Eva allowed her gaze to drift over the room for a final time. She had lived in this small guest room at the Leaky Cauldron for a month now, and whilst it was not the most comfortable, nor spacious, it was hers. Only she came in here, bar the maid, and it meant that she had been able to claim the space as her own.
Prior to this morning's packing, she had set up a small brewing area in one corner of the room, as far away from the large window as possible (to minimise natural interference with the brewing process). She'd spent a few hours each day brewing, perfecting her rusty Potions skills and acquainting herself with her new magical signature. Sure enough, by September 1st, Eva had a small bag filled with healing draughts, Pepper-Ups - she could never forget how cold it got in Scotland - and various other potions and salves she might need.
She'd packed up her Potions area with a sigh earlier in the morning, shrinking her cauldrons and using the packing charm to ensure her trunk was neat and tidy. Her new robes were neatly folded into the trunk, side-by-side with her muggle clothing. She'd long since incendioed Dudley's cast-offs, and had a small celebration afterwards. It had felt like the start of a new chapter.
Satisfied that she hadn't forgotten anything - she'd sent Lancelot ahead to Hogwarts, not wanting to draw more attention to herself in King's Cross - Eva closed her trunk and began to journey down to the ground floor of The Leaky Cauldron. Waving goodbye to Tom, she handed him the room key and thanked him for allowing her to stay so long.
"It's been a pleasure, Lady Potter." grinned Tom, winking at Eva. The kind barkeep had quickly realised that Eva disliked being referred to as such, and frequently teased her good-naturedly about her title. "Yer' just like yer' Ma. Kind-hearted she was, too. Will you be needin' a room at Yule?"
"I'm not sure yet - I'll send Lancelot along with a booking if I do. Thank you, Tom."
"You're very welcome, Eva. Have a good year at Hogwarts, and don't get into too much trouble, yeh'?" smiled Tom.
Goodbyes finished, Eva made the short journey over towards Kings Cross station, relieved that she'd had the forethought to ensure her trunk was featherlight this time. 11-year-old Eva might have spent a month eating properly, but she still had ten years of malnutrition to counter, and frankly, she didn't currently have the strength.
As Eva reached Platform Nine, she heard a familiar voice echoing across the platform.
"– packed with Muggles, of course –"
Eva spun round suddenly, eagerly searching for a familiar head of red hair. Sure enough, a short, plump woman was leading a group of children across Platform Nine, talking with four of the boys, all of them with matching red hair. Fondly remembering her original first trip to King's Cross, Eva moved towards the family, hoping to replicate the experience.
The cautious voice of Lily Potter in her head made Eva pause. What if Dumbledore set up the Weasleys? I mean, talking about Muggles and magic, carrying an owl, in the middle of a crowded muggle train station? Eva felt her blood run cold. Had the Weasleys been in on the plan? Had they known she was being raised for slaughter?
No, she eventually concluded, I can't make Dumbledore any more suspicious than he already will be. He'll be expecting me to latch onto the Weasleys. Besides, they might not be in on it. They were always good to me.
With that thought in mind, Eva began to tail the rambunctious family, watching a tall, older boy she knew to be Percy Weasley approach the barrier between the platforms. As he approached, just like the first time, a large crowd of muggles swarmed past him, and when they had moved, he was gone.
Out of the corner of her eye, Eva could see Molly Weasley take note of her, and heard Molly's voice raise just a notch louder. Maybe she doesn't know, she's just been asked to look out for me? Morganna, Eva was hoping that was the case.
"Fred, you next!" called Molly.
"I'm not Fred, I'm George!" grinned one of the twins. "Honestly, woman, call yourself our mother!"
"Sorry, George, dear." apologised Molly, frowning.
"Only joking! I am Fred!" And with a loud laugh, Fred Weasley ran through the barrier, immediately followed by his twin brother George.
Eva felt tears prick her eyes and a lump settle in her throat as she watched the twins. Visions of George with one ear, devastated that they weren't identical any more. Visions of George as the only twin, sobbing and inconsolable over the death of his twin brother. His other half.
No. Never again. I promise, boys.
Briefly burying her grief - they're not dead now, they're not dead now - Eva quickly tried to remember exactly how she had acted in her original timeline. She had approached Mrs Weasley, but what had she said? Eventually, she realised she was running out of time, and decided to just wing it.
"Um, excuse me?" questioned Eva, her voice deliberately wobbling. "Would you happen to - that is, do you know how to..."
"First time at Hogwarts? My Ronnie is going too! Oh, you can be friends!" said Molly excitedly, clapping her hands together. "Now, all you've got to do is run straight at that wall there. Best to run a little if you're nervous."
"Thank you," smiled Eva softly.
Molly seemed not to realise that Eva was responsible for the family's new owl, so she neglected to mention it, instead bidding them goodbye with a polite wave.
Pushing her trolley, Eva stared at the wall with determination before beginning to jog towards the wall. Despite knowing she would be accepted, there was still the lingering fear of crashing. She felt the magic wash over her as she passed through the barrier, and when she opened her eyes, Eva was rewarded with a magnificent view.
A familiar scarlet steam engine train was puffing smoke next to the platform, 'The Hogwarts Express' written in block gold font on the side. Smoke drifted over the heads of the many people on the platform, owls flying in circles around their masters whilst cats of all colours ran about, chasing bags and each other.
Eva fondly remembered her first ever journey on the Express. She'd met Ron, who'd attempted to do a stupid spell the twins had tricked him into. She'd met Hermione, looking for Neville's toad. She'd argued with Malfoy for insulting the Weasleys.
This time would be different.
Eva loaded her trunk onto the train, once more grateful for the featherlight charms upon it, and then began to scout across the platform. Eventually, she spotted the desired heads of platinum blonde hair, and grinned to herself. Pulling her wand out, she quickly removed the layer of muggle clothing she had put on, revealing a set of finely-tailored navy robes underneath. First impressions were everything, when it came to some cultures, and the wizarding world was definitely one of those.
"Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, Heir Malfoy. Well met." greeted Eva, bowing her head as Sirius had taught her. Lucius Malfoy might be a piece of dung, but she still knew when to follow traditions. "May I introduce myself? I have already met your heir, Draco, but unfortunately did not have such an opportunity to meet yourselves."
"And who might you be?" questioned Lucius, raising an eyebrow and looking down at Eva's small but well manicured form. He didn't recognise her from any of his pureblood circles, but she certainly had the grace and elocution of a pureblood child.
"Lady Evangelina Potter, Head of House Potter." answered Eva.
Surprise flashed across Lucius and Narcissa's features for a second, but it was quickly masked as they regained their cool composure.
"Well met, Lady Potter." grimaced Lucius. He clearly disliked having to be courteous to a mere half-blood, however, she was a very powerful young half-blood. "May I introduce my wife, Narcissa, and I believe you said you had met my son, Draco, already?"
"Indeed, sir. We were fitted for robes at the same time." nodded Eva.
"And what house do you intend to be in, Miss Potter?" questioned Lucius.
"Whatever house serves my needs best, sir." replied Eva, forcing her smirk to remain hidden. She could see the surprise at her statement in all three Malfoys' eyes. "I must be going, the train leaves soon. I simply wanted to introduce myself, as I hope that Draco and I shall become friends."
"We shall see, Miss Potter. We shall see." nodded Lucius.
With that, Eva turned around and climbed onto the train, finally allowing herself to grin. She had played that interaction well, being perfectly polite with Lucius Malfoy whilst also establishing herself as a witch not to be messed with. Now, she just had to deal with eleven year olds filled with sugar, and a four hour train journey.
The first few carriages were already packed with students, some hanging out of the window to talk to their families, some fighting over seats. Eva found an empty carriage, and decided that it was the perfect time to start implementing the second part of her plan: operation Hogwarts Unity.
Her first stop was a carriage a few down the corridor, which she knew would be occupied by one sole person - Hermione Granger. She stood at just over five feet - Merlin, Eva had forgotten how small they all were - with bushy, dark hair and large buck teeth. Her Hogwarts robes were neatly ironed, and she had clearly pulled them on at the first opportunity. Eva smiled at the young muggleborn.
"Hi, I'm Eva Potter." she greeted.
"Are you really? I've read all about you in Modern Magical History - you defeated You-Know-Who!" blurted Hermione. "Um, I'm sorry - that was rude. I'm Hermione Granger. I'm really sorry, my parents would be so upset with me if they were here! They've always taught me to have good manners, I was just so excited to come to Hogwarts! Finding out that I was a witch was amazing! Oh Gods, I'm blabbering again."
"Hermione, it's ok, calm down. I found out I was a witch only a month ago, I understand." soothed Eva. Whilst it may not technically be true, that was the official story, and the one that she needed to stick with. "I'm a half-blood, not a muggleborn like you, not that it really matters. Some people think it does, but you just need to ignore them."
Better she be warned now, before she meets Malfoy. "What house do you want to be in? Ooh, I do hope I'm in Gryffindor! To be so brave and bold, like a knight in shining armour! Though I guess Ravenclaw wouldn't be so bad."
"The houses aren't so black and white, Hermione. Not all Gryffindors are brave - I know one that is a horrible, dark wizard, in fact. Not all Hufflepuffs are shy and kind. Not all Ravenclaws are smart or obsessed with learning. Not all Slytherins are cunning and ambitious."
"But - what - what is the point of the houses, then?" cried Hermione.
"To help you make friends. You can have friends in any house, and every house, if you like, Hermione. Personally, I'll go wherever the hat thinks is best."
"I've... I've never had a friend before. I'm always the freak."
"Well, Hermione Granger, I would love to be your friend, if you'll have me." smiled Eva. "Now, I'm going to try and round up a few like-minded individuals - do you mind keeping the compartment for us all?"
"Um, sure, yes, ok." nodded Hermione unsurely.
With a gentle grin, Evangelina Potter left the compartment on a mission. Her first stop was only slightly further down the corridor, where a short, round-faced boy was stood, biting his lip with worry. How much we grew up, reminisced Eva sadly. Spying her opportunity, Eva approached the young boy.
"Are you alright?" she questioned softly.
"I - yes, uh. I've lost my toad. Trevor. He was right in my hands, and then he jumped out! I can't find him anywhere." sighed a young Neville Longbottom. "Gran is going to kill me."
"Well met, Heir Longbottom. I'm Lady Evangelina Potter, though to you, just Eva will be fine."
"W-w-well met, L-lady Po-Potter." stuttered Neville, his nerves showing. Of course, Augusta Longbottom had trained him in the pureblood ways, but he had rarely met other children his age.
"Say, Neville, can you keep a secret?" asked Eva, green eyes shining. Neville nodded suspiciously. "Accio Trevor the Toad."
There was a few painstaking seconds of nothing, before a loud ribbit echoed throughout the corridor, and a rather disgruntled toad landed in Eva's outstretched hand. Beaming, she quickly handed Trevor over to Neville, who grinned and securely placed his toad into his robes.
"Wow! Thank you, Eva. That was... that is... how did you do that?"
"I've done a lot of reading over the summer," shrugged Eva. "Don't tell anyone, though. Just in case."
"Don't worry, my lips are sealed."
"Say, Neville, have you found a compartment yet?" when Neville shook his head, Eva continued, "Would you like to join mine? It's just down there - you'll find a lovely witch called Hermione in there. I'm sure you'll get along splendidly."
Feeling a strange mixture of pleased and terrified at the sheer power and maturity of the young witch opposite him, Neville merely nodded and headed in the direction she had suggested. One down, thought Eva. Just a few more to go.
Over the course of her original Hogwarts timeline, Eva had slowly grown a group of friends, both inside and outside of Gryffindor. Sure, Ron was great, and he would always have been her first friend, but having those outside had meant the world of difference when she had fought with the hot-headed Weasley. This time, she was determined to start building those bridges at the very beginning.
So, when Eva returned to the compartment twenty-five minutes later, she was pleased to see an assortment of students sitting chatting. Next to Hermione was Neville, enthusiastically discussing his latest Herbology project with Hermione. It had warmed Eva's heart to see Neville's confidence growing as he discussed his favourite subject with someone equally eager to listen.
On Neville's other side was a far less likely character - Blaise Zabini. In her original timeline, Blaise had been an outwardly shy blood purist. However, a chance encounter in the library during her fifth year had found him to be a charming, sarcastic young man with a dry wit. Zabini's supposed 'pureblood mania' was entirely an act, it had transpired - when his mother had fled Britain, following the death of her six husband, Blaise had moved in with the Malfoys - meaning that he'd had to keep up appearances.
Eva was determined that those events would never occur again.
Opposite Zabini was a young, freckled girl with strawberry blonde hair and clear blue eyes. She was watching the others interact with a friendly smile, yet Eva knew the girl was taking in every interaction around her. Yes, Susan Bones may appear the unassuming Hufflepuff, but Eva knew that she was a useful companion and a fantastic friend.
Sitting next to Susan, and finishing off what Eva hoped would be her core group of friends, was none other than Padma Patil. Whilst her twin sister, Pavarti, had not been particularly good friends with Eva beforehand - Eva had far more to worry about than boys and hair charms - she had found Padma to be studious and also have a wicked sense of humour.
"Ah, the mastermind returns," snarked Blaise. "Care to explain why you've assembled us here?"
"Whilst I might have worded it differently," said Susan, rolling her eyes at Blaise's sarcasm. "I can't help but wonder why you've brought us all here, Potter."
"What I'm about to say might seem strange to you, but please, hear me out. If you still think it's a stupid idea, feel free to walk out of the door afterwards. All I ask is that you listen."
Pausing until each of the occupants had nodded, Eva smiled softly at each member of the compartment. She needed to think carefully about what she would say. Whilst each member of the group was certainly intelligent, they were also eleven, and she was not. She couldn't give too much away.
"I discovered that I was a witch about a month ago. During that time, I have learnt about blood prejudices, house prejudices, and all round people hating each other for no good reason. I want to end that. I've researched every angle I can think of. Some of you I have been able to study through your family, your reputation. Some I have simply had a conversation with over the past twenty minutes. What I do know, however, is that the six of us can make a difference."
"And how are we meant to do that?" questioned Padma, the others nodding in agreement.
"Chances are, we're going to be sorted into different houses. If we are friends, if we show a united front, we can set a fantastic example. We can start really tearing down the prejudices that threaten to ruin the fantastic world we call home."
"And what do we get out of it?" asked Blaise, ever the ambitious Slytherin.
"Besides the potential to make the world a better place? A damn good set of friends, that can grow to rely on each other. That can provide different perspectives, different skillsets. A happier magical life."
Silence echoed throughout the compartment as each student took in Eva's speech. Eva felt panic well up inside - had she said too much, too soon? Had she pushed too hard?
"If you ever decide to run for Minister of Magic, Potter, let me know. I would never want to compete against you." smirked Blaise. "Alright, you've convinced me."
"I'm always happy for new friends," shrugged Neville. "And Gran would be pleased."
"It would be good to have someone to bounce ideas off," mused Hermione. "Ok. I'm in too."
"As Aunt Amelia says, it's never too early to build allies," grinned Susan. "If I'm going to be Minister, I need all the support I can get. Friends it is, I suppose."
"Well, I think it's a great idea. Friends, no matter the house." nodded Padma.
Eva beamed at the group. "Friends it is, then. Now, does anyone fancy a game of exploding snap? Because personally, I'd consider myself the ultimate champion."
"You're on, Potter." challenged Zabini, grinning.
And so the train continued hurtling towards Scotland, six happy eleven year olds sharing sweets and playing card games, making history as they went.