Told You So ((Harmony and Ethan))

[Esmeralda Mendez]

Sunday again. It could not have come any slower. Ezzie had been working all week and barely had any time to eat. Come to think of it, she hadn't eaten three full meals since last Sunday. She was always so busy at work, trying to save up money to buy an apartment. She also had to remember, after she moved out of the shelter, she would be working twice as hard to pay for food. She probably wouldn't even get Sundays off anymore. She thought about Ethan, about how upset he was already that she only got to spend one day of the week with him. She imagined life working non-stop, seven days a week, coming home only to a cat, who would probably become very cranky, underfed, and neglected from lack of love and care. But it was the life she was forced to live, the terrible situation her parents had put her in. She didn't understand them sometimes. They had always been very religious, but they loved their daughter greatly and went through great lengths to protect her from anything that came their way. Not anymore though. In their eyes, they didn't even have a daughter anymore. They had killed their little Ezzie. Or at least they thought they did.

Ezzie got dressed in her best clothes, leaving her rags in her little plastic bag. She walked over to Ethan's house and spent some wonderful hours together in the park. But then, four thirty came along, and she had to leave to go sing on her street corner again. She so hated leaving, but she knew she had to if she wanted to eat next week. She grabbed her guitar case and started to play. No sooner had she started that a strange man with balding hair had appeared, dropping off large amounts of change.

"Thanks" She said politley, although rather scared. The man looked at her with a strange smile.

"If you come with me I'll give you more. I've got plenty more at home."

"Thanks for the offer but what you just gave me is more than enough." She continued playing.

"Pretty lady don't want to come with me? We can't have that, now can we?" He smiled and Ezzie stopped playing. She noticed there was nobody around. It was dark already. This couldn't be good.

"Please leave." She said packing up her things and getting ready to leave. It was too late. The man was running after her, eventually he caught up and grabbed her. She screamed as loud as she could, hoping someone could hear her. He was trying to shove Ezzie into his car when Ezzie noticed a familiar face running up from the park near the place she was playing at. She was going to be saved! But Ezzie couldn't give up now. She had to buy time until the person arrived here to save her. That was it. She continued fighting, tears streaming down her cheeks. She screamed for help like she has never screamed before.

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony walked down the street absentmindedly, hands shoved in coat pockets with a dreamy look aligning her face, her stroll calm and serene. Her eyes were cast overhead, gazing at the stars that were beginning to shimmy out in the darkness with a small smile on her face. It was such a pretty sight, especially coupled with the half crescent moon beginning to show itself too. However, Harmony realised now that it was much too dark for her to be wondering around outside, and fear kicking in, she began to run home quickly, knowing the house wasn’t too far away. Her walk had taken far too long as she had lost track of time wandering around the unfamiliar neighbourhood, and suddenly regretted not bringing Ari or Aurora or Leo with her. How long had she been out here? An hour? Dashing past a few familiar houses, Harmony knew she was almost home, and with a sigh of relief, turned another corner. She had been afraid of getting lost around her new home, but Manchester hadn’t taken too long in getting used to, and it was a very nice, busy city. Not too different from London, save for the lack of non-English speaking tourists, bright red tour buses and roaring cars stuck in impossible traffic jams. In a way, Harmony preferred Manchester to London, because it was so much more peaceful, and she could tell Ari did too; however, it could never hold that same value that London had done for such a long time. It had been their first loving home after escaping their father, and they had been more than grateful.

Harmony wondered how her injured father was doing… Henry was still recuperating in hospital, and since the last visit where he had confessed to them the truth, they hadn’t returned since. Ari had declared there was no need to, but Harmony had every mind to go anyway. She was normally a very obedient child, but events had begun to change her, perhaps for the better, and boldness was something that had been brought out, having been buried for too long under Ari’s normally domineering personality. Harmony couldn’t find it in her to detach herself from her father, despite understanding how Ari felt right now. Henry was the only parent she had left, whatever or whoever he was or had become, and Harmony needed to cling onto that last shred of hope… Because she had almost lost all faith during her mother and aunt’s deaths, and then nearly losing Ari and her father in one blow too. Harmony didn’t care what it took, but she believed her father’s words, no matter how naïve people thought she was, and she wanted him to be part of her life again, perhaps not yet in a major way, but… even taking a minor part Harmony would find appreciative. Sighing to herself at the thought, knowing how impossible it all seemed, Harmony lightly jogged past what she was sure was Lizzie’s house, after visiting it the other day and witnessing Domino’s band practice with interest. They were pretty good, and Harmony thought them better live than listening to them on CD.

It was then Harmony heard a piercing, frightened scream in the distance, and frowning to herself, she came to a slow halt as she tried to discover the origin of the noises. A part of her was frightened, that usual timid side of her kicking in and almost forcing her to ignore what she had heard and run home, return to safety and security. But then another feeling bounced in and knocked it aside, screaming for her to do something. Finally, Harmony heard the voices again, and quickly set off towards where she thought they were emitting from, which was in the direct opposite direction of her house. Sprinting fast with her remaining strength, Harmony hoped she’d make it on time if someone was in danger. Skidding past a corner, she finally saw a scene which nearly made her freeze in fear, and absorbed it with wide eyes silently. Esmeralda Mendez, better known as Ezzie, a Gryffindor from her year and a friend of Harmony’s, was struggling against a much stronger, bigger man, screaming for her life and almost in tears from her fear and desperation. It was obvious the man was trying to force her into the awaiting car. “Ezzie!” Harmony exclaimed, running forwards despite her own terror, straight for the two of them. “Hey you, LET HER GO!” Harmony hollered at the top of her voice, before flinging herself into the fray, knocking the two apart and then proceeding to punch the offending man in the face. Before he could react, Harmony automatically jerked her knee and hit him hard between the legs unmercilessly, despite her fright and horror.

Whilst the man groaned in pain and tried to recover himself, Harmony swiftly grabbed Ezzie’s fumbling hand and dragged her along as she began to run again, back in the direction of her house. “Ezzie, can you run?” Harmony panted heavily, trying not to stutter from the fear and adrenaline pumping around her body. “Damnit, Ezzie, just run with me, come on!” Harmony couldn’t wait for an answer, and spurred on, taking her friend with her in a bid to go faster. Harmony had always been a sufficient runner, and Quidditch practice had forced her to take jogs every now and again. She was suddenly grateful for them. “Come on, faster! We’re almost there!” Harmony encouraged loudly with a yell as she rushed ahead of Ezzie, her hand still wrapped tightly around the Gryffindor’s. She didn’t know if that man was following them in his car or by foot, but either way they had to make it back to Harmony’s home, or… Shaking her head in frustration, Harmony continued running hurriedly, turning corners in a jagged manner, before she finally reached the correct road with a cry of relief. She couldn’t believe she had managed to navigate herself properly around the unfamiliar area at a time of crisis. That walk had perhaps done her some good. Harmony towed Ezzie down the street, before almost whamming into the door of the house, and beginning to ram hard it, screaming for someone to open up. Harmony’s free hand went to her coat pocket, fumbling for the key, but knew she didn’t need it when Aurora opened the door with a shocked face, and Harmony dragged Ezzie in. “Close the door!” Harmony managed to stutter out speedily, collapsing in the hallway with Ezzie by her side, hands still clamped firmly together. Aurora did as she was told, unquestioning, and Harmony breathed a long, loud sigh of relief. Finally. They had made it.

[Esmeralda Mendez]

Ezzie kicked and screamed and cried her eyes out until finally, she heard a voice. The man heard it too, for he stopped dead for about a second, then continued to try to push Ezzie in. He knew someone was coming, and he wanted to make a really quick getaway. The voice was coming from Harmony Chan, a Hufflepuff that was in her year.

“Ezzie!” Harmony exclaimed, running forwards despite her own terror, straight for the two of them. “Hey you, LET HER GO!” With amazing speed and agility, Harmony flinged herself into them, knocking Ezzie down, but safely out of the way. She kicked him hard between the legs, making him groan in pain. Ezzie's knee was scraped from the fall, and she had bruises all over from the struggle, but at least she was safe, at least she wasn't in that car. Ezzie was shaking all over, blood streamed down her face from a deep cut on her forehead, and she was crying harder than she'd ever cried before. Harmony swiftly grabbed Ezzie’s fumbling hand and dragged her along as she began to run again. Ezzie had no idea where they were going. Maybe Harmony was taking her back to Ethan's house? Or maybe to hers? Ezzie didn't care where she was going, as long as she was as far away from that creep as possible. “Ezzie, can you run?” Harmony panted heavily, and Ezzie just stood there, crying and shaking.

“Damnit, Ezzie, just run with me, come on!” Harmony took off with lightning speed, practically dragging Ezzie along behind her. All she could do was cry. The tears streaming down her face stung like acid, and the bruises all over her body made her feel weak.

“Come on, faster! We’re almost there!” Harmony's encouraging words were not encouraging at all, she noticed at least three cars following them to their destination. What if they had taken Harmony too? What if it was her fault that one of her friends had been kidnapped? If she wasn't going to hell for being a witch, then she was surely going to end up there for killing her friend. A friend that tried to save her no less. Finally, they were standing in front of a house, a house that seemed to belong to Harmony, for she let out a cry of relief. By this point, Ezzie could barely stand from all the fear and pain, and her knees buckled and she fell to the ground. Harmony had to basically drag her onto the front doorstep before slamming her fists on the door and screaming for someone to open it. Her hands were shaking too. Having almost no proper control over her hand, she reached into her pocket, her hands fumbling for the keys. She could see the cars getting closer now. They were all white, but each had their own qualities to them. The car closet to Ezzie rolled down his window and jeered, "I'm going to get you!"

Ezzie was pretty sure she was the only one who had heard the dreadful comment, because the door was flung open and Ezzie was dragged inside.

“Close the door!” Harmony managed to stutter out speedily, collapsing in the hallway with Ezzie by her side, hands still clamped firmly together. The girl who answered the door was a little older than Ezzie, and looked very much like Harmony. Her face was one of shock as she looked down at Harmony and Ezzie. Ezzie couldn't take it anymore, her head hurt so badly. She had to tell Ethan. He had to know she was here.

"Call...Ethan..." She managed to whisper weakly, before she fainted and fell to the ground.

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony fought to catch her breath as she heard the rest of the family thunder into the hallway with worried and shocked expressions on their faces. If the situation had not been a serious one, she would have found it all rather amusing. “Harmony!” Ari’s anxious voice rung loud and clear in Harmony’s head as she panted heavily. “What happened?”
“In… In a minute…” Harmony managed to murmur, before turning towards Ezzie, hoping her friend was okay. She wasn’t even thinking about how coincidental it was to see Ezzie around this area, didn’t even ponder about how ridiculously dangerous their pursuit had been. The adrenaline still flowed around her body, waiting to be expelled some time soon as Harmony regained her posture. “Ezzie?” She asked worriedly, shaking her friend’s shoulder. Harmony watched as Ezzie struggled to say something, only just about caught her whisper, before she collapsed onto the carpeted floor, unconscious. “Ezzie?!” Harmony cried, horrified as she struggled to shake her friend awake.
“Harmony,” A gentle hand was placed on hers, preventing her from continuing. George’s face swam into view as Harmony turned to stare at him in fright. “It’s okay. She’s just unconscious.” Taking charge and moving forwards without questioning why his young niece and an unknown girl had crashed into their house without warning, George gently pushed Harmony out of the way, before carefully picking Ezzie’s limp body up and carrying her up the stairs in ease. “I’ll put her on your bed, Harmony, okay?” He spoke kindly, ascending the steps. Harmony nodded her agreement numbly, staring at her shaking hands with unshed tears in her eyes, before Ari battled her way forwards and enveloped her in a warm, comforting hug. That was when the fear and horror finally found its way into her senses, and the tears came in a torrent of sobs, flowing freely into Ari’s shirt and dampening them.
“Sssh… Everything’s okay now… You’re safe.” Ari reassured her sister as she patted her head softly, fingers stroking her small head of black locks. “You’re safe.”

A quarter of an hour later, the Chan family were sitting around the dining room table, Harmony having just finished retelling her story with woeful eyes. Ari, beside her, clutched her sister’s hand tightly as she recalled her experience, almost shaking in anger that she hadn’t been there for Harmony. Afterwards, George gravely told the others that Ezzie would be absolutely fine, she had just fainted from shock and fear, and would awaken sooner or later, currently resting in Ari and Harmony’s bedroom. He asked Harmony whether or not her school friend lived around here, and if she had any family, but she admitted she knew barely anything about Ezzie’s life out of school; she hadn’t even realised she was around this area. “We can ask her when she awakes. But Harmony, well done for being so brave. You saved her life, probably.” Jenny reassured, nodding.
“Um… well, I think she said something to be before she fainted.” Harmony confessed, a little confused and unsure as though she hadn’t heard her aunt’s compliment. “If I wasn’t mistaken, she said ‘Call Ethan’, but I don’t know what she meant by that. I don’t know any Ethan’s. Do you think it’s her brother? Family? Friend?”
“Ethan?” Aurora raised a slender eyebrow from across the table, a surprised look on her face. “As in Ethan Jacobs?”
“No!” Ari suddenly spoke from beside Harmony, both eyebrows shooting up also. “Him?” Aurora shrugged with a small smile tugging at her lips, as if to say “Perhaps”.
“You know an Ethan?” Harmony asked, frowning as she flicked some hair away from her tearstained face.
“Hm… I met him properly on the train back home.” Aurora admitted doubtfully, pondering the matter. “Ethan Jacobs, Gryffindor, in the year below us.” She motioned at Ari, who nodded in agreement. “Ari should know about him. Infamous Gryffie, really. The most flirtatious boy I’ve ever met.” She chuckled softly to herself at the memory.
“Even if it is him though,” Ari interrupted, pointing out an important issue, “We don’t have his number. And yeah, he’s got himself some reputation. Even I know about him… Can’t believe you met him, Rora…” Ari shook her head as though feeling extremely sorry for her cousin.
Aurora laughed, before sending her best friend a very cheerful along with a broad grin. “Actually… I do have his number. The kid gave it to me on the train. He’s such a flirt!”

Harmony climbed the stairs to the second floor gingerly, trying to dispel the experience she had just suffered from her mind. Approaching her room, she silently let herself in and shut it behind her as quietly as possible, before moving towards her occupied bed. Seeing Ezzie’s still form, Harmony let out a breath she didn’t realise she had been holding, before sitting down on Ari’s bed to stare at Ezzie’s sleeping face, glad to know her friend was safe and alive. Harmony remembered her aunt’s words from previously, and afterwards both Aurora and Ari had spoken similar things to her. How brave she had been, how she had saved her friend’s life. Harmony was so glad she had done so, almost didn’t believe she of all people had done what she had done, but the fear of what had occurred still ate at her heart. Harmony had always been so shy and timid, preferring to remain in the background with a comforting smile for others. She didn’t bash older men’s faces in and run away… That wasn’t Harmony. She couldn’t even stand up for herself, but she had managed to save Ezzie, and all Harmony could feel now was relief. Suddenly, Ezzie stirred, jolting Harmony from her inner thoughts, and she watched as her friend came round, eyes blearily opening. “Hey Ezzie. Are you feeling better?” Harmony tried a small, reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. You’re at my house right now. This is my bedroom. We managed to get away from that man.” Harmony chuckled nervously, running a fidgety hand through her hair. “Aurora, my cousin, called… um, Ethan, right? It’s lucky we had his number, and he was the right Ethan too. He’s coming over right now.” Harmony sat there anxiously, her nerves causing her to shyly shuffle her feet, waiting for Ezzie to respond.

[Esmeralda Mendez]

Ezzie woke up to a bright sunny day. Birds were chirping, cute little animals were running around her feet. She noticed she was laying on the ground, on soft, sweet smelling grass, with no bugs crawling up her ankles. There was a tent behind her, where she noticed three little blankets and three pillows all lined up in a neat row. There was a fire near her, and there was hot, steaming food sitting on a small table right next to it. She got up from the ground, cute little rabbits following her around. She picked up a plate of food and noticed there was a delicious looking omelet sitting on top.
“Mami’s famous omelets,” She said to herself, remembering the scrumptious omelets her mother used to make for the family while she was traveling with her parents. She looked around to see if they were anywhere near her. Suddenly, she noticed two figures over in the distance. They looked like they were fishing. Ezzie made her way quietly over there to where her parents were. She had not seen her parents since the day they had tried to drown her, prior to her first year at Hogwarts. She remembered the crazy disturbed look they had in their eyes while they tried to force her into the water, along with her Hogwarts letter. Ezzie took another look at her parents. The crazy look was gone. They seemed so happy, peaceful. Was she in heaven? Had that horrible man succeeded in killing her, and now she was here? Ezzie hoped this was true. Life in the real world had been so horrible, so hard for her. She hated it, and sometimes wished her parents had succeeded in killing her all those years ago. She wouldn’t be going through all that pain and suffering. But then she thought of how Ethan would feel about her death. He would probably go mad. Ezzie looked at her parents again. If this really was heaven, then they wouldn’t hate her here. Her life was finally back to normal again! She had parents again!
“Mami? Papi? “ She whispered. “Is that really you?” She stepped forward a bit so they could see her.
“You don’t belong here, not yet. It’s not your time.” Her Papi said with a smile.
“What are you talking about? I’m dead!” She said, with a confused look.
“Goodbye, Nena. We love you. We’ll always be watching over you, from up here.” Before Ezzie or her parents could say another word, everything went dark, then bright again. Only, not as bright as before.
“Hey Ezzie. Are you feeling better?” Harmony gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. You’re at my house right now. This is my bedroom. We managed to get away from that man.” Harmony chuckled nervously, running a fidgety hand through her hair. “Aurora, my cousin, called… um, Ethan, right? It’s lucky we had his number, and he was the right Ethan too. He’s coming over right now.”
Ezzie sat up in the strange, but rather comfortable bed. It wasn’t as comfortable as the grass in heaven, but she’d expected that. Harmony’s bed, after all, was not in heaven. She gave Harmony a smile, not knowing exactly how she’d ended up there. The last thing she remembered was struggling for her life, trying not to let her body touch the inside of that stupid white car. Then she remembered something. That same man who had tried to take her, rolling down his window, screamed out,
“I’m going to get you!” and speeding off into the unknown.
“…But..how?” Ezzie managed to say, barely audible. “How did we escape?” Ezzie didn’t wait for an answer.
“Where’s Ethan? I want to see Ethan! He’s got to know!” Ezzie said, in a much stronger voice. She needed to see him. She needed to personally reassure her she was okay. Suddenly, as if waiting for her to say this, Ethan came bursting through the door. The second he saw her, he ran into her arms and let out a cry of relief. Everything was perfect, now that he was here.

[Ethan Jacobs G5]

.Ethan walked home on a beautiful summer's day, thinking about what had just happened. He had spent a couple of hours with Ezzie that day, and they had been the highlight of his week. Even though he had a party just about every other day, (Ezzie couldn't come of course.) they had all been the same. Drink. Dance. Miss Ezzie like crazy. They hadn't changed. Sunday was the one day he didn't have parties. Not only were his parents around, but he needed at least one out of the seven days to relax and take a break from wild parties. His parents were out again, being the workaholics they were, and this left Ethan in his house alone. He went to his room, removed his jeans and t-shirt, and walked downstairs to the entertainment center to watch a movie in his boxers. He just felt more comfortable that way. He had gotten through just about two movies when his cell phone rang. The caller I.D read "Unknown Caller". Ethan wondered who this could be as he picked up the phone.

"Talk to me." He said casually, between bites of leftover cherry pie.

"Hi, Ethan? This is Aurora."

"And to think, if you would have called about a month earlier..."

"Ethan, do you know a girl named Ezzie?" Ethan laughed.

"Yes, Aurora, the rumors about her being my girlfriend are indeed true, so if that's all you need to know-"

"Ethan, something's happened. You need to get over to my house right now, she said to call you...before she fell unconscious."
Ethan swallowed hard, almost choking on the pie.

"What happened?" He said, his casual tone abandoning him.

"A man tried to kidnap her, my cousin Harmony saved her. My dad says she'll be just fine, she's just out cold right now."

"I'll be right over." He said, dropping the plate of pie and getting up for his jeans. They were lying right next to him, whereas all his shirts were two floors up. He didn't have that kind of time. He slipped on his jeans, barely zippering them, thrust a jacket on top of him and yelled for Marty, his family's house elf.

"Yes, master E-"

"Call mum and dad! Tell them to come to the Chan residence! It's an emergency!" Ethan didn't wait for a reply, he simply darted out of the house towards Aurora's home. He had been a paperboy many years ago, and saw Aurora standing outside. He was in his second year, and remembered her face and the house. He just hoped he remembered how to get there. Finally, he saw it. The house he had seen so many years ago. He ran to the doorstep, and knocked on the door. A few seconds later, Aurora Chan appeared at the door.

"Where is she?" He said, panting, almost completely out of breath.

"She's upstairs, but she's still un-" Ethan darted up the stairs and saw the door to one of the rooms open. Inside was a girl who looked just like Aurora, except younger. He darted into the room, and no later did he see his Ezzie, sitting up in the bed, looking as if she had just woken up.

"Ethan!" She cried. Ethan ran into her arms and hugged her tight. He never wanted to let go. He let out a huge sigh of relief and hugged her tight.

"What happened? How did you get away? What did he look like? Where did he go?" Ethan had a million questions, none of which he really felt up to hearing answered.

"I knew your parents should have-" Ethan realized something. Shouldn't her parents know she was here? "Your parents! You've got to call your parents! Mine are already on the way!"

"Umm Ethan?"

"Yea?" He said, still hugging Ezzie, feeling his eyes water a bit.

"I haven't been totally honest with you..." Ethan let her go and looked at her.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, see…about my parents...I don't have any. They abandoned me before my first year. I live in a homeless shelter. They must have died sometime between then and now, because I saw them in heaven...while I was unconscious." At this point, Ethan completely forgot there was anyone else in the room, for she stayed quiet for such a long time.

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony was attempting to answer Ezzie’s frantic questions, worried for her friend’s condition, when the door burst open and a familiar looking boy ran through, frightening Harmony to no end. Letting out a sharp shriek, Harmony leapt back in shock; she’d had enough scary experiences tonight, and what had happened earlier had just made her more paranoid and suspicious. Watching in silence, Harmony realised that this must be the Ethan Ezzie had been talking about, the one Aurora claimed to have called. Yes, now that Harmony looked at Ethan properly, she did recognise him from Hogwarts. What had Aurora said? He was a fifth year Gryffindor, that’s right. Harmony wondered what relationship Ezzie and Ethan had. They weren’t brothers and sisters, right? Perhaps relatives? Or just friends? Harmony had never heard Ezzie speak of her family before, so… Harmony stood in one corner of the room as Ethan and Ezzie hugged one another, feeling like a third wheel, getting in the way of a reunion of sorts that she wasn’t involved in. Harmony was just about to exit the room, whilst Ethan was shooting Ezzie with hundreds of questions, when Ezzie confessed her true past to her friend. Eyes widening, Harmony remained still in the awkward silence that followed, until she broke it with a nervous laugh, and edged towards the bedroom door. “Um… I think I’ll give you two some time together… I’ll be downstairs if you need me, Ezzie. If you need anything… just say.” Smiling reassuringly at her friend, Harmony quickly left the room, glad to be away from whatever was to transpire there. She didn’t want to be caught up in something Ezzie kept private to herself, and intruding and eavesdropping was the last thing Harmony wanted to do. She’d just pretend she hadn’t heard anything.

Harmony could barely believe that was the life Ezzie Mendez secretly led though. It was difficult to take in, to be honest. She was always so nice and carefree, Harmony would’ve never have guessed the truth behind that smile. Just like her and Ari, Ezzie had no parents to love her and care for her, and she wasn’t lucky enough like them to have family to take them in and treat them as one of their own. Harmony suddenly felt extremely grateful for the chances life gave her, and promised herself she’d never take a day for granted. Harmony felt sympathy well up in her heart, and hoped that Ezzie would be okay. A girl like her didn’t deserve this… Not at all. Slowly making her way downstairs, Harmony was greeted by Aurora and Ariane discussing quietly together in the living room, immediately ceasing talk and looking up with soft smiles on their faces when Harmony entered the room. “Hey. How’s Esmeralda?” Aurora asked in concern, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop Ethan from rushing upstairs… He’s obviously very worried.”
“Yeah.” Harmony nodded, sitting down in an armchair. “Ezzie’s fine, she’s awake now. Ethan and I are talking, so I left them alone.”
“Who is Ethan to her, anyway?” Aurora asked in curiosity, “They’re not brother and sister, are they? Ethan never mentioned any siblings… Though I’ve only really spoken to him once.”
“Can’t be.” Ari stated firmly now, “They have different surnames. I thought you said that Esmeralda’s surname was Mendez, and the last time I checked, the Jacobs boy was an only kid.”
“Step or half siblings?” Aurora offered, whilst Ari shrugged in nonchalance.
“We’ll know later, probably.” Harmony said softly, sinking into the armchair gratefully. “Where is everyone else?”
“Mum, Dad and Leo are in the dining room.” Aurora informed in reply, “I think Ethan’s parents are coming over now. They’ll probably take the two home.”
“I’m sorry for all this trouble.” Harmony apologised remorsefully, head hanging and eyes staring down at the hands curled in her lap.
“It’s not a problem, Harmony.” Aurora reassured with a kind smile, reaching forwards to clasp one of Harmony’s hands in hers. “You’ve been through a lot tonight. You did a great job rescuing Esmeralda from those… people. Mum and Dad have already called the police… But they’ll be coming tomorrow to get a full informative report off you or something. Esmeralda too. So once she and Ethan leave, you should go get a good night’s rest, okay? You deserved it. Just don’t worry for now. There’s no need.”
“Yeah. Thanks.” Harmony smiled faintly.
“Hey, kiddo. I’m proud of you. I’m sure Mum would’ve been too.” Ari stated softly, a hint of a smile lingering on her lips, causing Harmony to grin back through her fatigue and shock.

[Esmeralda Mendez]

Ezzie sat there, waiting for Ethan to respond. She had told him a huge secret, and she figured it was hard to handle, considering Ethan didn’t take surprises very well. She didn’t even know what had forced her to spill her secret at last, especially when it wasn’t just Ethan she was telling, but Harmony too. Ezzie just figured she was tired of holding it in, she wanted her friends to know, and she wanted to be the one to tell them. Sharing her news had relieved her of a lot, really. She was no longer afraid of people finding out, she was so much more comfortable now. Even though her head hurt terribly, and blood was spilling from cuts in various places on her body, Ezzie hadn’t felt this good in a long time. She felt slightly dizzy, but figured it was nothing compared to the thoughts whirling inside Ethan and Harmony’s head.

“So…all this time…you lived in a…a shelter?” Ethan managed to say finally.

“Yes, but it’s not as bad as you think.” Ezzie sputtered. “I’ve got friends there, and I get in almost every night. There’s only one night a year when I can’t get in.” Ezzie silently regretted saying this, as Ethan worried far too much.

“And what, you just sleep on the streets the whole night? What night exactly are you not able to get in, Ezzie?” Ethan’s voice was harsh and accusing.

“Ethan, it doesn’t really matter, does-“

“WHICH NIGHT, EZZIE!?” Ezzie was hurt, scared, and slightly dizzy.

“Umm, Christmas Eve. A lot of families try to get in that night.”

“YOU SPEND CHRISTMAS EVE ON THE STREETS? EZZIE WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?” Ethan didn’t bother keeping his voice down, because at this point, he was yelling.

“I HAD NO CHOICE, ETHAN!” Ezzie screamed, a tear sliding down
her cheek.

“YOU MEAN SOMEONE WAS FORCING YOU NOT TO TELL ME YOU WERE HOMELESS?” He bellowed. He wasn’t crying, but Ezzie could tell he was hurt.

“IT’S NOT LIKE THAT! YOU JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND!” It was
getting hard for Ezzie to breathe. She couldn’t believe Ethan was acting like this. She didn’t like living the life she lived, but she had no other choice. Ethan just didn’t get it. She clutched her chest and breathed hard. Ethan stopped yelling immediately.

“Ezzie?” Ezzie didn’t answer, she could barely breathe. “Ezzie,
what’s the matter?”Ethan asked, looking worried. He called for help. Meanwhile, Ezzie sat back down, struggling to breathe and clutching her chest. She didn’t know what was wrong with her, it was like her lungs just stopped working. Suddenly, someone burst through the door.

[Harmony Chan H6]

Harmony was feeling herself drop to sleep as she sank comfortably into the armchair, savouring the warmth and security it provided, her fatigue gathered by the night’s events finally taking its toll. Ari and Aurora’s soft voices mingled in the background as her eyes stayed shuttered, the buzzing in her ears annoying, but she barely noticed it through her tiredness. Harmony wondered how she managed to get herself into these messes, and decided in her head she wasn’t made for an exciting life style. Harmony enjoyed what her name suggested: harmony. Calm, peace and serenity. The situation she had managed to out herself in had saved Ezzie, which was wonderful, no doubt about it, but it had been frightening and rather awful, and Harmony wondered how some people could possibly thrive on that. Though she supposed Ari could. That was Ari for you.

“The shouting is certainly loud upstairs. I’m glad the rooms are so sound proof.”
“They should keep it down. The neighbours won’t be happy.”
“… Oh look. She’s tired, the poor thing.”
“We should put her to bed soon.”
“Not with Ethan and Esmeralda around. Harmony doesn’t even have a bed now.”
“She can take mine.”
“True…”
“So you were saying you’ve met that Esmeralda girl before?”
“Oh, yeah… At Diagon Alley, though I only just recognised her. A nice girl, and she called herself Ezzie rather than Esmeralda, like Harmony. I completely forgot about the incident, it was fleeting.”
“… I hate the world sometimes.”
“Yes. I know you do. Ari, it’s meant to be full of hardships, we both know that. We can’t protect Harmony forever. One day…”
“That day hasn’t come yet, Rora!”
“But one day it will happen, Ari. One day she will blossom. There’s no avoiding it. Stop shielding her now, Ari. She might not be grateful for it when she’s older. You are her older sister, not her mother. It doesn’t look like it at the moment, but Harmony will want to be independent one day. She’ll have to be, even if she doesn’t want to be. You can’t stick around forever.”
“…”
“And don’t gobble up her prospective boyfriends either.”
“Aurora!”
“You know what I mean very well, Ari. I can imagine you already inspecting them with suspicion, then demanding Harmony to dump them before they hurt her. Trust me, in or not in love, Harmony will get hurt. Boys do that. We do that to each other in relationships, even as siblings and parents…”

Harmony was about to sink with relief into darkness, pitch black enveloping her tired mind, when shouting drew her away back to the bright lights again. The buzzing in her ears increased ten fold as she struggled to open her eyes, her fatigue causing her to reluctant to awake. Being pulled out of half sleep was difficult. Finally, when Harmony managed to bat her eyelids open with a soft groan, her dark eyes were met with identical anxious ones, those belonging to her sister’s. “Ari?” Harmony stuttered softly, shifting her weak limbs.
“Come on, Harmony, wake up. Something’s happening upstairs with Esmeralda and Ethan.” Ari stated firmly as she carefully tried to prise Harmony out of her sleep. “I’m sorry.”
“Huh? Wha…?” Harmony managed to blab out as she attempted to sit up properly, rubbing her eyes with a hand. “What’s going on?”
“I think Ezzie’s in trouble. Ethan just called for help, and Aurora and Uncle George have just gone upstairs to have a look. We should go too.” Ari explained gravely, finally getting Harmony to awaken properly.
“Right, oh right. Oh god…” Harmony groaned as she shook her head, short locks flying into her eyes as she stumbled to stand unsteadily, Ari coming to support her tired body. “Thanks. Let’s go.” Harmony rasped with determination.

Harmony managed to shake Ari off once they reached the stairs, and making their way up hurriedly, they found the whole of the house bunched into her and Ari’s bedroom, surrounding her petite bed. Suddenly the room looked so much smaller… Harmony’s gaze ran round the area swiftly, seeing her uncle crouched down beside a panting Ezzie, an extremely worried Ethan beside him. Aurora, her aunt, and Leo stood a little way off, with Ari and herself behind them, crowding in to see the commotion. “What’s going on?” Harmony breathed worriedly, leaning over Aurora’s taller shoulder.
“Ezzie suddenly couldn’t breathe, according to Ethan.” Aurora explained quietly, watching the scene with troubled eyes. “Good thing Dad’s a healer…”
“We should leave.” Jenny said suddenly, also looking anxious at her guest’s condition. “There are too many of us here who can’t help the situation. We might make things worse. Plus Ethan’s parents are coming soon. Leo, come on, we should go downstairs and keep watch.” With a nod from her son, Jenny and Leo exited the bedroom, creating more space for everyone to move around. Harmony stepped forwards, staring anxiously at Ezzie’s shaking form.
“Will she be all right?” She whispered tearfully. “How did this happen? Is she ill?” First the escapade, now this. Harmony thought her own world’s ride was becoming dizzier by the second.

[Ethan Jacobs G5]

So this was the secret life Ezzie was forced to lead all these years. She had nobody to call mum, nobody to call dad. All she had was that stupid cat, who didn't like Ethan very much. She lived in a homeless shelter, passing the days by working a fifteen hour shift six days a week at a five star hotel she would never be able to stay in, despite even her wildest dreams. Ethan hated Ezzie's parents for leaving her like this, for making their daughter fend for herself, only to one day be practically kidnapped. Didn't they care at all? Didn't they love their daughter? Ethan couldn't imagine not having parents. He barely had them now, for they were barely around, but his parents loved him more than their money, he knew that for sure. His parents would never, ever kick him out of the house, no matter what he did. Ezzie was only ten or eleven years old when her parents left her. What could a ten year old have done that was so terrible, that her own parents would leave her out on the streets for it. Then she mentioned something about not being able to get into the shelter on only one day a year. Was it the same day every year? Was it a holiday that Ezzie was forced to spend out on the streets, alone and vulnerable? He asked her which day, barely able to speak. She stuttered a bit and Ethan was forced to yell. He didn't want to yell like that, but he couldn't control it. It was an impulse he had to act on.

She finally admitted it. She spent Christmas Eve, a night for family and happiness sleeping in a cardboard box in the alley next to the shelter. How could she? Why had she not asked him for help? Why hadn't she said anything before? Could it be, that Ethan Jacobs, the closet thing to family she had, could not be trusted with her secret? Ethan was so hurt. So wounded. He had no time to act on his feelings for too long, for Ezzie had clutched her chest, wheezing that she couldn't breathe. Ethan called for help as someone burst through the door.
Aurora Chan, a Hufflepuff he had met on the train was among the large group. She came up to him first and asked what was wrong.

"We were having an argument, and all of a sudden, she just couldn't breathe." Ethan thought for a minute, to his cousin who was over a lot. His parents had to go to rehab, so he stayed for two full school years. He was not a muggle, but while he was only seven and lived with the Jacobs for the time, he was forced to go to Ethan's muggle school. He wasn't good at the muggle math and such, so whenever he got a bad grade on a test, he had something his parents called a panic attack. They thought it was caused by the shock and anxiety of having alcoholics for parents. "I think she may have had a panic attack." He said, glancing over at Ezzie, and feeling guilty he had caused it. She walked over to her family and talked for a bit. He sat down on the floor and sighed heavily. He noticed two or three people walk out of the room, and in about five minute’s time, his parents walked in too, looking extremely worried and confused.