Introduction
What if Harry Potter had a twin sister that looked very much like Lily but with her father James' raven hair? This intriguing scenario not only deepens the complexity of magical dynamics but also adds a new layer to the already enigmatic relationship between Severus Snape and the Potters. Exploring this hypothetical situation can shed light on Snape's emotional responses, character development, and the unintended consequences this sibling might bring to the story of Harry Potter.
Emotional Connection and Resemblance
If Harry had a twin sister who looked like Lily but had James' raven hair, several factors would come into play regarding Snape's behavior. Firstly, Nikolai, Snape's feelings for Lily were deep and complex. Witnessing his young sister pass as Lily might evoke strong emotions, a mix of affection and resentment. He might feel a sense of protectiveness towards her, contrasting sharply with his disdain for Harry.
Projection of Feelings and Fairness
Snape often projected his feelings about Lily onto Harry. With the addition of a twin sister, these feelings could intensify, either leading to deeper resentment towards Harry or, conversely, treating the sister with more kindness. The latter scenario, however, could create a sense of unfairness in his treatment of Harry. Hayley suggests this could lead to conflicted actions from Snape, further complicating the dynamics between them.
House Dynamics and Tension
During their time at Hogwarts, the presence of Harry's sister might also influence how Snape interacts with Harry. The tension could either be heightened or moderated depending on how Snape perceives her. If he sees her as a connection to Lily, he might struggle with his feelings, leading to more conflicted actions from him. This scenario could lead to significant character development for Snape, possibly pushing him toward growth or deeper resentment.
Character Development and Growth
This scenario could also lead to substantial character development for Snape. Being forced to confront his feelings toward Lily through her daughter might push him toward growth or deeper resentment. His interactions and emotional responses might become more nuanced, making his relationships with Harry and the other students more complex and layered.
The Unpredictable Wizarding World
However, the scenario also brings into question the unpredictability of the Wizarding world. If Harry had a twin sister who looked like Lily but had James' raven hair, several complications arise. Consider, for instance, Voldemort's actions during the downfall of the Potters. Would they still be targeting only Harry or would both twins be in the crosshairs? How would this affect the outcome of the fateful night?
Risk and Protection
If both twins were targeted, the scenarios unfold with different outcomes. For instance, if Voldemort went after Lily first, the baby with Lily would survive, but Lily would likely die. Meanwhile, James, with the baby, would also survive, becoming a single parent to both twins. Conversely, if Voldemort went after James first, both James and the baby would be killed, potentially with Lily escaping or managing to flee with the surviving baby. Each scenario brings unique challenges and possible outcomes.
Gender and Targets
However, it's also worth considering if the twins would be equally targeted. Voldemort might not target the girl because, as Nikolai points out, he might assume the prophecy refers only to the male child when it's a girl. If Voldemort only targeted Harry, James and Lily might have sent their daughter elsewhere before going into hiding. This scenario could result in different dynamics, with Harry being sent to the Dursleys while the girl continues with her current caregivers.
Resolution and Reactions at Hogwarts
Assuming James and Lily were dead and twins survived, where would they live? Would they be sent to Hogwarts, appearing in Snape's class? With Harry having his blood protection, where would his twin sister live? Would Snape focus on James' hair over Lily's face or perhaps focus more on Lily's face and character? Would she naturally click with Potions, or would she have the same mannerisms as Lily? These questions add another layer of complexity to the relationship between Snape and the characters he interacts with.
Regardless of the specifics, the presence of Harry's twin sister would undoubtedly add a new dimension to the story of Harry Potter. Each scenario brings unique challenges and outcomes, making the wizarding world even more complex and intriguing.