It was a quiet Easter Sunday that year. My parents held each other in the pew closest to alter. My extensive family sat behind them, Chloe and Marc as close as their parents would allow. They were too young to understand what was happening. Marc requested to see me several times before Chloe shushed him. The tiny book was still stuck to her like glue; I imagine that new tears stained the pages now.

Harry and Draco had arrived some time before them. Having only been in a church of any sort once or twice, Draco steered them to the front. They took their seats, awkwardly waiting for my family to arrive so they could give their condolences. Tears trickled from Harry's eyes as Draco did his best to console him. Even Draco, however, could not keep his eyes from welling. He sniffed into the top of Harry's head, kissing him there before finding my parents.

In time my mother would be able to see my reasons for doing what I had done, but for now, she was a wreck. Dad cradled her, giving her enough room to dab at her eyes with her handkerchief every so often. He too had tears falling from his eyes. We had always been so close throughout my life time. Never did he think that I would purposefully leave him. Leaving means that you don't love somebody. I did love him, though, and Mum. I would watch over them always.

The priest blessed my body, reciting several prayers that I knew by heart. Then, a eulogy was read by my father, whose eyes glistened with tears at the mention of the first time I called him 'Daddy'. Next Harry said a few words, reminding everyone of what a good, loyal friend I was, and saying how much he loved me and would forever miss me. To my surprise even Draco spoke. He said that no matter what my decision had been on staying on this Earth, he knew that it was really up to God to know when it was my time to leave.

And I had no choice but to believe that. When I drank that potion, I knew from the moment it touched my lips that I was condemned to an eternity in the darkest part of the underworld. Yet for some reason when I opened my eyes from the experience, I found myself bathing in the most beautiful white light. As I stood up, I could feel the pressure being lifted from me. For a moment, I was careless, twirling and jumping about. And then I remembered what I had left back on Earth.

I sank to my knees. Pansy. My darling Pansy. She would never forgive me for doing this. She would live the remainder of her days in total and complete hatred of what I had done to her. And then I thought. Finally, I thought clearly, though I did feel a bit foolish; if she truly loved you in life, then she would never hate you in death. As I sat there, breathing out the rest of my sorrows, a hand touched my shoulder.

"Hermione, love, are you ready to go?" She was beautiful in her white flowing gown. Her hair was far past her shoulders, longer than she kept in in life, though it did leave her radiant as ever. I got to my feet, noticing that I too wore a white gown, billowing in the breeze that seemed not to exist. My normally frizzy hair was smooth and curled, framing my face; I truly felt like an angel. She put her hand out for me. The golden ring looked dazzling on her finger after all of this time. With a smile I took it, saying, "I always have been."

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

A/N: Thank you to anyone who stuck with this story and read it until the end. It means a great deal to me, and I hope that you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Reviews are always welcome. ~ Joceline