So, I am totally nervous. I have most of this story written out on my laptop... but I still might be a little irregular with updates. It all depends on the muses... this is my first HP fanfic, I hope you like!

Don't forget to review, follow, and favorite!

She hadn't expected this would happen. After all, who would? It's not every day that you get delivered a letter, by an owl nonetheless, telling you you're a witch and are invited to attend a magic school. Not that she hadn't known she was a witch, being raised by a pureblood aunt with pureblood ideals. But Hogwarts? Really? That wasn't to say she wasn't excited, oh definitely not. But what was one to do when placed in her predicament. Evelina Riona didn't have any parents to explain things to her, or to guide her. Now not be mistaken, she loved her aunt and to be sure her aunt loved her back, but Cara Isolde was not the most maternal of women. She praised Evelina when she did something right, but was always stand-offish in the affection department. She even let Evelina keep her father's last name rather than changing it to match her own. But Evelina was alright with that. Then again, as far as anyone knew, Evelina was alright with everything.

===============================LINE BREAK===================================================================

Evelina couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. She was too happy to keep it in. She was usually a quiet girl, not shy, but not out going. She was an independent 11 year old with a heart of gold as her tutor described. Now she hadn't needed a tutor, she could have just gone to a muggle school, but her pureblood aunt was having none of that. Therein, she grew up in the world of magic. In fact she had walked along the streets of Diagon Alley many a time before, but never with such vigor and excitement. It was finally happening! She was finally going to Hogwarts! She grinned once more as she was swept up in the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. She passed a large family of red heads who looked just as excited as she felt. She and her aunt, who was busy shooting rather degrading looks at certain families, were making their way to Ollivanders to get her wand, then to get her potions supplies, books, and robes. After all that they were set to meet up with her cousin Draco and his family. She allowed herself one more silent shriek of excitement before entering the shop. As soon as she entered she felt rather calm, as though she was in bed after a long day of schoolwork. The master of the shop, Mr. Ollivander himself, couldn't help but grin as he saw the new child enter his store. He loved this time of year. Not only was it good for business but he was always exited to find what each challenge held for him. True some children were simple, like that Malfoy boy, but… some were not. Especially Mister Potter. He shook his self from his thoughts and approached his customers. Evelina felt her aunt stiffen and the hand on her shoulder tighten. She studied the man in front of her. He was tall and elderly with eyes like a dusty Sickle that felt like they were starting straight into her soul. And she couldn't help but stare back. Mr. Ollivander was shocked, though he hid it from his face. Most children were scared by him, even some adults were. But this little girl merely looked on at him with curiosity, and a glimmer of – was that… determination? - in her eyes. After holding her gaze for a few minutes he looked up at the woman standing by the girl with a look of miserableness in her eyes as if she would rather run down the streets of London bare naked with nothing but a fez on her head and a bowtie around her neck than be there a moment longer. He grinned dreamily at her and began,

"Welcome to Ollivanders! I am Mr. Ollivander, and you must be looking for a wand," he said pointing at the strange little girl in front of him, then continued pointing at the straight backed woman, "I remember you. Elm, dragon heartstring, 12 ½ inches, and quite rigid if I remember correctly, as I always do. Cara Mirrin, right?"

"It's Cara Isolde now." She replied shifting uncomfortably. He nodded the dreamy smile before turning his attention back to the curious young girl that caught his attention.

"And this must be your-"

"Niece." She interrupted. The girl smiled tightly at this before returning his gaze.

"My name is Evelina. Evelina Riona." She replied to the unanswered question.

"Curiouser and curiouser." He murmured. She was about to ask what was so curious when he abruptly turned on his heel and strutted to his shelves. With a flourish he pulled out a long black box and carried it over to the girl.

"Apple, unicorn hair, 10 inches, and quite supple. Give it a swish!" he prodded. When she did however, it wasn't quite such a good idea. In fact she knocked half the boxes off one of his many shelves on the floor. He shook his head quite quickly and snatched the wand from her hand. This went on for about an hour. By then end of it half of Mr. Ollivanders entire stock was on the floor, Mr. Ollivander, the wand master himself, was very confused, and Evelina's arm was very sore. Garrick Ollivander, for once in his life, was lost. He'd tried everything he could think of… when suddenly a terrible thought popped up in his mind. He quickly turned and headed to the very back of his store and grabbed one of the boxes from his private collection. He then returned to the very confusing girl. She watched him approach her with a very grim look on his face. He was carrying a black box as though it was an animal carcass that his cat dragged in. He opened his mouth and began, his voice rather wobbly.

"This is one wand I hoped would never have to see the light of day. One of my father's last creations. The wand is made from the wood of a dying elder tree, a core of the last phoenix feather plucked from one who is about to be reborn, 14 inches, not flexible, however not stiff. It could either be greatest wand that Light side ever saw, or the greatest for the Dark side. It all depends on the wizard. Give it a swish." She did so and a bright light shone from the top of the wand blinding everyone in the room. When the light subsided Evelina met Mr. Ollivanders eyes with a look of shock. However he simply nodded his head stiffly.

"That wand is free of charge. I am glad to be rid of it." He said before turning away and walking back to his office. Evelina observed her new wand. It was a dark brown colour with beautiful Celtic swirls engraved on the sides of it. It had a rounded end and at the bottom a picture of a dying flower. To be sure the wand was gorgeous. Evelina just didn't understand. How could something so beautiful be so horrible?

==============================================LINE BREAK=======================================================

After they had gotten the rest of her school supplies they headed to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch with her cousins, the Malfoys. She grinned at her cousin Draco as soon as she saw him. He has grown over the summer, at least a good foot. He grinned back but quickly stopped when he saw the look on his father's face.

"Hello Uncle Lucius, Aunt Narcissa. How are you today?" She said politely. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her Aunt Cara nod to show she approved of her manners. Her Uncle gave her short nod, but her Aunt Narcissa gave her a sweet smile. Although her Aunt could be rather rude to Muggles and Muggle Born and well, anything or anyone related to Muggles, she always had her heart in the right place when it came to family.

"Hello darling, hello sister. I'm doing quite well today. Did you get everything you need?" Aunt Cara smiled and replied,

"Yes. I'm sorry we're late, getting her wand took longer than expected."

"That's strange. It only took Draco around 10 minutes to find his wand." She said with a confused smile. Evelina and her Aunt exchanged glances.

"It's probably just because her wand arm is shorter than Draco's." Her aunt said with a pleasant smile. Her other Aunt nodded but still looked slightly confused.

"Can we eat now?" Her Uncle drawled. Both women shook their heads before each taking a seat on the opposite side of her Uncle. Evelina slid in next to Draco with a smile gracing her features.

"Hello Draco. How are you today?"

"Fine." He sneered. When she looked at him slightly offended and hurt, he quickly changed his tune.

"Sorry," he murmured, "You know how it is." She nodded but couldn't help the sad look that crossed her features. She loved her family but she couldn't help but strongly dislike her Uncle for how he treated Draco. But Draco would be leaving him for a whole school year. Maybe she could help Draco smile once more.