The Intent Behind Sirius Black's Unconscious Snape in 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban'
In the third installment of J.K. Rowling's classic Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban', a significant scene unfolds involving Sirius Black and Severus Snape. Sirius attempts to incapacitate Snape and prevent him from interfering during a crucial moment. This article explores the reasons behind Sirius's actions and sheds light on the characters' deep-seated resentments.
Sirius's Motivation
Sirius is trying to prevent Snape from interfering during a critical moment. By physically restraining Snape in such an unconventional manner, Sirius not only aims to incapacitate him but also expresses his raw emotions and frustrations. This act serves as a visual and emotional declaration of the intense tension between them, rooted in their shared history and past conflicts.
The Low Ceiling and Physical Restraint
The passage through the narrow, low-ceilinged area beneath the Whomping Willow is particularly challenging. As a grown man, Sirius must move on three limbs while levitating Snape. Even if Sirius had been more careful, Snape would still have risked hitting his head due to the low height of the ceiling. This aspect of the scene highlights the physical strain and shared hostility of the situation.
Background Context: Snape's Intentions and Past Tensions
Severus Snape's intentions are clear—he is determined to harm Sirius and Remus. When Harry and others attempt to explain the truth about the events surrounding his parents' deaths, Snape's refusal to listen contributes to the intensity of the conflict. The low passage with a challenging ceiling height only amplifies the situation.
The Magic and Its Challenges
The spell Sirius uses, likely Mobilicorpus, is designed to lift a body a few inches off the ground. This spell does not keep the body floating like a balloon, as Snape's precise hanging upside down suggests. Either Sirius intentionally kept Snape's head against the ceiling out of spite or his magic was not precise enough to maintain the desired height. In either case, it is clear that Sirius's actions were rooted in petty and vindictive behavior, reflecting his deranged state following years in Azkaban.
Character Analysis: Sirius and Snape's Past
Sirius's unresolved emotions and past grudges with Snape are evident throughout this scene. The incident alone is not an act of love for Harry; rather, it is a continuation of a prolonged conflict from their teenage years. Sirius, having spent significant time in Azkaban and living in hiding, remains fixated on his goal to avenge his friend. This scene is not just about Harry; it is a manifestation of deep-seated resentments and past traumas.
Conclusion: The Nature of the Conflict
Whether done out of pure spite or due to a lack of magic control, the scene with Sirius and Severus Snape is a poignant display of the characters' long-standing tensions. It underscores the complexity of their relationship and the lasting impact of their shared past. This incident reflects not only the sufferings Sirius endured but also Snape's own immature and vindictive behavior.