A fan’s question about Severus Snape prompted J.K. Rowling to go on another epic Twitter spree, clearing up the motivations of the iconic Harry Potter… hero? Villain? We don’t even know anymore.
While one half of America was sleeping off the turkey hangover and the other was mowing fellow countrymen down for cheap TVs, Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was — you guessed it — tweeting.
After answering one question about Snape, she got hundreds, which makes sense considering he’s probably the most debated character in the Harry Potter universe.
Related: Did you know? Snape’s very first words to Harry were secretly about Lily
Embarking on what Rowling herself dubbed the “Snape: Good, Evil or What?” debate, the author cleared up several important things about the ambiguous Potions Master.
Snape was a bully
Yes. Jo’s own words.
As much as readers may love Severus Snape, the character’s love for Lily Evans did not absolve him of his bad nature.
As Rowling explains:
Snape was a bully who loved the goodness he sensed in Lily without being able to emulate her. That was his tragedy. https://t.co/nzWhNrBxdH
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
But it wasn’t all bad. “Snape deserves both admiration and disapprobation” for his actions, “like most of us,” Rowling says.
But he still died a hero (…sort of?)
Rowling’s most definitive statement on Snape must be this one:
Snape is all grey. You can't make him a saint: he was vindictive & bullying. You can't make him a devil: he died to save the wizarding world
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Elaborating on Snape’s final sacrifice, Rowling says:
Snape didn't die for 'ideals'. He died in an attempt to expiate his own guilt. He could have broken cover at any time to save himself 1/2
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
but he chose not to tell Voldemort that the latter was making a fatal error in targeting Harry. Snape's silence ensured Harry's victory. 2/2
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
…Which is kind of like what Draco Malfoy did (or didn’t do), isn’t it?
In the end, Rowling argues, Snape’s death was not selfish, despite the fact that he did everything for the love of a dead woman.
He stood to gain nothing personally but the triumph of the cause Lily had believed in. He was trying to do right. https://t.co/h00btgHwSI
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Yes, it made sense for Harry to name his child Albus Severus
Ever since Deathly Hallows was released in 2007, fans have been bemoaning the fact that Harry Potter’s second child is named Albus Severus.
Not only is it a terrible name, but so many questions remain: Why not name him after Remus or Fred? Why not let Ginny have a say? Why would anyone ever name their kid after a man who antagonized them?!
Well, Rowling has a lot of thoughts on this — even after all this time.
There's a whole essay in why Harry gave his son Snape's name, but the decision goes to the heart of who Harry was, post-war.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Snape died for Harry out of love for Lily. Harry paid him tribute in forgiveness and gratitude. https://t.co/MPXBgUApa3
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
In honouring Snape, Harry hoped in his heart that he too would be forgiven. The deaths at the Battle of Hogwarts would haunt Harry forever.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
That’s all well and good… but still! Why not name the kid something nice and normal like Remus?!
According to Rowling, “Harry chose to perpetuate the names of the two who had nobody in their families to do so.” Remus and Tonks left their son Teddy behind, and it would be up to him to pass on the family names (but no pressure).
…Whoa! That’s a lot to digest right after eating so much turkey. Did you like what J.K. Rowling had to say about Snape?
How do you feel about Severus Snape?
P.S., one of our own writers may have inspired a Dumbledore-themed rant in the future! Watch this space…
@jk_rowling I'd like to see you do one of these about Dumbledore – he's the character I've had the most issues with upon reflection.
— Natalie Fisher (@nataliefisher) November 27, 2015
Ah, now, that wouldn't be an essay. That would be a week-long residential course. https://t.co/QCjDgm1dJt
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Yes. Good. Now, please build a Hogwarts for us, J.K. Rowling, and we can all come take your Snape course.