•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

A light suddenly filled the darkness that surrounded her. The phoenix who burnt rose up from the ashes that were resting in the middle of the white and open space. As her figure lay where the ashes used to be, the girl opened her eyes. She finally arrived at her final destination: the afterlife.

Deanna Dumbledore slowly sat up and looked around the place, a smile forming when she recognized it as the afterlife version of Hogwarts. The castle looked like the war didn't happen at all with everything intact and back to how it was. It was beautifully standing there, feeling like home once more. Deanna pushed open the gates to the castle and entered. As soon as she entered, she was met by a skeletal figure, wearing a robe and a hood that covered his face.

"Deanna Dumbledore." A deep voice came from the deity. "I believe you know who I am."

"Indeed, my lord." Deanna nodded and bowed her head as a sign of respect. "You are Death."

"You have fulfilled your prophecy by making the right decisions at the right time. You have become the salvation as you were destined to be. The Heir of Slytherin was supposed to be trapped in Limbo, but because of your startling decision to forgive him, he was given a chance by the deities, and he is now serving for his sins."

"That's good to hear." Deanna couldn't help but smile at that. Finally, Tom was getting the punishment he deserved, and she hoped he would find peace and meaning to his life through that.

"Moreover, those who have fallen will be sent back soon." Death said. He saw that Deanna looked confused and explained. "You saved the world, Deanna Dumbledore. Not only the living but also those who have fallen in the Battle of Hogwarts. Those who deserve it."

Deanna's eyes widened in realization. Jemina, Remus, Ria, Fred and everyone whose lives were taken in the war. "Y-You mean..."

"They will be given a second chance." Death confirmed for her, and for a moment, Deanna saw his golden eyes that were staring back at hers before his hood covered them again. "Fate may not have been kind to you, but to the world, it will be because of your sacrifice."

"Then, that makes it all the more worth it." Deanna felt happiness bubbling in her at the thought that Jemina and the others would be able to come back and live their lives. "May I see them before they go?"

"In here, Deanna Dumbledore, you have all the time in the world."

That made Deanna grin as she rushed into the castle. She arrived in front of the Great Hall and took a deep breath, hoping that she would not be met by the sight she last remembered. Then, she opened the doors, the grin on her face hurting her cheeks as it grew. There was everyone, looking at her with surprised faces and wide-eyed gazes.

"It's a pleasure to see you all again." Deanna waved cheerfully at them.

"Deanna?"

"What are you doing here?"

"What the hell happened?"

Those who have died fighting for Hogwarts, including Fred, Remus and Ria, shouted and asked, wondering why Deanna Dumbledore was there. Jemina though stood at the back with a sad smile on her face, knowing just what happened to her. It meant that the wizarding world was saved, but at the cost of Deanna's life.

"Calm down, all of you." Deanna kept on grinning at them, too excited at that fact that they would all be living again soon to even address her death. When they all calmed down and stared at her, waiting for an answer, Deanna looked at them one by one, proud of all they've done.

Her eyes stopped at Jemina whose eyes were filled with tears, and a soft smile came onto Deanna's face. It must have been so hard for her all this time, and despite her unfortunate relationship with the deities, she thanked them for giving her a chance to give back to Jemina and to all who have perished.

"To answer your questions, yes, I died."

Protests and shouts started once more, but when Deanna raised their hand, they kept silent and let her speak. "It has been my destiny, even before I was born, to die. Tom Riddle would not perish from this world if I was still in it, and I have accepted it long ago. I am alright. It's alright..."

"Now, I'd like to thank you all for fighting so bravely and even sacrificing your lives for the greater good." Deanna's eyes twinkled with joy as she stared at all of them whose worried faces now lightened at Deanna's words. "I'm sorry for the suffering you have gone through. We've won the battle, be proud of yourselves... and continue living on."

They looked at Deanna, visibly confused by what she meant. The Dumbledore grinned widely in response, looking back at Death who suddenly appeared at the doors of the Great Hall. "That good man over there and the deities have decided to give you all a second chance at life because of the courageous battle you have fought."

Everyone stared at her for a moment in disbelief so they looked to Death who stood there at the doors. Death stared at Deanna Dumbledore's back. Such a peculiar girl. He already told her they were going to live because of her yet she still told them it was because of the brave fight they put up. But nevertheless, he nodded and pointed to the door. "As you walk through this door, you'll find yourselves back in the world."

Cheers and yells of joy erupted from the crowd because they could live again. They had already accepted the fact that they would not be able to see their loved ones again, but the deities saw their spirit and decided to give them a second chance. Seeing everyone rejoice made Deanna smile too... Well, everyone was rejoicing except for one.

"You're lying." Jemina suddenly spoke up, catching everyone's attention and making the cheers die down. She walked to Deanna and stopped when she was right in front of the Dumbledore, tears falling from her eyes. "We're getting to live again because of your sacrifice, right?"

"I'm right, am I not?" Jemina turned to Death who stared at her for a moment before nodding. The smiles fell off everyone's faces at that. It was Deanna's death that would cause them to live... But they thought she would come back with them. Why were the deities so cruel to Deanna? Jemina looked at Deanna, her body shaking in sadness for the phoenix who was too kind. "Deanna, why? Why didn't you just say that?"

Deanna only kept the smile on her face before she placed her hands on Jemina's shoulders and squeezed them comfortingly. "It doesn't matter if you get to live because of me. You all deserve this second chance at life because of how you fought. The deities would have acknowledged that even without my death. Live your lives, and continue standing up for what is right. Take this second chance and live well. Just... live."

Jemina didn't hold herself back anymore and hugged Deanna tight, her tears falling at how tragic fate is. They and everyone else would get to live but only because Deanna died. The Dumbledore smiled when she saw them all crying for her while hugging Jemina back. She was glad. She was glad they would live again. It was one of the things that would make her death worth it. They would at least live long and happy with their loved ones.

The badger soon pulled away from her fellow badger. She patted Jemina on the back before addressing everyone. "It's time. Go back to where you belong. Do not cry anymore and smile as you go back and meet your loved ones. Greet them with a smile, and live happily with them."

Jemina stepped aside to give the others space with Deanna while Death opened the door, back to the world of the living. They stepped forward and went to Deanna before going through the door and back to their loved ones. Some shook her hand and thanked her while the others hugged her and cried.

Deanna continued smiling at each of them, wanting them to have smiles on their faces as they moved on. Soon, only Jemina, Remus, Ria and Fred were left. The four stood in front of the Dumbledore, still crying for her sacrifice. How could they not cry when they knew of what she had to do for them and for the world?

Fred stepped up first and hugged Deanna tightly through his sobs. "Thank you, Deanna... I won't waste this second chance."

"Just name one of your products after me, will you? That would be enough." Deanna said in a joking manner, and she grinned when she got a chuckle out of Fred. "I told you to make people laugh. But when you're feeling down, let yourself cry, alright? You don't have to be happy all the time."

"Thank you. Goodbye, Deanna." Fred pulled away with a teary grin before he too passed through the door.

Remus calmly stepped towards her and gave her a tight but brief hug, but the tears that were continuously streaming down his face let Deanna know of the sorrow that filled his heart. He was a man of few words so kept his words short yet meaningful, expressing everything he needed to tell her. "Thank you. I promise I will continue fighting for what is right. Thank you."

"Thank you, Remus." Deanna smiled at the werewolf. "I'm sorry Teddy won't be able to have a godmother, but at least, he would have his two fathers and a godfather. Can you get him a present for me, and tell him it's from his lovely godmother?"

Remus smiled through his tears and nodded. "I will, Deanna. I will tell him about his lovely godmother who loved him so much she saved his parents. Thank you."

She watched him pass through the door before looking back to see Ria who smiled softly at her. "You have saved me in more ways than one, Deanna. When you urged me to get back together with Dora, when you comforted her when we were apart and now that you died to save me. Thank you for everything, Deanna. Words can't express my gratitude to you."

"Well, just let go of your fears and let yourself be happy with Tonks." Deanna told the Muggleborn who had always held herself back. "Seeing you two happy would make me happy as well."

Ria wrapped her arms gently around the girl and squeezed her, telling her for the last time thank you before she stepped back. "Farewell, Deanna. I hope you can be happy too."

With that, Ria Docherty-Tonks went back as well with a promise to be happy for her, Tonks and Deanna who was one of the biggest reasons she got to be with the love of her life. The only ones left in the room then were Deanna, Jemina and Death.

Deanna's eyes softened at the crying girl, and she stepped closer to Jemina and embraced her warmly, hoping that she could provide a little comfort to her. She knew it hurt Jemina that she was dead, especially since Jemina had to bear the weight of knowing Deanna's fate. But it comforted Deanna that Jemina would be able to live. She knew that Jemina had gone through so much for her.

"I-I already knew you were going to d-die, but it doesn't hurt any less." Jemina confessed through her tears. "How am I supposed to go on, knowing you would be left here alone? Knowing you needed to die for us? We have to go on and continue living, but you would have to stay here. You were supposed to live your life too. C-Can't I just stay here with you?"

"They say the people we love who have passed on are in each of those stars, twinkling and smiling down at us." Deanna repeated the words Jemina had told her before and blinked back her tears. "When you miss me, look up at the stars. I am there, twinkling and smiling down at you."

"I didn't want to die too..." Deanna admitted the words she never said out loud. "But knowing I saved the world made it all worth it. I also got to experience love with someone as wonderful as Hermione. So, I don't have any regrets, and I don't want you to have any too. My time is done, but your life has just started. Ginny is waiting for you. Go back to her and take her out on a date. Just let yourselves be love in with each other, you both deserve it. I will be fine here, Jem. I will be..."

Jemina nodded against Deanna's shoulder before pulling back. She didn't want to, but this was it for them. This was goodbye, and it was time for her to go back to her lion. "I love you so much, Dee. Thank you for everything. I'm going to live for you. We will be there for Hermione, I promise."

"I love you too, Jem. Thank you for everything."

The two smiled at each other, the farewells being exchanged in silenced. Jemina let go of Deanna's hand with one final squeeze before she moved towards the door. She nodded to Death and glanced back at Deanna with a smile before she finally crossed, going back to her love.

With Jemina's departure, Death closed the doors. Deanna was left alone with the deity, a wistful smile on her face as she stared at the door where they all passed through. She was still in pain at the thought that she wouldn't have that with Hermione and that she wouldn't be there to wipe Hermione's tears away, but at least, a lot of them would be happy now that they were given a second chance. They would be able to live their lives and love their loved ones more.

That was good enough for Deanna. It made it all worth it. She only hoped Hermione would let someone hug her and comfort her now that she was gone. She hoped someone would do that for her lion who was acting so brave and strong when Deanna knew all Hermione wanted to do a while ago was cry. She wished Hermione could find her happiness soon. Deanna knew even the deities up there knew she deserved it after all she went through.

With a smile on her face, Deanna raised her hand and gave herself a pat on the back. It somehow gave comfort to her pained heart. Death was only watching her as Deanna patted herself on the back before speaking in a soft voice and saying the words she desperately needed to hear.

"I did well... It will be alright, I did well."

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

The fireworks had long faded away. Hermione's sobs were echoing around the grounds as she was still kneeling on the ground where Deanna's body had perished. Although they wanted to go to her and comfort her, they knew she needed the time to grieve.

Hermione showed Deanna she was fine a while ago because she didn't want to make dying more difficult for her, and now that the Dumbledore was gone, she could finally cry to her heart's content. They all knew nothing could console her heart that was left cold and forlorn with Deanna's death. So, they just let her be... Somehow, someday, she would be fine. They would be there to ensure she would be fine one day.

"M-Miss Nightingale."

"What – "

"HOW DID YOU – "

"BUT YOU'RE DEAD!"

Hermione lifted her head up at the yells, and her eyes widened to see the deceased back and alive. She closed her eyes for a few seconds and opened them in her disbelief. They really were there. Was it Deanna's doing? Did they come back to life because of her sacrifice?

Then, she saw them all hugging and crying as they reunited with their loved ones, and it gave her mixed feelings. Of course, she was delighted to see them together. It was only right they had a second chance at life and that all of them could be with their loved ones again. That made her happy, but... it was just heartbreaking to know Deanna had to die for this to happen. That Deanna and Hermione would never have the reunion the others had.

The soft sound of a phoenix's cry made Hermione look up to the skies, and her eyes softened to see Fawkes. The phoenix landed in front of her and tilted his head before he leaned in and nuzzled Hermione's cheeks, making the Gryffindor's tears fall even more before she hugged the phoenix who spread his wings and wrapped them around Hermione.

"Fawkes, you came back." Hermione whispered softly through her tears. Fawkes responded with a sad cry and continued nuzzling Hermione's cheek, the two giving comfort to each other as their tears fell for Deanna. Fawkes was supposed to leave and have his lament, never to return again, but he reminded himself of his promise to Deanna before they left Nurmengard.

"Promise me that you'll look out for my family and friends once in a while. Please check if they're living happily, and if they're eating well and taking care of themselves. Can you promise that?"

He promised he would, and he would remain by Hermione's side for Deanna. He would be there for Hermione, Aberforth and Deanna's friends for as long as they needed him. That was why he came back. For his master who couldn't, he would look out for the people she left, giving them comfort and warmth.

"The phoenix is a sacred animal, and they are very loyal so some would try to make the phoenixes their pets for their own benefit. The rouges. Phoenixes are our friends, not pets."

Hermione remembered what Deanna said about phoenixes... That phoenixes have gone through so much pain because of people who would make phoenixes trust them only to use them for their own benefit. It made her hold on Fawkes tighten. Deanna was Fawkes' only friend, and her death pained him a lot too... She promised Deanna she would be there for Fawkes, their friends and family and herself. She would not let Fawkes be alone anymore. She would be his friend, in place of Deanna who was gone.

Although their bond may not be as deep as the bond between Hermione and Deanna or Fawkes and Deanna, the phoenix and the Gryffindor would from that moment on be there for each other. For Deanna, they would give each other the comfort and warmth they both sought.

From where he was standing with Kingsley, Sirius and Remus, Aberforth glanced at Hermione Granger and Fawkes who were hugging each other. The girl really loved Deanna to the point that she was willing to mask her own pain just to let Deanna go with no regrets and a smile on her face. He was worried that Hermione would not be alright after seeing her sob when Deanna died. He was worried the Muggleborn might not be consoled after this, but seeing her and Fawkes together eased his worries a little.

Fawkes who had a deep bond with Deanna and Hermione who had loved Deanna so much. Maybe... it was Fawkes and Hermione who could heal each other's hearts. It was Fawkes and Hermione who could be give each other solace and warmth now that the person who mattered most to them was gone. Aberforth knew then Deanna did not have to worry at all, and she could rest comfortably up there.

"I'll be your friend, Fawkes." Hermione pulled away with a weak smile and stroked the phoenix's feathers, making Fawkes lean into her warm touch. It reminded him greatly of Deanna, and it was the same for Hermione. Fawkes felt so much like Deanna that the warmth from his body reminded her so much of Deanna's. "Like I told Deanna, I would take care of you. Let's try it... Living."

Fawkes showed her what seemed to be a smile, and Hermione let a genuine smile spread on her face. A phoenix and an otter... Two wounded souls and broken hearts, both empty and cold with the passing of the Hufflepuff phoenix. But somehow, each other's presence made them feel as if Deanna was there with them. Knowing they had each other brought a little comfort to them who were in so much pain.

As Hermione told Deanna, it would be alright. It would be alright somehow. Her phoenix might be gone, but with Hermione's new friend in Fawkes the phoenix and their families and friends, she knew it would be alright in time. The pain would remain, it would never go away, but over time, she'd learn to live with the pain.

'Rest well, my love. You've done so well. Drink all the chocolate milk and eat all the hotdogs you want. You can finally read Beauty and the Beast without being distracted. I hope they have an unlimited stock of purple socks with cookies and milk. I know how much you love them. Be happy up there, my love. It's time to stop burning and just rest. We've got each other, we'll be fine. One day at a time. Don't worry, we'll be alright.'

'I love you, Deanna Dumbledore.'

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

"It is time, Deanna Dumbledore." Death spoke in his deep voice to Deanna who had been staring at the door with a smile. She shook herself out of her thoughts and gave him a shaky smile. It was time for her to go, indeed. At least, she'd be able to meet her friends and her family again.

Then, she realized something and looked at Death with a look of confusion. "Professor Snape. He also died in the war, right? Why wasn't he with them?"

"He has already passed on." Death responded. "Severus Snape's actions while he was alive... harassing young students to the point that he became the Boggart of one. It is his greatest sin. We have decided to let him continue to the afterlife, and he too has accepted this decision."

Deanna couldn't help but agree at that, and she nodded in response. "I understand. That means I'll be meeting him soon too."

Death nodded before he held out his arm. "Now, if you will hold my arm, we shall continue onto the afterlife. Many are waiting for your arrival. It is now time, Deanna Dumbledore."

"Yes, sir." Deanna came closer to the cloaked deity, and she took a deep breath before she raised her hand, ready to go to her final destination... the afterlife. They were all waiting for her.

"I'll plead to the deities up there for us to meet again one day."

She stopped in her actions when she remembered that, and she let her hand fall back to her side, confusing the deity at her actions. He never met a human as peculiar as Deanna Dumbledore before. Well, there was her father who was just as peculiar. The Dumbledores, quite the strange group. Then, Deanna looked at him straight in those golden eyes, a look of determination in her own blue ones.

"I have something to ask of you, good sir."

"What is it?"

"Please, give me a chance to meet Hermione again one day."

Death stared straight into Deanna's blue eyes, and Deanna could've sworn she saw a knowing look in his eyes. As if he knew she would say that. That was the truth. He did know. He and all the deities were expecting this. They expected this when Hermione Granger suddenly came into the picture.

Everything was planned from the day the prophecy was made. Deanna Dumbledore would be put to a slumber of 50 years by Tom Riddle. She would come back and finally end Voldemort's reign. She would take away the darkness of the world and bring back those who died, sacrificing herself in the process. It was a well-crafted plan by the deities, but everything changed when Hermione came.

When Deanna and Hermione fell in love with each other all so suddenly, their plans suddenly faced an obstacle. An obstacle, particularly in Deanna's choice once she died. What she asked of him just let Death know that this was the obstacle they were waiting for, and they had already talked about what they would do when this happened.

"Everything comes with a price, Deanna Dumbledore."

"I am willing to pay any price if it means I can be with Hermione again one day." Deanna's resolve was not breaking. Like when she decided to sacrifice herself, no one would be able to change her mind. That was how much she loved Hermione. "Even if it's just a day or an hour or even 5 minutes... No, even if it's just a minute, I am willing to pay any price."

"Cold. Eternal cold. That is what awaits you if you do decide to do this. Now, let me ask you. Will you be able to suffer once more?"

Deanna knew immediately what he was talking about. Her final vision. The place of eternal snow. It was what she hated the most. The cold. It reminded her of everything she lost and all the pain she had gone through in her life. But like she said, she was willing to go through everything for the one person she loved with everything she had. She would... no, she will persist through the suffering for the person who brought her warmth, for a possibility that they would be able to meet again one day.

With that, Deanna nodded with a soft smile on her face as she thought of it. She would be able to meet Hermione again one day. That was all worth it. "For her, I am willing to go to even the depths of hell."

Death stared at her for a moment before speaking. "The cold kills a phoenix who burns to rise from the ashes. Yet snow is the final destination of the heir. You have made your choice, Deanna Dumbledore. Now, we will give you time to at least say what you need to say before you go."

His words confused Deanna, but then, Death turned towards the doors once more before he opened it and a blinding light made Deanna's eyes close for a few moments... And when she opened them, her eyes twinkled and her lips formed a smile at who she saw.

"Pops... Mum." Deanna rushed forward and hugged her parents tight. Albus Dumbledore and Isabella Fritz hugged their daughter back just as tight with matching grins on their faces, the former missing her dearly and the latter happy that she finally met her daughter.

"It's nice to finally meet you, little phoenix." Isabella who looked just like Deanna except for the eyes smiled at her daughter and caressed her cheek. "I am so proud to be called your mother, dear. You've fought a battle that Helga Hufflepuff bragged about up there. We're so proud of you."

"It's nice to finally meet you, Mum." Deanna responded in a soft voice. "Now, I know where I got my striking looks."

"Now, what are you trying to say, Deanna?" Albus raised an eyebrow, trying to be intimidating but failing because he soon let a smile spread on his face at the smiles of his best friend and his daughter.

He stroked Deanna's hair and smiled proudly and sadly at her. His biggest regret of not being able to save his daughter still remaining in his heart. "Your mother is right. We are all so proud of you, love. And I'm sorry you had to suffer so much because of your old man. Only I am to blame for everything. If I spoke to Tom then, if I found a way to save you... If I put you first before everything..."

"Pops, you have nothing to be sorry for." Deanna squeezed her father's hand and smiled gently when her father stopped rambling and smiled back at her just as gently. She held each of her parents' hands in hers and smiled at the two of them. "We all died for the greater good. We all died and saved lives, we all died to keep the fire burning. That made all of our deaths worth it. Like you told me, we all did well. We should be proud of ourselves."

Albus and Isabella smiled softly at their daughter. She had grown so much into this young woman who had suffered greatly but still chose to be kind and loving. That let them know just how much Deanna matured and grew. They knew too of what was going to happen to her. That was why they were here right now. So, they decided to make memories that would warm Deanna in that place of snow, especially Isabella who never got a chance to be with her daughter.

"So, why don't you tell me about your life, Deanna?" Isabella suddenly said with excitement in her tone. "I have been watching over you, but I'd still like to hear it from you. Particularly about you and Miss Granger."

Deanna blushed at those words, but a soft smile soon came onto her face as she told them all about her life and Hermione. Laughs, smiles and tears came from the three as they talked about Deanna's life. Somehow, talking about Hermione lessened the ache in her heart. She still missed her so much, but she let the thought that she was going to meet Hermione one day comfort her. That was enough for her.

"And here we are now." Deanna finished off with a grin. "Now, I am here with you two before I go."

Albus and Isabella nodded with sad smiles. That was right. Deanna would not be coming back to the afterlife with them. She was going to that place of snow in the hopes of meeting Hermione again one day.

"Your friends and everyone wanted to come and meet you, so it's unfortunate you wouldn't be able to see them." Albus commented with a sigh.

"I know. Tell them I missed them and that I wish them well, Pops." Deanna responded with a small smile, and that let them know her mind was not changing. She was going through with her choice no matter what. She missed her friends and everyone else, but she was not letting go of the chance to be with Hermione again. Never. It was how much she loved Hermione.

"I will, love." Albus smiled with a nod.

Knowing she was done and she said everything she needed to, Deanna let out a sigh and squeezed their hands again. "It's time..."

The three of them turned around simultaneously to look at Death who was standing there patiently, watching the family of three. He raised his arm and nodded to Deanna, letting her know what she needed to do.

Deanna nodded back at him before she turned back to her mother and father and hugged them tightly. She let her tears fall as they too let themselves cry. This was the last – and first for Isabella – time they would see Deanna again. It was their final farewell. But they were glad to see their daughter grow up. She made her choices and faced the consequences. She had grown so well. That was enough for them to know she was going to be alright. That everything would be okay for the heir of the phoenixes.

"Stay warm, little phoenix." Albus kissed the top of Deanna's head with a smile. "I will always be rooting for you. I love you."

"My daughter, keep holding on." Isabella smiled at Deanna and cupped the Hufflepuff's face. "You will, one day, acquire what you long for. I am certain about that. I love you, Deanna."

"I love you too, Mum, Pops." Deanna hugged them one last time, tight enough to express how much she loved them before she let go and sent them a smile. She walked towards Death and saw her mother and father standing together and smiling back at her.

As Deanna's hand clasped over Death's arm, the last thing she saw was the smiles of her parents, giving her the warmth she knew she would need in the place she was going to. Then, it all went dark for a few moments... until she felt it.

She shivered immediately at the cold that surrounded her and opened her eyes to see eternal snow. Eternal cold. What every phoenix hated, but what she needed to go through just so that she could meet Hermione again one day. All she was wearing was her purple socks with cookies and milk and a thin white gown just like what she was wearing when she came back from the dead. Well, at least, she had her socks.

"You were one of our most beautiful children, Deanna Dumbledore," said the deep voice with a hint of regret from behind her. She looked back, and there was Death again. "We have watched over you more intently than we had with anyone else. However, in this place, even we are not here."

"I-I used to despite fate for how c-cruel it was... Not o-only to me b-but to the people I loved a-as well." Deanna said in a soft voice, looking down at the snow. Then, she lifted her head and Death saw a soft smile on her face despite how badly she was shivering. "B-But you proved me w-wrong. You g-gave me a c-chance t-to be with the o-one I love a-again. You w-were listening to u-us all along. T-Thank y-you for b-being with us."

Death stared at her from under his cloak, his inhumane heart feeling for Deanna Dumbledore. How understanding and kind she was despite everything was bewildering, and he hoped that his fellow deities could see the goodness in her heart. He hoped they would see it soon.

Suddenly, then, Death took off his cloak and handed it to the surprised Deanna. She was more surprised at his appearance than his action. What she thought was a skeletal figure was only a thin and tall figure of a man in a suit. So, Death wasn't bony like they thought he was.

"Y-You aren't... a s-skeleton." Deanna commented with a smile before wrapping the cloak around her. "Thank you, good sir."

"You are peculiar, Deanna Dumbledore." Death shook his head with a sigh before he started vanishing from sight. "I wish you warmth and persistence for you will need it in this place of endless snow. Good luck, Deanna Dumbledore. Until the day we meet again."

And with that, he left, dropping something in the snow, and Deanna was all alone. With the cloak wrapped snugly around her, she picked up what fell and grinned while shivering. It was the phoenix pendant Hermione had given her. A sense of warmth came over Deanna as she held onto the pendant and started her endless walk in the endless snow.

She was stuck in there until the day the deities finally agreed that it was enough and that she could finally meet Hermione again. Maybe, it would be a week or a month or a year or even eternity, but Deanna would persevere in this place of snow and hold on, having only Death's cloak, her socks from Hermione and the phoenix pendant to keep her warm. Hermione was worth all the exhaustion, all the suffering and pain and all the cold she had to endure.

Shivering and cold, Deanna Dumbledore walked and walked and walked until the day she would finally be able to meet Hermione again.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•