by T. Lucas

Created on: October 26, 2009

Severus Snape is perhaps one of the most complex and intricate characters ever to grace the written page. The first time readers meet Professor Snape, he is the cold, frightening Potions master that seems to have it out for the young Harry Potter. While reading Sorcerer's Stone, one is convinced he is quite evil, that he is being set up to be a villain throughout the Harry Potter saga. Not so- he is set up to be an enigma. He is someone you love to hate; someone you second guess at every turn until the very last moment of truth.

As the books proceed, the reader starts to believe that perhaps Snape is not evil, just ill-tempered. There is always something lurking with Snape. You are always sure there is something going on, but never quite sure what that might be. It is soon revealed, in sparse detail, that Snape was ruthlessly teased and tormented by Harry's father and his cronies during their own stay at Hogwarts. Young Snape was quiet, shy, ill-fitting, and an outcast. Could he now be filled with loathing toward Harry for that?

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire we find out that Professor Snape does indeed have a Dark Mark. He was once a Death Eater. We question again Dumbledore's trust in Snape. Could he be so cunning as to pull the wool over even the headmaster's eyes? This doesn't seem possible, since Dumbledore is one of the greatest wizards that has ever lived, and Harry is just a suspicious boy.

When Harry realizes that Snape is a part of the Order of the Phoenix, it is hard to believe that Dumbledore would actually place that much trust in someone who is a former Death Eater. But no one in the Order seems to doubt Snape's loyalty. No one but Harry, who by this point is filled with loathing and distrust for the man. We also find out here that Snape is an accomplished Occlumens, and begins lessons with Harry to help him keep the Dark Lord away from his mind. Snape abuses these lessons, and they are cut short, but not before Harry finds Snape's private memories in Dumbledore's Pensieve, in which he gains insight into Snape's tormented childhood. Here, Harry seems to crack in his resolve to hate Snape, and Snape seems to have a vulnerable spot in his icy exterior.

The real turn of events comes about in Half-Blood Prince. Snape has finally achieved his goal of becoming the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, the post he has always coveted, but never before been allowed to fill. Snape proves to be a hard teacher, but skilled. He is no less

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