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Why didn't Snape work out Voldemort had Horcruxes?
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Snape is repeatedly referred to as a highly intelligent wizard, most skilled in the Dark Arts. We don't know for sure, but it seems probable he would know about Horcruxes, at least in theory.
He basically possesses all the same facts about the Harry-Voldemort connection as Dumbledore (that Harry is parseltongue, that his mind is connected to Voldemort's etc), and about Riddle's Diary: Dumbledore is not secretive about its origin at the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets even with the Weasleys. While for Harry preserving a piece of someone's soul in a diary looks like a random act of magic, Snape would definitely recognize it as very peculiar case, same as Dumbledore did. Snape surely didn't know about Slughorn's memory, but he knew about Voldemort's ambitions in general as Voldemort stated himself at the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
"And then I ask myself, but how could they have believed I would not rise again? They, who knew the steps I took, long ago, to guard myself against mortal death?"
(Which to me sounds like Death Eaters could know about Horcruxes, but as Dumbledore keeps telling us they didn't, let's just believe him). Still it implies Snape knew the Dark Lord's final aim - immortality.
It seems out of character for Snape not to use his brains, put two and two together and get the same conclusions as Dumbledore came to.
Why, I'm even surprised Dumbledore himself didn't expect Snape to realize the truth.
UPD: here I found related topics that, though do not answer my question, may be interesting, so I leave the links here:
Why didn't any Death Eaters create their own horcruxes?
How did R.A.B get to know about Voldemort's Horcruxes?
harry-potter voldemort horcrux severus-snape dark-arts
asked 4 hours ago
Shana Tar
1,100517
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Snape is repeatedly referred to as a highly intelligent wizard, most skilled in the Dark Arts. We don't know for sure, but it seems probable he would know about Horcruxes, at least in theory.
He basically possesses all the same facts about the Harry-Voldemort connection as Dumbledore (that Harry is parseltongue, that his mind is connected to Voldemort's etc), and about Riddle's Diary: Dumbledore is not secretive about its origin at the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets even with the Weasleys. While for Harry preserving a piece of someone's soul in a diary looks like a random act of magic, Snape would definitely recognize it as very peculiar case, same as Dumbledore did. Snape surely didn't know about Slughorn's memory, but he knew about Voldemort's ambitions in general as Voldemort stated himself at the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
"And then I ask myself, but how could they have believed I would not rise again? They, who knew the steps I took, long ago, to guard myself against mortal death?"
(Which to me sounds like Death Eaters could know about Horcruxes, but as Dumbledore keeps telling us they didn't, let's just believe him). Still it implies Snape knew the Dark Lord's final aim - immortality.
It seems out of character for Snape not to use his brains, put two and two together and get the same conclusions as Dumbledore came to.
Why, I'm even surprised Dumbledore himself didn't expect Snape to realize the truth.
UPD: here I found related topics that, though do not answer my question, may be interesting, so I leave the links here:
Why didn't any Death Eaters create their own horcruxes?
How did R.A.B get to know about Voldemort's Horcruxes?
harry-potter voldemort horcrux severus-snape dark-arts
asked 4 hours ago
Shana Tar
1,100517
1
What makes you think he doesn't know about the Horcruxes in general? Or even Harry being a Horcrux?
– Jontia
4 hours ago
4
@Jontia “…on the night Lily cast her own life between them the Killing Curse rebounded and a fragment of Voldemort's soul latched itself onto the only living soul left. Part of Lord Voldemort lives inside Harry… And while that fragment remains attached to Harry, Lord Voldemort cannot die."-"So the boy must die?" asked Snape. - That's the information Dumbledore gave Snape and Snape was horrorstuck on the knews. Surely he wouldn't be if he already knew about Harry being a Horcrux
– Shana Tar
4 hours ago
2
Might be worth adding that into the question, and possibly making it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux. I think there is reasonable evidence in the books that Snape and other Death Eaters knew about Horcruxes in general. What with RAB stealing one.
– Jontia
4 hours ago
1
@Jontia I'd rather not make it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux as I wonder how Snape failed to think about horcruxes at all (cos if he would he'd definitely discussed it with Dumbledore). And if Death Eaters knew about horcruxes in general is a totally separate question here, I believe.
– Shana Tar
26 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
Snape is repeatedly referred to as a highly intelligent wizard, most skilled in the Dark Arts. We don't know for sure, but it seems probable he would know about Horcruxes, at least in theory.
He basically possesses all the same facts about the Harry-Voldemort connection as Dumbledore (that Harry is parseltongue, that his mind is connected to Voldemort's etc), and about Riddle's Diary: Dumbledore is not secretive about its origin at the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets even with the Weasleys. While for Harry preserving a piece of someone's soul in a diary looks like a random act of magic, Snape would definitely recognize it as very peculiar case, same as Dumbledore did. Snape surely didn't know about Slughorn's memory, but he knew about Voldemort's ambitions in general as Voldemort stated himself at the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
"And then I ask myself, but how could they have believed I would not rise again? They, who knew the steps I took, long ago, to guard myself against mortal death?"
(Which to me sounds like Death Eaters could know about Horcruxes, but as Dumbledore keeps telling us they didn't, let's just believe him). Still it implies Snape knew the Dark Lord's final aim - immortality.
It seems out of character for Snape not to use his brains, put two and two together and get the same conclusions as Dumbledore came to.
Why, I'm even surprised Dumbledore himself didn't expect Snape to realize the truth.
UPD: here I found related topics that, though do not answer my question, may be interesting, so I leave the links here:
Why didn't any Death Eaters create their own horcruxes?
How did R.A.B get to know about Voldemort's Horcruxes?
harry-potter voldemort horcrux severus-snape dark-arts
asked 4 hours ago
Shana Tar
1,100517
Snape is repeatedly referred to as a highly intelligent wizard, most skilled in the Dark Arts. We don't know for sure, but it seems probable he would know about Horcruxes, at least in theory.
He basically possesses all the same facts about the Harry-Voldemort connection as Dumbledore (that Harry is parseltongue, that his mind is connected to Voldemort's etc), and about Riddle's Diary: Dumbledore is not secretive about its origin at the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets even with the Weasleys. While for Harry preserving a piece of someone's soul in a diary looks like a random act of magic, Snape would definitely recognize it as very peculiar case, same as Dumbledore did. Snape surely didn't know about Slughorn's memory, but he knew about Voldemort's ambitions in general as Voldemort stated himself at the end of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:
"And then I ask myself, but how could they have believed I would not rise again? They, who knew the steps I took, long ago, to guard myself against mortal death?"
(Which to me sounds like Death Eaters could know about Horcruxes, but as Dumbledore keeps telling us they didn't, let's just believe him). Still it implies Snape knew the Dark Lord's final aim - immortality.
It seems out of character for Snape not to use his brains, put two and two together and get the same conclusions as Dumbledore came to.
Why, I'm even surprised Dumbledore himself didn't expect Snape to realize the truth.
UPD: here I found related topics that, though do not answer my question, may be interesting, so I leave the links here:
Why didn't any Death Eaters create their own horcruxes?
How did R.A.B get to know about Voldemort's Horcruxes?
harry-potter voldemort horcrux severus-snape dark-arts
harry-potter voldemort horcrux severus-snape dark-arts
asked 4 hours ago
Shana Tar
1,100517
asked 4 hours ago
Shana Tar
1,100517
edited 22 mins ago
asked 4 hours ago
Shana Tar
1,100517
asked 4 hours ago
Shana Tar
1,100517
asked 4 hours ago
Shana Tar
1,100517
1,100517
1
What makes you think he doesn't know about the Horcruxes in general? Or even Harry being a Horcrux?
– Jontia
4 hours ago
4
@Jontia “…on the night Lily cast her own life between them the Killing Curse rebounded and a fragment of Voldemort's soul latched itself onto the only living soul left. Part of Lord Voldemort lives inside Harry… And while that fragment remains attached to Harry, Lord Voldemort cannot die."-"So the boy must die?" asked Snape. - That's the information Dumbledore gave Snape and Snape was horrorstuck on the knews. Surely he wouldn't be if he already knew about Harry being a Horcrux
– Shana Tar
4 hours ago
2
Might be worth adding that into the question, and possibly making it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux. I think there is reasonable evidence in the books that Snape and other Death Eaters knew about Horcruxes in general. What with RAB stealing one.
– Jontia
4 hours ago
1
@Jontia I'd rather not make it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux as I wonder how Snape failed to think about horcruxes at all (cos if he would he'd definitely discussed it with Dumbledore). And if Death Eaters knew about horcruxes in general is a totally separate question here, I believe.
– Shana Tar
26 mins ago
add a comment |Â
1
What makes you think he doesn't know about the Horcruxes in general? Or even Harry being a Horcrux?
– Jontia
4 hours ago
4
@Jontia “…on the night Lily cast her own life between them the Killing Curse rebounded and a fragment of Voldemort's soul latched itself onto the only living soul left. Part of Lord Voldemort lives inside Harry… And while that fragment remains attached to Harry, Lord Voldemort cannot die."-"So the boy must die?" asked Snape. - That's the information Dumbledore gave Snape and Snape was horrorstuck on the knews. Surely he wouldn't be if he already knew about Harry being a Horcrux
– Shana Tar
4 hours ago
2
Might be worth adding that into the question, and possibly making it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux. I think there is reasonable evidence in the books that Snape and other Death Eaters knew about Horcruxes in general. What with RAB stealing one.
– Jontia
4 hours ago
1
@Jontia I'd rather not make it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux as I wonder how Snape failed to think about horcruxes at all (cos if he would he'd definitely discussed it with Dumbledore). And if Death Eaters knew about horcruxes in general is a totally separate question here, I believe.
– Shana Tar
26 mins ago
1
1
What makes you think he doesn't know about the Horcruxes in general? Or even Harry being a Horcrux?
– Jontia
4 hours ago
What makes you think he doesn't know about the Horcruxes in general? Or even Harry being a Horcrux?
– Jontia
4 hours ago
4
4
@Jontia “…on the night Lily cast her own life between them the Killing Curse rebounded and a fragment of Voldemort's soul latched itself onto the only living soul left. Part of Lord Voldemort lives inside Harry… And while that fragment remains attached to Harry, Lord Voldemort cannot die."-"So the boy must die?" asked Snape. - That's the information Dumbledore gave Snape and Snape was horrorstuck on the knews. Surely he wouldn't be if he already knew about Harry being a Horcrux
– Shana Tar
4 hours ago
@Jontia “…on the night Lily cast her own life between them the Killing Curse rebounded and a fragment of Voldemort's soul latched itself onto the only living soul left. Part of Lord Voldemort lives inside Harry… And while that fragment remains attached to Harry, Lord Voldemort cannot die."-"So the boy must die?" asked Snape. - That's the information Dumbledore gave Snape and Snape was horrorstuck on the knews. Surely he wouldn't be if he already knew about Harry being a Horcrux
– Shana Tar
4 hours ago
2
2
Might be worth adding that into the question, and possibly making it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux. I think there is reasonable evidence in the books that Snape and other Death Eaters knew about Horcruxes in general. What with RAB stealing one.
– Jontia
4 hours ago
Might be worth adding that into the question, and possibly making it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux. I think there is reasonable evidence in the books that Snape and other Death Eaters knew about Horcruxes in general. What with RAB stealing one.
– Jontia
4 hours ago
1
1
@Jontia I'd rather not make it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux as I wonder how Snape failed to think about horcruxes at all (cos if he would he'd definitely discussed it with Dumbledore). And if Death Eaters knew about horcruxes in general is a totally separate question here, I believe.
– Shana Tar
26 mins ago
@Jontia I'd rather not make it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux as I wonder how Snape failed to think about horcruxes at all (cos if he would he'd definitely discussed it with Dumbledore). And if Death Eaters knew about horcruxes in general is a totally separate question here, I believe.
– Shana Tar
26 mins ago
add a comment |Â
1 Answer
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up vote
3
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Horcruxes were a fairly obscure topic, even among Dark wizards.
Though Snape had an interest in the Dark Arts, Horcruxes aren’t a common topic in Dark Arts. When Hermione searches the books in the restricted section, none of them give details on Horcruxes, and only one of them even mentioned Horcruxes.
“I haven’t found one single explanation of what Horcruxes do!’ she told him. ‘Not a single one! I’ve been right through the restricted section and even in the most horrible books, where they tell you how to brew the most gruesome potions – nothing! All I could find was this, in the introduction to Magick Moste Evile – listen – “of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction†… I mean, why mention it, then?’ she said impatiently, slamming the old book shut; it let out a ghostly wail. ‘Oh, shut up,’ she snapped, stuffing it back into her bag.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18 (Birthday Surprises)
In addition, Dumbledore didn’t expect the Death Eaters, at least some of whom would be as knowledgeable in the Dark Arts as Snape, if not more since Snape defected early on, to know about Horcruxes or figure out that the Dark Lord had made them from what he’d said.
“Then you told me, two years later, that on the night that Voldemort returned to his body, he made a most illuminating and alarming statement to his Death Eaters. “I, who have gone further than anybody along the path that leads to immortality.†That was what you told me he said. “Further than anybody.†And I thought I knew what that meant, though the Death Eaters did not. He was referring to his Horcruxes, Horcruxes in the plural, Harry, which I do not believe any other wizard has ever had.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Even people involved with the Dark Arts didn’t typically seem to be able to figure out the Dark Lord had Horcruxes. Lucius Malfoy, who also would’ve had some interest in the Dark Arts since he had Dark objects around his manor, didn’t figure out the diary he was given to keep and knew the purpose of was a Horcrux - he believed it was just ‘cleverly enchanted’, as Dumbledore said.
“Of course, Lucius did not know what the diary really was. I understand that Voldemort had told him the diary would cause the Chamber of Secrets to reopen, because it was cleverly enchanted. Had Lucius known he held a portion of his master’s soul in his hands he would undoubtedly have treated it with more reverence – but instead he went ahead and carried out the old plan for his own ends: by planting the diary upon Arthur Weasley’s daughter, he hoped to discredit Arthur, have me thrown out of Hogwarts and get rid of a highly incriminating object in one stroke.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Just being knowledgeable about the Dark Arts doesn’t mean someone will know about Horcruxes. Tom Riddle most likely found out about them from books that were at one point kept in the Hogwarts library, but were later removed and hidden away by Dumbledore.
“Well,’ said Hermione, ‘I’ve been researching that.’
‘How?’ asked Harry. ‘I didn’t think there were any books on Horcruxes in the library?’
‘There weren’t,’ said Hermione, who had turned pink. ‘Dumbledore removed them all, but he – he didn’t destroy them.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Hermione suspects that Tom Riddle learned everything he needed to know about Horcruxes from the books she thinks may have been in the library until Dumbledore became Headmaster.
“This is the one that gives explicit instructions on how to make a Horcrux. Secrets of the Darkest Art – it’s a horrible book, really awful, full of evil magic. I wonder when Dumbledore removed it from the library … if he didn’t do it until he was Headmaster, I bet Voldemort got all the instruction he needed from here.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Slughorn could have also learned about Horcruxes from those books, as he was a teacher at Hogwarts before Dumbledore became Headmaster. However, we know Dumbledore became Headmaster before Snape began attending Hogwarts since he was the one who arranged for Remus Lupin (who was in Snape’s year) to attend Hogwarts despite being a werewolf. Since Dumbledore was already Headmaster by then, the books on Horcruxes at the Hogwarts library would’ve almost certainly been removed before Snape could read them.
answered 1 hour ago
Bellatrix
59.1k11270306
1
Well, I know we do not have evidences Snape did know what Horcruxes are, but Voldemort could not be the only wizard in the world who knew about Horcruxes. Slughorn did know and he was not even a dark wizard, just a knowledgeable one. Riddle himself already knew about H when he was just 16, still at school and has not traveled much yet! It looks like one could find at least a description of H if looking into it well enough.
– Shana Tar
1 hour ago
1
@ShanaTar I don’t think Snape knew about them but agreed, the Dark Lord wouldn’t be the only one who knew of Horcruxes’ existence. The likely reason Riddle knew at 16 is because at that point, Secrets of the Darkest Art was probably still in the Hogwarts library - Dumbledore removed it at some point. That also might be where Slughorn found out about them - he could’ve read about them in that same book when it was still in the Hogwarts library. However, Dumbledore became headmaster before Snape was a student, so the book would’ve been removed before he could read it.
– Bellatrix
22 mins ago
I would not consider school library the only possible source of knowledge, especially for an adult and skilled Dark Wizard. I'm sure Nocturne Alley would serve the case. It really difficult for me to see Snape (the way his character depicted in the books) being totally unaware of Horcruxes and never wondering how Voldemort is going to achieve immortality.
– Shana Tar
5 mins ago
add a comment |Â
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Horcruxes were a fairly obscure topic, even among Dark wizards.
Though Snape had an interest in the Dark Arts, Horcruxes aren’t a common topic in Dark Arts. When Hermione searches the books in the restricted section, none of them give details on Horcruxes, and only one of them even mentioned Horcruxes.
“I haven’t found one single explanation of what Horcruxes do!’ she told him. ‘Not a single one! I’ve been right through the restricted section and even in the most horrible books, where they tell you how to brew the most gruesome potions – nothing! All I could find was this, in the introduction to Magick Moste Evile – listen – “of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction†… I mean, why mention it, then?’ she said impatiently, slamming the old book shut; it let out a ghostly wail. ‘Oh, shut up,’ she snapped, stuffing it back into her bag.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18 (Birthday Surprises)
In addition, Dumbledore didn’t expect the Death Eaters, at least some of whom would be as knowledgeable in the Dark Arts as Snape, if not more since Snape defected early on, to know about Horcruxes or figure out that the Dark Lord had made them from what he’d said.
“Then you told me, two years later, that on the night that Voldemort returned to his body, he made a most illuminating and alarming statement to his Death Eaters. “I, who have gone further than anybody along the path that leads to immortality.†That was what you told me he said. “Further than anybody.†And I thought I knew what that meant, though the Death Eaters did not. He was referring to his Horcruxes, Horcruxes in the plural, Harry, which I do not believe any other wizard has ever had.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Even people involved with the Dark Arts didn’t typically seem to be able to figure out the Dark Lord had Horcruxes. Lucius Malfoy, who also would’ve had some interest in the Dark Arts since he had Dark objects around his manor, didn’t figure out the diary he was given to keep and knew the purpose of was a Horcrux - he believed it was just ‘cleverly enchanted’, as Dumbledore said.
“Of course, Lucius did not know what the diary really was. I understand that Voldemort had told him the diary would cause the Chamber of Secrets to reopen, because it was cleverly enchanted. Had Lucius known he held a portion of his master’s soul in his hands he would undoubtedly have treated it with more reverence – but instead he went ahead and carried out the old plan for his own ends: by planting the diary upon Arthur Weasley’s daughter, he hoped to discredit Arthur, have me thrown out of Hogwarts and get rid of a highly incriminating object in one stroke.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Just being knowledgeable about the Dark Arts doesn’t mean someone will know about Horcruxes. Tom Riddle most likely found out about them from books that were at one point kept in the Hogwarts library, but were later removed and hidden away by Dumbledore.
“Well,’ said Hermione, ‘I’ve been researching that.’
‘How?’ asked Harry. ‘I didn’t think there were any books on Horcruxes in the library?’
‘There weren’t,’ said Hermione, who had turned pink. ‘Dumbledore removed them all, but he – he didn’t destroy them.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Hermione suspects that Tom Riddle learned everything he needed to know about Horcruxes from the books she thinks may have been in the library until Dumbledore became Headmaster.
“This is the one that gives explicit instructions on how to make a Horcrux. Secrets of the Darkest Art – it’s a horrible book, really awful, full of evil magic. I wonder when Dumbledore removed it from the library … if he didn’t do it until he was Headmaster, I bet Voldemort got all the instruction he needed from here.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Slughorn could have also learned about Horcruxes from those books, as he was a teacher at Hogwarts before Dumbledore became Headmaster. However, we know Dumbledore became Headmaster before Snape began attending Hogwarts since he was the one who arranged for Remus Lupin (who was in Snape’s year) to attend Hogwarts despite being a werewolf. Since Dumbledore was already Headmaster by then, the books on Horcruxes at the Hogwarts library would’ve almost certainly been removed before Snape could read them.
answered 1 hour ago
Bellatrix
59.1k11270306
1
Well, I know we do not have evidences Snape did know what Horcruxes are, but Voldemort could not be the only wizard in the world who knew about Horcruxes. Slughorn did know and he was not even a dark wizard, just a knowledgeable one. Riddle himself already knew about H when he was just 16, still at school and has not traveled much yet! It looks like one could find at least a description of H if looking into it well enough.
– Shana Tar
1 hour ago
1
@ShanaTar I don’t think Snape knew about them but agreed, the Dark Lord wouldn’t be the only one who knew of Horcruxes’ existence. The likely reason Riddle knew at 16 is because at that point, Secrets of the Darkest Art was probably still in the Hogwarts library - Dumbledore removed it at some point. That also might be where Slughorn found out about them - he could’ve read about them in that same book when it was still in the Hogwarts library. However, Dumbledore became headmaster before Snape was a student, so the book would’ve been removed before he could read it.
– Bellatrix
22 mins ago
I would not consider school library the only possible source of knowledge, especially for an adult and skilled Dark Wizard. I'm sure Nocturne Alley would serve the case. It really difficult for me to see Snape (the way his character depicted in the books) being totally unaware of Horcruxes and never wondering how Voldemort is going to achieve immortality.
– Shana Tar
5 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Horcruxes were a fairly obscure topic, even among Dark wizards.
Though Snape had an interest in the Dark Arts, Horcruxes aren’t a common topic in Dark Arts. When Hermione searches the books in the restricted section, none of them give details on Horcruxes, and only one of them even mentioned Horcruxes.
“I haven’t found one single explanation of what Horcruxes do!’ she told him. ‘Not a single one! I’ve been right through the restricted section and even in the most horrible books, where they tell you how to brew the most gruesome potions – nothing! All I could find was this, in the introduction to Magick Moste Evile – listen – “of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction†… I mean, why mention it, then?’ she said impatiently, slamming the old book shut; it let out a ghostly wail. ‘Oh, shut up,’ she snapped, stuffing it back into her bag.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18 (Birthday Surprises)
In addition, Dumbledore didn’t expect the Death Eaters, at least some of whom would be as knowledgeable in the Dark Arts as Snape, if not more since Snape defected early on, to know about Horcruxes or figure out that the Dark Lord had made them from what he’d said.
“Then you told me, two years later, that on the night that Voldemort returned to his body, he made a most illuminating and alarming statement to his Death Eaters. “I, who have gone further than anybody along the path that leads to immortality.†That was what you told me he said. “Further than anybody.†And I thought I knew what that meant, though the Death Eaters did not. He was referring to his Horcruxes, Horcruxes in the plural, Harry, which I do not believe any other wizard has ever had.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Even people involved with the Dark Arts didn’t typically seem to be able to figure out the Dark Lord had Horcruxes. Lucius Malfoy, who also would’ve had some interest in the Dark Arts since he had Dark objects around his manor, didn’t figure out the diary he was given to keep and knew the purpose of was a Horcrux - he believed it was just ‘cleverly enchanted’, as Dumbledore said.
“Of course, Lucius did not know what the diary really was. I understand that Voldemort had told him the diary would cause the Chamber of Secrets to reopen, because it was cleverly enchanted. Had Lucius known he held a portion of his master’s soul in his hands he would undoubtedly have treated it with more reverence – but instead he went ahead and carried out the old plan for his own ends: by planting the diary upon Arthur Weasley’s daughter, he hoped to discredit Arthur, have me thrown out of Hogwarts and get rid of a highly incriminating object in one stroke.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Just being knowledgeable about the Dark Arts doesn’t mean someone will know about Horcruxes. Tom Riddle most likely found out about them from books that were at one point kept in the Hogwarts library, but were later removed and hidden away by Dumbledore.
“Well,’ said Hermione, ‘I’ve been researching that.’
‘How?’ asked Harry. ‘I didn’t think there were any books on Horcruxes in the library?’
‘There weren’t,’ said Hermione, who had turned pink. ‘Dumbledore removed them all, but he – he didn’t destroy them.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Hermione suspects that Tom Riddle learned everything he needed to know about Horcruxes from the books she thinks may have been in the library until Dumbledore became Headmaster.
“This is the one that gives explicit instructions on how to make a Horcrux. Secrets of the Darkest Art – it’s a horrible book, really awful, full of evil magic. I wonder when Dumbledore removed it from the library … if he didn’t do it until he was Headmaster, I bet Voldemort got all the instruction he needed from here.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Slughorn could have also learned about Horcruxes from those books, as he was a teacher at Hogwarts before Dumbledore became Headmaster. However, we know Dumbledore became Headmaster before Snape began attending Hogwarts since he was the one who arranged for Remus Lupin (who was in Snape’s year) to attend Hogwarts despite being a werewolf. Since Dumbledore was already Headmaster by then, the books on Horcruxes at the Hogwarts library would’ve almost certainly been removed before Snape could read them.
answered 1 hour ago
Bellatrix
59.1k11270306
1
Well, I know we do not have evidences Snape did know what Horcruxes are, but Voldemort could not be the only wizard in the world who knew about Horcruxes. Slughorn did know and he was not even a dark wizard, just a knowledgeable one. Riddle himself already knew about H when he was just 16, still at school and has not traveled much yet! It looks like one could find at least a description of H if looking into it well enough.
– Shana Tar
1 hour ago
1
@ShanaTar I don’t think Snape knew about them but agreed, the Dark Lord wouldn’t be the only one who knew of Horcruxes’ existence. The likely reason Riddle knew at 16 is because at that point, Secrets of the Darkest Art was probably still in the Hogwarts library - Dumbledore removed it at some point. That also might be where Slughorn found out about them - he could’ve read about them in that same book when it was still in the Hogwarts library. However, Dumbledore became headmaster before Snape was a student, so the book would’ve been removed before he could read it.
– Bellatrix
22 mins ago
I would not consider school library the only possible source of knowledge, especially for an adult and skilled Dark Wizard. I'm sure Nocturne Alley would serve the case. It really difficult for me to see Snape (the way his character depicted in the books) being totally unaware of Horcruxes and never wondering how Voldemort is going to achieve immortality.
– Shana Tar
5 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Horcruxes were a fairly obscure topic, even among Dark wizards.
Though Snape had an interest in the Dark Arts, Horcruxes aren’t a common topic in Dark Arts. When Hermione searches the books in the restricted section, none of them give details on Horcruxes, and only one of them even mentioned Horcruxes.
“I haven’t found one single explanation of what Horcruxes do!’ she told him. ‘Not a single one! I’ve been right through the restricted section and even in the most horrible books, where they tell you how to brew the most gruesome potions – nothing! All I could find was this, in the introduction to Magick Moste Evile – listen – “of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction†… I mean, why mention it, then?’ she said impatiently, slamming the old book shut; it let out a ghostly wail. ‘Oh, shut up,’ she snapped, stuffing it back into her bag.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18 (Birthday Surprises)
In addition, Dumbledore didn’t expect the Death Eaters, at least some of whom would be as knowledgeable in the Dark Arts as Snape, if not more since Snape defected early on, to know about Horcruxes or figure out that the Dark Lord had made them from what he’d said.
“Then you told me, two years later, that on the night that Voldemort returned to his body, he made a most illuminating and alarming statement to his Death Eaters. “I, who have gone further than anybody along the path that leads to immortality.†That was what you told me he said. “Further than anybody.†And I thought I knew what that meant, though the Death Eaters did not. He was referring to his Horcruxes, Horcruxes in the plural, Harry, which I do not believe any other wizard has ever had.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Even people involved with the Dark Arts didn’t typically seem to be able to figure out the Dark Lord had Horcruxes. Lucius Malfoy, who also would’ve had some interest in the Dark Arts since he had Dark objects around his manor, didn’t figure out the diary he was given to keep and knew the purpose of was a Horcrux - he believed it was just ‘cleverly enchanted’, as Dumbledore said.
“Of course, Lucius did not know what the diary really was. I understand that Voldemort had told him the diary would cause the Chamber of Secrets to reopen, because it was cleverly enchanted. Had Lucius known he held a portion of his master’s soul in his hands he would undoubtedly have treated it with more reverence – but instead he went ahead and carried out the old plan for his own ends: by planting the diary upon Arthur Weasley’s daughter, he hoped to discredit Arthur, have me thrown out of Hogwarts and get rid of a highly incriminating object in one stroke.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Just being knowledgeable about the Dark Arts doesn’t mean someone will know about Horcruxes. Tom Riddle most likely found out about them from books that were at one point kept in the Hogwarts library, but were later removed and hidden away by Dumbledore.
“Well,’ said Hermione, ‘I’ve been researching that.’
‘How?’ asked Harry. ‘I didn’t think there were any books on Horcruxes in the library?’
‘There weren’t,’ said Hermione, who had turned pink. ‘Dumbledore removed them all, but he – he didn’t destroy them.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Hermione suspects that Tom Riddle learned everything he needed to know about Horcruxes from the books she thinks may have been in the library until Dumbledore became Headmaster.
“This is the one that gives explicit instructions on how to make a Horcrux. Secrets of the Darkest Art – it’s a horrible book, really awful, full of evil magic. I wonder when Dumbledore removed it from the library … if he didn’t do it until he was Headmaster, I bet Voldemort got all the instruction he needed from here.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Slughorn could have also learned about Horcruxes from those books, as he was a teacher at Hogwarts before Dumbledore became Headmaster. However, we know Dumbledore became Headmaster before Snape began attending Hogwarts since he was the one who arranged for Remus Lupin (who was in Snape’s year) to attend Hogwarts despite being a werewolf. Since Dumbledore was already Headmaster by then, the books on Horcruxes at the Hogwarts library would’ve almost certainly been removed before Snape could read them.
answered 1 hour ago
Bellatrix
59.1k11270306
Horcruxes were a fairly obscure topic, even among Dark wizards.
Though Snape had an interest in the Dark Arts, Horcruxes aren’t a common topic in Dark Arts. When Hermione searches the books in the restricted section, none of them give details on Horcruxes, and only one of them even mentioned Horcruxes.
“I haven’t found one single explanation of what Horcruxes do!’ she told him. ‘Not a single one! I’ve been right through the restricted section and even in the most horrible books, where they tell you how to brew the most gruesome potions – nothing! All I could find was this, in the introduction to Magick Moste Evile – listen – “of the Horcrux, wickedest of magical inventions, we shall not speak nor give direction†… I mean, why mention it, then?’ she said impatiently, slamming the old book shut; it let out a ghostly wail. ‘Oh, shut up,’ she snapped, stuffing it back into her bag.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18 (Birthday Surprises)
In addition, Dumbledore didn’t expect the Death Eaters, at least some of whom would be as knowledgeable in the Dark Arts as Snape, if not more since Snape defected early on, to know about Horcruxes or figure out that the Dark Lord had made them from what he’d said.
“Then you told me, two years later, that on the night that Voldemort returned to his body, he made a most illuminating and alarming statement to his Death Eaters. “I, who have gone further than anybody along the path that leads to immortality.†That was what you told me he said. “Further than anybody.†And I thought I knew what that meant, though the Death Eaters did not. He was referring to his Horcruxes, Horcruxes in the plural, Harry, which I do not believe any other wizard has ever had.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Even people involved with the Dark Arts didn’t typically seem to be able to figure out the Dark Lord had Horcruxes. Lucius Malfoy, who also would’ve had some interest in the Dark Arts since he had Dark objects around his manor, didn’t figure out the diary he was given to keep and knew the purpose of was a Horcrux - he believed it was just ‘cleverly enchanted’, as Dumbledore said.
“Of course, Lucius did not know what the diary really was. I understand that Voldemort had told him the diary would cause the Chamber of Secrets to reopen, because it was cleverly enchanted. Had Lucius known he held a portion of his master’s soul in his hands he would undoubtedly have treated it with more reverence – but instead he went ahead and carried out the old plan for his own ends: by planting the diary upon Arthur Weasley’s daughter, he hoped to discredit Arthur, have me thrown out of Hogwarts and get rid of a highly incriminating object in one stroke.â€Â
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 23 (Horcruxes)
Just being knowledgeable about the Dark Arts doesn’t mean someone will know about Horcruxes. Tom Riddle most likely found out about them from books that were at one point kept in the Hogwarts library, but were later removed and hidden away by Dumbledore.
“Well,’ said Hermione, ‘I’ve been researching that.’
‘How?’ asked Harry. ‘I didn’t think there were any books on Horcruxes in the library?’
‘There weren’t,’ said Hermione, who had turned pink. ‘Dumbledore removed them all, but he – he didn’t destroy them.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Hermione suspects that Tom Riddle learned everything he needed to know about Horcruxes from the books she thinks may have been in the library until Dumbledore became Headmaster.
“This is the one that gives explicit instructions on how to make a Horcrux. Secrets of the Darkest Art – it’s a horrible book, really awful, full of evil magic. I wonder when Dumbledore removed it from the library … if he didn’t do it until he was Headmaster, I bet Voldemort got all the instruction he needed from here.â€Â
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6 (The Ghoul in Pyjamas)
Slughorn could have also learned about Horcruxes from those books, as he was a teacher at Hogwarts before Dumbledore became Headmaster. However, we know Dumbledore became Headmaster before Snape began attending Hogwarts since he was the one who arranged for Remus Lupin (who was in Snape’s year) to attend Hogwarts despite being a werewolf. Since Dumbledore was already Headmaster by then, the books on Horcruxes at the Hogwarts library would’ve almost certainly been removed before Snape could read them.
answered 1 hour ago
Bellatrix
59.1k11270306
edited 2 mins ago
answered 1 hour ago
Bellatrix
59.1k11270306
answered 1 hour ago
Bellatrix
59.1k11270306
answered 1 hour ago
Bellatrix
59.1k11270306
59.1k11270306
1
Well, I know we do not have evidences Snape did know what Horcruxes are, but Voldemort could not be the only wizard in the world who knew about Horcruxes. Slughorn did know and he was not even a dark wizard, just a knowledgeable one. Riddle himself already knew about H when he was just 16, still at school and has not traveled much yet! It looks like one could find at least a description of H if looking into it well enough.
– Shana Tar
1 hour ago
1
@ShanaTar I don’t think Snape knew about them but agreed, the Dark Lord wouldn’t be the only one who knew of Horcruxes’ existence. The likely reason Riddle knew at 16 is because at that point, Secrets of the Darkest Art was probably still in the Hogwarts library - Dumbledore removed it at some point. That also might be where Slughorn found out about them - he could’ve read about them in that same book when it was still in the Hogwarts library. However, Dumbledore became headmaster before Snape was a student, so the book would’ve been removed before he could read it.
– Bellatrix
22 mins ago
I would not consider school library the only possible source of knowledge, especially for an adult and skilled Dark Wizard. I'm sure Nocturne Alley would serve the case. It really difficult for me to see Snape (the way his character depicted in the books) being totally unaware of Horcruxes and never wondering how Voldemort is going to achieve immortality.
– Shana Tar
5 mins ago
add a comment |Â
1
Well, I know we do not have evidences Snape did know what Horcruxes are, but Voldemort could not be the only wizard in the world who knew about Horcruxes. Slughorn did know and he was not even a dark wizard, just a knowledgeable one. Riddle himself already knew about H when he was just 16, still at school and has not traveled much yet! It looks like one could find at least a description of H if looking into it well enough.
– Shana Tar
1 hour ago
1
@ShanaTar I don’t think Snape knew about them but agreed, the Dark Lord wouldn’t be the only one who knew of Horcruxes’ existence. The likely reason Riddle knew at 16 is because at that point, Secrets of the Darkest Art was probably still in the Hogwarts library - Dumbledore removed it at some point. That also might be where Slughorn found out about them - he could’ve read about them in that same book when it was still in the Hogwarts library. However, Dumbledore became headmaster before Snape was a student, so the book would’ve been removed before he could read it.
– Bellatrix
22 mins ago
I would not consider school library the only possible source of knowledge, especially for an adult and skilled Dark Wizard. I'm sure Nocturne Alley would serve the case. It really difficult for me to see Snape (the way his character depicted in the books) being totally unaware of Horcruxes and never wondering how Voldemort is going to achieve immortality.
– Shana Tar
5 mins ago
1
1
Well, I know we do not have evidences Snape did know what Horcruxes are, but Voldemort could not be the only wizard in the world who knew about Horcruxes. Slughorn did know and he was not even a dark wizard, just a knowledgeable one. Riddle himself already knew about H when he was just 16, still at school and has not traveled much yet! It looks like one could find at least a description of H if looking into it well enough.
– Shana Tar
1 hour ago
Well, I know we do not have evidences Snape did know what Horcruxes are, but Voldemort could not be the only wizard in the world who knew about Horcruxes. Slughorn did know and he was not even a dark wizard, just a knowledgeable one. Riddle himself already knew about H when he was just 16, still at school and has not traveled much yet! It looks like one could find at least a description of H if looking into it well enough.
– Shana Tar
1 hour ago
1
1
@ShanaTar I don’t think Snape knew about them but agreed, the Dark Lord wouldn’t be the only one who knew of Horcruxes’ existence. The likely reason Riddle knew at 16 is because at that point, Secrets of the Darkest Art was probably still in the Hogwarts library - Dumbledore removed it at some point. That also might be where Slughorn found out about them - he could’ve read about them in that same book when it was still in the Hogwarts library. However, Dumbledore became headmaster before Snape was a student, so the book would’ve been removed before he could read it.
– Bellatrix
22 mins ago
@ShanaTar I don’t think Snape knew about them but agreed, the Dark Lord wouldn’t be the only one who knew of Horcruxes’ existence. The likely reason Riddle knew at 16 is because at that point, Secrets of the Darkest Art was probably still in the Hogwarts library - Dumbledore removed it at some point. That also might be where Slughorn found out about them - he could’ve read about them in that same book when it was still in the Hogwarts library. However, Dumbledore became headmaster before Snape was a student, so the book would’ve been removed before he could read it.
– Bellatrix
22 mins ago
I would not consider school library the only possible source of knowledge, especially for an adult and skilled Dark Wizard. I'm sure Nocturne Alley would serve the case. It really difficult for me to see Snape (the way his character depicted in the books) being totally unaware of Horcruxes and never wondering how Voldemort is going to achieve immortality.
– Shana Tar
5 mins ago
I would not consider school library the only possible source of knowledge, especially for an adult and skilled Dark Wizard. I'm sure Nocturne Alley would serve the case. It really difficult for me to see Snape (the way his character depicted in the books) being totally unaware of Horcruxes and never wondering how Voldemort is going to achieve immortality.
– Shana Tar
5 mins ago
add a comment |Â
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1
What makes you think he doesn't know about the Horcruxes in general? Or even Harry being a Horcrux?
– Jontia
4 hours ago
4
@Jontia “…on the night Lily cast her own life between them the Killing Curse rebounded and a fragment of Voldemort's soul latched itself onto the only living soul left. Part of Lord Voldemort lives inside Harry… And while that fragment remains attached to Harry, Lord Voldemort cannot die."-"So the boy must die?" asked Snape. - That's the information Dumbledore gave Snape and Snape was horrorstuck on the knews. Surely he wouldn't be if he already knew about Harry being a Horcrux
– Shana Tar
4 hours ago
2
Might be worth adding that into the question, and possibly making it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux. I think there is reasonable evidence in the books that Snape and other Death Eaters knew about Horcruxes in general. What with RAB stealing one.
– Jontia
4 hours ago
1
@Jontia I'd rather not make it explicitly about Harry being a horcrux as I wonder how Snape failed to think about horcruxes at all (cos if he would he'd definitely discussed it with Dumbledore). And if Death Eaters knew about horcruxes in general is a totally separate question here, I believe.
– Shana Tar
26 mins ago