I Do Not Own Harry Potter.

Wow! You guys are great!
GenJewel: I'm glad that you're enjoying the story.
JSSumner: Thank you so much for the compliment! Don't think too much on the grammar, though. I have a rockin' beta reader and she catches so much stuff for me. I'm sure that you have seen a bit more of Severus since you've reviewed. I try and round out the characters as much as I can, but I sometimes get caught up on thinking 'What would Harry do?' or 'That's something Hermione would say.' I hope the story is shaping up to your expectations.
Princess Evening Star: Thanks for the review. I hope you enjoy the updates.
This Time Imperfect: Have I told you that you ROCK? Well, you do! I love your reviews. Yes, the fic is done, but I'm doing some tweaking to it. I have decided to add a chapter after changing the content of another. I thought that there were some things that needed to be cleared up and put out in the open before I start working on the sequel. Keep reviewing.
Cory3: Thanks for the advice. How do I "link" a chapter? I put the appropriate rating on it though, and it's not something that you wouldn't see in theatres (and that's the criteria they're using for the ratings).
PantherS: I'm glad that you liked the fic, despite "the one part." Thanks so much for the compliment. (Just got your other review) The idea kind of came from a friend. She teased that I couldn't write a story with Professor Snape having a daughter that came back out of the blue. She teased for about three months before I got fed up and finally started writing this. Thanks for thinking it's good. I kind of have doubts about my writing at times.
Silent Midnight: I'm glad you like my original character. I do agree that sometimes the orig. characters take over the story, but I purposefully made Eva so that she would interact with the existing characters.
polaris87: Glad you've liked the story so far. I wouldn't go so far as saying I was a genius, but thanks for the compliment of my abilities. I love to write and I'm glad that people enjoy reading my work.
csferosha: I would like to thank you for your suggestion of responding to the reviewers. I didn't know how to. (I'd seen other authors post notes in the beginning of the chapters, but I wasn't sure if readers enjoyed that.) I'm on another site and that allows me to email the reviewer right back, but fanfiction.net doesn't seem to do that. Anyhoo, I'm so glad that you're enjoying the story. The last chapter was a bit more than just a shared dream, which you will soon learn more about. (I'm kind of like Rowling, in that if I mention something, I like to explain it.) I know that Harry was kind of OOC in that scene, but I would like to think that ANY guy who saw Snape in such a state of anger would have cowered. I mean, you're in bed with his daughter. What Dad would not want to chop your thing off? Uhm, I think I got everything, if I didn't please let me know and I'll email you personally to answer any and all questions (including ones about UCLA).
Arien Llethmiel: What can I say? You are a great reviewer. I really appreciate your comments and suggestions. I think I emailed you about Eva's character, but I'll just say it here so everyone knows. Yes, Eva is a bit of a goody-two-shoes, but she's based on me (kind of). I am what you would call an 'old soul,' which is what Eva needs to be. If you remember Severus' conversation with Narcissa, Eva has the wisdom of a long line of Healers. She has the added benefit of thousands of years of life, maybe not her own life, but life nonetheless. It's something special, like Neville would say, "It's a gift and a curse."

I would just like to thank you all for reviewing this fic. I really appreciate you all for doing so. I hope you continue enjoying it as I continue posting it. Please ask any questions that are plaguing you. I have no problem with answering them. If you would like me to email you back, let me know and I will. I'll stop babbling now and let you get on with the story. Happy Reading! Mattie :o)
P.S. Just so you know, the updates are going to stop for just a few days. I'm in the middle of finals and it's kind of hard to find time for it. I'm also revising a chapter, as I said before, and adding a new one that will explain some issues that came to mind.

Eva's recovery was progressing better than the Healers anticipated. Besides some soreness from her chest wound, her left arm still being in a sling, and stiffness in her legs, she'd completely recovered. The Longbottoms had been allowed to visit her and they had not stopped thanking her from the moment they walked into the room. Severus and Saveage had not been forgotten in the thanks either. Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom had been munificent in their praises for their rearing of Eva. Saveage took the compliments in stride and Severus just gave them what he must have thought passed for a smile.

They had left her a wonderful bouquet of wildflowers, which for some reason unknown to them, had caused her to blush and a huge box of chocolates. They promised to call again before she was released and left her with her parents.

The day before her release, Saturday, Albus Dumbledore came to pay her a visit. His usual calm and cheerful demeanor was not present; instead he looked very serious and somber indeed. Eva knew that whatever he had to say was not something she was going to like.

"How are you feeling, Eva?" he asked.

"I'm doing well, Headmaster, thank you," she replied.

Saveage offered the man a cup of tea, but he declined. "I believe that it would be best if we just speak with Eva without further ado. She really should have been told long before this."

Eva eyed her parents suspiciously. "What should I have been told?"

"The reason you're staying at Hogwarts and not with your mother," said Albus.

"Mum? Dad?" said Eva in a confused tone.

"We wanted to tell you sooner, but things just kept on happening," explained Saveage. "What you did for the Longbottom's just shook me enough to make up my mind that you were mature enough to handle this."

"Handle what?" she asked.

"Eva, did you hear anything of the conversation your grandparents were having with the Death Eaters, the day of their murder?" asked Severus.

"Not a whole lot. Grandfather said that he'd already given them his answer and that he would not let them have her, whoever 'she' was. Grandmama looked so distressed; I'd never seen her like that before. Why do you want to know?"

"Eva," began Saveage. "Your grandfather had been in negotiations with the Death Eaters for a pay-off. He'd had problems with them before You-Know-Who's last fall and he didn't want to go through what he did last time. He thought all they wanted from him was money."

Eva did not really understand what her mother was trying to tell her. "Is that why he took you and Grandmama to America before I was born?"

"Yes, partly," said Saveage. She'd obviously not told the situation clearly enough. She turned to Severus.

"Eva, do you remember what I told you about your Mother and Lucius Malfoy?"

Eva nodded and Saveage turned around quickly. "Draco and I talked about it last Saturday while he was here," said Eva.

"Your grandfather received a proposition similar to the one your mother was given. An offer for your hand," said Severus.

"From a Death Eater?" asked Eva disgusted.

Albus smiled at the two adults trying to let Eva know the severity of the situation as gently as possible, but really confusing the girl more than was necessary. "If I may?" he said.

Oh great, thought Eva, he talks in riddles more than these two have been.

"What your parents have been trying to tell you is that Voldemort has been making offers for your hand in marriage."

Eva did not think she heard the man correctly. "I'm sorry?"

"You heard correctly, child. Voldemort was hounding your grandfather for the six months preceding his death. He'd been refusing to give you up; which is what he was reiterating when you saw their murder. Unfortunately, Voldemort has not given up on his quest for you, which is why your mother had to go in hiding and you must remain at Hogwarts. It is the safest place for you."

Eva's mind was reeling from the information the Headmaster had just given her. The words made sense, she knew she was in danger, but the true meaning just didn't seem to be sinking in. "How? Why me?" she finally asked.

Severus sat on the bed next to her. "Eva, your gifts are very rare and powerful; the Dark Lord would do anything to get them on his side."

Eva looked at her father. He was spying for the good side. He should know more about this situation than anyone. "How long did you know about this?" she asked weakly.

Severus dropped the hand he'd been holding and looked down. "I was completely in the dark about this plan. Apparently, because he had such a close tie with your family, Lucius had been given the task of talking with your grandfather. When he was sent to Azkaban, different Eaters were assigned to the plan. I was never told about it."

Eva squeezed his hand and gave him a crooked smile. She did not know what she was feeling yet, but she wanted him to know that she did not blame him for anything.

"Are you alright, Eva? Do you have any questions?" asked Dumbledore.

"No . . . um, yes . . . I think." Eva was not quite sure she would be able to string words together coherently enough for the questions to come out.

Albus looked at the young lady and decided it would probably be easier for her to deal with only one person. "I would like to ask your permission to answer any and all questions that Eva has pertaining to this situation."

Saveage exhaled in relief, she was not sure she would have been able to answer any of the questions Eva would ask. She nodded at the Headmaster and left the room with Severus.

"Anything come to mind yet?" asked Albus.

"One thing, why does he want to marry me and not just take me as a follower?"

Albus smiled, she always had her head firmly on her shoulders. "You see, Eva, your powers are hereditary. There is no doubt that any child you have would be extremely gifted. Energy Healers require more than just magical parents, but Voldemort does not know that. It is his hope to use you and your gift to regenerate his followers after battles. As your husband he would have the added benefit of very powerful offspring."

"Offspring? He wants to . . ?" Eva visibly gagged and Albus conjured a bucket for her. She heaved a few times, but eventually controlled herself. "Merlin," breathed Eva. "This is why all the professors have been watching me, isn't it?"

"Yes, Eva. Your mother placed your life in my hands and I have tried to do everything to keep you safe. Hogwarts is the safest place for you, but as you might learn from Harry, it is not foolproof. There are ways to enter and we must guard you against any of them."

"I'm a prisoner," whispered Eva. Reality was beginning to sink in and it weighed heavily upon her.

Albus could see the invisible weight fall on the young woman's shoulders. "You must not think negatively, Eva. Keep a good cheer. This will pass and you will once again be safe and happy in your family home."

"My family home?"

"Yes, I have had members of the Order rebuilding the wards around your home and placing some stronger ones as well. It may not be too long before you and your mother are able to return."

The thought cheered Eva somewhat and she gave the Headmaster a small smile.

"That's the spirit. We must always remember that our present situation is not permanent." He patted Eva's leg and walked towards the door.

Eva waited for her parents to return, but was surprised that she was glad they did not enter the room. Professor Dumbledore must have told them to give her some time to adjust to the news she'd been given. She needed the time and took advantage of her parents' absence.

Eva thought about her situation and felt an anger well up inside of her that she had never felt before. It was not fair that all this should happen to her. She'd never asked to be an Energy Healer; it had just fallen upon her. She'd never wanted to go to Hogwarts; it was just forced upon her. Others were making decisions she should have been making for herself and she did not like it. Eva sniffed and wiped at her face. There was nothing she could do about any of this. Things that she had no knowledge of were now coming out in the open and she felt her strength to fight back drip out of her, little by little.

Eva returned to Hogwarts on Monday. She walked into the Great Hall amongst great applause from the Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors. Neville had jumped out of his seat and hugged her. Severus had to pry the boy's arms away from Eva before he let go. Eva just smiled at him and mouthed 'See you in class.'

At her table she received a cold welcome. Nothing she had not expected. There were only a few first years that greeted her kindly and looked at her like a wounded battle hero. Draco actually surprised her by walking to her as she made her way to the table and offering his arm in assistance. She gratefully took it and he sat next to her during the meal, forsaking his friends at the other end of the table.

As she made her way towards the Potions classroom in the dungeons she tripped and would have fallen, had not Seamus Finnigan caught her before she hit the ground. Eva thought she had seen Pansy Parkinson's foot slightly move from out of her robes right as Eva was passing her. Eva turned on the girl and gave her a look that would have killed an elephant. Pansy simply smirked and raised her eyebrows. Eva heard someone clearing their throat behind her. She closed her eyes in irritation. She knew her father was standing behind her and he had reminded Eva of her punishment on the way to school that morning.

"I'm sorry, Pansy, I did not see you. Are you alright?" Eva ground out between clenched teeth and a fake smile.

Everyone around them was watching in shock. They had never seen a rivalry like the one between Pansy and Eva, except for Draco and Harry. They had expected Eva to at least yell at Pansy for trying to trip her.

Pansy just smiled at Eva in triumph and pushed past her. Eva followed and threw her father a seething glare. Eva dropped her bag next to her and Neville's cauldron and pulled out her textbook, rather awkwardly.

"You okay, Eva?" asked Neville.

Eva sighed and sat down. "I'm fine, Neville. Thanks. I think you're going to have to do all the cutting for a while. I'm right handed, but it's hard to do things with one arm."

"No problem."

Neville and Eva set to work. He'd fallen behind in the class since she'd been gone, but was soon back on track with her there. They were still a few days behind everyone else, but at least they were making progress. Neville cleaned up for them and helped Eva get her bag onto her shoulder.

As Eva was walking towards the door, Pansy pushed into the walkway between the desks, her backpack connecting with Eva's chest. A searing pain shot through Eva and she hissed. She fell back into one of the desks and tried to catch her breath. "Bloody hell!" Her bag fell to the floor as she doubled over in pain. She felt a hand on her shoulder and opened her eyes to see a polished pair of dress shoes.

"Are you okay?" asked Draco in concern.

Eva shook her head. "Can you go in the corridor and call my father?" she asked. She tried to hold back the tears that were coming to her eyes. She shut her eyes and waited for her father to come back.

"Eva? What happened?" he asked.

"My good friend Pansy Parkinson misjudged the distance between my chest and her bag. Do you have a pain potion that will not make me drowsy?" she asked.

Severus' face clouded with guilt for a split second. He walked to his store cabinet and pulled out a vial of clear liquid. He handed it to her and watched her take it in one go. "I will have a talk with Miss Parkinson."

"Why?" spat Eva. "This was your idea in the first place." She bent to pick up her bag, but Draco grabbed it for her.

"I'll walk with you to Care of Magical Creatures." He shouldered Eva's bag with his own and put his hand on the small of her back.

Severus watched as Draco left the dungeons with his daughter. He was beginning to think that his idea about Pansy was not going to work. He sat down on a stool and put his head in his hands. He would have a talk with Miss Parkinson and let her know just how much he cared for her kind of friendship towards his daughter. There was only so far he would allow her to go.

Draco walked Eva to all of her classes that day and for the rest of the week. She'd had fewer run-ins with Pansy when he was there. It appeared the Pansy was still trying to win the heart of one Draco Malfoy and if she had to be nice to Eva to do it, she would.

Valentine's Day was on Friday and Eva was depressed. Draco had asked her to be his valentine and she'd agreed, but only half-heartedly. She had hoped and prayed that Harry would ask her, but she knew deep inside that it wasn't going to happen. Pansy had been furious about it and had shown her displeasure by beginning a rumor that Eva had slept with half the boys of their year in Slytherin. Eva had just shrugged it off and told Draco not to worry about it. She'd been propositioned by a few boys in the hall and had simply laughed in their faces.

Draco had planned a whole day for them in Hogsmeade on Saturday. He wanted to have a nice day like they used to have when they were younger. He knocked on her door at eight in the morning and waited for her while she finished getting ready. He had to help her with the buttons of her blouse before they were able to go down to have breakfast in the Great Hall.

Professor Dumbledore had charmed the candles to look like cherubs and every once in a while they would burst into sparks that would then turn into confetti shaped like hearts. Eva was glad that he'd not made them appear and disappear above the students like the mistletoe for Christmas; she'd hate to have confetti in her mouth.

Breakfast was great until Eva looked up and saw Harry enter the Hall with Ron and Hermione. The smile that she'd had fell instantly as she watched him laugh at something that one of his friends had said. She saw him look up in her direction and she felt something stir in her stomach, like dragons had started flying within her. A flash of the dream she'd had while in the hospital came to her and she blushed. She was perplexed when Harry did the same.

Draco nudged her in the ribs and nodded his head in the direction of the Head Table. Severus was looking at her sternly and she looked down at her plate. Draco put his arm around her and whispered, "Let's get going to Hogsmeade. I don't want to be trampled when everyone else leaves."

Eva nodded and rose from the table. She walked to Hogsmeade hand in hand with Draco and was surprised at how easily they had fallen back into their roles as friends. She'd thought that it would be very awkward when they were together again. She was glad that he had not been insulted when she told him that she wouldn't be able to marry him.

He took her to Honeydukes' first and she had a ball picking out all her favorite sweets. She had her pockets full of candy when they exited into the now crowded street. Draco pulled her close and did his best to shield her from anything that could hurt her. Eva was glad that he was there; she would probably have lasted only a few minutes alone before running into something or someone.

They walked around the town a bit before they entered Scrivenshaft's. Eva picked up some sealing wax and the peacock quill that she had admired he first time in the shop. Draco bought an exceedingly expensive phoenix quill and a bottle of ink to match.

"You know, you don't have to impress me with your money," teased Eva. "I already know that you're loaded."

Draco laughed and paid for his things. He led her to the far side of the town and entered a little teashop that was not frequented by many of the students. He had reserved a booth in the back for them. The shop was already filled with couples, many of which were already lip-locked. The owner led them to a secluded booth in the corner that afforded the two teens with a decent amount of privacy.

"Yet another show of opulence. Really Mr. Malfoy, you shouldn't have gone through all this trouble for little ol' me," Eva said in her best American South accent.

Draco laughed at the impression. "It's not all for you. I wanted to talk and I didn't want everyone to hear our conversation." He gave the waitress their order and turned back to her.

"What did you want to talk about?" she asked as she rested her arm on the table. "Do you mind?" she asked motioning to her arm.

"Not at all. Do you want something soft to put it on?"

"No, this is fine, thanks."

Draco nodded and took a deep breath. "I've been thinking a lot about what you did in St. Mungo's."

"And what have you concluded?"

"Nothing really, besides the fact that you're bloody brilliant."

"Thank you," she said.

"I was actually wondering . . ."

"What?"

"Why did you do it, Rave?" He turned to her with a look that clearly showed he did not understand what would motivate her to do what she did.

Eva looked at Draco with the same bewilderment she saw in his eyes. How could he not understand? "Drake, Neville is my friend. I wanted to help him."

"But you could have been killed!"

Eva looked down at the arm lying on the table and moved her hand to the scar that was on her chest. The Healers said that they were not sure if it would heal. "Drake, it's not easy to explain this unless you really understand what it means to be a friend."

"I know what it's like to be a friend, Rave. When I saw you after those Stunners, I wished with everything I had that it would have been me who had taken them."

"You would have put yourself in harm's way to make sure that I was okay," said Eva.

"Without a doubt."

"You just answered your own question, Drake." Eva smiled at him and put a hand on his cheek. "I have a gift that allowed me to help Neville in a way that no other could. I cared about him enough, as a friend, to do what I could to make sure he was happy. I wish I could have seen his reunion with his parents, but at least I know it was a happy reunion."

Draco was silent for a moment before asking Eva his next question. "Why did you get in between us?"

"Because you are all my friends."

"But Granger is a mudblood!" he blurted.

Eva's eyes turned a dangerous shade of dark blue. "I will thank you to watch your language," she hissed.

"Sorry, but that's what she is, whether you want to think so or not."

Eva exhaled and tried to control her temper. It was getting harder and harder to keep her emotions in check lately. "I know that Hermione is a Muggle-born witch, but that does not mean that she is an inferior one. She is just as talented, in many cases even more so, than any of the girls in school. She is a beautiful woman inside and out and she is my friend. I would be very happy if all of my friends could get along."

Draco did not respond to her comment about Hermione being pretty, but he could say something about being friends with Gryffindors. "The day you become Minister of Magic is the day I will be friends with a mud - ggle-born."

Eva sighed, at least she got him to stop calling Hermione a mudblood. She smiled at the waitress that brought their tea. She took the opportunity to look around and saw that they were the only couple in the shop not to be attached at the lips. She almost choked on her tea.

"Too hot?" asked Draco.

Eva shook her head. "Did you notice that all these people are sewn together at the lips?" she asked him.

"Yeah, it's actually good for us. They're to absorbed in trying to swallow each other's tongues to worry about what we're saying."

Eva giggled and sipped her tea again. "Any more questions?"

Draco shook his head. "I still don't know why you did it."

"You know why, Drake. Deep down you know. You're just so wrapped up being Draco Malfoy Bad Ass that you forgot how nice you really are."

"Did you just call me a bad ass?"

"I believe I did," said Eva.

They both laughed at the joke and continued their pleasant conversation. It wasn't until the waitress came back with another pot of tea and asked if they wanted lunch that Draco broached another subject that had been on his mind.

"Eva?"

"Yeah?" she asked, prying her eyes away from a rather enthusiastic couple across the room and removing her arm from the table.

"You know what we talked about at St. Mungo's?" he asked.

"Mmhmm," she said as she took a sip of tea.

"Well, I was wondering," Draco cleared his throat. "Would you mind . . . Could we just . . . Damn, this is harder than I thought."

"Just ask, Drake. I won't get mad."

Draco studied her a bit before taking a deep breath. "Would you kiss me?"

Eva was a bit shocked at his question. She'd not been expecting that one.

"I just want one kiss before I let you go. I really need it for my peace of mind. I wouldn't ask if I thought I could move on without it."

Eva smiled and touched his hand with her own. "Drake, if it will make you feel better then, yes, I will."

Draco smiled nervously and placed his hand behind Eva's head. Eva closed her eyes and waited for Draco to touch his lips to hers. She was surprised at how warm his lips felt. She knew it was only fair that she kiss back so she opened her mouth to let his tongue dance with hers. She couldn't help but think about the dream she'd had of Harry in the meadow. His tongue had felt silkier than Draco's and he'd tasted of the Chocolate Frogs that he so loved to eat. Eva felt Draco pull away and opened her eyes.

"Thank you, Rave," he said.

"Anything for a frie-" Something had caught her eye at the front of the shop. She turned her head and saw Harry Potter standing at the door with Hermione, Ron, Neville and Ginny. "Harry," she breathed.

The dark-haired boy turned and slammed through the door. Eva stood to follow him, but felt Draco's hand on her wrist. "Your father is in town. He'll know if you talk to Potter."

Eva sat back down heavily. She had never been so angry with her father as she was now.

The remaining Gryffindors, save Hermione, walked out of the shop to make sure Harry was alright. Hermione made her way to the booth Eva was sitting at. She slid in next to the girl and nodded her head towards Draco before turning her attention to Eva.

"He's going to hate me," she told Hermione.

"He won't hate you, Eva. He's probably just upset about what he saw."

Eva put her head on the table and breathed deep. "My life just keeps getting better," she said under her breath.

The waitress came with their food and Eva just looked at her plate. "Merlin, I could go for a nice double cheeseburger with large fries and the biggest shake known to wizard."

Hermione's stomach growled in response. "I guess my stomach agrees with you," she teased.

Eva smiled and scooted the plate between them. "We'll share," she said.

"Nonsense," said Draco. He called the waitress over. "Go ahead and get anything you'd like."

Hermione was too shocked to answer so Eva just asked the waitress for what she'd ordered. When the young woman left she whispered to Hermione, "I told you he was nice."

Hermione seemed to snap out of her shock and smiled at Draco. "Thank you, that was very kind."

Draco just nodded. Eva was worried that she was going to have to be the intermediary for these two; neither had a very high opinion of the other. She was pleasantly surprised to find them all having a rather pleasant conversation. They finished their meal and Hermione excused herself from the booth to go find her friends. "He'll be fine, Eva. I'll talk to him."

"Thank you, Hermione."

"Have a pleasant day, Miss Granger," said Draco.

"Thank you. You do the same, Mr. Malfoy."

Eva turned to Draco. "Miss Granger?"

"I'm trying, Eva."

"I know and I thank you for it, but the formalities are really not necessary. It's not like we work together, we're just students. Drop the 'Miss,' she's Hermione."

Draco rolled his eyes. He had no intention of even talking to Hermione Granger unless he absolutely had to. He paid their tab and they walked onto the streets of Hogsmeade. They began a stroll through the streets, but halfway through they felt like they were being followed.

Draco pulled Eva closer by wrapping his arm around her waist. Eva tried to peek over his shoulder to see who it was. She caught a glimpse of someone's robe flutter into the alley they had just passed.

"It's a student," whispered Eva.

"Parkinson," hissed Draco.

Eva was not surprised by Draco's conclusion. She figured that Pansy would do something today. She'd been losing to Eva constantly when it came to Draco. But not even Eva thought she would be stupid enough to do something in the light of day.

"Drake, let's get back to the castle. I don't think she'll do anything out in the open. Let's just leave her here."

Draco nodded and looked up. "I think it might start raining too. It's best you stay warm." He led Eva towards the school gates, but stopped when he saw Professor Snape come out of the pharmaceutical shop and Hermione Granger and her friends walking towards them at the same time.

He knew that Eva would be in serious trouble if her father saw her talking to the Gryffindors. She was miserable enough as it was. He tried to find a way out of the situation, but could not see one that did not involve going pass the Gryffindors. "Just keep moving, Eva," he whispered in her ear.

Eva had seen her father and the group of her friends coming towards them. She didn't think she'd be able to just walk by Harry without talking to him or touching him. She trudged along with Draco and tried to keep moving when they got to the Gryffindors, who were now standing looking at her. Her feet stopped right in front of Harry.

Eva looked into his eyes; trying to convey just how much pain she was feeling at his separation from her. They'd not had a training session since before her injury. Her eyes shifted to her father and tears sprang to her eyes. He was scowling at them; he really didn't see that Harry made her happy.

"Eva, come on, it's going to rain," said Draco.

Eva's hand began to reach for Harry. His hair had parted and his scar was clearly visible. She knew he hated that and was going to adjust the strands for him. Just as she was going to touch him, she remembered her father. Her hand stopped in mid-air; she clutched it into a fist and closed her eyes tightly. The tears that had been there spilled out and she opened her eyes again. She tried to convey an apology to Harry with her eyes before turning away and following Draco away from Hogsmeade.

Draco didn't say anything until he heard a sob come out of Eva. He put a hand on her arm to stop their progress. Eva shook him off and continued on to the castle. "Please, Drake, I just want to get back to the castle."

Draco kept up with Eva's fast pace to her rooms. He was surprised at how quickly she went up the stairs, considering she'd just gotten out of the hospital. She said the password to the portrait and stormed towards her sofa. She flung herself onto it, sobbing like Draco had never heard her sob before. He couldn't do anything but put his hand on her back and move it in wide circles, trying to calm her a bit.

Eva's sobs quieted and were replaced with small hiccups. Draco pulled a handkerchief from his robes and handed it to her. She took it and wiped her eyes and blew her nose. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Want to talk about it?" he asked.

"I thought you didn't like Harry Potter," she said.

"I never said I liked Harry Potter. I wanted to know if you wanted to talk about what you're feeling," he corrected.

Eva gave him a wan smile. "I'm sorry, Drake. I'm just so . . ." Eva couldn't find the words to express what she was feeling.

"So, what, Rave?"

Eva searched her mind for any words that would describe her position in life at this moment. "Trapped," she blurted. "I feel trapped. I can't see Harry because my father thinks he's not suitable. I can't go home because it's not safe for me. I can't leave here because I have nowhere else to go. I keep looking for a way out, but there's nothing. I can't even be mean to Pansy because my Dad said not to!"

Draco watched in awe as Eva went further and further into her hysterics. He'd not seen her lose it for a while. He was actually surprised that she'd held out this long. "Rave," he said cautiously. "You need to calm down. You're going to make yourself sick if you keep going like you are. Try not to think about any of it. Just let it roll off your back."

"How can I do that when I see Harry everyday and it just tears my heart in two?" she wailed.

Draco pulled Eva close to him and let her cry into his shoulder. As much as he hated Harry Potter, he did not want to see Eva suffer like she was. He screwed up his nerve and said something he'd never thought he'd say in his entire life. "I'll help you, if you want me to."

"This is not the time to joke, Draco Malfoy," snapped Eva. She pulled away from him and wiped her eyes again.

"I'm not joking. Trust me, I wish that I were. I never thought I would be helping Harry Potter get a girlfriend, but I would rather do that than sit here and watch you be miserable."

The first genuine smile of the day broke out on Eva's face. "Thank you so much, Drake!" She gave him a fierce hug.

"Watch it, I need to breath." She pulled back and he looked at her with sympathy. "I can't help you much with Parkinson, though. There's only so far I'm willing to sink, and," Draco shuddered, "there's no way I'm touching that."

"I wouldn't ask you to," said Eva.

She and Draco talked for the rest of the day in her rooms. They did go down to the Great Hall for dinner, but only stayed for a short time. They sat at the farthest end of the table and talked in hushed voices. Eva decidedly avoided her father's eye throughout the meal. She knew she would burst into tears if she saw that glare again, and she did not want to appear weak in front of her Housemates.

Draco accompanied her to her rooms again, after dinner and stayed with her until half hour before curfew. He promised to talk to Harry first thing in the morning. Eva slept peacefully with that thought in mind.