2
Evangeline’s breath came out in cloudy puffs of white as she walked across the courtyard, trying to suppress her shivers. Today was colder than usual, and the sky was a dull gray, blocking the sun’s rays of warmth. She had offered to be a caretaker for the Thestrals -ever since she could see them, the creatures intrigued her- but was regretting the decision now. They were incredible creatures, but she would much rather stay inside all day than trek through the snow. Thankfully, there was a carriage out on a trip in lower Hogsfield, so only a few of the flying beasts remained until the end of Christmas break.
Now that she was done, Evangeline was looking forward to some coffee, maybe a hot chocolate, and some pastries while she read or watched the snow fall. The warmth of the castle seeped into her chilled bones as Evangeline entered, the doors closing heavily behind her. A pair of Hufflepuffs were making their way through the hallway, and sent her cheerful smiles in passing. She returned them before making her way to the kitchens.
When the door came into view, her heart stopped and a pained groan threatened to climb out of her throat. Was it too much to ask for some peace and quiet today? Just today. She just wanted food, that’s all. And yet, there in front of her, the Slytherin from the library leaned in the doorway, speaking to the house elves. When he looked over and saw her, an edge of annoyance creeped into his face, but was quickly replaced with a lopsided smirk and a tilt of his head.
“Fancy seeing you here.” He seemed to be feeding off of her frustration, eyes dragging up and down her frame.
“Yeah, isn’t it a pleasure. I just need to get some food.” She stepped up to the door, eyesing him expectantly. He didn’t budge.
“Oh, I’m sorry, would you like me to move out of your way?”
A few house elves looked their way, curious at the odd interaction, but didn’t stop their food prepping.
“Preferably, yes.” Evangeline crossed her arms over her chest, waiting as a flurry of thoughts worked behind the boy’s eyes. If she didn’t know any better, she might even think he was intelligent; a deep thinker. But he was shallow, clearly, if their library interaction had any indication.
Before he decided to move, though, a small house elf came up to the door with downcast eyes, holding a steaming cup and a small paper bag. Evangeline always felt terrible for the elves. They all seemed to have such terrible pasts, and yet they didn’t blame anyone for it. Except for themselves, that is. They were taken advantage of, underappreciated by nearly everyone.
“Is that for me?” She smiled at the elf in an effort to make her appreciation known. The elf looked up, smiling a bit and nodding enthusiastically, handing her the items. “Thank you so much,” Evangeline took them, embracing the warmth of the cup. She looked up at the Slytherin, “Good to know there are at least some people with manners here.”
He sneered at her, but she paid him no mind, walking past with her food and drink in hand. Her relief from their ended interaction was short-lived as his footsteps hurried to catch up with her in the hall. Evangeline kept her gaze straight ahead, although he was now walking next to her. “What do you want?”
“Would you believe me if I said I wanted some company?” In the corner of her eye, she could see him smiling at her, a cocky edge to his posture. He was toying with her.
“No.”
His smile wiped clean from his face, instead replaced with an overly-exaggerated frown of annoyance. “All of you Ravenclaws are the same.”
“Yes, and all of you Slytherins are the same.”
“I beg to differ, actually,” he picked up his ace a bit in an effort to catch her eyes. “I’m actually pretty special.”
Evangeline snorted. “Yeah, that’s one word for it.”
He stepped completely in front of her, forcing her to a stop in the hallway, a mere few inches away from her. His usual cocky expression was replaced with…sincerity? “Listen, I’m sorry about the library thing. It was a dick move, and I know it was a bad first impression.”
Evangeline was shocked. Dumbfounded, actually. Did he really just apologize? He didn’t seem like the type to apologize, and yet, here he was. “I- uh…thanks?”
“Oh no,” He replied, a smile growing on his face as he backed away. “Thank you.” he held up something in his hand, and Evangeline looked at it, a bit confused, before she realized it was her paper bag with her pastry. “Hey! How did you- Doesn’t matter, give it back.”
“Uh, no. That was a poor choice on your end, Barlowe. Firstly, I don’t apologize for things I’m not sorry for, not sincerely, anyway. Secondly, you should keep a better eye on your things if you don’t want them to disappear.
“You are such an asshole.”
He feigned offense, gasping. “You shouldn’t swear, that’s not very Ravenclaw of you.” The Slytherin turned away, continuing down the hall. She knew it would be no use to try getting her pastry back, so she only huffed, returning to the kitchen to get another.
The Slytherin was nowhere to be found for the rest of the day, although Evangeline was still aching to spit out some comebacks. The thought of insulting his smug face was exceptionally pleasing, and picturing the scene even distracted her from the afternoon of reading. She was the only fifth year Ravenclaw who had stayed over Christmas, so she was free to pace and waste time in the common room by herself.
The light snowfall turned into a winter storm as evening approached, wind whooshing loudly against the castle walls. Evangeline was thankful for both the enchantment on the castle and the fire roaring in the hearth. Shadows elongated across the walls and floor, and when her eyes began to strain just looking at the words on the page in her book, Evangeline finally gave in, setting the piece of literature down.
After tomorrow, the library would be open again, and she would have another nine days to enjoy her privacy. Although, she had to admit, the quiet of the common room was peaceful, but a bit lonely. No, she was not overly close with anyone there, but the noise and small conversations made her feel more visible. It added some variety in her life.
She went to bed, longing to hear her fellow students breathing heavily with sleep or whispering through the dark rooms, but instead fell asleep in silence.