Snape's Deadly Loyalty

Snape's actions throughout the year reveal his true allegiance to Voldemort, culminating in his murder of Dumbledore.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Unbreakable Vow

The Oath The Plea Narcissa Malfoy, desperate for her son Draco's safety, visits Severus Snape at Spinner's End. She begs him to protect Draco and complete the mission if Draco fails. Bellatrix Lestrange is suspicious of Snape's loyalty. The Vow Snape agrees to make an Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa. He swears to watch over Draco, protect him, and carry out the Dark Lord's orders if necessary. The vow binds him to a course that will lead to Dumbledore's death. The Double Game Snape is now committed to both Dumbledore and Voldemort. He must navigate a dangerous path, maintaining trust on both sides. His true intentions remain hidden.

The Year of Watching

The Spymaster The Orders Severus Snape, as a double agent, follows Dumbledore's orders to keep an eye on Draco Malfoy. He tries to guide Draco, but Draco resents his interference. Snape also provides information to the Order of the Phoenix. The Suspicion Harry Potter suspects Snape's loyalty, but Dumbledore insists on trusting him. Snape's actions are ambiguous: he saves Harry from the cursed necklace incident, but also appears to help Malfoy. The tension builds. The Final Act Snape's role culminates on the Astronomy Tower. He arrives after the Death Eaters have cornered Dumbledore. When Dumbledore pleads, Snape performs the Killing Curse, fulfilling the Unbreakable Vow. He then escapes with the Death Eaters, revealing his true allegiance to Voldemort.

The Revelation of the Half-Blood Prince

The Identity Revealed The Confrontation After the Sectumsempra incident, Severus Snape discovers that Harry has been using his old potions book. He confronts Harry and reveals that he is the Half-Blood Prince. His mother was Eileen Prince, a pure-blood wizard, and his father was Tobias Snape, a Muggle. The Shame Snape is both proud and ashamed of his heritage. He used the title 'Half-Blood Prince' to distance himself from his Muggle father. The book contains spells he invented during his own Hogwarts years. The Implications Harry is horrified to learn that the spells he admired were created by a Death Eater. This revelation deepens his distrust of Snape and makes him question his own judgment. The book becomes a symbol of betrayal.

early July, before the start of term

throughout the school year, from September to June

late May, after the Sectumsempra incident