April 9, 1997
As each word forms and falls upon this page, I find myself consoled by their physical being. This written account is certainly not my most single-mindedly selfish exploit – that belongs to the excruciating betrayal I made of my dearest Lily. But, as my days become increasingly more difficult to bear, I find my focus and sanity dependent on extricating these moments, people and emotions from my mind. In not doing so, I fear I will once again jeopardize the safety of the ones whom I love. My days have become darker and colder with the passing of each blindingly full moon.
Since I do not possess the privilege of Headmaster Dumbledore’s pensieve, I have chosen to scribe these events in the order in which they occurred beginning with this year’s start of term. Preserved and described with as much clarity and detail as my memory serves, I do not ask forgiveness, for my actions will prove shocking and often times objectionable. Nor do I search for validation or acceptance for any decision which I have made. What is done, is done. I only request that you reader, are aware that the events, conversations and sensations did occur in conjunction with my existence.
Severus Snape
