Thanks to dnanne, AnglofDarkness95, actionliker, risi, Basjetball, PurpleBullet, Rignach, Jovie Black, guest reviewers... for your reviews, thank you also to the followers and people who this story as favorite, you guys are awesome.

I own only Eva, my OCs, and the plot.

11. Return to school life & a Birthday

One week later, it was New Years Eve. Eva was as exited as ever trying to get Severus in the same mood. She was able to talk the remaining teachers into making a small party to welcome the New Year. Severus didn't think much of it, but he tried to show some enthusiasm because it meant something to Eva.

The week before New Years Eve, they both tried Occlumency again. Severus was making progress, Eva, not so much. However, her Legilimency was improving. The Patronus practice was getting there, but still only a few glows. One time, a small light came out of their wands. Besides the daily practice sessions, they spent time outside. Eva was getting Severus to try new things. One day, she got him to go ice-skating on the black lake. He slipped a lot, but kept trying. They would race a few feet until they were almost caught by Filch. The man was still trying to get Eva in trouble; he hated her as much as Potter.

Severus walked into the Great Hall that was still decorated, but this time Eva brought her little touch. With "Happy New Year" written over the professor's chairs. It would be a small party with only about thirty students and the professors who stayed.

"Sev! You're here, yippee!" She cried out clapping her hands. Eva ran towards him with a big smile on her face.

She gave Severus a tour of the hall, with a small buffet and magical powered radio for music. Severus noticed the owl necklace he gave her was still on her neck. She said she wore it everyday since Christmas morning. He felt happy that she liked his gift, and gave it so much importance.

Once the tour was finished, and Eva was excused, she and Severus went down the hallway to Ravenclaw tower. Eva's mother heard (how, is the question) of the small party they were having and sent her a dress even though Eva's insisted of not needing one. Her mother also sent Severus some clean robes with a note "Please give these to your friend Sevures. He looks like he could use these more than you."

"Sevures?"

"Yeah, mother was and still is a person who puts little attention into names, unless you really make an impression that will make her remember your name. She knows exactly who you are Sev, but your name also is not very common, don't worry about it."

"What makes you think I am?"

"I don't know."

Severus rolled his eyes and picked up the robes. They were fine quality and no doubt and a perfect fit.

When night came, the remaining students and professors made their way to the decorated Great Hall. Severus arrived alone since Eva was already there waiting for him.

"Hey Sev! You look really nice."

Severus could feel his cheeks starting to warm up, it was unusual for people, especially girls, to compliment him. "Umm thank you. You look very…nice…as well."

"Thank you. Luckily mother got the dress in Ravenclaw blue, imagine if I had to go in Gryffindor red! But I do like red, so it's kinda weird."

"Indeed."

Eva took Severus's arm and led him into the Hall. The night was filled with entertainment. Even with so little students, it was still a fun gathering. Eva tried most of the evening to get Severus to dance, which in the end was successful. For Severus it was torture, he most certainly did not dance even if it was with Eva.

She dragged him to the spot where the professors were dancing. It was an odd scene. After all, it's not everyday day you see Slughorn and McGonagall dancing together.

"This is ridiculous."

"But true! No one will know."

"I don't care, I do not dance."

"Well then too bad. If I recall, you also don't snowball fight, throw water balloons, go sledding or ice-skating, make snowmen…"

"Alright! Enough I will do it."

"Good."

The pair started to dance. Severus had never been this close to anybody. There was no slow dancing for them, Eva knew him well enough to know he would never do that. She kept a respectful distance between them.

"Hey Sev."

"Yes."

"Thanks for entering my life. It's been really exiting, more than usual. I hope that this year we will even better."

"Agreed. And thank you for…being here."

"No problem Sev,, no problem at all. Ah looks like they're doing the count down."

Without thinking, Eva took his hand and walked to the professors' table where the countdown was being held.

"Five…four…three…two…one…happy new year to all!"

"Happy New Year 1977 Sev!" Shouted Eva as she gave Severus his first hug of the year.

"Happy New Year to you too, Eva." Replied Severus as he returned her hug.

Severus decided he could display some small signs of affection since his Slytherin friends weren't there to bother him about Eva.

The following Monday, the students and the rest of the faculty came back from the holidays. Rosier told Severus of his intention of taking the Dark Mark once school was finished and encouraged him to do the same. Rosier added that Severus would make a fine addition to the Dark Lords circle with his knowledge of dark magic and potions. Mulciber also told him that at the end of their seventh year, he was going to pledge to the Dark Lord. The whole group was going to join the Death Eaters, for them it seemed natural for Severus to follow them.

"So Snape, nice holiday?" asked Avery at the breakfast table. They had only talked about the Dark Lord since their arrival, and Avery seemed intrigued at what Severus did without them, as he thought of him being practically friendless.

"Alright."

"Are those new robes? You got them for Christmas did you? And did Easgriff stay or go? I didn't see her in Hogsmead."

Severus rolled his eyes, since when did Avery become suddenly interested in his life?

"Yes, Avery, they are indeed new robes. Does it surprise you that I can receive gifts?"

"Honestly Snape? Yes, it does surprise me. Now, were you with Easgriff or not?"

"Avery, it's not your concern. If you must know, she stayed for the holidays. We…"

"You hung out with her did you?"

"If I did, what's it do to you?"

"Nothing, mate, no need to get defensive! Hey, look over at Lockhart! Poor chap's skin is blue!"

Lockhart was indeed very blue. It looked like his welcome gift from Severus and Eva, and was getting smirks from all houses. Even the Marauders applauded the prank, which surprised them all.

After breakfast, Severus walked around with his friends since Eva had managed to get into Ancient Runes. Having gotten an E on the OWLs , she was happy to continue. He was also looking forward to a new type of class that was going to be offered to those who are or will turn seventeen that school year: Apparition. The class would start on Wednesday with about thirty students from all houses.

When first period was over, they all made their way to the DADA class, which was next.

"Hey Snape I just remembered something!"

"What Mulciber."

"We have to recruit Easgriff! I know the Dark Lord will be very pleased with that."

"Good idea, and if the rumors are true, she would be exactly where she belongs." Added Rosier.

"Wont you two just shut up! Eva can do whatever she wants!"

Severus snapped, he knew Eva had some relation with dark magic, she told him herself. But he couldn't stand them talking about his friend, no his closest friend like that.

"Hey Snape what's wrong with you?"

"Yeah she's a pureblood, with a history what makes you think that?"

"I just think you should let her decide, although I know she won't agree."

The group stared at Severus. "You know something Snape, what is it?"

Before he had a chance to answer, Eva came up to the group.

"Is there a problem? I overheard my name."

"No Eva, there is no problem."

"Ok, hey Sev come with me, if we have to be paired up again a rather be with you."

"Alright."

Severus separated from the Slytherins and started to go with Eva and her friends down to the DADA class, but there was a sudden call from behind them, that was from Mulciber.

"Hey Easgriff! What's the deal with Frezidoft? Can't find a good pureblood?"

Eva simply turned to face Mulciber and said, "He's my friend, and shut up Mulciber!" as she lifted her middle finger at the Slytherin. She then turned toward her own group with Severus and went to class with a proud smile on her face. Behind them the Slytherins were confused.

"Is that what I thought I saw?"

"I think so Rosier."

"She flipped you off Mulciber!"

"Shut up Avery!"

"There something about that girl."

"I know Rosier, she's a blood traitor. I've known since last month. She hangs out with that MudBlood Nolan and the other blood traitor Hazel from Ravenclaw. I wanted to see how Snape would react if we were to get her to join the right side."

"She's a blood traitor! You encouraged Snape to go with a blood traitor!" shouted Avery.

"Keep it down Avery! At least we use this information to get Snape to join; it's not that we won't, but you never know."

"Got it Mulciber. Lets go to class then."

The Slytherins left the hallway and went into the DADA lesson. When they arrived, Severus was seated next to Eva. They were talking and she was smiling. As Mulciber would say, 'An idiot blood traitor'.

For the most part, the week went by smoothly, but Severus found himself being pulled away from Eva and her gang more then usual. Mulciber and Rosier were encouraging him even more to join, without revealing the fact that they new about Eva being a 'blood traitor'. At the end of the week, they started to get off his back about the Dark Lord.

For the first time, Severus didn't dread the end of the week, it was his birthday and he would turn seventeen. Finally he would be of age to perform magic at home and make decision for himself, without the authorization from his mother or the signature from his father. Severus separated himself from the Slytherin gang as they all went to the Forbidden Forest to pick on half-breeds. Eva asked him to stay behind for something special. Severus waited in the hallway for a few minutes until Eva and her friends came out of Ravenclaw Tower. They dragged him out of the castle, and when they were outside yelled out:

"Happy seventeenth birthday Severus!"

"I don't know what to say…thank you."

"No problem Severus. This was all Eva's idea."

"David! You said it was good, and you got Sev something too."

"I never said it was bad Eva, we should stop fighting for know, and give him his things."

"Good idea David, brilliant really."

"Mariana, why do you do this to me?"

"Because I like it."

They all handed Severus his presents, but couldn't all stay, Grace had an essay to do for Muggle Studies again, David and Mariana were going to detention for having insulted Potter in front of McGonagall. That left Eva and Severus. They sat on a bench while Severus was opening his gifts.

"Wow, lucky you! David got you chocolate frogs, milk chocolate too! Mariana and Grace paired up again, what did they get you?"

"Potion kit."

"Nice! That way you can make even more potions! Here, this is from me."

Severus opened his gift from Eva. It was a book.

"It's about spell creating, I know you have invented some like the tong one or the levitation one, but this can give you more ideas."

"Thank you Eva, I am deeply touched."

"Welcome, now I have here a vanilla cupcake for you with a candle ready to be lit. I though you might like vanilla, everybody likes vanilla."

"Vanilla is fine, it's actually my favorite."

"Severus Snape's favorite flavor is vanilla. I've never though of that."

"Are you surprised by me liking vanilla?"

"Not at all . Now make a wish and blow out the candle I'm cold."

Severus rolled his eyes and blew out his birthday candle. They both went back inside the castle where they split the cupcake. Then they walked around the castle for a while until they ran into the famous Marauders.

"Why hello, Snivelly. What do you think you're doing walking around with those high class robes?"

"Obviously looking better than you Black."

"You take that right back, Snivelly!"

"Oh, shut up, Potter. What are you going to do, hex us? If I recall, I kicked you're ass again in the last duel in Defense."

"Don't start to get all high, Easgriff. Besides, do you know what type of people Snivellous hangs out with?"

"Is it just me, or are you concerned for my safety Potter."

"Not me, Moony is, but if I were you I'd watch out."

"How considerate of you, now can you get out of our way? Or do we have to hex you to pass?"

The Marauders didn't move, Eva rolled her eyes and grabbed Severus.

"Come on Sev, let's go around, we're not going to waste any time here, especially on your birthday."

"Oy it Snivelly's birthday, let's give him a treat shall we Prongs."

"I thought the same thing Padfoot."

Eva caught this right away.

"Not on his Birthday you idiots! Manum super os!" (1)

Before Potter or Black were able to get to their wands, their hands suddenly reached out and glued themselves on their mouths. Eva looked at Remus who gave an awkward look.

"Remus you need to do something about this. One day you will feel terrible because you couldn't stop this."

"Eva…I…I'll try but I don't guarantee."

Eva simply nodded, and she and Severus continued down the hall, but before anything else could happen she turned around to Pettigrew.

"Lapsus."(2) And Peter Pettigrew fell to the floor, leaving Remus to be the only Marauder still standing.

"Why did you do that to Pettigrew?"

"He was reaching for his wand and I really wanted to do that. Haven't done it in a long time."

"I can understand that. Were those your family spells?"

"Yippers! And since it's your birthday, I though you might like to see a few of them."

Severus raised a brow "Really?"

"Yeah come on, let's go to the potion lab."

Once in the lab, Eva put down the small bag she always carried with her. She pulled out a small book that was aged from time. Severus guessed this book went back, as she opened a few pages and showed it to him. His thoughts were confirmed; every spell inside was handwritten in black ink.

"Are charms ok?"

"What?"

"Do you mind me showing a charm or two? I know you're interested in the hexes and the darker stuff but, I can only show you the charms and jinx's because you know…"

"You don't Mulciber or the others to use them."

"Don't take this the wrong way."

"No, Eva it's fine, you will show them when you are ready."

"Thank you, Sev."

Severus nodded and glanced at the old Easgriff Family Spells. Eva showed him 'Flos Potentia', a spell that causes plants to attack. Severus was curious of the numerous spells in the book and found one very interesting.

"What's this one?"

"Ah that's another jinx, Brachium Ligatura. It causes your arms to wrap themselves over your body, like glue. It's a fun little spell, quite annoying thought when you go through it."

"I can understand, does it wear off?"

"Yeah, after two hours, or you can use Detegentem Brachium (3), the counter-spell. In some ways, it's kinda like your Langlock spell."

"I agree, what other spells can you show me?"

"I don't know. There is the shadow charm, or this one. Loqui per (4) to speak though an object like a book or a vase."

"These are all very interesting spells."

"Yeah they are. But it's sad that these are minority in this book. The vast majority of the spells you can find in here are curses, hexes, and dark magic in general. Every member of my family has invented a spell that is then written in the book. Mother has been putting some pressure on me to make up my own."

"Is it some sort of tradition?"

"Yes it is. Every generation has at least one spell in here. Mother can't write her spells in here because she's only an Easgriff by marriage. Very difficult issue if you can agree."

Severus nodded, and Eva put her book away. They left the small lab and went to the Great Hall to enjoy the company of the rest of the Ravenclaws. David told them of his detention with Mariana that involved cleaning the Defense class.

"Without magic I presume?"

"Not funny Eva."

"I thought it was enjoyable, and with David's new haircut he could see perfectly clear."

"Again with that Mariana?"

"Yep, I love teasing you, besides I told you it looked nice."

"Don't remind me. Please, Grace, make her stop."

"Stop what, David?" Grace said innocently.

David turned to Severus who was sitting next to him "Severus help me! Hey! Let's team up and stop this girls from taking over!"

"What are we taking over?" Said Eva

"Yes, please enlighten us." Added Mariana

"I don't know and that's what scares me! So what do you say Severus, partners in crime? Or will you betray me to the girl's side of the force?"

"I guess I can team up with you if you're okay with them."

"I am. Besides, now that you and I are a team, we need nicknames."

While waiting for David's ideas, Eva thought of the nicknames which caused Grace to laugh. They were variations of Muggle heroes. Last year, David called himself SuperRavenclaw for 'saving' his potion from exploding, and called Severus BatSnape a few times during the year.

"You know what? No more nicknames or I will hex the living day light out of you."

"Fine, you are missing some really good ones."

"Trust me Dave, I know what I'm missing."

Their part of the table started to laugh, with Severus smirking a bit. He never laughed in public unless it was with Eva or her small group of friends. At the end of the day, his Slytherin group gave him ideas to try to hex Muggle borns and invited him to come with. Remembering that Grace and Lily the only Muggleborns he actually liked (Lily remaining important to him in some ways, and Grace being Eva's friend), he politely declined saying he had a headache and went to the dorms.

In the dorms, Severus thought back to the time he spent with Eva talking about spell creations, and the darker ones in her book that one day she would show him. He was deeply interested in the creation of all these spells, but the darker ones made him curious. Dark magic had always been an interesting subject for him. Severus was also on the verge of creating new spell for his enemies, the Marauders mostly. He was a few months away from getting it right, but he had no intention of telling Eva about this new spell. This was going to be darker than the other ones he made, and he didn't want Eva to know about it until he was ready.

~~~~~~~~END OF CHAPTER~~~~~~~~

(1) From Latin that means hand over mouth.

(2) Latin for slip or fall.

(3) Latin for unwrap arm

(4) From Latin that means to speak through

I hoped you liked this chapter. Thank you for reading this and following it as well. PM me if there are some things that aren't clear, or weird.

Hoped that you enjoyed Severus's birthday and interactions with Eva's friends. Has you could see, he is becoming more friendly towards the group of Ravenclaw, except Lockhart, but that's understandable.

Don't forget to leave a review :)

Until next time *Looks over potions* "This doesn't look good."