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Esmie had been spending more time with Enzo, Danielle and Mattheo recently.

Ever since her secret had come out, the halls of Hogwarts felt colder, lonelier. The rumour mill had been merciless, and most of her so-called friends had distanced themselves, leaving her to feel adrift in a place that once felt like home.

But not Enzo. Not Mattheo. Not Danielle.

Without the three of them, she wasn't sure how she would have survived the isolation. They had been her constant, her refuge when the world around her seemed determined to tear her apart. Danielle's quiet but steady presence had been a balm to Esmie's frayed nerves. She was always there with a soft smile, knowing when to listen and when to offer the perfect distraction, reminding Esmie she wasn't alone.

Mattheo had always been a constant in her life, his sharp wit and sarcastic teasing something she had grown used to over the years. At first, it had grated on her, especially when her emotions were raw, but as time went on, those sharp edges had softened, evolving into the kind of easy banter that only best friends share. Mattheo had a way of pulling her out of her own head, making her laugh when she thought she'd forgotten how, reminding her why they had always been so close.

And then there was Enzo — steady, reliable Enzo — her anchor. His quiet words, reassuring smiles, and unwavering loyalty had become her foundation, the one thing that felt stable in a world that had turned upside down. Where Mattheo provided distraction and Danielle offered comfort, Enzo was her rock, always there to steady her when she felt like she was spinning out of control.

Together, they kept her grounded, and in their presence, she found solace.

"Give it back, Matty!" Esmie's voice echoed through the common room one early morning, filled with exasperation but threaded with amusement. Her hands were on her hips, eyes narrowed as she stared up at Mattheo, who stood towering over her, holding her favourite book just out of reach.

Mattheo grinned, the smirk tugging at his lips unmistakably mischievous. "Come and get it, Emmy," he taunted, his voice playful but with that familiar edge of arrogance that only Mattheo Riddle could pull off.

Esmie glared at him, but there was no real anger behind it. Instead, she jumped, trying to grab the book, but Mattheo lifted it higher, his smirk widening as she missed by inches. "Mattheo, I swear, if you don't give it back — "

"You'll what?" he teased; his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "Hex me? C'mon, Emmy, you know you don't have the heart for that."

From the corner of the room, Enzo sat watching the entire exchange with a lazy grin on his face, shaking his head. He had long since learned not to interfere when Esmie and Mattheo got into one of their playful squabbles. "You two are ridiculous," Enzo drawled, though his tone was affectionate. "I'm honestly shocked you haven't killed each other by now."

Esmie gave him a sideways glance, muttering under her breath, "Not for lack of trying."

But before she could make another attempt at snatching the book from Mattheo's grasp, a familiar voice chimed in from across the room. "Honestly, Matty, do you ever give it a rest?"

Danielle had been sitting in the corner of the room, half-obscured by shadows. She was curled up in an armchair, a book resting in her lap as she watched her brother torment Esmie with a bemused expression on her face. Her dark hair fell in waves around her face, and her eyes flicked between the two with a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

"She started it," Mattheo said defensively, though the grin never left his face.

Danielle sighed, rolling her eyes in a way that was both fond and exasperated. "You're hopeless, Matty. One day, Esmie's going to have enough of you, and I won't be there to save you."

"Thanks, Dani," Esmie said, flashing her a small smile. "At least someone's on my side."

Danielle shrugged, her lips curling into a faint smile. "Don't mention it. It's entertaining to watch you two bicker, but even I have my limits."

With a sigh, Esmie turned back to Mattheo, who was still holding her book hostage. "Come on, Matty," she said, her tone softening. "Just give me the book. I need it."

Mattheo's smirk faltered slightly, and for a moment, his dark eyes softened. With a dramatic sigh, he finally relented, lowering the book and handing it back to her. "Fine, fine," he said, though there was a hint of affection in his voice. "But only because I'm feeling generous."

Esmie snatched the book from his hand, her eyes narrowing playfully. "You're impossible, Matty."

"And yet you keep coming back for more," Mattheo shot back with a wink, the teasing lilt in his voice unmistakable.

"Because you're both ridiculous," Enzo interjected, standing up and stretching his arms over his head. "And if we're late to Slughorn's Christmas party tonight because you two are too busy playing tug-of-war with a book, I'm leaving you both behind."

Esmie blinked, momentarily caught off guard, though the mention of the party brought a flicker of realisation. She had asked Enzo following the confrontation outside Defence Against the Dark Arts, and after getting permission from Slughorn, had then extended the invite to Danielle and Mattheo, hoping they would all go together.

"Wait, you're still going to that?" she asked, a hint of doubt in her voice.

Enzo nodded with a reassuring smile. "Of course. You invited me, remember? It'll be fun."

Mattheo, however, rolled his eyes. "Fun? At one of Slughorn's parties? I'd rather duel a Blast-Ended Skrewt."

Danielle stood and calmly closed her book. "From what I've heard, Slughorn's parties aren't all bad, besides, it's a chance to relax and enjoy us."

Mattheo huffed but didn't argue. Danielle's opinion often had a way of silencing his complaints.

Esmie, still uncertain, stared down at her hands. "I don't know ... I just feel like I don't belong there anymore."

Enzo stepped closer, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "You belong with us," he said firmly. "You asked me to go. We're all going together, and you won't be alone."

Danielle gave Esmie a soft smile. "And if anyone says otherwise, they'll have to deal with me."

Mattheo smirked, glancing between his sister and Esmie. "And me," he added, his usual teasing tone replaced with sincerity.

Esmie felt her heart swell at their words. Maybe she did belong, at least with them. With her friends by her side, perhaps the party wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Alright," she said with a small smile. "I'll go."

"Good," Enzo said, relief washing over his face. "Now, let's get ready before Mattheo decides to hide something else."

Danielle chuckled as Mattheo shot Enzo a playful glare. "I make no promises," Mattheo replied, his voice light with humour once more.

As they all began to prepare for the party, Danielle lingered for a moment, watching her brother and Esmie exchange banter while Enzo tried to keep them on track. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging she hadn't felt in a long time. They weren't just friends — they were family, and no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

For the first time in weeks, Esmie felt like she belonged. With Mattheo, Enzo, and Danielle by her side, maybe — just maybe — things would be alright.

Esmie walked over to Enzo's cupboard and pulled out the dress she had tucked away earlier. She glanced at herself in the small mirror, feeling a wave of nervousness as she held the dress against her. Tonight, Slughorn's Christmas party would be a spectacle, but it wasn't the party she was worried about — it was how she would get through the night without her heart betraying her. After a long shower, she slipped into the emerald, green dress, feeling the silky fabric fall over her frame. She opted for a cardigan over her shoulders, not for warmth but for comfort. Esmie never liked drawing too much attention to herself, and the added layer felt like a shield.

Once she had done her hair in soft curls and applied a light touch of makeup, she took a deep breath and stepped back into the room. The air was filled with anticipation as Enzo, who had been sitting by the window waiting for her, turned to look at her. His reaction was instant — his breath caught for a split second, his eyes widening.

"Wow," Enzo murmured, his voice almost reverent. "You look breathtakingly gorgeous."

Esmie smiled, her cheeks-tinged pink at his compliment. She could feel the butterflies stirring in her stomach. As she gazed at Enzo, she couldn't help but be reminded of another night — the Yule Ball.

"Wow," Esmie had whispered as she descended the stairs leading to the Great Hall, the sound of soft music filling the air. Her emerald dress shimmered under the magical lights, and when Enzo saw her, his eyes had lit up with admiration.

"You look stunning," he had said, reaching out for her hand as she approached. Esmie had giggled when he kissed her hand playfully.

"You're such a dork, Lorenzo," she had teased, and together they had walked into the Great Hall, arm in arm. That night had been magical dancing under the enchanted ceiling, laughing together, and feeling an undeniable pull towards him. As they twirled on the dance floor, Esmie had realised that her feelings for him ran deeper than she had ever admitted. She had a crush on Lorenzo Berkshire.

Her smile faded slightly as she snapped back to the present, her heart fluttering in her chest. Before she could dwell on the memory any longer, Enzo's voice pulled her back to reality.

"Mie, did you hear what I said?" Enzo asked, looking at her with a concerned but playful expression. He chuckled softly as Esmie blinked, clearly lost in thought.

"I'm sorry," she said, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "What did you say?"

Enzo laughed, his warm smile sending a wave of comfort through her. "I said I'm going to take a quick shower and get dressed. Don't go anywhere," he teased before he kissed her forehead and disappeared into the bathroom.

Esmie smiled, still feeling the warmth of his kiss on her forehead as she sat down on Enzo's bed. She stared at the door for a moment, wondering how she had managed to fall so deeply for him, and yet had never found the courage to tell him. Her thoughts were interrupted by Mattheo, who had been lounging across the room. He was leaning against the windowsill, arms crossed over his chest, watching her with a curious look.

"When are you going to tell him?" Mattheo asked, his tone casual but filled with a hint of seriousness.

Esmie turned to look at him, frowning. "Tell him what?"

Mattheo raised an eyebrow. "That you're in love with him. It's obvious, Emmy. Lorenzo might be oblivious, but I'm not. The way you look at him ... you've got it bad."

Esmie's face flushed, and she immediately shook her head. "I — I can't tell him that, Matty."

"Why not?" Mattheo pushed, moving away from the windowsill to stand closer to her. His teasing smirk softened into something more genuine as he studied her. "You've been hiding it for ages. What are you so afraid of?"

Esmie sighed, pulling her knees up to her chest as she sat on the bed. "I don't know ... I am in love with him, but what if he doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin everything?"

Mattheo rolled his eyes and sat down beside her, nudging her playfully with his shoulder. "Come on, Emmy. You know Enzo cares about you. He's not some idiot. Well, he can be sometimes, but you know what I mean. He's been your best friend for years, and anyone with eyes can see there's something more there."

Esmie smiled weakly, appreciating Mattheo's attempt to comfort her. His friendship had become one of the most surprising and cherished parts of her life at Hogwarts. They had always bantered and teased each other, but lately, Mattheo had become a true confidant. He was loud and brash, but beneath the sarcasm, there was an undeniable loyalty, and though they bickered like siblings, Esmie knew he always had her back.

"Thanks, Matty," she said quietly, resting her head against his shoulder for a moment.

"Don't mention it, Emmy. I'll always be here to save you from yourself," Mattheo said with a smirk, ruffling her hair in his usual teasing manner.

As they shared the quiet moment, neither of them noticed Enzo standing just outside the door, having overheard their conversation. His heart pounded in his chest as he processed what he had just heard. Esmie ... in love with him? He stayed there for a moment, his mind racing, but he composed himself, giving them time before re-entering the room.

When Enzo finally stepped back in, Esmie looked up, and her breath caught again. Enzo stood in front of her, dressed in a sleek suit, his dark hair slightly damp from the shower. He looked effortlessly handsome, and for a moment, she forgot how to speak.

"You look ... really handsome," Esmie finally said.

Enzo smiled warmly, his usual confidence shining through. "Thank you, darling," he said as he walked over and leaned down to kiss her forehead again, making her blush. Mattheo caught her eye and gave her a pointed look, clearly saying "You need to tell him." Esmie quickly looked away, ignoring the silent plea.

"Well, aren't you two just disgustingly cute?" Danielle's voice broke the tension as she stepped into the room, a small, knowing smile on her face.

Esmie laughed softly, her embarrassment momentarily fading as she glanced at Danielle. "Disgustingly cute? Really, Dani?"

Danielle shrugged, her smile widening slightly. "What can I say? You and Enzo make it hard not to notice, and don't even get me started on Mattheo and his annoying big brother act," she added, casting a playful glance at Mattheo.

Mattheo raised his hands in mock defence. "Hey, someone's got to keep these two in check."

Esmie smiled, her heart-warming at the sight of all of them together. Despite everything that had happened recently, she was grateful for her friends, for this little makeshift family they had become.

The four of them left the dorm room together, ready for the party. Mattheo and Danielle trailed behind, giving Esmie and Enzo space as they walked side by side, their arms brushing occasionally. Esmie felt a jolt of excitement and nervousness as they stepped into the grand hall where Slughorn's party was being held.

The room was breathtaking, decorated in luxurious emerald, crimson, and gold. Candles floated above, casting a soft, warm glow over the room as the guests mingled and laughed. The entire atmosphere felt magical, and Esmie couldn't help but smile as she took it all in.

"Wow, Slughorn really knows how to throw a party," Esmie commented, her eyes wide as she admired the decorations. "I don't think I've been to a party like this since I was a kid."

Enzo glanced at her, intrigued. "You used to go to parties like this?"

Esmie nodded, her smile fading slightly. "Yeah ... my family used to throw big parties all the time. It was just part of being in a rich Muggle family, but, honestly, I hated it. It felt so fake."

Enzo frowned, a look of understanding crossing his face. "I get that. People tend to think they know who you are based on your family or your money, but none of those matters, Mie. You're not defined by your background."

Esmie smiled softly, her heart swelling at his words. "Neither are you, Enzo. From the moment we met, I never saw you for your money or status. You're more than that."

Enzo's eyes softened as he reached out to take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You've always been the one person who saw me for who I really am, and I'll never forget that."

Before Esmie could respond, Neville walked over with a tray of drinks, breaking the moment. "Drink?" he asked, holding the tray out.

Esmie took one hesitantly, raising an eyebrow. "Neville? Why are you serving drinks?"

Neville smiled sheepishly. "Didn't get into the Slug Club," he said before walking away.

Esmie frowned, watching him go, but was soon distracted as Josie appeared, smiling brightly. "Hi," Josie smiled warmly as she approached Esmie and Enzo, her expression a welcome sight amidst the tension Esmie had been carrying all evening.

"Hi, Josie," Enzo greeted, flashing a quick smile.

But Esmie, her heart still heavy, asked quietly, "You're still talking to me?" Her voice was filled with hesitation, almost as if she didn't believe her friends could still see her the same way after everything.

Josie's smile softened, and she nodded firmly. "Of course, Esmie. I'm not going to stop being friends with you just because of some mark. I figured there was a good reason for not telling anyone the truth about your bloodline, and from what I've heard, the mark isn't even a full one, right?"

Esmie hesitated, then gently pushed her sleeve up, revealing the faint, partial Dark Mark. "No, it's not," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I only found out before the start of the school year that I'm a half-blood."

Josie's eyes lingered on the mark for a moment, her brow furrowing in thought before she looked back at Esmie. "You don't owe anyone an explanation. No matter what happens, you're always going to be my best friend." Without a second thought, Josie pulled Esmie into a tight hug, whispering in her ear, "By the way, have you told Lorenzo how you feel yet?"

Esmie blushed deeply, her face turning pink at the question. She shook her head quickly, stammering, "I — I have no idea what you're talking about."

Josie gave her a knowing smile, squeezing her affectionately before pulling back. "Sure, you don't," she teased, giving a light-hearted laugh before making her way over to some other friends.

As Josie walked away, Enzo turned to look at Esmie with that same gentle, curious smile he always had for her. Esmie smiled back, but there was a weight in her chest. Her eyes drifted across the room, landing on Harry, Maddison, and Hermione as they entered the party. The sight of them, especially Harry, sent a wave of unease through her. She hadn't spoken to them properly since the truth about her bloodline and her mark had been revealed.

Feeling the tension in Esmie's posture, Enzo moved closer, his hand finding the small of her back, steadying her. His voice was low, full of concern. "Have you spoken to any of your friends?"

Esmie sighed, her gaze dropping to the floor. "Aside from Josie, no. None of them want to have anything to do with me. They think I've been lying to them this whole time."

"They actually said that?" Enzo frowned, his thumb gently rubbing her back to comfort her.

"Not in so many words, but the looks and the silence say it all," Esmie muttered, shrugging. She glanced over at where Harry and Hermione were talking with Maddison, feeling the sharp sting of distance between them. Josie caught her eye from across the room, offering a reassuring smile, but Esmie couldn't shake the heaviness in her heart.

Just as she was about to speak again, the door to the room swung open, and the grating voice of Argus Filch broke through the soft hum of conversation.

"Take your hands off me, you filthy Squib!" Draco's voice rang out, filled with venom, as Filch dragged him into the room. Every eye turned toward them.

Esmie tensed immediately, instinctively leaning closer to Enzo, who kept his hand steady on her back, providing her with a quiet sense of security.

"Professor Slughorn, sir," Filch croaked, his voice dripping with disdain, "I found this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims he was invited."

Draco rolled his eyes, his expression filled with annoyance. "Okay, okay, I was gatecrashing. Happy now?"

Before Slughorn could respond, Professor Snape appeared, his robes billowing as he strode across the room. His face was an impassive mask, but there was a darkness in his eyes as he spoke. "I'll escort him out."

"Certainly, Professor," Draco said with mock politeness, his lips curled into a sneer. He cast one last glance around the room before following Snape out. As he passed, his gaze landed on Esmie, and he made a point of scoffing loudly, as if to remind her of her own precarious position.

Esmie felt a knot form in her stomach, her heart pounding as she watched Draco and Snape disappear. The room seemed to close in on her, the weight of everyone's judgment too heavy to bear. She looked up at Enzo, "Can we please leave?"

Enzo didn't hesitate, his eyes soft with understanding. "Of course, Mie." He quickly took her glass, placing it down on the nearest table before taking her hand and guiding her toward the door. Together, they slipped out of the room, unnoticed by most, except for Harry and Hermione, who shared a quick glance but didn't move to stop them.

The cool air of the corridor greeted them as they stepped into the quiet hallway. Esmie immediately felt a sense of relief, but it was short-lived. Her mind was racing, filled with images of Draco, the look on his face, and the haunting memory of Snape's cold demeanour.

As they walked in silence, Esmie suddenly stopped, her ears catching the faint echo of voices further down the corridor. She strained to listen, recognising the voices instantly.

"Why'd you stop?" Enzo asked, frowning slightly as he glanced at her.

"Shh, listen," Esmie whispered, her breath catching in her throat.

Draco's voice echoed down the hallway, his words dripping with arrogance. "Maybe I did hex that Bell girl, maybe I didn't. What's it to you?"

Esmie's heart sank, her stomach twisting with a sickening realisation. She had defended Draco, time and time again, believing there was something redeemable in him, but hearing his cold confession made her feel like a fool.

Snape's voice cut through the air, cold and unfeeling. "I swore to protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow."

Esmie's breath caught in her throat. Tears welled in her eyes as she clutched her chest, struggling to make sense of it. Snape, the man who had handed her over to the Death Eaters, had made an Unbreakable Vow to protect Draco?

Enzo, sensing her distress, moved closer, his voice soft. "Esmie, what is it?"

But Esmie could barely focus on his words. Her mind was reeling. Draco's voice rang out again, filled with pride and desperation. "I don't need protection. I was chosen for this. Out of everyone, me. I won't fail him."

"You're afraid, Draco. You attempt to conceal it, but it's obvious. Let me assist you," Snape replied, his voice still calm, but laced with something darker.

"No! I was chosen! This is my moment!" Draco's voice was raw with emotion, teetering on the edge of something fragile.

Esmie couldn't take it anymore. The betrayal, the lies — it was too much. She turned abruptly, walking quickly down the corridor, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

"Mie, wait!" Enzo called after her, hurrying to catch up. He grabbed her arm gently, spinning her around as she leaned against the cool stone wall, her breath coming in shallow gasps.

"I can't," Esmie whispered, her voice trembling. "I can't stay here. I defended him, Enzo. I defended him, and I was wrong."

Enzo didn't say anything at first, instead, he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. His embrace was warm and steady, grounding her in a way that only he could. "You didn't know, Mie. You couldn't have known. It's not your fault."

Esmie buried her face in his chest, trying to hold back the tears. "I just ... I don't understand how everything could get so messed up."

Enzo pressed his chin against her head, his hand gently rubbing her back. "I know," he whispered softly. "But you're not alone in this. I'm with you. Always."

They stood like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's warmth, until Esmie finally pulled back, wiping at her eyes.

"I'll take you back to the dorm," Enzo said gently. "You need to rest."

Esmie nodded, too exhausted to argue. Together, they began walking back down the dimly lit corridor, the weight of the evening still heavy between them.

From around the corner, Mattheo and Danielle watched the pair silently. Danielle, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, sighed softly. "She's hurting," she said quietly, her voice filled with concern.

Mattheo, standing beside her, nodded, his eyes fixed on Esmie and Enzo as they disappeared down the corridor. "Yeah," he said softly, his usual smirk nowhere to be seen. "But she's stronger than she knows. She'll get through this."

Danielle glanced at her twin; her brow furrowed slightly. "Are you sure? You've seen what's happening with Draco ... and with everything going on, I'm not so sure."

Mattheo's expression hardened. "Esmie's tough. She's been through a lot, but she's not alone."

Danielle's eyes flickered with doubt, but she nodded slowly. "I hope you're right, Matty. For all our sakes."

Esmie allowed Enzo to gently guide her back to the Slytherin dorms, her hand resting lightly in his. Each step felt heavy, but with Enzo by her side, she could feel a sense of warmth and comfort beginning to settle in the pit of her stomach. As they reached the common room, the familiar flicker of the fireplace greeted them. The flames cast dancing shadows across the room, and for a moment, it felt like everything was normal. Almost.

Just as they entered, Esmie spotted Elsie sitting on one of the couches, absorbed in a book. The younger girl glanced up at the sound of their arrival, her eyes immediately locking on Esmie. For a tense second, neither of them moved. Esmie braced herself, her heart racing with the fear that Elsie, like so many others, would lash out or turn away, but instead, Elsie gently closed her book, placing it aside before getting to her feet and walking directly over to them.

Esmie held her breath, every muscle tense as Elsie approached. She was so sure she'd see anger or disappointment in her friend's eyes. Maybe even resentment. She expected the worst, bracing herself for it, but instead, Elsie reached out and, without hesitation, enveloped Esmie in a tight hug.

"What — what was that for?" Esmie stammered, completely taken off guard by the sudden embrace. Her voice wavered with disbelief, and her hands hesitated before slowly moving to return the hug.

Elsie pulled back just enough to look at Esmie, her expression soft and filled with understanding. "I heard what happened," she began, her voice gentle, "and I wanted you to know that I'm still here for you. No matter what, we'll always be best friends."

The floodgates opened, and Esmie let out a soft sob as she clung tightly to Elsie, burying her face in her friend's shoulder. The relief that washed over her was overwhelming. All the tension, all the fear she had been holding onto, melted away in that one moment of support. "I love you, Els," she whispered through the tears, her voice barely audible.

"I love you too, Esmie," Elsie replied, her voice steady and full of affection as she hugged her even tighter. The two stood there for what felt like an eternity, holding onto each other, as if that connection alone could help mend the wounds that had been caused by the recent chaos in Esmie's life.

The tender moment was interrupted by the sudden creak of a door opening, causing both girls to jump and pull apart. They turned toward the sound, their eyes landing on Theo, who had just walked into the common room.

"Elsie — oh, hi," Theo said, his tone casual, though his eyes flickered with curiosity as he took in the scene. Esmie instinctively took a step back, accidentally bumping into Enzo, and cast a nervous glance at Theo. Ever since the night of Slughorn's dinner, Theo had been distant. He hadn't spoken to her, and she feared he might never speak to her again. Now, as he stood before her, she wasn't sure what to expect.

"You all look like you've seen a ghost. I'm not that scary, am I?" Theo asked with a playful smirk, though his gaze lingered on Esmie a little longer than usual.

Elsie, snapping out of the momentary tension, looked at Theo and said, "You were looking for me?"

"Uh, yeah, right. You left this in my room." Theo reached into his bag and pulled out a familiar-looking jumper, holding it out toward Elsie. "Thought you'd want it back."

Esmie exchanged a quick glance with Enzo, both trying — and failing — to suppress knowing smiles. Elsie, meanwhile, accepted the jumper, her cheeks flushing slightly as she murmured, "Thank you, Theo."

Esmie couldn't help but notice the pink tint on Elsie's face, and her curiosity piqued. Theo nodded in response, but as his eyes flickered over to Esmie, she felt her heart rate spike. This was it. She hadn't expected him to forgive her, not after the way he had looked at her that night.

Theo took a slow breath before speaking, his voice quieter than usual. "I figured you must have had a good reason for lying to us."

Esmie's eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching in her throat. She had expected anger, or at the very least, indifference, but Theo's words hit her with a wave of relief. "Wait ... does that mean we're still friends?" she asked cautiously, almost afraid to hope.

Theo's expression shifted, a grin slowly spreading across his face. Without warning, he reached out and playfully pinched her cheek. "Of course, we're still friends, Grisky." Esmie yelped and swatted his hand away, laughing despite herself.

"I thought you were mad at me," she admitted, her voice still shaky with emotion. "You've been ignoring me for days."

Theo's smirk faltered, and he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. I was being a bit of a prat. I didn't know how to handle it, but I'm not mad at you. I was just ... processing."

Esmie smiled, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "I forgive you," she said softly, stepping forward to hug him. Theo hugged her back tightly, his usual playfulness momentarily replaced by genuine warmth.

As they pulled apart, Esmie couldn't resist teasing him. She raised an eyebrow and looked between Theo and Elsie. "So, why exactly was Elsie's jumper in your room, Theo?"

Elsie's face turned a deep shade of red, and she immediately stammered, "We were just hanging out, and I left it there, that's all!" She quickly turned on her heel, her voice a little too high-pitched as she hurried toward the dormitory stairs.

Theo rolled his eyes dramatically, but there was a hint of amusement in his expression. "It's not what it looks like," he added quickly before following Elsie toward the stairs. "Elsie, wait up!"

Esmie giggled, watching the two of them disappear, their awkward exchange leaving a trail of unspoken possibilities. She turned back to Enzo, still smiling as the warmth from the earlier moments lingered. "That was interesting," she remarked, shaking her head lightly.

Enzo chuckled; his eyes filled with affection as he looked at her. "Glad to see things are starting to get back to normal."

Esmie sighed, feeling the lingering weight of everything that had happened, but for the first time in what felt like weeks, she also felt hope. The friendships she thought were lost were still there, and the people who mattered most had proven they weren't going anywhere. "Yeah," she murmured, her voice filled with a quiet sense of peace. "I think maybe they are."

"Come on, Mie," Enzo said softly, his hand warm in hers as he gently guided her through the dimly lit corridors. Esmie could feel the weight of the evening pressing down on her shoulders, but with Enzo beside her, the tension in her body began to ease. His presence had a way of making her feel like the world wasn't so overwhelming, that she could breathe again. She followed him in silence, allowing herself to be led back to his dorm, where she knew they would find a little peace from the outside world.

When they reached the dorm, Enzo pushed open the door, glancing back at her before stepping inside. Esmie followed, and as the door clicked shut behind them, a sense of relief washed over her. The warmth of the room greeted them, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

Esmie immediately moved toward his closet, rifling through the familiar clothes she had left there from previous visits. She pulled out a comfortable pair of tracksuit pants and a long T-shirt that hung loosely on her small frame, but before she disappeared into the bathroom to change, she hesitated, turning back to Enzo.

"Uh, my zip is kind of stuck. Could you ... help me?" she asked, her voice soft and a little uncertain.

Enzo froze for a moment, his cheeks flushing as he processed her request. "Y-Yeah, of course," he replied, his voice cracking slightly as he swallowed nervously. Esmie turned around, sweeping her hair aside to give him access to the back of her dress. His fingers hesitated for a moment before they found the zipper, tugging gently at it. The fabric parted slowly, revealing the soft curve of her bare back. Enzo's breath caught in his throat, and he quickly averted his gaze, his heart pounding in his chest.

Once the zipper was fully undone, Esmie's dress slipped from her shoulders, the delicate fabric pooling at her feet. Enzo's face turned red as he stared determinedly at the floor, trying to focus on anything else. Esmie, seemingly unaware of the effect she was having on him, murmured a soft thank you and disappeared into the bathroom to change.

While she was gone, Enzo let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. He paced the room for a few seconds, trying to calm the racing thoughts in his mind. Esmie had always been beautiful but seeing her like that — so vulnerable and close — had stirred something in him that he wasn't quite ready to face.

Moments later, Esmie re-emerged, now dressed in the oversized T-shirt and tracksuit pants that made her look even smaller. The long shirt draped over her like a blanket, and her hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves. She looked comfortable and relaxed, but the heaviness that still lingered in her eyes didn't go unnoticed by Enzo.

"I can't believe it's almost Christmas," Esmie said, her voice quiet as she sat down on the edge of the bed. The weight of the upcoming holiday seemed to hang between them like an unspoken tension.

Enzo grabbed a pair of clothes from his own closet, glancing at her as he asked, "What are your plans for Christmas?" His tone was casual, but there was an undercurrent of curiosity. He had never asked much about Esmie's family before, not wanting to intrude on what was clearly a sensitive subject, but with everything that had happened recently, he couldn't help but wonder what her holiday would look like.

Esmie shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "I'm going home for Christmas," she replied simply, but there was something in her voice that didn't sit right. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her shirt; her eyes fixed on the floor.

Enzo paused, watching her for a moment before nodding. He disappeared into the bathroom to change, the door clicking shut softly behind him. Esmie let out a quiet sigh, running her fingers through her hair as she tried to push away the thoughts that had been weighing on her mind.

When Enzo emerged from the bathroom, now dressed in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, he looked at her with concern. "You're really going home for Christmas?" he asked again, this time more gently, as if he could sense that something wasn't right.

Esmie nodded, but it was a half-hearted gesture, her expression distant. "Yeah," she murmured, clearly wanting to avoid the topic. "But enough about that," she quickly added, attempting to change the subject. "What about you? What are your Christmas plans?"

Enzo studied her for a moment longer, sensing that there was more she wasn't saying, but he didn't push. Instead, he smiled and sat beside her on the bed. "Well, I'm going home," he said, his tone lighter as he launched into stories about his family's holiday traditions when he was younger. He talked about the elaborate Christmas feasts, the decorations, and the pranks his cousins would pull on each other during the holidays.

Esmie listened intently, her focus shifting away from her own worries as Enzo's stories made her laugh. For a while, they talked about their favourite holiday memories — everything from the smell of fresh-baked gingerbread to the excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning. The conversation flowed easily, as it always did with Enzo, and soon they found themselves wrapped up in each other's company, the outside world forgotten.

As the night wore on, their voices grew softer, the weight of the day finally catching up with them. Esmie found herself leaning into Enzo, her head resting against his shoulder. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his breathing lulled her into a sense of security she hadn't felt in weeks. Her eyes grew heavy, and she let out a quiet sigh, her voice barely audible as she whispered, "Thanks for tonight, Enzo."

Enzo smiled, his arm wrapping around her shoulders to pull her closer. "Anytime, Mie," he replied softly, his thumb gently brushing against her arm. He rested his chin on top of her head, feeling her relax completely in his arms. The quiet intimacy of the moment was unlike anything they had shared before, and Enzo couldn't help but feel the depth of their connection growing with every passing second.

The weight of the day, the fears, and the uncertainties slowly melted away, leaving only the two of them in the quiet peace of the dorm. Esmie's breathing slowed as she drifted off to sleep, her body nestled comfortably against Enzo's.

Enzo stayed awake a little longer, listening to the soft rise and fall of her breath, his heart full of something he couldn't quite name. As he looked down at Esmie, her face relaxed and peaceful in sleep, he realised just how much she meant to him. She had always been important, always been his best friend, but now there was something more. Something that scared him and excited him all at once.

Eventually, Enzo allowed his own eyes to close, the warmth of Esmie's body against his and the quiet of the room lulling him into a deep, restful sleep. Wrapped in each other's arms, they found a brief escape from the chaos of the world, knowing that whatever challenges awaited them, they would face it together.

And for that moment, in the stillness of the night, everything felt right.

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For the point of this story anyway, the Slytherin dorms all have little ensuite bathrooms connected to them.

Enjoy! Xo

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