Evan Rosier (Harry Potter Fanfic/ Prequel)

5 | 59 | Ana's Acting Odd Again

Sunday, December 20

This Christmas week is hectic for everyone.

Along with the pressure of finding the perfect gifts for our friends and avoiding mistletoes, we also have to study hard for a middle-year exam. I still don't understand what they're testing us for, especially with the O.W.L's.

When they do come, I am so overwhelmed with stress, my friends have to calm me down with a spiked drink. It's nothing bad, just a calming potion.

At the end of the exam, I'm calm and patiently awaiting for the results.

Most of them were O's, except for three which were E's. I'd say that's pretty good, considering the short notice and the lack of concentration on my part.

"We should go out to celebrate," my parents suggest when I'm home during Christmas with them.

"I have all I want, honest," I assure them.

Christmas this year, like every year, was fantastic.

Several books were gifted to me by family members and Severus. Blair and Cassia got me a gift together, and that was a complete winter outfit with a skirt, sweater, leggings, long coat, and a hat and scarf. Gloves came as well, with a note to stay warm.

Cynthia gifted me a painting that her mother found. It's simple, just some nice scenery from France. Timothy, who went to Denmark before school even ended, gave me a basket of treats from there and Honeydukes.

I even got a gift from Ana. She wrapped up a small perfume set, much like the one I got from Evan one year.

Evan had given me a beautiful, most likely expensive, furry coat. It's black, to match with practically any of my clothes. I love it.

I make sure to write to all my friends to make sure they know their gifts are appreciated.

My parents take me to visit Evan for Christmas.

I wear a simple red dress with my furry coat and some black ankle boots I found in the back of my closet.

Knocking on the door, I realize how quickly it opens. I wasn't expecting to see Ana and her mother standing by the door, getting their coats on.

A look of shame flickers across Ana's face and she puts on a small smile. "Hey, Arabelle. We were just coming to see the Rosier's. Heather had asked us-"

"It's okay, no need to explain," I reply as politely as I can. Besides, it shouldn't matter. Evan and I aren't together.

She smiles once more and her mother waves a bit, looking wary.

They leave, and I wait for Heather to let me in.

"Oh, Arabelle!" She says, a wary smile matching Ana's mom. "What a nice surprise. Come in."

She closes the door behind me and after calling for Evan, she leaves quickly. I stare after her, wondering about the sudden strangeness.

It must be from the last time I was here. I probably hurt their feelings by leaving so soon. I flinch at this. Evan must not have cleared everything up then.

He appears from upstairs and I find myself thinking, was Ana up there, too? When he smiles without a trace of guilt in his eyes, I know she couldn't have. They were only visiting after all.

"Bella, welcome! I'm so glad you could make it."

~ * ~ *
We mostly hang out in Evan's room, because I don't want to be in the guest room when I know Ana must have been there. Also I don't want a reminder of when Evan and I kissed.

Especially when I know it wasn't technically a real kiss. He didn't want it.

Despite these sour thoughts, I'm excited to be hanging out with Evan again.

Today, we've decided to spend the day outside. It may be cold, but we don't pay attention to it. Stopping by the lake, we realize how nice and crispy it is out.

"This is nice," I announce, rubbing my hands together and grinning.

He gives me an odd look. "What?"

"Being out here with you, my best mate," I respond. This makes him smile back and hold me closer.

"You're right."

For the rest of that day (I don't spend the night), Evan and I take long walks around their yard and lake. The scenery is really nice, enough to make me jealous.

At the end, we say our good nights and I smile to myself at my own house, in my room.

I always have the best Christmases.

~ * ~ *
Published 7-18-20