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012.
ESME AWOKE THE next morning to the news that Harry and the Weasley's had gone home early for the holidays. She had just barely made it down to the Great Hall when Hermione fetched her, informing her that Dumbledore would like to see her in his office. A dull ache had fully settled in her stomach by the time she made it inside the luxurious room full of beautiful artifacts and knick-knacks. Her mind was racing with what could have happened – especially if it was something so bad that Harry, Ron, Fred, George, and Ginny had to leave school before term even ended.
Dumbledore was waiting for her behind his long, ornate desk, and Esme had to force her legs to move closer and situate herself in one of the two chairs brought up on the other side. She vividly remembered the last time she was in the office – the horrid memory of seeing herself last year, along with the distressing conversation that followed. Esme hadn't even spoken to Dumbledore since, and it seemed silly now to bring up everything she was worried about – especially after conversing with Lupin.
What Esme did notice, however, was the old headmaster's lack of eye-contact whilst speaking to her. She sat there, staring at Dumbledore while he looked exclusively at his clasped fingers resting on his desk, recounting what had happened at the Ministry the night before with Mr. Weasley – how, apparently, he was attacked and was in St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries for the time being. He was stable, but Harry and the Weasley's were sent to Grimmauld Place to wait for him there, just in case things took a turn for the worst.
"You will be traveling to Hogsmeade later this evening, once term officially ends, with Miss Granger. From there, you will be taking the Knight Bus to Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place and joining the Weasley's for the rest of the holidays." Dumbledore explained, as Esme stared off into space, considering his words with occasional twinges of irritation. "I apologize for the sudden change of plans, but considering Mr. Weasley's state and the circumstances surrounding the attack, it is best if everyone stays at Headquarters for the time being."
Esme recounted this conversation as she walked with Andrew to Hogsmeade Station several hours later, bundled up in her thickest scarf and warmest overcoat. The air was bitingly cold, and snow was falling continuously from the grey sky, pillowing against the ground in gathering heaps. It was a beautiful sight to see the castle in the early throes of winter, and Esme was discouraged she could not spend her holidays at Hogwarts. Even if she was alone, it would be far more peaceful than Grimmauld Place.
"I'll send Fred and George a letter once I get on the train," Andrew was saying, his face pale and eyes downcast as he listened to Esme's story. She figured it was okay to let him know what happened – him and the Weasley twins were like family, he deserved to stay in the loop. "I can't believe... how could that have..."
