Severus Snape is the

complex, anti-heroic Potions Master and later Headmaster of Hogwarts in J.K. Rowling'sHarry Potterseries. Defined by his dry wit, strict discipline, and apparent malice toward Harry Potter, his true character is revealed only after his death as a double agent who risked his life to protect Harry out of a lifelong, unrequited love for Harry's mother, Lily Evans. 

Core Character Profile

• Roles: Potions Master (1981–1996), Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor (1996–1997), and Headmaster of Hogwarts (1997–1998).

• Aliases: The Half-Blood Prince, a moniker he created using his mother’s maiden name (Prince) and his father's Muggle status.

• Loyalties: Originally a Death Eater, he defected to serve Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix after learning Voldemort intended to kill Lily Evans.

• Key Quote: His response to Dumbledore asking if he still loved Lily after all those years: "Always.".