Weekly Discussion: Favoritism
No.
My opinion on the subject is similar to @sanctuaryangel's, though I think it's quite possible that he lost his virginity before Lily's death. It could've easily happened in those first couple years after he left Hogwarts, especially since a.) she was married to (or at least in a serious relationship with) James, b.) he had a lot less guilt/reason to be loyal to her, and c.) he was young and presumably horny. I doubt he was seriously involved with anyone, but yeah… I can't see him choosing celibacy if he'd had other options.
After Lily's death…
Initially, I think he would've too been grief stricken to even think about sex, but 10 years is a long time. During that phase of his life (20s), I think it's plausible that a combination of loneliness, boredom, and physical need would've driven him to seek it out. I'd assume that he paid for it (i.e. sex workers in Knockturn Alley). That would've been much easier than trying to find women for casual encounters, a discreet solution with minimal hassle.
I imagine that changed when Harry arrived at Hogwarts. Suddenly, he was inundated with constant reminders of Lily, not to mention that his responsibilities/workload greatly increased. It's possible that he would've had a couple encounters during the summer in Harry's early years, but overall, I'm sure that sex fell to the bottom of his priority list. Among other things, the constant stress would've had a significant impact on his libido… I wouldn't be surprised if he'd lost all interest by the time Voldemort returned.
No. As @sanctuaryangel and @heatherlly said💚
For me, too, Severus did not die a virgin and they summed it up best all the reasons!
One small addition: I believe his orientation was bisexual and at times of greatest stress he delighted in submitting young men whom he paid to Knockturn Alley.
@giosnape Do you believe he was bisexual based on canon, or do you just like to think of him that way? Nothing wrong with either option, but if it's the former, I'd be curious to know what made you perceive him that way.
Canon is not really helpful in this case to give clues. Understandably so, why would a children's book focus on the sex life of the teachers?
I like to imagine Snape as a virgin, I have mentioned that I personally see him as asexual but I can't give any canon clues, it is just a gut feeling. I think he is one of the people who is repulsed by sex or physical contact with others in general.
But in case he lost his virginity, I would say it happened relatively later. He doesn't seem to be popular at school and probably wasn't really the crush of anyone so getting laid as a student was sth that only happened in his dreams. And I can't imagine him having the money for paid sex as a student. Later on, I can imagine him frequenting a brothel in Knockturn but definitely no serious relationship.
Quote from Heatherlly on July 8, 2023, 3:20 pm@giosnape Do you believe he was bisexual based on canon, or do you just like to think of him that way? Nothing wrong with either option, but if it's the former, I'd be curious to know what made you perceive him that way.
No, it is based on my headcanon ❤️ although many base this theory from Rowling's statement, "He wanted Lily and Mulciber too."
For me, Snape wasn't a virgin because of Voldemort's statement where he believed Snape had other worthier women of purer blood. We saw Voldemort often legilimens Snape and one can't lie without some truth so ob-viously Snape wasn't a virgin.
I believe he lost his virginity after graduation, mostly due to anger and trying to forget Lily. Paying prostitutes, flings, one-night stands, sexual favours, you name it. After Lily death, he was overcome with a great remorse and he was self flagellating by trying to deny himself pleasures of life. He probably stopped seeking active desire beyond a few moments of weakness and as @heatherlly put it, he had a lot on plate after Harry's arrival and he didn't get any past Voldemort's resurrection.
Quote from Giorgia on July 8, 2023, 6:43 pmNo, it is based on my headcanon
although many base this theory from Rowling's statement, "He wanted Lily and Mulciber too."
Hey, nothing wrong with a good headcanon. 😍
As for JKR's statement… it's abundantly clear (at least to me) that it has nothing to do with Snape's supposed bisexuality. That's even more true when looking at the full context:
J.K. Rowling: Well, that is Snape’s tragedy. Given his time over again he would not have become a Death Eater, but like many insecure, vulnerable people (like Wormtail) he craved membership of something big and powerful, something impressive. He wanted Lily and he wanted Mulciber too. He never really understood Lily’s aversion; he was so blinded by his attraction to the dark side he thought she would find him impressive if he became a real Death Eater.
In other words, he wanted what Mulciber represented, not Mulciber himself in a literal sense.
Tangentially related: I hope JKR will do more interviews to promote the upcoming show. I know her comments can be hit or miss, but how cool would it be to have more information about Snape's background, his mother's family, etc?
I'm echoing the thoughts of @sanctuaryangel, @naaga and @heatherlly and I am sure Severus was not a virgin before he died.
I've read many fics ranging from virgin Severus to sex god Severus, but I think the truth probably lies somewhere in between those two extremes.
20. Discussion: "What you think was dynamic between Snape and Draco"?
21. Discussion: "Lupin mentions of Sectumsempra being Snape's signature spell - how do you think Lupin came to recognise it?"
