J.K. Rowling explains why Harry Potter named son Albus after Severus Snape
 

J.K. Rowling took to Twitter Friday to explain in detail why Harry Potter named his son Albus after Severus Snape, and in doing so defended the former Potions Master and Hogwarts Headmaster.

The author pointed out that Snape's love for Lily Potter, as mentioned many times, was his saving grace, and that he is the very definition of a grey character with many facets. All that can be read below.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Snape died for Harry out of love for Lily. Harry paid him tribute in forgiveness and gratitude. <a href="https://t.co/MPXBgUApa3">https://t.co/MPXBgUApa3</a></p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670155785817694208">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's not true, I'm afraid. Snape projected his hatred and jealousy of James onto Harry. <a href="https://t.co/5jzNHlfSe0">https://t.co/5jzNHlfSe0</a></p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670171378130243584">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There's a whole essay in why Harry gave his son Snape's name, but the decision goes to the heart of who Harry was, post-war.</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670173658782961666">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Snape is all grey. You can't make him a saint: he was vindictive &amp; bullying. You can't make him a devil: he died to save the wizarding world</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670176159561326592">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In honouring Snape, Harry hoped in his heart that he too would be forgiven. The deaths at the Battle of Hogwarts would haunt Harry forever.</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670178875406729216">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Snape was a bully who loved the goodness he sensed in Lily without being able to emulate her. That was his tragedy. <a href="https://t.co/nzWhNrBxdH">https://t.co/nzWhNrBxdH</a></p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670278271171457024">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Snape didn't die for 'ideals'. He died in an attempt to expiate his own guilt. He could have broken cover at any time to save himself 1/2</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670278891450314752">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">but he chose not to tell Voldemort that the latter was making a fatal error in targeting Harry. Snape's silence ensured Harry's victory. 2/2</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670279099890442241">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Harry chose to perpetuate the names of the two who had nobody in their families to do so. <a href="https://t.co/uwQVA9Tz9O">https://t.co/uwQVA9Tz9O</a></p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670285105953415168">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">He stood to gain nothing personally but the triumph of the cause Lily had believed in. He was trying to do right. <a href="https://t.co/h00btgHwSI">https://t.co/h00btgHwSI</a></p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670299750852349952">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well, thanks to everyone who participated in today's unplanned debate: &quot;Snape: Good, Evil or What?&quot; People to dinner - got to go! xxx</p>&mdash; J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) <a href="https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/670301234197319680">November 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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This is sweet :3 Jo doesn't have to defend Snape though because his good outweighed the bad ^_^

Interesting to hear her thoughts on it. Personally, I have never understood why so many people love Snape in a way that sees him as a good person. He made some sacrificial choices, but he really was not a nice person. So I guess I take Jo's point of view, haha.

Doesn't change my opinion though. Albus Severus? Mouthful of a name haha

^ You said a mouthful! hahahahaha I agree with what you said; Albus Severus is a terrible combination... poor boy!

Yes Queen Rowling! We finally have a reason a couple years later but still! I mean I understand why Harry did it. I can see why Snape was a bully but in all honesty I thought he was a hero.

*is such a fan*