(2008) 5 1/2" x 10 1/2" Pencil on Paper. Processed and framed in Photoshop.

Picking Snape for the Hermit seemed pretty much like a no-brainer for both of the major meanings of this card: the Hermit may signify a guardian and mentor on the long dark passages in life, someone who shines a light for us, even on the things we don't want to see about outselves or on the secret fears we have. The Hermit may also mean that we close ourselves off from others, we march to the beat of our own drum and we stand alone (which does not necessarily mean that we feel lonely).

Snape fulfils both of these meanings - he is essentially in a league of his own, blending in neither with the Order members, nor counting himself among the Death Eaters. He keeps his own counsel and does not reveal much about himself. For Harry he is also a mentor and guardian, not one who teaches with kindness, like Dumbledore or Sirius, but someone who has harsh lessons in humility, who shows Harry things about himself (and his father) that he does not want to know and to recognize. But when it comes to the crunch, he will always try to keep him safe.

Traditionally the Hermit is on a lonely path, holding a stave and a lantern. I've combined this with Snape's illuminated wand and placed him at the center of his lonely realm - his potions lab.

I dedicate this one to , who has been patiently waiting for me to draw some more Severus!

has my permission to display this card on their site.

Submitted to for her tarot contest.