Harry Potter fans who were wondering why the boy wizard named his son after one of the series supposedly most villainous characters, your questions have been answered. Literally.
Author J.K. Rowling took to Twitter over the weekend to discuss why her most famous literary creation would have named his child 'Albus Severus Snape' after fans questioned why he would honour the man that caused him so much misery at Hogwarts.
Needless to say, if you haven't read til the end of Harry Potter, there are spoilers below:
Snape died for Harry out of love for Lily. Harry paid him tribute in forgiveness and gratitude. https://t.co/MPXBgUApa3
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
There's a whole essay in why Harry gave his son Snape's name, but the decision goes to the heart of who Harry was, post-war.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Snape is all grey. You can't make him a saint: he was vindictive & bullying. You can't make him a devil: he died to save the wizarding world
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
In honouring Snape, Harry hoped in his heart that he too would be forgiven. The deaths at the Battle of Hogwarts would haunt Harry forever.
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
Snape didn't die for 'ideals'. He died in an attempt to expiate his own guilt. He could have broken cover at any time to save himself 1/2
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015
but he chose not to tell Voldemort that the latter was making a fatal error in targeting Harry. Snape's silence ensured Harry's victory. 2/2
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) November 27, 2015