Editing Severus Snape (section)

==== ''Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone'' ====
Snape first appears in ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's<!--This is the original title; do not replace with "Sorcerer's"--> Stone]]'', shortly after Harry arrives at Hogwarts. He is the school's Potions Master, though he is widely rumoured to covet the Defence Against the Dark Arts post.<ref name="The Sorting Hat">{{HPref|book=1|chapter=7}}</ref> Snape himself confirms the rumour in ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''.<ref name="Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four">{{HPref|book=5|chapter=17}}</ref> Snape is a sinister and malicious teacher who makes frequent snide and disparaging remarks at Harry's expense. He quickly becomes the primary antagonist of the book, as Harry suspects him of plotting to steal the [[Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter)|Philosopher's Stone]], and of attempting to kill him. Only the climax of the book reveals that [[Professor Quirrell]], in league with [[Lord Voldemort]], is the real enemy; Snape, suspicious of Quirrell, had been looking out for Harry throughout the book. 

In the final chapter, Dumbledore suggests that because Harry's father [[James Potter (character)|James]] had saved Snape's life when they were both students, even though the two detested each other, Snape felt responsible for Harry in return.<ref name="The Man With Two Faces">{{HPref|book=1|chapter=17}}</ref> As the final book reveals, this is not the full story. In any case, even after Quirrell's true role is revealed, Harry retains feelings of suspicion and resentment towards Snape, and their relationship remains tense. Snape's behaviour and attitude towards Harry also remain unchanged.