Evelyn Riddle: The Forgotten Chronicles-Book 1

Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

The next day, Evelyn woke with a smile, the sunlight streaming through the high windows of the Slytherin dormitory. Today marked the start of summer break, a moment that carried an odd mixture of excitement and relief. She stretched lazily, savoring the peaceful hum of the castle as her dormmates quietly packed their belongings.

Sliding out of bed, she quickly dressed, her heart lifting as she picked out her new clothes. The soft fabric and perfect fit were still a novelty, and she felt a small spark of pride as she slipped on the fresh, comfortable outfit. It was a simple thing, but it felt like a fresh start—a symbol of all the changes she'd gone through this year.

Evelyn tied her shoes, grabbed her bag, and gave her space one last glance before heading out. She emerged from the Slytherin common room, her mood as light as her footsteps. She was actually smiling—a rare sight in the dungeons. The prospect of a summer spent at Hogwarts, free from the pressures of classes and the suffocating tension of her housemates, filled her with an unexpected sense of optimism. As she made her way toward the Grand Staircase, the cool stone walls seemed a little less oppressive, the air a little less heavy.

But of course, nothing good lasted long.

From the corner of her eye, she caught a familiar figure approaching. Draco Malfoy. His platinum hair gleamed under the torchlight, perfectly slicked back as always, and his stride carried an air of self-importance that seemed to precede him wherever he went. Evelyn's smile faded slightly, and she sighed inwardly. Of all people to run into this morning, it had to be him.

"Riddle," Malfoy drawled, his voice carrying that infuriating mix of arrogance and feigned politeness. He stopped just short of her, his sharp gray eyes glinting with mischief. "Didn't expect to see you here over the summer. What's the matter? Did the orphanage not want you back?"

The words hit with precision, and Evelyn felt a flash of irritation flare up in her chest. She halted mid-step, her smile replaced by a look of calm defiance as she turned to face him fully.

"Not everyone is as eager to get rid of me as you might hope, Malfoy," she replied smoothly, her voice steady but carrying an edge that made him hesitate. "I'm here because Dumbledore offered me a place—something I'm sure he wouldn't extend to you if you were in my shoes."

Malfoy's smirk faltered for a split second, his pale complexion growing a shade paler. "Well, isn't that touching?" he sneered, recovering quickly. "The great Dumbledore taking in Hogwarts' charity case. Always knew he had a soft spot for hopeless causes."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. She wanted to snap back, to tell him exactly what she thought of his cruel remarks, but she stopped herself. Malfoy thrived on reactions, and she wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Instead, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax.

"You should try to come up with some new insults, Draco," she said, her tone sharp but measured. "You're starting to repeat yourself, and it's getting boring."

She brushed past him, her head held high, refusing to let him see how his words lingered like a bitter aftertaste.

Malfoy turned to watch her go, his mouth opening as if to retort, but no words came out. Instead, he glared after her, his fists clenched in frustration.

Evelyn shook off her lingering thoughts of Malfoy as she stepped into the warm glow of the entrance hall. The large, arched windows let the sunlight flood the space, illuminating the rows of students bustling about as they prepared to leave for the summer. Amid the sea of movement, Evelyn's eyes quickly found Harry, Ron, and Hermione waiting near the great doors, their faces lighting up as they spotted her.

"There she is!" Hermione called, waving her over with a wide smile. Evelyn felt her heart lift at the sight of them, her friends—her family—looking so happy and at ease after everything they'd been through.

She walked over, her footsteps echoing on the marble floor, and was immediately met by Harry's warm gaze. "You okay?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine care.

"Yeah," Evelyn replied with a small laugh. "Ran into Malfoy coming up here."

"Figures," Ron scoffed, adjusting his backpack. "That git never misses a chance to be a pain."

"Forget him," Hermione said with a wave of her hand. "Are you coming down to the train with us?"

"Of course I am," Evelyn replied, her voice bright. "I wouldn't let you lot leave without a proper goodbye."

"Good," Ron said with a grin. "Would've been rude otherwise."

The four of them fell into step together, walking out onto the grounds as the warm summer breeze rustled the trees and carried the chatter of students through the air. The sight of the carriages lined up near the edge of the Forbidden Forest was a bittersweet reminder of the school year coming to a close. The laughter and excitement around them were infectious, but Evelyn couldn't help the pang of sadness as she realized her friends would be gone soon.

As they reached the platform where the Hogwarts Express waited, Hermione turned to Evelyn first, her expression firm. "We'll write," she said, pulling Evelyn into a tight hug. "And you'd better write back."

Evelyn laughed softly, hugging her friend back. "I promise."

Harry chimed in, "Yeah, and if anything strange happens here, you have to tell us."

"Deal," Evelyn replied, warmth spreading through her chest.

Ron hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and giving Evelyn a brief, slightly awkward hug, his ears turning bright red. "Take care of yourself, yeah?" he said softly.

"I will," she said, her voice warm.

Finally, it was Harry's turn. He stepped forward, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her chest tighten. Without a word, he pulled her into a hug, his arms wrapping around her firmly as if he was afraid to let go. Evelyn blinked in surprise but melted into the embrace, closing her eyes as she let herself take comfort in the solid presence of her friend.

The hug lasted longer than the others, and when Harry finally pulled back, his hands lingered on her arms. "Stay safe, Evelyn," he said, his voice quiet but filled with earnestness.

"You too, Harry," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The train whistle blew, and Hermione gave her one last wave as she climbed aboard. Ron followed, giving Evelyn a sheepish grin, and then Harry stepped onto the train, glancing back at her as he found his spot by the window.

Evelyn stood on the platform, waving as the train began to pull away. Harry, Ron, and Hermione leaned out the window, waving and shouting goodbyes until they disappeared around the bend, leaving only the echo of the train's whistle behind.

She lingered there for a moment, letting the silence wrap around her. The bittersweet feeling of watching them leave was softened by the knowledge that they'd see each other again. Turning back to the castle, Evelyn felt a sense of calm settle over her. Hogwarts was hers for the summer, and while the halls would be quieter, the castle would give her a chance to reflect, to grow, and to prepare for whatever came next.

As she stepped through the grand doors, she smiled to herself. Hogwarts wasn't just a school—it was home. And as she stepped through its grand doors once more, she knew her story here was only just beginning.