“Voldemort had to think I was gone for good if I he were to reveal himself and make himself vulnerable. It was the only way, Harry.” Dumbledore said.

“Did… did your brother volunteer himself for this?” Harry asked and by the look on Dumbledore’s face, the answer to his question was suddenly obvious."

“Harry, you have to understand… sometimes, there are sacrifices to be made…” Dumbledore started to explain, but Harry cut him off.

“Did Snape know?” came another question from Harry. “Severus had to think I was cursed… that I was dying. That was the only way he’d go through with it…”