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Esmie had been revelling in the long, lazy days of summer with Enzo.

The countryside offered a peaceful retreat from the intensity of Hogwarts, its quiet and stillness providing a backdrop for the slow, sun-soaked days they spent together. The world outside their little haven seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of each other's company. The days stretched luxuriously, filled with laughter, love, and the simplicity of being together without the pressures of school.

Every morning began with a comforting ritual. Enzo would wake before dawn, quietly slipping out of bed to prepare their favourite breakfast treats. He'd make hot cocoa with a rich, velvety texture that Esmie adored, and the aroma of freshly baked pastries would soon fill the air. By the time Esmie stirred, the kitchen was a warm, inviting space, glowing with the golden light of early morning. They would sit together at the table, often wrapped in cozy sweaters despite the warmth outside, discussing their plans for the day or enjoying the comfortable silence that spoke of their deep connection.

These moments felt precious — just the two of them, stealing time from the world. Esmie cherished the mornings when she would wake to find Enzo already up, his thoughtful gestures speaking louder than words. Sometimes, they would sit for hours, sipping cocoa and watching the countryside come to life with the soft sounds of birdsong and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

But it wasn't just the quiet mornings that made the summer special. One sunlit afternoon, Pansy, Mattheo, Danielle and Theo paid them a visit, their arrival infusing the tranquil atmosphere with a burst of energy and excitement. Pansy, her hair bouncing in loose waves around her shoulders, practically burst through the front door, her eyes alight with mischief. "How about a swim?" she suggested, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

Esmie and Enzo exchanged amused glances, their eyes bright with the promise of fun. It didn't take long before they were gathering their towels, eager to head down to the nearby lake. The sun was high in the sky, casting a brilliant glow over the water. The cool lake, shimmering like glass, beckoned them, and soon they were diving in, their laughter echoing across the still waters.

The lake became their playground, splashing each other with abandon, the water sparkling under the bright summer sun. Theo, ever the strategist, teamed up with Esmie to try and dunk Enzo, their playful rivalry adding to the fun. Meanwhile, Pansy and Danielle formed their own alliance, teaming up against Mattheo, who had reluctantly agreed to join them. He tried his best to remain neutral, but it wasn't long before he was caught in the crossfire, much to everyone's amusement. His attempts to avoid the splashing only made him a bigger target, and eventually, even he couldn't help but laugh as water flew in every direction.

As the day wore on, they dried off in the sun, gathering around a small fire pit to roast marshmallows. The sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The fire crackled softly as they talked, the simple pleasure of shared stories and camaraderie filling the air with contentment. Mattheo recounted tales of their early years at Hogwarts, and Danielle chimed in with her own stories, her laughter ringing out as she added details only, she could provide. The warmth of the fire, combined with the comfort of their friendship, made Esmie feel a deep sense of belonging.

As the first rays of sunlight spilled over the rolling hills, painting the morning in soft gold, Esmie sat by the window with her knees tucked to her chest. Her gaze lingered on the tranquil landscape, but her thoughts were elsewhere — summer was slipping by far too quickly, and before long, they would be back at Hogwarts.

As she sat there, lost in thought, Enzo entered the kitchen, his brow furrowed with concern as he noticed her pensive expression. "You look deep in thought," he remarked, his voice soft and filled with care.

Esmie offered him a small, wistful smile, her heart heavy with the knowledge that their time together was slipping away. "I was just thinking about how wonderful this summer has been. I don't want it to end."

Enzo sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. "It doesn't have to end, Mie," he said gently. "We'll be back at Hogwarts together soon, and we'll still have each other every day."

Esmie leaned into his embrace, feeling the warmth and comfort of his presence, but just as she was about to respond, a soft flutter of wings interrupted the moment. Her owl, Leda, swooped gracefully into the room, landing on the table with two envelopes clutched in her beak. The sudden arrival of the letters piqued Esmie's curiosity, and she reached for them, her fingers trembling slightly as she took the envelopes from Leda.

"What's this?" she murmured, her brow furrowing as she examined the first envelope. It was simple, with no markings to indicate its sender, yet it held an air of urgency.

Enzo watched her carefully, his concern deepening as he saw the confusion on her face. "What is it?" he asked quietly.

Esmie hesitated, unfolding the letter and reading the brief, cryptic message inside. "I need to go to the Weasleys," she said slowly, her voice tinged with confusion. "There's no explanation, just a request for me to visit. I thought I'd be staying here for the rest of the holiday."

Enzo looked surprised, his brow furrowing. "Why would they ask you to come now? I thought we had the whole summer to ourselves."

"I don't know," Esmie said, shaking her head. "It doesn't make sense."

Setting the first letter aside, she picked up the second envelope, her heart clenching when she recognised her mother's handwriting on the front. With a deep breath, she opened it, her eyes scanning the words inside. As she read, her expression shifted, her face growing pale, and tears began to well up in her eyes.

"What's wrong, darling?" Enzo asked, his voice full of concern as he reached out to touch her hand.

Esmie could barely speak, her voice breaking as she whispered, "Jack ... he's gone." The news of her stepfather's death hit her like a tidal wave, and she dissolved into sobs, the pain overwhelming her. Enzo immediately pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as she cried, offering her the comfort she so desperately needed.

"I'm so sorry, Mie," Enzo whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he gently stroked her hair, trying to soothe her as she wept.

For a long time, Esmie cried, her heart breaking over the loss of her stepfather and the guilt she felt for their last conversation. She remembered their last encounter vividly — the harsh words she had thrown at him in a moment of anger, telling him to get out of her room. Now, she would never have the chance to apologise, to make things right.

After a while, her sobs subsided, and she pulled away from Enzo, wiping her tear-streaked face with the sleeve of her sweater. She rose shakily from the table, walking over to the sink to wash her mug, her hands trembling. In her grief and distraction, she pressed too hard, and the mug slipped from her grasp, shattering in the sink. One of the shards of glass cut her hand, but in her distress, Esmie barely registered the pain.

Enzo was at her side in an instant, his worry deepening as he saw the blood. "Mie, you're bleeding," he said, gently pulling her hand away from the sink and examining the cut. "Hold still. Let me take care of this."

"Oh, I didn't even notice," Esmie murmured, her voice shaky and distant. She flinched as Enzo carefully removed the shard of glass from her hand, but his touch was gentle, and she felt comforted by his care.

With a quick flick of his wand, Enzo muttered, "Episkey," and the cut on her hand healed instantly. He wiped away the remaining blood with a damp cloth, his expression filled with concern and tenderness.

"I'm sorry," Esmie whispered, her voice trembling. "I didn't mean to break the mug."

"It's okay, love. It's just a mug," Enzo said softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he held her hand. "You've been through a lot. Don't worry about the little things."

Esmie's eyes filled with tears again, though this time it wasn't just from the pain of her cut — it was the overwhelming grief, the loss of her stepfather, and the unresolved feelings she had toward her family. She felt as though the weight of the world was pressing down on her, and all she wanted was to run away from it all.

"I have to go see my mum," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Enzo's expression grew even more serious. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Esmie shook her head, though the thought of facing her mother alone filled her with dread. "No, she doesn't like anything to do with magic. I need to do this by myself."

Enzo cupped her face gently, wiping away her tears with his thumbs. "I don't like the idea of you going alone, but I understand. Just promise me you'll be okay."

"I'll be okay," Esmie whispered, though she wasn't sure she believed it herself. She forced a small smile as she added, "I'll be back before the end of the summer."

Enzo's gaze softened, and he reached down to remove the ring he wore on his finger. Taking Esmie's hand, he slipped the ring onto her finger, his gesture filled with love and affection. "I want you to have this. It's a reminder that I'm always with you, no matter what."

Esmie looked down at the ring, a tearful smile spreading across her face. "You already are, Enzo. Right here," she said, placing her hand over her heart. "And here," she added, touching the locket around her neck, the one Enzo had given her for Christmas.

"I'm going to miss you," Enzo said, his voice filled with emotion as he kissed her softly.

"I'm going to miss you too," Esmie whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she kissed him back.

They spent the next hour packing Esmie's things in silence, their impending separation hanging heavily in the air. Neither of them wanted to say goodbye, but they both knew it was inevitable. When the suitcase was finally packed, Esmie turned to Enzo, wrapping her arms around him tightly.

"I hate goodbyes," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. "Even though it's only for a short time, I don't want you to say goodbye. It's not goodbye, because we'll see each other again."

Enzo held her close, his heart heavy with the thought of being apart from her. "Mie, it's not the end. I promise we'll see each other again soon."

"I know," Esmie whispered, tears welling up in her eyes once more. "I love you."

"I love you too, Mie," Enzo said, his voice soft as he kissed her tenderly. They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, not wanting to let go.

Finally, Esmie picked up her suitcase and headed toward the door, her heart heavy but she knew it would only be a few weeks until she saw him again. The cool air hit her as she stepped outside, but the warmth of Enzo's love stayed with her, a constant source of comfort.

Enzo walked with her to the front door, and they shared one final embrace before she stepped out into the crisp summer morning. As she walked away, her suitcase rolling behind her, Esmie braced herself for the emotional journey ahead, not knowing it would be the last time she would see Enzo for months.

The house loomed ahead of her, unfamiliar and cold despite the warmth of the summer sun. As she approached the front door, Esmie felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest. She hadn't seen her mother in months, and the thought of facing her now, in the wake of Jack's death, filled her with dread.

With a deep breath, Esmie stepped inside, the familiar scent of the house hitting her like a wave of nostalgia. But as she looked around, the house felt different — emptier, colder. The once-vibrant space now felt hollow, as though the life had been sucked out of it.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" Esmie called, her voice echoing through the empty hallways. The sound of her own voice startled her, the stillness of the house amplifying the sense of isolation she felt.

She wandered through the familiar rooms, her footsteps tentative as she took in the changes that had overtaken the once-bustling home. The air felt heavy, laden with the weight of absence and time passed. The kitchen was a disheartening sight. The countertops were coated in grime, and the sink was overflowing with dirty dishes, their grimy surfaces reflecting a muted, dull sheen in the dim light. The remnants of forgotten meals were smeared across the walls, the once-bright tiles now grimy and dull. The sight of neglect and decay mirrored the turmoil within Esmie's own heart, and she scrunched up her nose, repelled by the state of the house.

As she stood there, taking in the disarray, a sudden, sharp voice startled her. "Excuse me?" The voice was accusatory, laced with a tone that made Esmie jump. She turned abruptly to find a boy standing in the doorway, his posture rigid, and his hands planted firmly on his hips. His gaze was cold and disdainful, his eyes reflecting a judgment that felt both foreign and painfully familiar.

"Who are you?" the boy demanded, his voice dripping with contempt. "And what are you doing in this house?"

Esmie blinked in surprise, taken aback by his hostility. "Uh, Esmie. I — I used to live here. Who are you, and why are you in my mum's house?" Her voice wavered slightly, a mix of confusion and anxiety evident in her tone.

The boy's lip curled into a sneer, his expression one of barely concealed disgust. "Oh, you're her," he said, the words almost dripping with contempt. "The Grisky daughter. The one with the magical freak show reputation. It's no wonder your mum is too embarrassed to even mention you."

Esmie's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She had faced prejudice before, but the sheer audacity of his words caught her off guard. "Excuse me?" she said, her voice faltering.

"You're the freak everyone talks about," the boy continued, his voice cold and harsh. "The one who goes to Hogwarts and makes a mockery of our family. It's no surprise they've kept you at arm's length. I bet they're embarrassed by you."

Esmie felt a sting from his words, but she steadied herself. She had encountered similar prejudices before, though they never ceased to hurt. "I don't know who you think you are, but I couldn't care less about your opinion. I'm here because of Jack's death and to check on my mum. That's all."

The boy let out a harsh, mocking laugh. "Ha! You've never shown any interest in your family before. Why start now? Jack and Fiona were always better off without you. Did you notice how there are no photos of you anywhere in this house? You've been an afterthought."

Esmie's heart sank as she took in her surroundings. The house was empty, devoid of the warmth and affection she had once hoped for. The absence of photographs, the lack of any visible traces of her presence, hit her hard. The walls, stripped of their personal touches, reflected a painful truth — she had been erased from this life.

"Who exactly are you, and why do you even care that I'm here?" Esmie's voice was firm, though her heart raced with a mix of fear and anger.

"Maybe if you weren't so wrapped up in your own world and came home more often, you'd know. I'm Jack's brother, Henry," he said, his tone dripping with superiority.

"Oh, right," Esmie said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "That explains the narrow-minded attitude. I'm guessing that's a family trait."

Henry's eyes narrowed with irritation. "What are you talking about?"

"Jack shared the same opinion about me as you do," Esmie snapped. "And so did my mum. The whole reason I even exist is because Mum had a relationship with a wizard. If that's something you can't handle, then maybe that's on you."

Henry's face twisted with disgust. "Perhaps Fiona should have given you to your father. At least then, you'd have been raised by your own kind."

Esmie flinched at his words, her thoughts drifting to Snape. The idea of being raised by him, in a life she could barely imagine, was both haunting and unappealing. "He abandoned us. He wanted nothing to do with me," she said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow.

"I told him to stay away," came a cold voice from behind them. Esmie turned to see her mother standing in the hallway, her face set in a stern expression. The realisation of what her mother had just said hit her like a ton of bricks.

"What? You — you told him to stay away?" Esmie's voice wavered, her heart racing as she tried to grasp the full meaning of her mother's words.

Her mother's gaze was icy. "He agreed on the condition that he would choose your middle name and that you would have a teddy bear as a gift from him," she said. Esmie's mind raced back to the teddy bear she had carried since infancy — the same one she had always clung to for comfort. The realisation struck her hard: the bear had been a gift from Snape, and so had her middle name.

"Why did he choose the name Lillian?" Esmie asked quietly, the hurt evident in her tone.

"I don't know. He mentioned something about a beautiful girl he once knew who had a similar name," her mother replied, her voice flat and devoid of warmth. "What are you doing here, Esmeralda?"

"I received your letter," Esmie said, her voice faltering. "I came to make sure you were okay, but I don't understand why Henry is here," she added, gesturing toward the boy, who rolled his eyes in irritation.

"Henry has been helping me out. It's clear you've made it obvious that you don't care about your family, Esmeralda. You've made it clear you want nothing to do with us," her mother said, her voice cold and unfeeling.

"You're the one who goes around telling everyone that I'm some kind of freak!" Esmie shot back, her anger bubbling to the surface. "Ever since I got that letter, you've been embarrassed by me. I've been pushed out of this family since I was a kid. So why should I care? You've made it clear that I'm not your daughter! I don't even know why I came back here. I'm staying in my old room tonight, and tomorrow, I'm leaving. Don't worry, you won't have to hear from me ever again."

"One night. That's all I'm allowing, Esmeralda. By morning, I want you gone. You're no daughter of mine, and you're no longer welcome here," her mother said with finality, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Then why did you write me the letter?" Esmie asked, her voice trembling with frustration and hurt. "If I'm not your daughter, why inform me of Jack's death?"

"I don't know. It was clearly a mistake," her mother replied dismissively. "I want you out by morning. You're seventeen now, Esmeralda, which means I don't owe you anything. You're on your own, just like you've always wanted."

"Fine. Don't worry. By morning, I'll be gone, and you won't ever have to hear from me again. You can tell everyone that your freak of a daughter ran away to be with her own kind," Esmie said, her voice filled with bitterness. She turned on her heel and walked past her mother, pushing through the door of her old bedroom.

The room was as she remembered it — a relic of her childhood, untouched by the changes that had overtaken the rest of the house. The familiar bed, adorned with her old quilt, and the posters on the walls brought a pang of nostalgia. It was a bittersweet reminder of a time when her life had been simpler, filled with dreams and hope.

Esmie slammed the door behind her, the sound reverberating through the empty house. She sank to the floor, her back against the bed, and hugged her knees tightly to her chest. The reality of her mother's rejection, the coldness from Henry, and the loneliness of the house all crashed down on her. The comfort she had sought in returning home had turned into a painful reminder of her place in this world.

Her mind raced with thoughts of Hogwarts, the place where she had felt truly accepted. She remembered the warmth of the Gryffindor common room, the sound of laughter shared with friends, and the comforting routine of her school life. The bustling hallways and the magical atmosphere of the castle felt like a distant dream compared to the coldness of her current reality.

She thought of her friends — Danielle, Theo, Mattheo, Elsie, Enzo and the others — who had become her chosen family. Their support, their understanding, and the camaraderie they shared had been a beacon of hope in her life. Hogwarts had given her a sense of belonging that she had never felt at home.

The thought of returning to Hogwarts was both comforting and heartbreaking. It was a place where she felt valued and loved, but it was also a reminder of the distance between her and the life she had once known. The magic and warmth of the castle were a stark contrast to the emptiness she now faced.

Esmie closed her eyes, trying to imagine herself back at Hogwarts. She could almost hear the distant hum of the enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall, see the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows on the walls. The thought of escaping the suffocating atmosphere of her old life and finding solace among friends who understood her was a relief. The comforting routine of school, the laughter and camaraderie, and the sense of belonging were a distant dream she yearned to return to.

As the first tears of frustration and sadness began to fall, Esmie clung to the hope that tomorrow would bring a new beginning. She couldn't wait to leave behind the rejection and find her place where she truly belonged. The thought of escaping the suffocating environment of her old home and returning to the acceptance of Hogwarts was a source of comfort in her darkest hour.

She could almost hear the distant chatter of her friends in the common room, feel the warmth of their support, and see the familiar faces that had become her second family. The anticipation of returning to a place where she was valued and loved was a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future.

As the hours ticked by, Esmie's thoughts turned to the future. The road ahead was uncertain, but she was determined to reclaim her place in the world. She had always believed that Hogwarts was where she truly belonged, and she was resolved to make that belief a reality.

Her mother's words, harsh and unfeeling, echoed in her mind, but she refused to let them define her. She had faced prejudice and rejection before, but she had always found a way to rise above it. This time would be no different. She would leave behind the pain and the bitterness and find her way back to the place where she was loved and accepted.

With a deep breath, Esmie stood up and walked over to the window, looking out at the darkened street. The night was quiet, the only sounds the distant hum of the city and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a peaceful, if lonely, moment, and Esmie took solace in the calm before the storm of the next day.

Esmie knew that she had to let go of the pain and the rejection of her past. The road ahead would be filled with challenges, but she was ready to face them. With a renewed sense of purpose, she lay down on her old bed, the familiar comfort of her quilt wrapping around her like a protective embrace.

As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts were filled with dreams of Hogwarts, of friends and acceptance, and of a future where she could finally find her place in the world. The pain of the night would soon be a distant memory, replaced by the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

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Welcome to part two. This chapter broke my heart to be honest.

Enjoy! Xo

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