A/N

Thanks again to all who have reviewed and beta my story.

Sadly I couldn't fit everything I wanted into it so here is my best shot.

This is for QL Round 3

chaser 2

Falmouth Falcons

Prompts:

CHASER 2: Dear Theodosia: Write about making a promise to someone.

emotion: Regret

plot point: A wedding

Relationship: Father/child

Warnings: character death, depression, murder

In order to make my prompt work, Theodore Nott is a girl

1 October 1991

Dear Theodosia,

I'm sorry I haven't written you sooner; it's been a busy month in the Death Eater circle. Word has got out that a certain Harry Potter has arrived at Hogwarts. Is this true?

Lucius has informed me that you've been sorted into Slytherin. I expect you've fit in well and made some friends, although you've been acquainted with most already.

I've also sent Hallie with a book that you may need for this semester. I hope you use it well.

Keep me updated,

From your loving Father,

Mr Phillip Nott

6 October 1991

Dear Father,

Thank you for the book, I've browsed it quite thoroughly.

A response to your previous question, yes, Harry Potter has arrived at Hogwarts. I'm sure word has gotten around, but I'll let you hear it from me.

Dad, he's really good on a broom, and I mean really, really good. Draco and Harry had a feud over a Remembrall, and they went off flying. Everyone thought Harry was going to die when he was catching the Remembrall because it was a pretty steep nose-dive, but he caught it and landed really easily.

Professor McGonagall must have been watching because she came running from the castle. She looked really angry. Everyone else kind of hoped that he'd be expelled, but to their great disappointment, word got out he made it onto the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

Draco was fuming.

Oh, this all happened because this boy Neville lost control of his broom and fell off it. I do hope he's okay.

Miss you dearly,

Theo

3 November 1991

Dear Theodosia,

I miss looking at those sparkling eyes of yours, so like mine, and hearing your mother's name whenever I call you, but I guess a man has to be robbed of these things when his good-for-nothing daughter is a witch at a magical school.

I hope you're not getting into too much trouble with the Gryffindors. I'm sure Snape wouldn't mind taking some points from them.

Speaking of school, what's your favourite subject? Have you heard anything about the missing Gringotts item?

Now, to the purpose of this letter: Carol and I are engaged; we've been engaged since you got your letter. I'm deeply sorry I didn't tell you sooner! I promise you'll be more in the loop; you can even attend the wedding if you want to.

I'm sorry,

Father

4 December 1991

Dad,

I'm so disappointed in you. How could you leave me out of such an important thing like this? Am I no longer family to you anymore? Tell me, Father.

Engagements are a huge decision. I am your daughter. Carol will now be my step-mother. Does this not mean anything to you? Have you not thought of anything but yourself?

Fine, you go off and marry another petty pureblood. Banish me to the gardens for all I care. I truly thought we had a better relationship than this; how could you forget about me?

I cannot believe this.

Since you seem to have no interest whatsoever in my life here at Hogwarts, yes, I am loving it here. In fact, considering you care so much, I think I'll stay here for Christmas. Or I'll bring a friend home. Muggle-born, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, I wonder what will tarnish your pride and reputation more? I hope this doesn't intrude in your oh so brilliant plans. Is there anything else you're hiding from me? Baby, perhaps? I suppose I won't know till I get robbed of my entitlements as heir.

From your angry daughter,

Theo

13 December 1991

Dear Father,

Are you okay? You haven't responded to my last owl, and Hallie looks way underfed. Has everything gone the way you planned?

I have written to you to let you know I have a boyfriend. Is a boyfriend a big deal? Draco says it is.

Or maybe it's the fact that he's a Gryffindor that makes it … unacceptable.

His name is Neville Longbottom, and he's a really sweet guy. I had a major bloody nose the other day, and he stayed by my side throughout the whole ordeal in the hospital wing.

Father, I love him, but there is an issue. Bella tortured his parents till they went insane and now he's stuck living with his Gran. I feel a bit guilty, father, our family being in the Death Eater circle and all.

They're Pure-blood, can he stay over for Christmas?

I send you my love,

Theo

19 December 1991

Dearest Sweet Theo,

Hi, it's Carol.

Your Father is not well. In fact, he is gravely ill.

I have sent Neville's Gran an owl to let her know that he's coming to ours for the holidays, I hope that wasn't too irrational of me.

Don't worry about the other Slytherins picking on you; they just don't find it normal for you to have a Gryffindor under your spell.

Is Neville any good on a broom? If not, he can share mine on the fly home. Your father insists on me flying to get you as he feels like it would be a nice treat for you to fly in the snow.

Your father may or may not be home by the time we get home but only time will tell.

I love you,

Dearest Carol

22nd December 1991

Dear Carol,

Thank you for informing me about what is going on at home. I hope my father is okay.

Neville is thrilled to be spending his holidays with us.

I think Hallie needs to be fed a bit more, she's looking like she would break from one blow of the wind.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow,

Love,

Theo

14 February 1992

Dear Mum and Dad,

Am I allowed to call you that now that you're married?

I want to let you know how incredibly grateful Nev and I are that you let us be a part of your magnificent little wedding. Neville tells me every day how lucky I am to have a family, and I am truly lucky to have both of you in my life. Neville is so happy that he was a groomsman, and I am proud to be your beloved bridesmaid, I truly am, Carol.

Carol, I'm sorry I ever doubted you. You're the closest to a motherly figure anyone has come to, and I'm glad to be able to call you my mum. I know my angel in heaven would agree, you're perfect for Dad. I regret not hanging out with you more during the holidays. I guess you're right about one thing: I'm head over heels for Neville.

Speaking of which, he planned a really nice picnic for me today as it's Valentine's Day.

Honestly, I thought he forgot, but I was mildly surprised when he turned up at Potions with armfuls of magnificent flowers. I had the best day with him today.

I hope you're both doing well.

Get better soon, Dad

Love you both,

Theo

23rd March 1992

Dear Theodosia,

What to say to you?

I don't know how to put my feelings and thoughts into words. I'm too old now, you must know that by now. I'm writing this as I lie on my deathbed. Don't worry about me, Theodosia, I will be fine, honest.

Carol insisted on my to writing you, so I have. The poor woman is already grieving, and I haven't even died yet. Look after her, will you?

I am very much proud of the young woman you're becoming, and I'm very grateful you have found a boy in your life. I know he'll grow into a man deserving of my daughter. I only want to see you happy.

I kept my promise, I brought you up the way your mother wanted, and I shared my wedding with you.

This won't be the last time we speak, I assure you.

Forever and always,

Dad

P.S. Send Nev my love and the package of seeds I sent.

4th April 1992

Dear my sweet, darling Theodosia,

I am sorry. I feel awfully bad to bring you the devastating news.

Phillip took his last breath today. I can't put into words how much you and your Father have meant to me the past 5 years. I want you to know, also, that none of this was your fault. I know you're going to blame yourself over your father, but cancer is nothing you have control over. Phillip was a good man, and even though he may have done bad things throughout his long life, he did everything in his power to bring you up right.

Phillip told me to send these books and photos, to remember him by. Hallie has not left your Dad's side since he passed, and sadly she is no more.

Professor Dumbledore has allowed me to come and collect you for our quiet funeral next week.

I'm sorry to be seeing you on such a bad occasion.

Sincerely,

Carol

21st April 1992

Dear Mum,

Death only brings our hearts closer, and time helps our bond become stronger. Thank you for helping make the funeral like Dad would've wanted. I thank you for not inviting anyone but me and Nev, it meant a whole lot to me. Neville has been taking great care of me.

Mum, please save me the pain and tell the purists to leave me alone; I don't need their faked sympathy, especially not now.

I bought this studded love heart necklace to show you how much you truly mean to me and I hope you like it.

Mum, stop blaming yourself for Dad's death; it had nothing to do with you. Please, stop sitting at the foot of the grave and crying. Dad wouldn't want that. Please look after yourself. You need to be strong like Dad was. Can you do that for me?

Love,

Theodosia

3rd June 1992

Dear Theo,

I can't do this anymore.

I can't stand you being away from me any more.

I am not a Death Eater anymore, and I am afraid I'm going to be tortured and killed.

I'm so lost, Theo, I don't know what to do.

I'm so sorry.

I love you dearly,

Carol

13 June 1992

Mum,

It's okay to not be okay, I know how you feel. Don't be scared. Stand up for what you want and don't back down. You're stronger than that. I've let Dumbledore know you're in danger. Don't hesitate to respond to him.

Love,

Theo

1st August 1992

Dear Theodosia Nott,

I have to inform you of the grave disaster that has fallen upon your dearest mother. I am deeply sorry to inform you that Carol Nott has been tortured and killed by unknown suspects.

Sincerely,

Minister Of Magic

15 August 1992

Dear Mum, Mum and Dearest Dad,

I know, deep down you're all still with me. It's hard to believe all of you have left this world as beautiful, soaring angels. I know life without you all is going to be long and hard, but Neville and his Gran tell me it'll get easier. I suppose they know this from experience, sadly. In my honest opinion, I do not believe that losing loved ones is easy to deal with. I hope I'm making everyone proud, I'm really trying my utmost.

Carol, I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you from the murderers; I can't imagine how scared you were.

Love to all,

Your gracious and thankful daughter,

Theodosia Nott

14 January 2003

Dear Nott family,

Although you haven't been alive in over 10 years, I feel obliged to ask you for your daughter's hand.

Ever since my first year at Hogwarts, I found a great and loyal friend in Theodosia. I know, in my humble heart that since your deaths, Theo has become more kind, loyal and grateful. She tells me once in a while that the Sorting Hat must have got her house wrong, that she ought to be a Hufflepuff, but I still can see her Father's ways in her.

Carol, I cherished your kind heart from the first day you let me in, and now it's time to give part of your heart back to my nearly wedded wife.

To Mrs Theodosia Nott, Theo and I have decided to name our firstborn child after you, whether it be a boy, Theodore, or a girl, Theodosia.

To Mr Phillip Nott, I take great care in all your gardens when I am present at home. The plants you gave me before you died are still well and healthy, a sign that your life still goes on in the world, it seems.

I hope you'll send me a sign, for I cannot stand alone in this world; Theodosia is always by my side and I intend to propose to her.

My love carries on,

Neville Longbottom

5 February 2003

Dear my wonderful deceased family,

I became a Longbottom today! Dad, don't snicker, he's great.

I can't believe I'm married and pregnant! it feels like yesterday when I pranced down the church aisle after you, Carol.

Mum, we're naming our baby daughter after you; I hope you don't mind that.

Carol, I love your wedding dress, it's so elegant. I am so fortunate I got to wear the pretty veil I hope you didn't mind me adding flowers and herbs to it.

Alice and Frank adore me, they can finally say they have a daughter. I know there is no replacing my biological family, but they have helped me through so much grief and pain.

I can't believe how wonderful our wedding was; it was so beautiful.

Right now, as I write this letter, I am sitting in a pew, decorated with golden lilies and pretty pink daisies.

Nev and I decided we'd have the wedding at the graveyard church. I know it's kind of dark and gruesome, but I wanted to be close to my family, and this was the closest place.

Carol, remember that elegant necklace I once gave you? I've worn it all week so that I could remember you.

Mum and Dad, thank you for the magnificent mansion; I couldn't have asked for a more extravagant dwelling.

Dad, I've kept my promise throughout the years, the gardens are kept well and the servants are more like friends.

Thank you again for all changing my life for the better.

Until we meet again,

Theodosia Nott