Chapter 55—Growing Up

Inspired by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ed Sheeran-Growing Up

(TEN YEARS later—Sept. 1, 2010)

A petite twenty-nine year old red-haired woman emerged onto platform 9 ¾. With her, was a vibrant twenty-five year old man with short-cropped brown hair. There was also a short, chubby eleven year old boy with dark, straight brown hair that was gelled back from his face, much like how his godfather styled his hair at 11-years old.

"You'll write me, won't you, Danny? Promise." Connor said, staring up at Daniel with pleading, chocolate brown eyes. Though he initially sounded like he was begging, his attempt to extract the promise from Daniel sounded rather demanding for an eleven year old.

Ginny wasn't at all surprised by Connor's antics. Though she would've thought he'd be more excited by the sight of the steaming (and gleaming) Hogwarts Express, Connor was more focused on keeping his very first best friend, Danny, than the mystical train that would take him to a magical castle.

"Relax, Connor, you'll love Hogwarts." Danny said, receiving a glare from Connor that made him sigh just before adding, "Fine, I'll write…once a month."

When Daniel grinned widely at the boy, Connor scowled up at him. "You prat."

"Connor!" Ginny said sternly, giving her son a single warning look.

"Come on, Mum, loosen up." Connor smiled up at her playfully.

Ginny couldn't help but think, He's been spending too much time with Fred and Lee.

"Don't worry about Hogwarts, Connor. You'll love it and I'm sure you'll make several friends." Ginny said, before bending down towards her son's level. "Now, I want to talk to you about a few things before you board the train."

Connor shot a pleading look up at Daniel, who shrugged at the boy.

"Go easy on him, Gin." Danny said; his grin widening upon seeing George and his family approaching them.

Ginny shook her head at Danny before speaking with Connor. "I know I've told you before, but I feel the need to remind you again not to do anything to get yourself expelled."

Connor and Ginny shared a smile. Ginny continued, "I'm serious, Connor. Remember, we agreed to no more than three pranks a year."

"The third one gets to be epic!" Connor added excitedly.

Ginny sighed, nodding. "Yes, but only on the very last day, remember?"

Connor grinned, saying, "I promised you already, Mum."

Ginny smiled. "Yes, but lately you've been selectively forgetting many things. Recently, I've let you get away with a lot. I know exactly how…fun it can be to adopt Fred and George's outlook on things, but I won't tolerate you misbehaving at school. I don't want to hear a word from that school about you getting into serious trouble. If they write me, you'll wish that I'd simply owled you a Howler and left it at that. Understood?"

"Yes, Mum."

"And under no circumstances are you to be accepting outrageous amounts of money from Astoria and Draco."

Again, Connor grinned with a gleeful expression that made Ginny roll her eyes fondly at his godparents' antics. Severus, Draco, Astoria and four-year old Scorpius couldn't make it to Kings Cross today. Last night, however, they'd all had a family dinner together as a way to give Connor a celebratory sendoff to Hogwarts.

"Mum, you're telling me to deny their generosity."

Ginny chuckled, thinking, That's my boy. She cupped the side of Connor's rounded, cherub face.

"I'm proud of you." Ginny said, watching Connor look down embarrassedly. "Aside from the pranks and jokes, this summer, we all couldn't help but see you studying on your own just because you wanted to. That willingness to work hard and excel—I never want you to lose that. Truly, Connor, I'm so proud of you, darling."

"Thanks, Mum." Connor said, hugging Ginny. "Don't miss me too much."

Ginny shook her head. "That's impossible. Don't forget to owl me sometimes."

Connor nodded. Ginny stood to her height, resuming her hold on Connor's trolley.

"We only have ten minutes till departure. I'll take care of putting your luggage on the train. Say your byes to your uncle and cousins."

"Where's Teddy?" Connor asked, looking around the platform for Remus, his son, and Hermione. "Never mind, I see them coming our way."

Ginny shook her head, as she watched Connor run over to George's group that was shortly joined by Teddy, Remus and Hermione. The latter two were dating. Though she could've done it wandlessly, Ginny decided to use her wand to magic Connor's luggage onto the train. While doing that, she couldn't help but reminisce over the past ten years of raising Connor. The first four years had been difficult, but not due to Connor; more so, because Ginny's life had been full of several crucial changes.

(Flashback: August 2001)

Ginny was currently at the Ministry, clearing her desk out of all her possessions.

Tomorrow would be her very last day as an Auror. Ginny was excited to leave the Ministry behind once and for all. She was happy to start her new career as a Healer, specializing in the reversal of Dark curse magic and Spell Damage.

After settling down in the cottage that she'd leased from Muriel, all aspects of Ginny's life just seemed to align.

Despite Ginny's role in Riddle's second resurrection, the Ministry hadn't treated her with suspicion. They didn't even use roundabout methods to punish her or sabotage her career; rather the opposite was true. Even before Ginny was promoted to a corporal seven months later, peoples' respect for her at the Ministry increased. Working closely alongside Harry, Blaise, Neville and a few others allowed Ginny's association with people outside of her family and closest friends to broaden.

Yet, even though Ginny's career at the Ministry was going great, she found herself very discontent with being an Auror. Harry loved being an Auror, Ron loved being an assistant coach to the Chudley Cannons, the Twins loved their joke shop, Percy still loved the Ministry, Charlie his dragons, Bill his managing position at Gringotts, and Hermione her law studies at Oxford and at the MLE.

Nine months into his career—that is, after the Ministry laxed its restrictions on Severus—he began to love his position as a Potions Researcher and Developer for the Ministry. Despite Severus's past, his prestige as the world's foremost Potions Master afforded him more flexibility to research and develop potions that he and the Ministry deemed most important to their world. He now had a career most suited to his temperament and his dream; in fact, everyone Ginny knew had this, except for Ginny herself.

Somehow, Ginny's discontent showed. Perhaps it was Draco, Astoria and Severus's perceptiveness that at last got her to admit aloud that she'd really like to (one day) have the option to choose any career that she wanted rather than simply having no options other than being an Auror. Severus, after seeing her discontent and sharing Ginny's concern, talked with McGonagall.

The Headmistress arranged for Ginny to take her N.E.W.T. exams at Hogwarts in June of 2001 with Hogwart's seventh year students. Though Ginny had only had eight months to review seven years of Hogwarts coarse-work, she'd earned six Outstanding scores and two Exceed Expectations.

Three months after her N.E.W.T.s, Ginny applied to St. Mungo's and was accepted into their Healer program. It was a very rigorous study program. At times, Ginny wasn't sure she'd be able to work as an Auror, study as a Healer, and be a mother to Connor.

Ginny wouldn't have succeeded if it hadn't been for Draco, Astoria, Molly, Severus, Harry, and Blaise's help. The first three were awesome when it came to watching Connor, whereas Harry and Blaise were great at covering late (or weekend) hours or certain inconvenient duties for Ginny at the Ministry. Yet, with their support, Ginny was able to continue the Healer program with excellent marks.

Now that Ginny's contract with the Ministry was up, she'd have more time on the weekdays to spend with Connor. She'd also have more time to finish her clinicals. Overall, Ginny knew that she'd leave her job as an Auror without any regrets. She'd certainly never want to come back, though she was glad that she could look back on this and not completely hate or resent being an Auror.

"I think you're making a big mistake by leaving, you know." Kingsley said just before walking up to her.

Ginny smiled warmly at Shacklebolt. "I think that's your fifth time saying that, sir."

"Since I can't change your mind about leaving, then call me Kingsley. You've earned that privilege, Ginny."

"Thanks," Ginny said, shrinking her possessions before teasing him, "Is that your way of saying that you'll miss me?"

"You know I will." Kingsley said, placing a light touch to Ginny's shoulder. "You've done well, and I know you'll do even better as a healer. Take care, Ginny, and good luck."

(Flashback ended)

That was nine years ago, and Ginny had never regretted her decision to leave the Ministry. Yes, it had been incredibly challenging to become a specialized Healer in Dark magic and Spell Damage. Several times, she thought she'd have to give it up. Yet, when she'd finally achieved her dream, Ginny was happy because she loved what she was doing and because she was better able to financially support Connor.

Though Ginny's job as an Auror was decent pay—and she certainly could've gotten by on it—she knew that Connor deserved much better. She would never ask the Malfoys, Percy, Fred, George or the Carmichaels for money that she didn't truly need from them. Although Ginny did have access to the Nott family wealth in Gringotts, she never used it because it never felt like hers.

It's Connor's to have and grow for himself, his children and their children.

Being a healer meant that Ginny had unusual hours, but she was still able to watch her son grow up happy, safe, and much loved by Ginny, her family, and close friends. After an additional two years of Healer training—that is, after she'd left the Auror corps—Ginny's life began to slow down. That meant she had a healthier balance between her career and Connor, who liked watching his Mummy show (and teach) him basic healing spells, along with other magics.

Ginny's Healer position more so centered on research and developing new spells and potions that would combat or completely eliminate the effects of Dark magic or Spell Damage on severely ill or wounded patients. That meant that Ginny didn't have several patients each day; rather, the few patients that she had were highly critical or they had diagnoses so complex that they'd been assigned to Ginny. On average, she rarely had over fifteen patients and they didn't require her attention every day.

It didn't take Ginny long at all to earn a well-respected reputation as this type of Healer. Her background as a Death Eater—and her tutelage under Voldemort—allowed Ginny intimate knowledge into the workings of all magic but especially Dark magic. Her innate ability at doing Dark magic also extended into an innate understanding of aggressive magics. That made her new career all the more a perfect fit for Ginny.

Many times—that is, after Connor turned four years old—Ginny was able to take him to work with her. Ginny smiled to herself, remembering how he would spend time in her work study, sitting in Ginny's lap as she read her medical reports/findings out loud to him. Many times, he'd zoom around her office on the toy broomstick gifted to him by Draco. Other times, Connor would prefer going to the employee nursery (daycare) level at St. Mungos and play with the other children there.

Though Connor didn't look like Ginny, he had her brain. Even as a toddler, he'd been incredibly bright and very well-spoken. By the age of four, he was reading on a second grade level. Wandless magic also came very easy to him, too. Molly said Connor reminded her of Ginny as a child, summoning whatever foods or items she wanted or was denied.

Connor's wandless magic ranged from summoning, conjuring, and exploding items to pieces whenever he was upset or throwing a tantrum. As Ginny lowered Connor's trunk onto the storage compartment of the train, she couldn't help but reflect back on the first time she'd seen him do wandless magic.

(Flashback)

"More puddy, Mummy!" Connor said from his seat at the Malfoys' dining table.

"Not tonight, love." Ginny said, watching Connor pout and begin to tear up. Usually, that precedes either a tantrum or fake waterworks, Ginny thought.

"One more serving can't hurt." Draco said, giving Ginny a light glare.

"He's crying, Ginevra." Astoria said, watching Connor with scandalized pity, as if it was a crime to deprive her godson of anything. "Don't be so strict."

"It's too late in the evening for him to eat all that sugar." Ginny snapped at them both with a scowl. "Try putting a four year old on a sugar high to bed and then talk to me about what's wise for him to have."

Ginny knew Twinky often put Connor to sleep when he spent the night at Malfoy Manor. She knew because Twinky complained to her about how difficult it was to put him to sleep after Astoria or Draco had allowed him several sweets before bedtime.

"Mummy, I WANT PUDDY!"

"I said no—and stop yelling, or you'll go in timeout." Ginny said sternly, staring at him disapprovingly.

Astoria, Molly, and Draco have spoiled him—even Severus agrees.

The next moment, the pudding dish zoomed from near the head of the table where Draco sat and then went straight to Connor's seat. On its way to Connor, wine glasses and dishes holding food items were knocked over either onto the table or on the floor. Ginny, Draco, and Astoria all gaped down the table at Connor, whose gaze was fixated on the pudding dish with an expression full of both glee and keen awareness about his magic.

"You've got to give him some now." Draco said, staring at Connor with fatherly pride. Next, Draco walked over to the four year old and picked him up off his seat, saying, "Well done, Connor. Never let anyone stop you from having really good things."

Ginny gaped at Draco, beginning to lash out at him.

Then, Connor said, "Like puddy? I love puddy, and ice cream, and cookies, and cake, and…"

"We know, sweetheart." Astoria said; her eyes glistening in adoration of the brat.

Ginny rolled her eyes at the ceiling, shaking her head at how hopeless her efforts at preventing Connor from a sense of self-entitlement were. I've told them over and over not to spoil him rotten, and yet, they do it anyway. No wonder he's confused!

"Mummy say no." Connor said sadly, pouting at Draco.

Ginny stood, taking Connor from Draco's arms and holding him in hers.

She kissed his forehead, saying, "You've had enough pudding for tonight. You can have pudding tomorrow. All that pudding will make you sick or fat. Do you want to be sick?"

Connor vehemently shook his head from side to side.

"Do you want to be fat?"

"NO, Mummy!"

Ginny smiled at him, saying, "Then…"

"I don't want puddy no more."

Ginny chuckled at Connor, smoothing his messy brown locks before placing him high up on her shoulders to sit. He squealed in delight, placing both hands on Ginny's ears just to hold something while being that high up.

"I'll be upstairs, doing his bath. Then, he's going straight to bed." Ginny said sternly to Draco, who visibly looked disappointed. His playful behavior always got Connor excited just before bed.

"Mummy, no." Connor bemoaned.

"Say goodnight, Connor."

"Night, Auntie 'Storie, Unca Dwaco."

"Night, Connor." They both said, just as Ginny and the boy left the dining room.

(Flashback ended)

Ginny couldn't believe how fast eleven years had flown by.

Just yesterday, Ginny could remember Connor saying his first word (Gin), taking his first steps, riding his toy broomstick, learning his ABCs, and walking him into his muggle preschool. Now, her baby was going off to Hogwarts to receive his magical education.

Time is moving too fast.

In no time, Ginny had secured Connor's luggage. When she walked back over to Connor's group, Ginny said hello to George, Angelina, and their children, along with Remus, Hermione and Teddy.

"Where's Fred?" Ginny asked George, frowning at him.

"He's still in Sydney, settling two new branches there, remember?"

Ginny nodded, "He shouldn't have promised Connor that he'd be here if he couldn't make it."

"Relax, Gin. He told me to pass on a gift to Connor." George said light-heartedly.

Ginny narrowed her eyes at her brother. "What gift?"

Daniel smiled wickedly at George's obvious discomfort, saying, "This is gonna be good."

"Dungbomb pelts of course." George said with a devious grin that made Ginny, Hermione, and Angelina groan, whereas Remus, the children and George beamed from ear to ear.

"Accio." Ginny thought to herself, wandlessly summoning the contents in Connor's pants pockets.

Ginny frowned down at the sight of two small black boxes. "Engorgio."

After wandlessly enlarging the items, Ginny saw that one was actually dung bomb pelts. The other box's contents made Ginny and Angelina slap the very back of George's head.

"Skiving Snackboxes!" Ginny yelled on the platform, drawing slightly startled looks from those nearest to their group.

"He's a first year, George!" Hermione said disapprovingly.

"Unbelievable." Angelina added, shaking her head at her husband. "You know better."

"It's just a bit of fun. You're all overreacting." George said, looking to Remus for agreement. Remus quite smartly stayed quiet.

"I'm telling Mum." Ginny said, glowering her brother and watching him try to hide the way he shuffled his feet at her remark.

Right then, the train horn blared across the platform, alerting everyone that it was time to board.

"We'll see you at Christmas, Connor." Angelina said with a kind smile.

"Take care, kid." Danny said, giving Connor a light, playful swat to his left arm.

"Don't forget to write." Little Roxie said, hugging her cousin, who promised to write her and little Fred once again.

Ginny walked over to Connor, lightly touching his shoulder to get his attention. "Well, it's time. You ready, son?"

Connor nodded confidently, though he was clearly nervous.

"You'll do fine. Remember, I don't care about Houses and neither do the others…much." Ginny said with a wide smile, watching her son grin up at her and nod.

"I know. Thanks Mum."

Once again, the train horn sounded. Ginny quickly bent down and gave Connor a tight hug.

"I'll miss you. Please don't forget to write."

Connor pulled away, grabbing Ginny's hand before saying, "Mum, I promised, remember? Relax."

It was moments like this when Connor reminded Ginny of Theodore. To Draco's disappointment, Connor lacked Theodore's impeccable composure. Yet, sometimes, Connor's light-hearted manner was visibly well-balanced with seriousness which always reminded Ginny of Theo.

Connor lacked his father's hard, aloof exterior. Yet they both were easy-going in their own way, choosing to enjoy the pleasures in life without allowing the bad or obstacles to completely defeat their spirit or ambitions. Ginny was immensely grateful that Connor had inherited that outlook from Theodore, especially since she was more pessimistic than an optimist.

"Just reminding you. Now, off you go, love. You and Teddy watch out for each other." Ginny said, watching both boys nod before running onto the train.

They had boarded just in time, too. A minute later, the train jolted to a slow start. My baby's going off to his first year. Teddy to his second. Time! Ginny thought with a sigh, waving at the departing train with a wide smile on her face as she watched Connor waving out a compartment window at them all with Teddy and a girl that Ginny didn't know.

Ginny couldn't describe the many feelings she experienced watching the train completely round the corner out of her sight. It was so daunting, knowing that she couldn't accompany her baby on this pivotal a point in his life. It seemed wrong, and yet, right.

"They grow up fast." Remus said, placing a gentle touch on Ginny's shoulder. "He'll be fine."

Ginny nodded. "Of course."

"We have Sunday dinner to get to. You lot ready to go?" Hermione asked with a warm smile at them all.

With that said, they departed King's Cross.

(December 2014-Christmas Eve)

"Oh, wow, Draco! A Firebolt-21! UNBELIEVABLE!" Connor shouted, jumping up and down while gaping at Draco with awe.

Draco and Astoria shared a knowing look before looking at their godson with unadulterated indulgence and joy. Eight-year old Scorpius pouted at Connor with envy. Draco and Connor left the sitting room to go outside; apparently, Draco was anxious to show Connor a feature that he'd paid extra to have added to the broom.

Immediately after they left, Scorpius walked over to Ginny, who then pulled the blond boy into a comforting, consoling hug.

"It's not fair, Aunt Ginevra. How come he gets one and I don't."

Ginny, Severus and Narcissa chuckled, receiving light glares from Scorpius. They all tried to quit grinning but they couldn't quite stop, until Scorpius became so red in the face at being made fun of.

"Sweetie, I'm sure your Mum and Dad told you why they gave him the racing broom." Ginny said, watching Scorpius nod at her with a pout.

"They said he's a big boy now, and that big boys get big brooms. But I want that broom!"

"You don't like the Firebolt Flame I bought you?" Ginny asked with a small smile.

"I like it, but it's for little kids, Aunt Ginevra—and I'm a big boy, too. And I can play Quidditch, too—just like Connor."

Once again, Severus chuckled.

"I can, Uncle Sev! Don't laugh! Grandmother make him stop!"

Narcissa hid her smile behind her hands as she pretended to have a coughing fit. However, Scorpius was not fooled. He began to tear up. Meanwhile, Severus continued to chuckle, despite the light, admonishing glare that Ginny gave him. Severus still had an amused smile as he drank from his wine glass.

"You know I'm a big boy, Aunt Ginny. Aren't I?"

Ginny sighed. She'd foreseen this coming the moment Draco and Astoria asked her permission to gift Connor with that racing broom.

"Scorpius, you are certainly a good boy; but you are not as old as Connor, nor are you on Hogwarts Quidditch team like Connor. When you turn fourteen, your parents will get you an even better racing broom. Give it time, love."

Still, Scorpius was dissatisfied.

"These children are spoilt and unappreciative."

"Severus!" Ginny and Nacissa said together.

"He's only being a child." Narcissa told her second husband disapprovingly.

"Most certainly—a spoilt and unappreciative child. Come here, Scorpius." Severus said, beckoning the blond lad over to him with a wave of his left hand. Scorpius walked over and sat in Severus's lap, pouting as he listened to Snape tell him, "Do you know that there are children who will not get any Christmas gifts at all this year?"

"Yes, Uncle Sev—but…"

Severus gave the boy a sharp look just before Severus resumed talking, "There are no buts, young man. Connor is fourteen years old; you are eight. Connor is a Hogwarts student on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team; you have not yet gotten your Hogwarts letter. You can neither have all the things that Connor does, nor can you quite do all of the things that he does, because you are much younger than him. Understood?"

Scorpius reluctantly nodded.

"I still want Aunt Ginny to make Connor give it back." Scorpius said stubbornly, making Narcissa and Ginny burst out laughing. Even Severus nearly smiled at the boy.

"Regardless, you are to be grateful for the gifts that you've received this year. Persist in this pettiness and I shall take them all away."

"Uncle Sev!" Scorpius whined.

"Scorpius, quit while you're ahead, son." Severus said warningly.

Scorpius nodded, "Fine, he can keep it."

All four adults, including Astoria, shook their heads at Scorpius. Just like Draco. Stubborn to the very end, Ginny thought. Scorpius then left Severus's lap, returning to Ginny's side. He began to excitedly chatter on and on about the broom she'd given him. Ginny simply listened to him, adding some points whenever she could get a word in.

When Draco and Connor returned, they all sat down and ate Christmas Eve dinner. Tomorrow, Ginny and Connor would eat with the Weasleys, Potters, and Lupins. The day after that, they'd spend with the Carmichaels and Shacklebolts.

For years, that was exactly how Connor and Ginny spent their Christmas holidays. Connor usually spent the first couple of days with Ginny, only to spend the rest of the week at the Burrow with Teddy, the Potter children and his younger cousins. The second week of his holiday was spent with the Malfoys, where he and Ginny stayed at the Manor.

This year, however, Connor had been insistent to spend time with everyone but Ginny. He's avoiding me, Ginny thought while watching Connor and Astoria laugh at Draco and Scorpius for their matching, reindeer Christmas jumpers.

"What's going on with you two?" Severus asked Ginny, who sighed. He is too perceptive for his own good. "You've been here for half a day and he hasn't said a word to you."

Ginny shrugged. "I don't know. It's been like this all holiday. And, when I think about it, he's been acting strange all term. So…distant."

"His letters to me have been engaging. He's written nothing to alarm me or to explain his behavior towards you." Severus said, frowning up the table at Connor.

Again, Ginny sighed disappointedly. He usually tells Severus everything, so why not this? That left Ginny with a slight sense of foreboding. This is serious.

Dinner was a long, drawn out affair that they all immensely enjoyed. It was a time to catch up with one another and to simply be together, which they often weren't able to do throughout the year. Once they were all done eating, Connor and Scorpius decided to go outside and have a snow fight.

"A moment, Connor." Ginny said, standing up from her seat at the dining table.

"But—"

"No, you and I have some talking to do—and maybe then you can play with Scorpius."

Scorpius grinned, delightedly telling Connnor, "Ooh, you're in big trouble."

"Shut up, Scorpy!"

"If he's grounded, can I get his broom?"

"No!" Everyone in the room firmly said. Ginny shook her head at her godson before leading Connor out of the dining hall by firmly gripping his upper right shoulder.

When they entered the sitting room and sat side by side, Ginny looked at Connor expectantly, wanting him to begin.

"Are you going to start or should I?" Ginny asked.

Connor sighed, looking down at the floor rather than meeting Ginny's gaze.

"Connor, just talk to me. What's bothering you?"

"Nothing, Mum."

"You're lying."

"You said no Legilimency!" Connor said irately, standing upright to leave.

"Sit down." Ginny said sharply, giving him a cold, warning look that made Connor resume his seat. "I'm your mother. I know when you're lying or being evasive, and I'd never do that to you unless I thought I absolutely had to. Are you telling me that what's bothering you warrants Legilimency, Connor?"

"No, Mum, I just…can't you leave it?" The gangly fourteen year old groaned.

"I could." Ginny said softly. "But leave what, Connor? At least, tell me why you're avoiding me. I deserve to know that."

For a while, there was total silence between them as Connor stared ahead with a bemused expression mixed with guilt. When he finally looked at Ginny, his intense gaze was so scrutinizing that she felt that whatever he'd say would make her emotionally vulnerable.

"I know what you were—a Death Eater."

Suddenly, Ginny was breathless. She nodded somewhat dazedly. "I never hid that from you, Connor."

"But you never told me what that really meant!"

"Only because you were too young to understand, son. I always planned to explain more when you were older."

"When? When I become of age!" Connor said, shaking his head at Ginny with anger.

"No, only when you were old enough to understand exactly what you were asking." Ginny said quietly, watching Connor give a stiff nod at hearing that.

"Well, I definitely do now. And that's the problem." Connor said, wringing his hands. "We've been learning a lot about the second war at school. Terry and Emma Macmillan, along with some Gryffindors, began having a laugh in class about how I should know all about those times, seeing as my mum's an unapologetic Death Eater. And the things they say about Dad's family…"

Ginny stayed quiet, allowing her son to continue. She could tell that her past had definitely caused Connor a lot of trouble this past term at Hogwarts. He needs to get this off his chest and children can be so cruel—especially those bullying, Macmillan brats (twins).

"I got curious about you. I went through old records about you in the library, and now it's like I don't even know my own mother. What I read…it's all so mixed. The same for Uncle Sev, too, even though I've known you both my whole life. It's so stupid…"

"Connor, you have every right to doubt and feel confused. I don't blame you, son, and I don't want you feeling any guilt." Ginny said, watching Connor shake his head but continue listening to her. "Your confusion, the guilt…it's understandable. And I never want you to feel like you can't talk to me about things like this that bother you about me, your father, or anything."

When Connor didn't reply, Ginny asked, "Understood?"

"Yea," Connor said quietly, nodding at Ginny with a distant, thoughtful gaze. He's looking more and more like Theo each year. The uncanny resemblance sometimes rattled Ginny. This was one of those times.

"So now that you're old enough to understand, I'll explain my past. You'll have to talk with Severus about his. This would be so much easier if I could share my Pensieve with you, but I swore to only do that when you're much older…around twenty-five." Ginny laughed dryly, though she was dead serious.

"So that's why it's locked."

Ginny cut her eyes at Connor with pursed lips, watching her son give her a slightly caught look.

"You can't blame me for being curious—or for trying." Connor said with a bashful grin.

I guess he really wouldn't be my son if he didn't try. Ginny thought, shrugging afterwards.

"Well, in eleven years when that Pensieve will unlock for you, you might wish that it hadn't, Connor. All in good time, son." Ginny thought, feeling sick by the thought of that day when he'd see mostly everything for himself. "Until then, I'll tell you how I became a Death Eater. It all started when I turned eleven…"

Several times, Ginny's monologue was interrupted by Connor because he had legit questions.

He asked, "Why'd you trust Riddle? You really couldn't tell that something was wrong with him?"

"Tom Marvolo Riddle—Lord Voldemort—though I didn't know that at the time, was a very…charming…person. He knew exactly what to do or say to put someone perfectly at ease, and if you didn't really know Him, you'd never suspect him of being so…vile and evil. When I was writing in that diary that held a piece of his soul, I was…enthralled by him. He was so smart, confident, friendly, and supportive; whatever I wanted or needed him to be, he became that but only to manipulate me."

"Why didn't you tell someone?"

Ginny pushed her hair behind her ears, "I was afraid that I'd be blamed. I was afraid because I didn't really understand what was happening to me—I didn't think anyone could really help me, or that they'd believe me. And I convinced myself that I'd deal with him because I had no other choice. I should've known better."

After Ginny finished explaining her first year to Connor, he looked like he'd be sick. Ginny then progressed to the summer before her fourth year at Hogwarts, when she became a Death Eater.

"Why didn't he kill you? You were fourteen; you couldn't possibly be a Death Eater."

"At first, I thought he only allowed me to live because I knew him so well—how he thought, why he did the things he did, and because he'd shared so much about himself and what he knew with me. Years later, I found out that he only let me live because he suspected that a part of himself somehow still resided in me."

"But…how? You said Harry got rid of him."

Ginny nodded. "He did, just not all of him. But we didn't know that, not until over a year after the war ended."

Ginny continued with her story, describing the details of what being a Death Eater entailed. It was so hard to tell her son all the things she'd seen, and the things that she'd done for the sake of either her family, her survival, or for her spying efforts.

The level of maturity shown by Connor deeply impressed Ginny, though. He'd never before heard anything quite like this, and yet, he was taking it all in considerably well. Connor was clearly horrified, stunned, and deeply perturbed by all that she'd told him. Ginny didn't hide the fact that she'd killed and tortured people; that she'd lied, deceived, manipulated, and watched terrible things happen without intervening.

Ginny wanted Connor to know that she'd chose her path, and with that choice, came some harsh consequences as a result. She didn't want Connor deluded into seeing her as some sort of hero. Yet Ginny did want Connor to know that her, Theo, and Severus had done everything in their power to end Voldemort and everyone truly aligned with him.

"I'm sorry, Mum. I didn't think…I should've known. It was stupid to doubt you."

"What did I say about that?"

"I know but…still. You've been through so much, and I should've trusted you. I shouldn't've felt…"

"Ashamed, guilty by association." Ginny offered for Connor, giving him a wry smile.

"Like I said, you're not at all to blame, sweet heart. I perfectly understand. I wish…I wish that you didn't have to go through any of that. I wish that my past and your father's family reputation didn't have to be a shadow that'll probably always follow you. If it was in my power to give you a clean slate, I truly would—but I can't. I can, however, show our world that I'm now a much better person than I was back then. Yet you'll have to show them that you're far better than I ever was, son."

Connor gave a small, somewhat sad smile to Ginny. She understood—and Connor perfectly understood—that the moment he became of age, he'd have to take on the burden of repairing the damage done to the Nott family name.

Despite all the good that Ginevra Molly Nott nee Weasley had done for the past fourteen years, peoples' memories were long. Some people would never believe that Ginny had really changed. Those same people (and others) were scrutinizing her son, wondering how he'd turn out. Yet, Ginny and everyone she loved still had hope that their world's perceptions of their family would change.

Ginny knew that Draco and Severus were grooming Connor for his future role as family Head. She was confident that Connor would do exceedingly well, for all that truly knew him loved him.

"Mum, I don't think I could ever be better than you." Connor said, giving Ginny a genuine smile.

Ginny chuckled as she hugged her son.

"You already are, love." Ginny said, ruffling Connor's hair. "Merry Christmas, dear."

"Merry Christmas, Mum."

(Late June 2017—Nott Manor)

In the corridor outside the Nott family portraits room, Ginny eavesdropped on Connor's conversation with Theodore's portrait. For nineteen years, Ginny hadn't known that an animated portrait of her deceased husband existed.

Apparently, whenever a male Nott became of age, a portrait like this was commissioned. Nott Sr. had Theo's portrait locked away in a Gringotts vault, and only when Connor became of age, did the portrait appear in the Manor.

Nott Sr. had kept it out of the Manor, writing that it had been too painful for him to see it when he'd been briefly let from Azkaban by Tom.

So Nott Sr. had made arrangements for Theodore's portrait, just as he arranged for the ownership of all the Nott's family wealth to transfer first to Ginny, and then to Connor on his seventeenth birthday.

Yet, it was the portrait that most disturbed Ginny. It had been in the manor now for four months, and she hadn't looked at it. She hadn't even spoken to it. Ginny didn't live in the manor, so it wasn't necessarily that she was avoiding the portrait—yet, in a way, she was.

Long ago, Ginny had built up a life without Theodore, and though it had been incredibly difficult, she'd forged ahead.

So, no, Ginny didn't speak to it, and she didn't look at it—but to hear his voice after all these years. Ginny closed her eyes, feeling as if she was drowning in her past with Theodore. All these years and it still hurts to remember.

"So you've found the one." Theodore's portrait said, sounding satisfied by that.

"I proposed to Emma today at graduation. She said yes. She hasn't yet told her parents, and I haven't told Mum." Connor said sheepishly.

"Why not?" Theodore asked in that way of his that could make someone feel utterly ridiculous because of their folly. "There's no doubt at all that this Emma is the one; that what you both have will last. Your mother knows exactly what that bond feels like. She'll understand, Connor, and she'll want you to be happy. Tell her."

Ginny heard Connor sigh. "I am…soon. I can't wait to marry her, so I'll have to get that out of the way today. Knowing Mum, she'll probably say we're too young…tell us to wait."

"That would be too hypocritical of Ginevra. She'll surprise you, son." Theodore said confidently.

"I should've told Mum I'd bonded with Emma, but I think she already knows. We've spent nearly every holiday together these past two years. How could she not suspect?" said Connor.

Ginny grinned to herself, knowing all along that those two were bonded and even engaged. She'd definitely enjoy watching Connor sweat, as he told her his not-so-well-kept secret.

"Hmm, well, you'll certainly see then, won't you?" Theodore asked amusedly.

"There's something else I've wanted to talk with you about—but uh…it's awkward."

"If I had to hazard a guess, I'd bet your mother is seeing someone very seriously for the first time ever. It's Potter, isn't it." Theodore spat with ill-conceived distaste.

Ginny rolled her eyes, shaking her head. You would think that, Theo! She thought fondly to herself.

Connor laughed, "No. Uncle Harry's been married to Susan—you know, Susan Bones—for about sixteen years now. I mean, him and Mum dated for a while, yea, but apparently, they were better off as friends. Fred and George joke that Mum has serious issues…"

"Issues? What issues?" Theodore asked interestedly.

"Ever since I've bonded with Emma, I think I get it now. It works both ways. I'm not the same person I was before I bonded with Emma. If I lost her, I'd be so different. I don't know how Mum has dealt with it for all these years."

"You." Theodore answered, and Ginny smiled to herself, knowing he was absolutely right.

Ginny was convinced that the maternal bond was the strongest bond on the face of this Earth, a bond so powerful that it didn't require any magic to be potent.

"So who is she so serious about?" Theodore asked.

"Zabini."

For a full three minutes, Ginny listened to Theodore alternate between laughing and swearing about Zabini being nothing but a whoring, pretty-boy.

"Yeah, that's pretty much what I think too, Dad." Connor said, sounding extremely disapproving.

He's never told me, Ginny thought to herself, feeling truly baffled. Sometimes, Connor's so much like me that it's scary. He should've told me.

"Aunt Astoria says that Zabini's calmed down a lot; that he's serious about Mum."

"Of course that wanker is. He's always fancied her. You're probably the only reason why he's waited so long to make his move."

"Dad, focus!"

"We're talking about my wife moving on, son. Have a bit more understanding, why don't you." Theodore smarted, eliciting a put upon sigh from Connor. Ginny could see him rolling his eyes now. "And don't roll your eyes at me. If he went after Emma, then what?"

Silence.

"Touché," Connor said reluctantly, "Anyway, I'm glad she's dating—but I don't know about Zabini."

"Don't worry, son. I'm sure Severus and Draco would've taken care of Blaise by now. Does her family know about the prick?"

"Yea, but he's gained a lot of respect over the years, so they don't have a problem with Zabini. Mum has been in a relationship with him for a year and a half, but they're both still calling it casual dating. I don't get it."

"I doubt they even get it." Theodore said wryly, and hearing it made Ginny want to squirm because there was some truth to that. "Ginevra's probably comfortable with their relationship just as it is now. She probably doesn't want it to become more."

Exactly. Ginny thought, knowing Theodore's portrait understood her perfectly, even after all these years. It's not that Blaise is a problem; he's calmed down a whole lot. I just don't want the emotional baggage and entanglement that comes with love—the risks, the ups, the downs, the commitment, the sharing, whatever. Yet Ginny knew it felt so incredibly good to be wanted by Blaise, held by Blaise, somewhat emotionally supported by him, and to be thoroughly bedded by him, too.

Ginny smiled to herself just before clearing her head of her lust-filled thoughts about Zabini. Despite all that, Ginny wasn't ready to settle down again. She'd done that before and it hadn't worked out well.

I admit, I'm afraid. And I don't even know how to be seriously involved with someone anymore. I don't think I ever really knew how to back then either. Where does a person start to make a relationship lasting and strong? In many ways, her bond with Theodore had hindered Ginny from knowing the answer to questions like that. When you're bonded the way we were, the foundations for a strong relationship is the bond itself and the core foundation of the bond has a foundation based on attraction, genetics and magic.

"Even if Mum doesn't want it to become more, it just doesn't feel right for her to…allow that. She's better than that. I just don't know how to tell her."

Ginny slightly gaped at the closed door that hid her eavesdropping. Ginny reached for the door knob and turned, pulling it open.

"You shouldn't have to tell her that, Connor. In fact, I think I will." Theodore said, giving Ginny a pleased smile full of hunger and love as he watched her cross the room towards them.

Connor turned to see Ginny approaching him. He was clearly startled to see her. It was much easier for Ginny to look at her son than at his father, who she still yearned for after all these years.

Yet, the resemblance to his father was striking. Connor had Theodore's tall stature, his hair, his eyes, and his aristocratic facial structure—that is, other than Theodore's nose and ears. The true difference was in their temperaments. Her son was simply more open and warmer than his father.

"Hi, Theo." Ginny said, meeting Theodore's portrait gaze once again with raptness as she watched him.

"Hello, love."

Theo stood tall in immaculate robes of black velvet with silver trimming. His hair in the portrait was neatly cut and so dark that the artist barely used a lighter hue of brown to reveal his true coloring. If I didn't know what to look for, I would've assumed him raven-haired. Everything about his bearings screamed youth, firmly entrenched shrewdness, and unyielding strength.

Ginny and Theodore simply stared at one another in marvel. It wasn't until Connor cleared his throat that Ginny blinked and looked at her son, truly forgetting that he was there. While looking at Theo, Ginny had felt emotions ranging from euphoria to crushing depression. It's like my emotions are a cascading wave that's just finished its sudden high cresting. But, at least, I'm still fine…mostly.

"I'm sure you've heard everything that Connor's told me." Theodore said, his eyes gleaming amusedly.

Ginny beamed up at him. "Yes, I have." She said with a smirk that her and Theo shared.

Ginny turned to Connor, looking up at her son who was now considerably taller than her.

"You could've told me, you know." Ginny said.

"You're not mad about Emma…or how unsure I am about Zabini."

Ginny laughed. "No, darling. I knew all along about you and Emma, especially about the engagement. I saw the ring." Ginny explained, watching Connor shake his head at her.

"And I want you to know, that when it comes to my relationship with Blaise, absolutely nothing happens that I'm not entirely comfortable with. I'm not settling for less by allowing him or myself to 'casually date', even though we're seeing each other exclusively."

"Grandmother says it's not appropriate."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Of course she does, but that still doesn't change my mind."

"Would it change…if I asked you to?"

"Connor." Theodore said; his voice was cold, sharp, and disapproving.

Connor leveled a light glare up at his father just before sighing, "Fine, that's a bit unfair. Zabini's not that bad. You could do worse. Just be careful."

Just before Ginny could reply, Daniel entered the doorway with Mary and Jonathan Carmichael.

"Oy, Connor! Your fiancée is asking for you to make the announcement to everyone. Come on out. Be a brave gent!" Danny teased.

"Hush, Daniel." Mary Carmichael said, "You'd be nervous, too. Oh, Theodore, what a lovely portrait."

"It is an excellent likeness." Jonathan added with a nod.

Ginny knew the Carmichaels had asked Daniel to show them the room where Theodore's portrait resided for this very purpose—to both speak to him and see him.

"Thanks, Jon, Mary. How're the girls?" Theodore asked politely.

"All grown up now. They're doing well." said Jon with a proud smile. "Come on, Connor. Emma's parents are making her angst worse."

Ginny gave Jonathan a grateful smile, watching Daniel lead Connor away from the room with the Carmichaels. Ginny could hear Danny giving Connor useful pointers about how to handle the Macmillans.

When the Carmichaels shut the door to the room, Theodore's painting wasted no time speaking.

"You've done a great job with Connor, Ginevra. He's…perfect. He's everything I wanted a child of mine to be—healthy, happy, and incredibly good at heart. You've done…remarkably well. I just…I should've been there."

Ginny smiled sadly up at Theo. "I know. For years, I struggled to find a way to make you real to him. He's not totally absent of you now, and certainly not back then, either. Astoria, Draco and I have told him about you, but it's not the same. Either way, I haven't raised him alone. I can't take all the credit for how well he's turned out. But thanks."

For a while, they stood in silence simply staring at each other. He was probably remembering their past, just as Ginny herself was.

"I miss you." Ginny said, breaking the silence. "Everyday, I think about how we were robbed of more time together. I'm sorry."

"For what, Ginevra?" Theodore asked, frowning down at her. "Connor told me what he knows of my passing. I'd never regret saving you, even at the cost of my life. It wasn't your fault."

Over nineteen years, Ginny had spent countless hours wanting to hear Theo say that very thing. It had taken her years to find a sense of peace, but hearing him tell her that felt like an invisible weight had been lifted from her soul. At this moment, Ginny felt so light-hearted and happy that her eyes were somewhat tearing up.

"Thanks, Theo. It means so much."

"I see that. You stubborn woman; all these years, you've held onto that which wasn't yours to bear. You've got to move on, Ginevra. I hate to say it, but it's true. You haven't seriously tried to fall in love again, have you?"

Ginny blinked up at Theodore, feeling the tears run down her face.

"Close your eyes, Ginevra."

Ginny wiped at her face; all the while, frowning up at Theodore.

"What? Why?"

"Just do it. For me."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Listen to my voice, but picture me standing right in front of you. And don't you dare open your eyes until I say so. Promise me."

"Fine, I promise. You're being ridiculous."

"Be quiet and listen." Theo snapped, eliciting a sad grin from Ginny. "I loved you back then and I love you now. No matter what happened to me, I know that somehow, I'm with you and I'll always be with you, wishing you all the happiness in the world. I want you to genuinely try to love again—even if that means getting hurt, you can't give up. Promise me, Ginevra."

"How could I?" Ginny said with frustration. She felt stupid talking with her eyes tightly closed. She needed to see him; somehow, it would make explaining her reluctance easier.

Theodore said, "By letting go. By telling me the goodbye that you never got to say nineteen years ago—but this time, you have to truly mean it…and never look back. Promise me."

For a moment, it felt like all the air in the room was gone. I can't. Once again, everything that once seemed to keep Ginny's heart stable and functioning seemed to crumble a part. Various emotions overwhelmed her so that Ginny nearly fell to her knees.

"You can't keep burying your grief and loss behind mental shields, Ginevra. It's time to face this pain and to truly put it to rest. I am your past, not your future. Let go." Theo said, almost pleadingly and Ginny could swear she felt a gentle caress to her cheek that made her feel warm all over.

For the longest, there was silence. At first, Ginny was adamant that she wouldn't do it. But, as the minutes passed, she began to change her mind. Theodore died for me; it's the least I can do, even if he is a painting.

"I could've had forever to tell you goodbye and it still wouldn't have been enough. You want me to move on, but how can I, when I feel like the parts of me worth loving in the way you loved me, all died with you. This isn't idolization—I feel broken, like I can never quite properly put the pieces back together. No matter how many different ways I try to arrange them to fit back together, the breaks won't heal. Maybe the bond we shared meant that a part of me really did die with you—I don't know. But how can I go on, knowing that no one can ever mean as much to me as you do."

"It's not fair to Blaise or any other man to only be a replacement. It's why Harry and I couldn't work; despite our shared experiences, I couldn't love him."

Theodore said, "Because you chose not to love anyone so that you'd never know this pain that you're feeling now. That loss, guilt, regret."

Ginny didn't need to affirm it. He already knew.

"I'm dead, Ginevra, and a dead man—despite how much I love you—can't give you all that's worth having and living for in life. You're afraid to let go because you fear the many unknown possibilities. I can't promise you that you'll be completely fine, but you'll certainly never find any pathways to true happiness and personal contentment without going on some adventures that you're unable to fully plot out."

Ginny took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. He's right.

"You've known all along what to do, Ginevra. You just needed a bit of a push. Walk away and never look back. Our time has long gone. This is truly goodbye, Ginevra."

For the longest, there was silence. Ginny nearly opened her eyes, until she remembered her promise to not open them until Theo told her to.

He's never going to tell me to. Ginny realized. He's showing me what I've been doing to myself for all these years; basically, living a life that, in a way, was stagnated by my unwillingness to move forward, explore and fully live. Only I can change this by choosing otherwise.

At last, Ginny finally understood.

Ginny lost track of how long she stood there like that in front of Theo's portrait. It was still so very hard to decidedly choose to let go. At last, Ginny turned facing the room door. A few minutes later, she began to walk towards it with her eyes open. She never once looked back at Theo's portrait.

Before leaving the room, however, Ginny stopped to say one thing.

"Goodbye, Theo."

And with that said, Ginny completely left the room to join the others in Nott Manor's ballroom.

Upon entering the ballroom, Ginny saw her incredibly large family mostly dancing. There were several kids running around the expanse, however.

Ginny easily glimpsed Connor the moment she entered the ballroom, seeing him completely surrounded by Emma, Scorpius, Danny, the Malfoys, the Macmillans, his grandparents, and the elder Carmichaels. Yet, before she could walk over to him and the group, Ginny was stopped by Blaise, Harry, Susan, Ron, and Luna (Ron's wife).

"Where'd you disappear off to?" Ron asked with narrowed, playful eyes that made everyone in their little group grin.

"He's been telling me that I should be worried." Blaise said, closely watching Ginny's reaction to his and Ron's comments. "Should I?"

Though it was said jokingly around the others—eliciting laughter at the former playboy's expense—Ginny could tell that Blaise was genuinely concerned about the meaning behind her long absence.

For slightly over a year and a half, Ginny's behavior towards Blaise had been very warm at times, and yet, inexplicably (and incredibly) distant whenever he attempted to get too close to her for Ginny's comfort. She vowed to change that, starting now.

He's put up with a lot, and yet he's still around. That's definitely makes him worth taking a chance on.

"Not at all." Ginny said, grabbing his hand with a wide smile. "Dance with me."

"It'll be my pleasure." Blaise said, kissing Ginny's hand just before excusing them both from the group to have their dance.

Ginny and Blaise began swaying together on the ballroom floor; soon, they were dancing besides Connor and Emma.

"You all right, Mum?" Connor asked Ginny, who beamed at her fully grown son.

"Yes, darling."

She needn't have said more. Connor understood the gist of what Theodore's portrait would say to Ginny, and he could clearly see that she was beginning to truly make an effort to start moving on. With that said, Connor and Emma twirled away from Ginny and Blaise.

Blaise peered down at Ginny with curiosity. "You're practically glowing. I like it but I can't help but wonder what's gotten into you?"

Ginny beamed up at Blaise, saying, "Everything's going so well, and for the first time in a long while, I'm very happy."

Blaise peered down at Ginny with a small smile, but in his eyes, Ginny could see him scrutinizing her with a thoughtful gaze that was hopeful and yet questioning about their relationship together.

Ginny reached up and kissed him slowly and deeply, putting all that she had into the kiss, hoping that he'd feel her desire to commit to a change in their current relationship's dynamic.

Apparently, Blaise understood Ginny very well. When the kiss ended, he grinned down at the red-head with anticipation about whatever lay ahead of them as a real couple.

Ginny rested her head on his toned chest, continuing to sway to the music, feeling completely content.

In that moment, Ginny somehow intuitively knew that what lay ahead of them all wasn't painful or troubling. That, no matter what obstacles may arise, Ginny and everyone else would be stronger for it.

Ginny couldn't explain the feeling she had, but she was certain that all of their futures held a much deserved peace and stability that they'd all fought so hard to at last both have and enjoy.

And I can definitely live with that.

(THE END)

Date & Time finished: 5:34AM on 9/12/2015. Spent most of 9/12 & 9/13 editing all three chapters.

1, 248 DAYS later, and this story is at last finished. I absolutely hate writing endings.

It's like Chuck from my show, Supernaturalsaid: "Endings are hard. Any chapped-ass monkey with a keyboard can poop out a beginning but endings are impossible. You try to tie up every loose end but you never can…there's always gonna be holes. And since it's the ending, it's all supposed to add up to something…[endings] they're a raging pain in the ass." [Supernatural, Season 5, ep.22]. That's exactly how I feel about the ending I wrote above, but it still stands. That's why I wrote it to be an open ending. I hope you all mostly enjoyed it.

Why did Ginny and Harry not end up together? They do have great chemistry, but I explain the reason why they just never work out. Ginny wasn't ready when Harry needed her to be, and I don't blame him for moving on. They were together for over a year, but when Harry and Ginny reached a point in their relationship to seriously progress towards marriage and kids, Ginny couldn't do it. They split amicably and everyone considered it to be for the best. Soon after, Harry and Susan begin dating—he knew her well because he worked so closely with her at the MLE. Years later, they had James, Albus, and Lily.

Why is Hermione NOT with Ron? I love Hr/Ron pairing. They never worked out in my story because their relationship greatly changed when she chose to date Harry. In this story, Ron never tells Hermione his feelings. And though my Hermione was really into Ron, she doubted whether or not their relationship was worth exploring because she didn't want to lose his friendship and because she had many doubts about their compatibility. Yet my Ron truly loves Luna and the same is true vice-versa. In the books, I always thought Luna and Ron had a quirky (yet cool) undertone to their friendship. I just embellished that here. Their children are named Rose, Lysander, and Lorcan. As for Hermione and Remus, their on and off relationship is decently matched but it's a toss up between Remus and Fred.

Ginny and Hagrid used to be so close. What happened? Some acquaintances, Ginny never regained. Her friendship with Hagrid was one of them, along with most DA members. Poor Connor—Ginny and Ernie will never get along. Hagrid is friendly whenever he sees Ginny, but they aren't as close as they used to be.

Whatever became of Ginny's clairvoyant powers? It's basically like the Centaurs said in earlier chapters. Ginny had strong potential but she wasn't a true Seer. Even in the future, Ginny will always have strong intuitive feelings about things to come; basically, the future. But she will not be divining the heavens with her use of Blood magic, because ultimately, Ginny just doesn't believe in Divination or destiny.

Where is Nott Sr? Did Connor grow up knowing him? After Riddle's essence was destroyed, Nott Sr. settled his family's vast estate and then turned himself into the Ministry and resumed serving his life sentence in Azkaban. Connor never knew him. Nott Sr. died in 2002 when Connor was 3-years old. He never overcame his guilt from losing his wife and son.

Tidbits about Connor: Though he's very smart—certainly smart enough to be Head Boy—Connor never was Head Boy or a prefect. Like his uncles, he jokes and pranks far too often and is the first person in all of Hogwarts history to refuse a Prefect and Head Boy badge—to Fred and George's utter delight and pride. Connor was sorted into Ravenclaw House. In his third year, he became a Keeper on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. In his fifth year when the Chaser position became available, he changed positions. In his seventh year, Connor was the Ravenclaw Quidditch team's Captain and he beat Slytherin house for the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup. For his first four years in school, Connor and the Macmillan twins [Gryffindors] (but more so Connor and Terry) did not get along. Connor was bullied by Terry to stay away from Emma, and in return, Connor ignored Terry and often did very elaborate pranks on him. It was a struggle for Emma to choose between her twin and Connor, but she chose Connor and forced both boys to set aside their differences. Connor is a natural at wandless magic, DADA, and Charms. Though he knows a lot about Healing, instead he is being mentored by his godfather, Severus, to become a Potions Master. Connor found that to be more challenging. And, no, I won't be writing a scene showing Connor viewing Ginny's Pensieve when he turns 25. Sorry!

IMPORTANT NOTICES TO READERS

I don't own Harry Potter, but if you either want to write a story with a closely similar plot to ACDR, then give a gal a shout out in your story. Please don't repost this story under a different author's name. I would never post this story—or any of the others on my fanfic page—under a different author name. I don't mind people posting this story onto other fanfic sites, AS LONG AS the author's name says 1CharmedPhoenix. That doesn't bother me at all, but claiming something that I've spent years to write and finish is so not cool. Please, don't do that. Just PM me if you're unsure about what's cool (or not cool) to do.

And I'd definitely like to thank everyone who has read this story; favorited it; followed it; reviewed it; recommended it; added it to a fan fiction community; or who did excellent artwork for this story. I've truly been touched by everyone's interest in ACDR, and that's the only reason why I've bothered to finish this. I'm going to miss you all so much!

To see some great artwork for this story, visit and follow HP-PicspamTumblr. won't let me post the link to the tumblr page here; I've tried twice :((

This will be the very last fan fiction that I'll ever write. Yep, I've made up my mind. Yes, I like writing fan fiction, but I enjoy reading it far MORE than writing. So, I'm done. But it's been so fun and rewarding writing on fan fiction. I'm definitely a better writer and I truly appreciate the pointers I've gotten so much. I'm really going to miss you all.

Well, that's all I had to say. (I'm kinda tearing up right now).

Farewell and take care.

#1CharmedPhoenix Signing Off 4 Life