Forever Yours

Chapter 41: "Life Decisions"

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the people or places that belong to the wonderful world of Harry Potter, as they belong to J.K. Rowling. The OCs (Katherine, Septimus, Serenity, Helena, Christoph, Elisa, Henry, Nick and any name you don't recognize and isn't from the HP universe) are entirely my own.

Yes... I am dropping two chapters today.  If you had followed my works on ff.net then you would know that I had not updated my story since 2016.  A lot has happened to my family and I during these last 5 1/2 years.  Deaths, job issues, health (both my husband's and my own)... just to name a few.  I felt as though I had lost my muse.  I think it was my husband's near death health experience that changed my perspective on life, and made me realize that I need to slow down, and continue to pursue the passions I enjoy.  We changed ourselves, physically and mentally.  Exercising more... hiking, tennis, pickleball, bowling, golf. Reading more... or rereading ;) because you just can't escape from the HP universe.  And once this pandemic is over... traveling more.  I feel fortunate enough to see my parents daily, as we all work together at our family business.  My love for family knows no bounds, and it's what encourages my passion for genealogy.  But it's all of you who encouraged me to keep writing.  I may have been stuck in a rut for the last few years, but the comments I continue to receive have pushed me forward.  Two chapters are now written beyond this one, and will be posted weekly (fingers crossed).  We will see where life takes me. So thank you once again for your continued support.  Stay safe, stay healthy and happy reading :)

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The Northwoods slowly retreated from its' bleak and dreary gray skies into sunnier days. Blue skies emerged from behind dark pendulous clouds and white snow sank away to bring forth new green life.

The Easter hols were late this year; nearing almost May by that time. It would be Septimus' last holiday before graduation; something that was weighing heavily on both his and his parents' minds.

Katherine had already began to show by this time as well. They had the opportunity to inform Septimus of the new sibling after the last Quidditch match, and the young wizard seemed happy with the comfort of knowing that his younger sister would grow up with a sibling and a playmate.

Elisa had performed two more checkups since the first conformation; stating that the child was indeed healthy and growing at the appropriate rate. David Suttington, too, had been ecstatic to receive the news, even if it meant being down a potion master for nearly another nine months.

Katherine's birthday was a quiet affair, with dinner for just the two of them at the 'Nightowl' restaurant in Chicago. The beautiful eatery was located on the roof top of the Two Prudential Plaza, and offered a variety of cuisine from all over the world. Severus had felt guilt about not making her birthday as big as she had made his, but she merely told him that he had already gave her a wonderful gift, as she gently rubbed her swelling stomach. Never-the-less, Severus had still found her a rare copy of 'Brews & Potions' by Patience T. Brewer.

The kids arrived home the Saturday before the Easter weekend. Nick and Henry, full of spit and vinegar, bounded ahead of the younger couple.

Severus had traveled alone that day; as Christoph was called into an emergency at the office and Elisa had a witch who had gone into labor late last night and still had not delivered. Katherine was due to join him, but unfortunately they were awoken at four in the morning to a feverish and vomiting toddler.

So here Severus stood, with portkey in hand, waiting for the four teenagers to collect their trunks and begin to make their way to the Apparation spot to journey home. He knew May second wouldn't come fast enough for the young wizard, when Septimus would finally be able to apply for his Apparating license, and Apparate himself whenever and wherever he pleased. But that was still two weeks away, and Severus knew that the boy would be muttering...destination...determination...deliberation, under his breath until then.