Evan Rosier (Harry Potter Fanfic/ Prequel)

4 | 39 | She's Playing Us All

Halloween, October 31

My parents are "gently" encouraging me to dress up for Halloween, to at least wear something black.

They even sent me a black dress and a weird masquerade mask to go with it. I doubt I'll wear the mask, but the dress is alright. I decide to wear it and match Evan for the Halloween party we have every year.

Cynthia is wearing white, the exact opposite to mine, but I'm okay with it. We look like an angel and demon pair by the time we get to the Great Hall.

She goes to her boyfriend, August, and I am alone.

"Belle," a voice speaks behind me. I turn to see Evan and a smile forms at my face at his attire. Like my own knee-length dress, he's wearing a black coat and well, he actually looks normal.

I carry the black mask with me but I don't wear it. Evan holds it up and smiles.

"Where did you even get that?" He asks.

"My parents thought I should dress up," I answer with an eye roll. "I'm not wearing this."

He tries to tie it around my face but I pull away and laugh. "Evan!"

"Put it on." He holds it over my face and I sigh and admit defeat. He smirks and ties the ribbon around the back of my head, and then maneuvers it in the front so I can see through.

"You look fantastic," he compliments. I shake my head and take a seat at the nearest table.

"You look nice, too," I tell him when he sits beside me.

Before he can reply, Anastasiya and a group of friends come by. Anastasiya is wearing all black, like me, but in a silky dress. It's beautiful.

She smiles at the both of us. "Hey, you two. Care to join us?"

"In what?" Evan asks before I can.

"We're snacking and just hanging out," Anastasiya answers. She grabs his hand and beckons me forward as well. I shrug and trail along.

Cassia and Cynthia are already here, to my surprise. I sit back with Cynthia and watch Anastasiya dance around with Evan. Cynthia nudges me and whispers, "She's stealing him right in front of you."

"I thought you thought I didn't like him. I mean, I don't," I say, glaring at her. "He doesn't look happy with her. I want him to be happy."

"You care about him a lot," Cynthia observes.

"Uh, of course."

"But you don't love him?" She asks, giving me an incredulous look. "You've been friends for quite some time now, it's about time you admit it."

"No, I'd rather just be friends," I tell her, being one hundred percent true. "It would just cause problems if we were together."

She doesn't press on after that, but we continue to talk about how conniving yet alluring Anastasiya is.

"Anastasiya," I start, and she turns around to me.

"Belle?" She tilts her head a bit. "You can call me Ana."

Apparently, we're on nickname basis now. I give her a pleasant smile. "I was just wondering when you were planning to get a boyfriend. Guys are all over you, aren't they?"

"Oh!" Her cheeks are tinted pink. "I don't know about that- I'm only in my second year, after all."

I smirk. This is the prized darling of guys all ages? No, I'm only joking. Of course she the darling, she's beautiful and kind and has an especially lovely personality. When she's older, she won't get a break.

I wouldn't mind if Evan was into her, if I'll be honest. Still, when I think of it, my stomach churns.

He takes a seat next to me when Ana ditches him to go to the restroom.

"That was strange," he admits. "But I liked it."

"I thought you would," I say, smiling at him. "She's fun, isn't she?"

"Yeah," he agrees, and then changes the subject. "Well, I'm going to bed. I forgot to do my homework last night." He flashes a small smile and then leaves the Great Hall.

I watch him go. Why is he suddenly so reclusive? Did Ana do that to him?

Whatever just happened, I complain to Cynthia and head to my own dormitory. My head is aching and I don't feel like talking much. Instead, I take off my dress and mask and throw them in my trunk. I probably won't get them out again.

I slip on some pajamas and crawl under the covers of my bed. Maybe I'll feel better in the morning.

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Published 6-22-20