10 Best Severus Snape moments from the Harry Potter series

Snape is one of those characters you simply can't help but fall in love with. Although he appears to be the villain at first, and that too a pretty badass one, he wins our hearts with his sheer ability to sacrifice everything for the sake of his loved ones.

A highly misunderstood man, Severus Snape is characterized by sheer determination and pragmatism. Through his complex and self-sacrificing nature, Snape demonstrates the gloriously messy world of humanity. Snape has won our affection through his intimidating presence alongside his sarcastic demeanor and persistent sourness of mood.

Brought to life by the irreplaceable Alan Rickman, our favorite Potions Master has given us some of the most memorable moments in the Harry Potter series. Here are 19 such moments that establish Severus Snape as one of the greatest characters in the history of cinema.

Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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1) Harry's first Quidditch match

It's a classic scene of Harry in trouble when his broom behaves possessed in his first Quidditch game, and everyone thinks it's Snape. When everyone is in a state of panic, Hermione sees Snape muttering incantations and, to assist Harry, accidentally sets his cloak on fire.

The twist, however, is that it wasn't Snape casting a dark spell, but Professor Quirrell. Snape was just trying to stop it with a countercurse to save Harry. This scene is the perfect example of the ironic depth of Snape's character, who appears to be a cold, mysterious professor on the surface, but secretly, he will always have your back, even if it means putting his own life at risk.

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2) The dueling club

The Dueling Club scene in the Chamber of Secrets is a perfect example of Snape effortlessly stealing the show. As Lockhart tries to blind the audience with his showmanship and overconfidence, Snape remains unconcerned and nonchalant.

With one easy flick of his wand, he sends Lockhart flying, proving that magic is all about skill and not drama. Even when Draco conjures a snake, and Harry's Parseltongue stuns the audience, Snape vanishes the snake with a speedy flick of his wand.

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3) Snape's sarcasm

One cannot help but admire Snape's knack for sharp sarcasm. Whether mocking Harry over his cluelessness or ridiculing someone else's poor magic skills, Snape's biting remarks always received the spotlight.

Take, for instance, when he coolly tells Harry, "Yes, it is easy to see that nearly six years of magical education have not been wasted on you, Potter." Or upon being asked to create more Polyjuice Potion, he tells Umbridge, "Unless you wish to poison Potter, and I assure you, I would have the greatest sympathy if you did, I cannot help you."

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4) Snape's occlumency lesson to Harry

Snape’s Occlumency lesson to Harry is a deeply moving scene in the Harry Potter movies. He attempts to guide Harry to not let Voldemort enter his mind and browse through his thoughts. But Harry, being his usual impulsive self, ends up turning the lesson on Snape.

Suddenly, he is sifting through Snape's fiercely defended memories, learning how Snape was horribly bullied by James Potter, his father, and Sirius Black, his godfather. It is an opening-eye scene that is heart-breaking too.

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5) Snape being questioned by Umbridge

It is one of those priceless Snape moments when Umbridge is questioning him, trying to get him to reveal details of not only his experience but also his loyalty towards Dumbledore. She continues with his application for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, asking pointedly, "But you were unsuccessful?"

Snape's reply is perfectly positioned for his one-word mic drop: "Obviously." The impassive look on his face and stiffened body capture to perfection how he is always in control no matter how ridiculous the situation is.

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6) The unbreakable vow

This dramatic moment in the Harry Potter series stands out when Snape, to the astonishment of Bellatrix, takes the Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa Malfoy. It is no trivial oath; break it, and you seal your own death warrant. Snape swears to three things: to guard Draco, to defend him, and, if necessary, to do Draco's work himself.

This third vow is the most important one. It ultimately forces Snape to take part in Dumbledore’s demise. This scene reveals the complexity of his character. It also sets the stage for everything that follows.

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7) Dumbledore's death

That moment when Snape kills Dumbledore is an absolute game-changer in the Harry Potter series. After the long, painful Horcrux hunt, Dumbledore is weaker than ever. But Draco is set to carry out Voldemort's orders at the top of the Astronomy Tower, although he is evidently hesitant.

At the very moment when tensions are at their highest, Snape arrives. "Severus. please," Dumbledore begs, and Snape, after a brief pause, draws out his wand and casts Avada Kedavra. It's a revelation that changes all our assumptions about Snape.

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8) Snape as the Half-Blood Prince

When Snape exposed his identity as the Half-Blood Prince, it became one of those moments you'd never forget. His dual role as the harsh Potions Master in Hogwarts and an extremely powerful wizard is characterized by both brilliance and profound suffering. In these moments, his mysterious presence shines brightest.

It's as if Snape lives for this world, silently challenging expectations while subtly revealing his hidden brilliance. With a book of spellbinding spells and entrancing magical advice, Snape is a wizard who refuses to be pigeonholed.

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9) Snape's tragic demise

One of the most heartbreaking moments of the entire Harry Potter series occurs when Snape dies unexpectedly. One moment, he's walking the tightrope, protecting his secrets. The next, he's bleeding on the floor, his life draining away in a sacrifice that feels almost unreal.

But it's not the shock nor the tragedy. What makes it so unforgettable is the weight of everything that was left unspoken. When we see the burden that he'd been carrying all along, the magnitude of the most agonizing choices that he'd made years ago, we can't help but get a little misty-eyed.

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10) "Always"

Within the Harry Potter story, one of the saddest moments comes when Snape reveals his concealed affection for Lily Potter. Dumbledore asks Snape - "After all this time?" to which Snape answers in a commanding tone, "Always." This one word is enough to fill us with a wave of emotions.

Through this moment, we see how Snape carried an enduring love for her, which entirely possessed his existence. He kept his love for her intact throughout all the times of hardship and darkness and even when maintaining his tough act. This makes his story even more tragic. His Patronus was a doe, the same as Lily’s, and it becomes a silent, haunting reminder that his heart had always been hers.

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