Author's note - Merry Christmas! I hope wherever you were, you had a lovely, festive day! Just to let you all know, updates may be a bit sparse in the next few weeks; with Christmas and New Year, I haven't had the time to write so I'll be taking a short break until January.

Not much feedback on the last chapter - I hope it wasn't that bad! This chapter ties up the Hogwarts saga, and as an added bonus, there are a few cameos in this chapter! Extra points if you can spot what - I based part of this chapter of the actual Harry Potter books so eagle-eyed readers should be able to spot the section that inspired me!

There are also a few clues here about Maggie's maternal family, which is something that'll play a big role later in the story! Also, an extra helping of Charlie Weasley because why not! He'll be taking a break for a few chapters and there'll be some time jumps throughout the following chapters but for those of you who read my original story, you'll understand the suspense!

I've babbled enough now so I'll let you go - don't forget to favourite and review! Make the start to the new decade magical!

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message; that is love, compassion and forgiveness, the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

- Dalai Lama

June 1991

"So this is it, then," Eddie said, his tone low and somber as he took a swig of firewhiskey before passing the bottle to Adam, "Our last ever night in Hogwarts."

The small group was silent as they all deliberated the wizard's words, a heavy atmosphere falling over the room. Maggie was grateful that it was only them in the common room, as interference from younger years would have made their moods worse. From her comfy spot on the floor, propped against an armchair, Maggie's eyes flicked around the small groups as she stared at her companions.

To her left sat Louisa, perched on the sofa. The young witch was due to start working at Witch Weekly in a few weeks' time; she'd secured a job as a Junior Copywriter and had spent the last month ecstatic over the prospect. Maggie had no doubt that Louisa was perfect for that job, she just about inhaled the words of the magazine page every time she read it and was the biggest gossip-monger Maggie knew.

Next to Louisa was Eddie, and as usual, Adam was sat on the young wizard's other side. Similar to Maggie and Tonks, the pair were usually inseparable, which was why the news dealt came as a shock. While Eddie had gotten a job in the Ministry (Department of Magical Games and Sports), Adam's new job working in International Magical Cooperation meant that the wizard would be moving to New York to work in the MACUSA as British Liaison Officer.

They had all been over-the-moon with joy when Adam announced the news; the Department rarely took on someone barely out of Hogwarts and even rarer gave them such a significant job. Out of the group, Adam was moving furthest away, something that hung over all their mind and while they were all pleased for him, the knowledge that he would be in another country had a bitter aftereffect.

Kevin wasn't moving too far away, however. Similar to Eddie, he would also be working for the Ministry in Muggle Relations, something Kevin would be perfect at doing. A muggle-born like Maggie, Kevin could effortlessly step from Muggle to Magical world without batting an eyelid and his easy-going nature was ideal for that environment.

After Kevin, Maggie's eyes flickered up to Tonks. The Metamorphmagus was sat in the armchair Maggie leaned against, her hand absently resting on Maggie's hair. Maggie smiled when she thought about Tonks' happiness when the letter arrived, informing Tonks that she had been accepted onto the Auror programme. For as long as Maggie could remember, her fellow witch had dreamed of becoming an Auror, making it her life's ambition. Maggie knew that Tonks' parents weren't the keenest on the idea of their daughter duelling dark wizards, but Maggie knew that if anyone could do it, then her best friend could.

Which only left Maggie.

In truth, the prospect of leaving Hogwarts terrified Maggie; after seven years, Hogwarts was all she knew. She had little experience in the wizarding world, save for holidays and school so Maggie was at a loss on what to expect. To her relief, Tonks agreed to rent a flat in Muggle London with Maggie as both girls wanted to experience life in both the Magical and the Muggle world. The witches had spent the better part of the Easter holidays scouring Muggle London for the perfect (affordable) place until at last, they managed to find a cosy, two-bedroomed loft in Camden. The property was cheap enough and meant that both girls could walk to work – on nice days, it would seem pointless to apparate.

Not only that, but the two witches had planned to go travelling over the summer, reasoning that it would be one of the few chances they would get to go. Their bucket list was vaguely assembled and patchy to say the very least, but between them, the witches had a plan.

The bottle of firewhiskey reached Maggie and she took it from Tonks with a melancholic smile. Her thoughts were jumbled, not from the alcohol mind you, and as she pressed the bottle to her lips for a sip, her thoughts erupted.

Maggie would be lying if she said she didn't feel guilty when she told her father of her plans. Deep down, she always knew she wouldn't move back home after Hogwarts, but admitting it was another thing. Despite her worries, her father understood her decision, and William had encouraged Maggie to fly free. If anything, the knowledge that Maggie could apparate home at any point also helped, though it cheered Maggie to know that she could pop home frequently.

Her acceptance letter was tucked away in her carefully packed case, hidden away from the outside world. As silly as it sounded, Maggie would occasionally read over it, giddy with excitement at the prospect of starting. It seemed unreal – seven years at Hogwarts had passed by in the blink of an eye. Maggie still felt like the nervous little first year, anxious in a new world.

Only now, she was a nervous eighteen-year-old about to step into the real world.

Maggie handed the bottle to Louisa before she looked down at her watch. She sighed when she noticed the time and slowly rose to her feet, her back cracking in discomfort.

"I've got my rounds," Maggie said, her tone low as the group stared up at her.

Adam chuckled. "Even on our last night, you still have to be responsible," He teased, and the group erupted into laughter.

"Got to set a good example for next year," said Maggie with a smirk. "And anyway, it's one last excuse for a late-night wander without the prospect of detention. Anyone care to join me?"

A chorus of 'no's' sounded from the small group, as Tonks let out a loud laugh.

"You say that Mags, but you know Snape won't be that lenient if we get caught!"

Maggie found herself smirking. "What's Snape going to do? Give us detention in our last twelve hours at Hogwarts?"

The corridors of Hogwarts Castle seemed smaller than when she had first arrived, though Maggie reasoned it was because she herself had grown. There was a different feeling however; a somber tone that hung in the air. Combined with the knowledge that it was unlikely she would step foot in Hogwarts ever again, Maggie's heart grew heavy and doleful.

Her melancholic mood somehow guided her feet until Maggie paused, snapping out of her ambivalent thoughts as she realised where she stood. The fourth-floor corridor was empty – it was after curfew – but the air grew heavy as Maggie stared down the staircase, her eyes fixated on the flagstones. Memories and emotions flew through her mind, unclear and unfocused, but they all centered around that one day.

As she sat perched on the staircase, her eyes still staring at the spot, Maggie didn't see the figure approaching from behind until he sat next to her, though he did not say a word. Strangely enough, his presence comforted Maggie and the witch found herself smiling.

"I sometimes think about that day, you know?" She softly began, her voice barely higher than a whisper. "As stupid as it sounds, I sometimes think; what would have happened if I just kept my mouth shut?"

"He would have done something eventually," Charlie replied in a low, thoughtful tone. "Maybe not to you, but he would have attacked someone eventually. Just so happens that it was you."

Maggie gave a faint nod. "I suppose it's better that it was me then, instead of some little first year. He was vicious, he could have killed someone."

"He nearly did."

A sigh escaped Maggie's lips as her eyes flickered over to where Charlie sat. a wave of guilt washed over Maggie's mind, suddenly feeling extremely awkward. This was the first time she had spoken to Charlie in over six months, having avoided him since their argument in November. It had been hard, to say the least. Part of Maggie felt guilty and idiotic for doing so, people were entitled to their opinions after all.

The other half of Maggie still wanted to punch Charlie for his comments about Joe.

In the end, Maggie knew that she was somewhat in the wrong; as much as she didn't want to believe it, Joe had started the fight and Charlie only reacted in retaliation. But Maggie loved Joe, so she'd been in the awkward position of choosing between her boyfriend and her (reluctant) friendship with Charlie.

So instead, she'd taken the easy option and ignored it all. By breaking friendship with Charlie, Maggie thought she would spare herself some hurt, but Maggie found that she missed his company. Over the six months in which they had avoided one another, Maggie found it difficult to do so, often forgetting about the fight. She would move to speak to him, only to remember at the last moment and quickly withdraw. In truth, the whole practice was draining.

The situation put before her was ideal. Maggie did not want Charlie to leave thinking that she hated him; at one point, she did consider him a friend. To throw it all away over something she had no part in seemed silly. Maggie wanted to leave Hogwarts with a clear conscience, and there was only one path that would ensure this.

"I'm sorry," said Maggie, her gaze darting away, trying to avoid Charlie's eye. "I've been a complete bitch, I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."

"It's not your fault," Charlie murmured, staring down at his clenched together hands. "I was being a prat. "

Maggie shook her head. "I know it was Joe who started the fight. I didn't believe you."

Charlie shrugged, a dry smile appearing across his lips. "He's your boyfriend, I wouldn't ask you to choose between us."

"But still, I should have believed you. Or, at least, not have a go at you," Maggie said in a small voice.

"You had your reasons. And anyway, I shouldn't have retaliated like that," said Charlie, before looking over at Maggie. "I am sorry for what I said, you know?

"I forgive you; you were angry," Maggie said quietly, still staring down at the flagstones. "I'm sorry too."

Charlie let out a small chuckle. "I think that's the first time I've heard you apologise," He joked, lightening the atmosphere.

"Is not!" Maggie exclaimed, her lips quirking into a smile. "I'm always apologising for something!"

"Let me rephrase that; the first time you've apologised to me," Charlie chuckled.

Maggie pondered the statement for a moment before shrugging. "Okay, you've got me there," She admitted, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Regardless of that though, I still want to thank you again."

Charlie frowned, his eyebrows knitted in confusion. "Thank me for what?" He asked, and Maggie turned to face the wizard, her brown eyes locking with his.

"You saved my life," She stated, raising a hand as he protested. "Please, let me say this. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here today. No one would have known what Scaboir had done, and chances are, by the time someone would have found me, I'd probably have bled out by then.

"I think about it sometimes; what could have happened. And it's because of you that I can. Do I regret saying those things to Scaboir? Merlin, no! Even if I was back in the same position, I'd probably do the same.

"I think...the point I'm trying to get at here, is thank you. I don't think I could even begin to describe how grateful I am, so instead, I'll say this. I'm sorry for being such a bitch and treating you like shit. It was wrong of me, and believe me when I say, I am sorry, Charlie Weasley," Maggie's speech trailed off slowly, the young witch not knowing what to say next. Instead, she looked over at the wizard, who wore a small smile.

"Thank you for that," He said slowly. "And I just want to say; I'm sorry too for the way I treated you. I was mad, I shouldn't have said what I said."

A small smile crept to Maggie's lips. "How about we both stop apologising to each other and move on?"

Charlie gave a loud bark of laughter. "I'm willing to if you will," He said, a crooked smirk pulling at his mouth.

"So, Romania?" said Maggie with a wide smile. Charlie gave a good-natured shrug.

"Best place to study dragons," He commented, chuckling as he did. "Bill went to Egypt, so I had to outdo that. Romania's not quite as far but it's still something."

"Definitely something," Maggie agreed. "What did your parents make of that when you told them?"

Charlie winced slightly. "Don't, Mum's still furious," He said, and Maggie laughed. "Laugh all you want; my mother is not the sort of woman you want to annoy. I swear, she threatened to glue my arse to the kitchen table when I told her."

Despite everything, Maggie found herself howling with laughter at the thought. Charlie joined in, chuckling at the anecdote and shaking his head as he did.

"And I thought my Dad was overprotective," Maggie said between laughs. "Seriously though?"

"Seriously," Charlie said, with a mock-glum expression. "She tried to guilt-trip me; starting asking if she was such a bad mum because all of her kids were moving away."

"But you have five younger siblings?"

Charlie shrugged. "That's Mum for you. Honestly, she's like a cosseting Occamy trying to protect her eggs."

"And I thought my Dad overacted when I told him I was moving to London," Maggie said with a small smile. "He threatened to lock me in my room but didn't consider that I could just apparate out. It's funny how he forgets about magic."

"My Dad would love to see a Muggle house, he's amazed at how electricity works," said Charlie with a chuckle. "So, London?"

"London," Maggie laughed in reply.

"Healer's course isn't it?"

"Yep," Maggie nodded. "I start in September. Never thought I'd get in if I'm honest but it somehow worked out."

"So, I know who to come to with my dragon burns?" Charlie joked, and the pair burst into laughter once more.

"Sure, I'll keep a bed open for you. Good luck flying from Romania though."

The conversation fell silent, though the atmosphere was not awkward. Maggie's eyes gazed around the room, enjoying the silence and Charlie's presence. There was no need for words as both witch and wizard sat calmly, enjoying their last few hours in Hogwarts.

Though Maggie did not want it to end, she noticed the time displayed on her wristwatch and sighed. It was slowly approaching midnight and despite being Head Girl (and it being the last day of term), Maggie knew that if they did not head back to their respective common rooms, the pair would get into trouble.

"Good luck, Weasley," She said as they both rose to their feet, brushing away the dust from their robes. "Try not to let any dragons eat you, I don't fancy going to Romania for your funeral. Or post-mortem."

Charlie barked out a laugh. "Thanks for that Ainsworth," He said shaking his head. "Anyway, I'm not the one who has to watch out; Merlin help the wizarding world if you're the one healing them!"

Maggie gave a wide smile. "I'll have you know Weasley, I've been healing Tonks for years and she's alright!" At Charlie's pointed stare, she laughed. "Okay, she may not be completely right, but that part's not on me!"

"I stand by my statement; Merlin help with wizarding world with you as a healer and Tonks as an Auror," Charlie smirked. Maggie shook her head, sending the wizard a playful glare.

"I resent that statement - the wizarding world won't know what hit them," She laughed.

For a moment, she paused. In years to come, Maggie still did not know what came over her that day or what possessed her to do what she did (she reasoned it was the aftereffect of the Firewhiskey she'd drank earlier). A subconscious part of her mind broke through, urging Maggie to do what she did next.

Standing on her tiptoes (Tonks was right, she really was a midget), Maggie leaned up and pressed a small kiss to Charlie's cheek. In her mind, it was a simple gesture, combining all of her gratefulness and apologies in one fell swoop.

"See you around, Weasley" Maggie said with a smile, as she turned and skipped down the hallway, leaving a for-once, caught off guard Weasley, surprised and shocked in her wake.

To Dad,

Bonjour from Paris! Just came back from sightseeing – the weather is so lovely. Tonks and I have seen all the sights, and maybe a few wine bars too! Just kidding, we only had a few. You know Nymph's a bad drunk so didn't want to deal with that.

We met up with Aunt Alex, Merlin that woman can shop! Don't worry, I made sure she didn't by the whole shop (she came close, mind you). I've sent a few photos of me and Tonks up the Eiffel Tower – this was before she tried to push me over! Turns out, the French don't appreciate Tonks' humour.

We haven't killed each other so things are going well!

Love,

Maggie

Dear Dad,

Happy Birthday from Andorra! Hopefully Gatsby can manage carrying your present, the poor thing's getting on a bit. Enjoy the whiskey, I know you've wanted to try it for ages!

We went skiing today. I don't think it for me though. I enjoyed it but for the most part, it was the ski instructor telling me how not to break my neck (Tonks found this hilarious). I think I'll stick to less action-packed sports, although I'll be able to heal any injures I get soon!

Give Pepper a big hug from me!

Love, Maggie

To Dad,

Hola from Barcelona! I'm as red as a tomato from the sunburn; turns out, you still need sun cream when it's overcast. I won't be making that mistake again!

Tonks says hello, by the way. She's already managed to fall into the Montjuïc foundation; the locals weren't too pleased with her! Believe it or not, she was stone-cold sober (though she wasn't by the end of the night, I think it was to overcome the embarrassment).

We took your advice and went to some of the art galleries. They were beautiful. Sent a few more photos, the third one is of me and Tonks in front of the Sagrada Familia, what a sight!

Off to Amsterdam next, then back home. Hope you haven't missed me too much!

Love, Maggie

July 1991

"Auntie, be careful! Do you want to break your other leg?" Maggie exclaimed as she hurried forward, her hands resting on the elder woman's shoulders in support.

The older woman waved away her niece's concerns. "I'm fine, Magnolia, honestly! You'd think it was serious, the way you're going on!"

"It is serious, Auntie Arabella," Maggie protested, still guiding her Aunt across the pavement. "Your leg is broken, it won't heal overnight!"

Well, it could if you got her some Skele-Grow, the thought circled around Maggie's mind before she'd even realised. She quickly shook it away; people would ask how a pensioner's broken leg magically healed overnight! Maggie bitterly pushed the thought away from her mind, but the sentiment still lingered. What good was being a witch when she couldn't help her family?

Distracted by her thoughts, Maggie did not notice the figure barrelling towards her until it almost collided with her. She barely had time to jump out of the way before a racing bike tore past, knocking Aunt Arabella to the ground. Crying out in shock, Maggie hurried over to where her Aunt had fallen, collapsed in a pile on the floor. She helped the elder lady to her feet and once Maggie was sure that the pensioner was alright, she turned her attention to the figure on the bike, who was still racing down the pavement.

"Oi!" Maggie shouted, storming over to where a rather beefy child had stopped his bike. In her blaze of anger, Maggie couldn't help but notice how closely the boy resembled a pig; she couldn't help the thought as it flashed through her mind but his plump figure and dull-witted, almost doltish, expression screamed the word.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?" Maggie exclaimed, throwing her arm back to point to where her Aunt stood, clutching her stick for support. "You could have seriously hurt her; did you even look where you were going?"

The boy continued to stare at Maggie with a blank expression, but there was a sour undertone in his piggy little eyes. Maggie felt her anger rise at this; what was wrong with this kid?

Her arms folded across her chest, Maggie stared down at the boy. "Well? Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"Dudders!" A shout sounded from behind.

Both Maggie and the boy turned to see a woman stood in the doorway of a house, staring at the pair in question. She quickly hurried over, her expression tight. Maggie almost sighed in relief at the sight of the woman; she was the boy's mother, and would no doubt be able to talk some sense into the boy.

Clearly, Maggie was mistaken.

"What do you think you're doing, speaking to my son that way?" The woman demanded, her tone hostile. "Oh Dudders, are you alright?"

Maggie blinked. Then blinked again.

Stood in shock, she stared at the woman, completely baffled by her behaviour. Maggie tried not to let her shock show in her expression, but she knew her face betrayed her as she faced the woman.

"Your son knocked over my Auntie, while riding that racing bike," Maggie said, pointing to where the bike had been carelessly thrown down on the ground. "I was asking your son if he was aware of the damage he could have caused, or if he realised how dangerous his actions were."

"Dudders wouldn't do a thing like that!" The woman snapped sourly, before placing a hand on the boy's shoulder protectively.

"Well, he did," Maggie retorted. "My Aunt already has one broken leg, and your son almost made it two."

"He wouldn't hurt a fly; he's a boisterous boy, that's all!"

"I don't care if he's Dalai bloody Lama, he's in the wrong!"

The woman opened her mouth like a guppy fish, Maggie's words having completely shocked her. Redness began to slowly work its way up her neck, until her cheeks slowly turned red, whether from embarrassment or anger, Maggie didn't know. The noise of a car parking nearby distracted her, and the woman turned her narrow neck sharply, before a look of relief pulled across her features.

"Vernon!" She cried, just as a very large man stepped out of the car.

Maggie reasoned this to be the woman's husband, as from his appearance alone, it was clear he was the boy's father. The man closely resembled the young boy; beefy and plump, with hardly any neck and beady eyes that were narrowed in Maggie's direction. He slammed the car door shut behind him, the action letting off a loud bang, before he stormed over to where his wife was stood and glared down at Maggie.

"What is going on here? This is private property!" He barked, looking at Maggie in distain.

Maggie felt her anger rise once more, the tone of his voice being enough to fuel her rage. Trying her best to keep her cool, Maggie smiled tightly (a very forced action) and hoped that the husband would be more reasonable than the wife.

She quickly found out that this was not the case.

"As I was just telling your wife," Maggie said, her voice strained as she tried not to lose her temper. "Your son nearly ran into myself and my aunt," She pointed over to where Aunt Arabella was stood. "I was just explaining to both your wife and son how dangerous his actions were and that he should apologise to my aunt, as she fell over because of it."

The older man did not react to Maggie's words and instead simply stared at Maggie in boredom, his moustache twitching. Like his wife, his face reddened slightly.

"That's it?" He scoffed. "Dudley's a boisterous little tyke, that's all! You lot want to learn to mind your own business!"

Once again, Maggie was rendered speechless by the family's words. How could they ignore the fact that their child was out of control? Maggie did not like interfering with other's private business but when she was nearly run over by an out-of-control, clearly spoilt child, she would not remain silent.

"Well, maybe you should learn to control your kid!" Maggie retorted, the anger rushing through her veins. It took every ounce of strength Maggie had not to hex the pair; they were clearly living in their own little fantasy world!

Vernon looked flabbergasted by Maggie's statement, his face flushing red. She had clearly struck a nerve, as the older man blinked in shock before his expression twisted into a sneer.

"You have no right – no right! – to speak to me that way!" The man exploded, his voice flustered and full of anger. He pointed a beefy finger in Maggie's direction. "What my son does is none of your business, missy!"

"It is when I'm nearly knocked over!" Maggie exclaimed, her eyes narrowed. Beside the man, the woman returned Maggie's glare, annoyance flashing through her pale eyes.

"Get off my property at once!" Vernon exclaimed, throwing his arm out in anger and pointing to the road. "I will not have you stand there and insult my family!"

Maggie gave an overly nice, fake smile before innocently interjecting, "I'm not insulting your family, I'm merely suggesting that your parental skills are subpar, and your lack of discipline will one day lead to a serious accident, which even you won't be able to ignore!"

With that, Maggie turned on her heel and stormed away. She could still hear Vernon stuttering for words after Maggie's exclamation which in a strange way, made the witch smile.

"What are you staring at? Back into the house!"

At Vernon's shout, Maggie turned to look back, confused with his statement. She thought he'd been speaking to his son – Dudley, if Maggie remembered correctly – but was surprised to see another child stood in the doorway of Number 4, Privet Drive. Maggie's gaze locked with the black-haired child and she couldn't help but frown. Who was that kid?

Vernon must have noticed Maggie's stare as he glared back at the witch before hurrying the rest of his family into the house. He harshly shoved the bespectacled child into the house and loudly slammed the door close before Maggie could utter a word.

Shaking her head in a mixture of shock and disgust, Maggie headed back over to where her aunt was stood. Aunt Arabella shot Maggie a stern look and the witch found herself feeling guilty about her actions. She ducked her head in shame as she helped her Aunt down the street, the pair walking in silence.

Once they reached her Aunt's house on Wisteria Walk, Maggie helped the elder woman into the house and headed straight to the kitchen. She quickly brewed a cup of tea for each of them before she headed into the living room, where her aunt was sat in her armchair by the window. Handing Aunt Arabella a mug, Maggie quickly sat down on the sofa, shooing Tufty, one of her aunt's many cats, out of the chair as she did. The cat gave a small hiss but quickly repositioned himself on Maggie's lap.

"So, then," Her aunt began, and Maggie found herself flinching at the harsh tone of her voice. "What did that accomplish then?"

Maggie sighed, "I'm sorry, Auntie. I know I shouldn't have flown off the handle like that, but that boy was bang out of order!"

"Even so, what did you think would happen by shouting at his parents?"

"I didn't mean to shout, I just got wound up," Maggie said sheepishly, looking down at her hands. "Honestly, I tried to stay calm, but they were just so unreasonable!"

Aunt Arabella began to chuckle, and Maggie looked at the woman in confusion. A frown pulled at her lips, not knowing how to react.

"What?" Maggie asked, slightly dumbfounded.

"Oh, my dear, I'm not as mad as you think I am!" Aunt Arabella exclaimed, between her laughter. "It's about time someone said something to those Dursleys'; they're a pain!"

Maggie blinked before asking, "You're not mad then?"

"I'm annoyed that you flew off the handle, but I can understand why," her Aunt explained, taking a sip of her tea. "They're a ghastly lot, those Dursleys. They've spoilt that boy rotten, he's a menace around here!"

"What about the other boy?" Maggie asked, her voice curious. "I saw another boy stood in the house, why wasn't he outside?"

"That'll be Harry, the poor dear," Aunt Arabella explained, her voice soft. "Petunia's nephew. They raised that boy but not well. I've told you about the boy I sometimes look after? That's him. They come to me when they want to go somewhere but don't want to take him."

"But that's awful!" Maggie exclaimed, the shock evident in her tone. "Surely, there's something you could do?"

Her aunt sighed, "I'm afraid not, dearie. They only bring him to me because I'm around the corner. I try not to make it too enjoyable; they wouldn't send him round here if he enjoyed it, but at least when he's here, he gets a good meal and out of that house."

Maggie slumped back in the chair, her mind reeling from the information her aunt told her. She slowly tried to make sense of it before her aunt muttered,

"He won't be here much longer at least."

"What was that?" Maggie asked in confusion, wondering what her aunt meant.

"What was what, dearie?" Aunt Arabella asked innocently. Maggie studied the elder woman's expression, confused over her words but her aunt quickly changed the subject.

"Anyway, I was wanting to ask you a favour."

"What is it, Auntie?" Maggie asked, her fingers moving to stroke Tufty's ear. The cat purred in satisfaction, rubbing his head against Maggie's hand.

"Snowy's just had a litter of kittens," Her Aunt began to explain. "I plan on selling most of them, but I thought as a graduation present, and to congratulate you on your new job, you'd like to have one."

Maggie looked up in surprise, a smile creeping to her lips. "Really?" She asked, her voice hopeful. "I can have one?"

"Of course, you can," Aunt Arabella smiled. "I know it'll be going to a good home; you and Tonks will take good care of it!"

At that, her aunt stood up and with the aid of her stick, hobbled towards the dining room, beckoning for Maggie to follow. The witch was quick to help her aunt, but she was waved off.

"I'm fine, Magnolia," Her Aunt said. "Now, they're over in the corner."

With a hesitant step forward, Maggie turned to where the cat-basket was and immediately let out a small squeal of delight. She knelt down, offering Snowy a quick ear scratch before turning her attention to the five squeaking kittens. She smiled widely, her heart soaring in excitement as she looked over them all, trying to get a cuddle with each.

"Now, take your time," Her aunt advised her. "Let them choose you."

It wasn't long before the five kittens were all over Maggie, clearly interested in the new visitor. Maggie let out a soft giggle as the little balls of fluff rubbed against her arms, desperate for attention. She was having a hard time trying to pick only one – they were all so adorable – but her eyes noticed a small shadow in the corner of the room.

Gently, she extended her hand to where a small kitten sat, clearly the smallest of the litter. The grey-furred cat sniffed her hand reluctantly before nudging her fingers for a stroke. Maggie smiled, slowly picking up the tiny kitten and clutching it to her chest.

Her Aunt smiled, "I think you've found the one."