Debunking the Myth: Snape's Love for Lily Evans beyond Hatred for Harry Potter

It is a common belief among fans of the Highest Fantasy series that Severus Snape's hatred for Harry Potter, the son of the girl he supposedly loved, accentuates his deep affection for Lily Evans. However, a closer examination of the narrative and Snape's actions offers a different perspective. Let's delve into the arguments that challenge this belief.

Snape's Alleged Hatred for Harry Potter

It is often argued that Snape’s violent treatment of Harry Potter can be traced back to his hatred for the boy, believing him to be the "butcher of boys." This characterization, however, overlooks a crucial aspect: Snape’s actions towards Harry are rooted in his own psychological turmoil and lack of empathy, rather than a genuine affection for Lily.

Snape’s Actions and Their Implications

When faced with Lily Evans' concerns and hurt, Snape’s responses reveal a cold, unyielding attitude that betrays a lack of love for her. Instead of showing sympathy, he dismisses her feelings in a dismissive manner. For instance, when Lily was upset over Petunia's hatred, Snape's remark, "so," demonstrates a dismissive and uncaring attitude. Similarly, when Lily expresses her anger at Snape for touching upon a sensitive topic, he cuts off before completing his statement, "she's only a-," further emphasizing his lack of accountability towards her emotions.

In the courtyard scene, when Lily brings up her concerns about Snape's friends, he dismisses them by saying, "nothing just a laugh." This response not only shows a lack of concern for Lily's worries but also a lack of friendship. A true friend would not dismiss their best friend’s concerns as unimportant.

Snape's Behavior Toward Harry Potter

The way Snape treats Harry provides an even clearer indication of his true feelings. Instead of merely ignoring him, Snape immediately targets Harry, aiming to humiliate and punish him for things completely out of Harry’s control, such as Neville's cauldron incident. If Snape had ever truly loved Lily, he would have recognized that her love for Harry was not just about him surviving; it was about his happiness and well-being.

It is also important to note that several other characters managed to pass the "innocence" test, such as Neville, who was spared from Voldemort's wrath. This comparison further highlights Snape's own complicated motives and actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the narrative may lead readers to believe that Snape's hatred for Harry is a testament to his love for Lily, a closer look at the text and his actions challenges this assumption. Snape’s dismissive behavior towards both Lily and Harry, his failure to consider her feelings, and his direct targeting of Harry all indicate a lack of true love for her. Rather than being a symbol of Snape’s deep affection, his treatment of Harry reflects his own psychological and emotional issues, which make him a more complex character in the series.