Enchanted Parchment

I am looking out of my window. The sun is setting, and the pinks and oranges are blending with the blues and whites to create a landscape of such beauty, such serenity. A bird, with red and gold feathers, swoops across the sky - calling a song, to those who are willing to hear it. The air is still, not a breath of wind, and the remaining sunlight gently caresses the trees that are in full summer bloom.

But there is a sense...of finality. For tomorrow, something will end - but not permanently. It will never end. As long as we cling to this, to these words, to the words that the loyal followers of JK Rowling continue to write - it could never end.

Harry Potter, its world, its castle, its characters - those we love, those we detest, those we have stood by and fought beside and died with - can never end.

For they live on, in our hearts.

Tomorrow, at exactly eleven in the morning, the age I was when I first picked up a Harry Potter book, the age the students were when we first fell into their world, at exactly eleven, something in my childhood comes to an end.

I will watch my best friend die - fight his noble end - breathe his last breaths.

But I know he lives on.

In my heart.

Severus...my dear Severus. The man who surprised us all, came back from the darkness, with a determination to do what is right. I have never been so lucky, as to let our paths cross - and I am grateful that they did. I am grateful that you were willing to give me a second chance.

And I, you, Headmaster.

Do you know, there are days when I look at you, and I think that you cannot be the same person I met, first, all those years ago - with scowls and an even darker countenance. And yet, I have learnt so much about you - and now I have seen you smile - and I know that maybe you are the same person. But you are stronger, better, a testament to all that is right in the world. I care about you, so very much.

And I, you, Headmaster.

Sometimes, you aggravate me. Sometimes, I see your stupidity and think to myself, why? Why, when you are so stubborn, do I let myself continue to stress about what you are doing. I could just let you go. Your sense of humour, so very sarcastic...sometimes it is what I do not wish to hear. Sometimes, I could hate you.

...And I, you, Headmaster.

But do you know something else? The most important thing of all?

What?

I love you, Severus Snape - for all that you once were, for what you are to me now - and for what you will be in the future.

...And I, you, Headmaster.

I love you, Severus Snape. I always have.

And I always will.

Always.

~ SS19