The Vampire Diaries Finale Was Overflowing With Nostalgic Callbacks

When Katherine finally comes face-to-face with the Salvatore brothers, they insist she cut the dramatics and tell them her plan. Of course, like the sly devil she is, she simply tells them, "That's for me to know and for you to . . ." clearly referring to Damon's infamous line during season one, episode two.

As Caroline gathers a few important belongings before evacuating Mystic Falls, she is seen carrying Bonnie's bear, Ms. Cuddles, down the stairs. This stuffed animal goes through a lot during season six, both in the real world and the Prison World.

Stefan goes to Mystic Falls High to search for Elena's body, and one of the first places he looks is an American history classroom. This is obviously a callback to when Elena and Stefan met in the cemetery and she told them they "have history together."

When Stefan finally finds Elena, she is wearing a white lace blouse, a purple cardigan, and jeans. It may seem like nothing, but this is actually the exact same outfit she wears in season four, episode one, aka the day she becomes a vampire and her life changes forever.

Stefan and Caroline's final goodbye is certainly heartbreaking, but did you know it is actually a Stelena reference? Stefan and Elena share the exact same words when they part ways in season one, episode 18.

Bonnie saves the day, as always, with a little help from her ancestors, including her Grams. It certainly seems fitting that the moment she realizes her fullest potential, she is standing beside the woman who helped her realize she is a witch.

After Stefan dies, he has a sweet reunion with Elena in Mystic Falls High as he passes from life to death. Of course, the moment wouldn't be complete without recreating that run-in they have in the hallway the first time they meet.

When Stefan reunites with his best friend, Lexi, in the afterlife, she jokes about his grand speech. His response? "I was feeling epic." Not only is it the title of the series finale, but it's actually Lexi's infamous quote from season one, episode eight.

As if Stefan's line isn't emotional enough, the music has a special connection as well. In the end of the first episode of the series, The Fray's "Never Say Never" plays in the background when Stefan goes to Elena's house and she invites him inside.

It wouldn't be called The Vampire Diaries without a little journaling. Only this time, when Elena writes "today will be different," she actually means it because now she has another shot at life.

According to Stefan's tombstone, he is actually 171 years old when he dies, which just happens to be the amount of episodes in the series. The show is quite literally Stefan's story.

During Stefan's funeral, each of the characters leaves something significant on Stefan's grave. Damon leaves his daylight ring, since he is now human, Elena leaves her old vervain necklace, and Caroline leaves a snow globe keychain that Stefan gave her one Christmas.

We all swooned when Klaus gave Caroline a generous donation for her school, but did you catch the final words in his letter? "However long it takes." During season four, episode 23, he tells Caroline that while he understands she has feelings for Tyler, he intends to be her last love . . . however long it takes. Oh yeah, Klaroline is definitely endgame.

Once again, Elena finds herself writing in the cemetery, only this time, things are much different. As Tumblr user rancealot pointed out, "the colors in the first scene are cold, and sad, whereas they are now warm and happy. She went from fearing the [mysterious] bird to finding joy in knowing what it meant. He went from hiding from her, to standing in front of her. She went from leaving alone, to leaving hand in hand with him."

While Elena reunites with her family in the afterlife, Damon reunites with Stefan at the Salvatore boarding house. And what just happens to be his greeting? "Hello, brother." The two end their final scene together the exact same way they start their first one.