However, it’s also hard to imagine that it’ll have the same impact as the films did.
Andthey will play these roles for a decade, apparently.
The titular character has plenty of great quotes, for instance, but Severus Snape has better ones.
Image by Federico Napoli
The ambiguity of this character is every bit as appealing as his open disdain for Harry and company.
10"You just bought yourself a month’s detention, McLaggen."
At a party, Snape opens a curtain to find McLaggen and Mr. Potter.
Right on cue, McLaggen vomits on the professor’s robe.
Watching the kid slowly get back up, we know he’s in some deep trouble.
That’s one heck of a sales pitch.
The camera points up at him, making these powers of the potions seem all the more impressive.
8"Turn to page 394."
Then he pulls down the projector screen and says, “Turn to page 394.”
No hello, just straight to the point.
When Harry asks about Professor Lupin, Snape gives him almost no information and repeats his directions.
Ron is so slow that Snape flicks his wand to get the student there more quickly.
He’s never in a very good mood, but he seems a bit grumpier today.
The way Alan Rickman enunciates this command is so deliberate and uncompromising.
Overall, this simple line perfectly sums up why he’s one ofthe best Slytherin characters.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
7"The use of it on a student is…regrettably forbidden.
Overall, this is classic Snape.
6"You have your mother’s eyes."
It’s a very emotional moment, showing us that he actually was on Harry’s side all along.
At last, Snape’s true character is revealedand it’s an admirable one, indeed.
5"Avada kedavra."
Harry is below them, unseen, pointing a wand at them, ready to attack.
As Malfoy is proving unable to kill the old wizard, Snape walks up and takes his place.
Dumbledore says “like,” which is one ofthe headmaster’s best quotes in the series.
4"You dare use my own spells against me, Potter?
Yes,I’mthe half-blood prince."
After killing Dumbledore, Snape and the other Death Eaters head over to Hagrid’s hut.
While Bellatrix lights it on fire, Harry yells at Snape from a distance and attacks.
Furious, Harry tries the sectumsempra curse on Snape, which is easily deflected.
Yes,I’mthe half-blood prince."
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
After that, he walks away.
This is a dark, dramatic, and very well-executed reveal.
What makes this more interesting is that Snape doesn’t elaborate on any of his recent actions.
Even when Snape unveils a part of himself, he keeps other things concealed.
3"I could do it, you know.
But why deny the dementors?"
Snape points his wand straight into Sirius' neck: “I could do it, you know.
But why deny the dementors?
They’re so longing to see you.
Do I detect a flicker of fear?”
And then he goes on to describe the dementor’s kiss, which he’ll enjoy witnessing.
Well, it may have escaped your notice, but life isn’t fair."
Image via Warner Bros.
Harry wants to take a break, but his teacher reminds him that the Dark Lord isn’t resting.
Well, it may have escaped your notice, but life isn’t fair.
Your blessed father knew that; in fact, he frequently saw to it."
Image via Warner Bros.
1"Have you ever considered that you ask too much?
That you take too much for granted?
Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to do this anymore?"
Image via Warner Bros.
A brief but excellent scene inThe Half-Blood Princeinvolves a conversation between Snape and Dumbledore.
Snape asks his headmaster, “Have you ever considered that you ask too much?
That you take too much for granted?
Image via Warner Bros.
Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to do this anymore?”
“What are they talking about?”
It takes so long for viewers to be sure that Snape is on Dumbledore’s side.
Thus, these lines remain tantalizingly ambiguous until the end of the final movie.
Of course, once we learn that and re-watch this scene, Snape’s complaint is extremely valid.
Thisstunningly heroic Harry Potter characterhas done some very dark things to convince Voldemort he’s a loyal Death Eater.
Image via Warner Bros.
NEXT:The Best Harry Quotes in ‘Harry Potter,’ Ranked
