James Potter thought he was destined to fall for Lily Evans-until Eve Brooks came crashing into his life, quite literally. When a rogue bludger knocks the shy Ravenclaw off her broom, James catches her and finds himself captivated by the mystery beh...
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Eve Brooks couldn't remember the last time she'd felt comfortable outside of her home. No matter where she was within the castle, it felt like there was something to worry about or look out for. She was often seen glancing around her with a quickened breath and lack of words.
That's how Evan Rosier had come up with the rumour she was a mute and it didn't take long to circle around the castle.
Eve was convinced people were truly stupid for believing it. There weren't many people who could do silent magic as a student and the Ravenclaw girl excelled in the majority of her studies. No one seemed to notice this fact but she didn't care much about that. It was just something else to add to the discomfort.
Now, she had a whole other thing to worry about. She had forgotten that the Head boy and girl had their own dorm rooms where they could get to know each other better while still maintaining their studies. Eve was thankful for her own room but the idea of sharing a common room with James Potter didn't sit well.
No matter how many times Raina told her that he'd matured over the past year.
For years, Eve had avoided the Raveclaw common room wherever she could and took solace in the library instead. At least, she had somewhere new to be alone and relax without leaving the tower.
But she wasn't alone.
"You know, I could kick Potter out and steal his dorm room if it bothers you this much," Raina suggested as they walked down the corridor.
"It's quite alright, I've managed to avoid him so far," said Eve softly. "How did tryouts go?"
"Oh, it was alright. The seeker I have isn't great but no one else tried out." replied Raina miserably. "Missy seems to think it's because I'm a girl. Who wants a girl captain? Some equality we have going on."
If Raina didn't sound so sad, Eve would have assumed that was an attempt at a sarcastic comment. Raina had been so excited when she found out she was captain after being on the team since her second year. Despite times advancing and opinions changing, there weren't many girls who did play Quidditch quite yet.
"I'm sure it's not that, didn't loads of people try for keeper?" asked Eve.
"Yeah, they did,"Raina shrugged. "I'd never replace Robb though, he's been on the team with me since third year and he's amazing."
Eve nodded, letting her best friend ramble on about Quidditch. Honestly, Eve had little interest in it but she let Raina talk herself into insanity if it meant she was happy. It's not like Eve had much to talk about anyway.
"So, anything happened that I missed?" Eve questioned.
"Not really, Pandora introduced me to Xenophillius Lovegood, long-haired dude," said Raina. "It's lonely without you. Xeno's slightly weird but he's totally obsessed with Pandora which is quite cute."
"So you've replaced me?"
"Never," replied Raina, throwing her own over Eve's shoulder. "You are my favourite Ravenclaw, always and forever Eve."
Eve and her friend strolled leisurely towards the Transfiguration classroom, where she was scheduled to have a class with the Gryffindors. Despite any initial concerns, Eve welcomed the prospect, having spent many years sitting next to Remus, who had always been kind to her.
When they arrived, McGongall hadn't let anyone sit down. Instead, everyone waited patiently to see what she had to say as the last students poured into the room.
Life was really chasing her this year, wasn't it?
"This year is N.E.W.T. year. And over the last six years you have been here, certain students—"She directed her eyes towards Sirius and James, who positively beamed. "—have been causing a lot of trouble. Therefore, this year, you will sit where I tell you to."
There was a large chorus of protests throughout the students, which McGonagall simply ignored as she began to read from the list.
"Lily Evans and Remus Lupin— Peter Pettigrew and Ava Scott —Sirius Black and Raina Edwards—"
"You're going to regret that, Professor," Eve muttered under her breath.
"James Potter and Eve Brooks."
Eve cursed, looking towards James. The boy seemed to glow even more than he had been, quickly finding his seat and casting a grin at Eve. Closing her eyes for a moment, Eve enjoyed the last moment of peace.
" 'Ello Evie!" greeted James as she sat down.
"Please do not call me Evie."
"Whatever you say," hummed James, staring at her. "Why so sad, Eve?"
"I just want some peace and quiet," Eve grumbled.
"I'm really not that bad, you know?" offered James softly. "I'm not gonna terrorise you or anything. If you want me to leave you to study, I will."
"Okay," Eve replied slowly. "You can stay for now."
James gave her a sheepish smile in return, adjusting his glasses as Eve looked down at the desk.
"You've been spending a lot of time with Evans, haven't you?" He offered.
Eve couldn't deny that; Lily often complained about James when she joined Eve and Remus in the library.
"Sorry," Eve muttered. "You just don't have a reputation that fits mine."
"That's your problem, Eve, you don't have a reputation. You have to make one."
"And how do I do that?"
"Be friends with me."
"Who says I even want a reputation? What would that do for me?" questioned Eve. "Better yet, what's in it for you?"
"You," said James with a grin.
"Maybe I don't want a reputation, I am perfectly happy by myself,"Eve stated. "I have Remus, Raina and Lily. I am perfectly fine."
"You watch Eve, you'll be falling head over heels for me by the end of the year."
"I highly doubt that."
It was the last thing Eve would allow herself to do. She would absolutely, definitely, definitively, never get with James Potter. He was bad news and Eve would not allow herself to be surrounded by someone who wanted nothing more to prove he could have whoever he wanted. He didn't really care about someone like her. No one did.
Either way, Eve Brooks knew it was going to be a long year.
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