By the sixth book of the Harry Potter series (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), fans were unfortunately already used to their favorite characters starting to die. After grieving over the death of Sirius Black, Harry Potter’s godfather, they had to face another unexpected loss – about the most important and greatest wizard of all time, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. He was killed by Severus Snape, but why did Snape kill Dumbledore? You can find the answer in this article.
Severus Snape killed the Hogwarts Headmaster because he was asked to do it by Dumbledore. Along with this, the Hogwarts Headmaster was about to die and with this act, he would prove his loyalty one more time.
If you decide to stay with us, you will find out (some will just remember it) what were the real reasons Professor Snape killed Dumbledore, what’s behind the whole story of Dumbledore–Snape relationship, and why Dumbledore trusted Severus so much. Let’s go!
Table of Contents show
Why did Snape kill Dumbledore?
Why did Dumbledore let Snape kill him?
Why was Dumbledore already dying?
Why did Dumbledore trust Snape so much?
What did Dumbledore say to Snape before he died?
How did Snape feel about killing Dumbledore?
Why did Snape kill Dumbledore?
There were two main reasons why Snape killed Dumbledore. First of all, the Hogwarts’ Headmaster was already dying and with this act, he would show him mercy and loyalty for the last time.
Why did Dumbledore let Snape kill him?
Upon learning that he had no more than a year to live, and in an attempt at preventing a humiliating and agonizing death, Dumbledore requested Snape to kill him when the time came. He wanted Snape to remain a trusted member of the Death Eaters, as well as to prove Lord Voldemort his loyalty and show him that he hadn’t failed.
Also, being familiar with the fact Lord Voldemort has ordered Draco Malfoy for killing him, Dumbledore wanted to protect Draco’s soul. He knew Draco wouldn’t be capable to fulfill the task. As a good teacher, he has always been, he didn’t want to allow the committed murder affects one of his students in any way.
Why was Dumbledore already dying?
He was already dying because of the curse of the Marvolo Gaunt’s ring.
Marvolo Gaunt’s Ring was the inheritance of Salazar Slytherin and Cadmus Peverell. It was a gold ring inset with a black stone, which was actually the Resurrection Stone, the symbol of the Deathly Hallows.
For years, the signet ring had passed from father to son until Tom Riddle stole it from Morfin Gaunt (Marvolo Gaunt’s son and Tom’s uncle), and framed him for murders of the Riddle family.
As the only heir, Tom Riddle decided to make the Ring into his second Horcrux, instead of wearing it. Tom placed a powerful curse upon the Ring – anyone who dared to wear it, would have been killed at once.
When Dumbledore found the Marvolo Gaunt’s Ring, he immediately recognized it as the Resurrection Stone, one of the Deathly Hallows. Wishing to use it to redeem his family and make amends for his past mistakes, Dumbledore put on the Ring. It began to take effect almost immediately and nearly killed him.
Thanks to his amazing skills, he had been able to contain the curse from spreading any further. Anyone else in his place would die instantly.
Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to find Snape. As the Potion Master, Severus was able to manage this issue, with a thick golden potion and a few incantations. As well, he didn’t miss to rebuke Dumbledore for his act – that kind of wizard must not be foolish in any way.
Although Snape’s knowledge of the Dark Arts enabled him to slow the spread of the curse, it would have ultimately killed Dumbledore within a year.
Besides the Ring, another thing that contributed to Dumbledore’s death.
Searching for Horcruxes, Dumbledore finally found one in a cave on the small island. As he promised, he took Harry Potter with him, who would help him to destroy the Horcrux.
The Horcrux has been protected with The Emerald Potion and if someone wanted to get it, he would have to drink the potion.
The Emerald Potion, also known as the Drink of Despair is the potion that causes fear, delirium, and extreme thirst. The potion will not kill the victim, it just makes them very weak and vulnerable.
No matter what happened, Dumbledore ordered Harry to help him drink it. Despite Dumbledore being in great pain, Harry managed to get him to drink it all before he fell unconscious.
Why did Dumbledore trust Snape so much?
Dumbledore’s relationship with Snape was open and close but he didn’t trust Snape completely. Snape felt responsible for Harry Potter’s mother, for her death caused by Lord Voldemort. He had no one else to turn to, except Dumbledore, to keep Lily safe.
This was the right reason and a proper time for Dumbledore to take advantage of Snape’s sense of guilt and initiated him into the Order of the Phoenix.
So, Snape became a double agent. As a spy for the Order of the Phoenix, he continuously updated Dumbledore about the movements and acts of the Death Eaters.
On the other hand, Snape did a great job in the role of Lord Voldemort’s spy, supplying him with all of the information about the Order. He provided only the information received from Dumbledore.
As we said before, Dumbledore’s confidence in Snape was not unconditional. Dumbledore did not fully trust Snape to reduce any damage that could occur if Snape was somehow compromised.
Snape did not like Dumbledore’s secrecy and was offended by his lack of faith in his abilities. What bothered him the most is the fact he had been used in Harry Potter’s destruction, whose mother was the love of his life.
Despite Dumbledore having faith in Snape’s abilities, he refused to offer him the post of professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts. Lord Voldemort failed to obtain the position, and therefore Snape has to be protected from his curse. Dumbledore finally agreed to give him the post, as Marvolo Gaunt had put a deadly ring on his finger, knowing that he would be widely regarded as a sorcerer.
After the Marvolo Gaunt’s curse and the agreement he made with Snape to kill him, Dumbledore finally granted him the post of the future Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Dumbledore was aware of the fact that after Snape killed him, the whole wizarding world would condemn him and force him to step down as the Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Despite the fact Snape killed Dumbledore, it was agreed that he would do so. When Professor Snape died, we found out that his deep love for Lily Evans caused his redemption with the magnificent result – to protect the precious boy destined to kill the biggest enemy of the wizarding world, Lord Voldemort.
What did Dumbledore say to Snape before he died?
“Severus… please…” These were the last words Dumbledore said to Snape before he used the Avada Kedavra curse and killed the Headmaster of Hogwarts.
In the beginning, we thought the phrase meant, “Please, Severus, help me!” but the truth was different. The ending of book seven “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” revealed that Dumbledore was dying and that he had arranged that Snape would administer the final kill.
Finally, when the time came for Snape to actually kill Dumbledore he hesitated, regardless of their previous agreement, so Dumbledore had to beg Severus to end his life.
So, the real meaning of the phrase was: “Severus, please kill me… right now.”
How did Snape feel about killing Dumbledore?
Snape was angry at Dumbledore for being tempted by the Ring, knowing it contained a curse.
Actually, he didn’t want to kill Dumbledore but he had to do it. Firstly, because he had to keep a promise he had given Dumbledore earlier. As well, it was an act of mercy, as Dumbledore was already dying, from the curse he received because of the Ring.
So, Snape killed Dumbledore but he didn’t cause his death. The curse and the potion did it. Nobody forced Dumbledore to put on the Ring neither to drink the potion.
Dumbledore caused his own death and Snape just finished his life.
Snape’s motivation was merciful, intending to spare Dumbledore from a humiliating and painful death in the future.
The Battle of the Astronomy Tower and the death of Albus Dumbledore had a major impact on the wizarding world. The only wizard Lord Voldemort had ever feared and who had the power to oppose him was finally dead. The battle showed that there was no longer a place safe from the Death Eaters, as one of the Hogwarts’ students allowed them to enter and one of the teachers betrayed the school. Teachers were unsure if the school would remain open, so some parents dropped their children out of Hogwarts.
Unfortunately, this one was a little bit sad topic to write about (we believe to read as well).
The Headmaster of Hogwarts knew that he had to leave because of his visions of the future wizarding world and the curse we have already mentioned. He also knew that hard times were coming for Hogwarts but that there were people who would fight for, until their last breath.
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Robert Milakovic
Robert, based in Osijek, Croatia, is a co-founder of Incomera, a media company that has launched several entertainment sites including Fiction Horizon, Game Horizon, and Anime Horizon. He's also a co-owner of Comic Basics and Voice Film. Robert's love for all things fictional sta...
(Video) Why did Snape kill Dumbledore?
FAQs
Why does Snape betray Dumbledore? ›
Severus Snape killed Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore because he had been asked to do so by Dumbledore himself. Dumbledore found out about Draco's task to kill him and so asked Snape to do it instead.
Did Snape betray Dumbledore? ›Although it seems like an act of betrayal, Snape kills Dumbledore simply because the elder asked him to, when the opportunity came.
How did Snape feel about killing Dumbledore? ›Snape gazed for a moment at Dumbledore, and there was revulsion and hatred etched in the harsh lines of his face. Snape raised his wand and pointed it directly at Dumbledore. “Avada Kedavra!” Knowing the context now,he can't have been happy about it.
What was Snape and Dumbledore's plan? ›Dumbledore arranges for Snape to kill him and thereby become, without knowing it, master of the Elder Wand. If the active plan fails, Snape, as master of the Elder Wand, will have the power to destroy the now horcrux-free Voldemort.
Why did Snape hate Harry? ›A Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Snape is hostile to Harry due to his resemblance to his father James Potter. According to the series, James bullied Snape during their time together at Hogwarts. As the series progresses, Snape's character becomes more layered and enigmatic.
Was Snape trying to save Harry? ›The truth came out when Professor Quirrell admitted to Harry that he'd jinxed the broom and claimed he'd have gotten away with it too if it hadn't been for those meddling counter-curses. In other words, Snape tried to save Harry's life, and the only thanks he got was being set on fire.
Why did Voldemort forgive Snape? ›Voldemort trusts Snape because he's good at his job as a double spy and as an Occlumens. Voldemort is so conceited that he probably just doesn't expect Snape could be a better Occlumens than he is a Legilimens.
Did Snape lie to Voldemort? ›His extreme remorse over Lily's death gave Snape the motivation to effectively fool Voldemort for many, many years. Dumbledore himself said he would trust the dangerous job of spying on Voldemort – giving him just enough information not to become suspicious – to nobody but Snape.
Was Snape really on Dumbledore's side? ›Was Snape actually on Dumbledore's side? Knowing that Snape has been on the Dumbledore's side for all seven of the Harry Potter books reveals him as an extremely brave man and a truly skilled spy. Snape has had to face and deceive the terrifying Lord Voldemort constantly.
Why was Dumbledore disgusted by Snape? ›Snape pleads with Dumbledore to save Lily from Voldemort. Dumbledore is disgusted that Snape only wants Lily saved, not caring about her husband or child.
Did Dumbledore know Snape would be killed? ›
What did Dumbledore say to Snape? Dumbledore knew Snape didn't want to kill him and was afraid that Snape would still refuse to do so, and would then be killed by his Unbreakable Vow. It meant “Severus, please. Kill me now.”
What is Snape's big secret? ›Warner Bros. Severus Snape is one of the most divisive characters in the entire "Harry Potter" series. He was a double agent, so many character details were kept a secret. His mother was a witch and his father was a Muggle, leading to the moniker "The Half-Blood Prince."
What was Snape's secret message? ›What was Snape's secret message? He said, "According to Victorian flower language, asphodel is a type of lily meaning 'my regrets follow you to the grave' and wormwood means 'absence' and also typically symbolizes bitter sorrow." If you combined that, Snape's words mean "I bitterly regret Lily's death."
Who was Snape's first choice? ›Originally, British actor Tim Roth was in talks to play the character. Roth is now recognizable for playing Emil Blonsky or "Abomination" in The Incredible Hulk and later in the MCU as well. But, before that, he was the studio's first choice for Snape and was on board for it.
Why did Snape sacrifice himself? ›Snape's secrecy is revealed to have been a mask and he has sacrificed being well-liked to be able to save Harry, all because of his love for Harry's dead mother: the only friend Snape ever had.
Why was Snape mean to Neville? ›Snape hated Neville because he was a daily reminder Lily Potter could have lived. Snape's guilt over his part in her being targeted by Voldemort in the first place was bad enough, but to see a living, breathing reminder that things could have played out differently even after that act made Snape particularly vicious.
Did Harry ever forgive Snape? ›He's surrounded by mystery over whether he's on the side of the Order of the Phoenix or Lord Voldemort. JK Rowling tweeted: Snape died for Harry out of love for Lily. Harry paid him tribute in forgiveness and gratitude.
Why did Draco's mom save Harry? ›Narcissa Malfoy's Very Dangerous Lie
But she was also a mother, which meant she was willing to risk everything to make sure her son was safe. When Harry survived Voldemort's Killing Curse for the second time, Narcissa pretended he was dead so she could get to Draco.
The acclaimed author explained that Harry paid tribute to Snape because of “forgiveness and gratitude.” Though Snape bullied Harry, he also saved him. “Harry hoped in his heart that he too would be forgiven.
Why was Snape so obsessed with Lily? ›Simply because Lily was kind to him, he became obsessive and delusional. He believed that Lily Potter wanted more from him and in their relationship. When Lily tried to stand up to James Potter while he was bullying Snape, Snape lost his temper and called Lily a mudblood.
Why did Snape save Draco? ›
Why does Snape have to protect Draco? Narcissa's son Draco has been given a difficult task by Voldemort, and Narcissa swears Snape to an Unbreakable Vow that he will protect Draco, help him complete Voldemort's task, and finish the task himself if Draco fails.
Why did Bellatrix not trust Snape? ›Bellatrix Lestrange was in constant competition with Severus Snape for Voldemort's attention. She was jealous of his magical potential and never trusted him. She was always on the lookout for something that would prove Snape's disloyalty to Voldemort.
Did Voldemort trust Snape or Bellatrix more? ›It was most certainly Severus Snape, even though Bellatrix Lestrange believed and proudly insisted that she was the one, and Voldemort probably lied to her about this just to make her happy. As far as Voldemort knew, Snape was his most loyal, most powerful, and most useful servant.
Who was Snape really loyal to? ›Severus Snape was loyal to Lily Potter, and the loyalty he gave to Albus Dumbledore was far from being deserved.
Why did Voldemort accept Snape if he was half blood? ›Voldemort recruited him and likes him because Snape had the same kind of feelings toward his Muggle father that Voldemort had toward his own. Snape's father was not a nice man. He was often abusive towards Snape's mother which is why he took the pseudonym “Half Blood Prince” to begin with.
What were Snape's first words to Harry? ›The first thing Snape asks Harry is "Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" According to Victorian Flower Language, asphodel is a type of lily meaning 'My regrets follow you to the grave' and wormwood means 'absence' and also typically symbolised bitter sorrow.
Did Snape secretly care for Harry? ›In the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie, Snape showed how much he loved Harry, providing him with his memories and showing that he saw Lily in him, his last words echoing this: "You have your mother's eyes."
Why did Snape cast his Patronus in front of Dumbledore? ›Severus Snape's Patronus was also a doe, which symbolized his love for Lily. Snape uses his doe Patronus to show Dumbledore that he never fell out of love with Lily, his childhood best friend. Warner Bros.
Did Snape ask Voldemort to spare Lily? ›It was Snape that persuaded Voldemort to give Lily a chance to save herself. He also protected Harry during his time at school (however reluctantly).
Why did Dumbledore keep ignoring Harry? ›He has grown afraid of Harry's connection to Voldemort. Perhaps Voldemort, knowing Dumbledore's love for Harry, would possess Harry and provoke Dumbledore to kill him. So, Dumbledore attempted to avoid Harry throughout Book 5 for Harry's own good.
What was Dumbledore's biggest mistake? ›
- All of his mistakes boil down to arrogance.
- He arrogantly decided to “duel" Harry in the graveyard, during GoF, to humiliate him. ...
- Pettigrew was right, too, any blood would have worked but Voldemort insisted on Harry. ...
- He seemed to think only he had discovered all of Hogwarts secrets.
However, when Voldemort cast the Avada Kedavra spell, it only hit the horcrux because Voldemort was connected to it. Harry was left unscathed. When Voldemort cast the Avada Kedavra he hit the horcrux within Harry and killed a part of his soul and that was the reason why Harry was left undamaged and didn't die.
Why did Harry not use Avada Kedavra? ›Why did Harry not use Avada Kedavra on Voldemort? Using Avada Kedavra while the Elder Wand was resisting Voldemort was already a risky business, but using it against the true owner would be suicide (as Voldemort would find out when he used the Elder Wand against its true owner: Harry).
What does Snape tell Harry before he died? ›In the [Deathly Hallows] book, Snape's dying words to Harry were "Look at me". Right then we did not realize the significance of his words but in the very next chapter when Harry goes through Snape's memories in the Pensieve, he comes to know how much Snape loved Lily.
Did Snape join the Death Eaters willingly? ›Although Snape ultimately betrays the Death Eaters on the whim of Albus Dumbledore, he nevertheless made the conscious effort to join them all those years earlier.
Why did Dumbledore say Snape before he died? ›Originally Answered: Why did Dumbledore plead with Snape? Dumbledore knew Snape didn't want to kill him and was afraid that Snape would still refuse to do so, and would then be killed by his Unbreakable Vow.
What was Snape's mental illness? ›“Schizoid personality disorder
Some people type Severus Snape as someone with Schizoid personality disorder. People with Schizoid personality disorder don't enjoy or want social relationships and don't really have close friends.
A walk inside Snape's memories transformed him in Harry's mind from sniping Potions master to 'the bravest man he ever knew'.
What did Snape see Harry's mind? ›He sees many memories of the Dursleys tormenting Harry. He sees Harry relive the same Dementor attack three different times. Most importantly, he sees Harry look at his mother and father in the Mirror of Erised. This last memory has a huge effect on Snape, who becomes livid after seeing it.
What is Snape's most famous line? ›From the moment he first burst into the potions classroom and said “there will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations” Snape was cemented as an iconic character. These are the most famous and iconic lines by Snape, that people love to re-use in memes or just among friends.
Why is Snape's Patronus special? ›
A doe. And in his final battle with Lord Voldemort, Harry explained the significance of this to his adversary, and to us: 'Snape's Patronus was a doe,' said Harry, 'the same as my mother's, because he loved her for nearly all of his life, from the time when they were children'.
How did Snape know where Harry was hiding? ›Phineas Nigellus's portrait inside it overheard Hermione and reported that to Snape. Snape thus knows that Harry and Hermione are in the Forest of Dean, though not exactly where; the Forest of Dean is a largish place, several wooded sections totaling about 40 square miles.
Why did Snape hate Harry at first? ›A Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Snape is hostile to Harry due to his resemblance to his father James Potter. According to the series, James bullied Snape during their time together at Hogwarts. As the series progresses, Snape's character becomes more layered and enigmatic.
Who is Snape's least favorite student? ›Harry also happened to be Snape's least favorite student.”
Who took Hogwarts after Snape died? ›The second was after his death at the hands of Severus Snape in Half-Blood Prince, leading Professor Minerva McGonagall to become acting Headmistress for the remainder of the school year.
Why did Snape turn evil? ›Why did Severus Snape become evil? Despite his attraction to the Dark Arts and Voldemort's ideology of wizard supremacy, Snape's love for Muggle-born Lily Evans, Harry's mother, eventually compelled him to defect from the Death Eaters. He then became a double agent for Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix.
Why is Snape on Voldemort's side? ›why was severus snape serving voldemort | Fandom. snake served voldemort at first because he was interested in the dark arts. after hearing part of the prophecy he went and told voldemort. after voldemort declared he was coming after harry, snape pleaded with voldemort to spare lily.
Why doesn't Snape tell Harry why he killed Dumbledore? ›Harry was the last thing that reminded him of Lily. Im sure Snape wanted to find another way and thats why he didnt tell Harry, he probably thought he could save him. From Dumbledore: when Voldemort stops sending nagini on missions, and is very protective of her, that I think is when it will be safe to tell harry.
Why did Snape hate Neville? ›Snape hated Neville because he was a daily reminder Lily Potter could have lived. Snape's guilt over his part in her being targeted by Voldemort in the first place was bad enough, but to see a living, breathing reminder that things could have played out differently even after that act made Snape particularly vicious.
How did Snape secretly help Harry? ›Snape anonymously sent a silver doe into the Forest of Dean to help Harry with his mission in the final book/movie. Since his happiest and most loving memories were with Harry's mother, Lily, his Patronus took the same form as hers — which is what made Harry follow it in the first place.
What did Draco's mom whisper to Harry? ›
In a whisper, she asked if Draco was alive. When Harry replied quietly that he was, Narcissa betrayed the Dark Lord and asserted that Harry was dead. She knew the only way her family would be reunited was as part of Voldemort's conquering army, thus proving she loved her family more than she supported Voldemort.
How did Voldemort not know Snape was a half blood? ›As long as you weren't muggle-born, you could join the Death Eaters. Also, Voldemort went to school way before Snape, so he probably didn't know about the whole “Half-Blood Prince” thing.