Yes, I am surprised when a celebrity dies. I feel sad in that moment, wishing that person a peaceful rest, their family my condolences. But, that’s usually where it ends. Not today, though. Today is different.
Today, I mourn the loss of a great actor. One that I have loved in every movie I have seen him in, especially Harry Potter. I am, of course, talking about Alan Rickman, the one and only Professor Severus Snape.
I don’t know why Alan’s death is hitting me harder than most. Maybe it’s because I am passionate about the fandom of Harry Potter and there is no HP fandom without Alan Rickman’s Snape. That’s the thing about us Potterheads, we feel for every character of the stories and for the actors who played them in the movies.
From this point on, when I watch the movies (over and over), I will be saddened knowing that Alan is no longer making movies and inspiring us through his characters. I will be saddened knowing that he won’t get to be 80, sitting in his rocking chair, reading Harry Potter . . . again and always.
So with my wand raised, I honor an actor who touched my heart and a character I will always love to hate and hate to love. And when my kids someday ask me why I still mourn Professor Snape after all this time, my response will be . . .