Closest To Heaven That I'll Ever Be. *Complete*

3. Eliminating Night Terrors

Two Years Later

I didn't go back for my final year of school. Technically I didn't need to. The Ministry gave me full marks on my Newt Exams as they did with any of my year who fought in the war. There were a few who I heard had opted to go back, Hermione of course being one of them. But I couldn't. The castle, which once held so many wonderful memories for me was now tainted. 

Now I knew that what I thought were good memories were in fact heartbreakingly not so. Every time I looked at the castle all I saw was regret and a waste of years. I stayed for the memorial obviously to say a final farewell to all our fallen brothers and sisters. Heartbreaking as it was, it gave us the closure that we needed. I sat watching as Harry, Ron, and Hermione were praised for the work they did. For the sacrifices that they made and how their efforts were what saved us all. They were heroes. During the memorial service, they received the Order of Merlin, First Class and a hefty reward prize each.

Once again, I didn't get a mention. At this stage however I didn't expect to. I had said my piece and I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders now. I was free. I didn't see the Trio after that either. Actually I didn't see much of anyone. I said my goodbyes to my grandfather and promised to write. Which I did. Every week.

I had no plans. I just wanted to finally see the world on my own terms. With no agenda and no time restraints. I could go where I wanted. While the thought absolutely terrified me, I was also excited about the challenge. I would no longer have Harry, Ron, or Hermione to aid me...or rather for me to aid them. Time to see how I did on my own for a change.

So I went travelling. I saw quite a few places, but there was no place like home in my eyes, so towards the end of the summer, I gathered my memories and suitcase and headed back to Surrey. My uncle Ablus as it turns out, left me everything in his will. His money, his property and some of his prized possessions.

I had enough money to not work, who knew Albus was actually loaded? If I decided to, I could live comfortably...well more than comfortably for the rest of my life...and the next. But of course I wanted to. I was never one to sit around. I wanted my little shop I always dreamed of. And I got it. I was able to buy it on my own. The house Albus left me was lovely but run down. Nothing a little magic couldn't sort out and before nightfall I had it looking like a proper home.

So here I was. Not exactly hiding out or shying away from society but just keeping...busy. And my apothecary definitely kept me busy. Located in Diagon Alley but looking very modernised for the old fashioned street, my shop sat out like a sore thumb. But that only added to it's charm and popularity. My shop quickly became one of the busiest in the street. Students came for their potion ingredients, cauldrons, and simple potion vials—health tonics and those things during the summer and during the year swarms of witches and wizards would come and go buying everything from my homemade perfumes, makeup, and soaps to my remedies and medical supplies.