A/N: Hello my lovelies! So sorry for the hiatus, but college was very demanding this past semester. I have missed posting and hopefully will be able to more often! Thank you so much for sticking around! Just a warning, this chapter does have mature language and some violence towards the end, so tread carefully! As always, please feel free to leave a review, as I love your feedback! xx

Chapter 9

Evalane's stomach dropped at her brother's question. Why they died? Why would anyone have to explain why her parents died? To be completely honest, the question never even crossed her mind. She had been more concerned with learning about how they died, since all she really remembered was seeing the green light.

"What do you mean?" Evalane held her breath, not knowing if she wanted to hear his answer.

"Well, um, you know they were, um, were killed, right?"

Evalane nodded slowly. "That's all I could ever assume, really."

"Right," Harry fumbled over his words. "Their killer… I mean… they knew he was coming for them."

"How?"

"There was a war," Harry began. "A dark wizard named Voldemort- though most people just call him He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named -had been gathering Pureblood wizards- people from one hundred percent magical families -because he wanted to rid the world of Muggles and Muggle born wizards."

"Why would he want that?"

"I'm not sure exactly," Harry admitted, but he would have worried both of them if he understood the mind of a lunatic. "I've been told that he saw Muggle blood as dirty, so only wizards from Pureblood families deserved magical abilities, which is why some Purebloods will call Muggle borns Mudbloods."
"That's horrific! Surely there cannot be that significant of a difference between Purebloods and Muggle born?"

"You know, Hermione is a Muggle born," Harry eagerly noted. "And she's at the top of my class!"

"That does not surprise me in the slightest." Evalane smiled briefly. She knew the young witch was bright, especially for her age, and it warmed her heart to know that she was bright despite the odds being against her.

"Anyway," Harry's face returned to the somber expression. "Our parents were on the side of the light, and from what I know, they got in Voldemort's way a time or two. So, on Halloween twelve years ago, he broke into the house… and…"

"He killed them." Her words felt hollow and heavy on her tongue.

"Yeah…" Harry paused. "And then, he tried to kill me with the same curse, but he couldn't. That's how I got this." His scar. That lightning bolt scar on her baby brother's forehead was the result of a madman's curse, with the intention to kill him. "Instead of killing me, the spell must have bounced back to Voldemort, so everyone thought he was dead."

In that moment, her life took a completely different meaning. Her brother was nearly a victim of murder like their parents, but he survived by some miracle. She could not help but wonder if this Voldemort had known she was in the wardrobe that night, would he have tried to kill her as well? Would he have succeeded?

"Does it hurt?"

"Not normally," Harry shrugged. "It only hurts when he's aro und, honestly."

"You've encountered him before?" Evalane gasped. "Where? When?"

"Twice in the last two years," Harry spoke with the same nonchalance as though he were explaining why one gets out of bed in the morning. "In my first year, he was kind of, well, kind of attached to one of our professor's head. Then last year, he- or I suppose a form of him -was in a diary all year to control Ron's sister into releasing a giant snake into the castle."

"Whoa," Evalane, for the first time, was at a complete loss for words. "Those sound absolutely dreadful."

Harry chuckled, "Yeah, I suppose it wasn't the highlight of the year." Harry continued to explain the many antics he and his friends had gotten into over the last two years at Hogwarts. Evalane wondered what she would have done if she had been here with her little brother through all of this. Would she support his obvious meddling in adult problems, or would she step in and try to protect his innocence for as long as she could? She supposed she would never really know, given the past is no longer tangible for her.

Time flew past them without their notice, and the sun was beginning to fall into the horizon like honey dripping off the comb. The Potter siblings gathered their things and made their way back into the Great Hall. The feast had already begun by the time they arrived, with the smells of fresh bread and roasted chicken crept into their nostrils. They parted ways, walking to their respectable House tables. Gryffindors and Slytherins alike stared at the two young wizards, but Evalane was easily reassured because she was finally reconnecting with the brother she had always worried to be nothing more than a fantasy. Harry James Potter was a hero to the wizarding world, the youngest Gryffindor seeker on the Quidditch team, a Gryffindor, and most importantly, her little brother.

The rest of Evalane's night was less exciting. She had managed to find copies of all the textbooks necessary from the last four years in the library, and she was slowly reading and analyzing every word and picture to prepare for her placement exam the next night. While Evalane's memory was sharper and more advanced than the average person, the memorization meant nothing if she did not understand what the content means. Magic alone was complex and difficult to comprehend, so it does not exactly help when some of the books are either sloppily handwritten in thick, black ink or so worn the binding was almost as thin as the pages within. Nonetheless, Evalane went mentally went over every spell, potion, and theory with such a dedication that she did not notice the young third year sitting across from her.

"Were you going to take notes?" The voice startled Evalane, making goosebumps ripple over her entire body. Her eyes moved up from the article on werewolves and ways to recognize one to see Hermione Granger. Her bushy brown hair nearly hid her face completely, and she had just about buried herself in her already worn textbooks.

"I don't really need to," Evalane explained. "I trust my memory enough to hold onto what I need."

"Oh, well, I was going to ask if you wanted some of my old notes? I still have them, and it might help you get a better idea of what each professor looks for?"

This sweet girl was willing to pull out old notes from almost four years ago just to help her, a girl she barely knew. Maybe she was genuinely this kind? No, Evalane suspected there was more to it than that. Of course, she had no doubt that Hermione was kind and genuinely wanted to help her, but Hermione was revealing her insecurities to Evalane without even realizing it. The act itself of offering her old notes showed Evalane how much Hermione feared failure. For one thing, she implied that she still held onto her notes from even her first year. Having these notes suggested that Hermione feels the need to always be prepared to know the correct answer to any question, no matter how unlikely it may be for someone to ask her about what was discussed on the thirteenth day of Transfiguration her second year. Not knowing the answer completely terrifies Hermione. Being a disappointment haunts her everyday life.

For another thing, Hermione Granger seemed to be the kind of person who craved friendship. Honestly, people don't just offer handwritten notes to just anyone. Yes, Evalane was Harry's long-lost sister, but that in no way would require Hermione to go above and beyond to help her. This was a girl who wanted to make memories and friendships here. Not because she was an overly social person but because she wasn't. Hermione seemed to spend an abundant amount of time consumed by her coursework, so she used any opportunity to make friends.

Evalane did not mind any of this. In fact, it was at that moment that Evalane decided that Hermione Granger was a worthy friend. She knew she needed someone with their priorities straight, so she happily accepted the young Gryffindor's notes.

"Thank you for your help, Hermione." She collected the papers and began flipping through them. She couldn't help but admire the girl's delicate handwriting. "I really appreciate it."

Hermione beamed, and she started to make a hasty exit. Evalane grabbed her wrist before she could scurry off. "You're welcome to stay and hang out for a bit? Maybe help me go over some of this material before tomorrow?"

"Of course! Why don't we start with Transfiguration…"

The sun began to slowly creep above the horizon, with its rays pouring through every window of the castle. The only light in Evalane's room, however, came from the wax candle silently melting on her desk. She was finally caught up with the textbooks and the notes, but she was still nervous about the upcoming exam that afternoon. Looking back, she figured that it probably would have been wise to get some sleep that night, but she really did not think she had the time. Her eyes, heavy with exhaustion, glanced over to her clock. Five minutes until breakfast.

"Coffee," Evalane mumbled to no one at all. She lifted herself from her chair, but her body felt as though bricks were tied to her limbs. She made the mistake of glancing at her reflection in the small mirror hanging on the wall. The dark circles under her eyes made her green irises seem dull, and she noticed a gentle sway from her head, as though she were standing on a ship in the middle of a brewing storm. "Lovely."

The scents of maple syrup and cinnamon were flowing through the Great Hall, but the only smell Evalane cared about was the bitter black coffee sitting in the mug in front of her. Mindless chatter from the other students surrounded her, but her focus was on allowing as much caffeine as possible into her body. It was absolutely disgusting. Sherlock would always tell her how much of an energy boost coffee would give her, but she never felt she needed it before now. One all night study session later, and she knew the only thing that would stand between her and receiving a perfect score on her exam was this cup of scorching hot liquid.

"Well, well, well," a voice chuckled from behind her, causing her to nearly drop her coffee onto her lap. Evalane turned to see one of the Weasley twins standing behind her. Deep voice, wide and quirky grin, and no freckle.

"Hello Fred," Evalane said. "Odd seeing you without George. Is everything okay?"
"Oh yeah!" Fred chuckled, running his fingers through his shiny orange hair. "I was just, um, wanting to wish you good luck. I know you have that…that big test today, so I hope it, uh, goes well."

"Thanks," she responded, giving the boy a gentle smile. "I stayed up all night studying, so hopefully it pays off. Otherwise, I've made myself look like complete rubbish for nothing."

"Well, I don't think you look like complete rubbish." Fred chuckled. "A little tired, maybe. But hey, once you're finished, me and George were thinking about hanging out with some friends down at the lake. You're welcome to join if you want?"

A few Slytherins had turned their heads to eavesdrop on their interaction, but Evalane tried her best to ignore them. She thought the rivalry between the two houses was ridiculous. Common sense would suggest that Slytherins and Gryffindors should be spending more time with one another in order to see that they really weren't as different as they thought. Evalane assumed, however, that many of these students had been raised with strong beliefs and prejudices that would not disappear overnight. If she had to be the one to build the bridge between the two, then so be it.

"I would love to!" She smiled. "Would it be alright if I brought a few friends? From Slytherin, of course?"

Fred hesitated, as though he was completely taken aback by her request, but he immediately wiped it from his expression. "Yeah! The more the merrier!"

"Brilliant," Evalane said as she raised her mug as though she were toasting to the invitation. Fred released a mighty laugh from his chest at the sight of the sour expression on Evalane's face as she allowed the bitterness to pass through her lips once again.

Once breakfast was finished and regular classes had begun, Evalane found herself standing in an abandoned Great Hall. Without the wooden tables and the hundreds of students speaking a hundred kilometers a minute, the room seemed far larger than Evalane could have imagined. The only object that remained was a single wooden desk with a quill and a bottle of fresh ink. Dumbledore stood on the platform where the Head Table once sat, and he watched with a blank gaze as Evalane took a seat.

"Miss Evalane Lily Potter," Dumbledore's voice echoed against the walls of the Great Hall. "You are about to begin the first ever Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Entrance and Placement Examination. This exam will consist of both written and practical tests, provided by the professors of Hogwarts. The written exam consists of three hundred questions that cover materials from the core classes of Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, and Potions. You will have three hours to complete the written portion, and the practical exams will begin after a break for lunch. Do you have any questions before we begin?"

When Evalane said nothing, Dumbledore gave his wand a small flick, and a stack of parchment appeared on the desk. With another wave of his wand, Dumbledore conjured a large, gold hourglass, and the sand at the top began too slowly pour into the bottom glass. From the moment the first grain of sand landed, words appeared on the parchment, and Evalane quickly dipped her quill into the ink to begin the test.

Dumbledore stood silently as he watched the young girl scribble her answers on the page. The old wizard was unsure if she was moving through the test at such a rapid pace because she was a complete genius or because she had no idea what she had gotten herself into. Regardless, her speed was impressive. Most students would panic at the idea of such a critical and massive examination, but Miss Potter was acting as though this were just another Friday morning. She truly had the same dedication and spunk as her mother.

Lily would have been so proud of her, Dumbledore thought sadly to himself. Then again, she wouldn't have to be taking this test in the first place if she had started four years ago like she should have.

Mustn't blame ourselves, Dumbledore's mind was spinning. The letter was sent on schedule. Most everyone thought she had been killed that night. Sending a search party for someone who could be anywhere in the world seemed just as silly then as it did that night in Godric's Hollow. Besides, Miss Potter seemed to be doing just fine for herself as is. She would do great things at Hogwarts. He would be sure of it. Through his half-moon spectacles, he looked to the sand running through the hour glass, about halfway.

"Sir," Evalane said, snapping to old man back to reality. "Sorry to startle you, but I've finished."

"Did you now?" Dumbledore walked towards her and found every page had been filled with black ink in her delicate handwriting. He could not know for sure, but from what he could see, Evalane was going to get a fairly good score. Great, even. "Well done, Miss Potter. If you would like, you may take a small break before the practical exams…"

"If it's all the same to you, sir," Evalane interrupted. "Would I be able to start the practical's now? It would really ease my nerves to just get them over with."

"I will have to discuss it with your professors, but I don't see why not."

Evalane had honestly underestimated the magical abilities of coffee. Time felt like it was flying by. Her body had never felt lighter, and the only sign of exhaustion came from the slight twitch in her fingers and the growing fogginess in her mind. Luckily, her exams were not affected too much by this. Most of them, like Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick, had her cast a few charms and explain what certain spells did. Professor Binns, the ghost teaching History of Magic, just rambled dates at her while she recited the historical event that occurred at the time. Then, Professor Sprout, bless her heart, brought in a few magical plants, and she had Evalane explain the parts of each plant as well as their use in the magical world.

Each professor seemed to be fairly impressed with her efforts. Professor McGonagall even told her that she expected Evalane to do very well in her remaining years at Hogwarts, however many that may be.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was next, and Evalane was truly looking forward to seeing her Uncle Moony in action. She could only imagine how proud her parents would be to see their good friend as a Hogwarts professor. Lupin walked into the Great Hall, using magic to bring in a large wardrobe. Upon placing the wardrobe on the ground, it began to violently shake, and the hinges rattled like a prisoner's chains.

"Good morning, Miss Potter." Lupin grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement and pride. "My name is Professor Lupin, and I will be your instructor for the Defense Against the Dark Arts practical examination."

"Brilliant," Evalane exclaimed, returning the grin. She held her wand firmly in her hand, an eleven-inch wand made of aspen with a unicorn hair core. Some man named Ollivander had sent it to her that morning. The owl had a small note attached to its ankle that read: "I heard you were finally beginning your schooling at Hogwarts. I always suspected this would be a good match for you. -Ollivander." Whoever he was, he seemed to have a great understanding of wands. The magical object had been serving her well throughout her exam so far, so she was confident she would be able to pass Lupin's test with it.

"Now," Lupin began speaking, carefully pacing in front of the wardrobe. "Can you explain to me what a boggart is?"

Diving deep into her mind palace, Evalane quickly found an exact replica of the page explaining boggarts. "A boggart is a shapeshifting non-being that takes the form of a person's worst fear," Evalane answered. "A boggart is amortal, so to defeat a boggart, one can only confuse it, most often done with laughter. The incantation when facing a boggart is Riddikulus."

Lupin smiled again. "Well done, Miss Potter. Now, what I have in this wardrobe will require the use of said spell. Are you prepared?"

Sitting up straight and tightening her grip on her wand, Evalane nodded. Professor Lupin then opened the wardrobe to release the boggart.

Evalane was not sure what she was expecting to step out of the wardrobe, but she certainly wasn't expecting it to be Todd Knaggs. He looked just as he did the day she left for Hogwarts. What was left of his balding and grey hair was dripping in grease, and his eyes were bloodshot from staying up the entire night vomiting an entire paycheck's worth of vodka. His white tank top had faded to a pale yellow, covered with a rainbow of stains. An empty bottle of Grey Goose was placed firmly in his hand.

"What did I fucking tell you," his voice came from the boggart's lips raspy and harsh. "About not coming home…when I…when I fucking tell you to?"

Evalane forgot how to breathe for a moment. The shakiness of her hands rapidly worsened, but she attempted to raise her wand in front of her anyway. It wasn't real. He was not really there. Oh, but it was very convincing.

"Did you really think," Todd growled, inching closer with every word. "That I wouldn't find you? Did you…did you honestly believe I wouldn't find out?"

"Riddikulus," Evalane barely whispered the spell. She was trying to think of something funny to turn the boggart into. Was it a boggart? Maybe this was all a dream. Harry, Hogwarts, everything, and Todd was all that was real. "Riddikulus," she said again with a bit more force.

When nothing happened, Todd began to laugh. His breath was now inches from her face, and she could smell last night's sick. Without warning, the burning of her cheek returned, and it felt just as real as it did growing up.

"Stupid bitch," he said, now towering over her. "None of this is real. Your brother isn't real. Your stupid school isn't real. Magic. Isn't. Real." Using all of the force in his body, Todd shoved her to the floor. Tears were now flowing freely from her eyes, and her mind was racing for an escape.

"RIDDIKULUS!" She screamed with all the energy left in her body, her wand pointed between the monster's eyes. For a moment, it seemed to work. Todd Knaggs suddenly became Sherlock's older brother Mycroft stumbling around in roller skates. She remembered when she and Sherlock were spying on him a few years ago when he took some girl on a date to the roller rink. They laughed about it for hours. Unfortunately, the memory wasn't strong enough because Mycroft turned back into Todd as quickly as before.

"You didn't really think that would work, did you?" Todd moved closer once again, shattering the bottle against the desk still sitting in the room. "You could never do anything like that. You could never do anything right. They'll see one day. They will all see what a failure you really are."

Evalane's mind went blank with rage in that moment. She raised her wand at its ugly face once again, and while she may have intended to use the riddikulus spell, all she could do was scream. Every fear, every worry, and every doubt she ever had was released in one barbaric yawp. The wardrobe and the desk began to violently shake, and the candles that floated over head either flickered or blew out entirely. The boggart did not look confused, no. It looked horrified, but only for a moment. When Evalane's body finally collapsed, all that was left of the boggart was dust, and Evalane immediately lost consciousness.