Snapedom

I don't think that Snape is actively trying to attract a mate or potential romantic partner; he has far too much on his plate, playing his role of double spy, and in any case, still seems too wrapped up in his guilt over Lily's death to be able to seek out a relationship. However, that doesn't mean that other people don't find him attractive.

Of course, the canon description of him having greasy hair, sallow skin, and a big nose doesn't automatically paint an attractive picture in one's mind, but as we discussed in the various entries for the January challenge on Severus' hair, including my own "Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder," those attributes don't automatically mean that he is unattractive, either. After all, a hawklike nose can be a striking and distinguished feature. And plenty of people in real life have naturally oily hair or sallow skin, but that doesn't mean that they're all ugly. I personally see his looks as more striking and compelling, rather than being prettily handsome in a Lockhart sort of way, but I think what matters more than one's physical features is the way one carries oneself. Someone who is confident and charismatic can be very attractive even if physically, they might be only average in looks.

From Harry's POV in the books, Snape projects a very unattractive personality, though: angry, sarcastic, bitter, and petty. But that isn't the way that Snape acts with everyone. He shows in the "Spinner's End" chapter in HBP that he can behave in a smooth and charming manner when he wants to. He obviously isn't trying to seduce either of the women, but he treats Narcissa with an almost courtly manner; I'm sure that he could be quite charming with someone that he was actually interested in. And, as others in this community have pointed out previously, this is one of the few chapters not seen through Harry's POV, and Snape is never described as greasy or unattractive.

And some people might actually enjoy Snape's caustic wit--probably not the students who are the victims of it, and who can't talk back to a teacher without being punished--but an adult (maybe a fellow teacher or Order member), someone who is Snape's equal and who can give as well as they get, might enjoy matching wits with our snarky Potions Master. After all, how many romance movies and novels have sexual tension sparking through the hero and heroine's frequent arguments? That is the old cliche, isn't it--"I hate you, therefore I must be attracted to you"? Doesn't that contribute to the chemistry some people see between adversaries, like Snape and Harry, or Harry and Draco? So snark and sarcasm can be sexy, to the right person.

There's also Snape's voice, which is frequently described as "silky". Imagine him using that voice in bed with a lover, and wow, that seems pretty sexy to me! I think he's also sometimes described as using "sweeping" movements, with his robes billowing around him, which might seem sexy to some, although perhaps overly dramatic to others. Me, I love it!

However sexy he might be, Snape doesn't seem interested in a relationship, since he's still torn up with guilt over having inadvertently contributed to the death of his first love, Lily. But that too, can be sexy in a way, I suppose--to have Snape find a new love in fanfic, and get over his guilt, and find some healing and happiness for himself. Hurt/comfort is big sub-genre of fanfic, so maybe the fact that Snape is so emotionally messed up is sexy, in an odd sort of way, although that makes it sound shallow and trivial. So maybe "sexy" isn't exactly the right word, but there's something about his unhappiness that strikes a chord in fans. I know that for me, I feel badly for Snape that he had such a miserable life, and though he made a lot of mistakes, he was doing his best to make up for them, so in fanfic, I want to get him to a place where he can begin to heal.