Severus Snape, Part 1: Apology or Condolences?

Another character cursed with two parts; the following two theories are honestly the most innocent theories that are found about our esteemed Potion’s Master Severus Snape. The reason for that mostly has to do with his harsh and brash nature against just about everyone. Now, not all the other theories are dark, per se, but they are not exactly the nicest either and are linked with some darker theories.

Now, while one of these theories can be proven by looking at Victorian traditions, the other has actually been debunked by Ms Rowling. The problem with it, though, is that it is engrained so far in the world of fanfiction that many of us actually FORGET that it is a theory and not actually true. There is a lot of proof throughout the series that could make it true, but the creator herself has said that it is steadfastly a fanfiction fantasy.

Severus is Draco’s Godfather

Everyone loves this. Everyone ships this familial relation. Many fans have pointed out the potential hidden fact that Narcissa went to Severus to protect Draco during year 6 because he IS his Godfather. Honestly, who else would you go to and make them vow to help your child if it wasn’t their Godparent? I honestly consider my children’s sister’s mother not only their stepmother, but also their Godmother. If anything happened to me, I would want them to go to her if none of my family could take them and she knows it. Therefore, it’s very sound that Narcissa would go to Severus as Draco’s Godfather and say, “I need you to fulfill your duty and protect him.”

There are implications that when Severus was in school, Lucius took on a “big brother” type role and took him under his wing. Narcissa even uses the argument about Severus being Lucius’ old friend as a way to convince him to protect Draco. It’s also evident that Severus really doesn’t talk a lot about his blood status and considering that his mother did tell him about Hogwarts (at least this is also a heavy implication that we receive the few times his upbringing and mother is mentioned), it is not so far-fetched that she told him the politics of Slytherin, as it is heavily presumed that she was a Slytherin herself. If that is the case, then she would have encouraged him that if he was sorted into Slytherin that he should keep his status quiet; obviously something had to have been mentioned at some point as it is made clear that “Snape” is a Muggle name. It’s these facts that some would argue that Lucius would never make Severus Godfather to his child, but yet they were both high-ranking Lieutenants of Voldemort’s. Remember, Sirius also made comments about Severus being Lucius’ “lapdog” multiple times, too, which implies they are closer than we are initially led to believe.

While there is no true proof in the books and movies, and even Ms Rowling herself has stated that it is untrue, this is most definitely just a fan theory. However, many of us fans seem to forget that it is just a theory as there are more fics than not it there that exist where he is, in fact, Draco's Godfather. If we take Ms Rowling’s words out of consideration, this is a fan theory that if you dig deep enough and construe info just a bit, this could be a very sound theory. It’s one that I always believed was true, and never even realized it was just a theory until, roughly, this time last year.

Severus Apologizes to Harry

This theory is an interesting one. While Ms Rowling has never actually confirmed one way or another if Severus’ words were, in fact, a coded apology, many who have a knowledge of Victorian Language of Flowers state that he did apologize to Harry. Personally, I see it more as his condolences rather than a true apology; especially as this early in the series we had no idea that Severus was the one to give Voldemort the first half of the Prophecy. For those of you who are not familiar with the Language of Flowers, I will break it down so that you can understand where this theory comes from, and why I personally believe it was condolences rather than a true apology.

I have taken up writing fanfiction again, and in one of them I had to do some hardcore research into the Flower Language as I had specific meanings I wanted to convey in a bouquet of flowers that had been delivered into the hospital. I won't lie and tell you that the language is easy, as it can be just as difficult as English sometimes; having multiple flowers that mean the same thing or multiple names for the same flower. It’s very similar to something like their, there, they’re or being named Alexandria but also going by Alex, Alexa, or Lexi. So, let’s start the breakdown of Severus’ apology.

After asking Harry three questions in his first Potions lesson, Severus tells the class that the answer to the third question is that they are the same plant, and there is yet another name it is called. These names are Asphodel, Wormwood, and Aconite. While they are all the same plant, they all have different meanings based on the name it is called. Asphodel is a type of lily of which translates into "my regrets follow you to the grave". Wormwood represents bitterness and sorrow; thus, everything is loosely translated into "I am deeply sorry for Lily's death."

Here is where everyone says "oh, he apologized for killing her" but, honestly, no it's not. It is stating that he is "deeply sorry for her death" which is generally something you tell someone when giving them condolences for the loss of a family member. As this is said very early on, the confusion in him giving an apology for getting her targeted versus general condolences actually frustrates me a bit. At this point, we are not aware that he is the responsible party; and that information is not given out for another five years! Harry does not discover this until his run-in with Professor Trelawney outside the Room of Requirement on his way to Dumbledore's office in Half-Blood Prince before he heads off on the hunt for the Horcrux. Trelawny is the one who tells him, in her drunken haze, which is when it really comes together that Severus got her killed.

Had the language been different in the flowers, I could concede to the fact that he was apologizing for his hand in it; however, since we know that he believed Harry to be a spoiled and pampered celebrity, the translation leaves me feeling that despite what he thinks, he is still willing to share his condolences to the orphan of the woman he loved. While there is no confirmation that it was the purpose of the question, other than to potentially humiliate Harry, was to give his condolences it is a very sound theory that shows the softer side to Severus that is not seen until his death during the Battle of Hogwarts.

Even at the release of Deathly Hallows, there were many debates (before anyone had read it) if Severus was really a good guy or not. In fact, the book release party that I went to had people writing essays and reading them out loud to sway people and their beliefs about which side he was really on. However, you still can find these debates online even today. I have seen many Reddit threads and Facebook posts that sparks arguments if Severus was really a good guy or not. However, one must note that there is a huge difference between being a "good person" and being on the "good side" of a war. As something that gets overlooked even in real life, you also must take into account unhealed childhood trauma. That, though, is a conversation for another day. Stay tuned for more fan theories in Harry Potter! Until next time!