Snape and Lily: Friends Despite the Hater Myth

Snape and Lily, two characters who are often shrouded in misunderstanding due to the Harry Potter universe. It's commonly believed that Snape hated Lily, but this couldn't be further from the truth. In this article, we will examine the true nature of their relationship and why Snape never stopped caring for her, even after their friendship ended.

The Early Days: Best Friends

Snape and Lily met when they were all just nine years old, and it was love at first sight, or rather, friendship at first sight. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Their bond was unbreakable, built on trust, mutual respect, and pure friendship. Their relationship was so strong that it stood the test of time until the fifth year of their schooling.

A Turn in the Friendship

However, their friendship was tested in the fifth year when James and Sirius, the Marauders, attacked Snape, calling him a 'mudblood.' Snape, feeling humiliated and betrayed, snapped and called Lily the same name. This act, fueled by anger and a combination of humiliation, caused Lily to end their friendship with a parting shot of 'Snivellus' and a reminder of her superior status.

Snape's Desire to Make Things Right

After their falling out, Snape tried desperately to repair the friendship. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his best friend, and he knew that he had wronged her. Many students outside their circle, particularly those in Slytherin, were aspiring Death Eaters, which only deepened Lily's mistrust. Despite Snape's efforts, Lily refused to give him a second chance, convinced that his actions had irrevocably damaged their bond.

The True Extent of Snape's Loyalty and Love

After becoming a Death Eater, Snape never stopped caring for Lily. When he realized that the Potters were being targeted by Voldemort, and he believed that Lily and Harry were at risk, he begged both Voldemort and Dumbledore to protect her. He even made a deal with Dumbledore to become a double agent, spying on Voldemort for the Order of the Phoenix, all to ensure Lily's safety. When his attempts to save her seemed fruitless, he continued his efforts, vowing to protect Harry, the boy he knew would become the next target, out of love for Lily.

The Final Verdict

Snape's actions speak louder than words. He chose to turn on Voldemort, whom he once served loyally, and risk everything, just to protect the people he loved. His love for Lily was so profound that it defined his entire existence. He died still loving her, proving without a doubt that he never hated her. In fact, if he had hated her, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to protect her when the situation seemed hopeless.

The Legacy of Severus Snape and Lily Evans

Their friendship, marked by a moment of misunderstanding, ultimately defined them both. While Lily, a pure-blood, had never considered Snape as a friend until their falling out, Snape's loyalty and love for her were unwavering. They were friends, and despite the hate and misunderstanding, they remained intertwined in each other's lives, their love for one another shaping the events that followed.