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CHAPTER TWENTY SIX. HOME

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The school year had finally drawn to an end and Evangeline was relieved. It had been one of the worst years of her life. But in a way, also one of the best. Sure it started off horribly. She was living with her awful aunt and uncle and annoying cousins. She was treated as though she were unimportant. But as the year went on, she learned that she mattered. That someone other than her sister could care about her.

Now she had friends. Something that she never thought she would have. Something that she never thought she had wanted or needed. But those friends were more than just friends to her. They were now her family. She could say that now. They did almost die together.

Evangeline was packing up the last of her bags. Because of her stay in the hospital wing as she recovered, she didn't have time to pack her things as the year was coming to an end. Hermione, Vivian, and Cleo had helped by packing most of her things for her. Something she was extremely grateful for. Evangeline was only left with packing a few things.

She winced when she reached to grab a little trinket off of her bedside table. She was still healing from that night. She still had bruising on different parts of her body. However, Madam Pomfrey had assured her that they would heal completely and she would be fine. She just needed to be sure to take her medicines. She made sure to pack those in one of her bags.

Evangeline looked around the nearly empty room. Hermione and Cleo had already gone down to the common room, agreeing to wait for the girl while she packed up the last of her things. They wanted to help her but Evangeline refused, saying that they had done more than enough already. She sighed and finished packing the remainder of everything.

A knock sounded on the door and she turned to look at it. "Come in," she called. The door opened and Ron walked into the room. She smiled, "Hey. What're you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the carriages?" Ron walked closer to her and smiled. "No. I'm supposed to be helping you with your bags," he said. Evangeline narrowed her eyes at him, "I can carry my own bags, thank you very much."

"No you can't. You're still recovering. Bags are heavy," Ron said. She scoffed, "I think I can manage." Ron pursed his lips and nodded. "Okay. If you can carry that bag without any trouble, I'll leave," he said, pointing at the largest bag in the room. She rolled her eyes and walked over to the bag. She gripped onto the strap and pulled it up, immediately hissing in pain as she did so.

She dropped the bag back on the floor and Ron rushed over to her. "Are you okay?" He asked, gently gripping her shoulders and looking her over. She shrugged off his hands. "I'm fine," she answered, walking back over to her bed. Ron tried to hide the smug smile that came onto his face. "Don't you dare smile," Evangeline said, not even looking at him.

"I'm not smiling," he said before laughing. Evangeline rolled her eyes and grumbled incoherently. "Are you going to tell me that I was right or do I have to say, 'I told you so'?" He asked. Evangeline scoffed, "I will admit nothing." Ron shrugged and gently wrapped his arms around her waist, careful not to hurt her. She rolled her eyes again before turning around to face him.

"I'm helping you," he said. "Whatever," she replied. He smiled at her before leaning in and pressing his lips to hers. Evangeline immediately kissed him back, smiling against his lips. A knock on the door caused them to pull away. They both turned their heads to see Harry standing there with a sheepish smile. "Sorry to interrupt. Hermione said that you needed help carrying your bags," he said.

Evangeline sighed in annoyance but nodded. "That would be great, thanks," she said. Ron looked at her, his mouth agape as she smiled innocently. "Close your mouth, you'll catch flies," she said, patting his cheek. She went to grab her backpack and one of her smaller bags and exited the room, sparing neither boy another glance.

Harry came to stand next to Ron. "That girl sure is something," the Weasley boy said. Harry chuckled, patting his friend's shoulder and moving to pick up one of Evangeline's bags.

••••

The carriage ride to the train was filled with chatter. Evangeline, Harry, and Ron had met up with Cleo and Hermione and rode the carriage together. For the first time since she had started her schooling at Hogwarts, she was happy. She was happy that she had friends who she could trust and who trusted her. She was happy to have a boyfriend who she really liked and who liked her back. Boyfriend. She was still getting used to saying that.

And for the first time ever, she was happy to go home. Okay, she wasn't going home to the Caspian manor, which she was thrilled about. Even though her parents had technically left the house to her and Vivian, neither girl wanted to claim it. That house hadn't been a home in years.

Instead, the two sisters were going to be living with Remus Lupin. The man now had everything that he needed in order for them to live with him. He had gone to the Caspian manor in order to get their things, and most importantly, Tilky who the girls would free as soon as they got to Remus', much to Matilda's dismay. The woman didn't try to fight it though, too busy worried about her husband and the fact that he was wanted by the Ministry.

Evangeline had laughed when she heard the news about her dear uncle. Though she wished that he had been caught that night and sent to Azkaban. However, it was only a matter of time before he was found. Evangeline only wished that she knew where he was hiding out so she could send the Ministry a little tip.

The carriage pulled to a stop and the five quickly exited, making sure to grab their things. Ron took Evangeline's hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. He was becoming a lot more comfortable with their new relationship. Although, he was still extremely awkward at times and still blushed a lot.

The five made their way through the forest to the train. "I've been thinking about something Dumbledore said to me," Harry spoke up. "What's that?" Hermione asked, looking over at him. Neville and Ginny were now walking alongside them. "That even though we've
got a fight ahead of us... we've got one thing
that Voldemort doesn't have," he continued.

"Yeah?" Ron said, looking at him. "Something worth fighting for," Harry finished. Evangeline smiled at him as the group met up with Vivian. Evangeline released Ron's hand and he went to make sure that they're bags had made it to the train, Harry and Hermione going with him. Evangeline and Vivian walked through the train together in search of an empty compartment.

They found one and entered it, placing their bags in the overhead compartment before taking a seat. "I can't believe that you have a boyfriend. And it's Ronald Weasley!" Vivian said. Evangeline rolled her eyes at her sister. "I mean, you start out the year hating the world and everyone in it. And now you hate the world and almost everyone in it excluding your friends and boyfriend. I never thought that those words would come out of my mouth when referring to you," the girl continued.

"I'm offended," Evangeline joked. "And now you're joking. Who are you?" Vivian said and Evangeline rolled her eyes. "No seriously, I've never seen you so happy. It's so weird," Vivian continued and Evangeline shrugged. The door to the cabin opened and Ron stood in the entrance.

Evangeline tilted her head to the side. "Are you lost?" She joked. Ron rolled his eyes, playing along. "Can we sit here?" He asked, gesturing to himself, Harry, Hermione, and Cleo. Evangeline shook her head, "Sorry, there's no room."

"I see plenty of room," Ron retorted. "No, my imaginary friends are sitting here. Can't you see them?" Evangeline said, a smile threatening to break through her fake serious expression. "You have friends?" Harry joked from behind Ron. Evangeline narrowed her eyes in mock anger. "Just shut up and get in," she said.

The group entered the cabin and took seats. Ron sat next to Evangeline and sent her a playful smile. She rolled her eyes but smiled back at him. She looked at the clear glass cabin door in time to see Gemma and Barry walking past. The two twins happened to look into the cabin, spotting the group of friends. Barry rolled his eyes when he saw them, continuing to walk down to the Slytherin compartments.

Gemma, however, stopped and stared straight at Evangeline. The blonde lifted her hand in a wave. Evangeline smiled slightly, her confusion evident before waving back at the girl. Gemma then followed after her brother and Evangeline turned to look at Vivian in confusion. "She visited you in the hospital, you know," Ron said. Evangeline shook her head, "Why?" The boy only shrugged.

She turned back to Vivian, "Do they know?" Vivian nodded, "I told them. But, they didn't believe me. Not my problem though." Evangeline sighed and stared at where the two twins were once stood. Ron took her hand then, giving it a light squeeze. "You okay?" He whispered. She nodded her head, giving him a smile.

A few minutes later, the train was in motion, carrying the students back to King's Cross Station.

••••

The train had pulled into the station and the group exited the train together. Once they had retrieved their belongings, they parted ways. Ron met up with Ginny and the two went to find their parents, but not before making Evangeline promise to visit them over the summer. Apparently Mrs. Weasley really wanted to meet her.

Evangeline and Vivian walked down the platform, searching for Remus. They spotted him holding a sign that had their names on it. A pretty woman with bright pink hair was stood beside him. The two girls walked over to them, Evangeline's eyebrows raised in question. "What's with the sign?" She asked once she was stood in front of them. Remus lowered the sign and smiled, "It's something Muggles do. Thought I'd try it out."

"You're weird," Vivian said. "I've been telling him that for ages now and he still doesn't believe it," the woman behind him said. She sent the sisters a smile. "It's so nice to see you two. I'm Nymphadora Tonks. But don't call me Nymphadora," she said seriously. Evangeline turned to look at Vivian who did the same before turning back to the woman.

"Okay? So what do you want us to call you?" Evangeline asked. "She's honestly okay with anything that isn't Nymphadora. You could call her Chicken and she would respond," Remus joked. Nymphadora smacked him in the abdomen and he grunted. "Call me Tonks," she said. Evangeline nodded, "Tonks." Vivian shrugged, "I like it."

Remus went to carry some of the girls' bags. "All right ladies, time to go," he said. The four began walking out of the station. "So, where exactly do you live?" Evangeline asked him. "Oh it's a grand old place, you'll love it," Remus said. The two sisters looked at one another and shrugged.

Vivian carefully placed her arm around Evangeline's shoulder. Evangeline wrapped an arm around Vivian's waist. The two sisters continued to follow after Remus and Tonks.

"So, are you two dating or what?"

••••

Ah! The end! Of part one at least! It's been a long journey but it's only just begun. Part two of this story will be coming soon so be on the look out for the next update! Until next time!

-N