Another rabid fan of Severus Snape wrote to me and spoke eloquently his pain. And she said that she could envision him in his sorrow, grieving before a freshly dug grave. How difficult and tragic his life was she lamented. I could not help but respond.

Hence the agonized "I AM NOT A COWARD!" For following through with Albus's wish, was one of the hardest tasks he had ever faced in life. To live Severus's life and not go mad or suicide takes courage.

I do not see a freshly dug grave. I see the white mausoleum reflecting its stark beauty from the moonlight onto the Lake. Severus kneels before it a dark wraith, his face lost in shadows on the portico of the edifice. His head bowed, his grief palpable. Then there comes a soft lonely sound. A single phoenix feather floats softly down. . Severus reaches for the feather then looks up to find Fawkes keening a song of loss and beauty. A tear falls and touches him gently on the cheek, then another. The Phoenix knows.

Written by Julie Ann Summy 1/2/06