Raise your Wands

5 hours. That's how long it took for me to barely come to terms with the fact that Alan Rickman is no more. To the world it's the loss of one of the greatest actors of all time, but to us Potterheads, it was the toughest goodbye.

We met Professor Snape at the age of 11. The man with the all-black attire and piercing stare. We were there during the potions lessons, the Quidditch matches, the dinners at the Great Hall and The War. We turned to page 394, got admonished for messing around with the Marauder’s Map, and lost points for being “an insufferable know-it-all”. We loved him, we hated him, we cheered for him, we cried for him.

Those who weren’t a part of this journey from the very beginning will never know what this hollowness feels like. It’s being a teenager again and re-reading The Prince’s Tale. It’s being taught that sometimes the darkest of arts conceal the bravest of heroes. It’s realizing that true love transcends all barriers of time and magic. It’s weeping in nostalgia of the Half-Blood Prince who took away a whole chunk of our childhood along with him. It’s being a part of the best fandom; the fandom that never forgets, and only grows stronger every day.

Our farewell to you is a mere testimony of the legacy you left behind. This isn’t goodbye, Mr. Rickman. We promise to never indulge in foolish wand-waving and silly incantations. We also promise to cherish your memories. Always, sir. Always.

Rest in peace, Professor.