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HARRY WAS LEANING AGAINST THE WALL, BREATHING HEAVILY.

Esmie turned to look at him, her brows furrowed with concern. She could sense something was terribly wrong. Without hesitation, she moved closer, kneeling down in front of him. They were still just outside the Room of Requirement, but that hardly mattered anymore. Harry's expression was grim, and Esmie knew whatever he was about to say could change everything. Gently, she placed her hands on his knees. "What is it, Harry?"

Harry's breath was shallow as he struggled to speak, his voice coming out in uneven gasps. "It's the snake... she's the last one. The last Horcrux."

Esmie's eyes widened. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air. Beside her, Ron, his face pale but determined, crouched down and put a hand on Harry's shoulder, grounding him. "Look inside him, Harry," Ron urged, his voice steady despite the chaos around them. "Find out where he is. If we find him, we can find the snake. And if we find the snake, we can end this once and for all."

Harry hesitated, clearly exhausted, but Esmie reached out, her fingers wrapping around his hand. She squeezed it gently, offering him silent support. "We're right here with you," she whispered.

Ron nodded firmly, his loyalty unwavering. "We've come this far. We're not giving up now."

Harry closed his eyes, his face tightening in concentration. Esmie could feel the tension in his grip as he delved deep, searching for the connection to Voldemort. She winced when his hold became painfully tight, but she didn't let go. Even as her fingers began to throb, she held on, knowing that this was their last hope. After what felt like an eternity, Harry's eyes snapped open, and he quickly released her hand, rising to his feet with newfound determination.

"I know where he is," Harry said, his voice firm and resolute.

"Then let's go find him and kill that snake," Esmie said, standing up alongside him, her own resolve steeling.

The group took off, running through the winding passages of Hogwarts, staying low to avoid the curses flying through the air as students and Death Eaters clashed violently around them. Screams echoed through the stone walls, and explosions shook the ground beneath their feet. It felt like the whole castle was coming apart at the seams, but none of them dared slow down.

As they ran through the courtyard, Esmie's eyes caught sight of Grace and Hope Black, their wands flashing as they fought alongside Fred and George Weasley. The sight filled her with a surge of pride—her friends were fighting so bravely—but the moment of distraction nearly cost her. A sharp tug yanked her back just as a powerful blast struck the spot where she had been standing only seconds earlier.

"Thank you," Esmie gasped, glancing up at Enzo, who had pulled her out of harm's way. His eyes were wide with concern, but he gave her a small, reassuring nod.

"Always," Enzo replied, his voice filled with the unspoken promise of protection. His grip on her arm lingered for a moment before he let go, and they both hurried to rejoin the group.

The castle was a war zone, with spells ricocheting off the walls, leaving deep scorch marks and rubble in their wake. The group zigzagged through the chaos, narrowly dodging curses and bolts of magic. They ran faster, hearts pounding, determined to reach Voldemort and end this nightmare. But amidst the chaos, Esmie's heart suddenly dropped.

"Axel, no!" she screamed, her voice rising above the noise of battle. Her feet skidded to a halt as her eyes locked onto a horrifying scene. A second-year boy, Axel, lay motionless on the ground, a Death Eater looming over him with a wicked grin.

Without hesitation, Esmie lifted her wand, blasting the Death Eater away from the fallen boy with all the force she could muster. Her hand shook with fury and desperation as she cast another spell, sending the Death Eater tumbling across the courtyard, but before she could even take a breath, a sharp pain seared through her side—a curse had struck her.

Gritting her teeth against the pain, Esmie forced herself to sprint toward Axel, dropping to her knees beside him. Her hands hovered over his still form, trembling as she tried to shake him awake. "Come on, Axel, please get up!" she begged, tears blurring her vision. "You're just a kid... you have your whole life ahead of you! Please, don't die. You can't die here."

Her voice cracked with grief as she pleaded, but there was no response. Axel's body remained lifeless, the vibrant boy she had once known now gone. The battle around her seemed to fade into the background as the weight of loss crashed down on her.

"Esmie..." Enzo's voice was soft as he approached, his face etched with sorrow. He crouched beside her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "There's nothing you can do. He's gone."

Esmie shook her head in denial, her tears falling faster. "No... no, it can't be..."

But deep down, she knew Enzo was right. Axel was gone, and there was nothing she could do to bring him back. The realisation hit her like a blow to the chest, and for a moment, she couldn't breathe. The pain in her side was nothing compared to the ache in her heart.

After a long, agonising moment, Esmie shakily rose to her feet, wiping the tears from her face. She cast one last, heartbroken glance at Axel's still form before turning back toward the fight.

"We have to keep going," Enzo urged, his voice gentle but firm. "There's still more to be done."

Esmie nodded, her body trembling with grief but her resolve unshaken. With one last deep breath, she ran after her friends, determined to finish what they had started. There would be time for mourning later—but now, there was a war to win.

Just as Esmie reached the bridge, she skidded to a halt behind Enzo. The chill in the air was unmistakable—the Dementors were closing in, their shadowy forms gliding through the night toward them. Her heart thudded in her chest as she raised her wand, her fingers trembling slightly. She knew the Patronus Charm, but in the face of these horrors, doubt crept in. Before she could utter the incantation, a brilliant blue light burst forth, engulfing the Dementors in a wave of energy.

Esmie turned sharply to see where the light had come from. Her eyes landed on Aberforth Dumbledore, standing tall with his wand raised, his Patronus surging forward like a beacon of hope. Beside him stood several members of the Order of the Phoenix, casting their own Patronuses to join the fight. Relief washed over Esmie for a brief moment as she nodded in gratitude, but there was no time to dwell; the battle wasn't over.

Enzo's hand found hers, warm and solid, pulling her back to the urgency of the moment. "Come on," he urged softly, and together they followed Harry down the steep stairs that led toward the boathouse. The sound of distant spells and the chaos of battle filled the air behind them, but all Esmie could focus on was the impending confrontation ahead.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Harry suddenly slowed and crouched behind a low wall. Esmie mirrored his movement, dropping to the ground and pressing her back against the cold stone. Enzo crouched beside her, his body close to hers, offering silent reassurance.

Esmie barely breathed as they listened, her heart pounding in her ears. From just beyond the wall came the cold, sinister voice of Voldemort.

"You have performed extraordinary magic with this, my Lord, in the last few hours alone," Snape's voice was smooth but strained, and Esmie's fingers dug into the stone beneath her as she listened.

"No, no," Voldemort replied, his voice sending a shiver down her spine. "I am extraordinary, but the wand resists me."

Esmie glanced at Harry, whose jaw was clenched, his eyes dark with focus. She could feel the tension radiating from him, from all of them. Enzo's hand briefly brushed against hers as he steadied himself against the wall, his gaze flicking between Harry and the source of Voldemort's voice.

"There is no wand more powerful," Snape continued, trying to placate his master. "Ollivander himself has said it. Tonight, when the boy comes, it will not fail you. I am sure of it. It answers to you and you only."

"Does it?" Voldemort's voice dripped with suspicion, and Esmie felt a knot form in her stomach. She held her breath, listening as the dark lord's tone grew more menacing.

"My Lord?" Snape's voice faltered slightly, the first hint of uncertainty creeping in.

"The wand... does it truly answer to me?" Voldemort asked, his words slow and deliberate. "You're a clever man, Severus. Surely you must know. Where does its true loyalty lie?"

"With you, of course, my Lord," Snape answered, but there was hesitation in his voice now, and Esmie felt the growing sense of dread build inside her.

Voldemort's voice lowered to a cold, almost whispering tone. "The Elder Wand cannot serve me properly because I am not its true master. The Elder Wand belongs to the wizard who killed its last owner. You killed Dumbledore, Severus. While you live, the Elder Wand cannot truly be mine."

Esmie's blood ran cold. She exchanged a quick glance with Enzo, whose grip on her hand tightened.

"You've been a good and faithful servant, Severus," Voldemort continued, "but only I can live forever."

Esmie's breath caught in her throat as Snape's desperate voice rang out. "My Lord—" he began, but before he could finish, Voldemort's cold, merciless voice cut through the air like a blade.

"Nagini, kill."

The sound of the snake striking was immediate and brutal. Snape staggered back, crashing into the glass behind him as Nagini attacked with savage precision. Esmie's eyes widened in horror, her heart shattering in that moment. She had never wanted Snape to die—not like this. For all his faults, he had been part of her life, and a part of her couldn't bear to see him go.

Without thinking, Enzo wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, shielding her from the sight. His grip was firm, grounding her as tears streamed down her face.

"It's over," Enzo whispered, his lips brushing her temple as Voldemort and Nagini disappeared into the darkness. His arms tightened around her, trying to absorb her pain. Esmie's body shook with silent sobs, her face buried in Enzo's chest as the weight of everything hit her.

When the danger had passed, Esmie pulled away from Enzo's embrace and rushed to Snape's side. Her hands trembled as she crouched down beside him, the reality of the moment sinking in. Snape, the man she had so often resented, was dying before her eyes.

"I'm sorry," Snape rasped, blood pooling beneath him. His eyes, though dimming, were locked on hers.

Esmie's voice wavered as she spoke. "I... I can't forgive you. Not after everything, but I didn't want you to die. I didn't want this."

Snape's hand, weak and trembling, reached out to hers. "Take this," he whispered, pressing his wand into her hand. "It's yours now."

Esmie nodded, her tears blurring her vision as she accepted the wand. She stood shakily, turning to Enzo, who was waiting nearby, his face full of sorrow. He immediately wrapped her in his arms once more, holding her tightly as the grief overwhelmed her.

Meanwhile, Harry moved to Snape's side, kneeling down in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding. "Take them," Snape gasped, his voice growing weaker by the second. "Take them... please."

"Give me something, quickly!" Harry cried, his voice thick with urgency. Hermione, her face pale with shock, handed him a small vial, which Harry used to collect Snape's silvery memories. The liquid shimmered in the vial as Snape's life drained away.

"Take them to the Pensieve," Snape instructed, his breath laboured. His gaze flickered to Harry one last time. "Look at me," he whispered. "You have your mother's eyes."

Esmie's breath hitched at Snape's final words. Beside her, Enzo whispered softly, "Mie... I'm so sorry." His voice cracked as he pulled her closer, his own tears falling silently.

Esmie broke away from Enzo's embrace, moving to kneel beside Harry. She reached out, her hand trembling as she placed it gently on Snape's. "I hope you find peace, D-dad," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Suddenly, a loud ringing noise filled the air, piercing through the heavy silence. Esmie stumbled back, covering her ears as Voldemort's voice echoed ominously across the battlefield.

"You have fought valiantly, but in vain. I do not wish this. Every drop of magical blood spilled is a terrible waste. I therefore command my forces to retreat. In their absence, dispose of your dead with dignity. Harry Potter, I now speak directly to you. On this night you have allowed your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. There is no greater dishonour. Join me in the Forbidden Forest and confront your fate. If you do not do this, I shall kill every last man, woman, and child who tries to conceal you from me."

The ringing stopped as suddenly as it had begun, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. Esmie uncovered her ears, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to process everything that had just happened. She looked toward Harry, who was already standing, his face set with determination.

"You can't go to him, Harry," she said urgently, her voice thick with emotion.

Harry looked at her, his expression grim but resolute. "We have to go back to the castle."

Without another word, Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned and left the boathouse, making their way back toward the heart of the battle.

Enzo knelt beside Esmie, his eyes full of concern. "Mie?" he asked gently, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.

Esmie turned away from Snape's body and looked up at him, her grief almost too heavy to bear. Without hesitation, Enzo pulled her into his arms, cradling her as she finally let go and sobbed against his chest.

"I—" Esmie struggled to speak between her sobs. "I wished he wasn't my father, b-but I didn't want him to die, Enzo. He was all I had left..."

Enzo kissed the top of her head, his voice soft and full of love. "That's not true, Mie. I'm your family too. I'm not going anywhere."

He pulled away just enough to cup her face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away her tears. "Let's go back to the castle, Princess," he whispered, his voice a comforting balm to her aching heart.

"O-Okay," Esmie nodded, her voice still shaky. With Enzo's help, she stood up, casting one final glance at Snape's lifeless form. Despite everything, she knew he deserved a proper burial, and she would see to it that he got one.

When they stepped into the courtyard, the sight before them was devastating. The once-beautiful grounds of Hogwarts were littered with rubble and small fires that burned ominously in the night. The air was thick with smoke, and the acrid scent of destruction filled their lungs.

Esmie sighed heavily, her mind racing with worry. "What happens if we lose this war, Enzo?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "What happens if we can't defeat Voldemort?"

Enzo stopped beside her, his hand resting gently on her back. "We'd become his followers," he said quietly, his voice tinged with bitterness. "We'd have to obey his every command."

"Or..." Esmie's voice trailed off, her thoughts too dark to finish.

"Or he'll kill us," Enzo finished bluntly.

Esmie nodded, her gaze dropping to the scars on her arm—the cruel words Bellatrix had carved into her skin still fresh in her memory. She sighed softly, her resolve hardening.

"Then we can't lose," she whispered fiercely, her eyes blazing with determination. Without another word, she turned and walked into the castle, Enzo by her side, ready to face whatever came next.

As Esmie and Enzo stepped through the massive doors into the castle, the weight of what they were walking into hit them like a wave. The air inside was thick with the aftermath of destruction, the eerie silence broken only by the distant sounds of footsteps and whispered sobs. The grandeur of Hogwarts had been reduced to a shell of its former self, and the four of them could feel the heaviness of the moment as they ventured further inside.

The once-proud banners that lined the entrance hall were torn and blackened, their colours muted by dust and ash. The walls, once strong and immovable, now bore the scars of battle—cracks spider-webbed across the stone, and chunks of rubble littered the floor. Esmie felt her heart sink as she looked around, the sight of her beloved school in ruins making her chest ache. The castle had always been a symbol of safety and home, but now it felt like a graveyard, haunted by the echoes of the lives lost in the fight to protect it.

Just as they made their way inside, Esmie saw Danielle and Mattheo, and she hurried to them, hugging them tightly before they made their way to where other students and professors were gathering. Mattheo and Danielle walked beside Esmie and Enzo, their faces somber but determined. Mattheo's usual teasing smirk was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a grim set to his jaw as his eyes scanned the damaged castle with a look of restrained fury. Danielle, who almost always had something to say, walked with an air of quiet strength, her hand gripping her wand tightly as if ready to face whatever remained.

"It's strange," Danielle murmured softly, her voice barely audible over the crunch of debris beneath their feet. "It feels like the castle is mourning with us."

Esmie glanced at her, nodding in agreement. "I know... it doesn't feel real. Not like this."

Enzo, ever the steady presence beside Esmie, reached for her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. "We have to keep going. There are people waiting in the Great Hall."

They continued forward, passing through the hallway where portraits hung, their occupants eerily silent. Some portraits were slashed and blackened, their frames barely hanging onto the walls. The few remaining inhabitants of the portraits watched the group pass by, their faces somber, offering no cheerful greetings like they once did. It was as if even the paintings knew there was nothing left to say.

As they finally approached what was once the Great Hall, a feeling of dread settled deep in Esmie's stomach. She had been avoiding thinking about what awaited them inside—the wounded, the dead, the grief that would hang over everyone gathered there. The massive doors loomed in front of them, partially ajar, as if even they had been scarred by the violence that had torn through the castle.

When Esmie and the others pushed open the doors, the sight before them stole what little breath they had left. The Great Hall was unrecognisable. Rubble was strewn across the floor, and the once-grand ceiling, enchanted to mimic the sky, now lay shattered above them, open to the elements. The remnants of battle were everywhere—broken tables, fallen beams, and scorch marks from spells long cast.

The hall was filled with people—students, professors, members of the Order of the Phoenix—all gathered among the debris, huddled together in groups. Their faces were pale, drawn with grief and exhaustion. The sobs of the wounded and the quiet conversations of those left behind filled the air, creating an overwhelming sense of loss that hung heavily over the room.

Mattheo, his fists clenched at his sides, stopped for a moment just inside the door, taking in the devastation. "How could it come to this?" he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with anger and sorrow.

Esmie felt a lump rise in her throat, her vision blurring as tears threatened to fall. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to keep moving. As they began to walk through the Great Hall, weaving between the gathered survivors, Esmie's eyes caught sight of something that made her heart drop into her stomach. Near the back of the hall, surrounded by a small group of people, lay the lifeless body of Axel, the young boy she had tried so desperately to save during the battle.

Without thinking, Esmie broke away from the group and walked toward him, her steps slow and heavy. She could barely hear the voices around her as she approached, her gaze locked on Axel's still form. When she reached him, she knelt down beside him, her hands trembling as she gently touched his cold hand.

"I'm so sorry, Axel," Esmie whispered, her voice shaking as tears finally spilled down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry I couldn't save you."

Enzo crouched down beside her, placing a hand gently on her back. His touch was warm, comforting, but it did little to ease the guilt clawing at her chest. "Mie, this isn't your fault," he said softly, his voice full of concern. "Don't blame yourself for this."

Esmie shook her head, her sobs coming in quiet gasps. "I should have done more. I should have saved him."

With trembling hands, she pulled the blanket up over Axel's body, covering him as if to shield him from the harsh reality of death. She placed a hand on his chest, her fingers trembling. "Until we meet again, Axel."

Enzo's hand gently squeezed her shoulder, urging her to stand. "Come on, darling. We need to keep moving."

Esmie nodded, her body feeling heavy with grief as she let him help her to her feet. They continued walking through the hall, their steps slow and quiet. As they passed clusters of people, some huddled around the bodies of their loved ones, others tending to the wounded, Esmie felt the weight of every loss press down on her.

Suddenly, Esmie spotted Josie across the hall, standing alone near the lifeless bodies of Remus and Jenna Lupin. Esmie's heart broke at the sight of her best friend standing over her parents, her face pale with shock, her hands trembling. Josie looked lost, frozen in place as she stared at the bodies.

"Josie..." Esmie called softly, making her way toward her friend.

Josie turned at the sound of her name, her eyes filled with tears, and without a word, she rushed into Esmie's arms. Esmie held her tightly as Josie broke down, her sobs wracking her small frame. "I'm so sorry," Esmie whispered, stroking her friend's hair as tears rolled down her own cheeks.

Josie's voice was barely a whisper, choked with grief. "I don't understand... Someone said Bellatrix Lestrange killed Mum... and Dolohov killed Dad... but I didn't see it happen. I... I can't believe they're really gone."

Esmie's heart broke for her best friend. She had no words that could make this pain easier. "I'm so sorry, Josie," she whispered again, holding her close.

Enzo stood nearby, his face full of sorrow as he watched them. "I'm sorry, Josie," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.

"Do you mind if I... have some time alone with them?" Josie asked, her voice trembling.

"Of course," Esmie said, wiping her own tears away. "Are you sure you'll be okay?"

Josie nodded weakly. "Yeah... I'll be okay. You should go find the others."

With one last hug, Esmie let Josie go, her heart heavy as she watched her friend stand over her parents' bodies. There were no words for this kind of pain, only the shared weight of loss that bound them all together.

As Esmie, Enzo, Mattheo, and Danielle walked further into the hall, they saw their friends gathered around another body. Esmie's heart clenched again when she realised it was Jemima Potter. The Weasleys, Grace, Hope, Hermione, and Ron stood nearby, their faces etched with grief. The sight of Jemima's still form was a cruel reminder of just how much had been lost.

"W-What happened?" Esmie asked as she approached, her voice shaking.

Hope wiped her tears, her voice thick with emotion. "Mum saved Fred's life... she—she sacrificed herself for him."

Esmie's chest tightened. The pain of loss was sharp, cutting through her like a blade. "I'm so sorry," she said softly, knowing there were no words to truly comfort them.

She hugged Grace and Hope, the weight of the battle settling on all of them as they clung to one another. Esmie had never felt so small, so powerless, and as she let go of Hope, she spotted Theo approaching from the corner of her eye, with Pansy walking quietly behind him. Esmie glanced at Elsie, noticing an awkward tension between her and Theo.

"Hi," Theo said softly, his voice hesitant as he looked at Elsie.

For a moment, they just stood there, a silence heavy with unspoken words between them. Then, almost suddenly, Theo reached out, cupping Elsie's cheeks before pulling her into a kiss. Esmie watched as they held each other, the tension finally breaking into something softer, more vulnerable.

Esmie turned back to Enzo, who had a small smile on his lips. "I guess they're no longer broken up," he commented.

Esmie blinked in surprise. "Wait, Theo and Elsie broke up?"

Enzo nodded. "Yeah, after the holidays. Daphne slipped Theo a love potion, and Elsie caught them kissing. It was a mess. They broke up, and Elsie didn't want to hear that Theo was under a spell."

Esmie shook her head with a faint smile. "You really do know all the Hogwarts gossip, don't you?"

Enzo chuckled, his arm wrapping around her waist. "I like to stay informed."

But as Esmie looked around the hall, a sense of dread returned. Something felt off. Her eyes searched the room, and that's when it hit her—Harry wasn't there. She scanned the gathered crowd, anxiety building as she realised he was missing.

"Mie, what's wrong?" Enzo asked, noticing the sudden change in her expression.

"I don't see Harry," she said, her voice filled with concern. "Enzo, I don't think the snake is the only remaining Horcrux."

Enzo frowned. "What do you mean?"

Esmie's mind raced as she thought about everything she knew. "Harry's connection to Voldemort... the way he can hear the Horcruxes, the way he sees into Voldemort's mind... I think Harry is a Horcrux."

Enzo's eyes widened. "What? Are you sure?"

"I'm not, but it makes sense," Esmie said, urgency building in her voice. "We need to find him."

Without waiting for a response, Esmie grabbed Enzo's hand, pulling him with her as they sprinted out of the Great Hall. Mattheo and Danielle exchanged worried glances before following closely behind. The four of them moved quickly, making their way through the castle toward the stairs, where they found Ron and Hermione sitting, their faces etched with worry.

"What's going on?" Hermione asked, looking up as they approached.

"Where's Harry?" Esmie asked, breathless.

Before anyone could answer, the sound of footsteps echoed from the stairs. Esmie looked up to see Harry walking down toward them, his face grim, his eyes filled with a strange, quiet determination.

"Where have you been?" Hermione asked, her voice trembling.

"I thought you went to the forest," Ron added, his confusion evident.

Harry's expression didn't change. "I'm going there now."

"Are you mad?" Ron said, his voice rising. "You can't give yourself up to him!"

Esmie felt her heart clench as she watched Harry, the truth she had suspected now confirmed in his eyes.

"What is it, Harry? What do you know?" Hermione asked, her voice soft, filled with fear.

"There's a reason I can hear them—the Horcruxes," Harry said, his voice low but steady. "I think I've known for a while... and I think you have too."

Tears welled up in Esmie's eyes as the reality of what Harry was saying hit her. He was the last Horcrux. She had suspected, but hearing it from him made it all the more devastating. She stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat as the tears began to fall.

Hermione sniffled, her own tears spilling over. "I'll go with you," she said, her voice breaking.

Harry shook his head. "No. Kill the snake. After that, it's just him."

Hermione hugged him tightly, her shoulders shaking with sobs. When she finally let go, Esmie stepped forward, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I know you have to do this, but... I wish there was another way."

"I know, Es," Harry said, his voice soft as he hugged her tightly.

Esmie clung to him for a moment, wishing she could somehow change the fate that lay ahead of him, but as they pulled apart, she knew there was no stopping him. He had already made up his mind.

As Harry turned and walked away, Esmie wiped her tears, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her. Enzo wrapped his arms around her from behind, holding her close as she watched Harry disappear into the distance.

"Come on," Enzo whispered gently. "We should go rejoin everyone else."

Esmie nodded, her heart heavy as they made their way back to the Great Hall, Mattheo and Danielle following silently behind. When they re-entered the hall, Esmie noticed Draco comforting Josie, his hand resting gently on her shoulder as she sat beside her parents' bodies. Esmie's heart ached for her friend, but she was glad that Draco was there for her.

As Esmie and Enzo moved closer, Draco looked up and walked over to them. His expression was uncharacteristically soft, a mixture of gratitude and disbelief in his eyes.

"You saved me," Draco said quietly, his voice tinged with emotion. "You could have let me burn in that fire... but you didn't."

Esmie blinked, surprised by his words. "I wasn't going to let you burn, Draco."

Draco swallowed, his voice thick. "Thank you," he whispered, before pulling her into a tight hug. Esmie hugged him back, feeling the weight of his gratitude.

When Draco pulled away and returned to Josie's side, Esmie felt the warmth of Enzo's hand slip back around her waist. She glanced at Mattheo and Danielle, who had been quietly observing everything, their expressions unreadable but supportive.

Esmie smiled faintly, grateful for their presence. She didn't know what was going to happen next, but she knew that whatever it was, they would face it together. As she stood there, surrounded by her friends, she realised that they were not just survivors—they were family, and they would fight for each other, no matter what.

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This chapter was kinda heartbreaking 😭💔

Enjoy! Xo

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