The “Harry Potter” franchise has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. One of the most memorable and emotional moments in the film series is the revelation of what Professor Snape meant when he said “always.” This simple word has become one of the most iconic lines in the entire series, and it has sparked countless discussions and debates among fans.
In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Snape’s famous line and the impact it has had on both the “Harry Potter” fandom and the overall narrative of the series.
The context behind the line
Before we dive into the deeper meanings behind Snape’s line, let’s first revisit the context in which it was spoken. In the seventh and final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” Harry discovers that Professor Snape was always working for the Order of the Phoenix and was tasked with protecting Harry from harm. However, this revelation comes after Snape’s death, and Harry is left grieving for both Snape and his parents.
In a flashback scene, Dumbledore shows Snape’s memories to Harry, revealing to him that Snape’s love for Harry’s mother, Lily, ran deep – yet she chose James Potter, Harry’s father, instead of him. In the memory, Harry sees Snape in tears asking that Dumbledore provide Harry with the crucial information needed to defeat Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore makes Snape promise to protect Harry at all costs, and Snape agrees on the condition that no one, including Harry himself, is to know his true allegiance.
As the memory ends, Harry is still struggling to reconcile the fact that the man who was his greatest enemy also gave his life to save him. It is then that Dumbledore’s portrait explains to Harry that Snape’s last words were “Look at me” and that Harry has his mother’s eyes. Harry then understands what Snape meant when he said “always” and the depth of Snape’s love for his mother.
The meaning behind “always”
The revelation that Snape has loved Lily Potter his entire life is what makes his line, “always,” so significant. In the context of the series, Snape’s love for Lily is a symbol of the power of love and its ability to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.
When Snape says “always,” he is expressing the truth that his love for Lily has never faltered, and it has remained unwavering even after her death. This moment is the culmination of Snape’s arc, as we see that he was willing to give his life for the son of the woman he loved, despite having harbored animosity towards Harry for years.
The line “always” has become one of the most beloved in the franchise, and for good reason. It encapsulates the heart of the series – that love, no matter how impossible or difficult, is the most powerful force in the world.
The impact of Snape’s confession
Snape’s revelation has had a considerable impact on both the fandom and the overall narrative of the series. For many fans, Snape’s love story with Lily adds an extra layer of emotion to the already captivating story. It shows that even the most unlikely characters can have hidden depths and that redemption is always possible.
From a narrative perspective, Snape’s love for Lily adds depth and complexity to his character. We see him as a person who is flawed, and yet still capable of good. This complexity makes Snape one of the most interesting and compelling characters in the series and has added to the franchise’s staying power.
Additionally, Snape’s line has also become a beloved meme and shorthand in popular culture for a deep and abiding love. The word “always” is now synonymous with Snape’s declaration of love and has become an iconic piece of popular culture.
The legacy of “always”
The legacy of Snape’s line can still be felt today. Over a decade since the release of the final “Harry Potter” book, fans still discuss and analyze the significance of “always.” It has become a part of the lexicon of the series and has inspired countless articles, essays, and fan-fiction pieces.
In conclusion, the meaning behind Snape’s line, “always,” is a testament to the power of love and the impact of a well-written character arc. The revelation of Snape’s love for Lily adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the “Harry Potter” story. It has also become an iconic piece of popular culture that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
FAQ
Did Lily love Snape at all?
The question of whether Lily Evans, Harry Potter’s mother, loved Severus Snape, her childhood friend and later Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is a complex and often debated topic among fans of the book series. While some may argue that there were hints of romantic feelings between the two characters, it is clear from the story that Lily only saw Snape as a friend.
Throughout their time at Hogwarts, Snape’s deep affections for Lily were clear, as evidenced by his willingness to join the Death Eaters, a group of Dark Wizards and Witches with whom he did not share their ideology. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Lily was in a romantic relationship with James Potter, Snape’s arch-nemesis. In fact, it was James who came to Lily’s defense when Snape bullied her and her friends, causing a deep rift between Snape and Lily that could never be repaired.
Moreover, Lily’s true feelings about Snape are revealed in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” when Harry sees a memory of Snape’s. In the memory, Snape calls Lily a “Mudblood,” an offensive term used to insult those born into non-magical families. This exchange deeply hurts Lily and cements their doomed relationship as she tells him that his association with the Death Eaters goes against everything she believes in, and that their friendship is over.
While Snape’s love for Lily became a defining aspect of his character, his unrequited feelings for her cannot be overlooked. It is clear that despite everything, Lily only ever saw him as a friend. The complexities of their relationship is just one of many examples of J.K. Rowling’s ability to create multi-dimensional characters, depicting the nuances of human emotions and the intricacies of human relationships, even in the magical world of Harry Potter.
Was Lily’s Patronus always a doe?
In the Harry Potter series, it is no secret that Lily Evans Potter’s patronus was a doe. However, it remains a point of curiosity among many readers and fans of the series whether her patronus was always a doe or not. According to J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, Lily’s patronus was always a doe.
It is important to note that a patronus is a representation of an individual’s happiest memory and acts as a protector against dementors. It is also said to reflect the individual’s personality to some extent. Lily Evans was known to be a strong, kind-hearted, and selfless person who went on to sacrifice her life to save her son, Harry Potter, from Lord Voldemort. Her patronus, the doe, is in line with her personality traits.
Moreover, J.K. Rowling added an interesting piece of information regarding the patronuses of Lily and James Potter. She stated that James Potter’s patronus was a stag, which is a complimentary animal to a doe. James’ patronus presented as a stag only after he fell in love with Lily, and it is believed that one’s patronus can change in such a way to complement the patronus of their loved one. This, in a sense, symbolized the love of Lily and James Potter.
It was confirmed by J.K. Rowling that Lily’s patronus was always a doe. Her choice of a doe as her patronus is a reflection of her kind-hearted and selfless nature. It also complements James Potter’s patronus, which changed to a stag when he fell in love with Lily.
What did Lily Potter say before she died?
Before she died, Lily Potter, Harry Potter’s mother, said something that has become one of the most iconic phrases in the Harry Potter series. As Voldemort attacked Lily and James Potter at their home in Godric’s Hollow, Lily’s last words to her son, Harry, were “Be brave, Harry. Mama loves you. Dada loves you. Always be brave.”
This line speaks to the loving bond between a mother and her child, but also to the bravery that is required to face difficult times. Lily knew that she was in danger and that Harry’s life may be at risk, so she wanted to leave him with some words of encouragement. Despite the perilous situation that they were all in, Lily reminded Harry that he was loved and that he needed to stay strong.
This phrase has resonated with fans of the Harry Potter series for years and has become a symbol of the courage that is necessary to face adversity. It has inspired countless fans to embrace their own bravery in the face of challenging situations and has even become a popular tattoo design. The power of Lily’s final words is a testament to J.K. Rowling’s masterful storytelling, and the impact that the Harry Potter series has had on readers around the world.
Why did Lily marry James if he was a bully?
Lily Evans and James Potter’s romantic story is one of the most intriguing and debated topics in the Harry Potter fandom. While some fans admire their relationship as the perfect example of a young couple in love, others question how Lily could marry James considering how he treated her when they were younger.
There’s no denying that James was not the nicest person when we first encounter him in the series. He was one of the Marauders, a group of Hogwarts students that were known for their wild antics and tendency to bully other students. It is even hinted that they bullied Severus Snape, who was Lily’s best friend at the time. However, it is also important to remember that people can change, and this seems to be the case with James.
As we learn more about James throughout the series, we see him grow and mature, leaving behind his bullying ways and become a dedicated member of the Order of the Phoenix. He becomes a father figure to Harry and eventually sacrifices himself to save his family and friends from Voldemort’s wrath.
As for why Lily would marry James despite his past behavior, it’s important to remember that people are complex. We all have both good and bad qualities, and it’s possible that Lily recognized the good in James despite his flaws. Perhaps she saw the potential for him to change and become a better person, something that he eventually did.
Moreover, it’s clear that Lily and James had a strong connection that went beyond their teenage years. They were both members of the Order of the Phoenix and fought together against Voldemort’s forces. They had Harry, who became their world. It’s possible that Lily fell in love with the person James had become rather than the person he was in Hogwarts.
Lily marrying James despite his bullying behavior is not a cut and dry matter. People can change, and it’s clear that James did. It’s also possible that Lily saw beyond his misbehavior and loved him for the person he ultimately became. Their love story might not be perfect, but it’s one that has touched the hearts of fans for many years.