Evelyne's Truth
One evening, away from prying eyes, Evelyne finally told the truth.
Daphne.
Cassandra.
Tonks.
Susan.
Penelope.
Katie.
Clara.
Angelina.
Hermione.
She told them who she really was.
Why she hid.
What Lucius had done.
What she endured.
Her voice trembled only once.
Then the room went silent.
And one by one, they hugged her.
No questions.
No judgment.
Only warmth.
"You're not alone," Daphne said firmly.
"We've got you," Cassandra added.
Tonks grinned through misty eyes. "Anyone hurts you, they answer to all of us."
Evelyne broke down then—quiet tears, finally safe.
From that night onward, she didn't stand at the edge anymore.
She belonged.
Defense Against the Dark Arts — Again
The next Defense Against the Dark Arts class arrived.
Hufflepuff and Slytherin together.
Lucien sat between Akeno and Susan, Daphne and Cassandra nearby, Evelyne beside them.
Professor Quirrell entered.
And for the first time—
No stutter.
No shaking.
No fear.
He taught clearly. Confidently. Precisely.
The class was stunned.
Only Lucien knew the truth.
That isn't Quirrell, he thought lazily.
That's Voldemort wearing a mask.
Lucien listened anyway—out of boredom more than interest.
After class, Quirrell spoke sharply.
"Mr. Lionhardt. Stay."
The classroom emptied.
The Conversation
Quirrell smiled nervously.
"H–how was the class?"
Lucien smiled back—pleasant, calm.
"It was excellent," he said honestly.
"Your knowledge surpasses most professors here."
Inside Quirrell's head, Voldemort preened.
Lucien continued, voice mild.
"With your skill, you could become famous. Revered. You could surpass legends."
Quirrell began to sweat.
Lucien stepped closer, eyes sharp.
"And with your knowledge and skills ," he added casually,
"you could kill Voldemort effortlessly."
Silence.
Cold.
Quirrell's blood froze.
Lucien straightened, smile returning.
"Thank you for the lesson, Professor."
He turned and walked out.
Aftermath
The door shut.
Inside Quirrell's mind—
Voldemort exploded in fury.
"HOW DARE YOU THINK SUCH THINGS!"
"I–I didn't, my Lord!" Quirrell panicked.
"He's manipulating you! Misleading you!"
Voldemort did not believe him.
Doubt took root.
And Voldemort hated doubt.
Lucien's Smile
Lucien stepped into the corridor, hands in his pockets, expression relaxed.
Behind him, a crack had formed.
He had done exactly what he intended.
Turned Voldemort against his own pawn.
Slowly.
Effortlessly.
Without lifting a finger.
Lucien smiled a little wider and walked away.