CHAPTER 4 ESCAPE
AUTHOR POV
Emma's bedroom. The room is dark, the only light coming from the soft glow of the moon outside her window. Emma lies on her bed, her eyes swollen from crying, her body exhausted. She's drifted off into a restless sleep, her mind swirling with dreams of escape, magic, and the life she yearns for. The house is silent, almost eerily so, as if holding its breath.
Suddenly, there's a loud BANG on the window. Emma jolts awake, her heart racing. She sits up, rubbing her eyes, trying to make sense of what just happened. Another BANG follows, louder this time, as if something—or someone—is trying to break through.
Emma:
(whispering to herself, startled)
"What...?"
She stumbles out of bed, rushing to the window. The night outside is dark, the moon casting long shadows across the yard. For a moment, she doesn't see anything, but then—there it is. An owl, the same one from before, perched on the windowsill, frantically flapping its wings, tapping at the glass with its beak. In its talons, a small scroll glows faintly in the moonlight.
Emma's breath catches in her throat.
Emma:
(voice trembling with shock and wonder)
"Another letter?"
She quickly unfastens the lock on her window and pushes it open. The owl swoops inside, circling the room once before landing gracefully on her desk. It watches her intently, as though waiting for her to make the next move.
Emma carefully approaches the owl, her fingers brushing over the scroll it holds. Her heart pounds in her chest, a mix of fear and hope surging through her veins. She hesitates for a moment, glancing at the door, wondering if her parents heard the noise. But the house remains eerily quiet. She knows this might be her only chance.
Emma:
(softly, almost to herself)
"I don't care what they say. I'm not staying here."
She takes the scroll from the owl's talons and unrolls it. Her eyes widen as she reads the words scrawled in elegant, glowing ink.
Letter:
Emma Turner, you cannot stay where you are. The magic that binds you is growing stronger, and you must break free before it is too late. Follow the owl. It will guide you to safety.
J.
Emma's heart skips a beat at the last line. Her mind races with questions. Who is "J"? How do they know about her situation? But she knows one thing for sure—this is her chance to escape. She looks at the owl, which gives a soft hoot, almost as if it understands her dilemma.
Emma:
(whispering with determination)
"I'm doing this. I have to."
She quickly grabs her bag, stuffing in the few essentials she can carry. Her hands shake with both excitement and fear. She knows that if her parents catch her, they'll never let her go. But the pull of the magic—the promise of something more—drives her forward. She sneaks one last glance at the door, then quietly opens the window wider, feeling the cool night air on her skin.
Emma climbs out onto the ledge, the owl flying ahead of her, its glowing eyes guiding her into the night. She's halfway out the window when—
Voice (Mrs. Turner):
(shouting from the hallway)
"Emma?!"
Emma freezes, her heart pounding in her chest. Footsteps echo down the hallway, growing louder and closer by the second. Panic floods her, but she forces herself to move. With one last glance back, she jumps down from the ledge, landing softly on the grass below.
The owl swoops down beside her, urging her forward. Emma sprints toward the trees at the edge of the property, her legs trembling with both fear and adrenaline. Behind her, the front door slams open, and she hears her parents' voices yelling her name. But she doesn't look back.
Emma:
(whispering to herself, breathless)
"I'm not going back. Not this time."
As she runs, the owl leads her deeper into the forest, away from her house, away from the life that kept her trapped. Her magic hums beneath her skin, stronger than ever before, and she feels, for the first time, a sense of freedom. She doesn't know where she's going, but something tells her she's heading toward the world she was meant to find.
Scene: Deep within the forest, the owl slows, guiding her to a clearing bathed in moonlight. Emma stops, her chest heaving as she catches her breath. The forest is quiet, the trees towering above her like silent sentinels. And there, in the center of the clearing, stands a figure—a tall boy with raven-black hair and sharp eyes, his face calm but expectant.
Emma's breath catches in her throat as the figure steps forward, the moonlight casting a soft glow on his face.
Jimin:
(his voice soft but filled with relief and certainty)
"Emma... I've been waiting for you."
Emma stares at him, the connection between them thrumming with energy she can't yet understand. But deep down, she knows—this is where she's meant to be.
AUTHOR POV : The clearing is bathed in a silvery glow, the forest around them silent and still. Emma's heart pounds in her chest as she stares at Jimin, her mind spinning with questions. The owl that had guided her lands on a nearby branch, watching the moment unfold.
Emma:
(breathless, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and awe)
"Who... who are you? How do you know me?"
Jimin steps forward, his gaze steady and kind, though there's something deeper in his eyes—a weight of responsibility that Emma can feel. His dark hair catches the moonlight as he speaks softly but with an air of certainty.
Jimin:
"My name is Jimin. I've known about you for a long time, Emma. We're connected—through magic. You're not like everyone else... you've felt it, haven't you? The pull of something bigger, something waiting for you."
Emma's eyes widen as she takes in his words. Her mind flashes back to the strange occurrences throughout her life—the moments when she felt out of place, the surges of power she couldn't explain. The dream of escape that always lingered in her heart now feels even more real.
Emma:
(whispering, almost to herself)
"Yes... I've felt it. But I don't understand. Why now? Why did you come for me?"
Jimin takes a step closer, his expression serious. The magic in the air between them hums softly, like an invisible thread pulling them together.
Jimin:
"You've been kept from your true self for too long, Emma. Your parents... they've been hiding the truth from you. They've tried to suppress your magic, but it's too strong now. It's breaking free—and so are you."
Emma flinches at the mention of her parents. Anger flares in her chest as memories of their control, their lies, flood back. She clenches her fists, her voice filled with frustration.
Emma:
"They locked me in that house, kept me away from everything! I knew something wasn't right, but they never let me see it. They tore up the letter... they tried to keep me from leaving."
Jimin's eyes soften, his voice gentle but firm.
Jimin:
"They did it out of fear, not malice. They're afraid of what you might become—because they know how powerful you are. But this is your time now, Emma. You're meant for more than what they could ever give you."
Emma's breath catches as the weight of his words sinks in. Her whole life, she'd felt trapped—like a bird in a cage, unable to spread her wings. But now, standing in the forest, under the moonlight, with Jimin before her, she feels something stirring deep inside her. Something wild, untamed, and powerful.
Emma:
(her voice quiet, but full of newfound determination)
"What am I supposed to do now? I don't know how to control any of this. I don't even know where to go."
Jimin steps closer, offering her a reassuring smile.
Jimin:
"You're not alone in this. Hogwarts is where you belong—where you'll learn to harness your magic, to understand who you are. I've been waiting for you, Emma, because I'm here to help you find your way. We're bound by something stronger than either of us fully understand yet. But I promise you, you don't have to face this alone."
Emma looks into his eyes, feeling the truth in his words. The fear that had gripped her heart since she left her house begins to fade, replaced by something she hasn't felt in a long time—hope.
Emma:
(nodding slowly, her voice steadier now)
"Okay. I'll go with you. I'll find out who I really am."
Jimin's smile widens slightly, relief flickering across his face. He offers his hand to her.
Jimin:
"Come with me. There's a portal not far from here that will take us to Hogwarts. Once we're there, everything will start to make sense."
Emma hesitates for just a moment before reaching out and taking his hand. As soon as their hands touch, she feels a surge of warmth and magic flow between them, stronger than anything she's ever felt before. It's like an electric current, connecting them in a way that feels both overwhelming and comforting.
Emma:
(softly, looking at their joined hands)
"This... it's real."
Jimin:
(nodding, his voice soft but certain)
"It's as real as you are, Emma."
Together, they walk through the forest, the owl flying ahead, guiding them once again. The trees part as they approach a small clearing, where a shimmering portal stands in the middle, swirling with soft blue and silver light. Emma's heart races, her excitement and fear mingling as she realizes that this is the moment she's been waiting for her whole life.
Jimin looks at her, his voice calm and encouraging.
Jimin:
"This is it. Once you step through, there's no going back. Are you ready?"
Emma glances back at the dark forest behind her, thinking of the house she left, the life she's leaving behind. But then she looks at the portal, at Jimin, and feels the magic pulsing in the air. There's no more doubt in her mind.
Emma:
(with quiet determination)
"I'm ready."
Without another word, they step through the portal together. Emma feels the world shift around her—the air grows lighter, and the magic inside her swirls in excitement. When she opens her eyes, she's standing in the heart of Hogwarts. The castle towers above them, glowing in the moonlight. The grounds are vast, stretching out before her, filled with magic and promise.
Jimin watches her, smiling softly as she takes in the sight of her new home.
Jimin:
"Welcome to Hogwarts, Emma."
Emma's heart soars as she looks around, feeling, for the first time in her life, that she's exactly where she's meant to be.
Emma:
(whispering to herself, in awe)
"I made it."
As the night deepens, the magic of Hogwarts hums in the air, welcoming Emma into a world she's only just begun to understand—a world where her true journey is about to begin.
AUTHOR POV
The grounds of Hogwarts are breathtaking under the starry sky. The castle's towers loom above, casting long shadows across the landscape. Emma takes a deep breath, feeling the energy of this new world, but something unsettles her deep down. It's a mix of excitement and an odd sense of anticipation—like something's missing, something she can't quite grasp.
Emma:
(turning to Jimin, her voice quiet but curious)
"This... this feels like a dream. I never thought I'd actually make it here."
Jimin offers her a reassuring smile, though there's something unreadable in his eyes.
Jimin:
"It's real. You've been bound to this place since the day you were born, Emma. But there's more you need to know. Your journey is only beginning."
Before Emma can respond, the castle doors creak open, revealing a tall, stern figure in dark robes—Professor McGonagall. Her sharp eyes scan Emma with an intensity that makes her shift uncomfortably.
Professor McGonagall:
(nodding in acknowledgment)
"Emma Turner, we've been expecting you. Welcome to Hogwarts."
Emma:
(offering a hesitant smile)
"Thank you, Professor. I... I'm ready to learn."
McGonagall's lips curl into a thin, approving smile, but as she steps closer, Emma notices the professor's gaze flicker to Jimin, then back to her. It's a subtle movement, but it sends a chill down Emma's spine.
Professor McGonagall:
(her voice firm, yet kind)
"Come with me. There are things you need to know—about your past and your future. Jimin, you may return to your dormitory."
Jimin hesitates for a moment, glancing at Emma, but nods.
Jimin:
"I'll see you soon, Emma."
As Jimin walks away, Emma can't shake the feeling that something is being kept from her. She follows McGonagall into the castle, her mind buzzing with unanswered questions. The stone walls of Hogwarts feel cold and ancient as they make their way through the hallways, the flickering torchlight casting eerie shadows. McGonagall leads her into a small chamber, where a large, enchanted mirror stands in the center. Emma stares at it, confused.
Emma:
(her voice wary)
"What is this?"
Professor McGonagall:
(her expression grave)
"This is the Mirror of Erised. It shows your deepest desires... and sometimes, the truth you've been kept from."
Emma steps closer to the mirror, her reflection rippling as she gazes into it. At first, she sees herself standing there, just as she is—but then, the image shifts. The reflection changes, showing a young girl in a different house, a different life. She's with parents who are loving, warm—nothing like the Turners. Emma stumbles back, her heart racing.
Emma:
(gasping)
"That... that's not me. That can't be real."
Professor McGonagall steps forward, her voice soft but firm.
Professor McGonagall:
"It is real, Emma. What your parents never told you... is that you were adopted. The Turners are not your true family."
Emma feels like the ground beneath her is slipping away. She stares at the mirror in disbelief, her mind racing.
Emma:
(whispering, her voice shaking)
"Adopted? But why? Why would they lie to me?"
McGonagall's eyes narrow slightly, as if she's weighing her words carefully.
Professor McGonagall:
"Your biological parents were powerful wizards, Emma. They were part of an ancient magical lineage. The Turners... were chosen to keep you hidden, to protect you from those who sought to use your power for their own gain."
Emma's head spins, memories of her strict upbringing, the feeling of always being out of place, now making sense in a way they never had before. But the weight of this revelation overwhelms her.
Emma:
(her voice thick with emotion)
"So my whole life... everything was a lie?"
Professor McGonagall places a hand on Emma's shoulder, her expression softening.
Professor McGonagall:
"Not everything, Emma. You were protected. But there is more at stake than you realize. Your magic is unique, and there are forces in this world that will stop at nothing to control it. That's why we brought you here."
Suddenly, the mirror ripples again. Emma gasps as she sees a figure appear behind her reflection. It's Jimin—but there's something different about him, something dark in his eyes. He's standing in the shadows, watching her. Emma turns quickly, looking around, but the room is empty except for her and McGonagall.
Emma:
(panicked, looking back at the mirror)
"Jimin? What—what was that?"
Professor McGonagall's expression hardens, and her voice drops.
Professor McGonagall:
"Jimin has been helping you, yes. But there are things about him you don't yet understand. He, too, is bound by powerful magic—magic that links him to your past in ways you cannot yet comprehend."
Emma feels her chest tighten, her breath coming in short gasps.
Emma:
(her voice trembling)
"What do you mean? Is he... is he dangerous?"
McGonagall hesitates, her face unreadable.
Professor McGonagall:
"Jimin's loyalty is not to Hogwarts alone. There are ancient bonds that tie him to those who seek your power. You must be careful, Emma. Trust no one completely—not even him."
Emma's heart sinks as a cold realization washes over her. The connection she felt with Jimin, the sense of safety—it now feels like a double-edged sword. She doesn't know who to trust anymore, and the weight of this new reality presses down on her like a heavy cloak.
Emma:
(whispering, almost to herself)
"So... who am I really? And what does he want from me?"
McGonagall steps back from the mirror, her face somber.
Professor McGonagall:
"That is something you'll have to discover for yourself. But be cautious, Emma. The magic you possess is tied to something much older—and far more dangerous—than any of us can fully understand."
Emma stares into the mirror one last time, her reflection looking back at her, now carrying the weight of a truth she's only just begun to uncover. Behind her reflection, Jimin's shadow lingers, distant yet ever-present, as if he's watching her from afar, waiting.
Emma steps back from the mirror, her mind racing. She can't stay here in this moment any longer. She has to find Jimin and confront him—find out what he's hiding, and why.
Emma:
(determined, her voice firm)
"I have to talk to him."
Professor McGonagall nods solemnly but doesn't try to stop her.
Professor McGonagall:
"Be careful, Emma. The path ahead is more dangerous than you realize."
Emma turns and walks out of the room, her heart pounding in her chest. The weight of the truth presses down on her, but there's something else now—something darker, lurking in the shadows. She knows she must confront Jimin, but deep down, she fears what she might find when she does.
As Emma makes her way through the winding halls of Hogwarts, the air around her seems to thrum with unseen magic, and the shadows grow longer, more sinister. Somewhere in the distance, she senses that Jimin is waiting for her—along with the truth he's been hiding all along.
Scene fades as Emma steps into the moonlit night, her fate intertwined with the dark secrets of her past, and the shadowy figure who may not be the ally she thought he was.
Can you think what jimin motive is?
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