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Esmie sighed softly as she surveyed her childhood bedroom, a mixture of nostalgia and resignation settling over her.

Until she was eleven, this room had been her sanctuary, a place where she'd spent countless hours reading, dreaming, and growing up. Even during the holidays, when she'd come home from Hogwarts, she had always retreated to this room, finding comfort in its familiarity, but as she packed the last of her belongings into her suitcase, it was clear that this space no longer felt like home. It hadn't for a very long time.

The yellow walls, once vibrant and full of childhood whimsy, now seemed dull and confining. Esmie had always hated the colour, but her parents had never allowed her to change it. She glanced at the walls one last time, a small, wistful smile touching her lips as she reflected on the many years she had spent here, the memories that had shaped her. Despite her dislike for the colour, these walls had witnessed her growth from a child into a young woman, and that held a certain bittersweet significance.

With a final shake of her head, Esmie turned away from the walls and made her way to her small desk. Opening the drawer, she began to check for any forgotten items, her hands moving methodically through the contents. Her fingers brushed against a familiar, crisp envelope. Pulling it out, she saw the Hogwarts acceptance letter she had received when she was eleven. A warm smile spread across her face as she lifted the letter, her mind drifting back to that pivotal moment.

"Esmeralda, can you please check the mail?" her mum's voice called out from the kitchen, breaking the quiet of the afternoon.

Esmie sighed softly, closing the book she had been reading and placing it gently on the coffee table. The room was bathed in a warm, late afternoon light that softened the edges of the mundane. She could hear the distant laughter of children playing outside and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. With a resigned but hopeful heart, she stood up from the couch and made her way to the front door.

As she stepped outside, she spotted Jamie Thompson, the energetic eleven-year-old from next door. Jamie was known for his perpetual enthusiasm, with his sandy hair always tousled and his blue eyes gleaming with curiosity. He waved at Esmie with an infectious smile.

"Hi, Esmeralda!" Jamie called out, his voice brimming with excitement.

Esmie couldn't help but smile back, her mood lifting momentarily from Jamie's exuberance. "Hi, Jamie!" she replied, as she took the mail from the box, before returning inside, where she began sorting through the pile of mail. Most of it was mundane: bills, promotional offers, and a few local newsletters, but then her fingers brushed against a particularly elegant envelope. It was addressed to her in a script that was both intricate and unfamiliar. Her heart raced as she carefully opened it, the anticipation making her hands tremble slightly.

Inside, on a sheet of crisp, official parchment, was a letter that read:

"Dear Esmeralda Grisky,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall"

Esmie's eyes widened as she read the letter, her mind racing with disbelief and excitement. Hogwarts? A school of witchcraft and wizardry? The idea seemed like something out of a fairy tale. She had never applied, didn't think she had any magical abilities, and knew only snippets of information from fleeting stories she had heard at school. The thought of being accepted into such a place was exhilarating yet bewildering.

"Esmeralda, how long does it take to collect the mail?" her mother's voice called out again, her tone tinged with impatience. Esmie's smile faltered as she realised her mother's frustration was about to overshadow her joy.

Esmie held up the letter with a mixture of pride and nervousness. "I got a letter, Mum! I've been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" she announced, her voice trembling with excitement.

Her mother's expression shifted from curiosity to something colder, almost contemptuous. "I will not have my daughter going to a school for freaks!" she declared, her voice harsh and final.

Esmie's heart sank as she stared at her mother in shock. "What — what are you talking about? They're not freaks," she said, her voice quaking. Her mother snatched the letter from her hands and began tearing it into shreds with an angry swipe of her hand.

"No! No, this isn't fair!" Esmie cried, trying to gather the torn pieces that had scattered across the floor.

"You're not going to that school, Esmeralda," her mother's tone was unyielding, her eyes filled with a fierce determination. She threw the remnants of the letter at Esmie's feet, and Esmie looked down at the mess of paper, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"This isn't fair!" Esmie shouted, her voice breaking with frustration and hurt.

"On the contrary, it's more than fair, Esmeralda. I will not have you attending that school. You are not one of them and you will never be one of them. You will be going to school in London with children like you," her mother said, her voice dripping with disdain.

Esmie's frustration boiled over. "What? The ones who don't even want to have anything to do with me because they think I'm just some rich snob?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Esmeralda. You have plenty of friends," her mother insisted, her tone dismissive and cutting.

"No, I don't! I don't have a single friend, Mum. None of the kids at school like me or want to be friends with me! And you may not have noticed, but none of the kids at those fancy dinner parties you drag me to ever talk to me. I want to go to Hogwarts!" Esmie's voice was filled with raw emotion, her frustration and sadness spilling over.

"Absolutely not! You will not be going to that school, Esmeralda," her mother's voice was final and unyielding.

Feeling utterly defeated, Esmie turned and walked past her mother, heading towards the dining room where her stepfather, Jack, was seated at the table, engrossed in his newspaper. It had only been recently that Esmie had learned Jack was her stepfather. Despite this, he was the only father figure she had truly connected with.

"Dad, Mum said I'm not allowed to go to Hogwarts!" Esmie cried as she entered the dining room, her voice filled with desperation.

Jack looked up from his newspaper, a frown of concern on his face. "Perhaps we should talk about this," he said, folding his paper and setting it aside.

"I want to go to Hogwarts," Esmie said firmly, her resolve unwavering despite the turmoil inside her.

"She is not going to that school, Jack. I will not allow it," her mother's voice was resolute, cutting through the air with an unyielding finality.

"Fiona, I think this needs to be Esmeralda's decision," Jack said, his tone serious and firm.

Esmie's frustration bubbled to the surface. "And I don't care what you say, I'm going, Mum," she declared, her voice filled with determination despite the tears streaming down her face.

Esmie placed the letter down on her bed with a soft sigh, the past years settling around her like a familiar cloak. Going to Hogwarts had been one of the best decisions she had ever made, yet in some ways, it had also been the hardest. She wouldn't trade her experiences for anything, not even the times she had endured gruelling detentions, the lingering fear of the Dark Mark, or the heartbreak of witnessing Dumbledore's death. Yet, as she prepared for her seventh year, a bittersweet sadness washed over her.

She closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift back to the days when Hogwarts had first opened its doors to her. The memory of meeting Harry and Ron on the Hogwarts Express was vivid in her mind. Their instant camaraderie had made her feel like she had found a place where she truly belonged. It was a time of new beginnings, filled with promise and the excitement of uncharted adventures.

The arrival of Hermione into their circle had initially been marked by rivalry. Esmie remembered how Hermione's academic prowess and drive had seemed like a challenge to her own aspirations. Their competition for top marks had fuelled a spirited dynamic, but it was through shared struggles and late-night study sessions that their rivalry had transformed into a genuine friendship. The warmth of Hermione's smile, the way she had listened to Esmie's concerns, and the support they had offered each other had made their bond unbreakable.

She smiled as she thought of Harry's first Quidditch match, a year before she joined the team herself. The thrill of watching Harry soar through the air, the collective cheer of the crowd, and the sense of unity among the spectators had been exhilarating. Those matches had become a treasured part of her Hogwarts experience, a blend of excitement and communal joy that she had looked forward to every season.

Visiting Hagrid's hut had been another highlight. The smell of freshly baked rock cakes, Hagrid's boisterous laughter, and the tales of magical creatures had created a sense of wonder that never faded. They had spent countless evenings there, sharing stories and dreams, finding solace in Hagrid's unwavering kindness. The common room had often been a haven, where Esmie, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the rest would gather for games of chess or cards, their laughter mingling with the crackle of the fire.

As she sat on her bed, her gaze fell upon a crumpled piece of paper in her desk drawer. Picking it up, she realised it was her list of required items for her first year at Hogwarts. The mention of a wand brought back memories of her visit to Ollivander's. She recalled the awe and anticipation of trying out different wands, the excitement of finally finding the one that felt just right, and the sense of wonder as she prepared to embark on her magical journey.

"Here, why don't you try this one?" Ollivander suggested, his eyes twinkling with the promise of magical discovery. He extended a wand to Esmie, his gaze fixed on her with an air of anticipation. Esmie took the wand with a blend of hope and uncertainty, her fingers closing around the smooth wood. She turned it over in her hands, examining it closely before raising it tentatively in front of her.

Taking a deep breath, Esmie tried to perform a simple spell, but instead of a gentle flicker of magic, a burst of energy erupted. The room was instantly filled with a whirlwind of boxes, papers, and debris, swirling in a magical tempest. As the dust settled, a boy around her age appeared from behind a stack of boxes, his eyes wide and his face smeared with dust.

"I guess I chose the wrong moment to open the door," the boy said, his voice tinged with both amusement and surprise. He wiped dust from his eyes and blinked as he stared at the scene of chaos.

Esmie's face turned bright red as she quickly lowered her wand, her eyes wide with panic. She rushed over to the boy, her heart pounding. "Oh no! I'm so, so sorry! I didn't mean to almost blow you up. I didn't even see you there. I'm just trying to find the right wand, but clearly, I'm not having much luck. Are you okay? Did I hurt you?" Her words tumbled out in a flurry of nervousness.

The boy tilted his head slightly, a stray lock of brunette hair falling across his forehead. He looked at her with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "I don't think that wand is quite the right one for you, darling," he said with a teasing smile. Esmie let out a sheepish laugh and nodded, returning the wand to Ollivander.

"Are you going to Hogwarts too?" Esmie asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "I just got my letter and the list of required items, so I'm here picking up the last thing I need. I already found my textbooks and everything else. The wand is the final piece."

"Yes, I just got my letter as well," the boy replied, his smile widening. Ollivander handed Esmie another wand, and as she took it in her hand, a warm, golden glow began to emanate from the wand. Her face lit up with a mixture of joy and relief as she realised that this was the one. The boy, let out a sigh of relief. "I was a bit worried you'd try to blow me up again."

Esmie's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she looked at him. "It was an accident, I promise! I wasn't trying to hurt you. I don't even know you, and I would never intentionally do something like that."

"I'm sorry, it was just a joke," The boy said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I didn't mean to make you feel bad." He extended his hand toward her with a friendly grin. "I'm Lorenzo Berkshire. Do you have a name, or will I always remember you as the girl who almost blew me up?"

Esmie's nervousness began to fade as she looked at him, managing a shy smile. "Oh, Esmeralda Grisky," she said, reaching out to shake his hand. Lorenzo's touch was warm and firm, and he held her hand for a moment longer than necessary, causing Esmie to blush slightly before she gently withdrew her hand.

"Esmeralda, huh? That's quite a mouthful. Does everyone call you Esmeralda?" Lorenzo asked, his tone light and teasing.

"Y-Yeah. It's the name I've known for the past eleven years," Esmie said with a shrug. "No one really calls me anything else. Mostly because ... well, I don't really have any friends." She looked away, suddenly self-conscious about revealing such a personal detail.

Lorenzo's expression softened as he looked at her with genuine interest. He snapped his fingers thoughtfully. "I'm going to call you Esmie," he said, his tone kind and reassuring. "And you do have a friend now — you have me."

Esmie's eyes widened in surprise. "You don't even know me, Lorenzo. Why would you want to be friends with me?"

"I just have a feeling you'd make a great friend," Lorenzo said with a warm smile. "And besides, who wouldn't want to be friends with the girl who almost blew them up?" He added with a playful grin.

Esmie laughed softly, her initial embarrassment giving way to a sense of warmth and connection. "You know what, Lorenzo, if we're going to be friends, you're going to have to get over the fact that I almost blew you up, especially since it was an accident."

"Oh, I'm already over it," Lorenzo said, his grin widening. "But I'm definitely going to enjoy teasing you about it for the rest of our lives."

"The rest of our lives, huh?" Esmie asked, her tone both teasing and sincere. "You think we'll be friends that long? I mean, you don't even know me. How can you trust me?"

Lorenzo's smile was warm and genuine. "I hope we'll be friends for the rest of our lives because you seem like a really sweet person," he said, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "I just have a feeling I can trust you, Esmie."

Esmie felt a flutter of warmth in her chest as she looked at Lorenzo, touched by his kindness. She smiled back, feeling a sense of budding friendship. They continued talking, sharing their excitement about Hogwarts, their hopes for the future, and their favourite things. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and genuine connection.

This chance encounter with Lorenzo in Ollivander's shop was the beginning of a deep and meaningful friendship. Little did they know, this moment would mark the start of a beautiful and lasting connection, one that would see them through the many adventures and challenges of their Hogwarts years and beyond.

Esmie smiled to herself as she reminisced about that fateful day in Ollivander's wand shop. It was on that day that her friendship with Enzo had begun, sparking a bond that would grow into something truly extraordinary. They had met during chaos — her attempt to find the right wand had inadvertently created a small explosion, and Enzo had been caught in the crossfire, but instead of being upset, he had approached her with a teasing smile and a genuine offer of friendship.

Reflecting on it now, Esmie realised that Enzo's choice to befriend her despite the chaos had been a turning point in her life. What she hadn't fully grasped at the time was that her feelings for him had deepened far beyond friendship. Enzo's unwavering kindness, his willingness to extend a hand to someone he barely knew, had touched her deeply. His laughter, his genuine curiosity about her, and his easy-going nature had all been like a balm to her soul, especially considering how isolated she had felt.

As their friendship evolved, it became clear that her affection for Enzo had transformed into something more profound. The way he could make her laugh, his thoughtful gestures, and the way he listened to her — these were all signs of the love she had quietly developed for him. It was strange to think that it had all started with something as simple as a wand shopping trip.

Her thoughts then shifted to another significant part of that day — the moment she had first met Draco Malfoy. Draco with an air of aloofness, his icy demeanour contrasting sharply with Enzo's warmth. Esmie remembered feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension as Draco's gaze had briefly met hers. He had been distant, almost indifferent, but there was an undeniable sharpness to his presence that had left a lasting impression on her. That fleeting encounter had been the beginning of a complex and evolving relationship with Draco, one that would unfold in ways she couldn't have anticipated at the time.

Esmie said her goodbyes to Enzo with a smile, feeling the warmth of their newfound friendship as she left Ollivander's. The day was still young, and the excitement of starting Hogwarts lingered in her mind. She walked down the bustling Diagon Alley, engrossed in her list of supplies, her gaze darting from one shop to another to ensure she had everything she needed. Absorbed in her thoughts, she failed to notice where she was going.

In her distraction, Esmie collided with someone, jolting her out of her reverie. She stumbled slightly and looked up to find herself face-to-face with a boy with sharp features and platinum blonde hair.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there," Esmie said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she tried to steady herself.

"Maybe you should learn to watch where you're walking," the boy replied with a dismissive tone, his gaze cold.

"And maybe you should learn not to be rude. I said I was sorry," Esmie retorted, her irritation growing. She noticed the boy's eyes narrow slightly, and before she could say anything further, he reached out and snatched the list from her hands.

"Hey, give that back!" Esmie protested, reaching for her list, but the boy just held it out of her reach.

"Draco, leave her alone," a voice cut through the tension. Esmie turned to see a young blonde girl approaching them, her expression a mix of concern and amusement. The boy, Draco, reluctantly handed the list back to Esmie with a smirk.

"Draco Malfoy," the boy introduced himself with a slight nod. "So, you're in first year too?"

"Yeah, I guess I am," Esmie replied, taking her list back and eyeing Draco with frustration. She glanced at the girl, who was now standing beside Draco.

"I'm Josephine Lupin, but everyone calls me Josie," the girl said, extending her hand with a friendly smile. "And this is Draco Malfoy. His sister Delilah is around here somewhere, although I think we lost her to Flourish and Blotts."

"Of course we did. Father will be annoyed if we're delayed because she's too absorbed in books," Draco muttered, rolling his eyes.

"We haven't been here that long," Josie replied, her tone warm. She then turned back to Esmie with genuine interest. "I heard you saying you're in first year too."

"Uh, yes, I am. I'm Esmeralda Grisky," Esmie said, smiling back at Josie.

"So, you're the Muggleborn one my father was telling me about," Draco said, his voice laced with disdain.

"Draco, leave her alone," Josie chided, her eyes flashing with annoyance.

"You're going to Hogwarts?" Draco asked, his tone suggesting he was less than impressed. Esmie nodded.

"Yes, I am, but I'm curious — how could your father know anything about me?"

"My father mentioned your mother was quite well-known in the Wizarding world. And based on the stories about her, if you're anything like her —"

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" Esmie interrupted, her anger flaring. "Seriously, you're judging me based on your father's opinion of my mother. You don't know anything about either of us, or I don't need some arrogant Daddy's boy making assumptions about me."

With a huff, Esmie turned sharply and walked away, her steps quick and determined. The encounter had left a bitter taste in her mouth, but she forced herself to focus on her shopping. She pushed past the bustling crowds of Diagon Alley, the noise of the street blending into the background as she concentrated on her list.

As she continued down the street, her thoughts churned with the encounter. Despite the encounter's unpleasantness, Esmie resolved to let it go. She had a list of items to buy and a new adventure awaiting her at Hogwarts. The encounter with Draco, while unsettling, was just a small bump in what she hoped would be a thrilling and positive journey at her new school.

Esmie's mind wandered back to the friendly exchange she'd had with Enzo and the pleasant conversation with Josie. She hoped that her experiences at Hogwarts would be filled with more of those moments — the kind that brought genuine connection and kindness. With a determined smile, she pushed forward, ready to complete her shopping and embrace the new chapter of her life.

Esmie smiled wryly to herself as she thought back to the fateful day in Diagon Alley when she had first met Josie. Their unexpected friendship had been a beacon of hope during their early days at Hogwarts, a time filled with uncertainty and excitement. Josie's warm and open nature had contrasted sharply with the frosty reception Esmie had received from others, including Draco. That day had marked the beginning of a strong bond between Esmie and Josie, one that had weathered many challenges over the years. Josie had been there through thick and thin, her unwavering support a constant source of comfort.

Despite the camaraderie with Josie, Draco had remained a difficult and complicated presence in Esmie's life. Their initial meeting had been marked by hostility and friction, a dynamic that had lingered through their years at Hogwarts. The antagonistic sparks between them had never fully extinguished, despite moments where they had shared grudging respect and even cooperation.

As she reflected on Draco, the memory of their last encounter before his departure with the Death Eaters surged to the forefront of her mind. Esmie's heart tightened with the recollection of that day — the anguish of not being able to stop him, the unspoken words left hanging in the air between them. The guilt and sorrow from that failure had left an indelible mark on her soul. Tears began to well up in her eyes as she thought about the loss of the friendship that might have been and the weight of not being able to help him when it mattered most. Each tear that fell was a testament to the regret and sadness she felt.

Sniffling, Esmie wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, trying to regain her composure. Her mind shifted back to the present as she finished packing her belongings into her bag. Each item she placed in the bag was a reminder of the life she was leaving behind — a life marked by both joy and pain, triumphs and trials. With her packing complete, she made her way downstairs, where the sight of her mother and Henry engrossed in their television show seemed to crystallise the separation she was about to undertake.

The casual ease with which they enjoyed their evening starkly contrasted with the turmoil within Esmie. The pain of being disowned by her mother was a raw and lingering wound, a reality she had been grappling with for some time. Yet, despite the hurt and estrangement, Esmie's determination to protect her family never wavered. Her sense of duty for her family, even in the face of rejection, propelled her to take drastic measures. It was a painful choice, but one she believed was necessary for their safety.

With trembling hands, Esmie lifted her wand, her voice barely more than a whisper as she cast the spell. "Obliviate." The incantation felt like a wrenching sacrifice, a final act of separation from a life that had once been her everything. As the spell took effect, she watched as her presence seemed to blur and fade from her mother's memories. Photographs, trinkets, and cherished mementos that had once held her image now appeared as if she had never been a part of them. Each fading image was a silent farewell, a painful reminder of the deepening chasm between her and her family.

Esmie took one last, lingering look around the house. The walls that had witnessed her growth, her laughter, and her tears now seemed like distant spectators to her final act of protection. The house, with its familiar creaks and comforting corners, was a symbol of her past, a past she was now leaving behind.

With a deep, shuddering breath, Esmie stepped out of the front door. The street before her was quiet, the evening shadows lengthening as she walked away. Each step she took was heavy with the weight of her decision, a mixture of resolve and sorrow. The familiar sights of her neighbourhood, once a source of comfort, now felt like a backdrop to her departure. Tears continued to roll down her cheeks as she glanced back at the house, she had known all her life.

Unbeknownst to Esmie, her carefully crafted plan to protect her mother was destined to fail. She had believed that erasing her presence from her mother's memory would shield her from harm, but the spell was far more fragile than she realised. As Esmie moved forward, confident in her sacrifice, she remained unaware that her attempt to safeguard her mother was slowly crumbling, setting into motion events beyond her control.

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This chapter had cute moments and a sad ending to it 😭

Enjoy! Xo

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