Weekly broadcasts of the “Harry Potter” films will return to free TV this autumn leading up to Christmas. The article discusses Severus Snape’s character, initially perceived as a villain by Harry Potter but revealed as a complex figure motivated by love for Harry’s mother, Lily. Despite his harsh demeanor and history with James Potter, Snape’s protective actions towards Harry reflect deeper emotions related to loss and loyalty to Dumbledore. The films will air on Sat.1 and are also available for streaming on RTL+.
Weekly ‘Harry Potter’ Movies Airing Until Christmas: Starting in late autumn, the ‘Harry Potter’ films will again be broadcast weekly on free TV. Here’s a schedule of all ‘Harry Potter’ air dates!
In the first ‘Harry Potter’ film, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is convinced that Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) is evil. Snape’s cold demeanor and his fixation on Harry contribute to this belief. However, those who have watched the entire film series and read the books know that Snape is not the villain he appears to be.
Is the Hogwarts professor brusque and condescending? Absolutely! Is he a follower of Voldemort? Definitely not. Snape loved Harry’s mother, Lily, and this affection becomes evident throughout the series as he discreetly looks after Harry and attempts to save him.
For example, in ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,’ Snape casts a counter-curse to protect Harry from Professor Quirrell’s spell. In the third installment, he instinctively steps in front of Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to shield them from a werewolf.
If he were only thinking of himself, he wouldn’t have acted that way. So why does Snape maintain such a harsh exterior while caring for Harry?
Snape Serves Dumbledore
First and foremost, it’s crucial to state that Snape is not a kind person! He is aloof, self-centered, and unpleasant. His treatment of Harry should not be celebrated or romanticized. Moreover, even though he ultimately sacrifices his own life for Harry, this does not redeem his past actions.
Snape’s concern for Harry may stem from his love for Lily, but initially, he looks after Harry because Dumbledore (Richard Harris / Michael Gambon) expects it of him. Snape had pledged his allegiance to Dumbledore before the events of the films and books unfolded.
While he was still a Death Eater, Snape learned of Voldemort’s plan to kill Lily, James Potter, and their baby. To save Lily—though not Harry—Snape betrays Voldemort and serves Dumbledore. Unfortunately, his efforts are in vain, as Lily is killed anyway, yet Snape continues his loyalty to Dumbledore.
With Dumbledore as his ally, Snape avoids the punishment that former Death Eaters face. Furthermore, Dumbledore recognizes that Voldemort’s return is inevitable and utilizes Snape as a double agent.
Harry Reminds Snape of Lily’s Death and James’s Bullying
That Harry is Lily’s son certainly motivates Snape to protect him. However, Harry also serves as a painful reminder of Lily’s death and Snape’s helplessness in saving her. To complicate matters, Harry closely resembles his father, James Potter!
James bullied Snape mercilessly during their youth, tormenting and humiliating him. To add insult to injury, James married the woman Snape loved, which understandably left emotional scars. Harry’s physical resemblance to James, along with many of his inherited traits—traits Snape describes as “arrogant” and “lazy”—reopen old wounds for him.
None of these facts justify Snape’s behavior, but they do explain why he struggles to see Harry as the son of the woman he loved and fails to protect him effectively.
Currently, the ‘Harry Potter’ films are being aired weekly on free TV by Sat.1. We provide all the broadcast dates for the ‘Harry Potter’ series! You can also stream the films on RTL+ with a subscription.