Even though you said this was your first attempt at HP fanfic, I thought it was most intriguing. Once I realized what they were, the flashbacks were a great addition to the story. They are a good vehicle to convey what had happened in the past.

Your cliff-hanger was so strategically placed that I can hardly wait for your next chapter(s). Oh, complements to the good beta work too ... I didn't notice any spelling or grammar distractions.

Luke