Traitor. Bastard. Murderer. Murderous traitorous bastard. Perhaps these words will never be more true than at this very moment. At this point in my life, there are only two things that I will ever regret. Lily, and those two terrible, abhorrent words.

In one moment, life as I knew and tolerated had been destroyed with two simple words. Avada Kedavra. Words that to this day haunt me. Before that night, those words meant so little to me. I had used them so much in the years leading up to that moment, that at first, when I realized that it was up to me to complete the mission, they seemed… easy to say.

But that night, on that tower, looking into Albus Dumbledore's pleading eyes, those words carried an insurmountable weight. It wasn't until I began to feel the Vow that I had taken start to drain my magic and life from me that I knew I had to do it. The pain that I felt as I let the curse go still hurts as if it were a fresh wound deep in my being.

As he fell, I stood in disbelief that I had actually done it. This great man, my friend- No- My savior... I had just killed the one person in my life that made me have meaning after losing Lily. The one man who understood me. The background sounds held no weight. I heard them but they lacked the need for attention.

I was snapped out of my reverie by a tugging on my arm. Bellatrix was pulling me towards the staircase. The sounds of fighting and screaming over the next few minutes were nothing but a blur. I was completely numb. The night air was the next thing I remember feeling. As we made our way away from the school, I was overcome by a feeling of deep sadness and sorrow. Upon entering the treeline, most of us Apparated away. Bellatrix and I stayed behind. Her to look upon what we had done in awe, while I did so with such a sorrowful pain in my very being. I saw people began to crowd around the bottom of the tower.

For the second time in my life tears began to run down my face because of what I had done. I saw the Half Giant pick up the body and begin to carry it inside. He would be taken care of. With one last look behind me and my only ever prayer for forgiveness, I Apparated back to headquarters.

For the next month and a half, I drank myself into oblivion. The Dark Lord did not know of this. Had he known I was… in mourning, I would have been killed on sight. I simply told him that I had received an injury in the attack and would be out of commission for the foreseeable future. He was in a forgiving and happy mood. I spent days on end in a drunken stupor, locked in my quarters, contemplating what I should do. Was it truly worth it to keep going on with this emotional and mental pain, or should I end it all? I continued to live with this daily battle until today…

- There is a distinct change in handwriting here, almost as if the author is trembling now as they write -

I never wanted this to happen; I did not believe my Vow would ever come to fruition. I placed my hope in a boy and instead had to complete his mission by doing that which killed me inside to do. After that night, no longer is there a cold, heartless soul inside of me. That person died along with Albus Dumbledore. That person will never be seen or heard from again. Nor will I. I have tried to find a way to escape this pain and after searching, I have come to the realization that only in those two terrible words will I find peace and comfort.

Contained in the envelope with this letter are instructions for what to do when I am found. Please comply with these wishes. If it is any comfort, I do know true remorse for what I have done and can only hope that atonement for what I have done is enough to have peace when I end my suffering.

Apologetically and Sincerely,

Severus Tobias Snape.

- This note, along with the Last Will and Testament of Severus Tobias Snape were found along with his body on July 2nd, 1998. Exactly two months after the Battle of Hogwarts. The body of Severus Snape was found in his place of residence at Spinner's End, when his landlady notified the authorities that he had not paid his rent for that month.

It is known that Severus Snape was not present for the Battle, having been missing for almost two months prior to the fight. Some believed he had fled, terrified of the uprising at Hogwarts while under his command. Others believed that he had been murdered by Dumbledore's Army.

Upon review of the Crime Scene, it has been determined that upon completion of this letter, Severus Tobias Snape placed his wand to his temple and executed himself with the Avada Kedavra curse. As per his Last Will and Testament, his belongings will be transferred into the custody of Harry James Potter. Should Lord Potter not want the possessions, they will be terminated in accordance with Ministry Code 481.17B. -