How do you say goodbye to Harry Potter? As many of us struggle with that very thought, actor Alan Rickman eloquently wrote about moving on from the magical film series. In a letter in Empire Magazine’s special Harry Potter edition, Rickman writes a touching farewell to the series, thanking above all else, J.K. Rowling.

As Severus Snape on the big screen, Alan Rickman has had to travel a difficult journey as he didn’t always know what was in store for the potions master. Rowling herself apparently gave Rickman a clue as to where Snape’s loyalties would lie in the end. Read Rickman’s letter on the next page!

Alan Rickman’s farewell for Empire Magazine:

April 26, 2011

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 ten 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 stories. But the story needs a great storyteller. Thanks for all of it, Jo.

Alan Rickman