Spoiled brats and broken toys
Chapter 4: breakdown letters
Author's note: someone asked me how Evangeline knew she would be in Slytherin so fast and how Sirius and Delilah thought she wouldn't fit in slytherin. To answer those questions, you'll have to wait a bit. This will be explained in chapter 10 or 12 depending on how I adjust the chapters. Same with the sudden change of personality .
Dad, wherever you are, you are gone but you will never be forgotten.
Conrad Hall
'wasn't that a bit harsh Evan?' When the brown haired girl sat back down next to her blond friend she shook her head 'not at all. I did help him out so wanted something in return' she shrugged her shoulders. 'well if you say so… anyway. I've been meaning to ask. Why do you still talk to me? I've heard about the rivalry between het lions and snakes so it's a bit weird' Delilah scratched her cheek lightly with a sheepish grin on her face. 'hmm, well I guess since you where to first friend I made here in England. That and you're not that bad for a Gryffindor.' She winked at her friend.
While walking to breakfast on Monday Annabel and Evangeline where discussing their transfiguration essay. 'I don't know how you did it Eve, I was working on it way past curfew.' The dark haired girl pouted. 'well Annabell, I actually do my schoolwork on time so I don't have to make it the day before it's due. You should try it too. Much more free time in the weekends...' the two girls took a seat at the slytherin table still talking about school work. 'seriously it surprises me you aren't a Ravenclaw.' Annabell said shaking her head. 'But I can't say you don't fit into slytherin. Such a manipulative creature you are' she smiled and patted Evangeline's shoulder.
'Hey Snape! How's my essay going, I do need it tomorrow you know.' The green eyes of the girl that stood before him twinkled in delight. The poor second year had heard rumours about the small girl and despite not feeling like doing her work, he still did it. 'I'll give it to you in the common room but this won't happen a second time." She giggled. "well than, don't let me catch you and the marauders in an escalating argument" and with that the young girl walked away, her long hair bouncing a little with her steps. She really was something, one week at Hogwarts and already a little vixen working her way up.
'hey Sirius' the black haired boy and his friends looked at the short girl walking up to them with a big smile on her face. 'Guess what, I got a letter from our mothers this morning, I get to stay with you during Christmas break. Oh and hi Remus' she waved briefly at said blond boy. 'eh? Really now? Oh joy, stuck with the little snake for two weeks' he winked and give her a pat on the head. 'say, do you think we could go to the lake after Fridays classes? I do quite miss you, you know? ' he looked at James before nodding. 'jeah sure, under the tree?' she smiled 'Yeah thanks Sirius. Now bye bye'
Evangeline couldn't say she liked the Marauders, Remus was tolerable since most of the time he was reading, Sirius,... well he IS her cousin. But then there was Pettigrew, the short plump boy was uncertain, nothing like a true Gryffindor. He did everything to get Potter's acceptance in the group and. Then James Potter, the leader. He is arrogant, always thinking he's the best, pulling pranks on the slytherins or hufflepuffs. But still one of the favourite students.
That night when most of the slytherins where in their bed, Evangeline reread the letter from her mother just so she could feel close to her once again.
Dear Evangeline
I'm so proud you got sorted in Slytherin, I'm sure you will do very well in this house. After all Edward and I were snakes once to. I am very glad to know that you have already made friends with several people. All from respectable families I hope? If not... I can't say I wouldn't be a bit disappointed but if my little girl deems them worthy the attention then I will accept that. As to your question of how my new job is going... It is ok, though the downside is that I cannot talk about it. Though I can say that I work at the department of mysteries.
Would you mind staying with Walburga and Orion again during Christmas break hunny? I won't be able to come home since I have an appointment in Russia But I will be there for Christmas after which you will come with me to Russia for 3 days.
Don't be a stranger to your mother and write me. Alright deary.
Much love Apollonia Everbright
The girl sighed, this was clearly a rushed letter, was her job that hard? Evangeline took out a piece of parchment and her quill before writing her response.
Dearest mother,
I am pleased to say that my school work is going well,
my charms are fantastic, I have already mastered the levitation spell. DADA is being taught by professor Drayson and I speak for many people now: He can't teach. He practically reads the book out loud for us, there is no way that we will learn anything. I don't think I have to tell you how history of magic is going since it is still taught by professor Binns and as you know he has a horrid monotonous voice. Professor Slughorn really likes me and on top of that he is my head of house so I frequently earn us some house points. Speaking of potions. I have found a boy that will be helping me with my potions work. Apparently he is the best in his year so I was wondering if you could send me a bag of galleons to pay the boy. I can't just let him teach me without giving him something in return now can I?
Going away from schoolwork, I have indeed made quite a few friends. Mulciber and Avery, the Rivers brothers and Annabell Harthrown who I share a dorm with. At first I made it my job to annoying Nate and Joshua Rivers but during the week I noticed that they are actually good company, they even helped me with my transfiguration homework ... which should be kept a secret from Annabell.
Indeed you were right when you said I would do good in Slytherin. They may be arrogant and manipulative but once you make a friend they stay with you until you prove them unworthy.
Much love your daughter Evangeline Everbright
Ps. Give dad a hug from me
could you send me some peppermint imps and sugar quills with those Galleons please?
She read the letter over, noting the mistake of mentioning her father. After a whole summer of pretending, She did finally realise that she missed Edward Everbright. His hugs, goodnight kisses, a kiss on the forehead when he had to leave, the twinkling in his eyes when she told him of her backyard adventures, how she tormented her nannies with accidental magic. Her very first trip to the French capital was with him, looking for a present for Apollonia. Whenever he was in his study she would sit next to him to watch him work. From boring paperwork to potions research. He was a good father, no matter how busy, he would make some time for his little girl.
While her mother was working at the French ministry Edward tried to stay home and look after Evangeline as much as he could. Thinking back about it. He was the better parent. Her mother did love her, very much even but was too busy to properly care for her. Edward tried to take her out of the mansion, sometimes for a walk, sometimes to visit his parents who lived in Walloons, the French speaking part of Belgium.
When the other death eaters had killed him, she was in her room reading a book: Alice in Wonderland, even though it was a muggle book, she liked the story, her grandmother had given it to her last year. Saying that 'what we believe to be dreams aren't necessarily untrue.' Even now, she did believe everything was just a dream, that she would wake up one day in her own bed in France, looking at the drapes that covered her windows. That Twinkle her house elf would lay out her clothes, help her get dressed and would escort her downstairs to the greenhouse where she would have breakfast with her parents . drinking tea with her nanny Madame Courtoise. That late at night she would hear 2 voices say 'Je t'aime mon ange' (I love you my angel) and she would smile when the door closed.
At times when her mother and father were gone for a week, she would lock herself in her room not wanting to come out unless her parents where there. Being the spoiled brat she was, they quickly realised that giving her things in return helped and so it started. Every time they would leave for a longer period her father would come in her room with a present behind his back. Sometimes a new dress, or an expensive book, a broomstick...
Last summer her father entered her room, not with a smile but with a serious face. Evangeline put down her book and made room on the sofa for Edward too sit. 'Chérie, your father will be gone for a while.' She knew that when they came in with a box that meant they would be gone but never had they said it. 'to where papa?' he smiled at her curiosity. 'well darling, let's just say I won't be far away alright? And besides , your mother will be here.' His eyes darkened a bit when he mentioned that he won't be far. 'but love, close your eyes for a bit alright?' she did as she was told and soon felt a cold and heavy weight resting on her collarbone. 'you can open your eyes now. Go look in the mirror' and that she did. She ran over to the vanity and looked in the mirror. A silver locket hung from her slender neck a dark blue stone in the middle. 'Will you promise me you won't take it off?' she nodded and hugged her father not knowing it was the last hug she could give him. That same night after her mother had given her a goodnight kiss, her father lingered a bit in the room looking at his little angel.
Yes, she did miss him... a lot. A tear slid down her cheek but she was quick to recover and wipe away any tears that where left. Not knowing someone had seen this display of weakness.
extra note:
I do in fact know how it feels to lose your father hence why I describe it like this. Pretending it never happened is the hardest thing to do but once you realise it really did happen you can move on and start a new life.