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The central theme to the Harry Potter novels is that love and friendship conquer all. The air of compassionate redemption penetrates Harry's relationships: Peter Pettigrew who betrays his parents momentarily saves Harry's life in the final book; Ron makes fun of a frizzy-headed Hermione in the first book only to fall in love and have children with this same character in the last book; Aunt Petunia hates Harry's mother, yet in the last book Dudley expresses sorrow at Harry's departure. Even Snape exhibits complex characteristics that make him both friend and foe...characteristics that make him human. His love for Lily Potter turns him from Voldemort toward Dumbledore and those who resist these death eaters. Snape's dispondent childhood directed him toward a search for power, fame, and control...all characteristics of death eaters. However, his fascination with Lily Evans turned to love as he viewed her kindness and for the first time tasted of true friendship. His devotion to her is the reason Snape is Harry's greatest ally. Yet, Snape's hatred of Harry's father is the reason Snape appears to be Harry's most devious enemy. Dumbledore said it best when he referred to Harry as Lily's son who may look like his father but he has Lily's eyes and her personality. It is no mistake that at Snape's death his last request was for Harry to look at him. Those eyes, that friendship, Snape's love for Lily will always make him Harry's protector regardless of Snape's earlier inclinations. Snape rescued Harry on multiple occaisions: when professor Quarrel attempted to knock Harry off his broom, Snape muttered a counter-curse to save him; when a student was found to be petrified, Snape defended Harry's innocence to Peeves when he mentioned that Harry was probably just in the wrong place at the wrong time; ultimately, Snape gave Harry his fondest memories of his mother as a testament to his faithful friendship to her and ultimately to Harry himself. How can a book that purports to be based on the cathartic and protective power of love deny that the redemption of Snape was possible...nay occurred? It cannot.

Learn more about this author, Tamara Mitchell.
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