Chapter Sixteen

You can look into my eyes,

And pretend all you want,

But I know,

I know,

Your love it just a lie.

Evangeline shoved past the crowds of pupils that were gathered round the noticeboard outside the Great Hall, the reason for this was the date for the annual Christmas Masquerade Ball had been posted. She rolled her eyes at the huddles of girls whispering and squealing between each other, they were probably already masterminding a plan to trick an unsuspecting guy into asking them to the ball. Evangeline had enough things to worry about, never mind a stupid dance, it was Gryffindor versus Slytherin today and it was always a very pugnacious and aggressive game. This was the match that James had been waiting for, Slytherin were Gryffindor's main rivals for the cup and after days and days of training, today was the final test. Playing seeker against Slytherins is probably the toughest position on the field, with elbowing, shoving, pulling on the other's broom; Slytherin weren't exactly the ones to hold back on dirty play.

She paced into the Great Hall, her robes billowing behind her, she could see the Maurauders sitting about halfway down the Gryffindor table. They didn't look like the typical Maurauders they normally were, they were sitting quietly, barely even looking at each other and hardly touching the food on their plates in front of them. She watched them as she walked towards them, but thunderous laughter from across the hall caught her attention, she glanced over to see the Slytherin quidditch team besides themselves, doubling over in stitches. Evangeline glared at them, it was obvious enough that they were cracking jokes about today's match, she was about to sit down beside her brother, when someone shouted her name. She turned round to find the culprit and all she found was the entire Slytherin table watching her.

'OI POTTER! LOOKING FORWARD TO TODAY'S GAME?' Lucius Malfoy shouted. He was the Slytherin seeker, he strutted around Hogwarts like he was king because his family was so wealthy and it had also been rumoured that he was a death eater. Like that was any surprise, most of the Slytherins were, 'AND DON'T GET ALL EMOTIONAL ON ME IF I CATCH THE SNITCH, I COULDN'T BARE THAT,' the smarmy blonde haired git yelled with a sleazy grin.

Evangeline glared at him,'THE ONLY TYPE OF EMOTIONAL YOU'LL GET FROM ME MALFOY, IS MY FIST IN YOUR FACE, THEN YOU'LL BE THE ONE WHO'S EMOTIONAL!' she yelled back and sat down beside James, feeling chuffed for herself.

'Nice one Angel,' Sirius laughed, 'You should have seen his face, you know maybe you should just punch him even if they don't win, it would make us all feel so much better,' he said smiling as he fiddled with a slice of bacon on his plate.

Evangeline's eyes narrowed and she watched him as he continued to move the bacon back and forth across the plate, 'Sirius, are you okay? It's not like you to play with your food, I mean you're normally onto your third plate by the time I arrive,' she said looking concerned.

He shrugged and replied, 'I guess I'm just not hungry.'

'Really?' Evangeline said, unconvinced by Sirius' reason for not eating.

Sirius smiled at her, 'No, I guess I'm just worried for the guys, I mean the Slytherins bloody hate us and they'll not hold back on battering us black and blue,' he said, 'I'm also afraid what might happen to you, they seem to hate you more than anyone else, I don't even want to think what they might do to you.'

'Well, I guess it's my own fault that they hate me so much,' Evangeline said smiling back at him, 'I don't think Malfoy could hurt me though, he wouldn't be able to see me past his greasy hair!' she laughed.

'I don't think either him or Snivelly have heard of shampoo,' Sirius laughed.

'We'll send them some for Christmas, from Padfoot and … ' she paused for a while, 'I don't have a nickname,' she finally said frowning.

'We need to know what animal you're going to transform into first,' Sirius noted, he scratched his head and though for a while, 'But I'm sure we'll think of something though.'

'You're right, it's pretty hard to think of nicknames on the spot,' Evangeline said, 'They take a lot of thought and imagination.'

'I'll keep thinking, maybe I'll come up with something good,' Sirius said smiling.

'I'm sure you will,' Evangeline said, 'Padfoot is ingenious!'

'That was Moony that thought of it, smart arse that he would be,' Sirius said, receiving a thump from Remus who was sitting beside him.

'I'm not a smart arse Padfoot,' Remus said glowering at him, 'I just use my brain, unlike you.'

Evangeline laughed, 'Sirius, do you even have a brain?' she teased him.

'Oh thanks very much Angel, that just shows how highly you think of me,' Sirius said pouting.

'Ah Sirius, you know I think very highly of you! You always make me happy,' Evangeline said smiling.

'Aw, how sweet,' Remus cooed.

'I know I am Moony,' Evangeline grinned, sticking her tongue out at him.

Sirius laughed, but Remus rolled his eyes and said, 'That wasn't what I meant, I-'

'Oh I know what you meant Moony,' Evangeline said winking at Sirius and then turning to her brother, 'Here, James what time do you want us in the changing room at? I was thinking of going to see Jacob before the match,' she said.

'Ten and no later,' James said austerely, 'If you are late I'm going to ban you from seeing that .. that ..-'

'His name's Jacob, James,' Evangeline said glaring at him. No matter who's fault something might be, James always found a way to blame Jacob, it was getting very irritating, 'And you can't ban me from seeing him,' she said vexedly, 'You didn't care last time when I was late and that's only because I was with Lily and she's a girl, what is your problem with him exactly?'

'I just think he's – I just don't like him, okay? He's …'

Evangeline rolled her eyes, 'Okay James, just you sit there and think of one thing that is desperately wrong with Jacob and when you find something, come and tell me,' she snapped, 'I'll see you later,' she said and got up from the bench and stalked off down the aisle. She knew Jacob would be in his Common room, that was where everyone retreated before a quidditch match to wrap themselves up in warm clothes. Evangeline climbed the stairs, still fuming over her inconsiderate brother. She jumped over the dissimilar step that you sank into if you stepped on it and turned off to the Charms corridor. Ravenclaw Tower was situated at the end of the corridor and it took Evangeline no time at all to reach it.

'Excuse me?' she asked at Ravenclaw sixth year, 'You wouldn't be able to fetch Jacob Cairnryan for me would you?' she said with a small smile.

For a while the Ravenclaw just looked at her before finally answering, 'Sure,' he said bluntly and walked towards the portrait, said the password and clambered through.

Evangeline waited, she felt quite awkward as Ravenclaw after Ravenclaw walked past her, giving her strange looks. For a moment she felt tempted to just ask someone to tell Jacob that she had been waiting for him as it was getting closer and closer to ten o'clock. She was about to walk away when she heard her name being called, 'Evangeline!'

She turned around and seen Jacob running towards her, he kissed her on the cheek and said, 'Sorry I got a bit held up,' and he smiled at her, she smiled back, 'What time do you have to be in the changing rooms at?' he asked a suggestive grin appearing on his face, 'I don't suppose we have time to .. you know.'

Evangeline wiggled her eyebrows, 'How about after the match? It's twenty to and I still need to grab my broom from our dorm,' she said, 'You are coming to watch aren't you?'

'Of course, honey,' Jacob said smiling down at her, 'I wouldn't miss it for the world,' he said, kissing her forehead and wrapping his arms around her.

Evangeline smiled and kissed him on the lips, 'I better get going, I'll see you after the match,' she said, kissing him again and loosening herself from his grip and blew a kiss in his direction.

Evangeline ran off down the corridor, she sprinted up the stairs, knocking over a few first years in the process, she was determined to make sure that James could not ban her from seeing Jacob. After quickly muttering the password she barged through the portrait, ran across the common room and up the spiral stairs. Evangeline slammed the dormitory door open with such force it banged against the wall with an ear-splitting noise, she ran over to her bed and began to fumble around in her belongings, she ducked down and looked under her bed, were she finally found her broom.

Evangeline glanced at her watch, it was only quarter to ten, so she decided to slow down down her pace. She walked briskly out of the Common room and into the corridor were she saw Lily and Izzy standing talking to Emilie Jenkins, she walked over to them, her broom resting on her shoulder.

She smiled as she approached them, 'Hi guys,' she said motioning towards her two best friends, 'Hey Emilie, you going to watch the match today?' Evangeline asked the Hufflepuff.

Emilie smiled, 'Hi Evangeline, of course I am!' she said excitedly, 'I'm rooting for Gryffindor to win obviously,' she said, showing Evangeline the red and gold scarf she was wearing.

'That's good,' Evangeline grinned, 'It seems that the only people who want Slytherin to win are the Slytherins themselves, I guess it just shows how unpopular they are,' she said.

'You're right, everyone know that they are a pack of death eaters so no one wants anything to do with them,' Emilie said, agreeing with Evangeline, 'You play seeker don't you?' she asked.

'Yeah, I do,' Evangeline said, 'Malfoy is Slytherin's, and he doesn't play fair one bit,' she snarled as she mentioned the Slytherin's name.

'He's a slimy bastard isn't he, he's like the evil version of Sirius Black,' Emilie said, Evangeline glanced at her, confused, 'There's a rumour going round that he got some fourth year pregnant.'

'WHAT?! SIRIUS DID WHAT?!' Evangeline yelled, shocked that Sirius would be so irresponsible.

'No, Malfoy,' Emilie said reassuringly, 'And he had a girlfriend at the time too.'

'Oh,' Evangeline said, relieved, 'Well I'd better get going now, or James will kill me,' she said, backing away from her friends.

'Good luck!' her three friends called after her, waving at the same time.

'I'll see you guys after the match!' she said before running off down the stairs.

She reached the bottom of the stairs, and into the Entrance Hall almost sliding onto her bottom as her feet hit the shiny marble floor. She steadied herself and began to make her way towards the great oak doors that lead out onto the school grounds. Evangeline followed the path around the Great Hall that lead to the pitch, it was a blustery day, leaves were crunching under her feet as she walked down the concrete path. Her hair was blowing around her face, her robes rolling around as the strong force of the air blew against them. She was about to turn the corner when she heard giggling and squealing, curious, she stopped to listen.

'We really shouldn't be doing this,' giggled a girly voice, 'What if we get caught?'

'Oh we won't,' said a powerful and persuasive voice.

At this point everything went silent, Evangeline took this opportunity to peer round the corner. At first she could not identify the two people in question, that was until they came up for air. Evangeline gasped, her breath caught in her throat, she rotated herself on the spot and thrust her back against the wall. Her breathing got heavy, her fingers went numb and her broom slipped from her grasp and clattered on the concrete path. Her knees collapsed from under her and she slid down the wall, her head in her hands. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, tears of anger, disappointment and humiliation. She sat, leaning against the wall, sobbing. How could anyone be so horrible? Jacob had said he loved her, cared for her, her even bought her a locket to show his love for her; but it was all lies. Lies and deceit. After a while, distraught and still weeping, she pulled herself off the ground and grabbed her broom. Evangeline rubbed the tears that remained on her face away and slowly began to walk towards the changing rooms. As she walked her breath was still catching in her throat, but no tears fell, she was insensible, broken, she could cry no more.

When Evangeline reached the changing room door, she could not tell whether or not any one was present as it was so quiet. She took a deep breath, making sure that her breathing was back to normal, and got rid of as much evidence as she could that revealed to anyone that she had been crying. She slowly reached for the handle, pressing down on it and pushing the door open. As she walked into the changing room, everyone turned to look at her. Evangeline glanced around to find all of the team there, she managed a small smile and walked tardily towards the lockers. As she turned the corner, she found Jade in the middle of changing into her quidditch robes.

'Hi Evangeline,' Jade said brightly as she pulled up her socks.

Evangeline smiled weakly towards her and quietly mumbled, 'Hello,' and began to undo her robes.

As Evangeline got changed into her quidditch robes, she could feel the third year watching her intently. She was so tempted to tell her to stop staring at her, but Evangeline knew that Jade had sensed something was up, but did not have the courage to ask her. So Evangeline kept on getting changed, not a word mumbled or uttered. Once she was fully dressed, all protection in the right places she sat down on the bench and waited for James to call them into the main changing area. She felt no emotion and could not keep a single thought in her mind, she just sat and stared straight ahead. It was like a daydream, but with no dream. This was soon to be interrupted as James called for the two girls.

Evangeline got up off the bench, clutched her broom and walked around the corner to find the rest of the team sitting quietly, even James didn't say anything, he sat staring at the floor. She sat down beside Remus, motioning a smile towards him as a greeting, she couldn't find the energy to speak. Then James looked up, glancing around the room, a solemn look on his face, and he began his speech;

'Okay guys, this is the game we've all been waiting for; the big one,' he said nodding in agreement with himself, 'We all know it's going to be a tough match, but we just need to keep our heads,' he said, glancing over at Evangeline and then to Sirius, who he knew had the worst tempers, 'And stick to our game plan. Today we need to play as a team; every single one of us and we need to trust in each other,' he said earnestly, getting to his feet.

'Everyone knows Slytherin play dirty, and we don't want to sink to their level. But if all else fails, flatten them, take out all your anger on them. I want to see everyone fighting out there today, for Gryffindor, our house, our family,' James said, pacing back and forth.

'Okay team, we are Gryffindor, we are brave and courageous. Let's take it to these gits!' James shouted animatedly, throwing his fist in the air, 'All I have to say now, is good luck and play your best,' he said, grabbing his broom and strutting out of the changing room.

Evangeline followed the rest of the team out of the changing room, but someone caught her arm and held her back, 'Are you okay?'

Evangeline turned to find Sirius gazing at her, a concerned expression on his face, 'I'm fine,' she muttered, turning to walk out of the room again, but once more Sirius pulled her back.

'You didn't look fine when you walked in here fifteen minutes ago, are you sure you're okay?' he asked, staring her out, trying to make her give in and tell him what was wrong.

'No .. I – I don't want to talk about it right now Sirius, I just want to keep my mind on the game,' Evangeline said, glancing at him pleadingly. All she wanted was to forget about what had happened.

'What's …' Sirius' eyes widened,' – it was that bastard wasn't it! I swear I'm gonna f-'

'Sirius don't, please,' Evangeline said, pleading with him, her eyes glistening with tears.

'That cheating son of a bitch, he's -'

'Sirius stop.'

'Look what he did to you, how could-'

'Sirius.'

'That fucker isn't going to live to see-'

'SIRIUS JUST SHUT UP!' Evangeline shouted, tears beginning to drip down her face.

Sirius stopped talking and looked at Evangeline compassionately, 'Look what he's done to you Angel, you're a wreck,' he said, reaching up his hand and wiping away her tears.

'I don't want to talk about him right now,' Evangeline said, staring at the ground and then glancing up at Sirius, 'We have a game to play.'

'Right, let's go and fuck up some poor Slytherin's life,' Sirius said, putting his arm around Evangeline's shoulder and leading her towards the door.

They mounted their brooms as they walked onto the pitch, kicked off hard and ascended into the air. The commentary had already begun;

'And last but certainly not least, Black aaaaaand POTTER! Today's game is gonna be a good one, with Gryffindor of course being top of the table at the moment, but with Slytherin on their tails, if the snakes win, they'll take the lead. This game certainly isn't going to be one for the faint hearted, expect blood, guts and foul language, from both sides,' Fabien announced from the stands.

Madame Wycombe walked onto the pitch, quaffle in hand, she gazed up at the fourteen players, 'I want a nice clean game … All of you,' she said, glancing towards the Slytherin team, she blew her whistle and the quaffle went soaring into the air and James snatched it up, just out of Nott's reach.

Evangeline rose high into the air, high enough so she could watch the game, but Malfoy was already on her tail, watching her every move. She levitated in the same spot for a while, listening to the commentary and watching for any glints of gold darting through the air.

'And Potter has the quaffle, throws to Knox – Oh nice dodge – Knox keeps possession, back to Potter, who passes to Robinson – Sweet Jesus, she nearly got cleaned by Carrow – Anyway Gryffindor still in possession – Nice bludger by Black there, hit Carrow straight in the face – Robinson to Potter, back to Robinson – nice little turn – goalposts straight ahead – another nice little dodge – only Bletchley to beat – SCORES! – GRYFFINDOR LEAD!'

Evangeline punched the air delighted that Gryffindor had taken an early advantage. She scanned the air for any signs of the snitch, but still nothing. Malfoy was hovering slightly to her left watching her intently. His game plan was obviously to let Evangeline find the snitch and then bully her off it, but there was no way that Evangeline wouldn't give up without a fight.

'Slytherin have the quaffle, Carrow to Nott, back to Carrow who hurtles up the pitch – dodges a bludger from Simmons – Carrow to Flint, who shoves Robinson out of the way – is that allowed? - Flint backpass to Carrow who shoots – OHH lucky save by Lupin who punches it out of danger – collected by Potter – flip that was close, ducked just in time – Potter has the quaffle, passes to Knox – who throws to Robinson – OHH FOUL! DIRTY CHEATING -'

'Fabien, please refrain in using language like that,'

'Right sorry Professor – well after that unmistakeable foul from Flint who practically knocked Knox off of his broom after he had thrown the quaffle, Gryffindor have been awarded a penalty – Potter steps up – speeds towards the goals – feints right – goes left – SCORES! GRYFFINDOR LEAD 40 – 0'

Evangeline glanced round, the colours of red and gold draped around most of the stadium. The crowds erupted once James had scored, giving Gryffindor a vital lead. She scanned around, hoping to find Lily and Izzy cheering them on, but instead she seen something she hoped she would never have see again. Evangeline sped her broom towards Sirius who had just hit a bludger at Carrow who seemed to be his preferred target.

'SIRIUS!' Evangeline yelled as she got closer to him, she pulled to a stop right beside him, her ace livid with anger, 'Give me your bat,' she snarled.

'What?' Sirius said confusedly as he swung at another bludger.

'GIVE ME YOUR BAT!' Evangeline yelled, but finally lost her patience and grabbed it out of his hands, a bludger was hurtling towards her, she knew exactly where her target was. With as much strength as she could muster she swung as the bludger and sent it in the opposite direction. She watched as it sped towards the stands, but decided that it was probably best to go and play her own position, handed a baffled Sirius back his bat and sped off.

'Stray bludger hurtling towards the stands – was that Gryffindor's seeker Potter that just hit it? – OHH that gotta hurt – poor guy … and girl by the looks of things – who are they anyway? – Potter must have been letting out some fury that got bottled up and them pair where on the end of it – Is that .. Jacob Cairnryan? – Someone said it was – and who else? – Cerys Neill – they obviously won't be getting Christmas cards from Potter this year.'

Suddenly as Evangeline sped away from Sirius, she immediately spotted the snitch, it was hovering beside one of the goalposts, with a rush of excitement she sped off after it. Malfoy was on her tail, Evangeline looked behind her, he was gaining, obviously all that money had bought him a pretty fast broom. When she looked back to follow the snitch, it had gone, but she sped off in search of it again. She dodged a bludger sent at her by Pucey and then got knocked off of her broom as Carrow came hurtling towards her. A roar of rage echoed from the Gryffindor stands as Evangeline just about managed to get on her broom again. Madame Wycombe pointed towards the goalposts, Gryffindor had been awarded a penalty.

Evangeline watched on as James threw the quaffle through the left post making the score 100 – 60 to Gryffindor. But after glancing around, she saw the snitch lingering above the Slytherin stand, she raced towards it, but to her dismay Malfoy had seen it too. She was still faster than him, even though he had the faster broom, but not weighing that much had it's advantages. Malfoy was gaining on her, he was two feet from her broom, but she kept her eyes on the snitch.

'Your not going to catch it Potter,' Malfoy snarled and latched his hand onto the end of Evangeline's broom, pulling her back.

'I'm not in the mood for any shit Malfoy, let go or I'll make you,' Evangeline threatened.

'Why would I let go Potter?' Malfoy taunted her.

Evangeline had had enough, she lifted her foot and kicked Malfoy as hard as she could in the face. She looked back and saw him swaying, clutching his nose, his hands covered in blood. Evangeline couldn't care less, she hurtled after the snitch. It rose up into the air, but it was slowing down, she reached out her hand, and clasped her hand around it, it's tiny wings still beating against her hand as she stopped to admire it.

Cheers erupted as she flew back down to the pitch, flashes of red and gold everywhere. Evangeline could hear the crowds chanting her name, on the outside she appeared happy, but on the inside she still felt sorrowful and hurt. She tried her best to hide this, mustering the biggest grin she could as she was met by her fellow team mates who flew down to congratulate her. Gradually, as the cheering died down and the pupils left the stadium, the majority of the team retreated to the changing rooms, but Evangeline didn't.

She left the stadium and strided down the path towards the lake, she broke into a run, the tears began to flow again, in a rage she tore the heart shaped locket off of her neck and threw it onto the ground. Evangeline stopped at her favourite place, and watched the lake, tears still streaming down her cheeks. The scenery seemed to have a calming effect on her, and it worked every time. She stood there, gazing out as birds flew across the water surface, the wind blew the trees, she was alone, or so she thought.

A hand place itself in hers and clasped it tightly, it was soft and warm, but Evangeline did not look up to determine it's owner.

'Angel?'

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!!! I actually love writing it, maybe it was because I was finally getting rid of Jacob (: Anyways REVIEWS!!! Tell me what you think and what not. A few changes have been made to this chapter. Tori xox