Hey everyone. Kind of a short chapter but hey, it's progress lol hope you enjoy!
Harry laughed as Ron struggled in vain to calm Hermione down after once again insulting her 'muggle ways'. He, Hermione, Ron and Ginny were all relaxing outside in the beautiful summer day.
"Honestly, Ron. After you turn seventeen I'm almost positive you would be completely helpless if you weren't able to whip out your wand for every little thing." Hermione frowned as she shook her head, deciding to let it go yet again.
"Oh, Please, Hermione. I don't think it'd be that hard to brush my teeth without magic." Ron sighed, glad that he had been able to avoid the wrath of Hermione once again.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you couldn't." Ginny muttered under her breath as she lay in the grass next to Hermione.
Harry laughed as Ron glared at his oblivious younger sister. He spared a glance at Ginny, looking away quickly when he met her eyes, a light blush staining his cheeks as well as hers which thankfully went unnoticed by Ron. Harry looked to Hermione, who shot him a knowing glance, smirking as she leaned her head back, soaking up the sun. Harry let out a breath and thought of the day's events. Ever since breakfast they had seen neither hide nor hair of Evelyn, who had remained in her room unpacking throughout the morning, lunch, and so far most of the afternoon. Mrs. Weasley, of course, was helping her every step of the way, catering to her every need. It got on Harry's nerves, as much as he wished it wouldn't, because as much as he knew he shouldn't judge her, he couldn't get it out of his mind that she was the daughter of the monster who killed his parents.
Harry's attention was drawn back to his surroundings when he heard Mrs. Weasley's shrill yell, "Fred Weasley you get rid of that attitude mister or so help me!"
A door slammed, cutting off her rant as Fred stomped towards the four, plopping himself down on the ground next to Harry, glaring off into the distance. The twins had apparated to their shop in Diagon Alley shortly after breakfast, and the two had just returned for their mandatory dinner with the rest of the family.
"You alright, Fred?" Ron asked nervously.
"Oh I'm just peachy, Ron. Best I've felt in years." Fred said sarcastically then shook his head, "I honestly don't understand the woman. She's completely mental! How can she just trust her without even thinking about if she's on our side or not? And how can Dumbledore trust her? He must have lost his marbles completely to think we would all welcome her with open arms. Mum's completely mental."
"Fred, you haven't even spoken to…Evelyn." Hermione scolded, not looking at Fred.
"Oh and how much have you talked to her, Hermione? I don't see you sitting in her room with her chatting it up? Why does she even have her own room, huh? I had to share with George my entire life and I was here first!" Fred yelled.
"In the house?" Ginny asked.
"And on the planet!" Fred lay on the ground, covering his eyes with his forearm, "I mean really, why does she have to stay here of all places."
No one spoke, letting Fred calm down. Harry sighed and looked up to the house, scanning over the place he had been calling a second home since his second year at Hogwarts. As his eyes passed over the many windows on the side of the house in his view, he did a double take as a window in the middle of the house opened. Harry watched as Evelyn cautiously stretched her pale face out the window, closing her eyes and tilting her face towards the sun, a small smile gracing her face.
Evelyn lowered her face, eyes meeting with Harry. Her smile vanished as she stared back, caught off guard. With a small, almost unnoticeable smile Evelyn ducked back into the house shyly. Harry frowned as he turned back to the conversation that had started up again among the teens around him, which had now turned to Quidditch. Harry sighed, leaning back on his elbows as he joined into the conversation yet again.
A couple hours later, the six teens, George had joined them about a half hour after Fred had, made their way into the house for dinner. They sat down at the table, joined by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Fleur, and Charlie. The group passed around the meal, while Mrs. Weasley constantly looked up at the doorway, then back to the table a little disappointed.
Mrs. Weasley again chanced a glance at the doorway, this time smiling as she stood, "Evie, there you are. Come in, come in. Take a seat next to George and make yourself a plate."
Everyone's heads turned towards the doorway to see Evelyn look around the room shyly, her eyes landing on the empty chair near whom she assumed was George. Her eyes widened slightly, causing Harry to glance to where she was looking.
George's eyes narrowed, his face turning beet red. He glared at Evelyn as his mother cleared her throat, trying to get his attention. George glanced at his mother, whose face matched his own only more threatening. He frowned and stood, "I'm finished. I'll be headed back to the shop now. See you later everyone."
George pushed back his chair roughly, then stomped out of the kitchen, brushing into Evelyn who ducked out of his way almost fearfully.
"Oh don't let him bother you, Evelyn. You can…sit next to me." Hermione broke the silence, forcing a small smile on her face, receiving a proud smile from Mrs. Weasley.
Evelyn shook her head, "I'm sorry. I….I didn't mean to make him leave. I'll just go back to my room."
"Oh no, no, no, Sit, sit. You must be starving, dear." Mrs. Weasley started to stand.
"No, I'm fine. I just must have missed the bathroom. Thank you." Evelyn said timidly, before ducking out of the room.
Harry frowned, turning back to his meal as the dinner continued on silently. Harry chanced a glance at Mrs. Weasley's face, which had fallen as she pushed the food around on her plate, frowning in deep thought.
Harry yawned as he made his was down the familiar staircase, headed towards the kitchen later that night. Rubbing his eye, he glanced at a clock as he passed by, reading that it was 2 in the morning. Frowning, Harry stepped into the kitchen, headed towards the sink. As he passed the light switch he flipped it on and realized that he was not alone.
"Er, hi." Harry stammered as he stopped walking.
"Hi." Evelyn said quietly, pausing as she ate a bowl of cereal, "I'm sorry. I just got a little hungry."
Harry nodded, continuing to the sink and getting a glass out of one of the cabinets. Filling it with water, he took a sip then turned around and leaned back against the sink, "So, er, how are you?"
Evelyn looked surprised for a moment then recovered a couple seconds later, "Fine, thanks. How…how are you?"
"Fine." Harry answered, looking out the window to his side, not knowing exactly what to say.
Evelyn stood slowly, cautiously walking towards the sink and Harry. She lifted the bowl, shrugging her shoulders, and then placed it next to the sink at Harry's side, "Well, goodnight,"
Harry nodded as Evelyn left the kitchen. Turning around, he leaned his elbows against the counter and looked out the window. Taking a final sip of his water, Harry set his cup next to Evelyn's empty bowl. As he turned, something caught his eye in the garden. Glancing back out the window, Harry tried to make out the many dark shapes in the yard. After a few minutes of looking, he decided it was just a trick of the light, or maybe the wind. Shaking his head, Harry made his way back to his room.