Would Snape Have Been Nice to Harry If He Was Sorted into Slytherin?

Severus Snape, one of the most beloved teachers in the Harry Potter series, is often portrayed as a complex character, full of both compassion and confrontation. Many fans wonder what would have happened if Severus Snape was sorted into Slytherin instead of Gryffinord. Would this change impact his relationship with Harry Potter? Let's dive into the analysis of this hypothetical scenario.

Snape's Hates and Humanities

Firstly, it is important to understand that Snape's hatred towards Harry is not solely based on his house. The core of Snape's enmity towards Harry is rooted in his personal relationships and actions during their shared student years. Snape was deeply hurt by Harry's father, James Potter, who bullied him during their time at Hogwarts. On the other hand, Snape was captivated by Lily Evans, Harry's mother, who, despite initial resistance from James, ultimately fell in love with him. This assigns Snape a role of both heartbreak and protectiveness. However, despite his love for Lily, James remained unkind to Snape, which further fueled Snape's resentment.

The Impact of Sorting Harry into Slytherin

Assuming Harry was sorted into Gryffindor, it is highly probable that Snape would still have held a grudge towards Harry, primarily due to his ties to James Potter. However, what if Harry was a Slytherin instead? Would Snape's disposition towards him have improved? The answer is not straightforward. Here are a few considerations:

Access and Closeness: As a Slytherin, Harry would have had more frequent interactions with Snape, possibly leading to more confrontations but also opportunities for mutual growth. If Snape believed in giving Slytherins a second chance, he might have been kinder. Proximity to Malfoy: Harry would have been closer to Draco Malfoy, who was notorious for his friendship with Snape. This could either foster more conflict or present a chance for Snape to redeem himself through his dislike of Malfoy. Protection of 'Snakes': Snape was known for his protective, albeit twisted, nature towards 'his snakes' in Slytherin. There is a chance that he might treat Harry with more respect if he perceived him as a fellow Slytherin.

Snape's True Nature and Character Development

Considering that Snape is often hailed for his complexity and evolving character, it is evident that his behavior is molded more by his individual actions than by his house affiliation. Even as a Gryffindor, he continued to demonstrate loyalty and care for Harry, as seen in his valiant efforts to protect him and ultimately become a Dark Lord challenger. If Harry was sorted into Slytherin, Snape's personal vendetta would likely still prevail, but there could be a subtle shift in his approach to Harry.

In conclusion, the recurrence of Snape's enmity towards Harry is more a reflection of his personal experiences rather than his house affiliation. A change in Harry's house would introduce new dynamics, but it would not fundamentally alter Snape's fundamental dislike of Harry and his father, James Potter. However, there might have been a different kind of relationship that emerged due to the new proximity and mutual belonging to the same house.