Why Some Snape Fans Prefer James Potter over Lily Evans

Within the fanbases of the Harry Potter series, there exists a segment of enthusiasts who strongly support the pairing of James Potter and Lily Evans, often referred to as 'SniLys' or 'Snally.' This preference is based on a combination of character traits, relationships, and plot development. Despite Snape's role in the narrative, some fans see him as more relatable or admirable when compared to James Potter. Let's delve into why this might be the case.

An Analysis of Characters' Motivations

Severus Snape, a key character in the Harry Potter series, joined the Death Eaters under the guise of killing people like Lily Evans. However, this does not necessarily mean he loved her. His actions were driven by his desire to possess her, not genuine love. Snape's motivations and character development are often misunderstood. By 21, he had risen to a prominent position within the Death Eaters, a feat that speaks to his intelligence and strategic thinking. Voldemort's trust in him further indicates that he was seen as a valuable member of the Death Eaters' inner circle, despite any moral compromises made.

Context of Snape's Background and Limited Love

Snape's suffering and lack of fortune can be seen as more relatable compared to the life of James Potter, who was born into a world that provided him with numerous advantages. Many fans are drawn to Snape's journey as a social underdog who faced numerous hardships but still managed to achieve a certain level of success amidst adversity. The age-old cliche of 'good girl changes bad boy' is often applied to this pairing, as readers naturally empathize with characters who have faced more challenges.

The Dislike of the SniLys Ship

Unfortunately for the SniLys fans, this pairing is not universally beloved by other fanbases. Many fans find the relationship between Snape and Lily Evans to be toxic and unhealthy. This is largely attributed to Snape's initial belief that muggleborns, like Lily, were inferior to him. His willingness to join a terrorist organization that tortured and murdered muggleborns further complicates the relationship and is a major reason why Snape and Lily should not be together romantically.

Character Backgrounds and Relationship Dynamics

Both Lily and Snape had distinct backgrounds, interests, and moral views that made their relationship impermissible. Many fans believe that Lily should have recognized the negative influence of Snape on her friendship and decided to part ways much earlier. As Jonathan rightly points out, it is better to have an enemy than a false friend. Snape and Lily neither were a good fit for each other romantically nor platonicly. Their differences were too significant to sustain any kind of relationship.

Ultimately, whether or not someone prefers James Potter over Lily Evans often depends on their personal interpretation of the characters and plot. Those who find Snape more relatable may see the juxtaposition with James as a compelling narrative choice, while others might dismiss the pairing entirely based on the characters' actions and the overall arc of the Harry Potter series.