harry Is Safe Before He Leaves

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Pseudo Puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the slightest moment of hesitation as he looked back. you could see all the conflicting thoughts run through his head. Alan Rickman was a genius.

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#17

In Order Of The Phoenix, Snape Teaches Harry Occlumency And Says A Bunch Of Mean (And Likely True) Stuff About His Dad. It Quickly Becomes Clear He's Provoking Harry In Order To Prove A Point About How He's Vulnerable To Voldemort

In Order Of The Phoenix, Snape Teaches Harry Occlumency And Says A Bunch Of Mean (And Likely True) Stuff About His Dad. It Quickly Becomes Clear He's Provoking Harry In Order To Prove A Point About How He's Vulnerable To Voldemort

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Pseudo Puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

love this scene. Could write a thesis on the multiple levels of selflessness and sacrifice on behalf of Snape in this scene, in order to help protect the son of a woman he loved & lost. He intentionally chose to play the role of the 'bad guy', directly accepting Harry's hatred, in order to help Harry learn how to protect himself.

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#18

Harry Refuses To Call Snape “Professor.” In Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011), Harry Refers To Him As “Professor Snape” Once He Has Learned The Truth From The Pensieve

Harry Refuses To Call Snape “Professor.” In Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011), Harry Refers To Him As “Professor Snape” Once He Has Learned The Truth From The Pensieve

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#19

When Snape Kills Dumbledore, You Can See The Hesitation Very Clearly On His Face. He Only Obliges When Dumbledores Says "Please," And Even Then His Voice Shakes

When Snape Kills Dumbledore, You Can See The Hesitation Very Clearly On His Face. He Only Obliges When Dumbledores Says "Please," And Even Then His Voice Shakes

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Pseudo Puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This scene always breaks my heart - knowing the choice that Snape had to make: to kill his only ally, and to accept the hatred of the entire school / his own friends, in order to try and save them. That moment, he was sacrificing everything within himself, for the better of everyone else, knowing that he would be despised for it. :(

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#20

Trusts Them With His Life

Trusts Them With His Life

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Valquerys
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems like Harry Ron and Hermione. I can see Hermione as McGonagal, Harry as Dumbledore, but Ron as SNAPE?! (Actually, Harry could be Snape)

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#21

In Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Pt. 2, Snape Is Still Helping The Order Of The Phoenix When He Re-Directs Mcgonagall’s Spells To The Death Eaters Behind Him

In Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Pt. 2, Snape Is Still Helping The Order Of The Phoenix When He Re-Directs Mcgonagall’s Spells To The Death Eaters Behind Him

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Monday
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only thing I got from this scene was the "damnit woman I don't want to fight you" look on his face

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#23

When Snape Snapped Right Back At Umbridge

When Snape Snapped Right Back At Umbridge

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Leo Domitrix
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seven godkids. All in the Harry Potter age range for books and/or movies. You have no idea how much I h ate Umbridge...

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#24

He's Just Altogether Real

He's Just Altogether Real

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#25

Dude Had Some Sweet Curls

Dude Had Some Sweet Curls

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#26

Can Barely Contain Their Laughter

Can Barely Contain Their Laughter

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Monday
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you look at the behind the scenes footage from this scene Alan Rickman was laughing along with them.

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#27

After Mcgonagall Reveals That Ginny Weasley Has Been Taken To The Chamber Of Secrets, Snape Looks Genuinely Concerned

After Mcgonagall Reveals That Ginny Weasley Has Been Taken To The Chamber Of Secrets, Snape Looks Genuinely Concerned

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Aimee Simmons
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Snape was emotionally stunted and scarred, and he was an a*****e, but he was still an adult that did value the life of his students and the students of the whole school. He knew what was happening, and it probably hurt a lot to think about because he was walking the line between dark and light. Lily was his light, and his desire for acceptance pushed him to the dark.

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#28

A Matter Of Perspective

A Matter Of Perspective

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Panda Loki
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except they skip the part where they try to tell him that he's not the murderer. Severus didn't do it because he was trying to protect anyone. Don't forget that because he was mad about not getting the accolaids of capturing Sirius Black he told people about Remus Lupin being a werewolf thus getting him fired, and the fact that he basically set up Harry's whole class to look into all the signs of a werewolf in hopes that someone would figure it out.

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#29

When Mcgonagall Steps In Front Of Harry To Duel Snape, He Lowers His Wand

When Mcgonagall Steps In Front Of Harry To Duel Snape, He Lowers His Wand

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XxInstantKarmaxX
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because he Dumbledore and McGonagall where best friends it's even proven in an earlier post.

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#30

In Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005), When Harry Brings Back Cedric's Body, Snape Covers Him With His Cloak, Which Cedric's Father Then Removes To Look At His Son. This Is Why He Wasn't Wearing It When They Capture Barty Crouch Jr.

In Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005), When Harry Brings Back Cedric's Body, Snape Covers Him With His Cloak, Which Cedric's Father Then Removes To Look At His Son. This Is Why He Wasn't Wearing It When They Capture Barty Crouch Jr.

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