Snape's leg was bleeding in Philosopher's Stone because he was bitten by Fluffy, the gigantic three-headed dog guarding the trapdoor to the Philosopher's Stone. This injury occurred when he went to check on the Stone during the chaos of the mountain troll's release.
The Incident: Fluffy's Bite and Snape's Mission
During the Halloween feast in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, a mountain troll was unleashed in Hogwarts, creating widespread panic and distraction. While most students and staff were focused on dealing with the troll, Professor Severus Snape seized the opportunity to ensure the safety of the Philosopher's Stone.
Key Events Leading to Snape's Injury:
- Troll Distraction: The release of the mountain troll by Professor Quirrell served as a diversion, drawing attention away from the third-floor corridor, where the Stone was hidden.
- Snape's Vigilance: Suspecting that someone (specifically Quirrell, though this was unknown to Harry at the time) might attempt to bypass the Stone's defenses during the distraction, Snape went to inspect the area.
- Encounter with Fluffy: To reach the trapdoor, Snape had to pass Fluffy, the enormous three-headed dog. During this encounter, Fluffy bit Snape, resulting in the bleeding leg that Harry, Ron, and Hermione later observed.
| Event Timeline | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Halloween Night | A mountain troll is released into Hogwarts Castle, causing widespread panic. | This event provides a cover for Professor Quirrell's attempt to steal the Philosopher's Stone, and subsequently, for Snape to check on its security. |
| Snape's Investigation | While everyone is distracted by the troll, Snape goes to the third-floor corridor to check on the Philosopher's Stone. | Driven by his true loyalty to Dumbledore, Snape was monitoring Quirrell and actively working to protect the Stone, rather than steal it as the trio initially suspected. |
| Fluffy's Attack | During his inspection, Snape encounters Fluffy, the three-headed dog, who bites his leg. | This bite is the direct cause of Snape's bleeding leg and serves as physical evidence of his perilous efforts to secure the Stone. |
| Trio Witnesses Injury | Later, Harry, Ron, and Hermione see Snape limping with a bloody leg, further fueling their initial suspicions about him. | The visible injury becomes a pivotal plot point, initially misinterpreting Snape's intentions, believing he was the one trying to get past Fluffy to steal the Stone, rather than protect it. |
Observing the Injury
In the first movie adaptation, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, this injury is clearly visible. After the trio deals with the troll in the girls' bathroom, they encounter Snape limping, holding his leg, with blood visible on his trousers. This visual detail confirms his recent struggle and provides a crucial piece of evidence that initially misled Harry and his friends.
For more details on Fluffy, the guardian of the Philosopher's Stone, you can explore resources like the Harry Potter Wiki on Fluffy (simulated link).
