Hey guys! Sorry for the wait, I just went through my first writers block with this story, but I'm back :D

The poll is still up, and will be for a few more chapters or so. Thanks for all the reviews about the story and for your opinions on Severus's choices. A big heads up to all who have added this story to their favorites, and follow it.

As usual I own nothing from the Harry Potter world made by J.K Rowling, only the stuff I made up for this story.

20. A Storm is coming.

Eva listened to what Severus had to say about the many family members at the reunion, but was more focused on what her aunt could have said. She was not stupid, a bit naïve at times or hot-headed, but not stupid. She could feel that Isabella had told Severus something about the Death Eaters; it was all in the look he made when they exited the house to come outside. Also the talk her mother had with Isabella, and Lucinda saying something about a Bella, it had to have something to do with the Death Eaters. Eva was in her thoughts, but was snapped out of them by Severus.

"Eva, are you alright?"

"What? Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I just don't like Isabella and Lucinda being here. All hell might break loose."

Severus nodded, he knew what she meant, and the Death Eaters were now everywhere, even in your own family. They were watching the 'future' recruits every move, making sure they weren't trying to do something against the movement.

He saw in the corner of his eye Isabella watching him. He could suddenly feel some tingling in his head and realized she was using Legilimency to entire his mind. He quickly put up the few shields he had and moved with Eva further away from the family.

"Severus, what are you doing? It's Isabella isn't it? She told you something." Exclaimed Eva.

"Eva, I told you she did nothing." He replied.

Eva took out her hand and pointed he finger dangerously at him. "Sev, don't you lie to me. I know she said something; you've got that look on your face. The worried look, like she threatened you or something. You're also using Occlumency I can see it. What is going on?"

Severus looked at her, she wanted to know and it seemed she also wanted to help him as well.

"Nothing she just…made a point."

"A point! Sev I know exactly how she works, she lures in her prey and then Bam! Stabs them in the back. If she told you anything about the Death Eaters, about how great they are and all… it's not true. Those people don't care about your abilities; they just want some brainwashed or pure-blood idealist people to follow some madman to make the world as they want."

Eva then put her glass down and took Severus's hands. He started to turn red the minute she touched his hand.

"Sev, listen, you can trust us. If not Mariana or David, then me. You can trust me. You're a smart guy, don't make a stupid mistake you will regret for the rest of your life. We care, I care for you." She pulled him into a hug, hoping those words would avoid him going to the Death Eaters.

Severus let Eva hold him. He could feel her being sincere in her words. He could also sense she was starting to figure out how close he really was to the Death Eaters. In no way he wanted her to think he was using her to get closer to knowing her family secret spells, or that he was like the Death Eaters at all. True, Severus did not like Muggles, and when he was with his Slytherin 'mates' he thought what they thought. Muggles must learn they are inferior to wizards, and they should learn their 'place' in this world.

Spending time with Eva, he saw the Muggle world the way few pure-bloods, and many wondering half-bloods saw it. It was a completely different world filled with 'elasticity' and 'telilision', in which perhaps wizards should learn more about them. For Severus, the main reason he hated Muggles was because his father was one, but when he was friends with Lily, her parents were nice to him, only Petunia was a real toad. She was like that because she was afraid, afraid of what Lily could do, so was Severus's father. He was afraid of what he and his mother could do.

Eva let go of Severus and they finished their talk. Most of it this time was about the professors they met at Salem the other day.

The pair then walked back to the house, where the family reunion was coming to an end. Alexandrina was able to inform her daughter and Severus that they were invited by the Blackthorn family to their summer gathering in four days. Severus feared it because it could have dancing, and many pure-blood customs he was not familiar with, and to top it all off, American customs of course.

"Sev there is nothing to worry about. Mr. Blackthorn he is…ok; kind of like Slughorn. He believes pure-blood are the best, but the other blood status are tolerated."

"I see."

"If I have to give you heads up, it would be about his sister. Talk about a blood nut. Just as bad as my grandfather, Francis."

Severus raised a brow. "Really, that bad. I guess I won't mention it then or I could lie."

Eva looked shocked "Sev, don't be ashamed of being a half-blood. I know your father isn't the best person out there, but don't cut out your heritage. Being pure-blood may sound cool, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows, believe me. Besides most pure-blood families are dying out anyway. Look at my great-aunt Elena, her husband is a half-blood and their children are half-blood. Same thing with my cousin, April. She married a Muggle-born, not to mention August, his wife is a Half-blood. Isabella was not happy about it."

"Then I won't say anything if they don't ask." He replied.

"Ok fine, just don't bring any unnecessary pressure on yourself, its bad for you." She said.

Severus rolled his eyes at her concerned comment, and she laugh at him doing so. They started to say goodbye to the guests. Isabella and Lucinda came up to them to bid them farewell. Eva gave both of them a cold stare, the same her mother gave. Her father made a small forced smile while he shook their hands. When it was Severus 's turn, Lucinda shook his hand with a grin, followed by her mother who told him something the others could not hear. To make sure they didn't she cast a non-verbal, wandless spell so her family members could not hear what she was telling Severus.

"Be very careful, Severus, it would be… unpleasant for you to find my dear sweet niece and your Mudblood missing from Hogwarts one day."

His eyes grew wide at her words, how did she know about Lily? Sure they didn't speak any more, but you don't forget a six year friendship like that.

He started to get scared "Eva…"

"Oh she can't hear you. For all they know, I am gone. You see this wonderful spell I just used it, oh Luce what does it do already?" She said with a hint of amusement in her tone.

Lucinda smirked. "It kind of freezes time. First they can't hear this conversation, and the next and best part, they can't see it happen. If we wanted, we could take you with us right now, and obliviate them. But we won't, it's too easy, and I hate easy, so does the Dark Lord."

Lucinda went closer to Severus; he looked to see Eva who wasn't moving at all. "We know a lot, dear boy. I don't see why a filthy half-blood like yourself wants to join the Dark Lord, but you do hate Muggles, and Mudbloods if I recall, so it compensates...a bit" she ended dryly.

Mother and daughter then left a stunned Severus at the door. Before the spell was lifted and they would apparated away from the mansion, Isabella told Severus one last thing.

"Oh Severus, be reminded, I have no pity on the blood traitors that are this part of my family. No pity at all. I can see you feel something for my sweet lovable adoring…niece you care for her and I know you would do whatever you can to keep her safe, am I right?"

Lucinda couldn't help but add her own comment before they left as well. "Weak, are you weak Severus? Or are you going to be a coward and run away from this beautiful world the Dark Lord is going to give us?"

The pair laughed, Isabella snapped her fingers and at the moment the spell was lifted, they disappeared into thin air. The rest of the family went back inside the house, and Eva went by Severus's side, putting her hand on his shoulder, startling him.

"Sorry, Sev. I'm glad they're gone. Those two scare me, like no one nowhere is safe from Voldy and those Death Eaters."

Severus nodded. "No one will ever be safe. Except if you join him but…"

"No! Don't even think of joining him! That's the worst that could happen! Even if you were too, it's actually worse. If you say one thing like the Dark Lord loves the color pink or this one Traitor is quite charming in some ways, they would burn you alive! After using the cruciatus curse, and a whole bunch of fancy dark spells on you of course."

Eva then went in front of Severus looking him straight in the eye. "Nothing good ever happens to people who join, never. You live in fear if the only reason you joined is to get back at people who hurt you; it's not worth it. Severus please, whatever you do, don't be tempted by their words."

Severus was speechless but managed to nod at her response. They went back in the house together but were ambushed by August.

"Ah Line and Severus I was just looking for you. How would you like to come over to my house tomorrow, to see your cousins and my newest animal."

Eva smiled lightly. "You got a new pet? For what?"

August rolled his eyes. "Line you do remember I am the Care of Magical Creature teacher at Salem, and the previous one at Hawkthorn. So obviously I need more animals to help teach the students. So would you both like to come? We will simply apparated there."

Eva turned to Severus to see if he wanted to go. It would be a good occasion to get away from the town for a little bit. With the events of Lucinda and Isabella they just had, maybe spending some time in the west part of the state would be good.

"So what do you say Sev?" she asked.

"Sure, it would…be nice but I've never taken Care of Magical Creatures."

August chuckled at his response. "Oh, no worries there, I'll explain. Besides it's not like I'm going to put you in front of an Acromantula or something. I'm kidding! Besides you can't find them here. Normally that is."

Eva and Severus nodded nervously at him, then went inside the house where Eva informed her mother about August's proposal. She agreed to them going, it could prepare them for the event at the Blackthorn's. She told her to watch out for some of the creatures at August's home, since last they were there Alexandrina recalled finding a Fire crab hidden under a bench.

The next day came quickly. After an early lunch, Severus and Eva were ready for August to come so they could apparate. When he came out, they both grabbed his arm, Eva waved to her family and they disappeared to the west part of Massachusetts, in a State Forest.

When Severus opened his eyes they were in front of an imposing house in the middle of the forest. August's wife Sarah greeted them, along with Eva's cousins Autumn and Thomas, then they did a small tour of the house. Once the tour was over, they went to a part of the property where August kept the creatures for his class.

"I know this kind of changes your impression of the pure-blood does it?" Eva said. "He just loves animals. Mother said he couldn't get enough of them when they were little. Imagine his face in Care of Magical Creatures."

"I'm sure that can be easily done." Replied Severus.

August signaled them to come, which they did along with Autumn since Thomas was leaving for Quidditch practice.

"Alright all of you don't move. It's important." He then whistled and an animal came out of the shadow. Both Eva and Severus's eyes went wide at the sight of the creature.

"Well I guess you didn't expect this, Line." Autumn said.

"I expected…. no I didn't. I've only seen them at Hogwarts, for class. August, how did you get…a Hippogriff?"

August was beaming next to the creature. "Ah I have my connections. These are truly wonderful creatures, a bit proud though. Don't you even think of insulting one even in the heat of the moment, it could be the last thing you ever do. Also, don't try to as you say Line 'run like hell' because they catch up pretty fast."

August walked towards them with a big smile on his face. "Ah, reminds me of the first time I brought Winterlocks to Salem. All the students backed up when I asked who wanted to start. Now which one will start?"

Severus and Eva turned to look at each other. Behind them they saw Autumn waving.

Severus had no idea how react, since he never took Care of Magical Creatures. He looked at Eva with a small smirk. "Ladies first."

"Seriously? Fine, besides you're going to have to do it anyway." She said.

Eva did what her uncle told her to do; she bowed in front of the Hippogriff, and stayed as polite as possible. Eye contact was maintained at all time, and no sudden moves were made. She was then able to approach to give the creature and pat on the side of its head.

"Alright, your turn Severus."

Severus was shaking. He was afraid of doing something that could anger Winterlocks, thus injuring Eva or her uncle.

"Now, Severus, keep calm, cool, relaxed. Keep eye contact. Let Winterlocks make the first move, always let them make the first move it's polite. Unless you want to go to Zabri Hospital for some time with loss limbs, then be my guest."

Severus did exactly as told; he was then able to approach Winterlocks to pet him. August gave the pair two ferrets to feed him for being 'such a good boy'.

"Well I guess…you can both ride him now."

"Oh that's great. Wait?! What?!" exclaimed Eva.

August used his wand to lift Severus and his niece on the Hippogriff. He put Severus up front since he assumed Severus was the heaviest of the two.

"Now, no worries, the disillusionment charm is on, but I doubt there are Muggles around here. Just sit back, relax, and hang on for dear life."

"What?!" screamed Eva. "Please tell me this is not how you did this in class."

"Oh, no, don't worry but you are my niece, you've got the Wickford in you. You can face any danger. Plus your friend Severus seems very…sure of himself, strong, we like that. Ok, on you go." He said as he lightly hit the Hippogriff, who seconds later took off, with Severus holding on to the main and Eva holding on tightly his waist.

They flew up the air, around the house for a few minutes the time needed for Eva to release Severus a bit so he could avoid suffocation.

"Look Sev!"

They were flying over her uncle's propriety, and over the forest. Severus started to feel more comfortable. He relaxed a little, but kept a firm grip on Winterlocks. He turned his head to see Eva still holding on, smiling up at him.

At that moment, Severus felt as if the Death Eaters were long gone, that Dark Lord was no more, and the Marauders finally left him alone. He was with Eva, flying over the forests of Massachusetts on a Hippogriff; with the most disturbing instructions he had ever heard. He could fell the color rush to his cheeks, as Eva pulled closer to him, out of fear of falling or perhaps something completely different.

Winterlocks flew back to the house, and landed where they took off fifteen minutes ago. August helped Eva and her friend off the creature, eager to know what they thought of it.

"So, how did it go?" he asked, practically attacking them.

Severus spook first, since he was sure August was more interested in his first flight then Eva, who had already done it before at Hogwarts in her forth year.

"I thought it was rather different. It's faster then on a broom, I…enjoyed it."

Eva agreed to his words, adding Winterlocks was great with them giving time for the two to adjust to the height.

August gave Severus a friendly tap on the shoulder, what he would usually do to all members of his family (minus Lucinda who would kick his behind). "Great! I'm glad you both enjoyed it, how about we head back to the house. I'll bring Winterlocks back."

Eva and Severus walked back to August's house, the clouds over them were starting to get darker and darker. August soon joined them, and looked up at the sky.

"There's a storm coming, better get inside."

The pair nodded and went in the house. Once inside, thunder was heard and it started to rain. August turned to his niece and her friend.

"I'm guessing there's a storm coming over there too?"

Eva said nothing but nodded, Autumn gave her cousin a concerned look, and turned her attention back to her father.

"Well, you best be prepared when it comes. I still remember Grindelwald in Europe, I was seventeen at the time, though it was horrible. Isa who was nineteen found it brilliant."

"What about Mother?" asked Eva.

"Your mother was nine at the time, couldn't understand or didn't say much about it. I remember when I was ten the fall of Xenorfolx here in the States, dark wizard indeed, but not as… present or powerful, as Voldemort. You know how to fight Line I know you do. Hogwarts is the school to learn, and also you have the technics from our family and the Easgriff family. Use them wisely, you too Severus use your skills wisely."

"Yeah I know what to do if there is an attack but…"

"Line listen, this side of the family may not completely practice the Dark Arts anymore, but we do believe to fight fire with fire, you know some very small curses or jinxes that would harm and not kill people, use those."

Eva gave in and waited with Severus for the storm to pass to be able to apparate back home. Severus could sense the fear in her uncle's voice when it came to defense against the Dark Lord. He knew deep down joining the Death Eaters could cost him a lot, maybe even more then he thought. He understood better now why the Death Easters were interested in Eva, she knew many dark spells, more than she told him. Spells that are not known outside the family or a few states, spells that could cause chaos back in the UK. Severus knew, with Isabella knowing the majority of them, it was a matter of time before a battle of some sort would start. He didn't want to be on the line facing Eva or Lily; he couldn't be there against them. But he was so deep in the organization, the best to do would be to join to protect. Severus shook his head and vowed to think of it later.

Once the storm had passed, August accompanied them back to the Wickford mansion. He stopped to talk with his mother, father and sister before returning home. Alexandrina reminded Eva of the gathering they were going to attend soon before leaving. A dress was ready for her to try on, and dress robes for Severus with his measurements were neatly folded on his bed, waiting to be worn.

The event at the Blackthorn's was soon upon them three days later. Severus got up that morning with butterflies in his stomach. He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of everyone; he got dressed and went down for breakfast.

In the dining room, Eva was already sitting down reading 'The Salem Prophet', Severus walked up and sat down next to her, while the Kristlan gave him his morning pancakes.

"Morning Eva."

"Same to you Sev. Here, look in the world section, it says two Muggle policemen were chasing two boys on a motorbike, cornered them, but they used magic and flew off, over their heads! It doesn't say who they were though. The same boys were then attacked by three Death Eaters, but managed to escape using a levitation spell on a police car to crash into the Death Eaters."

"Sounds like something Potter or Black would do." Said Severus.

"I know, I wonder if it is them. Hope they made it out all right. I may not care for them that much, but still."

Severus sighted and let Eva continue reading the morning paper. A few minutes later, Alexandrina came in with instructions about the gathering. Although Severus could see it coming, it was to his dismay when Eva's mother told them there would be dancing, and they all had to do it.

Eva smiled at her friend. "Don't worry Sev, you can dance."

"I don't dance Eva, not very well."

"Sev, you can believe me. If you didn't you would have stepped on my feet on that last New Years' Eve party."

Alexandrina didn't want an embarrassment for her family, she decided along with her mother to teach all morning Severus how to dance, whether he liked it or not.

The day passed quickly. At six o'clock, the entire family, plus Severus, was all dressed up and ready to go. Eva came down with a deep green dress that stopped slightly over her knees, with a silver purse and shoes. Severus couldn't hide the fact he was happy with her choice of colors. Eva went by Severus and they all prepared to apparate to the Blackthorn's.

They appeared in front of an imposing mansion, bigger then the Wickford's . Severus approached Eva, not knowing what to do.

"Sev, you ok? You look nice." She said.

Severus started to blush again. "Thank you. You…as well. You're wearing Slytherin colors."

"I was sure you would notice, Grandma picked out the dress."

They walked in the house and were greeted by a house-elf who took their vests. Mr. Blackthorn greeted them in the yard that was arranged for the occasion, with a dancing area, a band, a buffet and many other arrangements. Many guest were pure-blood or respected half-blood families.

"I'm glad you could make it, really, I am. Everyone that was invited could come except the Malfoys, a real shame. Oh, well, please enjoy yourselves." He said.

Severus was stuck on the word Malfoy; he wondered if this was how Lucius knew Eva at these pure-blood gatherings.

Severus tried to spend as less time possible at the dancing area, but eventually had to give in under the small pressure. He could see Eva having a good time, dancing with many young men around her age or a few years older. He couldn't help but feel a little upset when he saw her. It was even worse when she was with a boy looking like Sirius Black.

When Eva finished her dance with the look-a-like, Severus went in front of her for one.

"I thought you said you didn't like to dance?"

"I don't, but I won't be made a fool tonight because I haven't moved at all."

They danced across the crowd, having a good time. Severus felt better now that he was with Eva. He wasn't as nervous as he thought he would be. Also this wasn't Hogwarts, Black or Potter couldn't ruin this dance for him.

When the dance ended, they separated. Eva's cousin, Thomas, asked her to dance. Severus couldn't hide his disappointment. It wasn't long until he, too, was dragged by one of Eva's relatives, Lucinda that is.

"Well, well, what do we have here? It's the half-blood. You shouldn't be here."

"I guess I can say the same about you."

"Very funny, Snape. I'm here on a mission; the Dark Lord has attacked many in England, and just recently Scotland, but we thought, wouldn't it be grand to send the Americans a warning to mind their own business. Also to make sure they know America is next for the Dark Lord."

Severus's eyes went wide. Lucinda broke away from him and vanished. He went straight to Eva, pleaded her to get out of there.

"Severus are you ok?"

"No, Eva please, we need to get out of here."

"Sev, what are you…"

Thomas's face went pale. "LINE! GET DOWN NOW!" he pushed his cousin and her friend to the ground in time to avoid a curse. Luckily for Thomas it slightly avoided him.

Severus helped Eva up; they both had their wands and grew them. They could hear shouts and spells from all around them. The children there were apparated out quickly, and the wizards and witches present grew their wands to fight back.

"Crucio!"

"Reducto!"

"Everte Statum!"

One wizard appeared in front of them raising his wand; Eva decided to go by her uncle's advice.

"Segmentum!" (1)

A bright white light came out of her wand and hit the wizard's leg.

"That will hold him off for a while." She said.

Severus couldn't recognize the robes, but from Lucinda said this must be the American Death Eaters accompanied by the original ones from Britain. Eva couldn't see her parents but heard them, she ran towards the shouts followed by Severus. They couldn't make it since they were being blocked.

"Ah a Scumsucker and a filthy half. Perfect for me. Let's start with the girl, Avada…"

Severus raised his wand before the witch could finish the curse.

"Sectumsempra!"

Light left his wand and the witch was thrown backwards on the ground with blood coming out of her wounds. Severus grabbed Eva's hand before she could see the damage. They ran across the yard avoiding curses in all directions, and casting their own.

"Impedimenta!"

"Expulso!"

"Expelliarmus!"

They finally found her parents, her mother dueling Isabella.

"Confringo!"

Alexandrina dogged the spell. "Protego!" she pointed her wand at the decorations on the ground "Oppugno!"

"Arg! You traitor! Mudblood lover! Disgrace to the Wickford name! Always miss perfect! Let's see you be perfect now! Avada…"

"Stupefy!"

Isabella was blown backwards by the intensity of the spell. Eva saw it wasn't her or Severus or her mother who casted it, but her grandmother with tears in her eyes.

"My own daughter tried to kill her sister, my children are killing each other." She said.

The fight went on and the Aurors arrived, Eva and Severus dueled the best they could. One Death Eater appeared before Severus.

"Petrificus Totalus!" he yelled out before the dark wizard could send off a spell.

"Poena!" (2) Shouted Eva at her opponent, who fell and yelled. Eva looked back at Severus. "It inflicts pain, but its not as powerful or dangerous as the cruciatus curse".

The duels on both sides went on, until one curse got out and struck someone, in front of Severus and Eva.

"Avada Kedavra!"

The killing curse hit the man ahead of them, making him hit the ground. The witch who casted the curse was Lucinda, she then raised her wand at Eva, but Severus quickly covered her with his body.

"Oh, how sweet, two for the price of one."

"Luce, don't waste your time with them! Come on let's go! We have already killed the target!" yelled out one witch with a English accent

Before Lucinda disappeared she raised her wand at the sky. "Morsmordre!" and disappeared along with the rest of the Dark wizards.

The Aurors did their best to contain the crowed. There were many injuries but nothing very serious, expect for two people. Alexandrina had minor scars, while Cyrus's face was scratched from a curse. Lisbeth was hit in the arm; her injury would leave a massive scar over her arm. It was the first time in years such a massive attack took place. They gathered as much information's as they could. The head Auror did her best to keep everyone, including the family, away from the body.

Severus moved closer to Eva. "Did you know that man?"

"A little, not personally, he was nice."

"Who was he?"

"He worked for the government, that's the Secretary of Magical Law Enforcement."

Severus stayed close to Eva. She was calm, but looked sad at the sight of the man's dead body. He could see her mother Alexandrina with tears in her eyes. He guessed they were close at one time of their lives.

"August was right, a storm is coming, and we best be ready for when it does."

Severus only nodded at her words, and let her hold him. For once, he didn't go red at her touch. He pulled her close, thinking it was a close call today. Eva could have been hit by the killing curse, if he didn't react faster then he did. The Death Eaters almost took what was important to him, he knew now Eva meant something to him. Severus was sure this wasn't the last time they were going to encounter the Death Eaters. He thought that even if he joined them, it would still be hard to protect, even prevent ,Eva from getting hurt or worse…killed.

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

(1) From latin means cut/slice, it is in some ways like sectumsempra but not as deadly. It won't kill you but will leave behind visible scars.

(2) From Ancient Greek/latin means penalty/punishment this spell inflicts pain, like if you were being punched.

I hoped you liked this chapter. Please tell me if Severus is OOC or if the time line is odd. Thank you for reading this and following it as well. PM me if there are some things that aren't clear, or weird.

If you have a request tell me and I will find room for it in later chapters :)

Poll is still up for the votes concerning Severus.

Don't forget to leave a review :) Now who wants some cake?

Until next time *Draws wand at opponent* "Impedimenta!"