They say your life flashes before your eyes before you die.
Literally, in my case. I knew it was time for Harry to know. So I gave him the memories.
He knows now, I saw him watching them. Lily and I went on together, passing through the gates, so we could not return.
I was surprised to see how many people were there. One of the Weasley twins is here. He won't shut up. He keeps laughing about the last joke he ever heard. Lupin and his wife are holding each other, missing their son already. That house-elf who stole gillyweed from my stores three years ago is telling whoever'll listen what a great wizard Harry Potter is.
Black is here. Lily and I passed him on our way in. I'm not sure what happened, but I think we have finally gotten over our old school grudges.
So is Potter – James, I mean. He stood there, as proud as a man could be, and shook my hand. And then he asked about Harry.
I did not speak, only turned my head. There was a whisper on the air, calling them back. "He can tell you," I said simply. He nodded, smiled, and turned to go one last time.
Lily let go of my hand and followed her husband. Lupin stepped away from his wife and followed them. Black strode after them, sticking his hands in his pockets. I watched them go.
Someone put a hand on my shoulder.
I turned to see Dumbledore smiling at me over his half-moon spectacles.
"I am proud of you, Severus," he said. I looked at him for a moment, then smiled softly.
"Thank you, Professor."