Years after the tragic events during the fifth year at Hogwarts. Y/n is struggling to come to terms with her unreliable feelings, as well as forgiving her past and the choices it holds. Complications arises when an old friend forces himself back int...
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A drawing from the last chapter. Ominis cradling Y/N.
So sorry for late update. I have been at the mountain cabin with my family this weekend. Here you have the final chapter. I hope you like it.
A few days later
The Ministry of Magic was packed with witches and wizards, all there to witness the dedicated Aurors and their well earned promotion. The story had gone out, Y/N, the perpetrator who helped three prisoners escape Azkaban was dead at the hands of Auror Ominis Gaunt. Of course, this wasn't the truth. But it was Ominis himself who had suggested it, he figured he needed to pay his friends back somehow, for the years of lies he put them through. And if Y/N was dead, then Ominis' debt to the Ministry was paid and they no longer held any power over him.
Two of the escaped prisoners had been caught by the Aurors, LeStrange, Dunskein and Lockwood. The same men who hunted Y/N. Their trials were being readied and they were expected to return to Azkaban within the end of the week. However, one prisoner had vanished without a trace. The infamous Sebastian Sallow was nowhere to be found and the Ministry presumed him dead, even more so after Ominis Gaunt had explained to them the unbreakable vow that Sallow and Y/N had made to each other. In reality, it wasn't an unbreakable vow, but a blood pact. Ominis lied to the Ministry to give Sebastian another shot at life, giving that he had been the one to take it away from him in the first place.
As Ominis walked up to the podium to accept his promotion. He turned to the audience to speak. «Good evening everyone and thank you for coming. I know you might all be eager to see the further progress I might make in my new position here at The Ministry.» Ominis paused and exhaled slowly before continuing. «However, I am afraid I must disappoint you. I am stepping down from my position and will be leaving the Auror program tonight, without any further notice. Thank you»
Gasps and murmuring sounded from the crowd, but Ominis was already heading out. Auror LeStrange grabbed his arm as he fled «What in Merlin's name do you think you're doing?!» He asked firmly.
«What I should have done a long time ago» Ominis said coldly, he pulled his arm away from LeStrange's grasp and proceeded to walk into a floo furnace. The green flames combusted around him and he was gone.
Approximately one year later
«Thank you for covering for me, Gareth» Ominis said to the red-haired Gryffindor man who was standing behind the bar, cleaning a tankard with a linen cloth.
«Of course, Ominis. You took me in when I lost my job at J.Pippins, taking an extra shift is the least I could do.» The freckled man chirped at Ominis, who was now the proud, yet humble owner of a small bar in Hogsmeade. He had always dreamed of a more humble life. He had to convince Sirona that he wasn't going to steal all the customers, but she soon gave him approval and even helped him renovate the old venue he had purchased.
It was a beautiful little place. Dark mahogany furniture, emerald green wall tapestry and an overall gothic appeal to it, yet still very cozy with the light from the fireplace and a hundred candles.
Ominis gave Gareth a last nod and pulled his jacket on before walking out to the streets of Hogsmeade. He could feel the spring sun warm his face, it was a perfect day. It was warm, but the spring air helped cool down the otherwise heating sunrays. He navigated himself through the narrow streets and popped into a floral shop next to The Magic Neep.
«Ah, good morning, Mr. Gaunt» The chirpy woman behind the counter greeted him as he walked in.
«Good morning to you as well, my dear Lenora. And please drop the formalities, I am Ominis to you.»
«Of course, Ominis. Old force of habit from years in the service industry. You'll see the impact of that soon enough.» Lenora said teasingly. «What can I help you with today?» Lenora Everleigh has certainly molded in her Hufflepuff herbologist spirit. She was now specializing in magical flowers and owned her own shop in Hogsmeade, growing all sorts of flowers and houseplants.
«I would like 26 night rider lilies, please» Ominis asked politely.
«26? What an odd number, but of course, I'll put them into a bouquet for you».
«Yes, they are for a friend. It's her birthday today.»
«Ah, what a lucky girl. Would you like a card to wish her a happy birthday too, Ominis?»
«Ah, no. That won't be necessary. I'll go to her right from here.» Ominis smiled gently as he replied.
Ominis left Lenora's shop and traveled north towards his destination. He didn't have to go far. He passed through the iron gates of the plot and continued through the stone structures surrounding him before he reached a particular stone.
«Happy birthday, Y/N» Ominis spoke softly as he placed the flowers on her grave. His eyes welled up with tears as he scanned his wand over the writings on the tombstone.
Here lies Y/N Y/LN As powerful a friend as the magic she wielded. As fiercely loved as the foes she defeated. We will love you forever.
They buried her here in Hogsmeade. Close to her friends and close to her home. It was a secret burial, only those close to her, who believed she was innocent knew of her resting place.
Ominis sensed a presence behind him. «Hello, old friend» He spoke as the shadow approached him from behind.
«Hello, Ominis» Sebastians voice was calm. He gently placed his hand on Ominis' shoulder and Ominis placed his own hand on top of Sebastians.
«You know... She really hated attention on her birthday.» Ominis chuckled through his sorrow.
Sebastian scoffed lightly in response. «Yeah... That does sound like Y/N.»
Ominis turned to his old friend. «Do you think she would be proud of how we mended?»
Sebastian placed his other hand on Ominis' shoulder as well before pulling him into a tight hug. «Yes...» He said chokingly. «I think she would be...»
The two men embraced in silence, sobbing quietly into each other's shoulders. A gush of unusually strong wind for a day like this washed over them. They lifted their heads as the wind caressed their faces, drying their tears. The wind brought by a scent of orange blossom and amber. Her smell. The men both chuckled. «She is telling us to stop being so sentimental...» Sebastian laughed before he sniffled. Ominis smiled at his comment.
They released each other from their embrace.
«Come on, old friend... Let me buy you a drink» Ominis said softly.
Sebastian wrapped his arm around his friend's shoulder as they walked back towards Hogsmeade.
The end.
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I hope you enjoyed the story and that the ending didn't feel too rushed. It has been so fun writing it and I learned a lot. Hopefully, my next story will have even more structure to it and no loose strings. Thank you sooo much for staying with me, I appreciate it <3
