Moonstruck | A Remus Lupin Love Story

Chapter 11 - A Christmas Surprise

The last few weeks before winter break travelled slowly for the students of Hogwarts, but time seemed especially sluggish to Esmeray. Ever since the incident with Remus, there had been a shift in thier friendship, like a led wall had been built between them. Ever since they had both began to realise thier feelings towards another, they had ceased all private lessons, which disappointed Esmeray. Though she was embarrased by the incident, she still wanted to train her magic, especially with Remus, as he had been the one to help her understand her power the most. He genuinely was a great teacher. In classes, he tended to avoid her eye contact, choosing to focus on the ground or on his blackboard. It had made his classes lacklustre. She had stopped answering questions, after she quickly realised that she would never get picked. Though, she was never angry or frustrated at the man, just extremely disheartened. She thought that thier friendship was strong, but she had to go and mess it up, she would constantly tell herself. The last week of break, Remus was nowhere to be found. Esmeray had wanted to find him, and sort out thier misunderstanding. But alas, he had fallen ill again, and so she would have to wait until after the hollidays. This disappointed her more as she had made him a gift to thank him for all his help, despite him blatantly ignoring her. 'He truly had been her hero this year', she thought, as she stared at the package addressed to him, before shoving it in her trunk. This year Ron had invited her to spend the holidays with him and his family, along with Harry and Hermoine. She had practically oozed joy. Though she adored her family of Hogwarts teachers and tutors hidden in the scottish highlands, she had never experienced Christmas with siblings, or a traditional family, or friends, and she would rather not spend most of the season alone.

The moment Esmeray and the others arrived at the front door of Ron's home, known as 'The Burrow', she was overcome by warmth. The house was nestled in an expanse of golden wheat, that twinkled amongst the setting sun. The house looked like a hodge podge of childhood treehouses and cubby's all merged into one fantastic structure. It seemed alive, and swayed along side the grass surrounding it. She followed the others into the house and was struck with awe. The house was flooded with life and love and magic. There were pictures of what Esmeray assumed was the Weasley family on every wall, there was a crochet something covering almost every surface of the house, there was a delectable smell travelling from around the corner of freshly baked goods, and the house was filled with the music of laughter and chatter. It was something she had only dreamed of. Her transe was soon interupted by two knitted arms that engulfed her entire body in warmth. A full bodied lady with a fiery mane, smelling of snickerdoodle and lavendar, finally let her go and announced, 'Welcome deary, to The Burrow, now its not much, but it is your home now too,' Molly smiledat her from ear to ear.

'Its perfect,' Esmeray awed.

Over the next few days, Esmeray and the others spent thier days playing out in the fields, reading under the sun, and helping Molly decorate the house. Esmeray was in a state of bliss at all times of the day. This is how she believed her life would have been if she was born to a normal wizarding family, as opposed to created by a dark wizard. She grew close to Molly and Arthur quickly, almost seeing them as parent types, and they grew to love the radiant young woman. They saw the light she shone on the others, and the light she seemed to bring to thier family. Ginny had instantly admired Esmeray's beauty, Esmeray seemed to be able to handle the twins mischief, and often opted to joining in on thier escapades, her and Percy would often read or do thier own study together, Bill was away for work, but her and Charlie had begun a fericious friendship, both geeking out over mystical and fantastical creatures. She was happy, and extremely grateful for her friends, as she now had more people to call family.

It was Christmas eve, and the house was roaring with spirit. The fire was burning bright, music was swimming amongst the laughter of the house, most of the kids were amusing themselves, and Esmeray had been helping Molly cook up a storm all day. She had honestly made enough for the entire school, and everything she made was filled to the brim with love, and looked like a child's wildest dream.