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Severus Snape might be one of the most divisive characters in the Harry Potter series.
Whether you believe he was an immature bully or a romantic hero, there’s one thing you can’t deny, he had some great quotes!
Of course, being played by the late, great Alan Rickman in the films certainly helped – we can’t even imagine anyone else delivering some of those lines as well as he did.
With that in mind, today we’ve rounded up all the best Snape quotes – from the menacing and angry to the secretly brave and romantic. Of course, it goes without saying, if you haven’t seen/read all the films/books then there are spoilers ahead. Turn to page 394 and let’s begin!
Want more Harry Potter quotes? Check these out:
- Here are the 100+ Best Harry Potter Quotes (from the Books & Movies!)
- Here are the Funniest Quotes from Harry Potter
- Here are the Most Inspirational Quotes from Harry Potter
- Here are the best quotes from Albus Dumbledore
- Here are the best quotes from Hermione Granger
- Here are the best quotes from Ron Weasley
- Here are the best quotes from Severus Snape
- Here are the best quotes from Sirius Black
- Here are the best quotes from Luna Lovegood
- Here are the best quotes from Dobby
The Most Famous and Iconic Severus Snape Quotes
From the moment he first burst into the potions classroom and said “there will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations” Snape was cemented as an iconic character. These are the most famous and iconic lines by Snape, that people love to re-use in memes or just among friends.
“There will be no foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don’t expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion-making. However, for those select few… who possess, the predisposition… I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“You ought to be careful. People will think you’re… up to something.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“Turn to page three hundred and ninety-four.” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“Albus Dumbledore: Severus… please…
Severus Snape: Avada Kedavra!” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“You have your mother’s eyes.” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
“Albus Dumbledore: After all this time?
Severus Snape: Always.” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
The Best Sarcastic Comments, Insults and Burns by Severus Snape
Nobody does sarcasm like Severus Snape! He was also a master of dry wit and insults. These are the best burns and sarcastic comebacks that really showcase the character of Snape as someone with a super-sharp tongue.
“Clearly, fame isn’t everything, is it, Mr. Potter?” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“Gilderoy Lockhart: Let’s have a volunteer pair. Potter, Weasley, how about you?
Professor Snape: Weasley’s wand causes devastation with the simplest spells. We’ll be sending Potter to the hospital wing in a matchbox.” Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
“That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Tell me, are you incapable of restraining yourself, or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all?” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“How extraordinarily like your father you are Potter, he too was exceedingly arrogant, strutting about the castle.” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“Professor Lupin: [as Snape points his wand at Sirius’s throat] Severus, don’t be a fool…
Sirius Black: He can’t help it, it’s habit by now.
Professor Lupin: Sirius, be quiet.
Sirius Black: Be quiet yourself, Remus!
Professor Snape: Listen to you two, quarreling like an old married couple…” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“How touchingly paternal, Black. Perhaps Potter will grow up to be a felon, just like his godfather!” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“Dolores Umbridge: You applied first for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, is that correct?
Severus Snape: Yes.
Dolores Umbridge: But you were unsuccessful?
Severus Snape: Obviously…” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“Severus Snape: You’re just like your father. Lazy, arrogant…
Harry Potter: Don’t say a word against my father!
Severus Snape: Weak.
Harry Potter: I’m not weak!
Severus Snape: Then prove it! Control your emotions! Discipline your mind!” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The Best Angry and/or Menacing Lines by Severus Snape
Alan Rickman’s delivery was what made so many of Snape’s best lines. Whether he was yelling in anger or speaking… very… slowly… and… menacingly… we can bet you would be quaking in fear if you had to face him in real life. These are the best scary and menacing quotes by Snape.
“You don’t want me as your enemy, Quirrell.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“Professor Snape: You were seen. By no less than seven Muggles! Do you have any idea how serious this is? You have risked the exposure of our world! Not to mention the damage you inflicted on a Whomping Willow that’s been on these grounds since before you were born!
Ron: Honestly, Professor Snape, I think it did more damage to us.
Professor Snape: Silence! I assure you that were you in Slytherin and your fate rested with me, the both of you would be on the train home tonight!” Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
“Harry Potter: I haven’t stolen anything!
Severus Snape: Don’t… lie… to me…” Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“Severus Snape: I can’t change the Dark Lord’s mind. But it might be possible for me to help Draco.
Narcissa Malfoy: [Getting up] Severus…
Bellatrix Lestrange: Swear to it… make the Unbreakable Vow. [Walking over to Snape] It’s just empty words. He’ll give it his best effort, when it maters most. He’ll just slither back into his hole… coward.
Severus Snape: Take… out… your… wand. [Snape and Narcissa clasp hands, as Bellatrix circles them, holding her wand]
Bellatrix Lestrange: Will you, Severus Snape, watch over Draco Malfoy, as he attempts to fulfill the Dark Lord’s wishes?
Severus Snape: I will.
Bellatrix Lestrange: And will you, to the best of your ability, protect him from harm?
Severus Snape: I will.
Bellatrix Lestrange: And, if Draco should fail, will you yourself carry out the deed the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?
Severus Snape: I will.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to do this anymore?” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? Yes. I’m the Half Blood Prince.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“Severus Snape: So when the time comes… the boy must die?
Albus Dumbledore: Yes. Yes… he must die.
Severus Snape: You’ve kept him alive so that he can die at the proper moment. You’ve been raising him like a pig for slaughter!” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
The Best Witty and Amusing Severus Snape Quotes
It didn’t happen often, but occasionally Snape made a remark that was actually quite amusing. Usually it was Alan Rickman’s expressions or gestures that made us laugh at Snape, but these are the best funny lines by Severus Snape.
“Well, well, Lupin. Out for a little walk… in the moonlight, are we?” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“[watches a touching memory between Harry and Sirius] I may vomit.” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“Severus Snape: You sent for me, Headmistress?
Dolores Umbridge: Snape, yes. The time has come for answers, whether he wants to give them or not. Have you brought the Veritaserum?
Severus Snape: I’m afraid you have used up all my stores interrogating students, the last of it on Miss Chang. Unless you wish to poison Potter – and I assure you, I would have the greatest sympathy if you did – I cannot help you.” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“[Cormac throws up on Snape’s shoes] You’ve just earned yourself detention for a month, McClaggen.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Bonus: The Best Severus Snape Quotes from the Books
Film version of books always need to cut some material to fit everything in, which means you’ve missed some of Snape’s best lines if you only ever saw the Harry Potter movies. Here are the best Severus Snape quotes from the books that didn’t make it to the big screen – but should have!
“What would your head have been doing in Hogsmeade, Potter? …Your head is not allowed in Hogsmeade. No part of your body has permission to be in Hogsmeade.” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“The mind is a complex and many-layered thing, Potter… or at least, most minds are…” Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“The Dark Arts are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“Yes, it is easy to see that nearly six years of magical education have not been wasted on you, Potter. Ghosts are transparent.” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“Detention, Saturday night, my office,” said Snape. “I do not take cheek from anyone, Potter . . . not even ‘the Chosen One.’” Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
“Would you like me to do it [kill you] now?” asked Snape, his voice heavy with irony. “Or would you like a few moments to compose an epitaph?” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Did We Miss Any of Your Favourite Severus Snape Quotes?
Let us know in the comments below!
