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Education Quote by J.K. Rowling

“And now Snape stood again in the headmaster’s study as Phineas Nigellus came hurrying into his portrait. “Headmaster! They are camping in the Forest of Dean! The Mudblood--” “Do not use that word!” “--the Granger girl, then, mentioned the place as she opened her bag and I heard her!” “Good. Very…” quote by J.K. Rowling
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““And now Snape stood again in the headmaster’s study as Phineas Nigellus came hurrying into his portrait. “Headmaster! They are camping in the Forest of Dean! The Mudblood--” “Do not use that word!” “--the Granger girl, then, mentioned the place as she opened her bag and I heard her!” “Good. Very good!” cried the portrait of Dumbledore behind the headmaster’s chair. “Now, Severus, the sword! Do not forget that it must be taken under conditions of need and valor--and he must not know that you give it! If Voldemort should read Harry’s mind and see you acting for him--” “I know,” said Snape curtly. He approached the portrait of Dumbledore and pulled at its side. It swung forward, revealing a hidden cavity behind it from which he took the sword of Gryffindor. “And you still aren’t going to tell me why it’s so important to give Potter the sword?” said Snape as he swung a traveling cloak over his robes. “No, I don’t think so,” said Dumbledore’s portrait. “He will know what to do with it. And Severus, be very careful, they may not take kindly to your appearance after George Weasley’s mishap--” Snape turned at the door. “Don’t worry, Dumbledore,” he said coolly. “I have a plan…” And Snape left the room. Harry rose up out of the Pensieve, and moments later he lay on the carpeted floor in exactly the same room: Snape might just have closed the door.””

J.K. Rowling

About This Quote

Source Book: Harry Potter and the Half‑Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling, 2005

Snape is tasked by Dumbledore to retrieve the Sword of Gryffindor under secretive, risky conditions, highlighting trust, deception, and the moral ambiguity of wartime choices.

In simple terms: Snape must secretly get the sword for Harry while hiding his motives.

Key Takeaway

Act with caution and keep hidden motives concealed.

Themes

trust deception war morality loyalty

Mood

tense strategic foreboding

Type

literary dialogue dramatic

When to use this quote

  • wartime espionage
  • protecting a hero
  • covert operations
  • balancing loyalty and duty

Key Concepts

secret missions risk management ethical ambiguity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the costs of secrecy in leadership?
  • How does one balance loyalty to a cause with personal morality?
A Different Perspective

Snape’s plan may fail if Voldemort discovers the deception, endangering all.

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