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"JOS, CAN I TALK TO YOU FOR A SECOND?"

Josie glanced over at Enzo, catching the serious look in his eyes, and immediately nodded, her curiosity piqued. She stood up from the Slytherin table, leaving her half-finished breakfast behind. Enzo leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Esmie's forehead, murmuring something about needing to speak with Josie. Esmie smiled up at him, but as she watched the two walk out of the Great Hall together, a small furrow formed between her brows, wondering what was going on.

Josie followed Enzo out into the hallway, where the sounds of students talking and laughing faded into the distance. They walked in silence for a moment, side by side, until they reached a quieter corridor, away from prying eyes and ears. The ancient stone walls seemed to stretch on forever as the flickering torches cast a warm glow, giving the scene a sense of intimacy.

"So, what's on your mind, Enzo?" Josie finally asked, her tone light but laced with curiosity.

Enzo glanced around the empty hall to make sure they were alone before stopping in his tracks. He turned toward Josie, and with a deep breath, he reached into his robes and pulled out a small, black velvet box. Josie's eyes widened slightly, her heart skipping a beat as she looked down at the box in his hand. For a moment, the only sound between them was the faint crackling of the nearby torches.

Enzo held the box out toward her, his expression a mix of nerves and excitement. Josie's lips parted in surprise, but then a slow smile spread across her face as realisation washed over her.

"Enzo... Are you serious? You're going to propose to her?" she asked, her voice a whisper as if speaking too loudly might shatter the moment.

Enzo nodded, swallowing hard as he opened the box to reveal a delicate, silver ring. The simple yet elegant design sparkled in the soft torchlight, a perfect reflection of Esmie's taste. "Yeah, I am," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I've been thinking about this for months, and I know it's right. I want to spend the rest of my life with her, Jos. I can't imagine anyone else by my side."

Josie's eyes softened as she looked at him, sensing the depth of his feelings. "You're really sure about this?" she asked, though she already knew the answer.

"I've never been more sure about anything," Enzo said quietly, his eyes flicking down to the ring and back up to Josie. "I know we're still young, and I know there's a lot ahead of us, but I can't wait any longer. Esmie is it for me."

Josie's heart warmed at his words, and she smiled, feeling the sincerity in every word. "She's going to be so happy, Enzo. You two have always been perfect for each other, and this... this is going to mean the world to her."

Enzo smiled, though there was still a hint of nerves in his expression. "I really hope so. I'm planning to ask her during the Halloween party tonight."

Josie's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, tonight? At the Halloween party?" She grinned, excitement bubbling up inside her. "That's perfect! She loves Halloween! But how are you going to make it special with the party going on?"

"That's the thing," Enzo said, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I'm going to take her to the Astronomy Tower during the party. I've got it all planned out. After we've danced for a bit and had some fun, I'll ask her to come with me. The tower will be empty with everyone downstairs, and we'll have the stars all to ourselves. It'll be quiet, just the two of us... and I'll ask her there."

Josie stared at him, her smile growing wider. "Enzo, that's... that's perfect. It's so romantic, under the stars, away from the crowd. She's going to love it."

"I really hope so," Enzo murmured, running a hand through his hair, his nerves creeping back in. "I just want it to be perfect for her. I want her to know how much she means to me, how much I want this future with her."

"Enzo, you don't have to worry," Josie reassured him, her voice gentle. "She already knows how much you love her. The fact that you've put so much thought into this... it's going to mean everything to her. Trust me, when you get down on one knee and ask, she's going to say yes before you even finish the question."

Enzo chuckled, though the tension didn't completely leave his expression. "You think?"

"I know it," Josie said confidently. "Esmie's been in love with you since forever, Enzo. She's probably dreamed about this moment a hundred times. And now, you're about to make it a reality."

Enzo took a deep breath, some of the anxiety ebbing away. "Thanks, Jos. I needed that."

"Anytime," she replied with a warm smile. "You're doing great. And tonight, Esmie's going to be the happiest girl in the world."

Enzo smiled, closing the velvet box and slipping it back into his pocket. "I hope so. I've been working up the courage for this for weeks."

"You've got this," Josie encouraged. "The Astronomy Tower, Halloween night, just the two of you under the stars? She won't be able to resist."

As they continued walking, Enzo started sharing more of his plan—how he was going to steal Esmie away from the party at the perfect moment, how he'd make sure the tower was ready for them, and how he'd drop to one knee once they were alone beneath the night sky. Josie listened, her heart swelling with joy for her two best friends, knowing that by the end of the night, Esmie would be walking around with a dazzling ring on her finger and a heart full of love.

Meanwhile, Esmie hurried down the corridor with Mattheo and Danielle at her side, the three of them locked in an animated, whispered conversation. Genevieve and Levi followed behind them, watching curiously as they huddled close, clearly deep in discussion.

"Are you absolutely sure about this, Emmy?" Mattheo asked, his brow raised skeptically as he glanced at her.

"Yes, Matty, I'm sure," Esmie replied, her voice filled with determination. "I'm doing it tonight. I'm going to ask him to marry me, and if you tell anyone, I swear I'll never speak to you again." Though her words were playful, the seriousness in her eyes suggested she meant it.

Mattheo smirked, clearly unbothered by her threat. "Yeah, right. We both know I'd just annoy you until you caved and started talking to me again."

Esmie rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but laugh. "You're absolutely impossible."

Mattheo grinned, shrugging. "True, but you love me for it."

Danielle, who had been quietly listening, couldn't resist joining in. "So, you're really doing it tonight? At the Halloween party?" Her tone was soft but filled with excitement. She glanced between Mattheo and Esmie, her eyes sparkling.

"Yes," Esmie said with confidence, though there was a flicker of nerves in her voice. "I'm going to pull him away during the party. I'm taking him up to the Astronomy Tower. It'll just be the two of us under the stars. It's private, special... it feels perfect."

Danielle's face lit up, and she leaned in with a bright smile. "That's so romantic! He's going to love it, Esmie. I can't think of a better place."

Mattheo, as usual, couldn't resist teasing. He groaned dramatically. "Oh Merlin, it's going to be one of those moments, isn't it? All stars and hearts and lovey-dovey stuff." He gave Esmie a playful nudge.

Danielle turned to Mattheo, a mischievous glint in her eye. "What's wrong, Matty? Don't tell me you're against romance. Or maybe..." She paused, a teasing smile spreading across her face. "Maybe you're just saving all your romance for Genevieve?" She waggled her eyebrows playfully, clearly enjoying herself.

Mattheo chuckled, the corner of his mouth lifting into a knowing smile. He didn't deny it, and Danielle giggled at his expression.

Esmie laughed, quickly joining in. "Oh, that makes sense! The real reason Matty's against romance is that he's secretly saving it for Genevieve." She shot a grin in Genevieve's direction.

Genevieve, walking a few steps behind, pretended not to hear, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

"Alright, alright," Mattheo said, waving his hands in surrender, though the smile on his face didn't fade. "Enough about me. Back to Esmie's grand plan. I'm just saying, if Enzo doesn't say yes, you might need to borrow my wand for that hex."

Esmie smirked. "Oh, don't worry. He'll say yes, but if not, I'll take you up on that offer."

"Deal," Mattheo said with a grin, falling back into step beside her.

They laughed together as they reached the classroom, but as they entered, Esmie's nerves began to bubble up again. She took her usual seat next to Mattheo and Genevieve, her gaze immediately drifting toward the empty chair beside her. It wasn't like Enzo to be late.

Genevieve, ever observant, leaned in and whispered, "It's not like Enzo to be late. Do you think something's up?"

Esmie frowned, her fingers tapping absentmindedly on the table. "I don't know. He's been acting... different lately. Distant, even. I can't put my finger on it, but something's off." She tried to shake the feeling, but it lingered like a shadow at the back of her mind.

Just then, the classroom door creaked open, and Enzo walked in with Josie by his side. Esmie's frown deepened as she watched them. Josie quickly broke off to sit with Draco, while Enzo made his way to the seat beside her, offering her a casual smile as though nothing was amiss.

"Where did you and Josie sneak off to?" Esmie asked, her tone light but laced with curiosity.

"Nowhere, really," Enzo replied, a little too quickly. "I just needed her help with a question for our Muggle Studies homework."

Esmie raised an eyebrow, narrowing her eyes slightly. "But we finished that last night."

Enzo hesitated for the briefest moment before nodding. "Oh, right. Yeah... I just wanted to double-check something."

Esmie studied him for a moment longer, her mind racing with questions. Enzo had never lied to her before, and she couldn't imagine why he would start now. Deciding to let it go, she gave him a small smile and turned her attention back to her books. Still, a knot of uncertainty settled in her stomach, one she couldn't quite shake.

As the day wore on, Esmie tried to focus on her classes, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Enzo and Josie. There was something off, something she couldn't quite pinpoint, but she pushed it aside. She had a big night ahead, and she needed to stay calm.

By the end of their last class, Esmie's unease hadn't disappeared. She gathered her things and glanced over at Enzo, but before she could say anything, he quickly slipped out of the classroom with Josie by his side once again. Esmie's frown returned as she watched them disappear down the corridor.

"Everything alright?" Draco asked from beside her, noticing her distracted expression.

Esmie forced a smile, though her mind was still racing. "Yeah, just... thinking."

Mattheo and Danielle exchanged a quick glance but said nothing, sensing Esmie's preoccupation as they all walked toward the common room together. The usual banter between them was quieter, but the familiar company helped Esmie push away the doubts swirling in her head.

As they neared the common room, Mattheo broke the silence. "You still ready for tonight, Emmy?" He gave her a teasing look, but there was genuine care in his tone.

Esmie nodded, though the nerves were starting to creep up again. "Yeah, I'm ready."

Danielle grinned. "It's going to be perfect. You've thought this through, and I know Enzo will say yes. He's probably just as nervous as you are."

"Maybe even more," Mattheo added with a smirk.

Esmie smiled at their words, grateful for their support, but as they reached the common room door, Mattheo couldn't resist one last jab. "Just remember, when he says yes and you two are all romantic under the stars, I expect a full report. All the mushy details."

Danielle laughed, nudging Esmie. "And don't worry—if Matty gets too sappy, we'll remind him of that secret romantic side he's saving for Genevieve."

Mattheo groaned dramatically, though the grin on his face never faded. "Merlin's beard, you lot will never let me live that down."

Esmie laughed, feeling lighter despite her nerves. "Trust me, Matty, after tonight, I'll have a much better story to tease you with."

"Deal," Mattheo replied with a wink. "Now go make it happen."

As Esmie, Mattheo, and Danielle stepped into the common room, Esmie felt her pulse begin to settle, but the weight of what was about to happen kept her nerves buzzing. Tonight was the night. The night that could change everything between her and Enzo. She had rehearsed the moment a thousand times in her head, and now, it was so close she could feel it.

But as they walked deeper into the room, Esmie's attention was drawn to something—or rather, someone—standing just a little ways off. It was Harry, gazing up at the painting of Severus Snape that hung on the wall. There was something in his expression, something quiet and troubled, that made her pause mid-step. She hadn't spoken much to Harry since she'd found out that he had suggested the painting be put up to honour Snape's memory. Esmie had spent years harbouring complicated feelings about Snape—feelings that Harry's actions had only stirred up further.

Esmie stopped walking, glancing back at her friends. "I'll catch up with you shortly," she said.

Mattheo and Danielle exchanged curious looks but nodded, heading further inside. Esmie watched them go before turning back toward Harry, the uneasy sensation tightening in her chest. As she approached, she took a deep breath, her mind swirling with half-formed thoughts of what she could possibly say.

She tapped Harry gently on the shoulder, and he turned to face her, looking slightly startled. "Oh, hi, Esmie," he greeted her, his tone casual but with a hint of apprehension.

Esmie studied him for a moment, then looked past him to the empty painting on the wall. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice quiet as she glanced between him and the canvas. "You know, I've walked past this painting dozens of times, but I've never seen him there."

Harry sighed, his shoulders slumping a little as he stared at the empty frame. "He's never there," he replied. "I thought having the painting up would give him the recognition he deserved, but..."

"You were wrong?" Esmie finished for him, her voice more understanding than accusatory.

"Yeah," Harry admitted with a faint smile, his eyes still on the portrait. "I'm sorry for asking them to hang it up. I thought it would give you some closure, too."

Esmie's lips tightened, a mixture of emotions rising in her chest. She hadn't realised how much that decision had affected her until now. "Is that why you've been avoiding me?" she asked, her voice gentler than she expected.

Harry nodded, looking down at the floor, clearly uncomfortable. "Yeah, I wasn't sure if you were still mad at me."

Esmie sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she took a step closer and wrapped her arms around him in a sudden hug. Harry froze for a second, caught off guard, but then hugged her back tightly, the tension between them dissolving.

"I was mad," Esmie admitted quietly, her cheek resting against his shoulder. "That first night when you told me, I was furious, but not anymore. I understand why you did it now. You wanted to honour him in your own way, and I get it."

"You do?" Harry asked, his voice soft, as though he wasn't sure he deserved her forgiveness.

Esmie pulled back from the hug, giving him a small but genuine smile. "I do. We all have our own complicated feelings about him. You lost people too, and if honouring him helped you... well, who am I to say you shouldn't have done it?"

Harry exhaled a breath he hadn't realised he was holding. "Thank you, Esmie."

Esmie smiled again, a little brighter this time. "Can we just move past all this now? I've missed my friend."

Harry's face lit up in response. "Yeah, I'd like that."

They stood in silence for a moment, both of them staring at the empty painting before Esmie's thoughts shifted. Something clicked inside her, an idea forming. Without warning, she grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him toward the door.

"Come on, we're going to check something out," she said, her tone suddenly filled with purpose.

Harry blinked in confusion but allowed himself to be pulled along. "Wait, what? Where are we going?"

"You'll see," Esmie replied cryptically as she led him through the winding corridors of the castle and toward a familiar but avoided destination—the boat shed.

The air grew heavier as they approached, the memories of the last time they had been here flooding back in painful waves. This was the place where Severus Snape had met his tragic end, and neither Esmie nor Harry had returned since that day. The boat shed had been silent, forgotten in its eerie isolation.

As they entered the dimly lit space, Harry's eyes darkened with the weight of those memories. "Why are we here, Esmie?" he asked, his voice hushed as the musty scent of the shed filled the air.

Esmie stopped in the middle of the room, taking a deep breath before speaking. "I've been having nightmares about this place," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't seem to forget what happened here. Every time I try, it pulls me back. Enzo tries to help, but it's like this place has a hold on me... and I can't let it go."

Before Harry could respond, a cold voice echoed through the room, making them both jump. "Esmeralda?"

Esmie froze, her breath catching in her throat. Slowly, she turned toward the source of the voice—and there, standing in front of them in ghost form, was Severus Snape. His spectral figure flickered in the dim light, his expression filled with a mix of regret and sorrow.

"You—" Esmie stammered, her heart pounding. "You were supposed to move on! You're not supposed to be here!" Her voice cracked, anger rising within her.

Snape's ghost looked at her with tired, hollow eyes. "I chose to stay behind because I regret everything. I regret what I did to you, Esmeralda. I failed you, and I wish I had done better by you."

Esmie's shock turned to fury. "No!" she shouted, her hands shaking. "You had your chance to do the right thing, and you didn't! You never told anyone I was your daughter. You let them register me as a Muggle-born witch when you knew the truth! You never protected me!"

Harry's voice broke through the tension. "That's why he's not in the painting, isn't it?"

Esmie glanced at Harry, her eyes wide with realisation. She turned back to Snape, and suddenly, everything became clear. He had chosen to remain here, trapped in the place where his life had ended, unable to move on because of the guilt that weighed him down.

"I was trying to protect you," Snape insisted, his voice strained. "From the Dark Lord, from the Death Eaters—"

"Protect me?" Esmie snapped, her voice rising with fury. "Is that why you handed me over to them? Why you let them torture me, saying I lied about being a half-blood? You didn't protect me! You condemned me!"

Tears filled Esmie's eyes as her hands clenched into fists. Harry reached out, squeezing her hand in quiet support, but Esmie's gaze remained fixed on Snape.

"I'm sorry," Snape whispered, his voice hollow. "I was trying to keep you safe, but I made the wrong choices."

"Sorry?" Esmie's voice cracked, a fresh wave of anger surging through her. "You knew who I was for years, and you never told me. Instead, you bullied me, humiliated me in front of everyone, made me feel worthless. I don't forgive you, and I never will. I just wish you weren't my father." Her voice broke, her final words filled with heartache.

Without waiting for a response, Esmie turned and ran out of the boat shed, her vision blurred by tears. She didn't stop until she reached the top of the stairs, where she finally collapsed against the railing, her chest heaving with emotion.

Harry was right behind her, gently pulling her into his arms. "Are you okay, Esmie?" he whispered, his voice filled with concern.

Esmie sniffled into his shoulder, her breath shaky. "I'm sorry you had to witness that," she muttered.

"I'm sorry for everything, Esmie," Harry said softly, holding her close as she trembled.

For a few moments, they stood there in silence, letting the weight of everything settle. Finally, Esmie pulled away, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. She needed a distraction, something to lighten the mood.

"So... you and Astoria, huh?" she asked, her tone shifting, trying to lift the heaviness.

Harry blushed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "We're just friends, Es. She's great to hang out with, though, and I know she's close with Elsie."

Esmie couldn't help but grin as she saw the pink flush on Harry's cheeks. "You like her, don't you? I mean, I know you smelled her in your Amortentia."

Harry sighed, defeated. "Fine, I like her," he admitted, rolling his eyes playfully.

Esmie smirked. "See? Not all Slytherins are bad, huh?"

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, maybe not all of them."

Esmie linked her arm with his, feeling a small sense of peace returning. Together, they walked back to the common room, their conversation lightening as they bantered about Astoria and the quirks of Slytherins. After saying goodbye to Harry, Esmie headed up to her dormitory, where she found Mattheo standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his robes for the Halloween party.

He glanced over at her, raising an eyebrow. "How'd it go?" he asked, sensing the shift in her energy.

Esmie let out a long breath, giving him a tired smile. "It was... intense, but I'm okay. Tonight, things will be different."

Mattheo smirked. "You've got this, Emmy. Just wait till Enzo sees what's coming."

Esmie stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress one last time. Her heart raced as she thought about the night ahead. "Now I just hope he says yes," she muttered, feeling a nervous flutter in her stomach.

Mattheo, who was busy adjusting his costume, glanced at her and gave her a reassuring smile. "He will. Trust me. You've got nothing to worry about."

But then Mattheo's own confidence seemed to waver as he looked down at his outfit, fidgeting with the fabric again. A hint of panic crept into his voice. "But, Emmy, does my costume look alright? I mean, I've been to Halloween parties before, but I've never actually dressed up for one. And Gen wanted to do costumes this year, so here I am. But now I'm not sure about the whole thing—help me, please." His voice sped up as he rambled, looking at Esmie with pleading eyes.

Esmie couldn't help but giggle. "Matty, you look fine. No, actually—you look great. Relax."

"Are you sure?" he asked, tugging on his sleeves again.

"Let me fix this for you," Esmie said, walking over to him. She adjusted the collar of his costume and straightened out a few wrinkles, her face scrunched up in concentration. Mattheo watched her, amused by her determination to perfect his look.

When she finally stepped back, she gave him a nod of approval. "There. Perfect. You're going to impress Gen for sure."

At the mention of Genevieve, Mattheo's cheeks flushed slightly, and Esmie smirked knowingly. "You're doing all this for her, aren't you?"

Before Mattheo could reply, the door swung open, and Danielle entered with a teasing grin. "Of course he's doing it for her. He's dressed up to impress Genevieve," she said, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe.

Mattheo's flush deepened as he gave his sister a playful glare. "I am not dressing up for Gen," he protested, though his tone wasn't convincing.

Danielle rolled her eyes and walked over to him, giving his costume a once-over. "Uh-huh, sure. You look way too polished to not be trying to impress her."

Esmie smirked, chiming in, "I mean, Dani's got a point. You usually don't care about how you look. This is definitely for Gen."

Mattheo groaned dramatically, rubbing the back of his neck. "You two are impossible."

Danielle grinned, giving him a light shove. "Just admit it. You're smitten."

"Alright, alright!" Mattheo surrendered, holding his hands up. "Maybe I wanted to look good for her. Maybe."

Danielle and Esmie burst into laughter, and Mattheo rolled his eyes, though a smile tugged at his lips. "Can we go to the party now? I've had enough of this interrogation."

Esmie, still smiling, turned back to her own reflection. But her mood dimmed slightly as she glanced toward Enzo's bed, where his costume lay untouched. "Where's Enzo?" she asked, frowning. "He hasn't even picked up his outfit yet."

Mattheo shrugged, though his brow furrowed with a hint of concern. "I haven't seen him in a while. He'll probably meet us at the party. You know how he is—always cutting it close."

Esmie nodded, but the knot of unease tightened in her stomach. She grabbed her purse and prepared to leave, trying not to let the worry cloud her excitement for the night.

"Come on, Emmy," Danielle said, linking her arm with Esmie's. "Waiting around for Enzo won't help. He'll show up. In the meantime, we can head to the party and have some fun."

Esmie hesitated for a moment, then nodded, trying to push the anxious thoughts aside. "Yeah, maybe you're right."

As they left the dorm room, the lively sounds of the Halloween party grew louder with each step, the music and laughter spilling out into the corridors. When they entered the Great Hall, Esmie couldn't help but be swept up by the festive atmosphere. The hall was glowing with enchanted pumpkins, flickering candles, and a sky full of shimmering stars and swooping bats.

Genevieve spotted them as soon as they walked in, her face lighting up with excitement. "Finally! Took you long enough!" she teased, making her way over to Mattheo and Esmie. She carried two shot glasses in her hand and extended them to her friends. "I come bearing gifts."

Mattheo smirked as he took a glass. "You're a bad influence, Gen," he said, though there was affection in his voice.

Esmie laughed, clinking her glass with Mattheo's. "To Halloween!" she cheered before they downed the shots together. The sharp burn of the alcohol made her grin, feeling the warmth spread through her.

Just then, Levi, dressed in a sharp costume, slipped through the crowd and made his way toward them. He caught Danielle's eye, a grin spreading across his face as he reached her. Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips, making Danielle's cheeks flush as she returned the kiss.

"Well, well, well," Mattheo teased, grinning widely as he folded his arms. "Looks like I'm not the only one trying to impress someone tonight."

Danielle rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide her smile. "Shut up, Matty. You're still worse. I saw you practically double-checking your reflection every five minutes before we left."

Esmie giggled, looking between the two of them. "Twins," she mumbled under her breath, shaking her head at their playful bickering.

Levi grinned, wrapping his arm around Danielle. "Don't let him get to you, Dani. You look amazing," he said, pressing another quick kiss to her cheek.

Danielle smiled up at him, her eyes softening. "Thanks, Levi."

Mattheo groaned loudly. "Merlin's beard, this is way too much romance for one party."

"Let them be happy, Matty," Esmie teased, elbowing him lightly. "You're not exactly one to talk."

Before Mattheo could respond, Pansy appeared, bounding over with a wide grin. "Hey, Grisky!" she called, grabbing Esmie's hands. "Come dance with me and Hermione!"

Esmie hesitated, glancing around the room for any sign of Enzo, but Danielle nudged her lightly. "Come on, Es. Dancing will take your mind off waiting for Enzo. He'll be here soon."

Mattheo nodded, agreeing with his sister. "Yeah, stop stressing. He won't miss it."

Esmie let out a sigh, finally allowing herself to relax. "Alright, fine. Let's dance."

Pansy cheered, pulling her onto the dance floor, where Hermione was already swaying to the beat. Esmie quickly joined in, letting the music and laughter loosen her up. Soon enough, the rhythm of the music took over, and she was spinning and laughing with her friends, the earlier tension in her chest melting away.

"Come on, Es!" Hermione called out, grabbing Esmie's hands and twirling her in a circle. They both laughed as they spun around, the music pounding through their veins.

Genevieve, Danielle, Josie, and Elsie soon joined them, forming a lively group on the dance floor. The seven girls moved in sync, swaying to the music and laughing as they sang along—terribly off-key—to the songs blaring through the hall. None of them cared, their energy infectious as they danced and twirled together.

Danielle leaned in close to Esmie, giving her a gentle nudge. "See? Dancing helps, right?"

Esmie grinned, nodding. "You were right. I needed this."

Not far away, Draco, Mattheo, and Theo stood watching the girls with smirks on their faces. Draco rolled his eyes, though a slight smile tugged at his lips. "Honestly, they're ridiculous."

Mattheo chuckled. "Let them have fun. We'll never hear the end of it if we try to drag them away."

Theo nodded, grinning as he watched the girls dance. "This is probably the happiest I've seen them in ages."

Just then, as Esmie finished a playful twirl with Danielle, her eyes landed on the entrance. Her breath hitched when she saw Enzo walking in, his eyes immediately finding hers. He stood there, watching her with a soft smile, his costume fitting him perfectly.

For a moment, the party faded away, and it was just the two of them. Esmie's heart fluttered as she smiled back, feeling the excitement bubbling inside her. Enzo gave her a small nod, as if saying, "I'm here," and Esmie felt the anticipation of the night ahead fill her to the brim.

With a deep breath, she turned back to her friends, letting herself get swept up in the music and joy of the night. There was so much ahead of her, and tonight was only just beginning.

"Wanna get a drink?" Pansy asked, her eyes glinting mischievously as she nudged Esmie, who was momentarily lost in thought. Esmie grinned and nodded, letting Pansy pull her over to the drinks table, where bottles of all shapes and sizes sparkled under the dim party lights. Pansy grabbed two shot glasses and handed one to Esmie, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

"Cheers to Halloween and a night to remember," Pansy said, raising her glass.

"Cheers," Esmie echoed, their glasses clinking softly before they both knocked back the shots. The fiery liquid burned pleasantly down her throat, warming her from the inside out, and she let out a small laugh as they reached for another round.

Before they could take the second shot, Esmie felt a familiar arm wrap around her waist, pulling her close. She turned to see Enzo standing there, his face glowing with affection, his Peter Pan costume making him look every bit the playful hero.

"Hey, you made it!" Esmie beamed, the sight of him instantly brightening her mood. Her eyes roved over his costume, appreciating how well it suited him. "And you look amazing!"

Enzo chuckled, leaning down to kiss her softly on the cheek. "I wasn't going to miss it. And you, baby, look absolutely stunning," he murmured, his voice low and tender as he gazed at her.

Esmie blushed slightly, her heart skipping a beat. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling the familiar flutter in her chest whenever he was near.

Without missing a beat, Enzo gently took the shot glass from her hand and placed it on the table beside them. "Do you mind if I steal you away for a bit?" he asked, his voice filled with a hint of mystery.

Esmie blinked in surprise, glancing quickly at Pansy, who smirked knowingly, clearly in on whatever was happening. "Uh, no, I guess not," Esmie replied, still unsure of what Enzo was planning but eager to find out.

"Go on," Pansy encouraged with a sly grin. "I'll hold down the fort here."

Enzo smiled gratefully, taking Esmie's hand as he led her out of the Great Hall. The sounds of the party faded behind them as they wandered through the quieter halls of Hogwarts, the cool stone walls illuminated by the flickering candlelight. Esmie's curiosity grew with every step, and she finally couldn't resist asking.

"Sweets, where are we going?" she asked, giving him a sideways glance, her voice filled with playful suspicion.

Enzo smiled but kept his eyes forward, his grip on her hand gentle yet firm. "You'll see soon enough, Mie," he replied, his voice warm with excitement.

Esmie raised an eyebrow, but the look on his face was enough to make her follow without hesitation. As they climbed the familiar winding stairs toward the Astronomy Tower, Esmie felt a twinge of nervousness. It had been a long time since she'd been up here, and the memories it stirred made her heart race a little faster, but when Enzo squeezed her hand in silent reassurance, she smiled softly, trusting him completely.

When they reached the top, Esmie's breath caught in her throat. The floor was covered in delicate rose petals, their rich red colour standing out against the cold stone. Candles floated in the air, casting a soft, romantic glow around the tower, and the night sky stretched out above them, stars twinkling brightly against the velvety darkness.

It was perfect.

Enzo led her to the centre of the tower, where the roses seemed to form a soft circle around them. He stopped and turned to face her, his hands gently holding hers. His face was full of love, but there was a nervous edge to his expression that made Esmie's heart pound even harder.

"Enzo, what's going on?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper as she searched his eyes.

Enzo took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers. "Esmeralda Grisky," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "You've been my best friend since we were eleven. Every day, I fall more in love with you—your kindness, your bravery, the way you care for everyone around you. You've made me a better person, and I know there's no one else I want to spend my life with."

He paused, dropping down to one knee as he reached into his pocket. Esmie's breath caught again as he pulled out a small velvet box and opened it, revealing a sparkling engagement ring.

"Will you marry me?" Enzo asked, his voice soft yet full of hope.

Esmie stared at him, her heart swelling with so much love she thought it might burst, but then, without warning, she burst into laughter, the sheer surprise and absurdity of the moment overwhelming her.

Enzo blinked, clearly caught off guard as his smile faltered slightly. "Not exactly the reaction I was going for," he said with a confused chuckle, lowering the ring slightly.

Esmie, still laughing, quickly reached into her own pocket and pulled out a small velvet box of her own. "No, no, it's not what you think!" she said, giggling as she opened the box to reveal a ring. "I was going to ask you tonight! I was going to bring you up here to the Astronomy Tower and ask you to marry me."

For a moment, Enzo just stared, and then he started laughing too. The realisation hit them both, and soon they were laughing uncontrollably, doubled over in the middle of the Astronomy Tower. The irony of the situation wasn't lost on either of them.

Finally, after a few moments, Esmie wiped away the tears of laughter streaming down her face and took a deep breath. "So yes," she said, her voice full of warmth and joy. "Yes, I will marry you, Enzo."

Enzo, his grin wide and filled with love, gently slid the ring onto her finger. "And I will marry you too, Mie," he said softly, his eyes never leaving hers as she slid her own ring onto his finger in return.

They stood there for a moment, hands intertwined, the world around them fading away as they gazed at the rings on each other's fingers. Then, without hesitation, Enzo cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply, his love for her pouring into that single moment. Esmie smiled into the kiss, her heart soaring with happiness. When they finally pulled apart, he kissed her cheek tenderly.

"I love you, Esmeralda," Enzo whispered.

"I love you too, Lorenzo," she whispered back, her voice soft but filled with all the emotion she felt.

Hand in hand, they made their way back down the tower and toward the party, their footsteps light with joy. When they re-entered the Great Hall, the energy of the Halloween party greeted them once again, but this time, everything felt different. They were glowing, their happiness unmistakable.

As Esmie and Enzo re-entered the Great Hall, the buzz of the party quickly surrounded them, but there was something different about the way they moved together—lighter, more radiant. They were practically glowing, hands intertwined, their engagement rings catching the light as they walked. It didn't take long for their friends to notice.

Pansy was the first, nudging Hermione with a huge grin on her face. "Look who's back—and check out the ring!" she said, pointing toward Esmie.

Hermione's eyes widened in excitement as she rushed over, her mouth open in shock. "No way! You did it?!" she practically squealed, throwing her arms around Esmie. "Oh my God, congratulations!"

Esmie beamed, holding up her hand to show off the ring sparkling on her finger. "We both did," she said, laughing as she glanced at Enzo, who was smiling just as widely.

Pansy's grin turned into a smirk as she raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you mean you both proposed? Same night, same place?" She let out a loud, delighted laugh. "That's brilliant!"

"Yeah," Esmie said with a playful shrug. "Apparently, we think the same way."

Just then, Genevieve and Danielle appeared, practically bouncing over with excitement. "Oh my Merlin!" Genevieve squealed, hugging Esmie tight. "I knew something was up when you two disappeared together! You both proposed?! That's so romantic!"

Danielle, standing next to Genevieve, grabbed Esmie's hand, inspecting the ring closely. "Wow, Emmy," she said, eyes wide with admiration. "It's gorgeous." Then, with a teasing grin, she added, "So, you two couldn't even wait until the party was over? How very you."

Esmie laughed, rolling her eyes. "It was a perfect moment!"

"And now you're officially stuck with him," Danielle teased with a wink, nudging Esmie's shoulder. "Not that you weren't already."

Levi, who had just joined the group, wrapped his arms around Danielle and kissed her cheek. He glanced at Enzo's hand and raised an eyebrow. "Matching rings, huh? Now that's commitment. I'm impressed."

As Esmie was about to respond, another familiar voice called out from the crowd. "What's all this excitement about?" Josie asked as she made her way over, her eyes immediately falling on Esmie's hand. "Oh my God, is that an engagement ring?!" She rushed forward, grabbing Esmie's hand to inspect the ring. "Emmy, you didn't tell me you were going to propose!"

Esmie smiled sheepishly, shrugging. "Well, turns out we both had the same idea. Enzo proposed too."

Josie's eyes widened, and she threw her head back, laughing. "Of course you both proposed at the same time. You two are just that extra!" She hugged Esmie tightly, then turned to Enzo. "Congrats, Enzo! You two really are perfect for each other."

As everyone gathered around, Mattheo finally sauntered over, his smirk firmly in place as he crossed his arms, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "Let me get this straight," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "You both proposed to each other? Seriously?"

Esmie rolled her eyes at his teasing but couldn't help grinning. "Yes, we both proposed," she replied, giving him a playful shove. "It just... happened that way."

Mattheo laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Of course it did. Only you two would manage to pull off something this ridiculous and romantic at the same time." He paused, looking between them both with an exaggeratedly serious expression. "Well, congratulations, Emmy. You've officially locked him down. There's no escaping now."

Danielle snickered beside him. "Yeah, Esmie, you've got him for life. Enzo, good luck dealing with her. She's a handful."

Esmie shot Danielle a mock-glare, but she was grinning. "Oh, please. If anyone's a handful, it's Enzo."

Enzo wrapped his arm around Esmie's waist, pulling her close. "Hey, I'll take it," he said with a wink. "I'm not complaining."

Mattheo chuckled, shaking his head. "You two are too much." He then gave Esmie a teasing smile. "So, what's it like, Es? Knowing you're stuck with him forever?"

Esmie giggled, leaning into Enzo. "Honestly? It feels pretty perfect."

Danielle sighed dramatically. "Ugh, I can't with you two and all this romance. It's disgusting."

"Just admit you love it," Esmie teased, nudging her.

Danielle grinned, holding up her hands. "Fine, fine, I love it. Happy now?"

Josie, still admiring the ring on Esmie's hand, sighed with a dreamy smile. "I'm just happy I get to see all this cuteness in person. You two are the literal definition of couple goals."

Pansy let out a loud laugh, clinking her glass against Esmie's. "Well, here's to the newly engaged couple! May the rest of us survive the love-fest."

The group laughed together, raising their glasses in a toast to Esmie and Enzo. The energy around them was buzzing with happiness, the excitement of the night growing as more people came over to congratulate them.

As Esmie leaned against Enzo, she couldn't help but smile at how perfect everything felt. The proposal, the party, the overwhelming love and support from her friends—it was more than she could have ever asked for. She glanced down at the ring on her finger, her heart swelling with joy.

Tonight had been everything she dreamed of and more. And now, with Enzo by her side, officially her fiancé, the future felt brighter than ever.

As she looked up at Enzo, who was gazing down at her with that same look of love and warmth, she knew they were both ready for whatever came next. The best part? They would face it together.

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Finally back with a new update! Only nine more chapters plus the epilogue to go 🫶🏻

Enjoy! Xo

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