On Thursday morning, it was announced that Alan Rickman died after a battle with cancer. The actor passed away in London at 69 years old. Rickman, no doubt, will be mourned by multiple generations of fans. Those who grew up with him as Severus Snape, the Potions professor we all loved to hate in the Harry Potter series, included. Rickman played Snape in all eight Harry Potter films, bringing J.K. Rowling's mysterious character to life for legions of fans. Perhaps it was the delectably cruel way he delivered his lines, or the stringy black hair he embraced, or his perfectly terse facial expressions — Rickman will always be remembered as the perfect Severus Snape. So, in his honor, I have amassed some iconic Severus Snape quotes to remember Alan Rickman by.
Snape was a never-ending source of epic burns and harsh insults, usually aimed at Harry Potter himself. But, he was also sensitive, smart, loyal, and, many fans will argue, a tragic hero. Though fans are divided on Snape's true nature — was he a villain until the end, or were his actions always driven by a love for Lily Potter? — even those who rooted against Snape were intrigued by his story and didn't want it to end. But wherever you fell on the Snape spectrum, you can enjoy these Snape quotes and always think of the man who said them on screen.
1. Snape's Introduction
"I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stop a death... If you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."
2. Snape Meets Harry
"Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"
Snape's first words spoken directly to Harry were not as kind as one might have hoped.
3. When He Burned Hermione
"That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Five more points from Gryffindor for being an insufferable know-it-all."
4. When He Burned Harry
"I do not take cheek from anyone, Potter... not even 'the Chosen One.'"
5. Snape Is The Half-Blood Prince
"You dare use my own spells against me, Potter? Yes. I'm the Half-Blood Prince."
6. Snape's Great Advice
"Control your emotions. Discipline your mind!"
7. Snape Gets Real
"Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don't want to do this anymore?"
There are many excellent Snape quotes — some better than others. One thing's for sure: they were all made better by having been said by Alan Rickman.
Images: Warner Bros; Giphy (8)
