As Thanksgiving winds down to a close, the British author of the global best-selling series Harry Potter is giving fans another reason to be grateful as she explains why Harry chose to honor Severus Snape in such a big way.

In the epilogue of the final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, as well as in the final scene of the film, Harry reveals that he has named one of his children Albus Severus, after two very important characters: the revered Hogwarts Head Master, Albus Dumbledore, and Professor Severus Snape.

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Most will remember that while Professor Snape did try his best to protect Harry as his way of letting his love for Harry's mother (Lily Potter nee Evans) live on, he did try to make the eponymous protagonist's life quite difficult. Professor Snape was also responsible for the headmaster's death.

This made fans wonder why Harry felt the need to pay tribute to the Professor by naming one of his kids after him.

Rowling finally sheds light on the matter by tweeting "Snape died for Harry out of love of Lily. Happy paid him tribute in forgiveness and gratitude."

"In honoring Snape, Harry hoped in his heart that he too would be forgiven. The deaths at the Battle of Hogwarts would haunt Harry forever," she added. "Harry chose to perpetuate the names of the two who had nobody in their families to do so."

TagsJK Rowling, Harry Potter, professor snape, Albus Dumbledore, albus severus