-Did you tell them ?
-No.
-Why ?
-I thought it was unnecessary to worry them only to have them begging me not to go. It can't be changed, no matter how hard they would wish the contrary.
-When did you get so peaceful with the idea ?
-Well... It's just how it has to be. And deep down, I knew it all along. That it would be me. Only me. And him... Nobody else. No grand strategies. No master plan. And hopefully no vain deaths.
Harry stopped for a while.
-Just me.
Snape stared at him. He seemed so calm. So composed. Almost as if he was talking about a simple procedure that needed taking care of.
-So...You're really gonna do it ?
-Yes.
-Without anyone knowing ?
-Yes. It's much easier that way.
-And...
-And it will work. We'll be rid of him for ever, this time. I promised, after all.
The Gryffindor smiled wanly.
-And I'm a man of my word.
Snape shook his head in disbelief.
-So that's it ? You're just going to walk through the door, fall on your knees, and wait for him to cast the Killing Curse ?
-Yes. It's that simple.
-And then you'll die.
Harry nodded.
-Will he die, too ?
He nodded again.
-Yes. For his soul will no longer be strong enough. It will be over.
Snape gazed at his soon-to-be-former student for a second.
-Why I am the only one who knows ?
-Who knows what ?
-That you will be dead come morning.
Harry chuckled. A humorless, light chuckle.
-Ah, that. Well... I for one don't think that you're the only one knowing.
Seeing the look on Snape's face, he explained.
-I mean... I believe that they all know. Deep down. Just like I knew it. That, in the end, it will come to that. Me, dying. I think they do know. They just don't want to think about it too loud, for fear that, if they word it, they will be guilty of not dying by my side.
-So that's what you think ?
-Yes. And, right now, I'm sure that the wizarding world is praying for the sake of my soul, knowing they send me to the slaughter.
-And you're still going ? With your calm, knowing smile as only weapon ?
Harry closed his eyes and sighed.
-Yes. As I told you, I've known it since the beginning. That I would die. All alone. And now...the time has come. And it doesn't matter if people hate me. If people don't trust me. The world isn't worth saving, I've understood that for a while, now. The world isn't worth dying for. People are. I'll do it for my parents. For you, and a handful of friends that I don't want to die. The rest of them can do and think what they want, I don't mind. It doesn't matter anymore.
Harry looked at the door. The door leading to Hogwarts grounds. And then, he turned towards the potions master.
-Because... Come morning, I will be no more, and I'll rest in peace. Finally. They can instore a « Love Harry Today » Day, or burn my photos. I don't care. Nothing ever mattered. Just Him. Me. And how, in the end, we were fated to take each other's life.
-This is a goodbye, then, Harry ?
The young boy looked at the man who had given up his life to redempt himself.
He smiled tiredly.
-I fear it is, Severus. It does look like it...
The man nodded. For a second, Harry thought he saw his eyes becoming glassy. But then it was over, and he couldn't tell if it had been his imagination.
-Farewell, then, Harry. I... he hesitated.
The green-eyed boy smiled.
-No. Please. Don't talk. It... It just makes it harder. I know. You don't have to say it. Some things don't need to be spoken aloud. And stop looking at me like that, Severus, for God's sake ! Your usual scowl suits you much better.
Snape smiled wanly.
-Thanks, I guess...
Harry smirked.
-You're most welcome.
And then, with a last smile, he turned around, and stepped through the door.