I did not yell at my children when my scar flared with agony, but perhaps it took me a second or third request before I got more milk.

I did not snap at them as I sat huddled in a tent abandoned by my best friend but, I admit, my patience was thinner.

One day I did forgo my mandatory afternoon nap—Rose at the wading pool with Julia, David asleep—to make it through several battles and revelations. And then I could barely walk as David and I threw the ball ball back and forth on the sidewalk.

And, last night, I went to bed an hour late to find out who lived and who died and how. Luckily, David slept at hour late this morning, but I’m only half here. The rest of me is still in the castle and the forest. I’m still chastising Harry for being such a whiner and standing in awe at his sacrifice. I’m still worried about Teddy and wondering what year did Ginny and Harry get married? What does he do now? I’m still far away from my little muggles.