Welcome to the re -vamped chapter 4.
As always the Harry Potter universe and characters belong to their respective author. I own only the OC.
4 Letters.
When Severus arrived home, he made no noise, the house was glim, dark, and unwelcoming. Tobias Snape, his father neither greeted him or even acknowledged his presence, preferring the company of his scotch and soda. Without a word, Severus went up the stairs and slipped into his small bedroom. It wasn't much, but his room was his safe haven where Severus could be alone with his thoughts. He learned young this was the best place to be. Far away and forgotten by his father, and, increasingly, to his mother.
He began to unpack slowly. He hated returning to this dreadful house, his home was Hogwarts, not Spinner's End. It had never been Spinner's End. At least when Lily had been in his life, there had been a semblance of light in this bleak existence. Now it was only darkness. As he unpacked and removed his robes, he felt he felt something crinkle in his pocket, he reached into the pocket and pulled out the address and information Evangeline had left for him, setting it on his bedside table.
As he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling his mind drifted to the events that happened earlier on the train. Normally, Severus would push such frivolous thoughts aside, but this time it was different. Unable to shake the thoughts from his mind, Severus sat up and reached for the small lamp on his bedside table. He stared at the note for a while. He had no one to talk to this summer. Normally, he would have gone to Lily's house, but that was no longer an option. Evangeline Easgriff had offered to correspond with him during the summer. A suggestion that had caught him off guard. He wasn't used to such kindness, especially not from someone like her. With a sigh, he grabbed his quill, a piece of parchment, and began to write.
Dear Evangeline,
I would like to say thank you for inviting me to the Ravenclaw compartment. I found myself enjoying the pleasant conversation. It was a welcomed change. I suppose we will soon be receiving our OWL results, I am confident I trust you are as well. I am not leaving during the summer holidays, so if you wish to write, I would not be against it.
Sincerely,
Severus Snape.
He read his letter twice, scrutinizing each word and phrase, ensuring they conveyed exactly what he intended. When he was satisfied, he folded the letter and addressed it. He exited his room, quietly walking down the hall until reaching the small study, the one place in the house where traces of his mother's magical past still lingered. There he found their owl, King perched on an old stand. Severus attached the letter to the animal and watched as it took flight into the night sky. He was not sure what would happen next. Exhausted, he returned to his room and the familiar embrace of his bed.
Severus awoke to the sound of his parent's yelling, it was a sound he was too familiar with. He glanced at the clock on his bedside table: 8:00. "Great, I adore summer holidays at home." he said, the sarcasm evident in his voice.
He pulled himself out of bed, quickly dressed, and went downstairs just as the front door slammed shut, signaling his father's departure. He found it comforting almost, that Tobias would be gone for the day. Severus entered the kitchen, finding his mother preparing breakfast.
"Morning, Severus." She greeted him, her voice still shaking from the argument. "Toast as usual?"
"Yes." He replied. There was little warmth in his reply. He had little warmth at all really for his mother.
Eileen placed the toast in front of him and sat down across the table, her hands folded neatly in her lap. "So, how were the OWLs?" she asked, attempting a conversation.
Severus looked up, taking a bite of the dry toast "Alright."
"I take it you did well?" She pressed
"I guess." He muttered, unwilling to continue the conversation any further.
His mother let out a deep breath, before she could say anything else, a small noise could be heard from the window. Eileen turned to see King with a letter "Oh." She said, "It looks like you've got mail." She took the letter and handed it to her son.
Severus dropped the remainder of his toast on the plate as he took the letter, he knew it could only be one person, the person he owled just the night before. He was surprised to get such a fast response, and forced himself to keep his expectations in check. He felt his mother's eyes on him, likely hoping he would share with her who wrote the letter. But he said nothing. Severus excused himself from the table and went up to his room. Once inside, he opened the envelope to read the letter.
Dear Severus,
I did not think you were going to write to be honest, so hearing from you is a welcomed surprise. I am glad you enjoyed yourself. You see that is what happens when you live a little. There is more to life at Hogwarts than hiding away in the dungeons, unless that is a Slytherin trait of yours.
Do you have many plans for the summer? I will be honest, not much is happening here, although I might perhaps experiment with some magic or potions, you know try out a few spells. Who knows, there are endless possibilities. If you are not too busy, perhaps we could experiment together? Getting to my house is not difficult. My parents are always so keen on me perfecting my skills, especially in Potions. They'd enjoy quizzing you as well. I have not forgotten my promise if I get an 'O' in Potions.
Yours,
Eva
P.S, you know you can use Eva. Evangeline is a bit long at times don't you think? Even you might get tired of the formality all the time.
Severus smirked at her words. She was the same in writing as she was in person. He was surprised Evangeline wanted to see him during the holidays. He didn't expect anyone wanting to spend time with him outside Hogwarts, no one had done that since Lily. He knew the OWL results wouldn't be for another month at least, but if she got an O, Eva would be the first person other than Lily to give him something. Severus wouldn't mind seeing her, he knew his father would bother him, or care, but his mother would harass him about Eva, just like she did in the car. "What's her name? What's she like? Is she a good student? ...". The possibility of that happened made him shiver, and yet Severus found himself reaching for his quill.
Dear Eva,
We can meet up if you want, but I doubt it would be a good idea. Things are not exactly comfortable with my parents right now. I'd prefer not to discuss it, so please don't ask.
As for OWL results, it all depends on how fast they correct them, but I am predicting around mid to end of July. Mother is the only one to ask about them since father does not understand.
Regarding your name, as you see I have addressed you as Eva. I will admit it aligns with your insistence on avoiding formality.
Severus.
Once he finished, Severus carefully folded the letter and gave it to King who flew immediately out the window. As he watched the animal fly into the sky, Severus heard another argument going on downstairs. The shouting was louder this time, more intense. He sighed. Severus knew it was going to be a long and difficult summer.
It was now the end of July. School had ended almost one month ago, and the summer had been a series of gloomy days only broken by Evangeline's letters. Those letters became the highlight of his summer. A small ray of sunshine in the dull world of Spinner's End.
As Severus finished his book, he heard his mother's voice from the kitchen.
"Severus! Come here. The OWLs."
Severus quickly made his way downstairs to the kitchen. His mother handed him the envelope from Hogwarts. This letter contained the results he so desired. With a steady hand, he opened the envelope, masking his nervousness.
The OWL exams held at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in June of 1976, Mister Severus Snape has received:
Charms: O
Transfiguration: O
Herbology: O
Defence Against the Dark Arts: O
Study of Ancient Runes: A
Potions: O
Astronomy: E
Arithmancy: E
History of Magic: O
Can apply for NEWT classes in the following subjects: Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Astronomy, Arithmancy and History of Magic.
Best regards,
Madam Marchbanks.
"Well?" his mother asked, breaking him from his trance.
"I got six O's, two E's, and one A." Severus replied. He was proud of himself, although the A was a slight disappointment.
"That's great, Severus. You should be proud of yourself." Eileen said, a rare note of warmth in her voice.
Severus nodded, "I suppose.". He folded the letter and headed back upstairs, wanting to avoid further conversation.
"Dinner is at seven." His mother said as he left.
Once inside his room, Severus allowed a small smile to grace his face. He was pleased with his results. He could apply for NEWTs in almost every subject.
As he looked across his room, he saw King perched on his desk with a letter, and a handwriting that had become familiar in the last few weeks: Evangeline. "It seems she has gotten her results." He muttered.
Dear Severus,
As you may expect I have gotten my OWL results, and I have received an O in Potions! I know which NEWT class I will for sure be taking next year! As promised I have your gift right here as I write this letter. I took the liberty of purchasing it beforehand, I figured in the event I would have failed, it would be a 'thank you for trying' gift from me. Luckily that is not the case! I hope you will like it, I saw it and immediately thought, yes this is a Severus Snape object.
Everything here besides the results is fine, I just spent two hours of piano practice. It was exhausting especially since my grandfather is here for the weekend. You can imagine the pressure, he notices every little mistake. Thank Merlin I made very few. My violin practice is also tedious. I suspect Mother believes it will teach discipline and keep me from misbehaving, but where is the fun in that?
I hope you don't mind if we stop by your house tomorrow for your gift, I think you will enjoy it.
See you tomorrow,
Eva.
Severus couldn't believe it, he read the letter once more to be sure. It was not a joke. Eva got him something to show him how grateful she was.
He carefully placed the letter in a safe spot, feeling a flicker of excitement at the thought of seeing her again, this new friendly acquaintance, who had somehow managed to make this summer more bearable.
The next day after lunch, there was a knock at the door. Eileen was puzzled at first, not expecting anyone. Severus however knew. He never told his mother of the upcoming visit. There were many reasons for it, mainly being a part of him was unsure it would happen. As she opened it, there stood the young girl who was talking to her son at Kings' Cross, accompanied by a much older woman.
"Hello, may I help you?" she asked cautiously.
"Yes, I'm here to see Severus, I have something for him. Is he here?" the girl politely replied, her voice full of confidence.
"Yes, he is. Please come in." Eileen hesitated for a moment before calling her son, "Severus, come down; you have a visitor." Turning back to the guests, she added "May I interest you in a drink Miss.."
The older woman spoke first, her American accent similar to her daughter's. "Mrs. Alexandrina Easgriff, and this is my daughter Evangeline. And, yes, a cup of tea would be nice." Alexandrina Easgriff was a picture of elegance. Her presence commanded attention. Her silk and luxurious robes stood in stark contrast in the dim, modest surroundings of Eileen Snape's home. Her light brown hair was neatly styled, with not one strand out of place, and her deep blue eyes were as piercing as they were mesmerizing.
"Pleasure to meet you Madam, I'm Eileen Snape. Please follow me for some tea." Eileen guided Alexandrina to her modest kitchen.
Severus slowly came down the stairs to find Eva still in the entryway. She looked up and saw him, bringing a smile to her face.
She greeted him with the usual warmth "Hi Severus."
"Hello Evangeline." He replied, keeping the habitual formality.
Evangeline smirked "I thought we said there was no need for formalities."
Severus gave her a slight nod. "You aren't going to get some tea?"
"Oh, Merlin no, have it all the time at home. If you have pumpkin juice that will do." She replied, before handing him a small black box. "And here is your gift."
Severus cautiously took the box "Umm thank you."
Evangeline was grinning "Well what are you waiting for? An invitation? Go on, open it."
Severus carefully lifted the lid, revealing inside a small book. He raised a brow, and opened the book to find it was a Potions book. One of the finest ones in the world. It contained every potion known to wizard kind, including the ones that were not currently being taught by Slughorn at Hogwarts. Severus was lost for words.
"Do you like it?" Eva asked
Severus could only manage a small reply, still in awe "How did you find this?"
"Well when you're in my family, you can pull a few strings." She grinned "Do you like it?"
"Yes." He replied, he skimmed through a few pages. "Nobody has ever given me something like this before."
"Well get used to it, I get my friends gifts all the time."
"We're friends?" Severus asked. The question slipped out.
"Yes." She said, with no hesitation "Especially after all our letters in the last month. You can be quite chatty when you want. Do you mind me calling you Sev, it's much shorter."
"No." he replied. The nickname was too familiar. It was too soon, and that was Lily's name for him.
Just then, Alexandrina emerged from the kitchen having finished her tea. She turned her attention towards Severus. "Ah. So you are the reason we are here. Are you pleased with the book? I had to write to my mother's cousin to inquire about it."
"I do. It's very nice, madam. Thank you. Very much." Severus said.
"Excellent." Alexandrina replied with a small, satisfied smile. "Well, I'm afraid we are unable to stay in your..." she paused her eyes looking around her, choosing her words carefully "lovely home any longer. Evangeline here had the marvelous idea of practicing magic in our sitting room. Needless to say, no repairing spell can fix the damage. So, we must re-purchase the objects."
Eva gave Severus a mischievous look that clearly said "No regrets". As mother and daughter left the house, Eva turned back to Severus with a wave "See ya Sev. We should hang out sometimes!"
Severus shuttered at the sound of the nickname, it was last spoken aloud like that by Lily. As the door closed, his mother spoke up, "She is very…lively Severus, but kind. I like her."
"Indeed, Mother." Severus replied, his tone even.
Eileen hesitated "Severus, did something happen between you and Lily? You haven't had her over or spoken about her recently."
"No, mother." He answered.
"I see. Well, if you want to talk about it, don't hesitate."
Severus gave her a brief nod as she left. He didn't want to talk about Lily, not now, and likely not ever. Instead, he thought about what Eva had said. Maybe he should 'hang out' with her one day. Holding that thought, he went back to his room with his new Potions book, just in time to hear his father come home.
~~~~~~~~END OF CHAPTER~~~~~~~~
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Until next time *Let's go of owl* "Fly my pretty, fly!"