Why Did Snape Cast Expecto Patronum? Fully Explained

Sunny Anderson
Apr 13, 2023
Apr 13, 2023

The Harry Potter saga, penned by J.K. Rowling, has entranced millions of fans around the world. One of the most remarkable components of the magical realm is the Patronus Charm, which summons a protective being referred to as a Patronus.
The Patronuses of Severus Snape and Lily Potter (née Evans), two characters in the series, are especially captivating. They share the same Patronus – a doe – which has stimulated much conversation and conjecture among fans. In this article, we will investigate the grounds for this likeness and look into the importance of their shared Patronus in the bigger picture of the Harry Potter narrative.

#1. Why Does Harry Ask Dumbledore About Snape’s Patronus?

why did snape cast expecto patronum Source: Page Six

Curiously, Severus’ Patronus mimicked Lily’s, whereas James’ Patronus complemented and completed hers. This beautifully illustrates the difference between James’ genuine and Severus’ obsessive love for Lily. Because his father, who also deeply loved and cherished Lily, had a different Patronus, it is understandable that he wanted to know Dumbledore’s thoughts on the matter. Harry understood that Snape’s love for Lily was responsible for his Patronus taking on the doe form.
Snape himself made this clear during the heartbreaking conversation he has with Dumbledore when learns that, in the end, Harry will have to die to defeat Voldemort.
“But this is touching, Severus,” said Dumbledore seriously. “Have you grown to care for the boy, after all?”
“For him?” shouted Snape. “Expecto Patronum!”
“After all this time?”
“Always,” said Snape.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

#2. Did Lily Know Snape Loved Her?

why did snape cast expecto patronum Source: Capital FM

It is highly improbable that Lily was aware of Severus' actual emotions towards her since he never disclosed them in any of the Harry Potter tales and even denied being anything other than friends. Snape and Lily had been childhood friends who grew further and further apart in their adolescent years until the fateful day that Severus slipped and called Lily the unforgivable insult “mudblood”.
While Severus seems to have fallen for Lily quickly and hard, Lily approached their friendship cautiously and seems to have been mostly drawn to Snape because of his knowledge of the (to her) unknown magical world.

#3. Did Lily Love Snape Back?

why did snape cast expecto patronum Source: The Independent

We can be sure that Lily Potter did not have a romantic attraction to Severus Snape. She cared deeply for him, but it was only a platonic affection. As Snape became increasingly involved in the Dark Arts, their relationship became more distant. Lily did not have any romantic feelings for Snape.
In the same live chat as mentioned above, Rowling also shared that Lily could have grown to love Snape romantically if he had chosen a different path, making it clear that Lily did not love Snape back. Lily both appreciated and relied upon Snape’s knowledge of the magical world and how to navigate it. Snape had no friends or confidants and no escape from his unhappy childhood home besides Lily.
Severus was immediately infatuated with the stubborn and strong-willed (yet at the same time immensely kind) Lily. While Severus’ affection quickly grew into attraction, Lily’s feelings for Snape remained platonic throughout their friendship. On the other hand, James once and for all proves his selfless love for his wife and son in his last action, when he sacrifices himself trying to stop Voldemort.
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#4. Why Did Snape and Lily Have the Same Patronus?

why did snape cast expecto patronum Source: IMDb

The Patronus of Severus Snape and Lily Potter was a doe, which symbolized the strong, unrequited love that Snape felt for her. Typically, Patronuses take the shape of an animal that reflects the individual's feelings and personality, but they can also evolve in reaction to major life experiences or intense emotions. Snape's deep love for Lily was a great emotional experience that caused his Patronus to transform into a doe.
Snape and Lily were childhood friends, and over time, Snape developed strong feelings for her. However, their friendship fell apart during their time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry due to Snape’s involvement with the Dark Arts and his association with future Death Eaters. Lily eventually married James Potter, which further solidified the unrequited nature of Snape’s love.

why did snape cast expecto patronum Source: USA Today

Despite their estrangement, Snape never stopped loving Lily. After her death, his love for her continued to shape his actions, including his decision to protect her son, Harry Potter, and work as a double agent for Dumbledore against Lord Voldemort.
Snape’s Patronus, the doe, served as a lasting symbol of his enduring love for Lily and his unwavering devotion to her memory. This rings especially true if we look at the little we know about Severus Snape’s life; we saw no joy or hope from his unhappy childhood to his seemingly disgraceful death.
In fact, Harry sums it up quite nicely when he explains it to Voldemort: ‘Snape’s Patronus was a doe,’ said Harry, ‘the same as my mother’s, because he loved her for nearly all of his life, from the time when they were children.’

#5. What Is the Significance of Severus Snape’s Patronus?

why did snape cast expecto patronum Source: The Direct

JK Rowling shared with fans during a 2007 live chat that Severus Snape was the only Death Eater who could cast a Patronus due to his deep love for Lily Potter. The other Death Eaters had no need to learn such a spell. They usually found themselves fighting alongside (not against) such foul creatures as Dementors. The ability to cast a corporeal Patronus, in that it takes on a distinct shape instead of fog or vapor, is considered the mark of a highly accomplished witch or wizard. Severus Snape, therefore, was a highly skilled wizard who still had enough good and benevolence within him to create the doe-shaped Patronus.
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