I own nothing (just Eva) , please don't sue.
6. New Term.
It was August 31st. The next day Severus would go back to Hogwarts for his sixth year. In some ways he was excited. He would be far away from his house. He told his mother he would be staying for Christmas. Though she didn't like it, Eileen understood his reasons.
Severus was all ready for the busy day, trunk packed, books all ready… The next day was going to be a real marathon. Normally he went with Lily to London, but since the events that happened last year, it was no longer the case. He had a train at 7:30 am, the earliest one possible.
When he went to Diagon Alley two weeks ago, he secretly hoped to see Eva shopping for supplies like him, but he didn't see her. He received a few letters from her about her time in New York, and how excited she was about the new year.
Of all the people he knew, only Eva sent him letters regularly. Severus got a few from Avery or Mulciber talking about the Dark Lord and convincing him to join, one from Rosier about Dark Magic.
Around eight o'clock that evening, there came a knock from the door. Eileen asked her son to get it. As he opened the door, Eva stood there looking at him.
"Hey Sev! Have a nice vacation?"
"Sure, I guess. Why are you here?"
"We are going to London tonight. My parents are leaving for a magic summit at the Bayou tomorrow. I wanted to know if you would like to come with us."
"Really?"
"Well yeah, I know I have a thing for jokes, but about this sort of stuff no. So do you want to come with us? We were on our way and I asked my parents to stop here so I could ask you."
"I think you should Severus, it would be a lot easier." said his smiling mother, who couldn't help but overhear the two.
"I wouldn't be imposing?"
"Course not! I'm offering. You coming or not?"
"Sure."
"Great. Let me help you get your stuff."
The pair went upstairs to Severus's room. Eva noticed it wasn't very happy. There were dark colors were on the walls, and the lighting was dim. She helped Severus get his things. Luckily for her, it was already packed and locked. Being a clumsy person, she was scared of dropping her friends' belongings. When they made it down the stairs, Eva's parents were in the doorway talking to Eileen.
Mr. Easgriff looked at him with his deep brown eyes "Oh Severus, good to see you again."
"You…too sir."
"I trust you have everything?" added Mrs. Easgriff.
"Of course madam."
"Here son, let me take your trunk." Severus let the man take his things and put them in the car. He turned to his mother who seemed happy he found a new friend. She gave him a slight hug, telling him to behave and have a good school year. Severus then got in the car with his mother waving. Eva sat next to him and asked,
"Where's your dad? Doesn't he want to say goodbye?"
"He doesn't care if I leave or not."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I sense you don't like to talk about it."
"You are correct."
"Another day perhaps."
"Perhaps."
With the car all ready to go, they drove off towards London. Eva's father swore at every Muggle driver who made him mad (and there were a lot of them). It was going to be a long hour drive. They decided on a car because of Eva's school supplies and their bags for the Bayou.
The drive went well. Eva told Severus they would be staying in an apartment about five minutes from Kings' Cross. She added he could take the bed while she slept on the couch since there were only two bedrooms. He kept saying he would take the couch, but Eva insisted on him being a guest, and that she hated having him sleeping on the couch when she was the one inviting.
When they arrived at the apartment, it was late, and they all went straight to bed. They ate at a Muggle restaurant called KFC, much to her parent's dismay. But Severus and Eva liked it, with Eva calling it a 'wonderful Muggle way of eating', which made Severus smirk. At the apartment, as told, Severus got the bed while Eva slept on the couch. Her parents told them to be up by eight thirty at best, to be able to get breakfast, and get them to platform 9 ¾ without rushing.
Eva woke up at seven thirty. She decided to tiptoe to Severus's bed and to give him a wake up call. She snuck in the room to see him peacefully asleep. "He's actually kinda cute like this" she thought. Eva walked slowly towards the sleeping wizard, and when she got to his ear she opened her mouth but Severus's eyes popped wide open.
"Don't you EVEN think about it."
Eva took a step back. "I was thinking about it, but since you're awake. Come on get up and get dressed."
"It's seven thirty in the morning."
"So, get out of that bed or I'll drag you out myself."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me."
Severus immediately regretted saying that. Eva took his feet and dragged him out of bed. Severus decided to get even, and once on the floor he grabbed her arm, pulling her down with him. They fell on the carpet, laughing. The two seemed to be wrestling on the floor rolling all over the room. Severus was able to pin Eva on the floor, holding her wrists.
"Ok, ok you win I give up! Now get up before my parents get here."
Severus knew she was right. It would look bad if her parents walked in on them. He let her go, and went to go get his clothes on. When he came out, he went to the main room, where Eva slept. She was all dressed. Her hair was neatly brushed, and she was finishing her makeup. She didn't seem to notice Severus's presence, as she was humming a song while putting on the last of her powder. Eva closed her powder and put it back in her bag, while continuing her humming. She started to dance.
Severus stood for a while and finally decided to say something.
"You like to dance?"
Eva turned with big eyes. "Jeez Sev! How long have you been watching?"
"Long enough to know you can't dance."
"Very funny. Want some breakfast? You like Cap'n Crunch? I tried it at a Muggle hotel in New York. It's delicious, brought back a few boxes."
"Umm sure why not."
"Great and since it's nine o'clock, we've got some time before we have to go, since King's Cross is just five minutes away we're good."
Eva poured Severus the cereal and added milk. She made him some tea and they talked a bit. By 10 o'clock, they had finished and got ready to leave. Eva's parents were already up, and walked them to the station. When they finally got through to the famous platform, they gave their goodbyes to their daughter.
"Now have a good year, work hard, keep the detentions low this year along with the pranks."
"Sure mother."
"We mean it. Last year you got two months worth of detention in less than three weeks."
"I remember father, you sent me a howler."
The parents gave their daughter a group hug, then turned to Severus. To his surprise, Alexandrina pulled Severus into their 'family moment'. She then let go and looked him in the eye.
"Please make sure she doesn't do anything dumb."
"I cannot guarantee it, madam, we are not in the same house."
"It's alright, in class watch over her. She lost Ravenclaw most of their points last year, and the year before that."
"Mother, he doesn't need the inventory."
"Of course, you both have a good year now. We have to get going, that Muggle plane is in three hours. I don't understand all that security for a big metal broom."
Eva's parents left them on the platform. As they left, Severus turned to see Lily who was getting on the train, saying goodbye to her parents. He didn't want to bother Eva about it. They looked at the time, it was already ten forty.
"We better give them our bags." Severus told her.
"Yep we better."
The pair put their trunks in the back along with Eva's owl. Severus still wondered why the name.
As they boarded the train, Severus didn't see any of his Slytherin friends. Eva told him to come sit with her, since his friends were nowhere in sight. They found a nice compartment in the middle of the train. It wasn't long until David poked his head in and came to sit with them.
"Hey Eva, Severus right?"
"Yes."
"So nice holiday?"
"Yep, great time."
"More piano?"
"And violin."
"Thought so."
"So what else did you do?"
"Well Sev came over one day, it was great."
"Really?" said David turning to Severus. "Tell me, did she make you do piano?"
Severus simply replied. "No, we played cards at which I won."
"But we did have a water balloon fight where I won." Added Eva.
Soon the other members of Eva's friends, except for Lockhart and Quirrell, who got another cabin, joined them. The train then started; they were finally on their way to Hogwarts.
The trolley passed. They got chocolate frogs and other wizarding specialties. Severus enjoyed being with these people, who were more inviting than Lily's friends. They all discussed potion class, D.A.D.A, NEWTS, and the new Quidditch team that had to be composed. Severus knew Eva really wanted the position as captain, with the main goal to sack Lockhart once and for all, to which they all agreed.
As the train started to approach Hogwarts, David suggested he and Severus go to the restrooms to change while Eva, Grace and Mariana changed in the compartment.
Once they were done, Severus started walking back to the cabin, when he ran into the Marauders.
"Oh it's Snivellus, what's with the new robes? Trying to seduce a snake now are we?"
"Back off Potter!"
"Getting cranky are we Snivellus. You upset to missing your shot with Lils?"
"Yeah, so now who are you after, she must be a blind witch!" said Pettigrew
"Or a witch with no taste at all!"
"I said shut up Potter!" Severus drew out his wand, pointing it at James, but the other member drew theirs as well.
"Look at him Prongs he's helpless, where are your friends now Snivelly?"
"Right here, Black. So back off!" Eva stood beside Severus, her wand pointing at Sirius.
"Yeah right Snivelly friends with you, don't make me laugh."
"Shut up Pettigrew, you've got nothing. You follow them around like a puppy! At least Severus here takes a few risks and meets new people! You Potter, I have no idea what Lily sees in you, you little brat! And you Black you're no better. You all act like a bunch of four year olds! Come on Severus, they're not worth it."
Severus put his wand back in his robes but stayed to see how Eva defended him against the Marauders. He was surprised at how she stood up for him.
"He is my friend! You all get that through your good for nothing skulls! You don't hurt him, hex him, jinx him, or anything else. I sure hope you all know how to run. You've all got nothing better to do."
"Why should we be scared Evangeline?"
"Because, Potter, unlike you, I know people very well placed who can get you expelled before we get to Hogwarts."
"And that should scare me, because it doesn't."
"One day it will, and one day all your bulling will bite you in the ass, and we'll be there to see it. Face it Potter, you act all tough and strong in front of your buddies, but deep down you're a fraidy cat."
She left him speechless. Eva took Severus by the hand and they went back to the compartment.
They could both hear Sirius yell "She's way out of your league Snivelly! You've got no chance at all! Wait until Lils hears this!"
Before they entered he took her to the side.
"What were you doing back there?"
"Defending you."
"I could handle it!"
"Really?! Three against one? You must be completely nuts."
"That's not the issue, I could handle them."
"Sev, you are my friend, and nobody, insults or bullies my friend for no reason. Next time they will deal with me."
Severus didn't say anything in reply, she just did something that seemed impossible just one year ago, have his back.
The rest of the journey was calm, they arrived at Hogsmead around seven thirty, pulled out their luggage that would be taken by the elf's, and went straight towards the carriages. Severus looked around. No sight of his friends, or Lily. Eva snapped her finger at Severus to get his attention. Everyone had boarded a carriage and were waiting for him.
"Hey Sev, you riding with us or not?"
"Yes of course." He got a seat next to Eva, and the carriage started, that's when he saw Lily, who was in the one behind him, looking at him with a confused face.
They talked while the carriage brought them to the castle. They all got down and went towards the Great Hall where the sorting ceremony was to be held in a few moments. Eva's friends went to join their table, but she held Severus back for a moment.
"You going to be ok?"
"I see no reason why I shouldn't be."
"Just checking, see ya Sev."
"See you Eva."
She gave him a smile, fighting desperately the urge to hug him, but gave in. Severus felt that his eyes were the size of a Quaffle. He was in a bit of a shock. He was a no body contact kind type of person, and now he was receiving a genuine hug. He suddenly began to return the hug causing Eva to giggle.
"Now what?"
"Nothing." She broke the hug "See you tomorrow."
Eva walked to the Ravenclaw table, and Severus to the Slytherin one. He sat by Avery, who actually seemed to notice he wasn't with them the whole day.
"Hey mate, we thought you missed the train or something."
"Well as you can see I didn't."
"Well then whom did you ride with? Come on you can tell me."
"Fine, with Easgriff."
"My Snape! Are you getting closer to her? I couldn't help but notice that tender moment.."
"Avery it's called a hug! There is nothing tender about it."
"Whatever Snape. It seems I was the only one to notice here, but quite a few Gryffindor's saw it, that Evans girl didn't look very happy I can tell you that. Started to turn to one of her friends in a crazy way, it was mad."
"Wonderful" he thought. If it was the Marauders, he wasn't going to hear the end of it, and how much did Lily see...
The Great Hall doors opened letting in the first year students. The hat sang the song, and the sorting began.
Once the sorting was complete, and all the new students went to their new houses, Professor Dumbledore made his beginning of term speech.
"Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. I would like to say a few words before we eat our delicious feast. Now another year of full of magical education awaits you, some for the first time. I would like to remind you all, that the Dark forest is of course strictly forbidden to all students. May this new year, be the opening to success in OWLs, NEWTs, and exams to all. May it also be the beginning of new friendships. Now let the feast begin."
The feast went smoothly. At the end all the students went to their dorms. Severus, caught a few glances from the students, who witnessed the hug between him and Eva. He saw no reason for them to make a big deal about it. Before he went the Slytherin common room, he heard a person running, it was Eva who was holding a small package.
"Here, I…forgot… to give this to you earlier, it's from…when I was in New York."
"Thank you, I'm sorry I don't have anything for you."
"It's ok. The hug was good for me."
She turned and ran back from where she came, since it was almost curfew. She didn't want to lose Ravenclaw first points less than four hours after the beginning of the term. Severus opened the package. Inside was a small book entitled: Roea & Leraze American style potions. He smiled. He needed to get her something, to thank her for doing so much for him.
~~~~~~~~END OF CHAPTER~~~~~~~~
I hoped you liked this chapter, don't forget to review please. Thank you for reading this and following it as well. PM me if there are some things that aren't clear, or weird. Next chapter will contain some Lily jealous scenes (thanks for the reminder Basjetball :) ) , Eva/Sev bonding, and more...
Again thank you for reading this.
Until next time *Looks at DADA book* "Page 394."