Severus Snape's animosity towards Neville Longbottom stemmed primarily from Neville's status as the "nearly chosen one" and the tragic implications this had for the life of Lily Potter.
The Core Reason Explained
According to analysis of Snape's character and history, Snape mistreated Neville as he was nearly the chosen one. This refers to the prophecy that foretold the defeat of Voldemort, which could have applied to either Neville Longbottom or Harry Potter, as both were born at the end of July to parents who had thrice defied the Dark Lord.
Had Voldemort interpreted the prophecy as referring to Neville and targeted him instead of Harry, Lily Potter, Harry's mother and the woman Snape deeply loved, might have been spared her fate. Voldemort's choice to pursue Harry directly led to Lily sacrificing herself to protect him.
Neville as a Mirror of Snape's Past
For Snape, seeing Neville served as a painful reminder of the circumstances surrounding Lily's death. The reference states that Snape relieved his dark past through Neville Longbottom and therefore resorted to mistreating and insulting the almost-chosen one of Harry Potter. Neville represented a path not taken by fate, one where Lily could have lived, a constant source of bitterness and regret for Snape.
Key factors contributing to Snape's mistreatment of Neville, as highlighted by this perspective, include:
- Neville's proximity to being the Prophecy's target: As the other potential "chosen one," Neville symbolized the fork in the road that led to Lily's demise.
- The projection of trauma: Snape's intense grief and guilt over Lily's death were unconsciously directed towards Neville, who embodied the tragic outcome.
- Frustration and resentment: Snape harbored deep-seated frustration that fate, and Voldemort's choice, sealed Lily's death while Neville represented the alternative.
Essentially, Neville became a focal point for Snape's unresolved pain and anger related to Lily, leading to consistent harshness and disdain.
