A/N: Thanks again to my fabulous Beta-bae, Thrifty-Crimson, for helping me publish this story and making everything hella fun. Because without you, I might not have ever published this. But we'll see how this goes!
Hope everyone enjoys it! Thanks!
Evelyn Louise fell out of bed with a faint yelp. She was having nightmares again. No one can touch me. I'm fine.
"Is everything okay, dear?" her mother called, as Evelyn untangled herself from the sheets.
"Yes." Evelyn replied, smiling. She wasn't use to kindness. I'm working on it.
Several minutes later found Evelyn sitting at a kitchen table, enjoying a bowl of cereal. Her parents talked animatedly about stuff her morning mind couldn't quite make out. She was focused on her plan, a plan that needed to be put into motion today. The new term would be starting soon and she'd be damned if she was going to miss it. Especially, if she knew her math.
At some point her parents disappeared from the kitchen. Evelyn continued in her mind, her parent's absence inconsequential. Harry Potter should be turning eleven this year. She rechecked her calculations to be safe. He was born in '80; four years my junior. I turned fifteen in February. Harry should be Hogwarts bound. I should be joining him.
She placed her bowl in the sink. Her thoughts still lingering on her plan. She smiled. If everything worked she would fool almost the entirety of the Wizarding world.
It was going to be a good day.
Five hours later, Evelyn sat cross-legged on the floor, whispering strange words to a crescent moon charm; the first, and most important, step in her plan. If the spell was anything less than flawless … She dispelled the thought. It would be the pinnacle of perfection.
Suddenly, a flash of light and sharp heat emanated from the charm, which Evelyn noticed now had a light-blue glaze encasing it. Trying to keep her excitement in check, she grabbed the thin chain laying between her legs and crafted a simple necklace. She inhaled deeply, stilling her mind.
With care, she slipped the necklace over her head. Instantly, a jolt of pain shot through her left arm. She dismissed it, favoring, instead, on conjuring a mirror.
She gasped then, began laughing. Her reflection staring back at her was not the face she had seen every morning after a shower. It was the face of a younger, more tormented , soul. Her dark blue eyes and straight, light brown hair remained the same. They nearly didn't fit with the younger, pale, and smooth skin that surrounded those features.
She might have to cut her hair next. It seemed too much for an eleven-year old to manage. There was nothing she could do for her eyes, though. She could only hoped people never noticed the troubling, dangerous intellect that lurked within.
"Someone's at the door, dear," her father called. Evelyn quickly slipped the necklace on before hurrying to the door. The second step of her plan was about to unfold.
"Are you Evelyn Louise?" the elderly woman, at her doorstep, asked.
Evelyn fought to contain her smile, "I am. Would you like to come in?" she sidestepped, allowing the woman past her. Evelyn closed her eyes and breathed deeply.
"Sweetie, who's at the door?" her mother questioned, walking in from the kitchen.
"Professor Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." McGonagall replied, holding out an envelope, which Evelyn readily took.
Her father joined them, "I don't understand."
"Why don't we all sit down?" McGonagall motioned to the worn out couch, "I expected I would need to explain a few things."
Evelyn closed her eyes again. Her parents shared a troubled look, yet complied.
Several hours later, McGonagall walked out of the house, sighing. She had never encountered Muggles who asked so many questions; they seemed awestruck at every word she said. Almost, as if they were the ones to receive the letter. It was odd, really. The actual recipient sat on the floor in a sort of silent contemplation, like she didn't even care about being a witch or magic being real.
It was more than odd, McGonagall noted. It was disconcerting.
Tap. Tap. Evelyn poked her nose out of her book. A boy with messy black hair, round-rimmed glasses, and green eyes was standing in the doorway of her compartment. "Do you mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full."
Evelyn stared at the boy. The famed Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived. "Go ahead." came her reply. He awkwardly took a seat adjacent to her. God help the Wizarding World. She thought before returning to her reading.
Several minutes later, they were joined by a red-haired boy, who ignored Evelyn entirely when he walked in. He was fixated on Harry.
Evelyn lost track of the world after that. Her book was far more interesting.
"Zabini, Blaise." McGonagall called. After a moment's pause, he joined Slytherin. As McGonagall gathered up the Sorting Hat and stool, an odd-sounding laughter broke through the Hall.
It's source: Evelyn, who was picking herself off the floor. "This wouldn't be the first time I've be forgotten, you know." She said, smiling.
"Hopefully, it will be the last," Dumbledore replied, " Minerva?"
McGonagall quickly rechecked her list. "Of course. Well, get up here, Evelyn Louise."
Evelyn sat on the stool as McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
So, they forgot about you? They didn't want you attending Hogwarts. The fools! Teach them why they should bow before you. Show them what you're capable of.
Evelyn shook her head. These thoughts weren't going to claim her. Not tonight. Not ever.
"Lots of courage and nerve. But, your mind remains hidden from me. Powerful magic. What secrets don't you want an ancient hat knowing?"
"It's nothing personal." Evelyn replied.
"Perhaps. You have a great deal of cunning in you. Deception is natural to you. You would find friends in Slytherin."
"I would find arrogant witches and wizards too hung up on blood purity to understand the concept of friendship." She spat back, "I suggest you look deeper." she sighed, "Please."
"You don't give me much to work with, young witch. But, I can see you yearn independence; freedom. You wish to be free of these nagging thoughts, perhaps? Or the nightmares?"
"Right now I want freedom from you. This stool isn't really comfortable."
The Hat laughed. "If you insist." It replied, with hint of resignation, before exclaiming to the Hall, "RAVENCLAW!"
Evelyn bounced around Hogwarts like an energetic puppy. She had never felt so much magic before. The whole castle drowned in it; giving it near sentience. She even skipped her second Defense Against the Dark Arts class to explore; not that she regretted it.
There was a subtle darkness in Professor Quirrell that unnerved her.
Now, she could spend that time practicing spells or doing homework for her other, more interesting, classes. Mainly spell work. She thought. If I want to stay, I need all the time I can get a hold of. She shuddered as the memory of turning matches into needles replayed. She almost fainted with even that basic spell.
Her magical energy wasn't whole enough for that kind of magic. Mending it would be a slow agonizing process, she knew; hence the requirement of extra practices. She also knew, her magical energy would never heal completely. She was willing to do this to me. All for...
Evelyn derailed that train of thought. Herbology is fun. Lots of... plants. Ooh! History of Magic is taught by a ghost. That's cool. Right? She let her thoughts run wild after that. She trusted Hogwarts to lead her to her destination; Potions, which, she had with Slytherins and Gryffindors.
The Sorting Hat probably had something to do with that, she noted. Leaving her to wonder how much the Hat told the Headmaster about the sortings. Would it tell him about her Occlumency? Or the thoughts?
Thud!
She refocused on reality as two hands gripped her shoulders and pushed her backwards. Shit. Well, at least I know I can trust Hogwarts. Sort of.
"Sorry, Professor." She said. Snape grumbled in response as her fellow classmates filtered into the room and took their seats. Maybe, she said the wrong thing? Should I try again?
"You smell nice." Evelyn blurted out. This time, Snape perked an eyebrow at her. "Is it different potion ingredients?"
"Take your seat." Snape snapped, "Now!"
Evelyn didn't miss a beat. She scrambled to the last available one, amidst the Slytherins' laughter.
Only a few minutes into the first class, Evelyn was forced to endure Snape's continuous harping and whining about Harry Potter not knowing anything related to Potion's yet. The kid was only eleven. He deserved a bit of a break.
"Professor Snape." Evelyn threw her hand into the air. Snape's attention snapped to her. Again.
"Am I going too fast for you, Ms. Louise?" Snape questioned. The Slytherins snickered.
"I was writing the answers as you were talking." Evelyn replied, "But it's unfair to expect one person to know everything." She paused before adding: "Sir."
"Are you criticizing my teaching?" Snape challenged.
Evelyn held her head higher, "You're bullying an eleven-year old. Can you not find a better hobby?"
"Ten points from Ravenclaw." Snape answered. Evelyn opened her mouth. "Continue and I'll take more." Evelyn fell silent, her face falling to stare at her desk. Snape, feeling satisfied and victorious, proceeded to tell the class about the potion they were to brew. He missed the scratching sounds
of a quill until her hand shot up in the air again. "What did I te..." Evelyn waved a piece of parchment above her head. Snape stormed his way over to her desk and yanked the parchment from her hand:
I came to Hogwarts to learn magic the right way, not to compete over silly numbers for prissy bragging rights.
"Stay after class to arrange your detention" Snape said, dangerously icy; crumpling up the parchment. As he began walking away, Evelyn whispered something. Snape snapped, "WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" he swirled around, like a bat he was commonly compared to.
"I'm going to enjoy your class," Evelyn gave a cheeky smile, "Sir."
Snape was fuming. The parchment in his hand was reduced to cinders that slide between his fingers. The rest of the class sat in silence, both awed and terrified by what they were witnessing. Snape took several deep breaths before responding. "Get out." Evelyn complied.
It was fun while it lasted.
Severus spent the next several months watching the young Ravenclaw witch. He noted she spent all of her time alone, always surrounded by books and parchments. He was reminded briefly of a younger version of himself. He kept expecting to find her walking through Hogwarts conversing with someone. At this point it could be a bloody Gryffindor for all he cared. As long it was someone, but no one ever came. She was left alone with her books. Even her fellow Ravenclaws ignored her. They completely distanced themselves from her, like she was dragon pox incarnate.
He tried to discretely bring up the matter at a staff meeting. Albus gave him a surprised, curious look, while Filius shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
Then, Minerva just had to have her say on the subject and he strongly regretted mentioning anything at all. "I fail to see how this is even your concern, Severus."
"Ms. Louise's behavior is not uncommon in Ravenclaw. I believe she'll make friends when she's ready."
Filius added.
Severus grumbled a response and avoided Albus's gaze the rest of the meeting. A little extra cruelty to all non-Slytherins for the next week should fix his slip up.
Just as he was about to be free, Quirrell brought up another matter to their attention.
He might have to make that two weeks.
"Good evening, Ms. Louise." Albus greeted, "Please take a seat."
Severus watched, from his shadowy hiding spot, Evelyn step cautiously into Albus's office. Severus noticed her right hand was oddly tucked into her left sleeve. He also realized, quickly looking back on all the months he studied her, she avoided black clothing. Not once, had she worn her school robe; a fact that made her easier to locate.
Even tonight, as she sat nervously in front of Albus, she wore a white buttoned, long-sleeve shirt, obnoxiously bright pink pants, and light blue shoes.
"Perhaps you're wondering why I summoned you here?" Albus began, his tone light and friendly.
Evelyn shifted, "I don't like Professor Quirrell... Headmaster."she whispered. Her hand slide from her sleeve, revealing her wand. Her head remained downcast as she as she rolled it between her hands.
Severus quickly glanced at Quirrell, whom sat in the chair beside Evelyn. He had a calculating look in his eyes, while simultaneously wringing his hands nervously. Snape narrowed his eyes, clearly the man was struggling to hold his mask in place. What does he know?
"That's hardly a reason to skip class continuously." Albus replied, steepling his fingers.
"He stutters horribly and I can't focus." Evelyn whispered, once again shifting in her seat.
Severus rolled his eyes. Only a fool would believe her."If I may, Headmaster." he said, stepping from the shadows. Quirrell jumped in his chair.
"S..S..Severus." The bumbling coward mask was back in place.
Evelyn slide from her seat, making sure to keep her eyes down. Severus turned to her. She was clearly frightened by something. "Can I go? I need..." she paused.
Severus felt something wrong in the air; magic that shouldn't be there. "What is it, Ms. Lousie?" Albus asked gently.
"Only a child fears the dark, but only a fool ventures in without a light." Evelyn looked up, directly into Severus's eyes.
"C..Come again." Qurriell stuttered.
Evelyn smiled, "I don't entertain fools, Professor. Good night." She left. Several minutes later, Quirrell was dismissed.
Albus sighed. "It seems you have someone else to watch, Severus."
Severus gave his own sigh, "Very well."
Evelyn sneaked carefully out of the unused classroom. It was past midnight, she noted. Shit. She thought. Someone is still going to up in the common room. It was April and final exams were coming up. She already noticed several students almost have panic attacks. Even, she had her own fears and reservations. As long as I keep practicing I should be fine. Weak and exhausted, but fine. Really what could go wrong?"
"Well, well, a student out of bed. Professor Snape will be pleased."
That. Evelyn sighed.
Filch led her through the halls not even trying to hide his excitement. In their way they encountered Quirrell, who looked quizzically between them. I caught this one out of bed." Filch explained.
"Wh..Wh..What was she do..doing out of be..bed?" Quirrell asked.
"Not the same thing you are, vor." Evelyn whispered just loud enough for Quirrell to hear.
"What did you call me?"The fool's masked slipped. Evelyn smirked.
"Vor? It means professor." Evelyn replied, trying desperately not to smile. For a brief moment Quirrell looked has if he wasn't believing her, then he turned and bid them a good night.
"Twenty-five points form Ravenclaw." Flitwick said with a yawn. Evelyn had the distinct impression that he didn't want to be here.
"I want to know what she was doing. Up to no good, no doubt."
Flitwick looked a Evelyn right as she yawned herself. "I think we can find out in the morning. Yes, Ms. Louise?"
Evelyn nodded. "Good night, Professor."
"Good night, Ms. Louise."
"SHE'S VANDALIZED SCHOOL PROPERTY!" Filch boomed. "I want to see her expelled."
"I believe that's unnecessary, Argus." Dumbledore replied, placing his hand on the other man's shoulder.
Flitwick stood close to the offending image, studying the details. "How long have you been working on this?"
Before she could answer, Filch shouted: "WHAT DOES THAT MATTER?!"
The door was thrown open. "What's going on here?" McGonagall demanded. She looked over at the wall and saw the subject of everyone's attention. "Albus..." She turned to Dumbledore, confused. He motioned to the girl sitting silently on a desk. McGonagall had just reached the girl when another voice boomed harshly beyond the door.
"DON'T YOU ALL HAVE SOMEWHERE ELSE TO BE?"
Filch lit up with eager excitement, hurrying over to the door. "Professor, you need to see this blatant disrespect for Hogwarts."
"Really, Argus, I..." Dumbledore began as Filch pulled Snape into the room.
"What is the meaning." His focus was drawn to the left-hand wall. On it was a mural, bright and colorful. It showed wizards, witches, Muggles, and a whole host of other magical creatures, but with no barriers between any of them. Wizards dueled proudly before Muggles, who were dancing, laughing, and socializing with elves, goblins, and wizards. Dragons and Hippogriffs flew majestically in the air, while other creatures, magical and not, mingled everywhere else. And, at the center of it all, undoubtedly, was the Dark Mark made out of flowers. Below it was a jester who looked very much like...
Snape's attention snapped immediately back to everyone. "Who did this?"
Filch pointed a finger at the girl. "There's the desecrater."
Snape gave a very faint quirk of his lips. "Ms. Louise."
"I don't entertain fools, Professor." Evelyn whispered. "I started it during winter break." she added.
Everyone stood around her in a stunned silence.
"Who's the fool, Ms. Louise?" Dumbledore finally asked.
"Voldemort. His followers. Quirrell." Evelyn shrugged, her eyes ran over her mural. "The world they want isn't possible. Everything's connected, sometimes in ways we can barely understand. If wizards were meant to rule, wouldn't nature have made it so? If Muggles were meant to own this world, why did magic persist? We are meant to coexist. Nature favors neither." Evelyn fell silent again, her eyes met Snape's briefly.
"You believe Voldemort is destined to fail?" Snape asked, giving Dumbledore a look.
Evelyn nodded. "He fights what he cannot understand. Only a child fears the dark, but only a fool ventures in without a light."
"I believe," Dumbledore interjected, "that's enough for now, Ms. Louise. You're not in any trouble, although I would refrain from any further murals if I were you." he headed out the door. "One more thing," he poked his head back in the door frame, "I disagree with the Hat. I think you make a very fine Ravenclaw."
vor - thief