Snape: A Definitive Reading

by Lorrie Kim

The words to Snape’s phoenix song might have gone something like this: I am sorry I did this, so long ago. I am sorry I brought it into the world for others to use without knowing how it would hurt you. I am sorry you were so hurt by this. You didn't deserve this. I stopped doing this a long time ago, but as long as I live, I will track down all the damage I caused. If I could suffer this in your place, I would. Take my remorse. Let it re-integrate your wounds. I will sing to you until it stops. I was supposed to protect you. I will always protect you. Thank goodness it is not too late. Few moments in the series are as starkly beautiful as the tableau of Snape singing shut Draco’s Sectumsempra wounds, performing magic that nobody else in the world could cast, suffusing the song with all his grief and regret that his long-ago evil is still doing harm in the world, still hurting this child who has spent all year trying to kill people and yet doesn’t deserve this because nobody deserves this. Draco has been pushing Snape away all year, descending deeper into horror, yet when he is in danger, Snape’s protective response is absolute: I came as soon as I could. You’ll be all right. I’ve got you. I’m here.