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THE MOMENT THEY LANDED ON THE GROUND, ESMIE STUMBLED AWAY FROM THE DEATH EATER.

Her legs felt as if they were made of lead, threatening to give way beneath her. She collapsed to the earth, her breath coming in ragged, uneven gasps. Panic surged through her as tears streamed down her cheeks, mingling with the dirt on her face. She braced herself for whatever fate awaited her, her mind racing with dark thoughts of the worst possible outcomes. Her chest heaved with every breath as she tried to steel herself for whatever might come next.

Just as she was steeling herself mentally, a hand landed heavily on her shoulder. A piercing scream burst from her lips, fueled by sheer terror. Before she could react further, a firm hand clamped over her mouth, cutting off her cries. Esmie's heart pounded wildly as she struggled against the hold.

"Esmie, you need to be quiet," a voice whispered urgently, its tone strangely familiar yet fraught with desperation. Esmie, shaking uncontrollably and disoriented from the events, tried to rise, her heart racing with a mix of fear and mounting anger. When she turned around, she was met with the sight of Mattheo Riddle standing behind her. Her eyes widened in shock, her initial fear giving way to a cascade of conflicting emotions. Relief battled with anger as she tried to process his unexpected presence.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she shouted, her voice thick with a blend of anger and relief as she shoved him backward. The force of her shove made Mattheo stumble slightly, but he quickly regained his balance. Esmie, still fuming, moved to shove him again, but Mattheo's hands were swift and gentle as he seized her wrists, his grip firm but not harsh.

"Stop, I'm not going to hurt you, Esmie," Mattheo said, his voice steady but urgent. His eyes locked onto hers, trying to convey the gravity of the situation. His gaze was intense, filled with a mix of worry and determination.

"How am I supposed to trust that? You attacked us!" Esmie snapped, her anger flaring as she struggled against his hold. Her frustration was palpable, her movements frantic.

"Esmie, I wasn't helping them. I was only there to rescue you," Mattheo explained, his voice calm and steady as he held onto her wrists. His expression was earnest, and there was a hint of desperation in his eyes.

"Rescue me? I was fine! I didn't need rescuing, Mattheo!" Esmie's frustration was evident as her voice cracked. "Take me back right now!"

"I'm sorry, but I can't do that," Mattheo said, his expression pained as he looked at her. There was a deep sadness in his eyes, and his voice carried a note of regret.

"Why not? Why can't you take me back? Mattheo, please, I need to get back to Enzo," Esmie pleaded, her voice breaking with desperation. Her eyes searched his face for any sign of understanding or reassurance.

"Esmie, you need to calm down and listen to me," Mattheo said, his tone soft but insistent. He looked around, his gaze scanning the dimly lit surroundings to ensure their privacy.

"Where are we?" Esmie asked, her voice trembling as she looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings. The area was dimly lit, and the shadows seemed to close in on her, amplifying her sense of disorientation and fear.

"We're not far from Hogwarts," Mattheo said, his voice tinged with frustration and concern. "I needed to talk to you alone, and this was the only place I could think of where no one would find us."

"Why? This doesn't make any sense," Esmie said, her frustration mixing with confusion.

"Esmie, you need to go into hiding. It's not safe for you anymore. They're looking for you," Mattheo said urgently, his voice steady but serious. His eyes were filled with a mix of concern and determination.

"Me? Why are they looking for me? What are you talking about?" Esmie's fear grew, her eyes widening with alarm. She was beginning to realise the gravity of the situation, and her mind raced to understand what had led them here.

Mattheo gently pushed up her sleeve, revealing the mark on her arm. The mark was red and inflamed, a stark reminder of the danger she was in. Mattheo's expression darkened as he examined it, his brow furrowing with concern.

"Esmie, have you been trying to scratch it off again? You know that won't work, right?" His voice was filled with concern, his eyes softening as he spoke.

"I just want to get rid of it, Mattheo. I never wanted this mark," Esmie said, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and sadness. She met his gaze, her expression softening as she saw the genuine worry etched on his face. "What's going on? Why did you bring me here, and why are you telling me I need to run?"

Mattheo took a deep breath and reached into his pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. He held it out to her, his eyes filled with a mixture of urgency and reassurance. Esmie hesitated for a moment, her hands shaking as she took the paper from him. She unfolded it carefully, her heart pounding as she began to read the message inside.

Esmeralda Lillian Grisky
Status: Muggle-Born Witch
Parents: Fiona and Jack Boggs

"N-No. Why are you showing me this? I thought —" Esmie's voice trailed off as she stared at the paper, trying to make sense of the shocking revelation.

"They captured your Mum. Snape told them where she lives. I'm so sorry, Esmie," Mattheo said, his voice heavy with regret and sorrow.

"No, it can't be. Please, please tell me she's okay, Mattheo," Esmie begged, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her hands trembled as she clutched the paper.

"They tortured her for information. When she couldn't give them anything, they killed her. I'm so sorry," Mattheo said, his voice breaking slightly. His eyes were filled with a deep sadness that mirrored Esmie's own.

"N-No. I tried to protect her. I thought if I obliviated all her memories of me, she'd be safe. I — I couldn't save her," Esmie sobbed, her shoulders shaking with grief and guilt.

"I'm so sorry, Esmie. It wasn't your fault, okay?" Mattheo said, his voice filled with sympathy and compassion. He reached out to gently touch her arm in a gesture of comfort.

"I still don't understand. Why do I need to run? What does this have to do with anything?" Esmie asked, her voice filled with confusion as she held up the piece of paper, her eyes searching Mattheo's face for answers.

"In the eyes of the Ministry and the magical world, you're still a Muggle-born witch. Snape told them you were lying and claiming to be a half-blood witch who is his daughter. Your mark won't protect you anymore. Snape made it so that Lucius doesn't remember you ever receiving it. I'm so sorry, Emmy, but they're looking for you. You need to stay hidden until it's safe. I promise I'll find you and bring you home once this is all over," Mattheo said earnestly, his gaze steady and filled with determination.

"B-but aren't you risking your life telling me this? And w-what about Enzo? Will I see him again?" Esmie asked, her voice trembling with fear and hope. Her eyes were filled with a mix of desperation and longing.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I promise you'll see Enzo again. I'll tell him everything, but you have to promise me you'll stay hidden until it's safe," Mattheo said, his gaze intense and reassuring.

"I-I promise. Please, tell him I love him," Esmie said, nodding as her eyes filled with tears. Her voice was barely a whisper, laden with emotion.

Mattheo embraced her tightly, and Esmie clung to him, finding a small measure of comfort in his presence. After a brief moment, he pulled away and said his goodbyes. He apparated away with a flash of light, leaving Esmie alone in the dim, empty space. As she watched him disappear, tears continued to roll down her cheeks, the realisation sinking in that she was truly on her own.

Looking around at the dark, unfamiliar landscape, Esmie felt a deep sense of loss and despair. Her gaze drifted towards the distant silhouette of Hogwarts, and the reality hit her hard: she would not be returning to the safety and familiarity of her school. She closed her eyes tightly, allowing memories of her first arrival at Hogwarts to flood her mind. The warmth of the castle, the excitement of the Sorting Hat ceremony, and the camaraderie of her friends all seemed so distant now. As the tears fell freely, Esmie took a deep breath and thought back to her first years at Hogwarts.

"Wow," Esmie breathed, her eyes wide with wonder as she followed the stream of students through the towering castle doors. The grandeur of Hogwarts was overwhelming. The ceilings seemed impossibly high, and the walls were adorned with ancient, magical tapestries. Each step she took echoed with a sense of history and excitement.

As she walked, her gaze flitted around, absorbing every detail—the enchanted floating candles, the grand staircase that seemed to twist and turn on its own, and the enchanted portraits that whispered and moved. In her distraction, she suddenly collided with someone. Esmie stumbled slightly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She turned around and saw Lorenzo Berkshire standing there with a playful grin.

"So, girl who almost blew me up, we meet again," Lorenzo said with a smirk.

Esmie rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Hi, Enzo. It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too, Esmie. Have you almost blown anyone else up recently?" Enzo asked teasingly.

"Are you ever going to let that go?" Esmie shot back, though her tone was more amused than annoyed.

Enzo shook his head as they began to follow the other students up the stairs. The crowd of first-years moved together, their voices a mix of excitement and nervous chatter. As they ascended, they spotted a boy with glasses standing beside a red-haired boy.

"That's Harry Potter," Enzo said, gesturing towards the boy with glasses. "Did you know he's famous?"

"I met Harry on the train, but I didn't know he was famous. Why's he famous?" Esmie asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"He's the Boy Who Lived," Enzo explained. "He survived an attack by the Dark Lord when he was just a baby. Apparently, he has this cool scar in the shape of a lightning bolt."

"What do you mean by the Boy Who Lived?" Esmie asked, her eyes widening in curiosity.

Enzo looked at her with surprise. "You don't know about Harry Potter?"

Esmie shrugged in response, and they came to a stop at the top of the stairs, where a professor awaited them. She wore emerald-green robes and had a warm yet authoritative presence.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. In a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates, but before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin."

"Wouldn't it be fun if we were in the same house?" Enzo asked, his eyes lighting up with the suggestion.

Esmie smiled at the thought. "I'd like that. I hope we end up together."

"Now, while you're here, your house will be like your family. Triumphs will earn you points, and any rule-breaking will result in a loss of points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points wins the House Cup—"

A sudden shout interrupted the professor's speech. "Trevor!" A boy dashed forward to grab a frog that had hopped its way to the top of the stairs, causing ripples of laughter through the group.

"The Sorting Ceremony will begin momentarily," the professor said before leaving them alone. Esmie turned to Enzo.

"It's true then—" a voice interrupted, and Esmie looked over to see a blonde boy she'd met in Diagon Alley. He was flanked by two burly companions who loomed behind him, casting shadowy figures.

"—what they're saying on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts."

"Harry Potter," murmured the students around them. Esmie glanced at Enzo, who nodded, confirming that Harry Potter was indeed famous.

"This is Crabbe and Goyle, and I'm Malfoy, Draco Malfoy," Draco introduced himself with a sneer, indicating his companions.

Esmie couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Who does he think he is, James Bond?"

Enzo looked puzzled. "Who's James Bond? Is he a famous wizard too?"

Before Esmie had a chance to answer, the red-haired boy Ron laughed, and Draco turned his attention to him. "Think my name's funny, do you? There's no need to ask yours. Red hair and a hand-me-down robe—must be a Weasley."

Esmie rolled her eyes as Draco continued. "You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there."

"I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks," Harry replied coolly, ignoring Draco's outstretched hand.

The professor returned and tapped Draco on the shoulder. "We're ready for you now. Follow me," she said, leading the group into the Great Hall.

Esmie's breath caught as she entered. The ceiling, bewitched to mirror the night sky, was mesmerising. Stars twinkled overhead, reflecting in the enchanted lake below. The Hall was lined with four long tables, each with a different house emblem. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, and the murmurs of students created a lively buzz.

"It's not real, the ceiling," the girl in front of Esmie said, breaking the spell of awe. "It's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History."

Esmie smiled at the girl's enthusiasm. "It's amazing," she said, looking back at the ceiling before turning her attention to the group of students.

As they came to a stop, the professor announced, "All right, will you wait along here, please? Before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words."

Professor Dumbledore stood at the front of the hall, his presence commanding respect despite his relaxed demeanour. "I have a few start-of-term notices. First, the Forbidden Forest is strictly off-limits. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to anyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you."

Esmie whispered to Enzo, "A hat sorts us into our houses?"

"Yes," Enzo nodded. "It's based on the strongest qualities of each student. The Sorting Hat puts you in the house that best matches those qualities."

"Hermione Granger," the professor called, and Esmie watched as a bushy-haired girl walked up and sat down. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head.

"Ah, right, then. Hmm, right. Ok, Gryffindor!" The Sorting Hat announced, causing applause from the Gryffindor table.

As applause followed, Esmie nudged Enzo. "How does the Sorting Hat know which house to put you in?"

"It looks at your qualities and preferences," Enzo explained.

Esmie noticed one of the professors watching her with a kind, but piercing gaze. She furrowed her brow, sensing a mix of curiosity and warmth from the older witch. The Sorting Ceremony continued, and Esmie watched as Draco Malfoy was sorted into Slytherin. The Sorting Hat barely touched his head before announcing the house. Enzo nodded knowingly. "No surprise there. The Malfoys have been sorted into Slytherin for centuries. I know him—he's my cousin. I spent a lot of time at his house growing up."

"Your parents weren't around?" Esmie asked softly.

"Not really," Enzo shrugged, a shadow of melancholy crossing his features.

The professor called out, "Esmie Grisky."

Esmie took a deep breath and walked up to the chair. As she sat down and the Sorting Hat was placed on her head, she felt a thrill of anticipation.

"Where should I put you? Hmm ... I know, better be Gryffindor!" The Sorting Hat declared.

Esmie's face lit up with joy as she skipped down to the Gryffindor table. She saw Enzo's sympathetic smile as he was called next.

"Lorenzo Berkshire."

Enzo walked up to the chair, and the Sorting Hat was placed on his head. "Slytherin!" the hat announced.

Esmie watched as Enzo made his way to the Slytherin table. She sat at the Gryffindor table, feeling a pang of sadness that they weren't in the same house but resolved to make the best of it.

As the sorting continued, Esmie noticed a first-year girl with wavy black hair and a composed demeanour. The girl's name was called, and she approached the chair with a confident stride. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head, and after a moment of deliberation, it cried out, "Slytherin!"

The girl walked to the Slytherin table, where Enzo was now seated. Esmie watched with interest as the girl settled into her new house. The girl seemed to have an air of quiet authority about her, and she glanced around with a mix of curiosity and reserve.

After the Sorting Ceremony, as students mingled and settled into their respective houses, Esmie felt a nudge on her arm. She turned to see the girl from earlier—Danielle Riddle—standing nearby with a tentative smile.

"Hi, I'm Esmie Grisky," Esmie said, extending her hand. "Congratulations on being sorted into Slytherin."

Danielle's eyes brightened with a hint of relief. "Thank you. I'm Danielle Riddle."

Esmie's eyes widened slightly at the name, though she couldn't quite place why it seemed familiar. "Nice to meet you, Danielle. I hope you enjoy your time at Hogwarts."

Danielle nodded, her smile warm but enigmatic. "I'm sure we'll see each other around."

As Esmie walked back to her table, she glanced over her shoulder at Danielle, feeling a sense of curiosity about her. The name Riddle rang a distant bell, but she couldn't quite connect the dots. Nevertheless, she felt a growing sense of curiosity about her new acquaintance.

The night continued with the buzz of excitement, the warmth of the feast, and the promise of new adventures. Esmie felt a growing sense of belonging at Hogwarts, eager to see where her journey would lead and looking forward to the friendships and experiences that awaited her.

Esmie smiled softly to herself as she reflected on her first year at Hogwarts. The memory of walking through the towering castle doors for the first time was still vivid in her mind. She had been overwhelmed by a sense of awe and wonder as she gazed up at the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall, which seemed to stretch endlessly above, mirroring the night sky with its twinkling stars. The magic of the moment had been palpable, filling her with a deep sense of belonging and excitement about the adventures that lay ahead.

As she thought back to that time, she was reminded of the sheer novelty of every experience. From the friendly chatter of fellow students to the smell of parchment and ink in the library, everything had been a discovery. The hustle and bustle of the Great Hall during meals, the thrill of her first Potions class, and the camaraderie in the common room had all felt like scenes from a storybook come to life. Each day had been filled with new experiences, each more enchanting than the last, and she had revelled in the sense of possibility that came with each new lesson and friendship.

The years that followed had brought their own set of experiences. Esmie remembered the joy of making new friends, the exhilaration of Quidditch matches, and the satisfaction of mastering challenging spells. There were also moments of difficulty—times when she had struggled with her studies or faced conflicts with friends. Yet, even these challenges had played a crucial role in her growth, teaching her resilience and the importance of perseverance. Every triumph and setback had shaped her, adding layers to her character and deepening her understanding of herself and the world around her.

One memory from her fifth year, in particular, stood out with a poignant clarity. It was a time of mixed emotions, when she had felt both hopeful and anxious about her future. The memory carried a bittersweet quality, reflecting a period of intense personal growth and emotional complexity. As she recalled this moment, tears welled up in her eyes. The recollection was tinged with both the pain of that time and the profound lessons it had imparted. The tears that formed were not just a response to the sadness of the memory but also an acknowledgment of the strength and resilience she had gained from those experiences.

Esmie made her way down towards the Great Hall, her mind abuzz with thoughts of Enzo and the urgency she felt to express her feelings before the Christmas holidays. The approaching break loomed large in her mind, and she felt a deep need to be honest with him about what had grown between them. Every step she took echoed softly in the corridor, her anticipation mounting as she neared the entrance to the Great Hall.

As she pushed open the grand doors, the familiar sight of the Hall unfolded before her—the enchanted ceiling reflecting a clear blue sky, the long tables filled with students chattering and laughing, and the flickering warmth of the floating candles. Her heart fluttered with a mix of hope and nervousness. She envisioned finding Enzo at one of the tables, perhaps sitting alone or with a few friends, and finally sharing the depth of her feelings.

However, as she scanned the room, her gaze landed on Enzo across the hall. He was talking animatedly with Katie Bell, who was standing close beside him with her hand resting lightly on his arm. The gesture seemed casual, but to Esmie, it felt like an unbearable intrusion into the space she had hoped to share with him. The sight of them together, engrossed in conversation and laughter, pierced her heart with unexpected sharpness.

Esmie's smile faltered, her steps slowing to a halt as she watched the scene unfold. Enzo's laughter rang out across the hall, and Katie's smile seemed to light up her face in a way that Esmie had always yearned to see from him. The sight was both beautiful and painful—an exquisite reminder of what might have been and what now seemed out of reach.

Her heart sank as she took in the easy camaraderie between them. She had envisioned this moment as a chance to share her feelings, but now it felt tainted by the realisation that Enzo's attention and affections might be directed elsewhere. The bustling noise of the Great Hall, usually so comforting and vibrant, seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a heavy silence that enveloped her.

Esmie's mind raced with a mix of emotions—disappointment, confusion, and a deep-seated sadness. She had hoped to find the right moment, the perfect words, but now she was overwhelmed by the sight of Enzo and Katie together. The image was like a cold splash of reality, dampening her resolve and leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Turning away slowly, Esmie felt the weight of her decision settle heavily on her shoulders. She walked with a heavy heart, her steps feeling leaden as she retreated from the Great Hall. The festive cheer around her seemed distant and unreachable, as if she were moving through a dream rather than reality. Each step away from Enzo felt like a step further from the connection she had hoped for, leaving her alone with her thoughts and a profound sense of what might have been.

As she left the Great Hall, her emotions churned in a storm of uncertainty. She knew she had to find a way to process what she had just seen, to come to terms with the shifting dynamics of her feelings and the reality of the situation. The hall, with its warmth and laughter, seemed to mock her heartache as she moved through its festive atmosphere, trying to find solace in the midst of her quiet turmoil.

"Search the perimeters!" The voice cut through the silence like a knife, jolting Esmie back to reality.

Her heart raced as fear gripped her. "Shit," she cursed, realise ing the gravity of her situation. If she was captured, Mattheo's warnings rang loudly in her mind—she would likely be handed over to the Dark Lord. The very thought of what that could mean for her was enough to send chills down her spine.

Desperation clawed at her as she quickly assessed her surroundings. Hogwarts, which had once been a symbol of safety and familiarity, now felt menacing and oppressive. The majestic castle, its towers reaching for the stars, seemed to loom over her with an almost foreboding presence. She took one last, lingering look at the grand structure that had been both a sanctuary and a home.

Her eyes misted with the weight of her unspoken farewell. She whispered a heartfelt goodbye to the castle, the familiar corridors, and the classrooms filled with memories of laughter, friendships, and the bittersweet moments of her time at Hogwarts. Each stone and shadow had been a part of her life's story, and leaving it behind felt like tearing a page from a cherished book.

With a deep breath, Esmie summoned her courage and concentrated on her escape. In a burst of determination, she vanished from her current location with a soft pop, reappearing in a new and unfamiliar setting. The change was disorienting; the warmth of Hogwarts was replaced by the cold, unfamiliar night air that brushed against her skin.

The new environment was shrouded in darkness and uncertainty. Shadows danced across the landscape, and the eerie silence was punctuated only by the distant hum of wind. Esmie's mind raced as she sought refuge. She needed to find a place to hide—somewhere secure and hidden from those who sought to capture her.

She moved quickly, driven by the urgency of her situation. The thought of being caught and the potential consequences fueled her determination. Every rustle of leaves and every distant sound made her heart pound louder in her chest. She was acutely aware of how exposed she was, her vulnerability heightened by the fear of being discovered.

Esmie focused on putting as much distance between herself and the searching parties as possible. Her steps were swift and deliberate, her eyes scanning for any sign of a safe haven. The night seemed to stretch endlessly before her, each step taking her further from the danger she left behind, yet bringing her closer to an uncertain future.

She knew she couldn't afford to relax until she was certain she was out of danger. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of worry and resolve as she pressed on, searching for a place where she could remain hidden and safe. The journey ahead was uncertain, but she was determined to find her way, no matter where it led her.

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Poor Esmie has been basically disowned by both parents now and is forced to run 🥺

Enjoy! Xo

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