Hello everyone. I'm so sorry for the wait, please don't kill me. I had so much going on, writing got hard, and I'm already in exam mode for the baccalauréat. You can send all the hexes, or jinxs you want though, if you think I deserve it for making you all wait. First, the story made it passed the 10 000 views, thank so much for taking the time to reading it, adding it to your favorites, following it... Second, I don't own nothing from the world of Harry Potter, it all goes to the wonderful J.K Rowling, I on the other hand only own the plot of this story and my OCs (sniff).

21. Returning to England

The Aurors took statements from the guests at the party, and set out to find the Death Eaters responsible for the attack, along with the murder of the Secretary. Three Death Eaters were still around when they arrived, resulting in a brief fight. One was contained, the others got away.

News of the fight at the Blackthorn Estate traveled fast. The next morning, it was on the front page of the 'Salem Prophet'. Severus read the article closely. He remembered last night that only one Death Eater was caught while the others escaped. They called it a warning fight of some kind. The two seriously injured wizards were brought to the hospital for the curses that were inflicted, while the others were taken care of on the spot. The service for the deceased Secretary was being held in his hometown in Oregon that evening. Alexandrina was going to attend. He remembered the sight of the man falling to the ground, but also the empty look in Eva's eyes. Witnessing death was an experience he hoped to never go through again.

Eva came down a few minutes later and sat next to Severus. She took the paper he had put down and started to read it.

"I don't know what to think about this Sev, I really don't. A man lost his life last night in front of our own eyes, and my cousin did it. Guess this means we always have to be prepared for what's out there."

Severus nodded as she put the paper down; she was pushing her chair closer to him.

"Sev, I didn't get a chance to tell you this last night, but thanks for getting that woman before she could…kill me. Guess I owe you a life debt now."

"I guess so." Severus muttered.

They went through the morning with few words being said around the house. The family members staying with them were shocked about Lucinda and Isabella's involvement with the Death Eaters. Lisbeth was dealing with the fact that she had to stun her daughter in order to prevent her from killing Alexandrina, and Cyrus with his injuries.

After lunch, Eva and Severus sat on the porch outside. They talked a bit, but not as much as they usually would. They discussed their plans at Hogwarts since it was their last year, and dueling abilities that could come in handy in by any chance an other fight would happen again.

"I should have used more stunning spells or jinxes last night against them." Said Severus.

"Sev don't make it harder..."

"No Eva it's true I should have. At least the full body-bind curse or another one of the sort. Like that one spell you used."

"Segmentum?" She asked while he nodded. "What about Segmentum?"

"What kind of spell is it?"

Eva took a deep breath before answering him. "It's a curse, family one. You direct your wand at… the spot you want to curse and it leaves behind…multiple cuts on the area. It hurts…but won't kill you, I think, I don't know."

She leaned closer to him "Severus, what about that spell you used last night, setumpempra…"

"Sectumsempra." He corrected.

"Yeah, where did you find it? I have never heard of that particular spell. What does it do?

Severus looked at her. He wondered if he should tell her about the curse. He remembered the spells Levicorpus and Liberacorpus finding their way out of secrecy, but he knew he should have been more careful about them. Sectumsempra was different. Severus protected this spell with all he had. So far, he was doing well. He didn't want Eva to think of him as a curse inventor, or using their mixed knowledge of Dark charms to entertain his friends.

"Eva…I didn't really but it's something…"

She cut him off before he could finish. "You don't want to tell me, do you?"

Severus didn't answer her question. He tried to talk again, but Eva put her hand up. "What is so bad about it, does it slash you into pieces" she said with a small laugh that was quickly stopped when she saw Severus stay pale. "Oh, Merlin. It does. Where the heck did you find that! It was Mulciber right? Playing another one of those immature tricks on Muggleborns and 'traitors' like me. Why do you have his back?"

Severus sat up. "I don't have his back, why are you getting all worked up over it?"

She got up as well. "I'm not getting worked up! Whatever this spell is, its bad news. If it can slash you up, that means it can kill you. That spell may get used by Voldy on all who refuse to side with him."

"Eva stop assuming everything! Mulciber knows nothing!"

"Oh well that makes me feel a lot better." She sarcastically answered.

"Eva please, I…found it in a book…my mother had, a very old one." Severus responded.

Eva sighted. "Fine then you found it in an old book, but I know you're hiding something about this spell. I just hope you'll tell me about it before…it finds its way out."

"I will please Eva, I need some time."

Eva put her hands down in defeat. It wasn't going to be today. She was getting nothing out of Severus concerning sectumsempra.

Severus saw her back down; he knew she wouldn't forget so easily about the curse. He told himself he needed time to tell her about it. He sensed she didn't completely believe his story with finding it in a book.

Shortly after their disagreement, Eva's mother left for Oregon to attend the funeral. Lisbeth was worried for her if the Death Eaters were to target the funeral and make more damage, but she assured her they wouldn't since security had been reinforced. Shortly after she left, they heard from one of the members of the party, One of the wizards who was in the hospital had died from the injuries.

Severus could see the guilt on the faces of Lisbeth and Cyrus. He saw the effects of joining the Dark Lord, what it could do. He knew they all cared for Isabella, but her involvement in blood purity, dark arts, and finally the Death Eaters, pulled her away from all of them.

At the dinner table that night, all those who stayed were sitting with them. Lisbeth raised her glass in honor of the fallen wizards who died fighting against the Death Eaters who attacked and all those who were injured.

"No one deserves to go through this." Whispered Eva. "That Dark Lord, will be sorry he ever sent his filthy Death Eaters here."

Severus agreed, feeling the lump in her throat. This event was going to change a lot of things. He knew it reinforced Eva's wishes to fight against the Dark Arts more than ever before. He learned during the dinner that the young woman who died was someone Eva met in her days at Salem when she was little. They weren't close, but had a relationship of mutual respect and friendliness.

Severus watched her during the entire course of the evening. She was even more silent then before. He felt worried, concerned for her. Never had he seen her like that. After dinner, he followed her outside. Severus found her sitting on the grass looking up at the sky. He went out and sat next to her, thinking if she talked to him about his problems and feelings, he should do the same with her.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

"I feel bad, like if I didn't do enough. I feel like crap as if we took part of it. My aunt and cousin took part of it Severus. They helped and it feels like we did too. Eliza did nothing wrong and those Death Eaters just killed her as if she were trash."

Severus unknowingly took her hand. "Eva listen to me, you did everything you could. It was the Death Eaters who did it not you, it was Isabella and Lucinda who took part of it, not you. Your friend was not rubbish Eva and neither are you."

Severus could feel her squeeze his hand as he said those words. He hoped they would help her with all the emotions going on.

"Thanks Sev, that means a lot to me." She said letting out a small smile hoping it would make him forget the tears forming in her eyes. "Sev?"

"Yes Eva."

Eva put her arm around Severus, pulling him into a hug. "Please watch yourself when you're with your friends in Slytherin. I don't want…you to end…up like Eliza. Dead while I couldn't do anything to save or help."

Severus held her close while replying. "Don't worry, they won't harm me. I promise."

He felt Eva pull out and nod. Severus couldn't tell her how Mulciber, Rosier or the others would react if he told them what happened that summer, that he was reconsidering the Dark Lord's ranks.

"Its getting cool now, we best be heading in, they're probably all heading to bed now." she responded.

The pair got up and walked back to the house, never letting go of their hands. Severus felt the need to hold on as long as possible, so Eva would be all right.

Inside they carried on the last few minutes of the night until it was time to go to bed. The house elves took care of the cleaning, while the guest and family went to their rooms. Severus and Eva went up, but were ambushed by Kristlan who was feeling sad for his mistress.

"How is Missus? Is Missus Eva feeling better? Kristlan will do everything possible so Missus will be happy again. Kristlan doesn't like seeing Missus Eva sad because it makes Kristlan sad."

"Thank you Kristlan, I'm feeling a little bit better than before, but it will take a while until I can go back to normal."

"Kristlan understands, and wants to help Missus if Missus needs anything. So if Missus needs something, Kristlan will bring it to her."

With a pop, the elf disappeared, and the pair continued to their rooms. Severus made sure she entered the room before he would leave.

"Sev, thank you for helping me feel better. Even if I'm still…you know. It helped." She said. Eva then went up to him and gave him a hug, then kissing him of the cheek, while whispering thank you for being here. She pulled out of the hug, whished Severus good night and went to her room.

Severus felt different. He wanted to hold her, comfort her, and be there with her. He knew she was strong, and would get through it. He could see in her she was now even more determined to fight the Dark Lord, to make him disappear from the Earth along with his followers. He made his way to his room, putting his pajamas on, grabbed a book and got to bed, still thinking of Eva.

The next morning was just as silent as the last one. Eva's mother was back by nine saying they still hadn't caught Lucinda and judging by the way she was, they wouldn't catch her anytime soon, unless she made a mistake. Severus stayed with Eva the entire time, trying his best to make her smile, as she did with him. For some reason, it was important for him, to get her to laugh or smile. The two went by the small creek they went the first time day arriving at the manor.

To get their minds off yesterday's events, they talked about Hogwarts and, what they were going to do that year.

"So Sev, are you going to be working your behind off again this year?" asked Eva.

"We kind off have too, there are the NEWTs at the end of the year this time. I have no time for silly games."

Eva laughed her usual laugh, but it was the first time since the attack at the Blackthorn party she sounded almost back to normal.

"Sev, what happened to us these past days made me realize you only live once. So, yeah, I will study for my NEWTs, but I want to make sure the professors remember my last year, as the year they were pranked worse than the Marauders. I'm determined to make my last year at Hogwarts memorable. So memorable, that when my son or daughter goes there, it will scare the crap out of them."

Severus put his hand of his head. "Those poor professors. You will never stop."

"No never, but I will be reading more about counter-curses and such to be prepared against Him."

Severus put his hand on her arm to help her relax, they were now going back to the Dark Lord discussions, and he wanted to avoid those as much as possible, for now.

"Eva…"

"Sorry Sev, I'm bringing the mood down low again." She said while shaking her head, and quickly changed the subject. "So how long while this new defense teacher last?"

Severus raised his shoulders. He had no idea what the new Defense Professor would be like this year. Olympus was lucky to quit. The one in their first and third year got fired for selling Slughorn's rare ingredients, one disappeared between June and September never to be heard from again, one was killed by the Dark Lord personally, the other from their fifth year apparently 'ran into' Dementors. Severus didn't believe everything that was told to them. He suspected the Death Eaters had something to do with the disappearances and the Dementor 'incident'.

"I wonder who they will choose this year." Started Eva "Hopefully one that won't leave, or that has Lockhart's skills, gosh that would be awful."

They both let out a laugh, imagining Lockhart teaching the subject or any subject really. Eva told Severus about Lockhart ranting about going into writing or a face-modeling career. Severus now realized why the entire table minus the girls who were crushing on Lockhart, were telling him to shut up.

"That's what the yelling was all about that day then, gosh you claws told him to shut up at the same time."

"Yeah Sev, we all gave each other 'please punch him in the face so he can shut up' look. If he had his own portrait, he would admire it the whole day." She replied.

"We can all be sure about that. Your table received applause from the Gryffindors after your yelling, I can recall seeing Black being quite captivated by it."

"Really? I never noticed, you seem to notice everything he does."

Severus tried to hide his blushing when Eva teased him about Sirius. He couldn't help but watch him when he got near her. Eva grabbed his hand and rested her head on Severus's shoulders while that started a new discussions regarding the Marauders, and the events they were going to have that year.

After spending time by the creek, the pair headed back up to the mansion. Once they arrived, Alexandrina told them they were to leave in two days since school started in two in half weeks. Of course that's the official reason she gave, Eva though, thought for it had something to do with the attack that happed just two days ago.

Severus and Eva returned to Iron Black Avenue, to shop for the few school supplies they could get there, but also enjoying the ice cream one last time on the Avenue. Along with her parents, they went to the Muggle side of Salem and visited the museums to try to push at the back of their heads the attack. Eva still had a fascination with the Muggle part of the city, a fascination that confused her pure-blood parents, but amused Severus. During a museum tour, she kept asking him what air conditioners were and how they blew so much cold air from tiny air vents. This lead the Muggles giving them odd looks, to which none of them cared.

"Did you see the looks they gave us, Father? I had to keep calm to avoid laughing." Eva said as they walked back to the mansion.

Alexandrina rolled her eyes as her husband chuckled. "Muggles act the same way when they see our world. Some even go crazy when they see our photographs."

"Mother, they aren't used to it. Have you seen their televisions? Those are like our photos expect there is sound coming out."

Alexandrina didn't reply to her daughter's comment, too busy thinking about their trip back home. When they got back, the family and Severus finished packing their belongings.

The morning came when they had to leave. Severus was anxious. He knew this meant he might have to go back to his house, listening to his parents' constant arguments. He didn't want to leave Eva. For the first time since Lily, he felt loved. Of course Severus knew he was going to see her again on the train and at school, but with his Slytherin friends pressuring him to join it was going to be harder. Their thoughts on her were clear; she was a scumsucker, blood-traitor and had to learn where she belonged. Severus decided that he wasn't going to let them near her, and would try to keep her and her friends out of their way.

Severus took his things and brought them downstairs by the entryway. The Wickford house elf, Trixie, was serving breakfast. Severus went to the table and sat next to Eva as he usually did, but this time he noticed Lisbeth smiling at him as he got closer to Eva.

"Good sleep?"

Eva turned her head "What? Oh yes, fine you?" she replied.

"Fine."

Morning breakfast was silent. Once finished and the table cleaned, the family said their farewells and good lucks.

Lisbeth gave Severus a warm smile and a light hug. "It was wonderful finally meeting you. Take care of Line, I know you care very much about her."

Severus just nodded as Lisbeth winked at him and said farewell to the rest of the family. Their goodbyes and good lucks said, the family picked up their bags and along with their house elves apparated to D.C. Severus opened his eyes, to find they were all in an alley, Alexandrina ordered to pick their bags and walk, they soon found themselves at the same spot they were exactly three and a half weeks ago.

Upon arriving at the Ministry, they had to wait for the portkey to be ready since it was being used at the moment, and the time set on the next one wasn't until 2pm.

"Stay here, and don't think of wandering off." Alexandrina ordered, then left to arrange the last few things regarding the departure.

"Mother is scared." Muttered Eva. "I'm scared too Sev, we are going back where the Dark Lord is, he is going to kill again."

Severus tried to keep the conversation from going back into that direction for the time they spent waiting for the portkey to be ready. Once 2pm arrived, he and the family went to the room that was to bring them back to England.

When they came out of the Portkey Room at the Ministry of Magic, Eva went to the first trash bin she could find with her Mother, giving an embarrassed look. Severus went to get a copy of the Daily Prophet, while Henry gave his daughter an anti vomit potion. The paper spoke of the Skirmish at Blackthorn Manor, with still no leads like the article in Salem. He was called back by the Easgriffs moments later without being able to catch a glance of the photo next to the text.

Multiple apparitions later, they finally made it back to Easgriff Manor. Eva threw her bags across the living room, a 'plop' was heard when she laid on the sofa.

"Evangeline you can rest later, pick up your bags and put them in your room. Severus you do the same, also your stay with us will continue for the next week."

Severus nodded and followed Eva upstairs. He knew his time with the Easgriffs was coming to an end, if he remembered correctly he was to leave soon. He didn't want too, and couldn't blame himself for not wanting to go back. Severus did care for his mother, but he couldn't stay in that house longer than he could.

Eva stood by the doorframe to his room, her arms crossed "I hope you had a good time at Salem, despite what happened."

Severus looked back at her. "I did, it would have been worse if I stayed."

Eva uncrossed her arms. "Hey, Kristlan made tea if you want. It's earl grey, your favorite."

He let out a smile that he didn't share with most people. "I would like that."

The pair sat at the table sipping their tea. Eva's parent were busy with affairs such as work and other things.

"So, Sev, do know what you're going to do after Hogwarts?"

Severus put his cup down and answered. "Slughorn insists I work in the potions business, become a potioneer or teach the subject."

"I hope you do, you could, no, would be an amazing teacher Sev. Professor Snape, potions master at Hogwarts it has a nice ring to it."

Severus blushed slightly. "And you, still want to be an Auror?"

"Yeah I do, but also I have been thinking about the Defense position, we have all been teachers in my family. Or an expert on the Dark Arts if that exists. I will though join what ever ranks that exist to take down the Lord of the Dark, that's a guarantee."

Eva made a light smile and finished her cup waiting for Severus to do the same.

"Here I have an idea, I think that we mostly me have to think about something else, get this all out of our heads for a little bit."

Severus leaned in to hear what she had to say. They had just got back and were tired. He thought Eva would think of broom riding or potion making as a way to distract their minds from going back to the skirmish. He followed her to the piano where she sat him. "Let's try this again, I know you can do this." During the next hour, they played the piano. For that hour , it felt as if the Skirmish never occurred, like they had a normal wizard's summer. Severus enjoyed it. He saw Eva lose the stress she had the last week. She left him for a few minutes to get her violin since he never heard her before with it. Severus listened to her play the instrument with ease and seemed to enjoy it. He thought since there was no one to push her she felt better.

"I can do the waltz of the flowers if you want. I prefer it to the wizard compositions. Mother almost never let's me do it, along with other Muggle ones. That's why I have a preference for piano, I can do what I want."

"Well, I would love to hear it, the waltz." Severus said with a encouraging tone.

Eva started to play with enthusiasm the instrument. It was a bit clearer for Severus to understand why she 'despised' violin. It was her mother forbidding Muggle versions, piano there was no way out since she started on them. He listened to the waltz that reminded him of the days before Tobias became what he was, when Spinner's End was home. Now he was with Eva, and it felt like when around her, wherever they were, he felt at home.

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

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. Again so sorry for the wait, I hope it was worth it.

Oh and did you see the are going to make a film adaptation of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, that will be so cool. I hope to see it :D

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Until next time *Leans towards Snape* "Have you ever thought of trying something other than black, it's very depressing."