The Hidden Motives Behind Snape's Passion for Defense Against the Dark Arts

As the Potions Master and head of Slytherin House at Hogwarts, Severus Snape is known for his love of the subject and his fascination with the Dark Arts. He believes that Potions is a subtle science and exact art that can be used to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses, and he often dismisses the wand-waving and incantations of other subjects. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, readers gain insight into Snape's early years at Hogwarts, where he was sorted into Slytherin and befriended those who used Dark Magic. Despite his initial interest in becoming a Death Eater, Snape ultimately shifts his allegiance after Voldemort targets Lily and James Potter for death.

Snape And The Dark Arts

During his time as a student, Snape had a strong interest in the Dark Arts and was known to have knowledge of more curses than many older students. He associated with a group of Slytherins, many of whom later became Death Eaters. However, in "The Prince's Tale," it is revealed that Dumbledore trusted Snape with the knowledge of Voldemort's return and saw him as the best candidate for the Defense Against the Dark Arts job. Despite his desire for the position, Dumbledore denied Snape the job due to concerns about his past and to protect him from potential temptation. It is also revealed that no teacher has been able to keep the Defense Against the Dark Arts job for more than a year since Dumbledore refused it to Voldemort.

Snape Takes On The Defense Against The Dark Arts Position

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the atmosphere of Snape's first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson is described as dreary and somber, with drawn curtains and candlelight. The walls are adorned with disturbing images of pain and injury. As Snape begins his address, he notes that the students have had five previous D.A.D.A. teachers, implying his disdain for them. He goes on to passionately declare the Dark Arts as an ever-changing and eternal threat, likening it to a many-headed monster that grows fiercer with each head severed. Harry is taken aback by Snape's admiration for such a formidable enemy.

Snape's fiery speech left no doubt that he had high expectations for his students. He warned them about the dangers of the Cruciatus Curse, the Dementors' kiss, and the ruthless tactics of the Inferi. When Parvati Patil inquired about the existence of Inferi, Snape confirmed that the Dark Lord had employed them before and could do so again. In essence, Snape's goal as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was to prepare his students for their N.E.W.T.s and to help them anticipate the worst from Voldemort. He began with teaching non-verbal spells and had the students pair up to practice jinxing and repelling each other in silence. However, Snape's harsh demeanor was evident when he punished Harry with detention, scolded Hermione, and belittled Ron's jinxing attempt. Despite his unfriendly manner, Snape was undoubtedly one of the most skilled Defense Against the Dark Arts professors Harry ever encountered.