Th Great Potions Master, Severus Snape

There are a lot of interesting characters in the Harry Potter universe. There's the very powerful but determinedly low-key Dumbledore. The stern and unsmiling Transfiguration teacher Minerva McGonagall who has a soft spot for Harry. Remus Lupin is also high on my list for his hands-on, never-boring lessons - notwithstanding his being a werewolf and all. Harry learned valuable lessons from him: Banishing Bogarts and conjuring patronuses is no mean feat. There's Sirius Black's brother, Regulus, who is also in the running, inspite of his short mention in the series. RAB was so brave and noble.

When it comes to my favorite Harry Potter character, my choice is the one even Harry Potter himself detests. He is the Potions master, Severus Snape. Why does Harry hate Snape? One is because Snape relishes embarrassing the 'chosen one' and never misses an opportunity to deduct points from the Gryffindors, especially from Harry, Hermione and Ron. Snape also unfairly favors students from his own house. He has shown himself, in many occasions to be not above pettiness and prejudice. And he sure can hold a grudge! But in spite of all his glaring faults he is also a very gifted and very powerful wizard. Severus Snape's flawed personality makes him intriguing and scant mention of his past only adds to the mystery surrounding him.

What makes Snape's character so intriguing? He is the only character in the series with obscure loyalties. Wizards from both sides doubt him. Dumbledore and the rest of the Hogwarts faculty adore Harry and are clearly on the good side. Sirius and Lupin are supportive of Harry. The wizarding world knew of the boy who lived and admires and embraces him. Except Snape and the Death Eaters. Snape have always shown mockery towards Harry. But when Harry finds himself in a tight spot, and it has happened more than once with Snape around, he helps Harry anyway. Grudgingly, yes, but he looks after Harry, too.

It isn't easy to play to both sides but Snape has managed it perfectly. Lesser wizards wouldn't have survived the initial meeting with Voldemort in the Goblet of Fire. Who else have managed to lie to Voldemort and lived? He is tasked with the most dangerous job in the wizarding world, and to accomplish it, Snape would have to possess great courage, not to mention immense skill and magical powers.

In The Half Blood Prince, Snape dealt Dumbledore the Avada Kedavra curse at the Astronomy Tower killing the Headmaster. That single act made Severus Snape more vital to the whole story and his motives more mysterious. Snape's motivation and loyalty aren't apparent but everything about him becomes as the final battle loomed.

Until the very end, Voldemort was convinced of Snape's loyalty. A loyalty he rewarded by mercilessly setting Nagini on Snape in the last book, Deathly Hallows. In honor of the bravest man he has ever known, Harry named his eldest son Albus Severus. Fitting remembrance to one who who dedicated his life to protecting Harry Potter.