Midnight || Sirus Black

chapter 9

As evening settled over Hogwarts, the dim light in the Slytherin common room gave it an almost serene feel—until Emilia plopped down beside Esther, disrupting her thoughts. Esther couldn't help but manage a slight smile at her friend's playful expression.

"Alright, spill it," Emilia began, peering at Esther with her usual mischievous yet genuine curiosity. "You've been silent all day."

Esther hesitated, tracing the edge of her glass. She trusted Emilia more than anyone, but finding the words was proving difficult.

"I'm engaged to Sirius Black," she began quietly, still adjusting to the surreal weight of it. "Yet it feels like... like I'm no closer to him than I was to a stranger on the street. He barely speaks to me, unless it's a sharp remark or a comment in passing."

Emilia's gaze softened, her playful demeanor shifting to something more sincere. "Well, that's hardly your fault, is it? From what I've heard, Black's hardly the doting fiancé type."

"It's more than that," Esther replied, her voice lowering. "I keep thinking of the way I've been pulled into something I didn't choose. I know the Malfoys have their legacy, their reputation, but it's like I'm disappearing into it."

"Why disappear when you could live by your own rules?" Emilia tilted her head, a spark of rebellion glinting in her eyes. "You're Esther Malfoy, not just a pawn in some family scheme."

Esther managed a slight smile, though it was tinged with sadness. "And yet, that's all it feels like I am—a Malfoy obligation. That night with Tiberius... it was like a different life, even just for a few hours. But then I remember my duty, and it all feels so... distant, so impossible."

Emilia sighed, resting a hand on Esther's arm. "It doesn't have to be impossible. I'm not saying you should throw everything away, but maybe, just maybe, there's a middle ground. Besides, why let Sirius—or anyone else—decide your future? You can still be you."

Esther took a breath, a sliver of resolve forming. "I'm not sure who I am right now, Emilia. But I know I can't keep living as if this engagement is all that defines me. I need to find a way to... reclaim myself in all this."

"Then start now," Emilia encouraged, a warm smile breaking through. "Trust yourself, Esther. If anyone can navigate this, it's you."

The words hung in the air, filling her with a renewed sense of determination. Maybe, just maybe, she could still find a way to honor her family without losing herself entirely.

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?"

"Everyday Esther." Emilia took Esther hand, "Now, do we need to hire that hit man? I did write to my Mother about it and-"

"EMILIA" Esther playfully swatted her hand, giggling. "Now that is something that's out of the question."

Alright, but if you ever need someone to hex Black, I'm your girl" She puffed out her chest, proudly.

"I wouldn't doubt it, now enough about mw, what drama has been going on with you lately? I've seen the way you look at Amos Diggory."

"Diggory? I have no idea what or Merlins world you're talking about." Emilia blushed at the mention of the tall handsome Hufflepuff. "He's just tutoring me in Charms, that's all."

"Mhm, sure thing."

"I swear!" Esther rolled her eyes. She saw how Amos and Emilia acted around each other.

"So when's the wedding?" Esther pondered, Emilia let out a gasp, "Ah I know, a mid summer wedding, with all of those flowers blooming-"

"Oh stop it!" Emily sunk deeper into the chair she sat in, pulling at her hair, "There will be no wedding."

"Whatever you say," Ether pestered the girl, "Oh and babies, can'y forgot about babies!" If looks could kill Esther would be six feel into that ground.

~~~

In the following days, Emilia's words lingered in Esther's mind. As the weather warmed, they found more excuses to escape the castle and spend time by the lake, away from responsibilities and prying eyes. On a warm mid-April afternoon, they sprawled on the grass near the lake, dipping their toes in the water, laughing as they splashed each other.

Esther felt herself unwind in ways she hadn't for weeks, caught up in the small joys of a quiet afternoon. With Emilia beside her, she allowed herself to dream of freedom—of moments where duty didn't weigh her down.

The two girls laughed as they waded knee-deep into the water, splashing each other as ripples radiated across the lake. The sun was warm on their faces, and for a while, all the complications of their world seemed to vanish. Emilia's laughter echoed as she splashed Esther, who retaliated with a playful shove, sending Emilia tumbling into the water with a dramatic gasp.

"Oh, it's war now!" Emilia declared, grinning as she launched a spray of water back.

Esther, doubling over with laughter, tried to dodge but ended up just as soaked, her laughter ringing across the quiet landscape. Eventually, they waded out, plopping down on the grassy bank and stretching out, faces toward the sun.

"It's moments like these that make it easier to forget everything else," Esther murmured, watching a cloud drift lazily by. Emilia nudged her shoulder, a soft smile on her face.

"We'll make sure there are more days like this," Emilia promised, reaching over and squeezing her hand.

"Good." Esther turned to the girl, "I fear the Dark days are still yet to come."

"Oh stop with that." Emilia said, "No talk about anything going on right now. Just us, here, soaking up the sun. Two best friends."

"This is why I adore you."

"Sure it ain't because of my brother?" Esther swatted the girl, who giggled, running back into the water, Esther followed her, giggling.

For the first time in ages, Esther felt her worries melt away, replaced by laughter, the warmth of the sun, and the company of her truest friend.

Filler chapter because Esther has had way too much going on.

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