Hello, dear readers! Since this is the final section of Journey to Paradise, I would like to thank everyone who has read, reviewed, or favorited this story. Big thanks to JuneGilbertVivianRaeven and Ithilwen for reviewing the last chapter. I would like to dedicate this chapter to two extremely talented friends of mine who have helped me through this journey - BG and CD. Enjoy!

Epilogue

I stood in a never-ending field of grass. The sky was a beautiful blue with downy clouds drifting across the sun; a slight breeze blew across the land. It was stunning. I gazed around me, and my eyes immediately locked with mesmerizing green ones, a couple of meters away from me.

Lily sat on a gray, stone bench smiling warmly at me. She was beautiful. Her long, red hair was gently blown by the breeze as she walked towards me. I had been waiting for this moment for so long, imagining the moment that I would finally see her, but I, honestly, had no idea what to do or say. I awkwardly stood, contemplating what I should do, when she spoke:

"Hey, Severus. Long time, no see."

My voice barely came out as I responded, "Hello, Lily. I just want to say how incredibly sor—."

"Please, don't," she kindly interrupted. Then, she took a step closer and threw her arms around me in a tight hug. I was shocked. Why was she doing this? I didn't deserve it. However, I simply could not let go.

"Thank you, Severus," she said, "for helping Harry all those years, for becoming a good person, for being who you truly are and were meant to be. There's no need to apologize."

"But, Lily." She let go of me, giving me an intense stare:

"Don't start again. You took a dark path, sure, but there's no need to dwell on that. Even the best people make mistakes. Dumbledore did. I did – I refused to acknowledge you for simply insulting me one time when we were young. I held a grudge against you and ruined our friendship."

"Our friendship was ruined because of me, not you."

"I don't quite agree, but let's not re-visit that, okay? I watched you be a double-agent for years. You worked for the Order and fought against Voldemort. Sure, at first, I was upset about the whole death thing; but I realized something. If I had never died, you might not have turned good; so, it's alright. Everything worked out fairly well. However, to make you happy, I forgive you."

"I don't understand how you can forgive me, though." I still couldn't grasp the conversation.

"I can forgive you because I care about you, and I know you. I've known you forever. And I want us to be friends again. What do you say?" I'd wanted to hear those words ever since that wretched day in our fifth year. Did she even have to ask?

"Of course, Lily."

"Good, because Dumbledore probably wants to see you, and . . . I'm hungry." Her statement was so blunt, I couldn't help but laugh. I actually laughed. I couldn't remember the last time that had happened.

She chuckled as she continued, "What? It's true. I haven't eaten in hours, besides, you haven't eaten in forever. Aren't you hungry?"

"Well, now that you mention it, I guess I am."

"Let's go, then."

"Fine by me, but where do we go?"

She pointed towards a large oak tree that I somehow overlooked before:

"Right past that tree over there," she said. "That's the official entrance to this place – paradise or heaven or Elysium or whatever you would like to call it." We started walking, and soon enough, the tree was behind us. Stone paths stretched in every way, leading to quaint homes; but no one, it seemed, was inside them. Everyone was either relaxing outside or walking towards a large building ahead of me.

My wand appeared in my hand, and I felt complete again. We continued to walk towards the building and Lily received many "hellos" on our way. Then, we arrived at the door.

"Ready?" she asked me.

"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess." She gently squeezed my hand as we walked through the door.

The room looked just like the Great Hall at Hogwarts, except there was only one table and most people were standing, talking with each other. I guess Hogwarts really never leaves you. Dumbledore got up from his chair next to another man his age with gray-blond hair and blue eyes. He offered his friend a loving smile as he walked towards me.

"Great to see you again, Severus. Thanks for bringing him Lily," Dumbledore said.

"My pleasure," she retorted. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go find James and get some food and I'll see you guys later, okay?"

"See you later, Lily!" I happily said as she gave me a quick hug.

"Bye, Sev!" My breath caught a little. I guess our old friendship really was renewed. She found her husband, talking earnestly with Sirius and ran towards him. James stood, lifted her off the ground, and planted a soft kiss on her lips; but, surprisingly, I didn't mind. Lily was happy, and that's all I'd ever wanted.

"So, I assume all is well between you and Mrs. Potter?" Dumbledore asked.

"Most definitely."

"That's magnificent. Why don't you follow me? There are some people I'd like you to meet."

Dumbledore led me around the room, and the day was spent seeing old acquaintances and making new ones and, naturally, eating. Hours later, I walked out the Hall and made my way down the path. The sun was setting and cast a miraculous glow across the land. I was completely content. Everything was perfect.

It was Magical.

THE END

A/N:Well, I would love to know what you all thought of this story; so, reviews are greatly appreciated. Thanks again for reading this. I hope you enjoyed Severus' Journey to Paradise.