Why Did Snape Kill Dumbledore
Why Did Snape Kill Dumbledore
For any Harry Potter fan, the question of why Severus Snape killed Albus Dumbledore is one that has likely lingered in their minds long after they finished reading the books or watching the films. While the reasons behind Snape’s actions may not have been immediately clear to readers and viewers, a closer examination of Snape’s character and the events leading up to Dumbledore’s death reveal a complex and ultimately tragic story.
The Transformation of Severus Snape
To truly understand why Snape killed Dumbledore, it is important to first examine his character transformation throughout the series. When we are first introduced to Snape in the first Harry Potter book, he is depicted as a cruel and spiteful teacher who seems to delight in causing misery for the students in his care. However, as the series progresses, we begin to see glimpses of a deeper complexity in Snape’s character.
One of the key turning points for Snape occurs in the fifth book, “Order of the Phoenix,” when Harry witnesses Snape’s memories during a lesson in Occlumency. In these memories, we see Snape’s deep love for Lily Potter, Harry’s mother, and his heartbreak when she ultimately chooses James Potter over him. This love for Lily, coupled with his hatred for James and the resentment he feels for being rejected by Lily, drives Snape to make a deal with the dark lord, Voldemort.
In this deal, Snape agrees to serve as a spy for Voldemort within the Order of the Phoenix and to eventually kill Dumbledore in exchange for protection for Lily and her family. However, as the series progresses, Snape’s loyalty to Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix grows, and he ultimately becomes one of their most valuable members.
The Betrayal of Albus Dumbledore
Despite his loyalty to Dumbledore and the Order, Snape ultimately betrays Dumbledore in the final book, “Deathly Hallows,” by killing him. At first glance, this seems like a complete betrayal of everything Snape has stood for and worked towards throughout the series. However, a closer examination of the events leading up to Dumbledore’s death reveals that Snape’s actions were actually part of a larger plan to defeat Voldemort once and for all.
In the months leading up to Dumbledore’s death, the dark lord had become increasingly paranoid and suspicious of those around him. In order to protect Snape and ensure that his plan to kill Dumbledore would succeed, Dumbledore himself fabricated a story in which Snape was revealed to be the traitor within the Order and the one who had leaked information to Voldemort. This allowed Snape to remain undercover and gain the trust of the dark lord, while also giving him the opportunity to ultimately defeat him.
The Final Showdown
As part of his plan, Dumbledore had arranged for Snape to kill him when the time was right. This moment came when Dumbledore and Snape were alone in the tower at Hogwarts, with the dark lord closing in on them. Knowing that his time was running out, Dumbledore revealed the truth about Snape’s true loyalty to the Order and begged Snape to fulfill their plan and kill him.
Despite his initial hesitation and the deep love he still held for Dumbledore, Snape ultimately agreed and killed him. In doing so, he not only fulfilled his part of the plan to defeat Voldemort, but he also honored the promise he had made to Dumbledore to protect Lily and her family.
The Tragic End of Severus Snape
While Snape’s actions may have been part of a larger plan to defeat Voldemort, it is clear that his decision to kill Dumbledore was one that came at great personal cost. In the final book, we see Snape struggling with the weight of this decision and the guilt he feels for betraying the man he had come to consider a mentor and friend.
Ultimately, Snape’s tragedy lies in the fact that he was forced to choose between his love for Lily and his loyalty to Dumbledore. In the end, he chose to honor the promise he made to Dumbledore and to protect the ones he loved, even if it meant sacrificing his own happiness and peace of mind.
The Legacy of Severus Snape
In the end, Snape’s actions may have been controversial and difficult to understand, but they were ultimately driven by his deep love and loyalty to those he cared about. His decision to kill Dumbledore may have seemed like a betrayal to some, but it was actually a crucial part of the plan to defeat Voldemort and save the wizarding world.
While Snape may not have received the recognition or admiration that he deserved during his lifetime, his legacy lives on through the actions of those he helped to save and the lessons he left behind about the power of love and loyalty. So next time you find yourself wondering why Snape killed Dumbledore, remember that it was ultimately a selfless act driven by his love for those around him.