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ESMIE SAT BY THE CAMPFIRE, STARING INTO THE DANCING FLAMES AS THEY CAST LONG, FLICKERING SHADOWS ON THE SURROUNDING TREES.

The night was cool and crisp, a sharp contrast to the comforting warmth of the fire. The dense forest that enveloped their temporary camp seemed both mysterious and protective, its darkness softened by the gentle, magical glow of Hermione's protective charm. The enchantment created a translucent barrier around their tent, a faint shimmer that pulsed with a soothing, ethereal light.

Despite the fire's warmth, a chill of unease settled in Esmie's chest. The forest was beautiful, almost enchanting in its own right, but it was also a stark reminder of how far she was from everything familiar. The protective charm, though comforting, was a reminder of their precarious situation—safe for now, but with the knowledge that they couldn't stay here forever.

Esmie's thoughts drifted back to Hogwarts, to the bustling corridors and the comforting routine of school life. She missed her friends deeply—Enzo, Josie, Theo, Mattheo, Danielle, Elsie, Pansy and the others. The memories of their time together brought both warmth and pain. She thought of Enzo and how they had shared so many moments, from their early friendship to their deepening bond. Each memory was a bittersweet reminder of what she had lost and what she longed to reclaim.

As she gazed at the fire, the flames seemed to mirror the turbulence in her heart. She recalled the moments when Enzo had been her rock, the way he had listened to her, supported her, and made her feel valued. The bond they had formed was something she had cherished deeply, and the thought of not being able to see him again was heart-wrenching. A lump formed in her throat, and she blinked rapidly to stave off the tears that threatened to spill.

The sounds of the forest—a distant owl hooting, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional snap of a twig—were a stark contrast to the comforting noise of Hogwarts, where laughter and chatter had filled the air. Esmie felt a pang of longing for the security and camaraderie of her old life. The fire's crackling seemed to offer a small semblance of warmth and safety, but it was not enough to dispel the loneliness she felt.

"How'd you find us, Esmie?" Harry's voice broke through her reverie. He had settled down beside her, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. The firelight played across his face, casting deep shadows that highlighted the lines of worry etched on his features. Harry looked at her with an earnest expression, clearly seeking answers.

Esmie shifted slightly, leaning back against the rough bark of the tree that offered her some semblance of comfort. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Do you remember that piece of parchment Dumbledore left for me?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia and uncertainty.

Harry nodded, his eyes widening as he recalled the enchanted parchment. "Yes, I remember."

"It was like it knew exactly where I needed to be," Esmie continued, her tone imbued with a sense of wonder. "It told me that Godric's Hollow was where I needed to be on Christmas Eve. It felt almost like the parchment had a mind of its own, guiding me here."

Harry's brows furrowed as he processed her words. "I thought you were planning to return to Hogwarts for your seventh year," he said, his voice tinged with surprise and concern.

"I was..." Esmie's voice faltered, and she looked down at her hands, which rested in her lap. The fabric of her trousers felt coarse beneath her fingers, and she traced its texture absentmindedly. "That was the plan until the night of the wedding. I..." She hesitated, her mind drifting back to that chaotic evening. The memories of Mattheo's sudden appearance, the confusion and fear of being whisked away from the wedding, and the weeks of running and hiding all melded into a disorienting blur.

"Esmie?" Harry's voice was gentle, pulling her back to the present. His concern for her was evident in the softness of his tone.

"That night, I got separated from everyone," Esmie said, her voice carrying the weight of her loneliness. "I've been on my own for weeks now. My mother ..." Her thoughts turned to her mother, and she trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

"I know," Harry said, his voice filled with empathy. "I saw her file in Umbridge's office. I'm so sorry." His words were a small comfort, but they did little to assuage the guilt she felt.

Esmie's heart sank at his acknowledgment. She had tried to use a memory charm to protect her mother from the truth, but it had been unsuccessful. The failure weighed heavily on her. "I tried to use a memory charm to protect her, but it didn't work," she said, her voice heavy with regret. She looked down at her hands, feeling the sting of her promises and the burden of her perceived failure. "And I feel like I've failed you. I promised I would keep an eye on Elsie, and now I'm not there to make sure she's okay."

"You didn't fail me, Esmie. I promise you didn't," Harry said, his tone earnest and reassuring. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, trying to offer solace. Despite his efforts, Esmie couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy. She nodded, her gaze drifting away as she thought about how she would have been celebrating Christmas with Enzo. The thought brought a few tears to her eyes, and she tried to blink them away.

Harry noticed her distress and looked at her with concern. "Es, you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

"I feel a bit pathetic for crying," Esmie admitted, her voice trembling. "I just miss Enzo so much. I really wish I could at least write to him, but I'm afraid of risking my owl being intercepted." The thought of not being able to reach out to him was a heavy burden.

"Why can't you?" Harry asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"I can't risk having my owl intercepted," Esmie explained, her voice barely above a whisper. "The only thing that keeps me going is the hope that I'll see him again someday, but what if I don't?"

"You will, Esmie," Harry said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. He looked at her with a determined expression, trying to instil hope in her.

"I hope you're right," Esmie said, her voice laced with doubt. "I keep wishing I had more time with him, that it didn't take me so long to confess my feelings."

"Why did it? I mean, weren't you two always best friends? You always seemed really close," Harry said, his curiosity evident.

Esmie sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging as she reflected on her past. "I—I don't know, Harry. I never really believed in love at first sight, but I think I fell for Enzo the moment I saw him," she said, a wistful smile appearing on her lips as she recalled their first encounter at Ollivander's wand shop.

"How did you two meet?" Harry asked, leaning in with genuine interest.

"We met in Ollivander's before the start of first year," Esmie began, her eyes brightening with the memory. "I was there to get my wand and ended up causing a bit of a commotion. I almost blew Enzo up when some boxes exploded around us."

"You almost blew him up?" Harry asked, astonished.

"Not intentionally!" Esmie said, laughing softly. "I was just clueless about wands at the time. I remember telling him that I had no friends back home, and he just said, 'Well, we're friends now.' Even though I had just caused a mess and nearly hurt him, he decided he wanted to be friends with me. I was honestly surprised."

"Why?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Back then, I wasn't used to anyone wanting to be my friend. The kids back home were terrible, and I was mostly bullied during my early years at school," Esmie explained, her voice tinged with sadness. "I was often left out and treated poorly, so when Enzo extended his friendship to me, it was something I wasn't used to."

"I'm really sorry," Harry said softly, his tone filled with sympathy.

"Don't be. It's in the past now," Esmie said, managing a faint smile. "It wasn't until fourth year that I realised I had a crush on Enzo, and by fifth year, I knew I was in love with him."

"Why didn't you tell him during fifth year?" Harry asked, his tone inquisitive. Esmie's hands clenched into fists as she remembered the complications of that year. The tension between them and the period of silence had been difficult.

"A lot happened between us that year. For a while, we weren't even talking. When we finally did start talking again, I was afraid of ruining our friendship. I didn't think he felt the same way about me," Esmie said, her voice filled with regret. Hermione, who had been quietly listening, walked over to join them, her expression one of understanding and compassion.

"I don't know how you thought that. He was always in love with you, Esmie," Hermione said, her voice gentle but firm. Esmie looked at Hermione, her eyes widening in surprise. "It was pretty obvious by the way he looked at you."

"You saw that?" Esmie asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Hermione nodded, a knowing smile on her face. "I'm pretty sure everyone could see it. He always looked at you like you were the only girl in the room." She glanced toward Harry and then back to Esmie. "Now come on, are you two coming to bed?"

Harry looked at Esmie, his expression a mix of concern and encouragement. "You two go ahead. I'll head in soon," he said, his voice reassuring.

"Alright, goodnight, Harry," Esmie said, managing a small smile before getting up. She followed Hermione into the tent, her heart feeling a bit lighter after their conversation. Inside, the tent was a cozy refuge from the outside world. Esmie went to an empty bed and lay down, allowing herself to sink into the softness of the mattress.

As she closed her eyes, the warmth of the tent and the distant crackle of the campfire provided a semblance of comfort. Her thoughts continued to drift between memories of Hogwarts, her friends, and Enzo. The moments they had shared were vivid in her mind, each one a reminder of what she missed and what she hoped to regain.

Esmie's mind wandered back to the times she had spent with Enzo—his laughter, the way he had been there for her during difficult times, and the way he made her feel understood and valued. The sense of longing she felt was tempered by the hope that one day she would be able to return to those moments, to be reunited with him and her friends.

The night was long, filled with dreams of better times and the comforting presence of those she loved. As sleep began to claim her, Esmie found solace in the knowledge that she was not alone. Her friends were with her, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead. The fire's warmth and the gentle hum of the protective charm were a reminder that, despite the hardships, there was still hope for the future.

Esmie drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep, her heart still heavy but buoyed by the small moments of hope and comfort she had found. The forest outside was still and quiet, a peaceful contrast to the chaos of their journey. As she slept, she clung to the belief that one day she would return to Hogwarts, to her friends, and to Enzo. For now, the fire's light and the presence of her companions were enough to keep her spirits up, if only just.

The next morning, the sun filtered softly through the trees, casting dappled light into the tent. Esmie woke to the sound of birds chirping and the aroma of breakfast being prepared. The previous night's worries and fears seemed distant, replaced by a renewed sense of determination. She knew that whatever lay ahead, she would face it with the strength and resilience that her friends had always believed in her.

As she prepared for the day, Esmie thought of the conversations she had had with Harry and Hermione, the small moments of connection that had provided her with solace. They were reminders that even in the midst of uncertainty and danger, she was not alone. Her friends were by her side, and together, they would navigate the challenges ahead, holding onto hope for a brighter future.

With a deep breath and a renewed sense of purpose, Esmie stepped out of the tent, ready to face the day and whatever it might bring. The forest around them was still and serene, the morning light filtering through the dense canopy of trees. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the earthy scent of fallen leaves and damp soil. The fire's embers had long since cooled, but the warmth of friendship and hope was a steady comfort against the cold.

Esmie took a moment to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. The forest was like a living painting, with every tree and stream reflecting a timeless tranquility. She saw Hermione seated comfortably by a tree, wrapped in a blanket with a book in her lap. Hermione's focus was intense, her brow furrowed as she read. Esmie approached with a soft smile, the tranquility of the scene easing some of the tension she had been carrying.

"Hi," Esmie greeted warmly as she settled down beside Hermione. The blanket was inviting, and she pulled a small corner over herself as she sat.

Hermione looked up from her book, her eyes brightening at the sight of her friend. "Good morning, Esmie. Did you sleep well?"

Esmie nodded, her smile widening. "I did. This place is beautiful. It's nice to be surrounded by such peace, even with everything going on."

Hermione's gaze drifted towards the horizon. "It is peaceful here. I remember this place from when I was younger, when things were different. It's comforting and strange at the same time."

Harry emerged from the tent, stretching his arms above his head as he took in the scene. His expression softened as he saw Hermione. "Wow, Hermione. You've outdone yourself this time. It's like a scene from a storybook."

Hermione gave a modest shrug. "It's the Forest of Dean. I came here once with Mum and Dad years ago. It's just how I remember it—the trees, the river, the sense of timelessness. Everything has changed since then. If I brought them back here now, they probably wouldn't recognise any of it. Not the trees, not the river, not even me."

"It really is a beautiful place," Esmie said, her voice carrying a note of awe. She looked around, taking in the gentle swaying of the branches and the soft rustle of leaves.

"Maybe we should just stay here, grow old," Hermione suggested with a half-hearted smile. She handed Harry a book. "You wanted to know who the boy in the photograph was. It's Gellert Grindelwald."

Harry's eyes widened slightly. "Grindelwald? The one from Gregorovitch's wand shop? I thought so. Speaking of which, where's my wand, Hermione?"

Hermione's face grew troubled as she reached into her bag and pulled out the broken pieces of Harry's wand. "As we were leaving Godric's Hollow, I cast a curse and it rebounded. I'm sorry, Harry. I tried to fix it, but wands are delicate, and I'm afraid it didn't work."

Harry's expression hardened. "It's done. Just give me yours. You and Esmie should go inside and get warm. I'll take care of the locket."

Hermione nodded, handing over her wand and the locket. "Be careful, Harry."

Esmie and Hermione headed back inside the tent. The inside was a cozy refuge, with its warm glow and the faint scent of earth and leather from their belongings. Esmie sat down on one of the beds, letting out a deep breath as she tried to shake off the chill of the morning. Hermione settled on the other bed, her eyes still carrying a hint of worry.

"What did you mean by your parents wouldn't even recognise you?" Esmie asked softly, breaking the silence.

Hermione's gaze fell to her lap. "I obliviated their memories of me. It was to keep them safe. They knew too much, and I couldn't risk their lives."

"I understand why you did it," Esmie said gently. "You were trying to protect them. You made the best choice you could."

"I know," Hermione said, her voice cracking slightly. "But it's hard to think about them not remembering me, not knowing who I am."

"Don't dwell on it," Esmie advised. "Focus on the here and now. We're together, and that's what matters. We'll figure this out."

Hermione gave a small nod, though her eyes remained troubled. Esmie decided to shift the topic to something more uplifting. "You can't tell anyone else this, but Mattheo was the one who took me from the wedding."

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

"He was the one who told me I needed to run," Esmie explained, pulling out a piece of paper and handing it to Hermione. "I'm still registered as a Muggle-born witch. Snape apparently told Voldemort that I lied about being his daughter and about being a half-blood. The only reason I have this mark is to make me appear like one of Voldemort's followers."

Hermione's expression softened with sympathy as she examined the partial mark on Esmie's arm. She gently ran her fingers over it. "I'm so sorry, Esmie. What happened?"

"I tried to scratch it off," Esmie admitted, her frustration evident.

"Esmie —" Hermione began, but Esmie interrupted.

"I know, I shouldn't have done it," Esmie said softly. "I'm going for a walk. I need some fresh air."

Hermione nodded understandingly, her eyes returning to her book. Esmie stepped out of the tent and began walking through the forest, letting the peaceful surroundings soothe her mind. The soft crunch of leaves beneath her boots was a comforting sound, and she took deep breaths of the cool, fresh air.

As she wandered, she soon spotted Harry sitting by a tree, his posture thoughtful. The light filtering through the trees cast a serene glow over him. Esmie approached and sat beside him, trying to gauge his mood.

"You okay, Harry?" Esmie asked, her concern evident.

Harry looked up, his expression distant but thoughtful. "Yeah, I'm okay, Esmie."

As they sat together, a strange light began to form in the distance. It shimmered and coalesced into the shape of a doe Patronus. Harry's eyes widened, and he stood up abruptly, following the Patronus into the trees. Esmie hesitated only for a moment before she stood and followed him.

They arrived at the river, the icy water reflecting the light from the Patronus. Harry began to remove his clothing, his movements hurried. Esmie's heart raced as she noticed the Sword of Gryffindor at the bottom of the lake. Harry waded into the water, his struggle evident as he fought to reach the sword.

"Harry, hold on! I'm coming!" Esmie called out, her voice tinged with panic. She quickly pulled out her wand and cast a spell to crack the ice, trying to make the situation safer.

"Esmie?" a voice called from behind. Esmie turned to see Ron approaching.

"Ron? Quick, we need to help Harry!" Esmie shouted. Ron nodded and dove into the river to retrieve the sword while Esmie continued to use her wand to break the ice. She reached Harry, helping him out of the freezing water. He was breathing heavily, adjusting his glasses as he looked around.

"Esmie?"

"Yeah, I'm here," Esmie reassured him.

"Are you mental?" Ron asked, his voice a mix of concern and frustration.

"It was you?" Harry asked, his tone a blend of surprise and irritation as he approached Ron. Esmie noticed the tension between them and wondered what had occurred.

"Well, yeah. Bit obvious, I'd think," Ron said defensively.

"And you cast the doe as well, did you?" Harry asked as he started putting his clothes back on.

"No, I thought it was you or possibly Esmie," Ron replied.

"It wasn't me. Mine is a silver fox," Esmie said, trying to lighten the mood.

"My Patronus is a stag," Harry added.

"Right, yeah, antlers," Ron said. Harry nodded, finishing dressing before placing the locket on a log.

"Okay, Ron, do it," Harry said.

"I can't handle it. That thing affects me more than it affects you and Hermione," Ron said, his voice filled with tension.

"All the more reason to face it," Harry argued.

"No, I can't," Ron insisted.

"Then why are you here? Why did you come back?" Harry asked, frustration evident in his voice. Esmie looked between them, her concern deepening.

"I'll have to speak to it to open it. When it does, don't hesitate. Esmie, you might want to stand back," Harry instructed.

"Okay," Esmie agreed, stepping back as Harry began speaking in Parseltongue. The night air filled with a loud, screeching noise as a black, smoke-like object burst from the locket, knocking both Harry and Esmie to the ground. Esmie covered her ears, her heart pounding with fear and determination.

"I have seen your heart, and it is mine. I have seen your dreams, Ronald Weasley, and I have seen your fears: least loved by your mother, who craved a daughter; least loved by the girl who prefers your friend," a voice taunted Ron.

"Ron, kill it!" Harry shouted, his voice urgent and commanding.

"Ron, it's trying to get to you. You need to destroy it!" Esmie added, her voice rising in desperation.

"We were better off without this. You're right, Harry," Ron said, his voice filled with determination as he swung the sword at the locket, finally shattering it.

The air cleared, and Esmie sighed in relief. She and Harry helped Ron up, their faces showing a mix of exhaustion and relief.

"You alright?" Harry asked.

Ron nodded, though his face was pale. "Yeah, just... let's get back."

As they made their way back to the tent, Esmie glanced at Harry and Ron, both of whom appeared deeply affected by the encounter. They had faced another obstacle, and while it had been a difficult challenge, they had emerged stronger.

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Esmie talking to Harry about Enzo 🥹❤️

Enjoy! Xo

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