Enzo watched as the rolling hills passed him by. One after another after another. The sun reflected onto the stark white sun, its golden glow reminding him of Cass's smile. Enzo sighed and leaned against the window, letting the cold invigorate him.

Why was he doing this? Why was he going back ho—

Enzo stopped himself. That place wasn't home. It hadn't been for weeks.

As he watched the scenery pass him by—the chugging of the Hogwarts Express acting like a clock ticking down to his misery—he wondered again why he chose to return to Berkshire House for the holidays. It wasn't like he wanted to come. In fact, this was the last place he'd rather be. Enzo was determined to go no contact with his parents and would much rather spend Christmas surrounded by the two women he loved most: Aria and Cass. Both girls were staying at Hogwarts for the holidays, each for very different reasons. Aria because she had no family to return to, Cass because she couldn't stand to be reminded of the one family member she was missing. Enzo would give anything to be cuddled up on the couch with his girlfriend in his arms while his sister read her books.

But he'd come back for a reason. And he wasn't leaving until that reason was complete.

So Enzo scowled as the terrain went by, assuring himself that it would all be over soon. He could still remember the letter Manon had sent accompanied by a package full of sweets that was immediately given to Dennis Creevey.

Enzo, my darling baby,

I am so glad to hear you'll be joining us for Noel. I'll be sure that the elves prepare all of your favorites. I can't wait to hear about your semester. I'm sure you've been far too busy to write to your poor Maman.

All my love

Enzo snorted as he read about how "poor" Manon supposedly was. He couldn't believe he'd missed how utterly narcissistic she was—nor how his father enabled her to be that way. Enzo's opinion on the man was complicated. His father was absent more often than not, which meant that Manon had full range to abuse Aria while sending her son—Aria's only remaining protector—away to as many Quidditch camps as possible so he wouldn't have a chance to see it. His father might have never hit his daughter but he sure did nothing to prevent a different hand from striking.

If keeping in contact with Manon was the only way Enzo could speak to his father, then the man was dead to him too. This was the last time Enzo planned to see the woman, not that she knew or would accept it even if he told her. All he had to endure was a week of suffering for everything to work out just like he planned.

Enzo smiled at the thought of his week ending with Cass by his side and his future secured. Of Aria's future secured, too, and her honor defended. Yes, they were worth whatever bullshit he had to deal with this week.

"Oh, Lorenzo, my darling!" Manon cooed in an overly sweet voice as soon as he stepped off the train. Enzo used to think that voice was filled with love. He supposed it still was—just not the love he imagined. Manon only loved herself. Her "love" for her son was simply due to the fact that she saw herself in his genes. She saw her own strong cheekbones in his, her own light blue eyes in his, her own full lips and dimpled smile in his. She didn't love Enzo—if she did, she would have loved his sister too, the girl he loved more than himself.

Enzo knew what real love sounded like. He felt it every time he saw those golden curls and that sweet smile.

Fuck. I love you so much, Cass, he thought, wishing he could be saying those words to her. I'll be home soon.

Home. That place wasn't Berkshire House anymore. It was her.

Enzo knew then that he wasn't lasting the entire week.

Manon's arms wrapped around him. Enzo stiffened but didn't move out of them. For his plan to work, he needed to act normally. Well, as normally as he could knowing that his entire family life had crumbled around him.

Damn. He was really wishing he would have accepted Cass's offer to come with him. It would have been nice to look down and see her smiling face, keeping him calm and reassuring him that everything would be alright. But he didn't want her anywhere near that woman. Manon would probably see Cass's beauty as a threat and any insult given to the woman he loved would tear his heart in shreds. Cass was too lovely, too pure, to be treated with any way other than perfection. And after learning the way Aria was treated—who was also lovely and pure—Enzo didn't trust Manon not to be wicked.

"Your father wanted to be 'ere but 'e 'ad to work," Manon said as she wrapped her arm tightly around Enzo's arm and pulled. He didn't fight her. You can do this for them, he told himself as he gritted his jaw and pictured his two favorite girls. "But don't worry, mon petit prince, it can be just us."

Fuck me.

Enzo was debating the merits of sitting on a muggle freeway—the ones Cass told him about—two days later. He wasn't sure how much longer he could take Manon droning on and on and on, not giving him even a minute to himself. She woke him up each morning with his favorite breakfast foods, followed him around the house, insisted he play some Quidditch for her, made his favorite meals, and just annoyed the shit out of him. Bloody hell, she even continued to check up on him during the night, brushing his hair out of his face while he pretended to be asleep and forced his body not to shiver with disgust.

She talked all the damn time, usually about herself and the friends who worshipped her. Sometimes she asked about school but Enzo quickly figured out that she was only asking so she would have a reason to dote on him and brag about him later.

Now, it was Christmas Eve and he was going bloody insane. The only thing keeping him insane was his letters to Cass—the only thing Manon didn't police. Enzo had tried to write to Aria on his first day there only to watch Manon "accidentally" drop it in the fire when she snatched it out of his hands "to give to the owl." Seeing that almost made Enzo earn himself a one-way ticket to Azkaban but he held his anger in. Remember the plan, Enz. Remember the plan.

The only reason Cass's letters weren't in the fire was because Enzo told Manon that the letters were to his Charms partner—which wasn't a lie but it certainly wasn't the full truth.

"But of course you must keep up your grades at 'ome!" she cooed before kissing him on the cheek. "Such a talented boy!"

Enzo snapped the quill he was using, which was quickly replaced by a trembling house elf. He continued his letter to Cass.

Sunshine,

Merry Christmas Eve. I hope your holidays have been well. Have you seen Aria much?

Enzo sighed. He knew Cass hadn't seen Aria because Margot had warned him that she would probably spend most of the holidays in her room. The one year anniversary of her twin's death was coming up very soon. Her grief had to be unimaginable. The thought of Cass in pain made his heart clench. He continued his letter, hoping that some positivity in it would help her see the light.

Though Berkshire House contains The Witch, it's still rather beautiful. The moors are quite nice when the sun hits them right, even if they're currently covered in snow. I'm a little sad that you'll never see them but not sad enough to change it. I'm content to leave this life behind and start a new one with the family that matters. Pretty houses can be found anywhere.

Are you excited for the Hogmanay Ball? I can't believe you said yes when I asked. I mean, I'd hoped you'd say yes but of course you'd be under no obligation to say yes just because we're dating. I mean, after all, you have your own free will and I

This is the part where you'd tell me that I'm overthinking, isn't it?

Well, anyway, I'm looking forward to it. Manon purchased me several yellow ties when she heard my date was wearing yellow so hopefully one of the shades matches well. If not, maybe Theo would whip up a potion to change it quickly. He's good at that sort of thing.

I hope you don't mind that I didn't tell Manon you were my date. To be honest, I want to keep you as far away from her as I can. She doesn't deserve to see your goodness and I don't want her to have any information on you. Please be assured that it's not on any sort of embarrassment or hesitation on my part. I love you with all my heart. It's always only been yours.

I miss you more than I can put into words. I will be there as soon as I can, my love. Until then, I hope my letters convey just how much you have ensnared my heart.

Ever yours,

Enz

Enzo hastily gave the letter to the owl before Manon could return from her trip to the power room. He wasn't sure how she'd react to learning that she was no longer the only woman in his heart. Well, actually, she wasn't in his heart at all—something he knew she wouldn't take well at all.

But that's what the plan was for. Enzo smiled as he thought about it. No, she wouldn't like that one bit.

Enzo was trying to hide his scowl as he sat next to the Christmas tree, a giant mound of presents beside him. He planned on donating every last gift. If Manon knew him at all, she'd know that he never cared for material things. Christmases at Berkshire House were always big—well, he supposed for him, not for Aria—but this one was particularly insane. Dozens and dozens of gifts, things he never would have asked for in his life. Cashmere sweaters, deluxe chocolates. Did she even know him?

It was clear that she was trying to make up for her wrongdoings but nothing would make it up to Enzo. Until her efforts went towards making amends with Aria, she wouldn't get an ounce of his forgiveness.

Aria. You're doing this for Aria, Enzo reminded himself as he opened yet another gift. An expensive watch. Enzo frowned. How many wizarding families were going hungry while Manon was buying all of this extravagant, senseless stuff? Enzo decided that he was going to pawn the gifts and donate the money to people in need much more than he was. If Manon knew him at all, she would have used the money to do the same thing.

Enzo looked at the dreaded woman and sighed to himself. If he wanted to put his plan in motion, he needed to start now. It was perfect. She was content with his presence and his father had gone on business early in the morning after grumbling a "hello"—though considering it was Christmas Day, Enzo wondered if "business" meant a bed other than Manon's. Still, she was either too naive or too vain to think that would happen to her so she said nothing.

Yes, the time was perfect. So Enzo bit back his nausea and smiled at Manon.

"Maman—" Merlin, he wanted to vomit at that old name. "I was wondering if we could have some of that lovely lemon cake with our tea today. You know, the one from that little patisserie in that town by Poitiers?"

Manon's smile didn't budge. "Of course, darling. Whatever mon petit prince desires. It'll take me a little while to floo there and get them to make it for you. You don't mind waiting for me?"

He shook his head and plastered on a fake smile. "Of course not."

As soon as the green fire from the fireplace was gone, Enzo was on the move. He ran up to the master bedroom and found Manon's priceless jewelry box—a family heirloom she boasted about constantly. Enzo rifled through all the precious jewels. His eyes spotted a beautiful citrine necklace with a golden gemstone bursting out into a sunbeam. Cass immediately came to his mind. He'd never seen Manon wear the necklace so quickly, Enzo stuck it into his pocket along with a silver bracelet that reminded him of Aria.

Finally, he found what he was looking for. Tucked at the very bottom of the jewelry box was an ornate key. Enzo grabbed it and quickly apparated to Diagon Alley—a rather rambunctious place even on Christmas Day. Snow was falling down in cold, thick flakes, sticking to Enzo's eyelashes as he settled on the stone street.

Bile rose up in the back of his throat from the uncomfortable sensation. Enzo forced it down before turning to the grand bank in front of him. Gringott's, the only place that would be open on Christmas Day. Enzo quickly ran inside before someone could see him.

"Mister Berkshire," a goblin growled at the sight of Enzo's snow-covered hair. Enzo was sure the flakes were melted onto the grand Gringott's floor but he didn't particularly care.

"I'm here to make a withdrawal."

The journey to the Berkshire vault wasn't altogether unpleasant, except for the glaring goblin. It would seem that he disliked the idea of a withdrawal just as much as his parents would when they found out.

The goblin showed Enzo to his vault, the one with his inheritance. Piles upon piles of gold were in front of him. Centuries of old, pureblood money just sitting in front of him. Without a second thought, Enzo shoved all of it into a bag. Normally, Enzo would feel terrible about stealing but he'd had many weeks to concoct this plan and justify it in his head.

First, his father was still working—all the time apparently. His parents would be fine.

Second, this money was supposed to be his. Though they never intended it to go to Aria, Enzo had other intentions. He was just taking his inheritance early—and sharing it with his sister.

Third, they could consider this a parting gift of sorts. Enzo's future with his family—with Cass and Aria—was beginning and he'd be damn sure they were taken care of for it. Even if it meant stealing from his parents.

The goblin's scowl was deeper by the time Enzo finished and went back up through the bank. He didn't even wait to go outside before he apparated back to Berkshire House, only to find Manon holding a lemon cake, staring at him with shock.

"Lorenzo! Why on Earth were you outside in zis terrible weather? You'll get sick!" She eyed the snow all over her with clear worry and disdain. "And what is in zat bag!"

"My inheritance," Enzo said simply. He hated lying and he was terrible at it anyway.

"Your... your inheritance? Why?!" Her voice was a high-pitched shriek.

"Decided to take an early withdrawal. After all, it's mine, isn't it? Figured I'd need it in the next few years and it's not like I'm planning on ever seeing you again. Plus, Aria's due to get her share."

"A- Aria?" Disgust dripped from Manon's voice at the sound of his sister's name.

Enzo felt his blood boil, though his voice turned cold. His nails cut into his palms from how tightly his fists were clenched. "Yes, Aria. My sister. Your daughter," Enzo said icily. "You know, the little girl you abused for seventeen years. Ring a bell?"

Manon's nose turned up. "I don't see what she 'as to do with you."

"She's my bloody sister! She has everything to do with me! And you were fucking terrible to her!"

"Language, Lorenzo Berkshire," Manon scolded. "That little wench isn't worth even the foulest of words."

"She's worth everything. She's kind and intelligent and compassionate and beautiful and so fucking wonderful. She's one of the loveliest souls I've ever met, no thanks to you. What did you ever give her? An eating disorder and more insecurities than she should ever have."

"Whatever that little disappointment has, she deserved," Manon said coolly, crossing her arms and glaring at the space next to Enzo as if Aria were standing there now. "Per'aps if you opened your eyes, you'd see."

"My eyes were opened months ago," Enzo growled, his mind flashing back to that terrible day when his baby sister broke. "And you know what I saw? I saw how fucking terrible you are. I saw what a mean-spirited, evil witch you are. I saw how you never loved anyone because you're incapable of loving anymore but yourself. When you look at me, you see a reflection of everything you love about yourself. When you look at her, all you see are your own flaws. Well, the jokes on you, Manon, because Aria has taken all of your flaws and turned them into strengths. She took your bitter heart and became kind. She took your weaknesses and became strong. That 'little disappointment' is one half of my entire world and I'll be damned if I let you take that away from me."

Manon's eyes widened in complete panic. "So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I'm done. I'm done with you, I'm done with this house, I'm done with it all. I never want to see you again." Enzo grabbed his stuff and began to walk out the door but a cry from Manon stopped him.

"But I'm your mother!"

Enzo turned with a glare. "I have no mother anymore." Then, he softened. "I truly hope you change your ways. But it's too late for either of your children to care. Goodbye, Manon. Give my goodbyes to Father, too."

And then Enzo left, apparating with all of his things back to the place he belonged. Back to Cass and Aria.

Ahh, so those who read Smoke and Stars finally know why Enzo went home even though he disowned his family. I told you he had a plan! And thank god this chapter is written because now we can finally be done with that freaking witch.

Next chapter is the ball! :)