Alan Rickman's Goodbye Letter To 'Harry Potter' Is Even More Poignant Now

"Harry Potter" fans everywhere are mourning the loss of the great Alan Rickman, the man who portrayed Professor Severus Snape, which is arguably one the best and most difficult roles in the magical series.

In 2011, after wrapping up filming "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," Alan Rickman wrote a goodbye letter to the cast and the role that enchanted millions of people.

Reading it now, in the wake of his passing, is almost painful -- and undoubtedly painful for the cast, who have already been sharing their grief on social media today.

The letter read:

I have just returned from the dubbing studio where I spoke into a microphone as Severus Snape for absolutely the last time. On the screen were some flashback shots of Daniel, Emma and Rupert from 10 years ago. They were 12. I have also recently returned from New York, and while I was there, I saw Daniel singing and dancing (brilliantly) on Broadway. A lifetime seems to have passed in minutes. Three children have become adults since a phone call with Jo Rowling, containing one small clue, persuaded me that there was more to Snape than an unchanging costume, and that even though only three of the books were out at that time, she held the entire massive but delicate narrative in the surest of hands. It is an ancient need to be told in stories. But the story needs a great storyteller. Thanks for all of it, Jo.

Citations: Alan Rickman dead at 69: Read his heartfelt goodbye letter to Professor Snape and Harry Potter fans (Independent)