No, based on available information, Severus Snape did not like Harry Potter more than Draco Malfoy. While Snape felt a profound sense of responsibility and care for Harry, stemming from his love for Lily Potter, he simultaneously harbored a deep personal dislike for Harry himself. In contrast, Snape's relationship with Draco, while not explicitly defined as "liking" in the same emotional context, was built upon several positive associations and responsibilities that suggest a more favorable, or at least less adversarial, dynamic.
Snape's Complex Affections
Severus Snape's feelings were notoriously complex, often contradictory, and deeply rooted in his past. His interactions with both Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy illustrate different facets of his character.
- Relationship with Harry Potter: Snape's actions consistently demonstrated a profound, unwavering commitment to protecting Harry, a promise he made to Albus Dumbledore out of love for Lily Potter, Harry's mother. This underlying care was a powerful motivator for many of his choices. However, this protective instinct was entirely separate from his personal sentiments towards Harry. Snape strongly disliked Harry, viewing him as a constant reminder of James Potter, whom he despised, and seeing perceived arrogance. This personal animosity manifested in cruel taunts, unfair treatment, and a general antagonistic demeanor.
- Relationship with Draco Malfoy: Snape served as Draco's Head of Slytherin House, making him directly responsible for the boy's welfare and academic progress. Draco was a skilled Potions student, a subject Snape excelled in and likely appreciated. Furthermore, Snape had known Draco since his infancy, likely from shared circles within the Pure-blood community, and there is speculation that he may even have been Draco's godfather. These factors suggest a long-standing, multi-faceted relationship that involved a sense of duty, professional appreciation, and possibly a personal connection, all devoid of the explicit dislike he held for Harry.
Comparing Relationships: Harry vs. Draco
To understand the difference, it's crucial to distinguish between Snape's actions of protection/care and his personal feelings of affection/liking.
| Aspect | Snape's Feelings Towards Harry Potter | Snape's Feelings Towards Draco Malfoy |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Liking | Explicitly disliked due to his resemblance to James Potter and perceived arrogance. | Unknown extent of personal liking, but no explicit dislike is documented. The relationship was rooted in duty, familiarity, and professional respect. |
| Care/Responsibility | Cared greatly for his safety and well-being, driven by his love for Lily Potter and a promise to Dumbledore. His actions were protective. | Responsible for him as Head of Slytherin House. This involved guidance and protection, particularly during Draco's difficult years as a Death Eater. |
| Professional Respect | Often critical of Harry's Potions skills, though Harry did show flashes of aptitude. | Draco was good at Potions, a subject Snape held in high regard. This likely garnered Snape's professional approval and respect. |
| Personal History | Saw him as a living reminder of his rival, James Potter, and the woman he loved but lost. | Known since Draco's childhood, possibly even a godfather figure. This implies a long-standing, personal connection outside of school. |
| Treatment | Often harsh, unfair, and punitive in the classroom, fueled by personal animosity. | While strict, his treatment of Draco was generally more supportive and lenient, especially when Draco was under pressure, indicating a level of favoritism and protection consistent with his role and their personal history. |
| Overall Sentiment | A profound protective duty overlaid with strong personal animosity. | A complex mix of duty, potential long-standing personal affection, and professional regard, without the explicit personal hatred seen towards Harry. |
The Verdict
While Snape's deep care for Harry's life was undeniable, this care stemmed from his dedication to Lily's memory, not from liking Harry as an individual. His personal feelings for Harry were explicitly negative. Conversely, while the exact degree of his personal "liking" for Draco is not definitively stated, his relationship encompassed significant elements of responsibility, professional respect, and a long-standing personal connection, without any indication of animosity.
Given that Snape actively disliked Harry, it is clear that he did not like Harry more than Draco. In fact, it is far more likely that he held a more positive, or at least less negative, personal regard for Draco Malfoy.
