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7. First few NEWT classes
The night went by quickly. When Severus woke up, he heard shouts from the common room. The first years were exited to get their schedule no doubt. Severus got up, dressed, and went to breakfast along with his friends. The other night they discussed the NEWT classes they were going to take. Once they arrived in the Great Hall, their head of house, Professor Slughorn, was there handing out their schedule for the year. When Severus received his, he was very happy. His weeks were filled with Charms, Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Arithmancy and Transfiguration. This curriculum would be able to prepare him for almost any career choice.
His day started out with NEWT Arithmancy, which seemed to Severus to still be as 'simple' as he remembered. The following class was Herbology. From the Slytherin friends, only Rosier took the NEWT class. Professor Sprout got them started on an introduction to Venomous Tentacula. Severus didn't see his friends and found it surprising that Eva decided to stop Herbology, even thought she got an E in her OWLs. He also saw Lily in his class watching him and seemed relieved that Eva was not there.
After lunch, it was potions, probably the class Severus was most exited about. He kept his mother's copy of Advanced Potions Making that contained some modifications he made during the summer; he improved a few recipes from it using the potion book Eva got for him. This was a class where he excelled in. Avery and Rosier were part of the small group of Slytherin's among Severus that attended the class.
Severus knew that NEWT level classes where a mix of different houses, instead of double classes like last year. He was anxious to see who would be attending Potions in the other houses. He walked into the classroom along side Rosier and Avery, and took a seat near the front of the class. Avery and Rosier went to the back. Soon, the Hufflepuffs arrived with the Gryffindors. Severus saw the Marauders come in without Pettigrew; he wasn't surprised he didn't get in. Severus noticed Lily take a seat in front of Potter and Black with her friend Mary, but he acted as if he didn't care. Finally the Ravenclaws came in. They were also a small group. Only Eva, David, Quirrell and Mariana seemed to have passed in to the NEWT program. They all took their seats, with Eva happily taking hers next to Severus.
"Hey Sev, nice morning?"
"Alright, you don't do Herbology I saw that."
"Oh gosh no. I hated it. I did ok, but once I was able to drop it, I did."
Professor Slughorn got up from his desk to greet his students.
"Ah welcome, all of you to the NEWT level potions. Now I since I can see you are all here we will start by a few basic questions before brewing yes? Now can anyone tell me what the Draught of living death is?"
Next to him, Eva's hand shoot up in the air, on the other side of class, Lily's did the same thing. "This will be interesting." He thought.
"Ah yes Miss Easgriff you raised your hand fist tell me."
Eva started to speak with a smile on her face:" Well sir, the Draught of Living Death is an extremely powerful sleeping draught, sending the drinker into a death-like slumber, similar to suspended animation. In the muggle stories I have read examples such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty can be used to show the deep sleep. Although, another potion must be used to reverse the effects of the Draught, the Wiggenweld potion is one of them."
"Very full and developed answer Miss Easgriff, 10 points to Ravenclaw. Now that we all know what it is. Your task today is to brew by groups of two the Draught of Living Death. The pair who makes the best one will receive a special reward."
"What kind of reward sir?"
"Well my dear Miss Evans, if you make the best one you will know. Now you will all find this potion on page ten of your books. Good luck to all of you."
Severus took out his book, and the cauldron, while Eva, having already read the potion, went to get the ingredients from the cabinet. She arrived back with the ingredients then let out of a sigh.
"You are not exited? I though you liked potions." Asked Severus.
"Oh, sorry. Its just Black has been a real pain lately, more than usual. Lily has been staring at me like I've just killed five people. I don't get it; I've never had any problems with her. "
"I see."
"Well enough with my problems, let's brew this baby and win that prize."
"Alright."
"Let's see cut the Sophophorus bean, are they mad! Those things jump all over the place when you try that. That's what Father keeps telling me about them. Since it's written, well let's start…"
"Wait Eva, try crushing them instead."
"But the book says to cut them to get the juice."
"But crushing them is easier and more effective to get the juice. See…" Severus took the knife out of Eva's hand and demonstrated what he just said.
"How did you know? Let me see your book." Eva then grabbed Severus's book and went through the potion he had corrected, making her eyes go wide.
"Wow. Not bad Sev. You did all this during the holidays" He nodded, he never told anyone, but he would practice a potion or two during the holidays. He found this one quite interesting, and used the potion book Eva gave him to correct it. Eva looked back at him "We should really get started now."
"Agreed."
They both started the potion, with more excitement than before. Severus corrected a few of Eva's steps, which caused a few tensions.
"Now what did I do?"
"I never said anything."
"Don't have to, I can see it in your eyes. Your raven dark eyes."
Severus didn't know what to respond to her comment instead: "Well…you could stir anti-clockwise seven times and clockwise once instead, it's faster."
"For your information I did. We're using your book aren't we? So I'm going by your instruction. I trust you on this."
"You do?"
"Yeah, I'm letting it sit. All we have to do is add one small piece of Valerian root, and we're good."
"Alright, do you want to do the honors of adding the Valerian root?"
"My pleasure." Eva took the ingredient out of Severus's hand and dropped it in the potions, which turned to a pale pink color. They were both finished before the others, and decided to chat a bit.
"So, happy with your schedule Sev?"
"A bit yes, you?"
"Yeah, I dropped divination. I couldn't stand that class." She started to take the voice of Professor Seego "What do you see, gaze into to the crystal ball. Oh by Merlin's hat you will be eating pasta tomorrow. My dear child you have here in your cup your future. I see, I see, I see you will be able to walk down the river. Good grace look at this, my class is so interesting you are all sleeping wonderfully. Your future is bright!"
Severus couldn't help but burst out in laughter, which surprised Eva (who was laughing with him), Slughorn who smiled a bit, and Lily who was watching them. He never laughed so hard like that with her.
"Or how about this. My dear your potion is oddly green. No matter if I invite you to my club, I will be able to get all good things out of you."
"Eva, please stop! Slughorn is coming." Said Severus trying to calm down.
"My, my you must be finished then if you are both laughing."
"Sorry sir."
"Well its no problem, my boy! I love seeing people happy in this class; the others should be finished in about ten minutes, carry on your discussion."
Slughorn went to inspect the other students' work, while Severus and Eva kept on talking. On the other side of class, their earlier laughter caught the attention of the Gryffindors.
"I can not believe that just happened."
"Oh shut it Padfoot, you're just jealous because she turned you down last year, in a very unorthodox way."
"Moony, I don't want to talk about it."
"About the time she said no, and explained her reasons out loud very clearly for everyone to hear. Is that it?"
"Prongs don't get me started."
"Whatever." He poked Lily in the back causing her to turn around.
"What is it James? Can't you see I'm busy?"
"Yes but, have you noticed what's going on over there between Snivelly and Evangeline. Very disturbing if you ask me."
She turned around to face James. "It's none of my concern nor yours."
"But still you watch, and made a big deal after they hugged."
"Butt out, Potter."
"Fine Evans."
Severus didn't notice the glancing students, as he was having a good time talking with Eva. He learned that she would be in the same NEWT level of DADA, Transfiguration and Charms with him, to which he seemed delighted. Slughorn had finished his inspections, and was now going to test all the potions. Severus and Eva both knew it would come down between their potion and Lily's and her friend.
Slughorn observed both potions with a keen eye. He dropped a small leaf in Severus and Eva's potion.
"My dear, it's perfect! Wonderful job, as I said the two of you make an excellent team."
"Thank you sir." Severus and Eva both replied with Eva smiling.
"Now , Miss Evans, let's see for yours and Miss Macdonald." He proceeded in doing the same test. "My gosh, it's perfect as well. Good job! Now we must decide, who gets the prize. I may be able to give you four something. Can you stay after class a bit?"
"Of course, sir."
The bell rang. Severus, Eva, Mary and Lily stayed behind waiting for Slughorn.
" I am very pleased with your work. First, I'll reward ten points to each of your houses. Second, I would like to invite you all to the Slug Club, and third…"
"Pardon for interrupting, sir, but I'm perfectly happy with what you have already given us."
"Why, Miss Easgriff,, do you not want my surprise?"
"I'm sorry, sir."
"No worries, my dear. I was thinking of giving you and Mister Snape a key to the small potion lab down the hall. Seeing how you both do so well. I would also like to offer you both some alchemy books."
"Wow, Professor, thank you."
"No trouble at all. You are both excused. Now Miss Evans…"
Severus and Eva left the classroom and closed the door behind them. Eva started to do what seemed like a victory dance.
"Why might I ask are you dancing?"
"Because a. We got keys to a potion lab; b. impressed the old slug, c. I got into no argument with Potter, d. showed Lily that she is not the only one who can brew, and e. had a good laugh."
"I see. Are you finished with your day?"
"Yeah all done. I can't wait for Quidditch again! I'm going to kick Lockhart off the team."
"I know you've said that multiple times."
"Will you come to Quidditch tryouts when they take place? Sorry if it's a little early to ask."
"No it's fine, I'll see if I can come."
"Great! Hey want to have little fun? Want to color Lockhart or Filch's hair blue?"
"Are you asking me?"
"Yes, you don't have to. I was going to do it to Lockhart anyway. I haven't done anything to him in a while."
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"No bigee Sev, David told me they were going to hang around the grounds a bit anyway, you want to come?"
"I d like to, but I don't want to impose?"
"Severus, for the last time, no, you are not imposing. I like having you around, so do David and Mariana. I don't know if you have noticed but you seem to be a tad more open then last year at the end of term."
"Really?"
"Yes, but that's my opinion, so let's go. We should also one day try out these alchemy books, and we could even ask Slughorn to come in and help us with some. That would be so awesome! "
"Yes, I'd be delightful to learn more potions."
"We could use that book I gave you for the harder ones."
"That is a good idea. All the ingredients we need are here."
As they were about to leave, Lily and Mary came out of the classroom. They seemed to be pleased with whatever Slughorn decided to give them. Mary headed off without Lily, leaving Eva and Severus puzzled. She turned to both of them.
"Evangeline, may I please speak with Severus alone?"
Severus had told Eva by letter what had happened between him and Lily. Having Eva witness the scene between the two, she knew why they hadn't spoken in nearly four months. Eva and Lily weren't friends, but were on good terms. They were close acquaintances if you had to qualify their relationship. Severus knew, however, if Eva stayed things would get very heated. Ever since they started hanging out, Eva and Lily wouldn't even say 'hello' in the hall.
Eva looked at Lily and crossed her arms. "Why is that? Are you going to insult, and push him away again?"
"Evangeline, this is none of your business. Now please, I would like to speak to my friend."
"Oh! So now he's your friend? Tell me something, where were you all those months while he was alone? I thought your friendship was over."
Severus could feel the discussion getting worse, knowing Eva's temper (or what he had heard) she could easily turn the conversation against Lily and cause damage. He turned to Eva saying he would catch up with her, she reluctantly agreed to leave.
"Alright Sev, I'll but out for a while. Watch what you say Lily." She headed down the hallway, leaving Severus with Lily.
"What do you want, Lily? I have somewhere to be as you can see."
"I want to talk Sev. I made a terrible mistake, and I wanted to…"
"Stop. You did, as Eva reminded you, terminate our friendship; I apologized, you thought nothing about it, and told me to go away with my friends. I did as told. I even made new friends as you could see."
"How can you be friends with her?! She is the exact opposite and what you hate Sev. She pranks people, picks on them, plays Quidditch and curses like there's no tomorrow!"
"Tell me Lily, why do you care? She may be the opposite, but Eva accepts me like this. Being with her and her friends has changed me more then you think. Eva is open and has got a personality that gives out a good impression. She loves potions and working with her makes the hour go by faster than it should. Eva even brings in a good mood in the classroom. So I ask again why do you care if I'm friends with her?"
Lily didn't respond, and stood there without an answer. Many things went through her head at that moment. Severus was never like that with her. She suspected the change of attitude from Evangeline's part. She couldn't understand how that girl was able to get even the famous Sirius Black on his knees. Lily didn't hate Eva, but she found her a bit much. In some ways, she was like James; always having something to add or say. She saw her coming back, and before Lily knew it, she was standing right next to Severus.
"Well are you finished? Sev we're about to go so that's why I'm here."
"Sev?"
"Yes Lily, I call him Sev. Why the interrogation?"
"Eva please, let's just go, we're both done here."
Eva didn't push any further, Lily seemed hurt and she could see it in her eyes. Eva wasn't going to turn it into a soap opera from the muggle world like her cousins would talk about. Lily said nothing but the word 'Fine' and left before them.
"Are you ok Sev?"
"I'm alright Eva."
"You sure, cause I can go over there right now and…"
"Eva! It's good, now aren't we going somewhere?"
"Yes, of course, sorry. You know me getting carried away."
Severus smiled slightly at her as they started walking. With his talk with Lily, he could feel that he moved on. It also confirmed the jealousy she had of Severus having another girl in his life. Severus knew he had to move on without Lily's friendship. He admitted Eva was like Potter in some ways, but she was nice to him in her own way, and he was delighted to have a friend who liked potions and spells as much as he did.
They met up with Eva's friends at the end of the hall and began to walk around the school, discussing their latest classes. Severus could see Lily from a distance. She was glancing over at them and turning red when Eva grabbed his arm to lead him toward Hagrid's hut, where they went for tea.
Severus had never really met Hagrid. He thought of him as a simple man, nothing less. The rest of the day went by smoothly. Severus knew he had to spend time with his Slytherin friends too. Eva couldn't be with him all the time. He wondered how it would have been different if he had been sorted in Ravenclaw his first year.
When it was almost seven, the group headed back to the Great Hall since dinner was going to be served. As Severus sat at the table, he waited for the remarks of his friends asking him where he was all day.
"Hey Snape! Where have you been all day?"
"Around the castle, Avery. None of your concern."
"Fine by me Snape. You've been spending a lot of time with Easgriff and her gang of friends. Tomorrow is defense. You know you can't wait to show those Gryffindors, that they should watch out!"
Severus nodded in agreement to Avery's comment; one verbal fight today was enough. He realized Eva would be in defense the next day too, which brought a small hidden smile. For once, he couldn't wait for the next class even if it meant being with the Gryffindors.
~~~~~~~~END OF CHAPTER~~~~~~~~
I hoped you liked this chapter; please review if you liked it. Thank you for reading this and following it as well. PM me if there are some things that aren't clear, or weird.
Hope there wasn't too much drama or anything, I wanted to write in a small Lily/Eva confrontation and I hoped you enjoyed it.
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Until next time *Laughs at Lockhart while he yells* "WHY IS MY HAIR BLUE!"