Disclaimer: It all belongs to JK.

AN: Forgiveness was written in July of 07 immediately following the release of DH. Thanks to AriadneAWS, who is always an inspiration.

Forgiveness

Low mist spread out over the lake's surface, spilling over onto the shore and falling against the cold rocks. Night pulled the light over the nearby hills, draining the color from the air.

A doe shadowed by a buck moved through the mist, their legs moving slowly, their heads down. The buck raised its head from time to time, scanning the trees. It was being watched.

A dark shape was moving slowly, freezing if the buck took even a deep breath or shook its head. Another sat hidden in the deep brush, its eyes casually watching the rising moon.

The shape took form, its back barely rising above the mist, stopping when the doe looked directly at it. She turned her back to it, shook her head and continued grazing, moving further away from the buck.

As a last light departed, a great laugh arose; the shape took the form of a great black dog, and the buck swung around and reared. They both sped off across the field, the mist parting like waves; joined by another dark shape, their laughter sending birds to the sky.

The doe remained still, ignoring the faraway shadows cresting another hill and out of sight.

She looked up when another shadow moved, but showed no fear.

Transforming and lowering herself to the cool grass, she watched him approach.

"I've missed you," she said.

He froze, his jaw tightening, and rubbed his hands together before sitting across from her.

"I have no words."

Sighing, she said, "I forgive you."

He tore a handful of grass and roots out of the ground, then, remembering himself, put it aside.

"Yes?"

She nodded sadly. "You didn't know."

"No…"

His expression darkened as the laughter grew louder. Appearing to want nothing more than to say something, he held back.

She leaned forward and placed her hand over his.

"After all this time?"

His eyes met hers, then grew fierce.

"Always."