Why does Proffessor Snape kill Headmaster Dumbledore?

Question

Beyond the fact that he makes an unbreakable promise to Narcissa (Malfoy's mom)... There has to be a reason Snape was willing to kill Dumbledore...

Answer 1

I'm thinking Dumbledore isn't really dead. There's some trick involved and he'll be back. Same as Sirius Black.

Answer 2

I have this theory maybe snape didn't really want to kill Dumbledore... But somehow I have a feeling that this is some kind of a plot that Snape and Dumbledore had planned before.. Even when dumbledore brings Harry to his mission also sounds like a plot to me... Something is not right... But on the other hand, maybe it is for the good, maybe dumbledore already had a prediction that only Harry could destroyed Voldemoth... Harry is the one who destined to do so...
Yeah, I know, I sounds crazy but I have observed the book so hard until I came up with this theory... Maybe I was wrong... (weak laugh)

Answer 3

I think Snape is one of the most complex, in-depth, compelling characters in recent fiction.

Without writing a 400 paragraph essay, I think the bottom line is that Dumbledore did ask Snape to do it for whatever reason. There are many things surrounding Dumbledore's death that have been rehashed over and over, and while I agree there's some things that don't add up, my opinion is that he is in fact dead.

I don't know whether Snape's reasons for his actions are self-serving at all, but I believe that the "revulsion" etched on his face when performing the curse was revulsion for what he had to do, not revulsion for Dumbledore.

I'm not certain he'll be a "hero" by the end of book 7, but I highly doubt he'll be a total villain. Dumbledore trusted him completely, and I think that's important. Dumbledore has certainly proven he is capable of making mistakes ("I make mistakes like the next man but being--forgive me--rather cleverer than most men, my mistakes tend to be correspondingly huger."), but I don't think this is one of them. The fact that they planned this together, the fact that Dumbledore pleaded with Snape to do as he asked, and the fact that Snape loathed the position he was in all illustrate just how much unwavering trust Dumbledore had in Snape.

I think book 7 will reveal more clearly WHY Dumbledore trusted Snape, perhaps trusted him above all others.

Answer 4

JK Rowling has promised to answer this question for the readers on HP book 7, along with the big one of why did Dumbledore trust Snape in the first place.

There are two main schools of thought amongst fans: he was following Dumbledore's orders OR he hated the professor so much that he seized his opportunity for revenge. The first one is supported by Dumbledore's trust on Snape; the second one by the look of intense hatred on Snape's face when he killed Dumbledore and the Unbreakable Vow he made to Draco's mother, Narcissa.

There are other possibilities like, he wanted to become Voldemort's most trusted follower, or his hatred of Harry is so great that he killed the only person who could protect him well.

Ms. Rowling has said that we will find out about Snape and someone who loved him, and has mentioned that his life shows a pattern of redemption, but then again, he hasn't necessarily acted like a boy scout, has he?

Anyway, the answer to your question will have to wait until that last book is finished. In the meantime, whatever we say is pure speculation but...isn't it fun to guess?

Answer 5

Proffessor Snape

Answer 6

It's got to be something better than the obvious - that he's been a secret Deatheater all along and was looking for an opportunity to finally get Dumbledore.

He has been way too interesting a character throughout the series for him to be revealed as a baddie just like that. (Though, of course, I always thought Syd's mom on Alias was a character like that too - and she wound up being the big baddie in the end.)

I will totally hate Book 7 if Snape's real reason for killing Dumbledore doesn't have something to do with protecting Malfoy and his own cover with Voldemort.

Answer 7

I think he kills him because Dumbledore told him to. It's so hard to believe that he could just kill Dumbledore like that and I highly doubt Dumbledore didn't know it was coming. Rowling did such a great job always proving that Snape wasn't the one not to be trusted that it seems wrong to give in and believe that he did it just for Draco. I know he's from Slytherin and he puts himself above others but something tells me not to write him off. Of course if it turns out he did just kill him because he was more loyal to Voldemort, then I'll be just as upset as the rest of the HP fans out there that have a glimmer of hope that Snape isn't all bad.

Answer 8

Dumbledore is not dead at all.I hav a proof . When Malfoy came and used "Expelliarmus" Charm Dumbledore made Harry Potter still for some time.
The point is why didn't he made Malfoy still insted Harry.There must be some plan between Albus and Snape that's why Dumbledore asked many questions to Malfoy to make sure that Snape is coming to kill him or not.........................
From
Utkarsh
India

Answer 9

It is part of a master plan that Dumbledore has worked out in advance for defeating Voldermort. In the book, it seemed as if Snape didn't want to kill Dumbledore, but Dumbledore asked him to.

Answer 10

Severus Snape is one complex character; I was surprised when he himself finished the great wizard. Somehow I didn't want to believe it happened, that Dumbledore passed away. I wanted to think that it is just a part of a plot that only Rowling knows, which we will find out in the next book. If the situation is real and Dumbledore really is dead, the reasons I could think of as to why Snape did it are revenge, hatred, and loyalty - to avenge the refusal for him to teach DADA; consumed by the hatred he felt that he had to endure the time spent in the castle; loyalty to the Dark Lord, where his heart and soul resides.

Answer 11

I don't know what to think on that i was pretty pissed off when i read the book. I hope Headmaster Dumbledore is alive next book. But if not i hope harry goes after Proffessor Snape and kill him as well.