When I was seven years old, my dad introduced me to J.K. Rowling’s "Harry Potter." Every night, we read one chapter together, and every night an adventure ensued. Together, we feasted in the great hall, flew on broomsticks, and learned advanced spells and complex potions. But I soon realized that the real magic was not within the halls of Hogwarts, but rather, in the books themselves, for it was in those books that I grew as a person.

I empathized with Harry, the orphan boy who felt like he didn’t belong. I laughed with Ron as I learned the true value of friendship and camaraderie, and I strived to be like Hermione with her top notch grades and unwavering loyalty. Nevertheless, if I had to choose one character in the "Harry Potter" series to emulate it would undoubtedly be Severus Snape.

Oh yes, he was a villain. With his hooked nose, and greasy hair, Snape was absolutely cruel (I’m still not over Snape making Hermione cry in "Goblet of Fire"). As a reader, it was easy to despise him, perhaps only natural. However, Snape was also honorably brave, committing personal sacrifice after personal sacrifice. He was willing to put his own life in danger, repeatedly. Snape’s bravery was one of his most underrated traits, until that is, the final installment of the series. Snape was the unsung hero who loved more deeply than any other character I have ever come across. He loved Lily Potter so truly, so completely, that he was willing to protect her son, no matter whom she had wed.

Snape was a convoluted character. It takes a skilled man, with an abundance of talent and insight to be able to bring this character from page to big screen. Alan Rickman was that man. It has been nearly a month since his passing, and I am still left with sorrow. Mr. Rickman was our guy. When I first saw the Harry Potter films, I distinctly remember being impressed by Mr. Rickman. The walk, the talk, the dark glint in his eye -- this man nailedit. He took what I, what we, as readers, had envisioned and brought him to life. His death felt somehow personal. We knew him, for we let him enter our lives for a decade. His death was a tragedy to us all.

In short, I want to thank you, Mr. Rickman. For your sneers, your glares, and your witty remarks. Thank you for letting the viewers loathe you as Severus Snape for nearly a decade, only to cry in the final "Harry Potter" movie in the midst of your memories. Thank you for embodying Severus Snape, and bringing my childhood to life. Every time I cozy up with my beloved book, I will think of you.