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CHRISTMAS WAS FAST APPROACHING, AND ESMIE'S EXCITEMENT WAS TANGLED WITH A DEEP SENSE OF UNEASE.

This year, the group was heading back to the Malfoy Manor for the holidays, a tradition that should have brought her joy, yet, her heart was conflicted. She was glad to be spending the season surrounded by friends, but one invitation, in particular, had made her nerves flutter like restless butterflies—Ron was coming too.

Ron and Esmie had once been close, sharing everything from their Hogwarts worries to dreams of the future. That bond had been shattered during their sixth year, when the Death Eaters destroyed the Burrow during Christmas break. The tragedy that engulfed Ron's family had driven a wedge between them, something neither of them had addressed since. They hadn't really spoken since that awful time, and Esmie had no idea how seeing him again would feel. Could they repair the damage? Would they even want to?

As she stood in her room, packing clothes into her suitcase for the trip, her mind kept spinning with these thoughts. She tried to distract herself by folding a sweater neatly, but her hands trembled slightly, betraying her nerves. The usual excitement she felt when returning to the manor for the holidays was dampened by the weight of uncertainty.

From the corner of the room, Enzo watched her with his ever-present calm, leaning back against the headboard of her bed. His dark eyes followed her movements, amusement dancing in them as he caught her pacing back and forth like a cat trapped in a cage.

"You seem a little tense, Mie," he said, his voice warm and teasing, though laced with concern.

"I'm fine," Esmie replied, though the sharpness in her tone didn't convince either of them. She tossed another scarf into her suitcase, her brow furrowing as she tried to refocus. "I'm just nervous about Ron being there for the holidays. We haven't really spoken since sixth year—since the Burrow."

Enzo nodded slowly, his expression softening with understanding. He knew how deeply the past weighed on Esmie, especially when it came to friends she'd lost along the way, both figuratively and literally. "That's a lot to carry. I don't blame you for being nervous, but who knows? Maybe this Christmas will give you two a chance to reconnect."

Esmie let out a small, humourless laugh as she folded one of her sweaters with slightly too much force. "Reconnect? I'm not even sure we'll have anything to say to each other anymore. Our friendship was destroyed after that. He probably hates me, or worse—he doesn't care at all."

Enzo tilted his head, watching her with a gentle smile. "If he didn't care, he wouldn't have accepted the invitation, but, hey, if things get awkward, you know you've always got me to run away with. We can escape into the manor's secret passageways or sneak out to the stables." He waggled his eyebrows, trying to lighten the mood.

Despite herself, Esmie couldn't help but smile, shaking her head at him. "You're always looking for an excuse to sneak away, aren't you?"

"Always," he replied with a grin. "It's what makes me so irresistible."

"Right," Esmie rolled her eyes, but her tension eased ever so slightly as she closed her suitcase. "Anyway, enough about Ron. I've got some gossip for you."

Enzo's face lit up at that, sitting up straighter with an eager grin. "Now you're speaking my language. You know I love gossip, baby."

"I do know," Esmie teased, walking over to sit beside him. "You somehow know all the Hogwarts gossip before anyone else does."

"Well, someone's gotta keep tabs on everyone," Enzo shrugged innocently. "Consider me the unofficial Hogwarts news source."

"Right," she laughed, shaking her head at his ever-present confidence. "Anyway, remember how I told you that Harry liked Astoria?"

Enzo nodded, though his expression darkened briefly. "Yeah, that was around the time you found out about Snape..." His voice trailed off, his playful demeanour shifting slightly at the mention of Snape's name.

Esmie's face tightened, and she quickly shook her head. "Don't. Let's not talk about that right now."

Enzo cursed inwardly, realising his mistake. He reached over and squeezed her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Sorry. Go on."

Esmie's smile returned as she refocused. "Well, Harry's been out with her on a few dates now, and he finally asked her to be his girlfriend. They're official."

Enzo quirked an eyebrow at her, a knowing smirk pulling at his lips. "Oh? That's great news, but..."

"But what?" Esmie asked, sensing his hesitancy. "Why do you look like you're hiding something?"

"Because I already knew," Enzo said casually, shrugging. "Harry told me."

Esmie blinked, genuinely surprised. "Wait—since when are you two friends?"

Enzo laughed lightly. "I know, it's weird, right? But he asked me for advice a while back. We've been hanging out ever since, especially after the Halloween party."

Esmie stared at him, incredulous. "How did I not notice this?"

"You've been busy with NEWTs, studying like a madwoman," Enzo said, leaning back into the pillows. "But yeah, Harry's alright. We've had some good conversations."

"Harry Potter and Lorenzo Berkshire, friends," Esmie mused, shaking her head in disbelief. "I never thought I'd see the day."

"Me neither," Enzo admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But he's not so bad when he's not saving the world every five minutes."

Esmie chuckled, leaning back beside him. "Well, I guess it's nice that you're making new friends. I just hope Ron doesn't feel weird about being there."

Enzo reached over, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "You'll be fine, Mie. You always are."

Just as Esmie leaned in to kiss him, their moment was interrupted by the door flying open with a bang.

"Merlin, not again!" Mattheo exclaimed with exaggerated frustration, leaning against the doorframe with an annoyed look on his face. "If you're going to do that, at least have the decency to lock the door!"

Esmie jumped, pulling back from Enzo quickly. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she glared at Mattheo. "We weren't doing anything."

Mattheo raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Right. I've only walked in on you two a dozen times. You'd think you'd learn by now."

Esmie huffed, grabbing her scarf from the bed and throwing it around her neck. "I'm going for a walk. Care to join me, Enzo?"

Enzo smirked and stood, throwing a playful glance at Mattheo. "Always, Princess."

The two of them left the dorm and wandered through the castle's empty halls. The festive decorations hanging from the walls did little to calm Esmie's racing thoughts. She appreciated Enzo's effort to distract her, but her mind kept circling back to Ron. What would it be like to see him again? How had he changed? Would he be cold or distant? The uncertainty gnawed at her.

They walked in silence until they reached the boat shed by the lake, a place that held bittersweet memories for them both. Enzo stopped and smirked, his hand slipping into hers. "This was where you and I—"

"Yeah, I know," Esmie cut him off quickly, not wanting to dwell on the memory of their past encounter there. The last thing she wanted was for Snape to overhear anything personal. "Let's keep moving. I don't want to run into anyone."

"Do you remember—"

"Mr. Berkshire," Snape's cold voice interrupted from the shadows. Esmie tensed, letting go of Enzo's hand as they both turned to face the professor.

"Professor," Enzo greeted stiffly, giving a curt nod.

Snape's sharp gaze flicked between them, lingering on the rings they both wore. His expression remained unreadable, his dark eyes narrowing as he focused on Esmie. The weight of his gaze made her stomach twist with anxiety, but she refused to meet his eyes. Without a word, she turned and left the boat shed, Enzo following close behind.

They walked in silence until they reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Esmie stopped abruptly, her shoulders tense as she tried to collect her thoughts.

"I thought I could face it," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I thought if I confronted the nightmares, they'd stop, but I can't. I can't even look at him."

Enzo stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her against his chest. He rested his chin on her head, his breath warm against her cold skin. "You don't have to face anything you're not ready for. It's okay, Mie."

She closed her eyes, grateful for his warmth and understanding. The holidays loomed ahead, full of uncertainties and painful memories, but at least she wouldn't have to face them alone.

After a moment, Enzo broke the silence. "Oh, by the way, I should probably warn you—Tom's coming for Christmas."

Esmie stiffened, pulling back slightly to look up at him. "Mattheo's older brother? How did he manage to stay out of Azkaban?"

Enzo sighed, taking her hand as they began walking back toward the castle. "He's not his father. I don't completely trust him either, but he defected from the Death Eaters, and the Ministry gave him a fair trial. Besides, you know he chose Rosie. They've got two daughters together now."

"Ana and Jazzlyn. Genevieve talks about them all the time," Esmie muttered, shaking her head as they walked up the steps to the castle. "This Christmas is going to be... interesting, to say the least."

"Don't worry," Enzo said, squeezing her hand. "We'll make it through together."

As they entered the castle, Esmie's thoughts drifted back to Ron and all the unresolved tension between them. She could only hope the holidays would bring some peace, both for herself and for everyone else in their complicated, intertwined lives.

Esmie and Enzo finally strolled into their dorm room, their hands casually linked as they entered. The room was a mess of half-packed suitcases and scattered belongings, and Mattheo was lounging in one of the armchairs with an exasperated expression. He glanced up at the pair with a mix of amusement and impatience.

"Finally! We've all been waiting on you two for ages," Mattheo groaned, rolling his eyes dramatically. "What, did you sneak off to have sex again?"

Esmie shot him an annoyed look, but there was a playful glint in her eye. "No, we didn't. We just went for a walk," she retorted, her tone sharp but not entirely serious.

Mattheo raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Oh, really? Because 'walks' that take this long are usually code for something else."

Esmie sighed as she began to pack her suitcase, shaking her head. "It's not like that, Mattheo. We actually just walked around the lake and talked."

Danielle, who had been sitting on the edge of Mattheo's bed and flicking through her book, looked up and joined the conversation with a smirk. "Oh, come on, Mattheo. Can't you let them have a bit of privacy? I mean, we all know you love to tease, but even you must admit that's getting a bit old."

Mattheo chuckled, though he seemed far from apologetic. "It's not my fault if they make it so easy, besides, it's kind of entertaining."

Esmie rolled her eyes, unable to suppress a smile as she zipped up her suitcase. "Yeah, well, let's get going. We're going to be late."

The group quickly finished their preparations and headed out of the dorm. They made their way through the bustling corridors toward the common room, where the rest of their friends were waiting. As they entered, Draco was standing by the fireplace with an impatient look on his face.

"Finally!" Draco exclaimed, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. "We were about to leave without you two."

Mattheo, always quick to jump in with a quip, pointed a finger at Esmie and Enzo. "Blame these two for taking forever."

Esmie rolled her eyes again, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Yeah, yeah. We're here now."

Draco shook his head but couldn't suppress a small grin. "Come on, let's go. We need to catch the train."

The group moved swiftly through the castle and out into the snowy grounds of Hogwarts. They arrived at the train station, where the excitement of the holiday season was palpable. The air was crisp and cold, with snowflakes gently falling from the sky as they boarded the train. They found an empty carriage large enough to fit them all and settled into their seats.

Once they were comfortably seated, Enzo slid into the spot beside Esmie, his arm naturally wrapping around her shoulders. He leaned in, his voice soft as he spoke to her. "We'll stay in my room at the Manor. Just the two of us. We don't have to share with anyone else."

Esmie's eyes sparkled as she turned to look at him, a warm smile spreading across her face. "So we'll have all the time alone that we want?"

"That's right," Enzo said, his hand resting gently on her thigh. "No interruptions."

Mattheo, sitting across from them with a mischievous grin, leaned forward and interjected. "Why are you acting all coy? You two haven't exactly been discreet about sneaking off to the Room of Requirement. Everyone knows."

Esmie's eyes widened, and she turned her head toward Mattheo with a mixture of surprise and embarrassment. "Wait, how did you know?"

Mattheo shrugged nonchalantly, his grin widening. "It's kind of obvious. You're not the most subtle pair."

Danielle, sitting beside Esmie, couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, Mattheo's right. I mean, it was pretty clear to everyone, but you know, it's cute how you try to keep it a secret."

Levi, who had been listening quietly, chimed in with a smirk. "Honestly, if you two were any more obvious, you'd need a sign."

Esmie rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Thanks for the support, everyone."

Danielle leaned back, her smile softening as she looked at Esmie and Enzo. "Honestly, though, you guys are adorable. You're just making everyone else look bad with all your lovey-doveyness."

Enzo chuckled, his arm tightening around Esmie. "Adorable? Really? I think we're doing just fine."

"You two are impossible," Mattheo said with a mock-serious expression. "But I suppose it's better than watching you two squabble."

At that moment, Draco spoke up, his tone more serious. "Mum's been really looking forward to this Christmas. She's been planning it for months. So everyone being here is a big deal."

Harry, who had been sitting quietly beside Astoria, nodded. "I'm looking forward to it too. It's nice to be part of something positive after everything that's happened."

Astoria snuggled closer to him, her smile warm. "I'm excited to spend the holidays with everyone, especially with you."

Across from them, Esmie noticed Ginny and Blaise sitting together, their hands intertwined. She nudged Enzo, who looked up at her with a curious expression.

"Hey, remember when you told me Blaise and Luna were together?" Esmie asked, her eyes narrowing playfully.

Enzo's face showed confusion. "Yeah, I remember. Pansy told me that."

Pansy, who had been listening to the conversation with a smug grin, spoke up. "Oh, that was just a joke. I told Enzo that to see if he'd believe me. Blaise and Ginny have been together for ages."

Esmie laughed, turning to Enzo with a teasing smile. "Looks like you got played."

"Seems so," Enzo admitted, his cheeks reddening slightly. "I guess I should be more skeptical of Pansy's stories."

Pansy shrugged, clearly amused by the entire situation. "You should. It's fun watching you get all worked up."

Esmie reached over and kissed Enzo's cheek, her affection evident. "You're adorable, Sweets."

Enzo made a face, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. "Adorable? Really? I was aiming for hot and sexy."

Esmie laughed, shaking her head. "Adorable fits you perfectly."

Enzo rolled his eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "Fine, but I'll also accept hot and sexy for myself."

Mattheo, ever the instigator, piped up. "How about 'ugly git'? That's a good one."

Esmie immediately kicked him, causing him to yelp in surprise. "What was that for, Emmy?" Mattheo demanded, rubbing his leg.

"Don't be rude," Esmie said firmly, though her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Levi chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "You know, if you two keep this up, I might have to take notes for when I'm with Dani."

Danielle raised an eyebrow, grinning. "Oh really? What are you planning, Levi?"

"Just trying to keep things interesting," he replied, winking at her.

Mattheo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. No need to get all motherly on me."

Esmie rolled her eyes again but couldn't help but smile. "Behave yourself, Matty."

"Yes, mother," Mattheo retorted, earning a second, more playful kick from Esmie.

Danielle looked between the two with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "You two really are going to drive each other mad before we even get to the Manor."

Hermione, who had been watching the banter with a bemused expression, chuckled. "Honestly, Esmie and Mattheo act like siblings. It's hilarious."

Esmie laughed along with the rest of the group. Hermione had been spending more time with them recently, thanks to her growing friendship with Pansy, and had become accustomed to the friendly bickering between Esmie and Mattheo.

As the train journey continued, the carriage was filled with the sounds of laughter, teasing, and the occasional serious conversation. Despite the teasing and bickering, there was a sense of warmth and camaraderie among them. It was clear that, despite everything they had been through, the holidays were a time for them to come together and celebrate.

Draco leaned back in his seat, his eyes softening as he looked at his friends. "Mum's really gone all out this year. She wants to make it special for everyone."

Esmie smiled, her gaze drifting to Enzo. "I'm sure it will be amazing. I can't wait to see what she's planned."

The group settled into the rhythm of the train ride, the snowy landscape outside passing by in a blur. They were on their way to the Manor, ready to embrace the holiday season with all its joys and challenges. For now, though, they were content to enjoy each other's company and look forward to the Christmas celebration that awaited them.

As the train rolled along, the excitement in the carriage was palpable. They were heading toward a holiday filled with laughter, love, and perhaps a bit of chaos, but that was what made it perfect.

The rest of the train ride had been a peaceful affair, filled with lighthearted conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. As the snow-dusted countryside whipped past the windows, the group settled into the rhythm of the journey, anticipation building for what awaited them at Malfoy Manor. For Ginny, Harry, and Ron, it would be their first Christmas away from the Burrow, and the gravity of that moment hung over them, though none mentioned it aloud. The sheer size and grandeur of the manor they were heading toward was more than enough to distract them, its opulence a far cry from the warm, cozy familiarity of their childhood home.

Finally, the train pulled into the station, and the group disembarked, gathering their luggage and making their way to the carriages that would transport them to the Manor. The sight of Malfoy Manor as it loomed into view was breathtaking. The sprawling estate was draped in winter's embrace, the manicured gardens dusted with snow, and the grand windows twinkling with festive lights. It was the epitome of luxury, and yet, for all its cold magnificence, it was also surprisingly warm in the way it welcomed them.

As the group entered through the grand, intricately carved doors, Draco stood in front of them, a smirk tugging at his lips as he glanced around. "Make yourselves at home," he drawled, his voice thick with mockery, "or don't, I don't really care."

The others chuckled, knowing Draco's dry sense of humour all too well, and they began to peel off their coats and scarves. Narcissa Malfoy appeared soon after, gliding into the foyer with her usual grace, her soft smile welcoming them as she greeted everyone individually. She hugged Draco and then turned to greet Harry, Ron, and Hermione with unexpected warmth, offering them each a smile that hinted at how much the family dynamics had shifted in recent years.

"Welcome to Malfoy Manor," Narcissa said in a soft, measured tone, her eyes warm despite the grandeur of her surroundings. "We're so glad you could join us for Christmas."

As the group settled in, exchanging greetings and warming their hands by the fire, Enzo caught Esmie's eye from across the room. He didn't say a word, but the mischievous glint in his eyes said everything. Without hesitation, he took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before leading her toward the stairs.

"Enzo, what are you up to?" Esmie asked with a laugh as they climbed the grand staircase together.

"You'll see," he replied, that familiar playful smile never leaving his face.

They moved swiftly through the hallways, winding their way through the expansive Manor until they reached Enzo's bedroom. The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Esmie knew exactly what he had in mind. Before she could say anything else, Enzo closed the distance between them, cupping her face in his hands and pressing his lips to hers in a passionate, fiery kiss that took her by surprise.

Her back hit the door with a soft thud as Enzo deepened the kiss, his lips moving with a hunger that made her head spin. Esmie gasped softly, the heat between them growing as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. The world outside the room faded into a distant blur, leaving only the two of them and the intoxicating pull of their shared desire.

Enzo's lips traveled from her mouth to her jawline, then lower still, his breath warm against her skin. He kissed her neck with deliberate tenderness before trailing kisses down her collarbone, his lips igniting every nerve he touched. Esmie let out a soft moan, her fingers tangling in his hair as she lost herself in the moment. The intensity of his touch made her body tremble, her mind clouded with nothing but him.

Suddenly, he paused, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes, his own dark with affection and desire. "God, you're so beautiful, Esmeralda," he whispered, his voice low and reverent.

Esmie's breath caught in her throat as he kissed her again, this time slower, savouring every second. His hands moved down to the hem of her shirt, and with one smooth motion, he lifted it over her head and tossed it aside. His gaze traveled down her body with a look of awe, as if he were seeing her for the first time.

"You make it sound like it's the first time you're seeing me," Esmie teased, her cheeks flushed from his attention.

Enzo chuckled, his fingers tracing lightly along her bare skin. "It feels like the first time, every time," he murmured before pressing his lips to hers again. This time, the kiss was deeper, more heated, as his hands roamed across her back, pulling her closer.

Esmie's body responded eagerly, her hands sliding down to the hem of his shirt. She broke the kiss long enough to pull his shirt off and toss it aside, her fingers grazing his toned chest as he leaned in again to kiss her, pressing her back against the door once more. His lips traveled across her face, planting soft kisses on her cheeks, her nose, and her forehead, making her giggle.

"I love you, Mie," Enzo whispered between kisses, his lips brushing against her skin with every word.

"I love you too, Enzo," Esmie breathed, her voice barely above a whisper as she clung to him.

He made quick work of the rest of their clothes, his movements slow and deliberate as they undressed each other. When they were both stripped down to nothing, Enzo lifted her effortlessly, wrapping her legs around his waist. Esmie gasped as he slowly slid inside her, her body arching against his as he filled her completely.

The first few thrusts were slow, almost teasing, but they quickly grew more urgent, each movement deeper than the last. Esmie's nails dug into his back, her breath coming in short gasps as he quickened his pace. The world around them ceased to exist, their focus narrowed down to the heat between them, the intoxicating rhythm they had created together.

Just when they were reaching their peak, the sound of a knock at the door shattered the moment. They both froze, their breaths still heavy, as Draco's voice echoed from the other side.

"Mum said dinner's in about an hour. She wants to know if Esmie wants to help with the preparations."

Esmie's mind raced as she tried to catch her breath. She cleared her throat, managing to choke out, "Uh... I'll be right down."

Draco's footsteps receded, leaving an awkward silence behind. Enzo chuckled softly, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. "Guess we better hurry."

But neither of them seemed in much of a hurry to stop. Enzo resumed his thrusts, slow and deep, making Esmie's breath catch again. It wasn't long before the two of them reached their climax, their bodies trembling as they rode the wave of pleasure together. Enzo kissed her shoulder again before gently setting her down.

Both of them were breathing heavily, still caught in the haze of the moment, as they quickly dressed and tried to regain some semblance of composure. Esmie glanced at her reflection in the mirror, smoothing down her hair, her cheeks still flushed from their encounter.

Enzo smirked as he watched her, pulling his shirt back on. "You look gorgeous, even after all that."

Esmie laughed softly, feeling a warmth spread through her at his words. "Thanks," she replied, giving him a playful look. "But we better head downstairs before Narcissa starts wondering where we are."

With one last shared grin, the two of them left the bedroom and headed down to the kitchen. Esmie felt a soft flutter in her chest as they walked, her mind still replaying the earlier moments. It wasn't until they reached the kitchen, where Narcissa was busy preparing dinner, that the thought struck her. She had completely forgotten to take her contraceptive vial.

But as she started helping to prepare dinner, Esmie pushed the thought aside, telling herself she would deal with it later.

Esmie continued slicing vegetables, her hands working methodically, though her mind wandered back to the memories of her early years at Hogwarts.

"How's school been lately, Esmie?" Narcissa's voice broke into her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

"Busy," Esmie replied with a soft smile, grateful for the distraction. "But good. Hogwarts has been feeling like home again."

As the conversation continued, the front door creaked open, and Esmie's attention shifted. Her hands stilled as she heard the familiar sound of voices entering the house. She looked up just as Rosie Hart stepped into the hallway, holding a toddler in her arms and a little girl walking beside her. Behind them, a tall, imposing figure—Tom Riddle—followed closely, his expression unreadable but protective.

Esmie's breath caught in her throat. Rosie. The memories of Rosie's kindness flooded back in vivid detail. Rosie had been the student who made Hogwarts seem a little less overwhelming, a little less lonely, and now, here she was, looking so different, so grounded with her own family. It was almost surreal to see her again after so many years.

"Rosie! You're finally here!" Genevieve's voice rang out joyfully as she darted from her seat, rushing to hug her sister. The two women embraced tightly, both laughing softly as they held each other close.

Mattheo stood near the entryway, his gaze shifting from Rosie to the familiar figure beside her. "Tom?" he asked, a hint of surprise in his voice, though it quickly faded—after all, they had seen each other not long ago.

Tom nodded, his expression calm as his eyes met Mattheo's. "Mattheo," he greeted, his tone steady, lacking the tension that once filled their past encounters.

From the kitchen, Esmie blinked, glancing between them. "Wait... Tom? Your older brother?" she whispered, confused.

"Yeah," Mattheo confirmed, his voice more relaxed this time. "We've been catching up recently." His eyes flicked back to Tom, a subtle acknowledgment of the time they'd spent rebuilding their bond.

Esmie had heard the stories—everyone had. Tom Riddle, the man who had defected from the Death Eaters during the war, a mysterious figure whose motives had been speculated about for years, but here he was, standing in front of her, seemingly at ease with Rosie and their daughters by his side. It was a strange sight, especially given the legend surrounding his name.

Before Esmie could dwell too much on the thought, she found herself blurting out, "I haven't seen you since I was in fifth year, Rosie! What's been going on in your life?"

Rosie's smile was warm and familiar, instantly transporting Esmie back to those simpler days at Hogwarts. "Oh, it's a long story," Rosie replied, glancing over her shoulder at Tom, who returned the look with a soft smile. "But this is Anastasia," she said, gesturing to the toddler in her arms, "and this is Jazzlyn," she added, motioning to the little girl holding her hand. "Our daughters."

Esmie felt a wave of warmth wash over her. Seeing Rosie with a family of her own—calm, collected, and happy—made her heart swell with admiration. It was clear that Rosie had found her place, her family, and her happiness.

As the group began to gather around the dining table, Narcissa gestured for everyone to sit down. "Come, take a seat," she said with a smile, her tone welcoming. Rosie and Tom exchanged a quick glance before sitting down with their daughters, settling into the warmth of the gathering. Esmie followed suit, taking her place beside Enzo, who immediately slid his arm around her shoulders.

Dinner was filled with laughter and conversation, the group exchanging stories and jokes as plates were passed around. Esmie felt a deep sense of comfort as she watched her friends interact—Rosie laughing with Genevieve, Mattheo and Danielle teasing Tom in the way only siblings could, and Narcissa quietly ensuring that everyone was taken care of. It felt like the kind of Christmas gathering she had always hoped for—a blend of old friendships and new connections.

After dinner, some of the group retreated to the lounge, while Rosie took Anastasia and Jazzlyn to bed, and Draco, ever the instigator, pulled out a board game. He held it up with a sly grin. "Who's ready for a game of Monopoly?"

Esmie raised an eyebrow as she sat down beside Enzo on the couch. "You have your own Monopoly board?" she asked, her tone full of disbelief.

Draco smirked, clearly proud of himself. "Of course I do."

"Of course you do," Esmie muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes but smiling as she settled in for what she knew would be a competitive night.

Everyone gathered around the table—Mattheo, Esmie, Enzo, Danielle, Genevieve, Levi, and the rest of the group. The cozy warmth of the common room was perfect for a night of games, and the light from the fireplace cast a soft glow over everyone's faces. As the game began, Esmie quickly fell into her usual focused mode, calculating every move and trying to strategise. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she planned her next property purchase.

Mattheo, sitting across from her, played with his characteristic reckless abandon, buying up properties left and right, while Genevieve sat beside him, laughing softly at his impulsiveness.

"Mattheo, you can't just buy everything you land on," Esmie said, a grin tugging at her lips as she watched him eagerly snatch up yet another property.

"Why not?" Mattheo replied, not even looking up from the board as he handed the money over to the bank. His tone was light, playful. "It's a strategy."

"It's not a strategy," Esmie countered, her laughter bubbling up as she leaned back in her chair. "It's reckless! You're going to run out of money before you even hit the halfway mark."

"Reckless is how you win," Mattheo shot back with a wink, leaning back in his chair and throwing an arm lazily around Genevieve, pulling her closer to him. "Besides, it's not like I'm playing for money. I've got my lucky charm right here." His eyes sparkled as they met Genevieve's.

Genevieve, her head resting against Mattheo's shoulder, smirked and shook her head. "Oh, I'm your lucky charm now?" she teased, her voice soft and warm. "I thought luck was supposed to help you win, not sink you faster."

Mattheo raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "That's where you're wrong, Gen. I don't care about winning the game. I've already won by having you here."

Genevieve blushed slightly but kept her playful tone. "If that's your reasoning, you're definitely losing this game."

"Not if I distract you enough," Mattheo whispered into her ear, his voice low and filled with mischief, sending a shiver down her spine.

Esmie rolled her eyes at the two of them, though her smile was fond. "You two are worse than me and Enzo."

Enzo, who had been sitting beside Esmie, his arm draped over her shoulder, leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Impossible," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin. "We're the most nauseating couple in this room."

"Absolutely," Levi chimed in from his spot next to Danielle. "If we're talking about nauseating displays of affection, you two win hands down."

Mattheo laughed, the sound echoing warmly in the room. "Yeah, Levi's got a point. You two are unbearable sometimes."

"Jealous, Mattheo?" Levi asked with a smirk, turning his attention to Danielle, his eyes twinkling. "Maybe you should try being a bit more charming, like me."

"Charming?" Danielle snorted, her eyes narrowing playfully as she leaned closer to Levi. "You call this charming?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with his attempt at smooth-talking.

Levi raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm doing my best here, Dani. You know I'm just trying to keep things interesting."

"Interesting, sure," Tom's voice cut in from the corner of the room, his protective big brother stance coming out in full force. His eyes, however, were more focused on Levi than anything else. "Just make sure you're not getting too... distracted from the game."

Danielle rolled her eyes at her older brother, her tone dripping with affection and a hint of exasperation. "Relax, Tom. I've got this."

Tom's gaze softened as he sighed, though there was still a slight edge of warning in his voice. "Just making sure."

Levi, sensing the tension, flashed an easy grin. "No harm, mate. Just keeping things light."

Mattheo, ever the instigator, chuckled from across the table. "Yeah, Levi's more focused on flirting his way through this game than actually winning."

"Jealous, Mattheo?" Levi quipped back, throwing a wink in Danielle's direction that only made Tom's gaze harden.

Mattheo scoffed. "Jealous? Of you? Not a chance. I just prefer to see people crash and burn, and I have a feeling you're going to crash hard tonight."

Danielle giggled at the exchange, clearly used to her brother's protectiveness. "Don't worry, Levi. I'm sure you'll find some way to survive the game—just maybe not with Mattheo's help."

Genevieve, always quick to add to the banter, laughed softly. "Mattheo doesn't exactly have a great track record in winning games, anyway." She nudged him lightly, her smile growing. "But I guess I'm okay with that, as long as he loses with style."

"Style?" Mattheo asked with mock indignation. "Gen, I always have style." He pulled her closer, his lips brushing the top of her head, his voice dropping to a low murmur only she could hear. "And you know you love it."

Genevieve's cheeks flushed a bit, but she smirked up at him. "Maybe I do."

The game continued, with Esmie and Mattheo's playful rivalry growing fiercer as the night wore on. Esmie played with precision and strategy, slowly building her empire, while Mattheo stuck to his wild, reckless buying spree, seemingly not caring if he won or lost. The room was filled with laughter, teasing, and the occasional groan of frustration as pieces were moved around the board.

Genevieve offered Mattheo small words of encouragement, though it was clear she didn't think his reckless strategy would pay off. "Maybe you should save some of that money," she teased, her fingers tracing light circles on the back of his hand. "At least leave yourself something to fall back on."

"Where's the fun in that?" Mattheo grinned at her, leaning in for another soft kiss. "I thought you liked me for my recklessness."

"I do," Genevieve admitted, her smile warm. "But I also like to win."

As the game reached its inevitable conclusion, Esmie's victory seemed all but assured. Mattheo, low on Monopoly money and options, threw his hands up in defeat. "Alright, alright, I give up! You win, Esmie. Happy now?"

"Told you reckless spending wasn't a strategy," Esmie said with a triumphant grin, leaning back in her chair. She basked in the glow of her win, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction.

Enzo leaned over and kissed her cheek again, to the groans and mock disgust of their friends. "That's my girl," he said proudly.

"Merlin's beard, Enzo, stop," Mattheo muttered, feigning a look of horror. "You two are absolutely nauseating."

Danielle laughed, clearly enjoying the playful banter. "Oh, come on, Mattheo. You're just as bad with Genevieve."

Genevieve smirked, snuggling into Mattheo's side. "Yeah, you don't exactly have room to talk, Matt."

Mattheo chuckled, pulling her closer. "Maybe, but we've got class. Right, Gen?"

Genevieve smiled softly, resting her head against his shoulder. "Something like that."

Levi shook his head, grinning at the group around the table. "You know, for all the teasing, I have to admit you guys make a good team, even if you are a bit over the top."

Esmie shot Enzo a playful glare, though she couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "You do realise you're making this worse with all this 'my girl' stuff, right?"

Enzo grinned, his eyes full of affection as he kissed her cheek again. "Oh, I'm very aware."

Esmie couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head at him, her heart full. As she glanced around the room, at Mattheo and Genevieve locked in their flirtatious banter, Danielle and Levi exchanging playful glances, and even Tom finally beginning to relax, a wave of warmth washed over her.

These people weren't just friends—they were family. The teasing, the laughter, the rivalry, and the affection all blended together in a way that made her feel more at home than she ever had. This was her place, surrounded by people who truly knew and cared for her.

As the room buzzed with conversations and laughter, Esmie leaned into Enzo's embrace, feeling an overwhelming sense of contentment. She looked at her friends—at Mattheo's carefree grin, Genevieve's quiet smiles, Danielle's bright laughter, and Levi's mischievous winks, and the rest of the group, who were quietly talking —and couldn't help but smile.

In this moment, surrounded by love and friendship, Esmie felt happier than she ever had before. And for once, winning the game didn't matter. What mattered was being here, with them—her chosen family.

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Esmie and Enzo are my happy babies. Ps. a lot more of Rosalia's story will be learnt in her book.

Enjoy! Xo

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