Severus Snape

In the series, Snape is an exceptionally skillful wizard who primarily teaches Potions at Hogwarts school, though in the sixth novel he teaches Defence Against the Dark Arts, a position which he was known to have desired throughout the series. For much of the series Snape's actions seem to serve Harry's nemesis, Lord Voldemort, although Harry's mentor, Dumbledore, often advises Harry that – despite his actions and animosity – Snape is trustworthy and his true loyalties can be relied upon. He ultimately becomes Headmaster of Hogwarts in the final novel, after killing Dumbledore at the end of the sixth book. Snape himself dies at the hands of Voldemort in the final chapters of the seventh book, revealing his memories and true background story to Harry (and therefore to the reader) in his last minutes. In the book's epilogue, Harry describes Snape as "one of the bravest men I knew".

Played by Alan Rickman