Introduction

The relationship between Lily Evans and Remus Lupin in the wizarding world has always been a topic of interest and debate. In particular, the question of whether Lily knew about Remus being a werewolf before he confessed to her or if he told her himself remains a contentious issue among fans of the series. This article aims to explore the evidence from the books and the character dynamics to provide insight into their relationship and the truth behind Remus’ condition.

Snape’s Attempt to Warn Lily

Snape’s failed attempt to inform Lily about Remus being a werewolf sheds light on Lily's reaction. She didn't dismiss his theory outright but rather stated that Remus was ill, showing that she might have had suspicions or heard about Snape’s theory but chose not to pursue it further. Her actions indicate a level of trust in Snape, despite their tense relationship, suggesting that she trusted his judgment to some extent.

Severus Snape and Lily Evans: A Skeptical Friendship

Snape’s advice and warnings to Lily about Remus were met with a dismissive attitude. Despite Snape’s personal experiences and health scares due to his close encounters with the dangerous werewolf, Lily defended Remus and disregarded Snape’s concerns. This highlights Lily’s naive and biased mindset towards Gryffindors and her tendency to protect her friends, even when faced with evidence of their potential danger.

Classmates and Close Friends

Narrative evidence indicates that Lily and Remus primarily remained classmates, regularly interacting but not forming a deeper bond. Their relationship was likely cordial as both were Prefects, but Lily had a strained relationship with Remus’s two best friends, James and Sirius, due to their bullying behavior. Despite the occasional tension, Lily did not have a great deal of interaction with Remus himself, suggesting that she knew about his condition more through second-hand information from Snape or other sources.

Did Lily Guess or Was She Told?

Lily’s knowledge of Remus being a werewolf came primarily from Snape's theory, which she did not immediately dismiss. She scoffed at this theory in "The Prince's Tale," indicating that she had some reservations but did not fully believe it. Her relationship with Snape was still friendly, and she often respected his insights. Lily’s letter to Sirius also suggests that her relationship with the Marauders, especially Remus, deepened over time, implying that Remus may have eventually confided in her about his condition, likely in their seventh year of Hogwarts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no explicit confirmation of when Lily discovered that Remus was a werewolf, the evidence points towards a scenario where Remus either told her directly or she deduced the truth through second-hand information and personal observations. Regardless of how she came to know, Lily's relationship with Remus deepened over the years, which aligns with the idea that he may have shared his secret with her as they grew closer in the latter part of their Hogwarts years.