No, I don't own the world of Harry Potter or any of JK Rowlin's ideas, just the plot+OCs
12. Rescue
January had come and gone, and it was now late February. The last month went by quickly for all the students. Severus spent an equal amount of time with his Slytherin gang and Eva, but he could feel a sudden change in their mood when it came to his Ravenclaw friends. A few weeks earlier, Severus was invited to a small gathering to celebrate Eva's birthday. It wasn't very big, only about ten people showed up. Severus was surprised. He thought Eva would have more friends then that, but didn't argue with the fact that he was able to talk to her without having fingers pointed at him. There were a few Hufflepuffs, Lupin from Gryffindor, and the Ravenclaw gang Eva hung out with. Severus was the only Slytherin.
He tried not to admit it, but he really enjoyed himself. The party was held in a small classroom on the weekend since Eva's birthday was during the week. There was some music from the Muggle world, which Eva found fascinating. Severus, of course, didn't dance, but watched the students have fun. David often went by him during the evening. Over the months, they had formed a small friendship that meant a lot to Eva. The two boys did share some similarities; they were both half-bloods living in the Muggle world, their home life wasn't always cheerful. Even though he trusted Eva more, he liked having David for a friend..
"So, Severus, having a good time?" David asked as he sat by him.
"I suppose, I have never been to one of these celebrations."
"Really? That's a shame mate, a real shame. Well no need to worry, with Eva you'll be seeing this kind of stuff more often, or with us in general."
"I see."
"You don't talk much, I see why Eva likes you, with all us mad people around her she does need to stay sane."
"Are you calling yourself mad?"
"Well it's become a habit. Mariana calls me that all the time. I can be just walking along the corridors or writing an essay, and she come, glances over, analyzes it, then says Blimey David, what is this? Do you want to write on how to blow your hair off? You must be mad!"
"You both sound like an old couple."
David started to blush "Thanks for reminding me Severus, like they all do."
"You are very welcome, David."
"I tell you Severus, you are one very odd person. I'm going to go check out the rest of this party. You're welcome to join me."
Severus nodded and let David go on his own towards the small crowd. Eva came, sat and talked to him after his departure. The two talked for a while until it was time to end the party and for the students to head back to their dorms.
Severus woke one morning, now it was the end of February. He got up and dressed, then went to meet up with his friends. At the breakfast table, they carried on their regular discussion about the Dark Lord. Severus couldn't help but feel more and more intrigued about his capabilities. Having none of the connection his friends had, he felt that the death eaters could give him the power and connections he wanted. But Severus also thought of Eva. What would happen to their friendship if he were to join? He lost Lily already, losing an other person who had grown closer to him would be too much. The Slytherin gang could see the dilemma. They were determined to get him to join, to remind him what they were 'fighting' for.
"Say Snape, have you been thinking about taking the mark now?"
"Avery, I will take it when I want it, besides I do have other thing to take care of before doing anything like that."
"Of course you do mate. Keep in mind though that joining the circle will give you many more opportunities than staying with Easgriff and the claws."
"I understand what you are saying Avery."
"Really Snape, do you? You will join with us the side that holds the real truth. The Dark Lord will offer you power and connections you could have only dreamed of. Power to protect all those you care for, that is if you do."
Severus simply nodded at Avery's response. It was true that he dreamed of power over his enemies, over the Marauders mostly. Dark magic could also allow him to do the things he wanted. He sighed, then got up with his friends as they made their way to the hallway. There they separated and Severus went to NEWT charm class accompanied by Rosier and Avery. When he entered the class, Eva was already there with her gang of friends. She was being bothered by Lockhart, again.
"Lockhart, for the last time get the hell away from us or I swear you will be bald by this time tomorrow."
Mariana was next to her friend trying her best to calm her down. Severus could identify the Lockhart/Easgriff tension miles away. According to David, those two have been going at it since they set foot in Hogsmead station in their first year. Severus, who was with Lily, remembered seeing two people argue, and started to have a flashback.
Severus and Lily got of the train after their encounter with Potter and his gang. As they made their way across the station, Severus explained more to Lily the importance of the school. They then overheard a small argument between two people. A boy and a girl who were going to be in their year, since they only had simple black robes with no house on them.
"I told you it don't need any help!"
"Are you sure because I could be of assistance."
"I don't need your assistance, I just need you to buzz off pal!"
The young boy left towards the boats, passing Severus and Lily telling them something "Oh don't you worry one day I will be friends with her." Then heading towards the boats with them.
Severus remembered that boat ride with Lockhart was the longest of his life. He was rather glad of him being sorted in Ravenclaw. However, he didn't understand how, since his academic skills were not up to the house's expectations. He then saw Professor Flitwick , their Charms professor and head of house, come up to the pair, having to separate them once again.
"Can the two of you stop arguing at every occasion you've got? Please put it together, you are both Ravenclaws you should be able to get along."
"Sorry professor."
"Thank you, Miss Easgriff. Now class, please take your seats. We will go over new charms today."
The rest of the class took their seats. Severus had to take his by Rosier and Avery since the seats by Eva and her friends were already taken. The charm class went by very quickly to which Severus seemed relieved. His friends wouldn't stop talking about the Dark Arts. The two made their way out of class and towards the library to work on curses. Severus stayed behind and left the classroom by himself, only to be caught up by Eva.
"Hey Sev, how are you doing? We haven't spoken in days."
"It hasn't been days, merely five of them. I'm fine, since you've asked."
"Good. You want to go and try out the patronus again or something?"
"If you want."
"Fantastic! You know I feel that we are only a few months, maybe less from getting the patronus. You're close to getting a good grip on Occlumency and Legilimency. I can barely get in your mind now, it's incredible."
"Umm thank you Eva, you're also doing well in Legilimency."
"Thanks so let's go then?"
"Yes."
"To the potion lab!"
Once in the lab, they put their bags down, drew their wands and started to try out the patronus charm. It was easier said then done, they both thought of happy memories.
Severus put down his wand after his third attempt. "This is pointless I can't do it."
"How can you say that? You're almost there. It may sound cheesy, but instead of using a memory, use love and happiness while thinking of your friends. I bet you that will help."
"Have you tried that Eva?"
"No. I was going to right now." Eva took a deep breath and closed her eyes with Severus behind her. She thought of a happy feeling and memory before she opened her green eyes again.
Eva made a movement with her wand while saying the spell "Expecto Patronum." This time, a small round shape started to come out of the wand. It turned on it self until it took the shape of a bright-white, translucent fox. The animal exited the lights and ran across the room and around Severus. He was amazed at seeing an actual patronus; it proved that after months of practicing Eva finally got it right, and that soon Severus would get it too.
Eva was overjoyed at finally getting it. She was happy to find out that her patronus was a fox, an animal that she admired and loved as much as her owl, Persil. The fox ran around a bit longer until disappearing. Eva looked up at Severus, smiling the biggest smile he had ever seen. He went up to him and gave him a big hug.
"Sev, I did it!"
"I know, Eva you did. It was wonderful."
"Thank you, Sev, it's a fox! Could you imagine my patronus being a fox? I'm so happy."
"Well, a fox is clever, intelligent, cunning, protects and so are you…"
"Sev thanks, you're the best. I just hope you will get it soon. There is no reason you shouldn't."
"Thank you Eva. I wonder what mine will be."
"Oh, maybe an eagle, or a panther, or a raven. Gosh, so many appeal to you Sev! But I honestly think it will be one of those three. Fingers crossed man!"
The pair exited the potion lab after the patronus episode. They both walked down the hallway. It was a good thing they didn't have any classes the rest of the morning, having been in there for nearly two hours. Since it was lunchtime, they both went to the Great Hall, and Severus decided to eat with the Ravenclaws since he hadn't spent much time with them at all in January thanks to the Slytherin gang.
After lunch was potions, a class that both Eva and Severus were exited for. They had worked together to finish the essay Slughorn wanted and were quite content with the result. In the potion lab, Eva and Severus sat next to each other ignoring the Gryffindors and surprisingly the glares from Avery and Rosier.
"Good afternoon everyone. Now, I hope you all have that essay I asked you last week. Now please hand it in now so we can enjoy the rest of this class, yes?"
The students did as they were told, and handed in their role of parchment on Felix Felicis effects. Once all the essays were handed in, Slughorn gave his NEWT students their instructions.
"Now my fellow students, you will be working in pairs with the person you are seated next to. You will be brewing the Elixir to Induce Euphoria that can be found on page twenty of your books. You have until the end of this hour. Begin, and good luck to you all!"
Severus and Eva immediately started the potion with as much excitement as usual. They always used Severus's book since it had all the modifications in it. They had Eva's book out as a distraction for Slughorn and the others.
"Sev, how did you correct practically everything in this potion? Look at the difference between your book and mine."
"I know, that potion really needed to be corrected."
"I can see that, let's get started."
Severus nodded and they started the potion. They both advanced at their regular rate until they reached the end of the potion. With five minutes left until the end of the lesson, Severus started to add peppermint springs.
"Say, Sev, what's the peppermint for?"
"My research has allowed me to discover that adding a sprig of it to this elixir counteracts the potion's side effects of unrestrained singing and nose-tweaking."
"Wow, not bad potion master, not bad at all."
"Thank you Eva."
Slughorn inspected the potions, and attributed house points to almost every pair. Eva and Severus were happy about their performance in the class. Once the inspection was over, all the students left the dungeons to go outside and enjoy the rest of the day.
Sirius Black held Severus back after exiting the dungeons, with Eva staying right by him.
"What are you up too Black?"
"Nothing Evangeline darling just going to tell Snape a little something."
Eva rushed towards Sirius with her wand pointed at his face. "Don't you ever call me darling or it will be the last thing you ever say."
"No problem love."
"I mean it Black shut up."
"You heard her Black."
"I did Sniv…Snape, now may I have a word with you."
"What are you planning Black?"
"Nothing Evangeline go on your merry way."
Severus told Eva it was all right, that he could handle it since it was only Black and not the whole Marauder's clan. She left and told him to meet up at the Great Hall entrance. Her friends were going to have a little outing around the castle and wanted Severus to join them. When Eva was out of sight, Severus turned his attention to Sirius. He was eager to know what had driven him to come and speak to him.
"What do you want Black? I'm not in the mood for your games."
"What makes you say this is a game Snivellus? I'm just telling something you have always wanted to know."
"Oh really? And what might that be?"
"How to get in to the Shrieking Shack. I know you want to know what goes on their especially on the nights of full moons. Oh, and what a coincidence, there is one tonight."
"You think I will just listen to you and go to Hogsmead in the middle of the night?"
"Snivelly you are so pathetic. There is a passage under the Whomping Willow, use the Immobulus spell to get past and there you go secret passage to the Shack. I am merely helping you out."
Sirius left him to his thoughts. He knew Severus wouldn't resist the urge to check it out, as he knew the Marauders hung out around the Willow often. Severus knew they were up to something, and it was always around the full moon. He told himself he would use this information to get the Marauders expelled from Hogwarts, it was decided he would go there, but wouldn't say a word to Eva or her friends.
He arrived in front of the Great Hall, with Eva rushing towards him.
"What did Black do?"
Severus didn't tell her the true reasons Black held him back. "Nothing surprisingly."
"Good then, come on let's go to Hagrid's hut for tea before practice."
"Of course, you are playing Slytherin are you?"
"Yes we are Severus and we're going to give your house a big beating, no offense."
"None taken David, although I do think that we will win."
"Really Sev? I will remember that when Roger catches the snitch and we win the game."
"Then Eva, I will remind you said that when Slytherin wins the game."
The group stopped the Quidditch talk there and went to Hagrid's for tea. When finished with there drink, they started to head to the pitch to practice their game.
"Good luck fer yer practice, do well."
"Thanks Hagrid!"
"Yeah Hagrid thank you."
"No problem yeh two."
They separated as David and Eva went to practice, Mariana and Grace went to the library; and Severus went to the Slytherin common room.
After dinner was served in the Great Hall, Severus noticed the Marauders suddenly leaving their table and heading outside. Severus guessed they were going to the Whomping Willow, and using the information Black gave him, he decided to follow and expose them.
He arrived in front of the tree and saw the Marauders enter it through a small passage. Severus waited a bit then followed them in the secret passage beneath the Willow. He found himself in a small tunnel, and used his wand to create light so he could see. Severus made his way through the tunnel until he reached a small pair of stairs leading to a door. He overheard groans and then screams. Severus opened the door to see Remus Lupin starting to transform into a werewolf. Once the transformation complete, Lupin turned around and saw Severus, he started to get closer to him in a menacing way. James Potter appeared from behind Severus, grabbed him and threw him out of the room, closing the door behind them before Lupin could attack, resulting him into crashing in the door.
James dragged Severus out of the Shack, through the tunnel, until finally they reached the Hogwarts grounds, followed by Sirius Black who got out in time to see it. They were all panting heavily with Severus giving Sirius a mean look. He turned to see Professor Dumbledore staring at them.
"Mister Snape, what are you doing out here?"
"Sir, under the Willow there…"
"Mister Snape I would like you, Mister Potter and Mister Black to come with me to my office at once."
The three followed the headmaster across the grounds until they reached the castle. Sirius and James were behind Severus, for once being very serious, although Black did joke of the fact that Severus tried to waste no time into denouncing them. They made their way through the courtyard until they reached the gargoyle. Dumbledore then said the password and the gargoyle let them in the tower. They all entered the headmaster's office. The three students stood in front of the desk, with Dumbledore behind it.
He lectured Sirius Black and took multiple points from Gryffindor for endangering the life of another student, but most of the points were redeemed with James since he saved Severus's life. Dumbledore swore the Slytherin to secrecy, to not reveal the truth regarding Lupin's lycanthropy. He also added that now Severus owned James a life debt. Once the lecture was finished, the three students went back to their respective houses, with Severus going to bed in the worst mood possible.
The next day Severus woke up in a sore mood. He got dressed, went with his friends to breakfast and class, without speaking to anyone: not even Eva. At the end of the day, Severus noticed Eva talking to the Marauders. He separated from his friends and decided to eaves drop. Lupin was admitting his 'condition' to Eva.
"So, it's true Remus, you're a werewolf?"
"Yes Eva, please don't get mad or anything."
"Yeah Easgriff…"
"Shut up Potter! I'm not talking to here! No Remus I'm not mad, just sad with the fact that you didn't trust me enough to tell me. I had ideas, but not this."
"Eva, I'm sorry, but now you know."
"Yes, now I know."
Next to Remus, Sirius and James were whispering about the events that happened last night.
"To think that Snivellus would have already told her."
"My thoughts exactly Prongs."
"You both should learn to whisper properly. What did you two do to Severus?"
"Nothing Easgriff."
Eva drew her wand and aimed it at the Gryffindors. "Don't make me ask you again, what did you do to Severus?"
Sirius took a playful attitude "Just a fun little prank."
Eva immediately knew what Sirius was talking about and aimed her wand at his head "You! You lured him there did you! You pathetic loser! You could have gotten him killed! He could of died! I'm surprised you're not expelled!"
"Well, Snape didn't die did he? Luckily Prongs got him out of there in time."
Eva turned her attention to James and lowered her wand "You saved him Potter?"
"I may not like, hell I hate him, but not the amount to want him dead."
"Well at least you've done a true Gryffindor act. This doesn't change anything between us, but you've earned my respect."
Eva left to find Severus, who was watching to scene the whole time. He quickly ran back to castle, but Eva caught up to him.
"You are a real, true idiot."
"Eva…"
"How could you believe him, Black of all people?! You could have gotten killed! You know now you own Potter a life debt!"
"Don't remind me!"
"I will! You didn't think straight, too determined to get them expelled! It was foolish Severus, foolish."
Severus didn't responded to Eva's words.
"I'm upset Severus, upset with the fact that this could have been prevented, if you went to friends. We could of help you, we care, unlike those other friends of yours, who put ideas in your head!"
"Eva, I wanted to but, please hear me that…"
"No Severus just stop right there! No more lies Severus, please no more. I'm not going to do a Lily Evans on you and leave you for a mistake. But please tell me when something like this happens."
"Alright Eva, I promise."
"Thank you. Come on I'll tell you about practice the other day."
The pair walked to the castle together trying to forget their disagreement, and talked about the practicing session of the other day. Severus thought for a moment. If he had the power the Dark Lord promised, incidents like what happened last night wouldn't happen at all. That power and control would change everything.
Unbeknown to them, Mulciber and his gang overheard and saw the 'fight' between Eva and Severus; he turned to his friends and told them.
"Well, I have found a way to make the death eaters more appealing to Snape, even more appealing then he already thought."
"What Mulciber?" asked Avery.
Mulciber kept his eye on the Ravenclaw student with Severus and continued his speech with a demoniac feeling to it.
"The Dark Lord has the ability to grant Power to protect the ones we care for."
~~~~~~~~END OF CHAPTER~~~~~~~~
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.
Yes Eva finally got the patronus, you like her fox? I thought it suited her well. Severus is still being tempted by the dark arts as you see.
Don't forget to leave a review :)
Until next time *Power goes out* "Lumos!"