A/N: The challenge was to write a 100-word drabble in which one character discovers another character's secret. Here, Hermione discovers a little too late why Snape harbors such a resentment toward Harry and the Life Debt.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Severus Snape, and all their associates are characters belonging to J.K. Rowling. I claim no rights to them, their surroundings, or their situations. Much to my sorrow.
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Two weeks after Voldemort's fall, she arrived early for Potions and found him at his desk, already gone cold--his head resting on his Order of Merlin, First Class.
An empty vial sat near him; beside it, a neatly folded parchment. Horrified, she picked it up and read:
My debts are now paid, my duties discharged. At last I am free to go.
If any are inclined to grieve, spare yourself. It is no loss to me, nor to any of you.
Goodbye.
Hermione found she could not weep. For the first time since she'd met him, Snape looked happy.