What if Sirius's Deadly Prank on Snape Had Succeeded?
While the prank by Sirius Black on Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series is one of many memorable moments, the thought of it succeeding would have had profound implications for the characters involved and the overall narrative. This hypothetical scenario explores the potential consequences for the Marauders, Severus Snape, and the broader Hogwarts community.
Immediate Consequences for Snape
If Sirius’s prank had succeeded and he had managed to lead Severus Snape into the Shrieking Shack during a full moon, this would have had immediate and severe physical and psychological repercussions for Snape. Remus Lupin, in his werewolf form, would have attacked Snape, causing him significant harm. Such a traumatic experience could deeply impact Snape, potentially leading to long-lasting trauma and exacerbating the existing animosity between him and the Marauders.
Impact on the Marauders
The success of the prank would have brought serious consequences for the Marauders, particularly from their school’s administration. Depending on the extent of Snape’s injuries, they could have faced expulsion or severe detention. This severe punishment would have strained their friendships and possibly led to the disintegration of the group. Additionally, the prank leading to such severe consequences could have tarnished their reputations among other students, causing them to distance themselves from the Marauders.
Altered Relationships
The successful prank could have isolated the Marauders from a significant portion of the Hogwarts community. Fellow students who sympathized with Snape or were horrified by the idea of a prank that could cause serious injury might have distanced themselves, potentially altering their social dynamics. The prank could have damaged the Marauders' standing among other students, making it harder for them to maintain friendships and alliances.
Long-term Effects on Snape
For Severus Snape, a werewolf attack could have been deeply traumatic. This experience could have fueled his bitterness and vengefulness, pushing him further into the arms of the Dark Lord, Voldemort. His actions and allegiance to Voldemort might have been more influenced by the fear and hatred instilled in him from this incident. Additionally, this trauma could have significantly affected his treatment of Harry Potter, potentially making him more hostile and resentful towards the Boy Who Lived.
Potential for Darker Paths
The success of such a deadly prank might have had darker ramifications for Sirius Black. Not only would he face the consequences of potentially harming a fellow student, but he might also be viewed more negatively by the broader student body and Hogwarts staff. The guilt of having harmed Snape, especially a fellow student, could have haunted him and influenced his decisions in later years. This dark path could have led to further complications in his relationship with the Order of the Phoenix and other characters.
Influence on the Future
The hypothetical success of the prank could have altered the trajectory of future events in the Harry Potter series. If Snape had been severely injured, his role in the Order of the Phoenix would have been directly impacted. His implications as a double agent might have diminished, altering his position and potentially the outcomes of the First and Second Wizarding Wars. The decisions made by Severus due to this trauma could have had significant repercussions on the broader narrative and the fate of the protagonists.
Overall, the success of Sirius Black's prank on Severus Snape would have led to a cascade of negative consequences for both characters, altering their fates and potentially changing the course of the larger narrative in the Harry Potter series. These consequences highlight the significant impact that such pranks and acts of violence can have on the characters and the story's overall direction.