Why would Snape set his office password to 'Dumbledore'?
It seems to me that Snape's choice of password for his study when he was Headmaster was kinda weird.
Harry ran without stopping, clutching the crystal flask of Snape's last thoughts, and he did not slow down until he reached the stone gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office.
"Password?"
"Dumbledore!" said Harry without thinking, because it was he whom he yearned to see, and to his surprise the gargoyle slid aside, revealing the spiral staircase behind.
(Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33, The Prince's Tale).
As I say, this is a bizarre choice of password. To confirm, at this stage Snape's cover was very much intact. To the Death Eaters and the Order alike, he was believed to be a committed Voldemort-supporter. Which makes the figurehead of the anti-Voldemort movement a rather odd choice for your office password. It seems reasonable to suppose that Snape would have hosted meetings with fellow Death Eaters (such as the Callows) in his office during his tenure. Indeed, he probably had Voldemort himself up there at one point.
And now everything was cool and dark: the sun was barely visible over the horizon as he glided alongside Snape, up through the grounds towards the lake.
"I shall join you in the castle shortly," he said in his high, cold voice. "Leave me now."
(Deathly Hallows, Chapter 24, The Wandmaker).
Wouldn't that have been a slightly awkward moment, with Snape having to explain his choice of password to his supposed master? "Hmm, why did you choose Dumbledore - the man whose grave I've just ransacked - as your password, Snape?" "Errr...no reason".
Wouldn't Snape's choice of password have seemed odd to friends and foes alike? Didn't it risk blowing his cover in some way? If so, why did Snape choose it?
harry-potter hogwarts albus-dumbledore severus-snape
|
show 8 more comments
It seems to me that Snape's choice of password for his study when he was Headmaster was kinda weird.
Harry ran without stopping, clutching the crystal flask of Snape's last thoughts, and he did not slow down until he reached the stone gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office.
"Password?"
"Dumbledore!" said Harry without thinking, because it was he whom he yearned to see, and to his surprise the gargoyle slid aside, revealing the spiral staircase behind.
(Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33, The Prince's Tale).
As I say, this is a bizarre choice of password. To confirm, at this stage Snape's cover was very much intact. To the Death Eaters and the Order alike, he was believed to be a committed Voldemort-supporter. Which makes the figurehead of the anti-Voldemort movement a rather odd choice for your office password. It seems reasonable to suppose that Snape would have hosted meetings with fellow Death Eaters (such as the Callows) in his office during his tenure. Indeed, he probably had Voldemort himself up there at one point.
And now everything was cool and dark: the sun was barely visible over the horizon as he glided alongside Snape, up through the grounds towards the lake.
"I shall join you in the castle shortly," he said in his high, cold voice. "Leave me now."
(Deathly Hallows, Chapter 24, The Wandmaker).
Wouldn't that have been a slightly awkward moment, with Snape having to explain his choice of password to his supposed master? "Hmm, why did you choose Dumbledore - the man whose grave I've just ransacked - as your password, Snape?" "Errr...no reason".
Wouldn't Snape's choice of password have seemed odd to friends and foes alike? Didn't it risk blowing his cover in some way? If so, why did Snape choose it?
harry-potter hogwarts albus-dumbledore severus-snape
165
When he's meeting with Death Eaters and is asked for the password, he just says, "Dumbledore sucks!" and the gargoyle just needs to hear "Dumbledore" but his guests think, "Wow, that's a cold password, dude, considering. I like it!"
– starpilotsix
Dec 6 '16 at 13:33
258
Curious that in the wizarding world one doesn't need to include in their password at least a number, a special character, and a Parseltongue alphabet symbol.
– Federico Poloni
Dec 6 '16 at 14:28
24
Pretty clever, if you ask me. Who, besides Harry, would ever go up and think that "Dumbledore" would ever be Snape's password? Wouldn't be my first guess, that's for sure.
– DisturbedNeo
Dec 6 '16 at 15:07
35
Why assume that there is necessarily just one password at a time? Why would e.g. McGonnagal use the same password as Snape? It might even be that Dumbledore added a specific password just for Harry, and it wouldn't work for anyone else :D
– Luaan
Dec 6 '16 at 16:41
76
Go ask this exact question on security.stackexchange. They will inform you that you should not share your password with anyone. Not your boss, not the dark lord. Make them stand out of earshot before saying your password, or use magic to prevent the sound travelling. Although they will also point out that the password doesn't have enough entropy, and shouldn't be based on anything personal about you that others know, then get into discussions about what would have happened after 3 incorrect guesses.
– Scott
Dec 7 '16 at 3:01
|
show 8 more comments
It seems to me that Snape's choice of password for his study when he was Headmaster was kinda weird.
Harry ran without stopping, clutching the crystal flask of Snape's last thoughts, and he did not slow down until he reached the stone gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office.
"Password?"
"Dumbledore!" said Harry without thinking, because it was he whom he yearned to see, and to his surprise the gargoyle slid aside, revealing the spiral staircase behind.
(Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33, The Prince's Tale).
As I say, this is a bizarre choice of password. To confirm, at this stage Snape's cover was very much intact. To the Death Eaters and the Order alike, he was believed to be a committed Voldemort-supporter. Which makes the figurehead of the anti-Voldemort movement a rather odd choice for your office password. It seems reasonable to suppose that Snape would have hosted meetings with fellow Death Eaters (such as the Callows) in his office during his tenure. Indeed, he probably had Voldemort himself up there at one point.
And now everything was cool and dark: the sun was barely visible over the horizon as he glided alongside Snape, up through the grounds towards the lake.
"I shall join you in the castle shortly," he said in his high, cold voice. "Leave me now."
(Deathly Hallows, Chapter 24, The Wandmaker).
Wouldn't that have been a slightly awkward moment, with Snape having to explain his choice of password to his supposed master? "Hmm, why did you choose Dumbledore - the man whose grave I've just ransacked - as your password, Snape?" "Errr...no reason".
Wouldn't Snape's choice of password have seemed odd to friends and foes alike? Didn't it risk blowing his cover in some way? If so, why did Snape choose it?
harry-potter hogwarts albus-dumbledore severus-snape
It seems to me that Snape's choice of password for his study when he was Headmaster was kinda weird.
Harry ran without stopping, clutching the crystal flask of Snape's last thoughts, and he did not slow down until he reached the stone gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office.
"Password?"
"Dumbledore!" said Harry without thinking, because it was he whom he yearned to see, and to his surprise the gargoyle slid aside, revealing the spiral staircase behind.
(Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33, The Prince's Tale).
As I say, this is a bizarre choice of password. To confirm, at this stage Snape's cover was very much intact. To the Death Eaters and the Order alike, he was believed to be a committed Voldemort-supporter. Which makes the figurehead of the anti-Voldemort movement a rather odd choice for your office password. It seems reasonable to suppose that Snape would have hosted meetings with fellow Death Eaters (such as the Callows) in his office during his tenure. Indeed, he probably had Voldemort himself up there at one point.
And now everything was cool and dark: the sun was barely visible over the horizon as he glided alongside Snape, up through the grounds towards the lake.
"I shall join you in the castle shortly," he said in his high, cold voice. "Leave me now."
(Deathly Hallows, Chapter 24, The Wandmaker).
Wouldn't that have been a slightly awkward moment, with Snape having to explain his choice of password to his supposed master? "Hmm, why did you choose Dumbledore - the man whose grave I've just ransacked - as your password, Snape?" "Errr...no reason".
Wouldn't Snape's choice of password have seemed odd to friends and foes alike? Didn't it risk blowing his cover in some way? If so, why did Snape choose it?
harry-potter hogwarts albus-dumbledore severus-snape
harry-potter hogwarts albus-dumbledore severus-snape
asked Dec 6 '16 at 13:24
The Dark LordThe Dark Lord
40.7k21196322
40.7k21196322
165
When he's meeting with Death Eaters and is asked for the password, he just says, "Dumbledore sucks!" and the gargoyle just needs to hear "Dumbledore" but his guests think, "Wow, that's a cold password, dude, considering. I like it!"
– starpilotsix
Dec 6 '16 at 13:33
258
Curious that in the wizarding world one doesn't need to include in their password at least a number, a special character, and a Parseltongue alphabet symbol.
– Federico Poloni
Dec 6 '16 at 14:28
24
Pretty clever, if you ask me. Who, besides Harry, would ever go up and think that "Dumbledore" would ever be Snape's password? Wouldn't be my first guess, that's for sure.
– DisturbedNeo
Dec 6 '16 at 15:07
35
Why assume that there is necessarily just one password at a time? Why would e.g. McGonnagal use the same password as Snape? It might even be that Dumbledore added a specific password just for Harry, and it wouldn't work for anyone else :D
– Luaan
Dec 6 '16 at 16:41
76
Go ask this exact question on security.stackexchange. They will inform you that you should not share your password with anyone. Not your boss, not the dark lord. Make them stand out of earshot before saying your password, or use magic to prevent the sound travelling. Although they will also point out that the password doesn't have enough entropy, and shouldn't be based on anything personal about you that others know, then get into discussions about what would have happened after 3 incorrect guesses.
– Scott
Dec 7 '16 at 3:01
|
show 8 more comments
165
When he's meeting with Death Eaters and is asked for the password, he just says, "Dumbledore sucks!" and the gargoyle just needs to hear "Dumbledore" but his guests think, "Wow, that's a cold password, dude, considering. I like it!"
– starpilotsix
Dec 6 '16 at 13:33
258
Curious that in the wizarding world one doesn't need to include in their password at least a number, a special character, and a Parseltongue alphabet symbol.
– Federico Poloni
Dec 6 '16 at 14:28
24
Pretty clever, if you ask me. Who, besides Harry, would ever go up and think that "Dumbledore" would ever be Snape's password? Wouldn't be my first guess, that's for sure.
– DisturbedNeo
Dec 6 '16 at 15:07
35
Why assume that there is necessarily just one password at a time? Why would e.g. McGonnagal use the same password as Snape? It might even be that Dumbledore added a specific password just for Harry, and it wouldn't work for anyone else :D
– Luaan
Dec 6 '16 at 16:41
76
Go ask this exact question on security.stackexchange. They will inform you that you should not share your password with anyone. Not your boss, not the dark lord. Make them stand out of earshot before saying your password, or use magic to prevent the sound travelling. Although they will also point out that the password doesn't have enough entropy, and shouldn't be based on anything personal about you that others know, then get into discussions about what would have happened after 3 incorrect guesses.
– Scott
Dec 7 '16 at 3:01
165
165
When he's meeting with Death Eaters and is asked for the password, he just says, "Dumbledore sucks!" and the gargoyle just needs to hear "Dumbledore" but his guests think, "Wow, that's a cold password, dude, considering. I like it!"
– starpilotsix
Dec 6 '16 at 13:33
When he's meeting with Death Eaters and is asked for the password, he just says, "Dumbledore sucks!" and the gargoyle just needs to hear "Dumbledore" but his guests think, "Wow, that's a cold password, dude, considering. I like it!"
– starpilotsix
Dec 6 '16 at 13:33
258
258
Curious that in the wizarding world one doesn't need to include in their password at least a number, a special character, and a Parseltongue alphabet symbol.
– Federico Poloni
Dec 6 '16 at 14:28
Curious that in the wizarding world one doesn't need to include in their password at least a number, a special character, and a Parseltongue alphabet symbol.
– Federico Poloni
Dec 6 '16 at 14:28
24
24
Pretty clever, if you ask me. Who, besides Harry, would ever go up and think that "Dumbledore" would ever be Snape's password? Wouldn't be my first guess, that's for sure.
– DisturbedNeo
Dec 6 '16 at 15:07
Pretty clever, if you ask me. Who, besides Harry, would ever go up and think that "Dumbledore" would ever be Snape's password? Wouldn't be my first guess, that's for sure.
– DisturbedNeo
Dec 6 '16 at 15:07
35
35
Why assume that there is necessarily just one password at a time? Why would e.g. McGonnagal use the same password as Snape? It might even be that Dumbledore added a specific password just for Harry, and it wouldn't work for anyone else :D
– Luaan
Dec 6 '16 at 16:41
Why assume that there is necessarily just one password at a time? Why would e.g. McGonnagal use the same password as Snape? It might even be that Dumbledore added a specific password just for Harry, and it wouldn't work for anyone else :D
– Luaan
Dec 6 '16 at 16:41
76
76
Go ask this exact question on security.stackexchange. They will inform you that you should not share your password with anyone. Not your boss, not the dark lord. Make them stand out of earshot before saying your password, or use magic to prevent the sound travelling. Although they will also point out that the password doesn't have enough entropy, and shouldn't be based on anything personal about you that others know, then get into discussions about what would have happened after 3 incorrect guesses.
– Scott
Dec 7 '16 at 3:01
Go ask this exact question on security.stackexchange. They will inform you that you should not share your password with anyone. Not your boss, not the dark lord. Make them stand out of earshot before saying your password, or use magic to prevent the sound travelling. Although they will also point out that the password doesn't have enough entropy, and shouldn't be based on anything personal about you that others know, then get into discussions about what would have happened after 3 incorrect guesses.
– Scott
Dec 7 '16 at 3:01
|
show 8 more comments
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
I don't think he chose "Dumbledore" as his password. He was an accomplished double agent, and would have chosen a suitable password that would avoid arousing suspicion from either side.
There are a few potential explanations:
It wasn't the password at all
We know from Order of the Phoenix that the gargoyle controlling access to the Headmaster's office has some level of awareness, since it refused entry to Umbridge when she was acting as Headmistress:
"... The Fat Friar told me -" he dropped his voice conspiratorially, so that Harry, Ron and Hermione had to lean closer to him to hear "- that Umbridge tried to get back into his office last night after they'd searched the castle and grounds for him. Couldn't get past the gargoyle. The Head's office has sealed itself against her." Ernie smirked. "Apparently she had a right little tantrum."
Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 28, Snape's Worst Memory
With that established, I think it's considerably more likely that the gargoyle, knowing who Harry was and hearing him call for Dumbledore, simply decided to grant him access to the Head's office.
It was no longer Snape's office
Snape was no longer Headmaster of Hogwarts at that point. There isn't, as far as I know, any mention of a deputy Headmaster or Headmistress during the events of Deathly Hallows. If the position was vacant, it's possible that the interim Head position would be filled by the previous deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. In that case, the gargoyle may determine a suitable - though temporary password - until she's able to specify one of her own choosing. In that situation "Dumbledore" is as good a choice as any (and far better than most).
It was a password specific for Harry
Due to the gargoyle's at least limited awareness, it's possible that the Headmaster can set a general use password, but also instruct it to open in certain situations or in response to a different password given only by specific people. It's possible that "Dumbledore" only worked because Harry was the one saying it, and that it wouldn't have been accepted as the password if anybody else had said it.
This would, however, require at least some amount of forethought and planning on Snape's part and quite a lot of luck on Harry's (though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that) for him to get the password without being told it by Snape.
61
As to your last possibility, it's possible Dumbledore set that one up himself. Earlier in Deathly Hallows he gave the main characters things they'd need, so he definitely had plans for what they'd be doing after he died. Plus, he set up the Mirror of Erised in a similar way.
– DaaaahWhoosh
Dec 6 '16 at 14:39
25
@AnthonyGrist Last one doesn't need to be Harry specific. It could be Order-wide.
– DavidS
Dec 6 '16 at 15:05
4
Didn't Dumbledore tell Snape to watch Voldemort for when Voldemort stopped sending the snake out. Snape knew that the end would be getting close. Could that be when he set a password for Harry specifically? Or maybe he took a chance the night of the fight to change the password. Just before he took flight?
– Case
Dec 6 '16 at 17:28
1
"though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that" : absolutely loved that bit.
– VortexYT
Jan 21 '18 at 20:27
add a comment |
Supposition here:
If it was a password Snape set up, it was easily explainable. It is humiliating a conquered enemy. Stamping his authority on the office. Reminding anyone who heard it who he had defeated to gain access to the office.
10
I think that voldemort had a lot of respect for dumbledore.
– HopefullyHelpful
Dec 6 '16 at 15:24
Could be that the Gargoyle would ignore any phrase which came before the password. The password "The death of Dumbledore" would make sense to death eaters.
– cwallenpoole
Dec 7 '16 at 17:21
3
@HopefullyHelpful While that is true, the other Death Eaters likely didn't know that.
– Mego
Dec 8 '16 at 7:23
add a comment |
As a generally distrustful bunch, Death Eaters wouldn't find it at all odd if Snape whispered the password to the gargoyle in a way they couldn't hear, perhaps using magic to ensure that they definitely didn't hear it.
It's also possible that he simply didn't take anyone there; turning up in their classroom or office would be much more intimidating, which would suit his purposes perfectly - maintain authority through fear, and appear evil to keep his cover intact. As they're all Death Eaters first and teachers second, they may have meetings or conferences as a larger group, in the way that we saw Voldemort holding meetings on several occasions, which would allow Snape to talk to them and give them orders without needing to call them to his office. Having his office remain private and secret would allow Snape to keep an air of mystery; by never inviting anyone in to that private sanctum it reinforces that air of him being above them, aloof and separate.
And of course, as a double agent under considerable stress, Snape would likely appreciate having somewhere safe and private where he could retreat and drop the act for a moment of rest. Using Dumbledore's name as a password is a pretty good way to ensure that no Death Eater would guess it, which could be handy if his cover is ever blown. It's also a small way to honour Dumbledore - after all, it is because of Dumbledore that Snape became headmaster, it was his plan for Snape to take that position after his death - and this fits with Snape's personality in a similar manner to his Patronus taking the form of a doe as a sign of his devotion to Lily.
2
Is it reasonable to suppose that Snape didn't hold any meetings in his office for a whole year? Dumbldore had people in there all the time...
– The Dark Lord
Dec 6 '16 at 15:04
17
Dumbledore trusted people, and was willing to bring them into his private space in order to discuss things in confidence. Snape likely trusted nobody, and therefore had little need for a private place: if Snape didn't want something known, he told it to nobody. While the idea of being summoned to Snape's office might be scary, I think it's much more in keeping with Snape's style to simply show up unannounced to talk to people in their own office or classroom, thus undermining that place's feeling of being safe or private, keeping his underlings somewhere between awe and fear.
– anaximander
Dec 6 '16 at 15:10
1
@TheDarkLord Every executive has a different style of leadership/management. It is very common for a successor to totally overhaul what their predecessor did. This is actually the norm in some places, like government agencies.
– TylerH
Dec 9 '16 at 15:42
add a comment |
Another way of looking at it is the password may not have been "Dumbledore".
Albus Dumbledore was nothing if not clever, and Snape was no slouch either. The password may have been no password at all, instead the situation "Harry Potter says a phrase to the Gargoyle when the headmaster is not present".
add a comment |
Whoever chooses a password in Hogwarts may also choose the time frame in which it is valid. For example, in "Harry Potter and the prisonner of Azkaban", the knight Sir Cadogan is using a whole bunch of ephemeral passwords which reduce Neville to despair.
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death. This would not put him (Snape) in danger as long as he is alive. In this case, his affiliation with the Order of the Phoenix must be known at least by Harry Potter because Dumbledore instructed Snape to inform Harry before he would face Voldemort for the final battle.
This explanation of course requires that it be possible to set passwords on a condition rather than a simple time frame. If this was not possible, Snape may have observed that Nagini was no longer separated from Voldemort which has informed him that the final battle between Harry and Voldemort must be imminent. So Snape might have set the password after noticing that this was the case.
2
This seems quite speculative, and argues different points to the accepted answer, can you provide any evidence that a password can be set for a time frame?
– Edlothiad
Jul 24 '17 at 18:48
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death I don't think this is the case since the gargoyle could not have known that Snape was dead.
– elrond
Jul 24 '17 at 19:33
@elrond Why do you think the gargoyle could not know? It could have been the same mechanism/enchantment that is being used for Molly Weasley's clock which can indicate whether Weasly family members are in mortal danger. For an accomplished wizard like Snape, it would have been easy to cast a similar spell. He could have used Voldemort reference too, because he was also mortal danger. The critical question is not whether the gargoyle could know but if it's possible to set passwords on conditions. If not, I have given a workaround, see my original post.
– Jonas
Jul 24 '17 at 20:37
I just don't think there is enough evidence that such a spell (that can definitively say if someone is dead) exists: 1. Molly's clock was inaccurate as it was pointing to "mortal peril" since Voldemort returned 2. They would have used it for their children/members of the Order etc. The workaround sure can be an explanation, I just commented on the part of the answer that doesn't seem possible (to me).
– elrond
Jul 25 '17 at 17:26
add a comment |
@Edlothiad Remember in the prisoner of Azkaban, Nevile lost the list of passwords? That shows that there is a specific list of pre-chosen passwords that are only valid for a specific time frame.
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6 Answers
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6 Answers
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I don't think he chose "Dumbledore" as his password. He was an accomplished double agent, and would have chosen a suitable password that would avoid arousing suspicion from either side.
There are a few potential explanations:
It wasn't the password at all
We know from Order of the Phoenix that the gargoyle controlling access to the Headmaster's office has some level of awareness, since it refused entry to Umbridge when she was acting as Headmistress:
"... The Fat Friar told me -" he dropped his voice conspiratorially, so that Harry, Ron and Hermione had to lean closer to him to hear "- that Umbridge tried to get back into his office last night after they'd searched the castle and grounds for him. Couldn't get past the gargoyle. The Head's office has sealed itself against her." Ernie smirked. "Apparently she had a right little tantrum."
Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 28, Snape's Worst Memory
With that established, I think it's considerably more likely that the gargoyle, knowing who Harry was and hearing him call for Dumbledore, simply decided to grant him access to the Head's office.
It was no longer Snape's office
Snape was no longer Headmaster of Hogwarts at that point. There isn't, as far as I know, any mention of a deputy Headmaster or Headmistress during the events of Deathly Hallows. If the position was vacant, it's possible that the interim Head position would be filled by the previous deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. In that case, the gargoyle may determine a suitable - though temporary password - until she's able to specify one of her own choosing. In that situation "Dumbledore" is as good a choice as any (and far better than most).
It was a password specific for Harry
Due to the gargoyle's at least limited awareness, it's possible that the Headmaster can set a general use password, but also instruct it to open in certain situations or in response to a different password given only by specific people. It's possible that "Dumbledore" only worked because Harry was the one saying it, and that it wouldn't have been accepted as the password if anybody else had said it.
This would, however, require at least some amount of forethought and planning on Snape's part and quite a lot of luck on Harry's (though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that) for him to get the password without being told it by Snape.
61
As to your last possibility, it's possible Dumbledore set that one up himself. Earlier in Deathly Hallows he gave the main characters things they'd need, so he definitely had plans for what they'd be doing after he died. Plus, he set up the Mirror of Erised in a similar way.
– DaaaahWhoosh
Dec 6 '16 at 14:39
25
@AnthonyGrist Last one doesn't need to be Harry specific. It could be Order-wide.
– DavidS
Dec 6 '16 at 15:05
4
Didn't Dumbledore tell Snape to watch Voldemort for when Voldemort stopped sending the snake out. Snape knew that the end would be getting close. Could that be when he set a password for Harry specifically? Or maybe he took a chance the night of the fight to change the password. Just before he took flight?
– Case
Dec 6 '16 at 17:28
1
"though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that" : absolutely loved that bit.
– VortexYT
Jan 21 '18 at 20:27
add a comment |
I don't think he chose "Dumbledore" as his password. He was an accomplished double agent, and would have chosen a suitable password that would avoid arousing suspicion from either side.
There are a few potential explanations:
It wasn't the password at all
We know from Order of the Phoenix that the gargoyle controlling access to the Headmaster's office has some level of awareness, since it refused entry to Umbridge when she was acting as Headmistress:
"... The Fat Friar told me -" he dropped his voice conspiratorially, so that Harry, Ron and Hermione had to lean closer to him to hear "- that Umbridge tried to get back into his office last night after they'd searched the castle and grounds for him. Couldn't get past the gargoyle. The Head's office has sealed itself against her." Ernie smirked. "Apparently she had a right little tantrum."
Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 28, Snape's Worst Memory
With that established, I think it's considerably more likely that the gargoyle, knowing who Harry was and hearing him call for Dumbledore, simply decided to grant him access to the Head's office.
It was no longer Snape's office
Snape was no longer Headmaster of Hogwarts at that point. There isn't, as far as I know, any mention of a deputy Headmaster or Headmistress during the events of Deathly Hallows. If the position was vacant, it's possible that the interim Head position would be filled by the previous deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. In that case, the gargoyle may determine a suitable - though temporary password - until she's able to specify one of her own choosing. In that situation "Dumbledore" is as good a choice as any (and far better than most).
It was a password specific for Harry
Due to the gargoyle's at least limited awareness, it's possible that the Headmaster can set a general use password, but also instruct it to open in certain situations or in response to a different password given only by specific people. It's possible that "Dumbledore" only worked because Harry was the one saying it, and that it wouldn't have been accepted as the password if anybody else had said it.
This would, however, require at least some amount of forethought and planning on Snape's part and quite a lot of luck on Harry's (though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that) for him to get the password without being told it by Snape.
61
As to your last possibility, it's possible Dumbledore set that one up himself. Earlier in Deathly Hallows he gave the main characters things they'd need, so he definitely had plans for what they'd be doing after he died. Plus, he set up the Mirror of Erised in a similar way.
– DaaaahWhoosh
Dec 6 '16 at 14:39
25
@AnthonyGrist Last one doesn't need to be Harry specific. It could be Order-wide.
– DavidS
Dec 6 '16 at 15:05
4
Didn't Dumbledore tell Snape to watch Voldemort for when Voldemort stopped sending the snake out. Snape knew that the end would be getting close. Could that be when he set a password for Harry specifically? Or maybe he took a chance the night of the fight to change the password. Just before he took flight?
– Case
Dec 6 '16 at 17:28
1
"though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that" : absolutely loved that bit.
– VortexYT
Jan 21 '18 at 20:27
add a comment |
I don't think he chose "Dumbledore" as his password. He was an accomplished double agent, and would have chosen a suitable password that would avoid arousing suspicion from either side.
There are a few potential explanations:
It wasn't the password at all
We know from Order of the Phoenix that the gargoyle controlling access to the Headmaster's office has some level of awareness, since it refused entry to Umbridge when she was acting as Headmistress:
"... The Fat Friar told me -" he dropped his voice conspiratorially, so that Harry, Ron and Hermione had to lean closer to him to hear "- that Umbridge tried to get back into his office last night after they'd searched the castle and grounds for him. Couldn't get past the gargoyle. The Head's office has sealed itself against her." Ernie smirked. "Apparently she had a right little tantrum."
Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 28, Snape's Worst Memory
With that established, I think it's considerably more likely that the gargoyle, knowing who Harry was and hearing him call for Dumbledore, simply decided to grant him access to the Head's office.
It was no longer Snape's office
Snape was no longer Headmaster of Hogwarts at that point. There isn't, as far as I know, any mention of a deputy Headmaster or Headmistress during the events of Deathly Hallows. If the position was vacant, it's possible that the interim Head position would be filled by the previous deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. In that case, the gargoyle may determine a suitable - though temporary password - until she's able to specify one of her own choosing. In that situation "Dumbledore" is as good a choice as any (and far better than most).
It was a password specific for Harry
Due to the gargoyle's at least limited awareness, it's possible that the Headmaster can set a general use password, but also instruct it to open in certain situations or in response to a different password given only by specific people. It's possible that "Dumbledore" only worked because Harry was the one saying it, and that it wouldn't have been accepted as the password if anybody else had said it.
This would, however, require at least some amount of forethought and planning on Snape's part and quite a lot of luck on Harry's (though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that) for him to get the password without being told it by Snape.
I don't think he chose "Dumbledore" as his password. He was an accomplished double agent, and would have chosen a suitable password that would avoid arousing suspicion from either side.
There are a few potential explanations:
It wasn't the password at all
We know from Order of the Phoenix that the gargoyle controlling access to the Headmaster's office has some level of awareness, since it refused entry to Umbridge when she was acting as Headmistress:
"... The Fat Friar told me -" he dropped his voice conspiratorially, so that Harry, Ron and Hermione had to lean closer to him to hear "- that Umbridge tried to get back into his office last night after they'd searched the castle and grounds for him. Couldn't get past the gargoyle. The Head's office has sealed itself against her." Ernie smirked. "Apparently she had a right little tantrum."
Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 28, Snape's Worst Memory
With that established, I think it's considerably more likely that the gargoyle, knowing who Harry was and hearing him call for Dumbledore, simply decided to grant him access to the Head's office.
It was no longer Snape's office
Snape was no longer Headmaster of Hogwarts at that point. There isn't, as far as I know, any mention of a deputy Headmaster or Headmistress during the events of Deathly Hallows. If the position was vacant, it's possible that the interim Head position would be filled by the previous deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall. In that case, the gargoyle may determine a suitable - though temporary password - until she's able to specify one of her own choosing. In that situation "Dumbledore" is as good a choice as any (and far better than most).
It was a password specific for Harry
Due to the gargoyle's at least limited awareness, it's possible that the Headmaster can set a general use password, but also instruct it to open in certain situations or in response to a different password given only by specific people. It's possible that "Dumbledore" only worked because Harry was the one saying it, and that it wouldn't have been accepted as the password if anybody else had said it.
This would, however, require at least some amount of forethought and planning on Snape's part and quite a lot of luck on Harry's (though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that) for him to get the password without being told it by Snape.
answered Dec 6 '16 at 13:42
Anthony GristAnthony Grist
35.1k12126161
35.1k12126161
61
As to your last possibility, it's possible Dumbledore set that one up himself. Earlier in Deathly Hallows he gave the main characters things they'd need, so he definitely had plans for what they'd be doing after he died. Plus, he set up the Mirror of Erised in a similar way.
– DaaaahWhoosh
Dec 6 '16 at 14:39
25
@AnthonyGrist Last one doesn't need to be Harry specific. It could be Order-wide.
– DavidS
Dec 6 '16 at 15:05
4
Didn't Dumbledore tell Snape to watch Voldemort for when Voldemort stopped sending the snake out. Snape knew that the end would be getting close. Could that be when he set a password for Harry specifically? Or maybe he took a chance the night of the fight to change the password. Just before he took flight?
– Case
Dec 6 '16 at 17:28
1
"though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that" : absolutely loved that bit.
– VortexYT
Jan 21 '18 at 20:27
add a comment |
61
As to your last possibility, it's possible Dumbledore set that one up himself. Earlier in Deathly Hallows he gave the main characters things they'd need, so he definitely had plans for what they'd be doing after he died. Plus, he set up the Mirror of Erised in a similar way.
– DaaaahWhoosh
Dec 6 '16 at 14:39
25
@AnthonyGrist Last one doesn't need to be Harry specific. It could be Order-wide.
– DavidS
Dec 6 '16 at 15:05
4
Didn't Dumbledore tell Snape to watch Voldemort for when Voldemort stopped sending the snake out. Snape knew that the end would be getting close. Could that be when he set a password for Harry specifically? Or maybe he took a chance the night of the fight to change the password. Just before he took flight?
– Case
Dec 6 '16 at 17:28
1
"though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that" : absolutely loved that bit.
– VortexYT
Jan 21 '18 at 20:27
61
61
As to your last possibility, it's possible Dumbledore set that one up himself. Earlier in Deathly Hallows he gave the main characters things they'd need, so he definitely had plans for what they'd be doing after he died. Plus, he set up the Mirror of Erised in a similar way.
– DaaaahWhoosh
Dec 6 '16 at 14:39
As to your last possibility, it's possible Dumbledore set that one up himself. Earlier in Deathly Hallows he gave the main characters things they'd need, so he definitely had plans for what they'd be doing after he died. Plus, he set up the Mirror of Erised in a similar way.
– DaaaahWhoosh
Dec 6 '16 at 14:39
25
25
@AnthonyGrist Last one doesn't need to be Harry specific. It could be Order-wide.
– DavidS
Dec 6 '16 at 15:05
@AnthonyGrist Last one doesn't need to be Harry specific. It could be Order-wide.
– DavidS
Dec 6 '16 at 15:05
4
4
Didn't Dumbledore tell Snape to watch Voldemort for when Voldemort stopped sending the snake out. Snape knew that the end would be getting close. Could that be when he set a password for Harry specifically? Or maybe he took a chance the night of the fight to change the password. Just before he took flight?
– Case
Dec 6 '16 at 17:28
Didn't Dumbledore tell Snape to watch Voldemort for when Voldemort stopped sending the snake out. Snape knew that the end would be getting close. Could that be when he set a password for Harry specifically? Or maybe he took a chance the night of the fight to change the password. Just before he took flight?
– Case
Dec 6 '16 at 17:28
1
1
"though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that" : absolutely loved that bit.
– VortexYT
Jan 21 '18 at 20:27
"though he's spent the last six years proving he has an uncommon amount of that" : absolutely loved that bit.
– VortexYT
Jan 21 '18 at 20:27
add a comment |
Supposition here:
If it was a password Snape set up, it was easily explainable. It is humiliating a conquered enemy. Stamping his authority on the office. Reminding anyone who heard it who he had defeated to gain access to the office.
10
I think that voldemort had a lot of respect for dumbledore.
– HopefullyHelpful
Dec 6 '16 at 15:24
Could be that the Gargoyle would ignore any phrase which came before the password. The password "The death of Dumbledore" would make sense to death eaters.
– cwallenpoole
Dec 7 '16 at 17:21
3
@HopefullyHelpful While that is true, the other Death Eaters likely didn't know that.
– Mego
Dec 8 '16 at 7:23
add a comment |
Supposition here:
If it was a password Snape set up, it was easily explainable. It is humiliating a conquered enemy. Stamping his authority on the office. Reminding anyone who heard it who he had defeated to gain access to the office.
10
I think that voldemort had a lot of respect for dumbledore.
– HopefullyHelpful
Dec 6 '16 at 15:24
Could be that the Gargoyle would ignore any phrase which came before the password. The password "The death of Dumbledore" would make sense to death eaters.
– cwallenpoole
Dec 7 '16 at 17:21
3
@HopefullyHelpful While that is true, the other Death Eaters likely didn't know that.
– Mego
Dec 8 '16 at 7:23
add a comment |
Supposition here:
If it was a password Snape set up, it was easily explainable. It is humiliating a conquered enemy. Stamping his authority on the office. Reminding anyone who heard it who he had defeated to gain access to the office.
Supposition here:
If it was a password Snape set up, it was easily explainable. It is humiliating a conquered enemy. Stamping his authority on the office. Reminding anyone who heard it who he had defeated to gain access to the office.
answered Dec 6 '16 at 14:52
Jeremy FrenchJeremy French
14.7k968117
14.7k968117
10
I think that voldemort had a lot of respect for dumbledore.
– HopefullyHelpful
Dec 6 '16 at 15:24
Could be that the Gargoyle would ignore any phrase which came before the password. The password "The death of Dumbledore" would make sense to death eaters.
– cwallenpoole
Dec 7 '16 at 17:21
3
@HopefullyHelpful While that is true, the other Death Eaters likely didn't know that.
– Mego
Dec 8 '16 at 7:23
add a comment |
10
I think that voldemort had a lot of respect for dumbledore.
– HopefullyHelpful
Dec 6 '16 at 15:24
Could be that the Gargoyle would ignore any phrase which came before the password. The password "The death of Dumbledore" would make sense to death eaters.
– cwallenpoole
Dec 7 '16 at 17:21
3
@HopefullyHelpful While that is true, the other Death Eaters likely didn't know that.
– Mego
Dec 8 '16 at 7:23
10
10
I think that voldemort had a lot of respect for dumbledore.
– HopefullyHelpful
Dec 6 '16 at 15:24
I think that voldemort had a lot of respect for dumbledore.
– HopefullyHelpful
Dec 6 '16 at 15:24
Could be that the Gargoyle would ignore any phrase which came before the password. The password "The death of Dumbledore" would make sense to death eaters.
– cwallenpoole
Dec 7 '16 at 17:21
Could be that the Gargoyle would ignore any phrase which came before the password. The password "The death of Dumbledore" would make sense to death eaters.
– cwallenpoole
Dec 7 '16 at 17:21
3
3
@HopefullyHelpful While that is true, the other Death Eaters likely didn't know that.
– Mego
Dec 8 '16 at 7:23
@HopefullyHelpful While that is true, the other Death Eaters likely didn't know that.
– Mego
Dec 8 '16 at 7:23
add a comment |
As a generally distrustful bunch, Death Eaters wouldn't find it at all odd if Snape whispered the password to the gargoyle in a way they couldn't hear, perhaps using magic to ensure that they definitely didn't hear it.
It's also possible that he simply didn't take anyone there; turning up in their classroom or office would be much more intimidating, which would suit his purposes perfectly - maintain authority through fear, and appear evil to keep his cover intact. As they're all Death Eaters first and teachers second, they may have meetings or conferences as a larger group, in the way that we saw Voldemort holding meetings on several occasions, which would allow Snape to talk to them and give them orders without needing to call them to his office. Having his office remain private and secret would allow Snape to keep an air of mystery; by never inviting anyone in to that private sanctum it reinforces that air of him being above them, aloof and separate.
And of course, as a double agent under considerable stress, Snape would likely appreciate having somewhere safe and private where he could retreat and drop the act for a moment of rest. Using Dumbledore's name as a password is a pretty good way to ensure that no Death Eater would guess it, which could be handy if his cover is ever blown. It's also a small way to honour Dumbledore - after all, it is because of Dumbledore that Snape became headmaster, it was his plan for Snape to take that position after his death - and this fits with Snape's personality in a similar manner to his Patronus taking the form of a doe as a sign of his devotion to Lily.
2
Is it reasonable to suppose that Snape didn't hold any meetings in his office for a whole year? Dumbldore had people in there all the time...
– The Dark Lord
Dec 6 '16 at 15:04
17
Dumbledore trusted people, and was willing to bring them into his private space in order to discuss things in confidence. Snape likely trusted nobody, and therefore had little need for a private place: if Snape didn't want something known, he told it to nobody. While the idea of being summoned to Snape's office might be scary, I think it's much more in keeping with Snape's style to simply show up unannounced to talk to people in their own office or classroom, thus undermining that place's feeling of being safe or private, keeping his underlings somewhere between awe and fear.
– anaximander
Dec 6 '16 at 15:10
1
@TheDarkLord Every executive has a different style of leadership/management. It is very common for a successor to totally overhaul what their predecessor did. This is actually the norm in some places, like government agencies.
– TylerH
Dec 9 '16 at 15:42
add a comment |
As a generally distrustful bunch, Death Eaters wouldn't find it at all odd if Snape whispered the password to the gargoyle in a way they couldn't hear, perhaps using magic to ensure that they definitely didn't hear it.
It's also possible that he simply didn't take anyone there; turning up in their classroom or office would be much more intimidating, which would suit his purposes perfectly - maintain authority through fear, and appear evil to keep his cover intact. As they're all Death Eaters first and teachers second, they may have meetings or conferences as a larger group, in the way that we saw Voldemort holding meetings on several occasions, which would allow Snape to talk to them and give them orders without needing to call them to his office. Having his office remain private and secret would allow Snape to keep an air of mystery; by never inviting anyone in to that private sanctum it reinforces that air of him being above them, aloof and separate.
And of course, as a double agent under considerable stress, Snape would likely appreciate having somewhere safe and private where he could retreat and drop the act for a moment of rest. Using Dumbledore's name as a password is a pretty good way to ensure that no Death Eater would guess it, which could be handy if his cover is ever blown. It's also a small way to honour Dumbledore - after all, it is because of Dumbledore that Snape became headmaster, it was his plan for Snape to take that position after his death - and this fits with Snape's personality in a similar manner to his Patronus taking the form of a doe as a sign of his devotion to Lily.
2
Is it reasonable to suppose that Snape didn't hold any meetings in his office for a whole year? Dumbldore had people in there all the time...
– The Dark Lord
Dec 6 '16 at 15:04
17
Dumbledore trusted people, and was willing to bring them into his private space in order to discuss things in confidence. Snape likely trusted nobody, and therefore had little need for a private place: if Snape didn't want something known, he told it to nobody. While the idea of being summoned to Snape's office might be scary, I think it's much more in keeping with Snape's style to simply show up unannounced to talk to people in their own office or classroom, thus undermining that place's feeling of being safe or private, keeping his underlings somewhere between awe and fear.
– anaximander
Dec 6 '16 at 15:10
1
@TheDarkLord Every executive has a different style of leadership/management. It is very common for a successor to totally overhaul what their predecessor did. This is actually the norm in some places, like government agencies.
– TylerH
Dec 9 '16 at 15:42
add a comment |
As a generally distrustful bunch, Death Eaters wouldn't find it at all odd if Snape whispered the password to the gargoyle in a way they couldn't hear, perhaps using magic to ensure that they definitely didn't hear it.
It's also possible that he simply didn't take anyone there; turning up in their classroom or office would be much more intimidating, which would suit his purposes perfectly - maintain authority through fear, and appear evil to keep his cover intact. As they're all Death Eaters first and teachers second, they may have meetings or conferences as a larger group, in the way that we saw Voldemort holding meetings on several occasions, which would allow Snape to talk to them and give them orders without needing to call them to his office. Having his office remain private and secret would allow Snape to keep an air of mystery; by never inviting anyone in to that private sanctum it reinforces that air of him being above them, aloof and separate.
And of course, as a double agent under considerable stress, Snape would likely appreciate having somewhere safe and private where he could retreat and drop the act for a moment of rest. Using Dumbledore's name as a password is a pretty good way to ensure that no Death Eater would guess it, which could be handy if his cover is ever blown. It's also a small way to honour Dumbledore - after all, it is because of Dumbledore that Snape became headmaster, it was his plan for Snape to take that position after his death - and this fits with Snape's personality in a similar manner to his Patronus taking the form of a doe as a sign of his devotion to Lily.
As a generally distrustful bunch, Death Eaters wouldn't find it at all odd if Snape whispered the password to the gargoyle in a way they couldn't hear, perhaps using magic to ensure that they definitely didn't hear it.
It's also possible that he simply didn't take anyone there; turning up in their classroom or office would be much more intimidating, which would suit his purposes perfectly - maintain authority through fear, and appear evil to keep his cover intact. As they're all Death Eaters first and teachers second, they may have meetings or conferences as a larger group, in the way that we saw Voldemort holding meetings on several occasions, which would allow Snape to talk to them and give them orders without needing to call them to his office. Having his office remain private and secret would allow Snape to keep an air of mystery; by never inviting anyone in to that private sanctum it reinforces that air of him being above them, aloof and separate.
And of course, as a double agent under considerable stress, Snape would likely appreciate having somewhere safe and private where he could retreat and drop the act for a moment of rest. Using Dumbledore's name as a password is a pretty good way to ensure that no Death Eater would guess it, which could be handy if his cover is ever blown. It's also a small way to honour Dumbledore - after all, it is because of Dumbledore that Snape became headmaster, it was his plan for Snape to take that position after his death - and this fits with Snape's personality in a similar manner to his Patronus taking the form of a doe as a sign of his devotion to Lily.
edited Dec 8 '16 at 14:28
answered Dec 6 '16 at 15:01
anaximanderanaximander
1,313914
1,313914
2
Is it reasonable to suppose that Snape didn't hold any meetings in his office for a whole year? Dumbldore had people in there all the time...
– The Dark Lord
Dec 6 '16 at 15:04
17
Dumbledore trusted people, and was willing to bring them into his private space in order to discuss things in confidence. Snape likely trusted nobody, and therefore had little need for a private place: if Snape didn't want something known, he told it to nobody. While the idea of being summoned to Snape's office might be scary, I think it's much more in keeping with Snape's style to simply show up unannounced to talk to people in their own office or classroom, thus undermining that place's feeling of being safe or private, keeping his underlings somewhere between awe and fear.
– anaximander
Dec 6 '16 at 15:10
1
@TheDarkLord Every executive has a different style of leadership/management. It is very common for a successor to totally overhaul what their predecessor did. This is actually the norm in some places, like government agencies.
– TylerH
Dec 9 '16 at 15:42
add a comment |
2
Is it reasonable to suppose that Snape didn't hold any meetings in his office for a whole year? Dumbldore had people in there all the time...
– The Dark Lord
Dec 6 '16 at 15:04
17
Dumbledore trusted people, and was willing to bring them into his private space in order to discuss things in confidence. Snape likely trusted nobody, and therefore had little need for a private place: if Snape didn't want something known, he told it to nobody. While the idea of being summoned to Snape's office might be scary, I think it's much more in keeping with Snape's style to simply show up unannounced to talk to people in their own office or classroom, thus undermining that place's feeling of being safe or private, keeping his underlings somewhere between awe and fear.
– anaximander
Dec 6 '16 at 15:10
1
@TheDarkLord Every executive has a different style of leadership/management. It is very common for a successor to totally overhaul what their predecessor did. This is actually the norm in some places, like government agencies.
– TylerH
Dec 9 '16 at 15:42
2
2
Is it reasonable to suppose that Snape didn't hold any meetings in his office for a whole year? Dumbldore had people in there all the time...
– The Dark Lord
Dec 6 '16 at 15:04
Is it reasonable to suppose that Snape didn't hold any meetings in his office for a whole year? Dumbldore had people in there all the time...
– The Dark Lord
Dec 6 '16 at 15:04
17
17
Dumbledore trusted people, and was willing to bring them into his private space in order to discuss things in confidence. Snape likely trusted nobody, and therefore had little need for a private place: if Snape didn't want something known, he told it to nobody. While the idea of being summoned to Snape's office might be scary, I think it's much more in keeping with Snape's style to simply show up unannounced to talk to people in their own office or classroom, thus undermining that place's feeling of being safe or private, keeping his underlings somewhere between awe and fear.
– anaximander
Dec 6 '16 at 15:10
Dumbledore trusted people, and was willing to bring them into his private space in order to discuss things in confidence. Snape likely trusted nobody, and therefore had little need for a private place: if Snape didn't want something known, he told it to nobody. While the idea of being summoned to Snape's office might be scary, I think it's much more in keeping with Snape's style to simply show up unannounced to talk to people in their own office or classroom, thus undermining that place's feeling of being safe or private, keeping his underlings somewhere between awe and fear.
– anaximander
Dec 6 '16 at 15:10
1
1
@TheDarkLord Every executive has a different style of leadership/management. It is very common for a successor to totally overhaul what their predecessor did. This is actually the norm in some places, like government agencies.
– TylerH
Dec 9 '16 at 15:42
@TheDarkLord Every executive has a different style of leadership/management. It is very common for a successor to totally overhaul what their predecessor did. This is actually the norm in some places, like government agencies.
– TylerH
Dec 9 '16 at 15:42
add a comment |
Another way of looking at it is the password may not have been "Dumbledore".
Albus Dumbledore was nothing if not clever, and Snape was no slouch either. The password may have been no password at all, instead the situation "Harry Potter says a phrase to the Gargoyle when the headmaster is not present".
add a comment |
Another way of looking at it is the password may not have been "Dumbledore".
Albus Dumbledore was nothing if not clever, and Snape was no slouch either. The password may have been no password at all, instead the situation "Harry Potter says a phrase to the Gargoyle when the headmaster is not present".
add a comment |
Another way of looking at it is the password may not have been "Dumbledore".
Albus Dumbledore was nothing if not clever, and Snape was no slouch either. The password may have been no password at all, instead the situation "Harry Potter says a phrase to the Gargoyle when the headmaster is not present".
Another way of looking at it is the password may not have been "Dumbledore".
Albus Dumbledore was nothing if not clever, and Snape was no slouch either. The password may have been no password at all, instead the situation "Harry Potter says a phrase to the Gargoyle when the headmaster is not present".
answered Dec 8 '16 at 5:02
MorgenMorgen
1,1621711
1,1621711
add a comment |
add a comment |
Whoever chooses a password in Hogwarts may also choose the time frame in which it is valid. For example, in "Harry Potter and the prisonner of Azkaban", the knight Sir Cadogan is using a whole bunch of ephemeral passwords which reduce Neville to despair.
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death. This would not put him (Snape) in danger as long as he is alive. In this case, his affiliation with the Order of the Phoenix must be known at least by Harry Potter because Dumbledore instructed Snape to inform Harry before he would face Voldemort for the final battle.
This explanation of course requires that it be possible to set passwords on a condition rather than a simple time frame. If this was not possible, Snape may have observed that Nagini was no longer separated from Voldemort which has informed him that the final battle between Harry and Voldemort must be imminent. So Snape might have set the password after noticing that this was the case.
2
This seems quite speculative, and argues different points to the accepted answer, can you provide any evidence that a password can be set for a time frame?
– Edlothiad
Jul 24 '17 at 18:48
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death I don't think this is the case since the gargoyle could not have known that Snape was dead.
– elrond
Jul 24 '17 at 19:33
@elrond Why do you think the gargoyle could not know? It could have been the same mechanism/enchantment that is being used for Molly Weasley's clock which can indicate whether Weasly family members are in mortal danger. For an accomplished wizard like Snape, it would have been easy to cast a similar spell. He could have used Voldemort reference too, because he was also mortal danger. The critical question is not whether the gargoyle could know but if it's possible to set passwords on conditions. If not, I have given a workaround, see my original post.
– Jonas
Jul 24 '17 at 20:37
I just don't think there is enough evidence that such a spell (that can definitively say if someone is dead) exists: 1. Molly's clock was inaccurate as it was pointing to "mortal peril" since Voldemort returned 2. They would have used it for their children/members of the Order etc. The workaround sure can be an explanation, I just commented on the part of the answer that doesn't seem possible (to me).
– elrond
Jul 25 '17 at 17:26
add a comment |
Whoever chooses a password in Hogwarts may also choose the time frame in which it is valid. For example, in "Harry Potter and the prisonner of Azkaban", the knight Sir Cadogan is using a whole bunch of ephemeral passwords which reduce Neville to despair.
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death. This would not put him (Snape) in danger as long as he is alive. In this case, his affiliation with the Order of the Phoenix must be known at least by Harry Potter because Dumbledore instructed Snape to inform Harry before he would face Voldemort for the final battle.
This explanation of course requires that it be possible to set passwords on a condition rather than a simple time frame. If this was not possible, Snape may have observed that Nagini was no longer separated from Voldemort which has informed him that the final battle between Harry and Voldemort must be imminent. So Snape might have set the password after noticing that this was the case.
2
This seems quite speculative, and argues different points to the accepted answer, can you provide any evidence that a password can be set for a time frame?
– Edlothiad
Jul 24 '17 at 18:48
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death I don't think this is the case since the gargoyle could not have known that Snape was dead.
– elrond
Jul 24 '17 at 19:33
@elrond Why do you think the gargoyle could not know? It could have been the same mechanism/enchantment that is being used for Molly Weasley's clock which can indicate whether Weasly family members are in mortal danger. For an accomplished wizard like Snape, it would have been easy to cast a similar spell. He could have used Voldemort reference too, because he was also mortal danger. The critical question is not whether the gargoyle could know but if it's possible to set passwords on conditions. If not, I have given a workaround, see my original post.
– Jonas
Jul 24 '17 at 20:37
I just don't think there is enough evidence that such a spell (that can definitively say if someone is dead) exists: 1. Molly's clock was inaccurate as it was pointing to "mortal peril" since Voldemort returned 2. They would have used it for their children/members of the Order etc. The workaround sure can be an explanation, I just commented on the part of the answer that doesn't seem possible (to me).
– elrond
Jul 25 '17 at 17:26
add a comment |
Whoever chooses a password in Hogwarts may also choose the time frame in which it is valid. For example, in "Harry Potter and the prisonner of Azkaban", the knight Sir Cadogan is using a whole bunch of ephemeral passwords which reduce Neville to despair.
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death. This would not put him (Snape) in danger as long as he is alive. In this case, his affiliation with the Order of the Phoenix must be known at least by Harry Potter because Dumbledore instructed Snape to inform Harry before he would face Voldemort for the final battle.
This explanation of course requires that it be possible to set passwords on a condition rather than a simple time frame. If this was not possible, Snape may have observed that Nagini was no longer separated from Voldemort which has informed him that the final battle between Harry and Voldemort must be imminent. So Snape might have set the password after noticing that this was the case.
Whoever chooses a password in Hogwarts may also choose the time frame in which it is valid. For example, in "Harry Potter and the prisonner of Azkaban", the knight Sir Cadogan is using a whole bunch of ephemeral passwords which reduce Neville to despair.
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death. This would not put him (Snape) in danger as long as he is alive. In this case, his affiliation with the Order of the Phoenix must be known at least by Harry Potter because Dumbledore instructed Snape to inform Harry before he would face Voldemort for the final battle.
This explanation of course requires that it be possible to set passwords on a condition rather than a simple time frame. If this was not possible, Snape may have observed that Nagini was no longer separated from Voldemort which has informed him that the final battle between Harry and Voldemort must be imminent. So Snape might have set the password after noticing that this was the case.
edited Jul 24 '17 at 23:19
Au101
24.9k1095147
24.9k1095147
answered Jul 24 '17 at 18:41
JonasJonas
12
12
2
This seems quite speculative, and argues different points to the accepted answer, can you provide any evidence that a password can be set for a time frame?
– Edlothiad
Jul 24 '17 at 18:48
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death I don't think this is the case since the gargoyle could not have known that Snape was dead.
– elrond
Jul 24 '17 at 19:33
@elrond Why do you think the gargoyle could not know? It could have been the same mechanism/enchantment that is being used for Molly Weasley's clock which can indicate whether Weasly family members are in mortal danger. For an accomplished wizard like Snape, it would have been easy to cast a similar spell. He could have used Voldemort reference too, because he was also mortal danger. The critical question is not whether the gargoyle could know but if it's possible to set passwords on conditions. If not, I have given a workaround, see my original post.
– Jonas
Jul 24 '17 at 20:37
I just don't think there is enough evidence that such a spell (that can definitively say if someone is dead) exists: 1. Molly's clock was inaccurate as it was pointing to "mortal peril" since Voldemort returned 2. They would have used it for their children/members of the Order etc. The workaround sure can be an explanation, I just commented on the part of the answer that doesn't seem possible (to me).
– elrond
Jul 25 '17 at 17:26
add a comment |
2
This seems quite speculative, and argues different points to the accepted answer, can you provide any evidence that a password can be set for a time frame?
– Edlothiad
Jul 24 '17 at 18:48
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death I don't think this is the case since the gargoyle could not have known that Snape was dead.
– elrond
Jul 24 '17 at 19:33
@elrond Why do you think the gargoyle could not know? It could have been the same mechanism/enchantment that is being used for Molly Weasley's clock which can indicate whether Weasly family members are in mortal danger. For an accomplished wizard like Snape, it would have been easy to cast a similar spell. He could have used Voldemort reference too, because he was also mortal danger. The critical question is not whether the gargoyle could know but if it's possible to set passwords on conditions. If not, I have given a workaround, see my original post.
– Jonas
Jul 24 '17 at 20:37
I just don't think there is enough evidence that such a spell (that can definitively say if someone is dead) exists: 1. Molly's clock was inaccurate as it was pointing to "mortal peril" since Voldemort returned 2. They would have used it for their children/members of the Order etc. The workaround sure can be an explanation, I just commented on the part of the answer that doesn't seem possible (to me).
– elrond
Jul 25 '17 at 17:26
2
2
This seems quite speculative, and argues different points to the accepted answer, can you provide any evidence that a password can be set for a time frame?
– Edlothiad
Jul 24 '17 at 18:48
This seems quite speculative, and argues different points to the accepted answer, can you provide any evidence that a password can be set for a time frame?
– Edlothiad
Jul 24 '17 at 18:48
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death I don't think this is the case since the gargoyle could not have known that Snape was dead.
– elrond
Jul 24 '17 at 19:33
Snape might have set the password for the time after his own death I don't think this is the case since the gargoyle could not have known that Snape was dead.
– elrond
Jul 24 '17 at 19:33
@elrond Why do you think the gargoyle could not know? It could have been the same mechanism/enchantment that is being used for Molly Weasley's clock which can indicate whether Weasly family members are in mortal danger. For an accomplished wizard like Snape, it would have been easy to cast a similar spell. He could have used Voldemort reference too, because he was also mortal danger. The critical question is not whether the gargoyle could know but if it's possible to set passwords on conditions. If not, I have given a workaround, see my original post.
– Jonas
Jul 24 '17 at 20:37
@elrond Why do you think the gargoyle could not know? It could have been the same mechanism/enchantment that is being used for Molly Weasley's clock which can indicate whether Weasly family members are in mortal danger. For an accomplished wizard like Snape, it would have been easy to cast a similar spell. He could have used Voldemort reference too, because he was also mortal danger. The critical question is not whether the gargoyle could know but if it's possible to set passwords on conditions. If not, I have given a workaround, see my original post.
– Jonas
Jul 24 '17 at 20:37
I just don't think there is enough evidence that such a spell (that can definitively say if someone is dead) exists: 1. Molly's clock was inaccurate as it was pointing to "mortal peril" since Voldemort returned 2. They would have used it for their children/members of the Order etc. The workaround sure can be an explanation, I just commented on the part of the answer that doesn't seem possible (to me).
– elrond
Jul 25 '17 at 17:26
I just don't think there is enough evidence that such a spell (that can definitively say if someone is dead) exists: 1. Molly's clock was inaccurate as it was pointing to "mortal peril" since Voldemort returned 2. They would have used it for their children/members of the Order etc. The workaround sure can be an explanation, I just commented on the part of the answer that doesn't seem possible (to me).
– elrond
Jul 25 '17 at 17:26
add a comment |
@Edlothiad Remember in the prisoner of Azkaban, Nevile lost the list of passwords? That shows that there is a specific list of pre-chosen passwords that are only valid for a specific time frame.
New contributor
add a comment |
@Edlothiad Remember in the prisoner of Azkaban, Nevile lost the list of passwords? That shows that there is a specific list of pre-chosen passwords that are only valid for a specific time frame.
New contributor
add a comment |
@Edlothiad Remember in the prisoner of Azkaban, Nevile lost the list of passwords? That shows that there is a specific list of pre-chosen passwords that are only valid for a specific time frame.
New contributor
@Edlothiad Remember in the prisoner of Azkaban, Nevile lost the list of passwords? That shows that there is a specific list of pre-chosen passwords that are only valid for a specific time frame.
New contributor
New contributor
answered 9 mins ago
VictoriaVictoria
1
1
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
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165
When he's meeting with Death Eaters and is asked for the password, he just says, "Dumbledore sucks!" and the gargoyle just needs to hear "Dumbledore" but his guests think, "Wow, that's a cold password, dude, considering. I like it!"
– starpilotsix
Dec 6 '16 at 13:33
258
Curious that in the wizarding world one doesn't need to include in their password at least a number, a special character, and a Parseltongue alphabet symbol.
– Federico Poloni
Dec 6 '16 at 14:28
24
Pretty clever, if you ask me. Who, besides Harry, would ever go up and think that "Dumbledore" would ever be Snape's password? Wouldn't be my first guess, that's for sure.
– DisturbedNeo
Dec 6 '16 at 15:07
35
Why assume that there is necessarily just one password at a time? Why would e.g. McGonnagal use the same password as Snape? It might even be that Dumbledore added a specific password just for Harry, and it wouldn't work for anyone else :D
– Luaan
Dec 6 '16 at 16:41
76
Go ask this exact question on security.stackexchange. They will inform you that you should not share your password with anyone. Not your boss, not the dark lord. Make them stand out of earshot before saying your password, or use magic to prevent the sound travelling. Although they will also point out that the password doesn't have enough entropy, and shouldn't be based on anything personal about you that others know, then get into discussions about what would have happened after 3 incorrect guesses.
– Scott
Dec 7 '16 at 3:01