Was Severus Snape’s Admiration for Harry Genuine or Just Guilt Over Lily?

Severus Snape’s relationship with Harry Potter is a complex and oft-discussed aspect of the Hogwarts series. His actions and dialogue throughout the books often present an enigmatic character whose feelings towards Harry are layered and contradictory. While Snape appears antagonistic and even spiteful towards Harry, his feelings are deeply rooted in his past, particularly in his memories of Harry’s father, James Potter. This article explores whether Snape’s admiration for Harry was genuine or merely an echo of his guilt over Lily.

Genuine Care for Harry

Throughout the series, Snape’s actions suggest that he does indeed have a level of care for Harry, albeit a complicated and somewhat begrudging one. He frequently demonstrates protective instincts towards the boy, particularly during critical moments. For instance, Snape shields Harry during Quidditch matches and offers him assistance in battles against Voldemort. Additionally, his commitment to Dumbledore’s plan to protect Harry indicates a deep sense of responsibility. Dumbledore’s emphasis on Harry’s importance in the fight against Voldemort may have influenced Snape’s decisions regarding the boy.

Admiration at Dying Moments

Snape’s final moments in the series provide insight into his feelings. Even as he faces his own demise, his words and actions reflect a longing for recognition rather than straightforward admiration for Harry. His final comment, “Always,” delivered as he performs the Expecto Patronum, is a poignant acknowledgment of his love for Lily. The silver doe, his patronus, symbolizes his love and eventually his regret. These moments suggest that Snape’s admiration for Harry is secondary to his guilt and love for Lily.

No, He Did Not

Contrary to the above, the evidence suggests that Snape despised Harry because Harry often reminded him of James, someone he could not stand. Snape and James were always rivals, and their hatred for each other ran deep. Even after James’s death, Snape continued to badmouth him, viewing him through a false lens. The death of James eliminated someone for Snape to hate, and with Harry offering a similar figure, his hatred resurfaced. Snape treated Harry as he would James, with hatred and contempt.

Snape’s comments about Harry being a celebrity and useless further cement his disdain. His protective actions are more tied to his guilt over his role in Lily’s death rather than genuine admiration for Harry. When imprisoned, Dumbledore’s question about whether Snape had grown to care for the boy after all was met with a vehement denial. Snape’s emotional response and his silver doe patronus reveal his true feelings: his care and admiration were for Lily, not Harry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Snape’s feelings towards Harry are complex and often conflicted, the evidence suggests that his admiration for Harry was not genuine but rooted in his guilt over Lily. His dying moments reflect a deep longing for love and recognition, rather than a straightforward admiration for Harry as an individual. Snape’s actions and dialogue throughout the series provide a compelling narrative of a man torn between his love for Lily and his animosity towards Harry.