What do we really *know* about Snape?

[Amy Z]

No: HPFGUIDX 12846

Rebecca wrote:

> Dark Mark branded on left (?) arm

I think so--check "The Egg and the Eye."

> Other Details:
> - teaches Potions, but known to covet the Defense Against the Dark 
Arts
> position

The students accept this as gospel, but it might just be one of those 
legends students pass down from year to year.

> - Head of Slytherin House

Not canon, but a common assumption by fans:  this means he was a 
Slytherin while in school.

> - first meeting caused a pain in Harry's scar (was this just a 
reaction to
> the then-unrevealed presence of the Dark Mark on Snape's arm, or 
something
> more?)

I don't think it was Snape who caused the pain; it was 
Quirrell/Voldemort, who was also sitting there.  The Snape conjecture 
on H's part was a red herring.  Or maybe it's a double red herring and 
it was really Snape causing it.

> - "knows an awful lot about the Dark Arts"

"Knew more curses when he got to Hogwarts than most kids in the 
seventh year" (approximate quote from SB, "Padfoot Returns")

> - former Death Eater, turned spy against Voldemort
> - absolutely trusted by Dumbledore
> 
> Any further notable details to add?

Once saved Harry's life, the ungrateful little wretch.

Is frequently compared to a bat, with varying levels of explicitness.

Hobby: Invents logic puzzles (PS).

Check out Neil's character summary of him from a couple weeks back.  
Happy writing!

Amy Z

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Crabbe and Goyle chuckled trollishly.
             -HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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