"I strongly dislike you, Draco Malfoy."
Evangeline Hastings is transferring from Beauxbatons to Hogwarts for her sixth year of school. While struggling with the death of her mother, she meets a mysterious boy named Draco Malfoy, who she can't help...
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The school year was over quickly. Exams were postponed and lessons were cancelled for Dumbledore's funeral. Some students decided to stay at school and attend the funeral, but I couldn't bear it. I went back home with my dad as soon as I could.
"I'm not sure if I want you to go back to school next year, honey," my dad told me one evening over dinner. It was nice to be back at home with my dad.
"Dad, I have to finish my education, it's my last year," I said as I chewed my chicken.
He shook his head. "I know," he said softly. "I just don't want you to get hurt. I couldn't bear to lose you too, not after your mum..." he trailed off.
"I'll be fine, dad," I replied, but I wasn't even sure if I could believe that.
The summer holidays seemed to go on forever. There were more attacks on Muggleborns, but I kept telling my dad that I had to go back to school.
Draco never wrote to me. I didn't write to him either. What if someone else found my letter? I just had to hope they he would be at school next year, but I wasn't even sure that he would be. He was a Death Eater now, why would he even need to go to school anymore?
* * *
When September finally arrived, I Apparated to King's Cross Station. I was seventeen now, so I was allowed to do magic outside of school.
When I ran through the barrier to Platform 9 3/4, something seemed different. Usually, the atmosphere was cheerful and loud, but now, people were speaking in hushed voices. It somehow seemed less bright.
I pushed past the crowd and boarded the Hogwarts Express, dragging my trunk behind me. I started to make my way over to where the Slytherin's usually sat, but someone tapped me on the shoulder.
I turned around. Ginny Weasley was standing there. Her long ginger hair was flowing around her freckled face, which had a worrisome expression on it. "Come sit with me, Eva."
I looked at her. I wasn't really friends with Ginny, but something about the look on her face told me that I should follow her. I nodded. "All right then."
I followed her to a compartment. She slid open the door and sat down. Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood were already in there. I took a seat besides Ginny with Luna across from me.
Neville gave me a small smile, and I returned it. Luna glanced up at me from her upside down copy of the Quibbler.
"Are Harry, Hermione, and Ron coming?" I asked. I was looking forward to seeing Hermione again.
Ginny frowned. "They're not... they're not coming."
I stared at her, cocking my head to the side. "What do you mean, 'they're not coming'?"