It's Harry here.

I've never done this sort of thing before – it seems slightly strange to be writing a letter you know no one will ever read. And though I don't believe a word of it, I've been told constantly that you – my parents – are watching intently over me and protecting me through everything I do. Don't get me wrong, I love you both as much as I can without knowing you, but it seems far-fetched that you are still around to be watching over me. I used to believe it was true, but you see, a while ago, I visited your grave.

I was simply struck by the finality of it all.

And that's not the only reason I don't believe you are taking care of me from heaven, if such a place exists. I've been through so much hell lately that at times I even wonder if there is a God who is watching over me. A completely deranged wizard who wants to live forever is after me so that he is able to, he is rounding up Muggle-borns simply because he feels they should not be around – one of my closest and dearest friends is included in that group – and it is entirely my job to defeat him; the responsibility of killing him is wholly on my shoulders.

And if that is not bad enough, there is a thought in my mind that will not leave me alone, that has not left me alone in over four years: Neither can live while the other survives.

You might be wondering now why I am writing this to you if I don't believe you'll ever read it. One of the reasons is simply that I want to rid my mind of that thought that will just not let me be – and seeing as I just mentioned it to you, I obviously have not forgotten it. So, to keep my mind off it, I will explain the next reason to you.

As I have already said, I've been going through hell in the past few months. So I'm asking you, if I am wrong, if you are indeed behind me and watching my hand move across the page as I write this, or if you are reading my words to you from somewhere above the clouds – if you are really there – I'm asking you for a small favor, something that will surely not be too hard for such kind people as yourselves.

I'm asking you, please – help me.