Here it is. The last chapter. I don't know if it's a good conclusion, but I do hope you like it.

1952

Despite his many years, Magnus Bane still found it hard to say goodbye, especially to those he held dear in his heart.

It's true that he was the one who had urged Tessa to move out and start a life on her own, but he hadn't thought about the fact that he was going to miss her. He was going to miss her terribly.

Looking back at the last fifteen years of his life, he realized they were some of the best. Sure, he'd lived with lovers before, but there always seemed to be something wrong in the relationship; either they didn't know he was a warlock, they didn't like that he was a warlock, or they just broke his heart one way or another. He could only recall once or twice having a perfect relationship.

With Tessa Gray, it was different. She was a friend. She knew all about his abilities, and didn't mind them in the least. She didn't resent his sense of fashion (actually, she probably did, but at least she didn't show it), and she even helped around the house. (Others said that if he could get things done with a flick of his hands, why should they bother?) Not to mention the fact that he could confide in her as if she were his little sister. His wise little sister.

Now, with her suitcases next to the door, he was truly starting to feel her loss.

Contrary to what Tessa had thought she would feel in these moments, she actually felt refreshed. Sure, she was still a little sad and scared, but those were not the dominant feelings. She felt like a new beginning. A bud just blossoming. She had finally, with Magnus's help, put the shattered pieces of herself back together. It was a shame to leave him, for she really enjoyed his company, but she was ready to become independent.

She had chosen to move to Los Angeles, where the Blackthorns were. Malcolm Fade was to meet her there, and after settling in, she would travel around the world.

Right now, Magnus, Catarina, and Ragnor were ready to Portal her. It was time for farewell.

She looked at Ragnor. She didn't know him all that well because he didn't live in New York, but she had known him for a long time. He said in a sarcastic tone, "Our little girl is all grown up."

"If by 'little' you mean seventy five years and by 'grown up' ninety, then yes, I suppose I'm grown up now," she answered. He smirked and pulled her into a hug.

Next was Catarina. They had a sort of rocky relationship. That is to say, Catarina was nice, but she was the kind of woman who was so immersed in her work that she didn't really care about many people, and Tessa wasn't an exception. However, when they embraced, Catarina kept telling her that she would miss her, and to contact her whenever she visited New York or needed medical help. She concluded by saying: "And of course you must visit so we can prank Magnus again."

Tessa turned to Magnus, and they locked eyes for a moment of silent communication. He was (obviously) the closest to Tessa. She remembered all the times he had helped her; not only in the recent years, but decades before as well. Helping Will with his curse, trying to find a cure for Jem, delivering her son James to the Institute in later years, and so much more. She could, quite literally, never thank him enough, or repay him.

Magnus sighed, and came a few steps closer to her. He seemed not to know what to say or do, and neither did she. How did one sum up fifteen years of living together in a few words? Not knowing what else to do, she just hugged him tightly, burying her head in his chest. She murmured, "I promise never to forget everything you've done for me. I promise."

"Tessa," he said, "This isn't really goodbye. It's not like I'm never going to see you again. Don't worry, our paths will intersect again even if we don't want them to, which, of course, isn't the case."

Tessa tried to smile, but her eyes were getting blurry. She knew Magnus was right, that that wasn't the last time they would see each other, but it was emotional nonetheless.

She let go of him, wiping away the stray tears. "I'm already looking forward to the next time I see you," she exclaimed, "Thank you, Magnus, thank you for everything." She knew that wasn't nearly enough to express her gratitude, but nothing else could, anyway.

"So am I," he answered with a smile. She thought she could see a glimmer in his eyes as well.

Reluctantly, Tessa turned towards the Portal, then stepped into the next chapter of chances and opportunities.

What did you think? Please let me know! And if you have any ideas for new fanfics I would be delighted to hear (technically read) them.

Fun fact: I first got the idea for the first sentence of the first chapter on an airplane, and I wanted to write it down immediately but I couldn't (because I was on an airplane.) I wrote about half of the first chapter, then left it, then picked it up again but I didn't post it. It was thanks to a conversation on FB that I decided post it, and I'm glad I did. So I wanna say thank you to that admin that helped. I also wanna say thanks to SalDaFangirl2000 for supporting me through this. And of course to the readers who have read any of this, you rock.

It's been a crazy ride, and I'm happy I continued until the end. If you want you can check my other stories on my account :)

See you!