When the Harry Potter franchise first released, it took the world by storm. Children suddenly didn’t want to go to school because their Hogwarts letter hadn’t arrived yet. As the main characters took on dark wizards, dementors, and other evil forces, one incident is still remembered as one of the most shocking ones to be a part of the books and films, Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore’s death. Many questioned why Professor Severus Snape murdered him, and it became a topic of debate for years to come.
Dumbledore was one of the most likable characters in the Harry Potter franchise. Whether fans read the Harry Potter books or watched the films, Dumbledore’s warm nature and wisdom were traits that were appreciated by the masses. Snape, on the other hand, was established as an antagonist from the get-go, and quickly became one of the most hated characters. Major character deaths are shocking enough, but when they come at the hands of a despised character, they just seem to hit harder. So, the question remains, why did Snape kill Dumbledore?
To understand the answer to that rather complicated question, fans dove deep into the original content in J.K. Rowling’s books. While they were able to find the answer, many argued there were other ways to deal with the situation. It was revealed that Dumbledore and Snape planned the death together for a greater purpose, but fans believed that it was more personal than it appeared. Their arguments brought Snape’s history and decision to become a death eater to the forefront, and highlighted incidents that hinted towards his treachery.
Why Did Snape Become A Death Eater?
To understand one of the most important character deaths in the Harry Potter franchise, it is important to dive deep into Snape’s background. The books explore this in more details than the films did, and take readers on a journey through his difficult childhood. It is revealed that Snape did not grow up in a loving home, with his muggle father often abusing him and his witch mother neglecting him. This was one of the main reasons for his cold demeanor, and why he referred to himself as the “Half-blood Prince.” The only good influence in his life was Lily Evans, who later becomes Harry Potter’s mother.
When the duo went to Hogwarts together, they got sorted into separate houses; Snape in Slytherin and Lily in Gryffindor. Over the course of their time at Hogwarts, Snape and Lily’s relationship grew weaker, especially as the latter befriended James Potter, who would go on to bully Snape along with his friends. Joining the Death Eaters in his 20s was a way for Snape to finally feel accepted. Even though it was a band of misfits, he finally felt like he belonged and was valued. Add to that his obsession with the Dark Arts, possibly the only thing he was interested in learning about at school, and was rather good at. So, while he was portrayed as the villain, learning of his circumstances puts his decision to become a Death Eater into perspective.
Why Did Snape Kill Dumbledore?
But, how does becoming a Death Eater relate to Snape eventually killing Dumbledore? Joining forces with Lord Voldemort, or “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,” meant proving his loyalty to his master and subordinates. While Voldemort did trust Snape, some of the other Death Eaters grew vary of his allegiance over time. In order to win their trust back, Snape would have to take drastic measures to convince them of his loyalty. What better way to do this than to kill one of Voldemort’s biggest threats?
It all began when Bellatrix Lestrange suggested that Snape make an Unbreakable Vow to protect her sister Narcissa’s son, Draco Malfoy. However, Draco was ordered by Voldemort to kill Dumbledore. Lestrange saw this as an opportunity to test Snape’s loyalty and while making this vow to always watch over Draco, Lestrange forced Snape to agree to killing Dumbledore himself in case the youngster was unable to do so.
There is another reason why Snape agreed to make this vow, and that is Dumbledore himself. The wise wizard was aware of Draco’s mission, and was worried about him going over to the dark side if he succeeded. Snape took the fall instead at Dumbledore’s insistence. But, that’s not all. Dumbledore was also aware that he wouldn’t be alive for long because he had been cursed by the Horcrux ring. Instead of suffering a painful death, he urged Snape to end his misery. He was confident that Snape was loyal to him, and his allegiance with Voldemort was simply to protect Harry, because he failed to protect his mother Lily.
Ultimately, Dumbledore’s death at Snape’s hands was a win for everyone involved. The headmaster got the respectful death he wanted, Snape was able to prove his loyalty to the Death Eaters, and Malfoy was saved from Voldemort’s wrath. It might have been a shock to many, but having one of the most loved characters die the way he did made sense in the long run.
After the release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in 2009, the sixth installment in the Harry Potter film series, many fans spent hours online trying to understand the events of the film. Those who had read the books were more aware, but film goers were angry, devastated, and confused at the same time. “Snape kills Dumbledore” became the most hated spoiler of the year, as fans expressed their shock on social media. However, it is important to understand the course of the events that led up to Dumbledore’s death before making a decision on whether Snape was truly evil.
The character redeemed himself by the time the franchise ended, as his intentions to save Harry became clear. While Snape might have gone through a tumultuous journey, what matters most is the end. While many believed the act of killing Dumbledore made Snape the ultimate villain, it was in fact a brave act to showcase his loyalty towards the beloved wizard. Even though Harry, and many fans, couldn’t see it, all of Snape’s actions were meant for the best. But, more than a decade later, many still argue that Snape killing Dumbledore was unnecessary.
The Harry Potter franchise is available to stream on HBO Max.