CHAPTER ONE
𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐩

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EPONINE FILTERED THROUGH HER BAG ONE LAST TIME, ENSURING SHE HAD EVERYTHING SHE NEEDED BEFORE SHE AND HER MOTHER DEPARTED. She knew the trip would be a short one, only lasting twenty-fours at most, but she always tended to overpack. Her mind wandered to all the possible things that could go wrong; a spilled drink, unexpected weather, or her bag getting misplaced. She filled the backpack with an extra shirt, a second pair of socks, and a small paper box with a few cookies she had made the night before.

She heard her mother calling for her from downstairs, and so she scrambled to gather herself and double check that everything was in order. She was about to run out of her bedroom door before she realized she was forgetting something. Her mother's voice continued to ring through the small house as Eponine searched through her drawers, shifting through pieces of clothing until she pulled out a dark green cardigan. She quickly slipped it on over her white tee and jeans, knowing it was one of the few green pieces she owned. She had to at least show a little team spirit tonight.

She grabbed her bag and dashed down the stairs, the old wood creaking underneath her feet. Slipping her arms through the straps of her bag, she pulled an elastic out of her pocket and began to tie her hair up. She followed her mother's voice, waking through the thin walkways of their home until she found her in the kitchen. When Claudia spotted her daughter, she picked up her own belongings.

"I'm getting you a pocket watch for Christmas this year. Open," Her mother picked up a piece of toasted and buttered bread, placing the slice in Eponine's mouth while she finished fixing her hair. Eponine held it in her mouth while she followed her mother out of the kitchen and towards the front door, listening to her continue to ramble. "You need to eat something before we leave. See, now I'm glad I didn't cook a big breakfast. I was planning to, but then I had a feeling you wouldn't be out of your room until time to leave."

Eponine chuckled as they left the house, taking the bread out of her mouth. "Sorry, mum. I had to make sure I looked my best. You know, just in case one of the Irish players sees me and wants to pen a letter to me while I'm away at school."

Her mother swatted her arm while she took a bite of her toast, and the two girls walked through the front garden and onto the street. Eponine was careful not to step on any of her mother's flower shrubs, for the woman took her landscaping very seriously. She would spend the whole day in her garden if she could. Unfortunately, her mother spent most of her time at the Ministry. She was very dedicated to her work, but if given the opportunity, she'd be even more dedicated to her flowers.

For years, it had just been her and her mother. Eponine had been naive once, believing in the fairytale that her family was picture perfect, a visionary of what it looked like when two people truly loved each other and their children. All it took was the death of her sister, Ophelia, and the disappearance of her father to rip right through her innocent perceptions. She never understood why her father left, all she knew was that he was gone when she and her mother needed him most. Claudia told her daughter that grief sometimes tore people apart.

But a blessing had arisen from the madness of Eponine's childhood. Her and her mother had grown incredibly close, become the truest friends. All they had was each other, the remaining half of the Renova family left to fend for themselves. Eponine treasured having a mother who she could entrust with anything. She admired her mother and her curious, kind-spirited nature. Eponine hoped she would grow up to be just as elegant yet spunky as Claudia was, especially in the face of tragedy.

"Amos!" Her mother called out, raising her hand and waving at two figures making their way towards them from down the street. The four met on the sidewalk, all carrying similar sized backpacks and an angst to get going.

"Good morning, Renova girls! Eponine, you look especially chipper this morning." Amos Diggory commented, teasing the young teenager on her frowning face, feeling as it was too early on a summer morning to put any effort into appearing joyful. However, Eponine couldn't help but smile at his remark.

"She better be. I was tempted to send a Howler into her room just to get her out of bed." Her mother rolled her eyes, yet a wide grin was on her face.

Eponine turned to the other person standing with them, "Let's not act like I'm the only person here who isn't a morning person. I mean, look at Cedric. I think this is the longest he's gone without talking in the past six years."

"Very funny." Cedric laughed, pulling Eponine in for a friendly hug.

The Diggory family were more than neighbors to the Renovas. Cedric and Eponine occasionally played together as young children, playing their own imaginary games of quidditch with tree branches and balls of fabric. They would make up stories about what they would become once they were adults, Cedric aspiring to play Quidditch professionally and Eponine dreaming of studying Muggle artefacts.

Every time they invited Ophelia to play with them, she declined. Ophelia would often scold her younger sister for her constant talk of Muggles, saying not to taint Cedric's mind with such blasphemy.

Eponine and Ophelia rarely spoke.

Eponine was the one to find her body.

Ophelia had ended her life only a month before she was scheduled to return to Hogwarts for her third year. Their father left one week later.

Upon the news, the Diggory family showed immense support and kindness to Claudia and Eponine. Amos and his wife often brought them meals throughout the week, and Cedric offered to help Eponine with the household chores. He was there for her with every tear shed, every hard night, every angry question of why her sister and father would leave them.

Cedric seemed to resume the missing roles in her life of both sibling and father, always making sure to check up on Eponine and be there if she needed him. When she began at Hogwarts, he made sure to keep an eye on her as a Third Year, especially once they were sorted into the same house. As time went on, it felt more normal to refer to Cedric as her older brother rather than her friend.

The group began to take off, making their toward their destination that they would be meeting the Weasley family at. While Amos and Claudia talked, Cedric and Eponine caught each other up on the recent events of their summers. Eponine listened to Cedric tell her about his family's recent trip to Sweden, and although it was a work trip for his father, he was able to enjoy the scenery and culture.

Eponine listened in awe, wanting nothing more than to travel freely. However, her mother was much less adventurous than she was and preferred to stay put. Eponine believed this was in hope her father would return one day, and when he did, Claudia would be waiting for him. Her mother never admitted this, but it was what Eponine liked to believe. In fact, her mother never mentioned her father. Her own memories of him were weak and fading, and as each year passed, it was harder to convince herself that she actually knew him once.

Their feet soon left pavement and began to tread through dirt trails and a carpet of greenery, the group entering a deep patch of woods. As they walked, Eponine pointed towards the sky at a particular tree bearing magnificently silvered flowers. They were at one of the higher branches, casting a sparkling sheen in the sunlight.

"Tinselbuds," Eponine told Cedric as they slowed, having reached the meeting spot. "Neville told me about them. He wants one."

"Well, then let's get him one." Cedric dropped his bag onto the ground, and when neither of the adults were looking, he began to climb up the tree. Eponine whispered for him to get down, saying that if he got hurt she would never forgive herself. But he persisted, continuing to climb until he found the flower. Eponine directed him, looking over her shoulder to see that the Weasleys has arrived, and everyone was walking back to where Eponine stood. She told Cedric to hurry up, but he insisted on picking the best one.

"Arthur Weasley," Eponine watched as Mr. Weasley introduces himself to her mother, shaking her hand. She greeted him enthusiastically. "These are my boys, Fred, George and Ronald. My daughter, Ginny, and of course Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."

As Claudia shook each child's hand, Eponine looked up and held her hand out. Cedric dropped down the one he had chosen, the bud falling into the palm of her hand, and she quickly tucked it into the pocket of her cardigan before stepping up to her mother's side, who introduced her. "This is my daughter, Eponine."

She shook Arthur's hand, "It's a delight to meet you, sir." Her eyes fell on the fellow students, and Hermione gave her a warm smile. Eponine said hello to each of them, not knowing them very well at all. All she knew was that she saw Snape assign detention to Fred and George once, that Ginny was in the same classes as Luna, and that the remaining trio stuck together like birds of a feather, somehow always finding themselves in a twist of trouble.

Amos shook everyone's hand, and Cedric finally jumped down from the tree, picking up his bag and acting as if he hadn't just been severs meters above the ground. He greeted the group, "Cedric Diggory, how are you?"

Eponine clearly saw Hermione and Ginny share a glance between them. It was the same look that all girls had in their eyes when Cedric paid attention to him, and Eponine found it quite amusing. What was even funnier to her was that Cedric had absolutely no idea; he was completely oblivious to how every girl at school fawned over him. Perhaps it was because the girl he was closest to, Eponine, had no such interest in that sort.

The group began to walk through the woods, the kids all hanging back behind the three adults. Eponine bit her lip, not always good at making casual conversation with new people. And as much as she knew Harry probably wanted nothing more than to be treated as a normal person, he couldn't help that his presence carried a weight with it.

"So, Eponine, was it?" One of the Weasley twins—Eponine was pretty sure it was Fred—asked, walking backwards so he could look at the small, brunette girl. She nodded. Fred gestured between her and Cedric, raising an eyebrow. "So are you two...you know, involved?"

Eponine and Cedric both looked at each other, trying to stifle chuckles between the two of them. They quickly shook their heads, "No, no, absolutely not" they both said together.

"I'm more like her babysitter. Mrs. Renova pays me hourly to be her friend." Cedric joked, giving her a slight nudge, and Eponine shook her head as she laughed with the rest of the group.

Hermione stood on the other side of her. "What was it you stuffed in your pocket? From the tree?"

Eponine met her warm gaze, starting to feel more comfortable. She pulled the bud out, holding it in her palm and showing it to Hermione, Ron and Harry. She tapped the tip of the bud, and it shivered a little before relaxing into a beautiful flower, petals glistening and glowing. "It's a Tinselbud. Neville told me about them, they only grow on certain types of trees. They can survive unattached for about a year, so I wanted to bring one back for him."

"They're exquisite." Ginny leaned forward to look closer at the flower, gently tapping it to watch the petals fold inwards once again, letting Eponine place it back in her pocket.

The group continued to pad along, making small talk until they left the woods and began to climb a grassy hill. They approached the top, where an old boot was sitting. Harry questioned why they were gathering around it, and George explained to him that it was a Portkey. Eponine and Cedric had plenty of experience with this particular piece of magic, gathering in a circle and placing a hand on the boot.

Amos began to count down, and Arthur shouted for Harry to grab on with them. Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and their bodies began to feel as if they were falling through the air and spinning in circles, wind whipping through their hair. Eponine knew to close her eyes and keep her body as still as possible, letting go at the proper time. She straightened herself and made her way towards the ground alongside Cedric, Amos and Arthur, while the rest of the kids were in a pile on the ground.

"I bet that cleared your sinuses, eh?" Arthur patted Ron on the back roughly.

As Cedric helped Harry to his feet, Eponine helped  Hermione and Ginny up. "You okay?" Eponine asked, making sure they didn't hit the ground too hard. The girls nodded, and then turned around, taking in the scenery that surrounded them.

Hundreds upon hundreds of tents were in every direction, seeming to stretch endlessly into the horizon. The Quidditch World Cup. Thousands of people had filed in from all across Europe to witness the event, and Eponine felt beyond ecstatic to have a chance to come. She excitedly followed the group as they made their way through the tents, finding the ones for them. Three, all side by side.

After setting their stuff aside, the group went on to enjoy the pregame festivities. The event was lively and constantly buzzing with energy. She witnessed numerous games being played, as well as Fred and George being scolded by Arthur when they tried to sneak two fizzing drinks when they thought he wasn't looking.

Eponine had always kept to herself, Cedric, Neville and Luna, knowing she was on the outcasted side of the student body. But this day, Hermione, Ginny, Ron and Harry welcomed her in graciously, and she slowly got to know their personalities better. They were quite enjoyable to spend the day with.

Eventually, the sun had set and it was nearing time for the match to begin. The giddy group had begun to make their way through the stands, climbing ramps that would lead them to their seats. Eponine adored the vivacious atmosphere that surrounded her, finally conceding that this night was worth waking up early for. As they continued to climb, Ron called out to his father. "Blimey Dad, how far up are we?"

"Well put it this way. If it rains, you'll be the first to know." A voice answered, one that was not from their group. Eponine looked down over the railing below them, seeing a man standing with long, blonde hair and an expensive looking cane, one that she assumed was just for show.

Draco Malfoy stood next to the man, and by their striking resemblance and affinity for dark clothing, Eponine strung together that this was Mr. Malfoy. Draco gloated, "Father and I are in the Minister's box, by personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself."

His father slapped his cane over Draco's chest, causing him to let out a small cough. "Don't boast, Draco. There's no need with these people."

Draco looked upwards, catching Eponine's eye. The girl he hadn't talked to since the previous year, yet still someone he always felt his eye was drawn to in a crowd. Part of him craved the sharp tension that was evident between them. Eponine chuckled at Draco being put into place by his father, and while she had his attention, she mouthed the words Don't boast, Draco, giving him a small wink.

Rolling his eyes, he looked away as Harry and Ron began to snicker. "I swear, this girl has more nerve than I do." Ron commented, loving how she was unafraid to confront Draco.

Lucius gave them one last statement. "Do enjoy yourselves...while you can." He walked away, pulling Draco behind him.

The group shared a few glances, easily shrugging away his mysterious comment. They continued to their seats, located at the very top of the stadium. Arthur looked at the kids, saying, "I know these aren't the best seats, but at least we are here, right?"

While everyone nodded, Eponine spoke up. "I think these seats are perfect, Mr. Weasley. I mean look, you can see all the action perfectly from here! They're amazing, thank you for getting them for us."

Arthur nodded, and as everyone turned their attention back to the game, he looked at Claudia. "Lovely girl you've got there," he told her, appreciative of her kindness.

The two teams, the Irish and the Bulgarians, began to make their entrances for the hyped match. Eponine kept a smile on her face the whole time as she and her group cheered for the Leprechauns, shaking her head in amusement whenever she heard Ron make another adoring comment about Bulgarian Seeker Viktor Krum.

The game was exciting and engaging, resulting in an Irish victory that called for celebration. The group had all flooded into the Weasley's tent, listening to cheerful music and dancing around. Ron continued to drool over Krum, his siblings teasing him endlessly. The adults were sharing a drink, discussing their work at the Ministry and what they were expecting in the future.

The boys were all singing together, joining arms and chanting praises over the Irish and Viktor Krum. Eponine and Hermione sat side by side, watching the spectacle taking place in front of them. There were shouts from outside steadily getting louder and louder. They all heard, the adults getting quiet. Arthur went to check outside the tent, and Fred announced "Sounds like the Irish have got their pride on!"

"Stop, stop, it's not the Irish," Arthur came back inside, quieting everyone down. The mood inside the tent quickly grew somber. "Gather your things. We've got to get out of here. Now."

Eponine stood up, rushing over to her mother. They began stuffing all their belongings into their bags, swinging them over their shoulders in a frenzy. The group filed out of the tent, and when Eponine was met with the outside world, her heart dropped into her stomach.

Pure chaos had broken out, the night sky illuminated by orange embers rising from burning tents. Crowds of people ran in all directions, and screams were heard in the distance. Eponine watched in horror, not even noticing that the rest of the group had departed already.

She took a few steps forward, and her breathing hitched when she saw what the source of the sudden terrorism was; a group of figures marching in black hoods, carrying ignited torches while they chanted ominous noises. People pushed past her, and she stumbled a little as she watched the group go by only several feet away from her. Death Eaters in the flesh. Pure fear rattled Eponine's bones as one came close to her, looking at her through their mask for two seconds too long, a chill running down her spine.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her from behind, pulling her arm and she screamed as they pulled her behind a tent. Her vision focused on the person who had grabbed her, holding her in place by the upper arms. Her wide eyes fell upon a particular blonde-haired boy, hovering inches taller than her, and he let go of her.

"Are you trying to get yourself bloody killed?" Draco Malfoy seemed to hiss, knowing that the girl's life was one unforgivable spell away from being ended.

Eponine simply looked at him, trying to catch her breath while her senses were overloaded. Her heart beat a mile a minute, body shaking from anxiety as the surrounding fires casted a warm glow on Draco's face. Just as she was about to say something, she heard her name called, and she looked over to see Cedric and Amos coming her way.

Draco looked at her one last time before turning and leaving her to stand there.

Eponine snapped back to her senses, running towards Cedric, who protectively grabbed her hand as they ran through the crowd towards where they left the Portkey. She had never witnessed such an attack, such a massacre, and she tried to focus on her breathing in an attempt to steady herself.

As they ran, one thought settled on Eponine's mind, and as much as she tried to not accept it, the more undeniable it became;

Her world was no longer safe.

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note!

ahhh hello all! hope you enjoyed the first official chapter of this story! i can not tell you enough how excited i am for this story. it's been a while since i've felt so passionately about a story and i have so many ideas in store!

my goal with this fanfic is similar to that of my 'masked hearts' fic, which is to have it fit in nicely to the original plot line of the books/movies. eponine's character will not be taking away from any of the original harry potter characters/what they do; in other words, she won't be replacing anyone.

additionally, i want to emphasize that draco's character, although appearing more "soft" at times (this is a fanfic after all) will virtually remain the same. he's still a dick at times, still has resentment towards the golden trio, and still struggles with all the things he struggles with in the books. eponine will fit in nicely, but she isn't here to change draco into a saint. they are both broken characters and have a lot to teach each other and will grow together. i absolutely adore their relationship and can not wait for it to develop. it'll be slow burn, but not too too slow because i'm impatient LOL