 Toothless - Napoleon of Crime - Gryffinclaw - Owl Emissary - Pirate Auror - DoctorDonna
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
There was a nice springtime breeze brushing over the campus in the late afternoon.
Most students seemed to be celebrating the end of term or at least relaxing from all the stressed that it involved, especially those who had to have taken their OWLs and NEWTs. But Nigel had opted to head outside the castle, the seventh year sneaking out to an area with a great view of everything…the bridge. His gaze passing over the candlelit school that had been his home and escape for the past seven years. It was hard to believe so much time had passed and so many things had changed since then.
Tonight was the last night he would be there. Tomorrow would be his graduation before the train left.
His admission to university was set in stone and he would begin in the fall to continue his studying of his love of potions. At least that part of his life was secure and going as well as he could possibly ask fate to allow it. But still, there was the summer back at the estate as he settled his belongings in order. There was no way Nigel would remain with his step-family for any longer then he absolutely had to. Not that he was wanted there anyway… the crumpled letter in his pocket was proof of that.
It seemed his stepfather felt no need to be caring of him now that his graduation had come, his deceased mother no longer connecting him to the man. Nigel could only imagine what his step-brother felt of the matter but no doubt he took some pleasure in the fact that he was the preferred son after all. Not that either had any real doubt in the matter. Nigel had been the muggleborn invader…practically the black sheep in more ways than one just by being born to his mother’s first husband.
The seventh year shook his head, trying to bite back any emotion that threatened to overtake him as his thoughts went dark. Just because he had felt the sting of their behavior towards him before didn’t mean it hurt any less. It just cemented how very alone in the world he truly was. Probably was fitting then that he was spending the last night at Hogwarts alone too, the seventh year avoiding the crowds that would eventually fill the Great Hall for the closing feast. No point in pretending anyone from within its stone walls was going to really stay in touch with him after tomorrow or miss his presence in their lives.
He was a loner...losing those close to him had only made it worse. His desire to be separate fueled.
But he was legal in both the wizarding and muggle world now with the passing of his last birthday. And if his last remaining ‘family’ wanted him gone, so be it. He would return to his roots and strive for the best on his own.
And Nigel Balfour would be no more.
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