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14. Times in May
Severus enjoyed the time he spent with Eva and David during the Easter holidays. Mastering the patronus charm made his week much more interesting and fun. He knew that now, it would not be easy dealing with his Slytherin friends when it came to Eva or any other Ravenclaw.
Severus never expected to see his year at Hogwarts go by so quickly. The month of April went by just as fast as the other ones. Exams were now getting closer and, there were a few surprise tests in potions and Defense. Of course Severus was sure of succeeding in both of them.
During a DADA class, Eva thought of a 'brilliant' plan to prank to Professor Olympus. She told Severus it had been awhile since her last prank, to which he simply rolled his eyes.
Severus was sitting next to her when she told him of her plan "Honestly Eva, don't you ever stop."
"No never! You know that very well. Don't worry, my dear Severus, I won't get expelled. It's just a joke, nothing more."
"I understand I can't change that fact, but why Olympus? Again."
"Oh Sev, you're not worried about the poor professor, are you? I'm just kidding, don't go crazy. I don't know why Olympus, he's got the perfect profile to receive my magnificent pranks, that is before the Marauders get there first."
"Again with the prank profile?"
"I just made a wonderful speech and you say that. I'm hurt deeply."
Severus said nothing, but Eva gave him a small punch in his arm before he had any chance of responding.
"Ouch" he said as he rubbed it, trying to avoid Olympus's gaze. It was one of the rare times they were taking notes and sitting at their desks, and being next to Eva was always a real 'treat', "Why did you do that?"
"No reason, I'm just showing a different way of enjoying your company, instead of hugs that is."
"Well if you don't mind I would prefer you refrain from punching me in the arm."
" I would prefer that the two of you pay attention!"
The pair looked up to find Professor Olympus staring at them with big eyes. The man already hated Eva and took pleasure in giving her detention.
"Sir, we were paying attention."
"Really, Miss Easgriff, it sure didn't look like it."
"Well, sir, it seems that you…" David yet again stopped his friend from saying something that would likely get her kicked out of class faster than a hungry hippogriff running for meat.
"Seems that I what?"
"Nothing sir."
"Well then ten points from Ravenclaw for not paying attention."
As Eva was about to start a rebelling state, without thinking Severus grabbed her arm and pulled her down. When the professor was done tormenting his 'favorite' student, Eva turned to her friend. She thanked David for stopping her from doing something incredibly stupid, again, and Severus for keeping her from becoming a bomb.
"Umm Sev."
"Yes."
"Not that I mind, but can I have my arm back please, it's kinda hard to write without it."
Severus looked down and saw he still had a grip on her left arm. He let it go immediately while turning a vivid red, and started to take notes. Eva caught his blushing, but did nothing, as he seemed not to be a good state. She simply smiled, grabbed her quill and continued taking notes. The last months of their sixth year were going to be interesting and fun she thought.
At the end of class, most students went outside for the first time in weeks, as there was sun and blue skies. Severus left the classroom with his Slytherin friends, since Eva and David were off to practice for their last game of the year against Gryffindor. Mariana and Grace were working on yet another project.
The talks with his friends were not the best. They spoke about the Dark Lord again, but this time Severus was more eager to find out what exactly he was capable of. Unfortunately Regulus Black came to join them. He went on and on about their upcoming game as against Hufflepuff.
"We are going to kick those puff's butts!" Cried out Regulus as he sat on the couch in the common room.
"And then win the Quidditch Cup! Right?" added Avery
"Not if Ravenclaw wins against Gryffindor." Said Severus. He wasn't in a dilemma when it came to the sport. Even if he fully supported his house's team, he believed that Ravenclaw had as much potential of becoming the next champion.
"If I remember well, Hufflepuff won against Gryffindor last time, so that means these matches will be tie-breakers."
Mulciber turned to his friends or "accomplices" as Eva called them. "Oh yes, tie-breakers, hey that reminds that girl plays soon, how much do we bet that the Mudwallower 'accidently' falls off her broom."
"Don't call her that."
The whole gang looked at Severus with puzzled faces.
"Why not, Snape? We called that Gryffindor girl you hung out with Mudblood many times, why is this one so different?" Said Rosier
"Because I think Snape here doesn't want to lose a 'friend'. We won't stop calling her that, because that's what she is. If you don't like it, don't listen, or cover your ears."
"Shut up Avery, I'm going out."
Severus grabbed his things and left the common room. He knew that it wasn't the best thing to do, but if it kept him from hexing their heads off, it was worth it.
Back in the common room, the rest of the gang was shocked. They knew Severus had a bit of a temper at times, but it was the first time he walked out on them like that.
"What has gotten into him recently?"
"I don't know Rosier."
"I can tell you this though mates, by the looks of things I think he likes the blood traitor."
Mulciber rolled his eyes at the comment "Fantastic! It's what we needed, another Evans episode! Perfect, just perfect."
In the dungeons, Severus was already gone. He sat under a tree on the grounds. After a moment, he realized it was the same one where he met Eva almost exactly one year ago.. He remembered her first impression was not the best, and wanted her to go away.
"Who would have know all of this would have happened." He said out loud.
"Absolutely no one."
Severus jumped at the voice. He looked up to see Mariana, who appeared to have finished her work. The young witch sat next to Severus, but not too close. Eva told her that Severus didn't like anyone to be too close to him.
"What are you doing here?"
"Wow, don't you have a way with greeting people. I'm here on my own accord, and to see whom dear Eva considers her close friend nowadays."
"And why does it interest you?"
"No reason, but you've been hanging out with us quite often until a few weeks ago. Now we only see you once or twice a week. Is everything ok?"
"Just fine…Mariana."
"Are you sure? I remember Eva's outburst on you 'friends' the other day. They're not threatening you are they? I'm sorry I can see this not your ideal conversation."
"How long have you known Eva?" The question surprised Severus himself, since those were things he would normally never ask. It seemed Eva was rubbing off on him a bit after all.
"How long? Well, we met after the sorting ceremony. I knew her surname by my parents, but nothing more. We hated each other really; never got along. She was too much to handle. One day Eva got in trouble in Herbology. Do you remember what happened in third year? You were in the class."
"That was her?! I thought for sure it was Lockhart!"
"Well it wasn't and since I was next to her, I got the blame as well. We served detention together and eventually things got sorted out. By the end of third year we were friends, and formed a small group. She had David, I had Grace, and we all befriended one another and here is the result. Now you've been popping in a few times since the beginning of this year."
"There you are! Been looking all over, did you know we finished practice nearly two hours ago?"
Eva ran towards her friends, with David following closely behind. Mariana was glad she arrived. She had absolutely no idea how to talk with Severus. It appeared only Eva got him to talk, with David also succeeding a few times.
"Really I didn't know. Did you do well?"
"Sure we did well. Of course we are going to keep practicing every week. We need this victory, and besides our dear captain here said that if we win, she's paying for an outing at Hogsmead."
"David! I never said that."
"Sounded like it."
"Oh….Poo!"
The Ravenclaws bursted into laughter at Eva's weak reply. Severus let out a small smirk, got up and went toward to group.
"Say has anyone seen Grace?"
"Oh she went to see…you know"
Eva, along with David, let out a big smile "Yeah, so are they going to get together anytime soon?"
"I don't know, just don't ask her about it. You know how she is with these types of things."
"You got it Ana."
David and Mariana went back up to the castle, while Eva stayed behind with Severus.
"So, Sev you remember last time we were here, you practically told me to get lost."
"I didn't."
"I know but it sounded like it. But I stayed anyway."
"Why did you stay?"
Eva simply smiled at his question "Why? I don't know. You were always such a mystery, I'm glad I stayed."
Severus nodded in approval. Then started to go back up to the castle with Eva going through every detail of Quidditch practice. She also added that shortly after before going out to look for them, her and David went to prank Mr. Filch, again. They decided to sprinkle Muggle itching power all over his office, and on everything they could.
Once in the castle, they made their way through the hallways of the school. Most students were still outside reviewing their NEWTs, OWLs and exams. During their walk in the halls, they talked about the events to come. When things were doing so well, Severus saw his Slytherin gang come closer and closer until they were a few feet away.
"There you are Snape, you left in a hurry back there."
"Maybe I just needed some air, Rosier."
Eva turned to Severus. "You know Sev, I just remembered I have something to do, I'll see you later."
He nodded; Severus knew she wanted to get out of there before things got ugly for the both of them.
"Snape, you are getting too close to that traitor. I just hope the Dark Lord won't take that in account on your behalf."
"Mulciber is right Snape, don't let appearances fool you."
Severus rolled his eyes at Avery's comment. He hoped that when the time came to meet the Dark Lord, he wouldn't use Eva as a way to get to him. The rest of the day was bearable for Severus. He listened to his friends talk about the Dark Lord again, but this time they spent little time on the subject, and more on his friendship with Eva. They wanted to know what was going on with the two of them. Severus rolled his eyes at their multiple comments about her. At one point he, was surprised when Regulus Black said she was quite pretty for a blood traitor, which earned him a punch in the arm by Avery.
The following weeks were hard. Exams were coming up, and the last Quidditch game of the season was not far off. Slytherin won against Hufflepuff, which made the house a bit more cheerful. They still kept their unity in public. So far, the house of snake was first, but a win from Ravenclaw against Gryffindor would place the house second and the claws would win for the first time in five years. The Slytherins hoped for a tie, a win for Gryffindor (sadly), or a forfeit.
When the Slytherins entered their potions class, Severus picked up the pace to be able to sit next to Eva, and not have to hear Avery or Rosier go on about their discussions.
As Severus entered the room, he went straight towards Eva not seeing or paying attention to his friends' eyes rolling.
"Umm hi, are you ok Sev?" She simply said as he put his book on the table, and bag on the side of the desk.
"Why would you say that?"
"You rushed over here like you where escaping the plague."
Before Severus could answer, Slughorn came in. "Well, well good afternoon to you all. Now as you all are aware this year is getting closer to ending every single day. Soon you will be receiving some exams and in one year you will all take your NEWTs! Oh how exiting, already, how time flies. Now this time you will be brewing the antidote that can be found on page fifty-one of your books. It is a quick potion, which will only occupy you for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Good luck!"
As usual, Eva went for the ingredients and Severus for the book. They still used his, as it was more complete than the original book. Normally, the pair shouldn't have had any trouble with this particular potion, as they practiced it a few months ago in the small lab while doing Occlumency and Legilimency. Well, Severus spent more time on it since Eva had decided to prank Lockhart with another one of her infamous hair changing potions.
"Ok Sev, here are all the ingredients we need, should be a piece of cake. We've done this before, we can do it again."
Severus raised a brow at her.
"Ok, should be cake for you. But I can do it, heck if I can brew a prank potion while talking to you at the same time, I'm sure able to do this without blowing my head off."
"If you say so."
They continued their brewing until the potion started to turn to the color it was expected. Seeing the result, Severus was satisfied, and Eva called his head of house so he could validate the potion.
"Very good my dear, very good! Oh, and you too, Mister Snape! Excellent work the both of you. Five points to each house."
When the twenty minutes were up, and all the potions were validated, Slughorn made his students approach with a small cauldron on the front row desk. He lifted the lid that revealed a small light pink liquid.
"Now can anyone tell me what this is?"
A few hands were raised. The usual students of course were Lily, Severus and Eva.
"Now, now no need to fight. Yes, Mister Snape."
"Well, sir, it looks like Amortentia, but I can't be sure."
"Very good, my boy. Now does everyone know what this particular potion is? Ah, yes, Miss Evans."
"It's a love potion, sir. It has a different aroma for everyone who smells it. It reminds each person of the things that they find most attractive, even if the person doesn't acknowledge or is unaware of their fondness for the object of their affection."
"Excellent, my dear! Ten points to Gryffindor. Now, Amortentia doesn't create actual love, of course. That's impossible. But it does cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. For that reason, it is probably the most dangerous potion in this room. Of course you have to drink it to feel its affects. You can all still smell it. The rest of this class will be about this potion and how to counter it in case of ingestion."
All students who wanted to, lined up in front of the desk to get their turn smelling the potion before Slughorn covered it up for their safety. Of course the professor was right next to it, to make sure none of his students would take some away with them. Occasionally he asked the young wizards what they smelled, as he liked to hear his favorite students. Severus didn't want to smell the ridiculous liquid, but Eva insisted it would be fun. Eva was in front of David, and Severus was behind, so when it was her turn to smell the potion, he couldn't hear what she told the professor or if she said anything. David said nothing to the professor since he didn't ask.
"Ah, Mister Snape, now sniff it lightly, then back away, and tell me what you smell."
Severus was surprised the man would ask him that since he was not his favorite student unlike Eva or Lily. He did as the professor instructed.
"Well, my boy, what is it?"
"I smell pumpkin pie, a broomstick handle, and the last one is a flowery sent. I hate flowers."
Slughorn chuckled at his student's last comment "My dear boy, it doesn't matter if you like it or not, now go on."
Severus went to Eva who was with David and Mariana of the other side of the classroom waiting for the 'task' to finish.
"Well what did you smell?"
"None of your concern, I barely remember it."
"Of course, don't worry, I'm not going to tell either. David told me he smelled apples and new books. I wonder who that could be. Anyway looks like Slughorn is done using us as Muggle lab rats."
The students made their way to their desks, and Slughorn made a quick lesson on the love potion, antidote, effects…When the bell rang, all students left the classroom. Eva and David practically ran out since they had practice again, leaving Severus alone with Avery and Rosier.
"So Snape, did you smell anything good?"
"No Rosier, I didn't"
"Of course, Snape, of course. Now come on, Mulciber told us to meet him at the Forbidden Forest. You remember our old prefect, Lucius Malfoy? Well, he's here."
Severus had no way out of this one and went with the Slytherins to the forest, where he met up with his old prefect, whom he found out spoke highly of him to the Dark Lord. When they arrived, Lucius bought them a bit deeper into the forest where their discussions could not be heard.
A few days later, the last Quidditch match of the season took place. Luckily for them, it was a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon with temperatures being perfect for a game outside. Severus and his Slytherin friends arrived in the Great Hall for lunch. As he scanned the room, Severus didn't see Eva or any of the house Quidditch players, Ravenclaw or Gryffindor. He figured they had already eaten and were preparing for their match. Finally, he thought, Eva would calm it down with the sport, since it was her main subject of conversation since the beginning of the month.
"Well, today is the day. We will find out who is champion." Announced Avery
"It's going to be us, Avery, I can feel it." Replied Mulciber
After lunch, students and staff made their way to the Quidditch pitch. Severus noticed Mariana and Grace, who were slightly ahead of him, had painted their house colors on their cheeks and wore them as well. All the Ravenclaws carried banners with "RAVENCLAW!" written in bronze on a blue background. They were out of their usual studies state, being competitive as ever. For the first time in five years, they were one victory from really winning the cup. Severus had a hard time hiding the fact he secretly wanted to be on their side of the stands, rooting and cheering for Eva and her team. He sat on the Slytherin side of the stands with his housemates.
Professor Sprout was chosen to referee the game, to which she did with much enthusiasm. "Welcome all to the last game of the season! Today we have Ravenclaw versus Gryffindor!"
When the houses were introduced, both teams came flying out from under the stands. Eva and James got off their brooms to shake hands, then back on and waited for Madam Hooch to release the Quaffle. She gave them her usual play fair speech, then proceeded to start the game.
"The Quaffle has been released! And it looks like the Gryffindor Captain, James Potter has it in his possession!"
Potter signaled his teammates to preform a woollongong shimmy to confuse the Ravenclaws. They flew in a zig-zag motion while passing the Quaffle, until the got to the goal posts.
"Looks like chaser Van Gordon is passing the Quaffle to his team captain. James Potter now has it back in his possession! He's moving dangerously to David Frezidoft's goal post! He throws it to the left! Frezidoft dives for it! It passes through! Gryffindor opens the scoring! Ten points!"
Severus could see Eva make a face, and if he didn't mistaken, he could of sworn she cursed under her breath.
"Captain Evangeline Easgriff now has got the Quaffle! They're forming a hawkshead attacking formation! She does a reverse pass to Janine Rethold! Who now gives it to Nicolas Vofiry! He's going left…No! Now right! He throws! He scores! Ten points to Ravenclaw!"
They continued for another twenty-five minutes, Severus was exited for once. The game was indeed very good. Both James and Eva were at a same level for their chasing skills, although Severus did prefer Eva's style.
"Easgriff's approaching the Gryffindor goal post, but Potter is not far behind! She throws it to the left! An other ten points to Ravenclaw! That brings us so far 80-60!"
Severus did a silent 'yes' under his breath hearing the score announcement so far. The snitch had been spotted nearly five minutes ago and both house seekers were flying around the pitch, chasing after the golden ball.
"Roger Valerin is in reach of the snitch! But it seems Laura Robbins is catching up and won't let that happen!"
Severus, along with the rest of his house, could hear the cheers from the Ravenclaw stands.
"ROGER! ROGER! ROGER! GO RAVENCLAW!"
"Valerin is in reach!"
Roger flew as fast as his broom could, the year's new seeker wanted to win the game. He let his right hand out and grabbed the golden ball out of the air, then flew around in a circle so the spectators, Madam Hooch, and Sprout could see.
"Valerin caught the snitch! Ravenclaw wins the game and if I'm not mistaking, wins the cup!"
There was a loud acclamation coming from the Ravenclaw stands, even Flitwick got up and made a victory dance before he went down to congratulate his team.
On the grounds, before they celebrated, the Ravenclaws shook the hands of their opponents. A few minutes later, the entire house came down to acclaim their team. Eva was given multiple "thank yous" in many different ways. The staff magically made a podium for this year's champions. When the entire team was on it, Dumbledore handed Eva the treasured object. She took the cup and lifted it along with her teammates. Severus would have wanted to stay to congratulate her and David for their skill during the game, but had to leave along with his friends. He told himself he would go talk to her later in the day.
The rest of the day was real festive for the Ravenclaws. Their party in the common room could be heard all the way to the Salem institute. The music was so loud. Professor Flitwick hadn't been seen all day since he, too, joined the party and held the cup. Because of this, Severus got no chance to see Eva all day. Even in the evening, the claws ate at their table while singing, and exceptionally, their head of house joined in. The other houses also did too. Hufflepuff was the table along side them, and they didn't hesitate to congratulate them for finally beating Gryffindor. They were happy that Slytherin didn't win the title this year. Gryffindor couldn't help but feel a little bad for losing, but they were also happy to get Slytherin's hands off the cup.
After dinner, Severus waited a long side the hallway to get a chance to talk to Eva. He told his friends he had business to attend to and would catch up later. His wait was brief, when Eva came out off the Hall last along with her friends.
"Hey Severus! What are doing here?"
"I just wanted to congratulate you and Eva for your win earlier today."
"Really?! Thanks Sev, that means a lot."
"Eva we've got to go, see you up in the common room. And remember Hogsmead next week for the entire team!"
"I never promised anything David! You know that!"
When her friends were far enough Severus couldn't help but comment.
"You do know you can't get out of it."
"Oh, shut up. And yes I know. I think he said it's a round of drinks at the inn, butterbeer of course and on me. Yay."
"Don't you seem thrilled."
"I am very actually. I guess I can and will treat the team a little round. So did you enjoy the game?"
"Actually I rather did. You play…fairly well."
"Thanks I guess now I will shut up for a bit about the sport. I'm sorry if I was too talkative about it."
"No you weren't you're just keen on talking about it, and talking in general."
"You say I talk too much?" she said laughing.
"No, although you are rather loud."
"I'm not loud! I mean not that loud."
Severus smirked. She could be considered a loud speaker, since hearing from across a room, with talking students as clear as if she were next to him had become a routine. But she knew her limits, and kept at rare times a small voice.
"Agreed then, you are not that loud."
"Glad we settled it. Oh and come by the potion lab tomorrow at eight, I have something to show you. Mother sent it a few days ago. I showed it to David and the gang but I want you to see it, so you know I'm not all about Quidditch and talking very loudly."
Severus smiled one of his rare smiles "Alright, see you at eight."
They both said goodnight and went back to their dorms. When Severus arrived at his common room, the gang was there waiting for him. They talked about the unfairness of losing to a bunch of blood traitors and Mudbloods, but Severus didn't pay much attention. He was focused on what Eva had planned for the following morning.
~~~~~~~~END OF CHAPTER~~~~~~~~
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