As the pain began to fade, a bright white light began to fill his sight.
After a moment of blindness, he found himself breathing in what seemed to be fresh spring air. The sound a rustling willow and a chirping bird sounded to right. As his eyes adjusted to the soft light, he became aware that someone was watching him on his left.
For the first time in a long time, he felt no need to reach for his wand. There was no alarm here, only genuine, glad surprise. He turned and walked to stand in front of his new found companion.
"I didn't expect to see you here so soon." She murmured.
"I didn't expect to actually be here of all places." He answered in return. The woman smiled and shook her head at him. The sunlight glancing off of it gave her a warm glow.
"Welcome then, it seems I don't have to wait any longer" She continued to smile at him.
His eyes widened at the implication.
"Have you been waiting for me the entire time?" He asked wonderingly.
She nodded.
"Would have waited for me even if I hadn't been given the chance to come here?" He pressed. Hope fluttered in his chest as she reached out and caught his hand in her own. She lifted smiling, tear filled eyes to his own.
"Always."