Hello, I'm back! First sorry again for the wait, this chapter isn't as long as usual, but I hope you will all like it. Thank you to all who have reviewed!

I solemnly swear that I have never owned the Harry Potter universe, only th OCs in this story.

23 To realize

"Oi Snape! Get up we're going to be late for breakfast! In fact we already are, come on!" Mulciber yelled out, startling Severus. His eyes pooped open and he looked at his watch: 8:20. He jumped from his bed, quickly dressing. Once ready, he grabbed his school bag and raced with his Slytherin mates to the Great Hall.

They got there as fast as they could, but barely had time to have a decent meal. Severus looked around to see most students starting to leave for class.

"Snape, less looking, more eating! You can search for the dunglicker later. I don't want to be late for Transfigurations. I refuse to lose points for the noble house of Slytherin for being late on the first day of class." snapped Rosier, as he ate as much as he could find.

Severus tried to eat as much he could, but time was not on his side that morning. At 8:50, they were off, running to get to Transfigurations on time.

They raced through the halls, avoiding getting caught by Filch, then finally they made it to the classroom.

"On this final year I want you to all…. Misters Rosier, Mulciber, Avery and Snape. What are you doing here at this time? There are free seats, take them. Also 10 points from each of you will be deducted from Slytherin house for being late. Now sit down!" said McGonagall.

Severus passed by Eva's table. He sat next to another Ravenclaw, Grace Nolan. "Oh Snape lost points." Laughed Sirius as he talked to James.

"Oh shut up Black, may I list the times you lost points." Eva replied as she turned around to face him.

"Should I get your list as well Miss Easgriff? Or will this reminder suffice?" asked the professor.

"No professor."

"Good, now turn around. Five points from Ravenclaw and Gryffindor for chatting in my class, Miss Easgriff and Mister Black."

McGonagall brought discipline back to her classroom, and started to teach. Time went by quickly. Before they knew it, the bell rang. They were either off for another class or a free period. Severus saw Eva smile at him before leaving for Ancient Runes. He suddenly felt the urge to go talk to her before any of his Slytherin mates got near him. How Rosier got in to NEWT Ancient Runes was beyond him.

"Sev, are you alright? No need to come running, you know. Why were you late this morning? I know for a fact that you are never late."

"No I'm fine. We woke up rather late this morning. I can assure you I won't happen again."

Eva simply rolled her eyes. "Sev, it happens, no need to apologies or anything. Besides I'm sure you will make up for the points you lost in potions or defense."

"Right."

Eva put her bag on her shoulders and starting walking to the Ancient Runes classroom. "I'll see you later Sev!"

Severus watched her run off, followed by David, and Lily who was being accompanied by her boyfriend, James Potter. What she saw in him, Severus would never understand. Perhaps it's what Eva saw in him. Something completely different that other people thought. He snapped out of his dream state when his housemates caught up with him in the corridor.

"Still over that Mudwallower, Snape? No good can come from her." Started Mulciber.

Severus turned around to face them. "Again with this ridiculous speech Mulciber? I should count the amount of times you have done it."

"Just hear us out will you, mate?" Added Avery.

"Actually, I think I have heard enough for now." snapped Severus. "I'm well-aware of this 'natural' hate you all have for her, there is no need to continue notifying me about it."

Severus grabbed his things and went to the library in hope of doing his transfiguration homework. For the most part, he was alone. Time went by in the quiet place. He thought about what happened just one hour ago. The amount of times Sirius bothered Eva were too many to keep track of. She didn't mind getting detention if it came with Black being held partially responsible. Perhaps though, she went too far with charming his feet to the floor when the bell rang. This time she removed the charm before any punishment could be given.

Avery put his bag on the table while grabbing a chair next to Severus. "Hey Snape, there was no need for you to just leave like that."

"Oh really? Perhaps all I wanted was to work, or be in a quiet area without having to endure your unnecessary remarks." He said as he put down his work.

Mulciber rolled his eyes. "Unnecessary remarks?! In Salem the Dark Lord sent his people, and guess what one of them saw. That person saw you, holding the blood-traitor very closely." He started to point his finger at Severus "You were protecting her Snape, what has gone through your mind?!"

Severus smacked the finger from his face. "Absolutely nothing!" Then grabbed his belongings and headed to NEWT potion, leaving the two newest Death Eater recruits behind.

"You know what Mulciber, Easgriff has got to go."

"Of course she has too, however I think we could use this situation to our advantage." Smirked Mulciber. "Snape obviously cares for her if not starting to 'fall in love' he would not back down on an occasion that would keep her safe."

"I see where you are going my friend. We must inform the others then." Said Avery.

"We will. But first I would like to have a word with the Dunglicker." he checked the time in the library. "Come on, we have some business to attend to."

Severus made it early to Slughorn's class and sat down on the floor to wait. He raised his eyes to find the small group from the NEWT Ancient Runes coming towards him, minus Rosier, who was probably with Mulciber. Eva came up to him and sat by is side as she always does.

"How are you doing?" she asked.

"Fine. I was able to complete the work McGonagall gave us and…read a bit." He replied.

Eva smiled and turned to face him. "Typical you Sev. Always reading or working or doing something related to it."

David signaled them both to get up and make room for the third years to leave. Once they entered the potion room, Eva and Severus went to their usual spot and sat side by side. Professor Slughorn gave his new school year speech wishing his class success in their careers (but also for his benefit), after wrote instructions for the daily potion on the board.

Severus and Eva were highly concentrated on their potion, never taking their eyes off of it, or so Eva thought. Severus couldn't help but cast a few glances at his partner every few minutes. She truly was something else he thought, but then something went wrong.

Eva called the professor with worry in her voice. "Sir? The potion is going red is that normal?"

Slughorn's reaction was immediate. "Everyone under your desks! Now!"

The cauldron started to create bubbles of unusual shapes then to shake. Severus didn't think twice in this matter. He grabbed Evangeline's arm and pulled her to ground, covering her body with his and making sure she wasn't exposed. The cauldron made a loud squeal for two seconds then blew. Pieces of the black cauldron were everywhere, as was what was left of the potion gone wrong. The class rose from their hiding spots with a few stains on their robes, but no serious injuries.

Severus help Eva get up and held her close as she spoke to Slughorn. "Sir I'm sorry, I was sure we were doing it right."

Slughorn grabbed his wand casting a cleaning charm to ride the room of red liquid and lavender. "My dear these things happen. However we do not have time for you both to start over and you could have caused serious injuries had we not reacted in time. I have no choice but to deduct ten points from both houses, and you will come in for detention later this week and redo the potion."

Severus could sense Eva was going to react, but made sure she didn't. He didn't like the idea of detention; in all his years not once had he received it. He cast a quick glance across the room, to find Lily looking straight at him. Her eyes were wide with shock no doubt. When Severus hung out with her, she always thought he couldn't make a mistake in potions or any other class.

The bell rang. Severus and Eva stayed a bit longer to talk with the potion's master. He insisted it was not their fault and used the same speech he gave them a few minutes prior. The pair though knew what he wanted, in no way he was going to give them a severe punishment. He needed them to have access to the wonders of their future life.

They stepped out a few minutes later. "Severus I'm sorry, this wasn't your fault. I must have put three valerian roots instead of four, or something like that."

"Eva perhaps it was I who gave you the wrong directions, or stirred before I should have."

Eva gave him a perplexed look. "Did you just admit of making a mistake, and taking the blame?"

Severus started to blush, to which his closest friend could only smile. "What is going on inside your head that I will never know. Why are you acting so different? You know, forget what I just said, come on, let's go outside."

Severus nodded and followed her out. They both had a free period before lunch. At that moment, their classmates were either in History of Magic or Divination. Two places they were glad not to be.

"Where are the others?" asked Severus as they sat on the ground of the Clock Tower Courtyard.

"That is one very good question, probably working, you know Grace and Mariana." She replied.

"We should try that potion again Sev, the sooner then better. Thank Merlin we were able to convince him to give us some time. It's a good thing we are part of his favorites."

"You are part of it, the only reason I'm part of his ridiculous gathering is because I paired up with Lily all the time."

"That is a bunch of crap Sev," commented Eva, "You are very talented, and have a promising career ahead of you. If the old Slug can't see that well that is his problem."

Suddenly loud shouts were coming their way; a group of fifth year students were walking, giggling and exited about something.

"I'm hoping it's true, it would amazing!" cried out one of them.

"Hey keep it down, it's just a rumor. Besides we are still in September, could be a joke from one of the professors." Said the other.

Severus and Eva exchanged looks, before they knew the group ran in the opposite direction, still giggling.

"Gryffindors" he said.

"They could have Slytherins." She added. "We didn't see their badges, and why must they be Gryffindors?"

"You know exactly why."

Eva raised a brow, "Not all Gryffindors are bad, you just have a bad history with you know who."

Seeing him starting to stiff, she stooped talking about the Marauders. Instead, she brought the conversation back to the group of girls.

"Wonder what they are all excited about."

Severus shrugged his shoulders. "No idea."

Two weeks passed. Severus was able to make up for the points he lost on the first day very quickly. He spent time with Eva, trying to redo the potion. For the first time, he was having problems with it. They had tried again a few days ago, only for it to blow up in their face, resulting in black residue all over them. He went over the book many times. They followed the recipe, but it looked like it wasn't working for them. The potion refused to collaborate as Eva said.

Outside his meetings with Eva to try and figure out the potion, he was still around his Death Eater friends and Regulus. They kept to themselves about the joys of being in the Dark Lord's inner circle for the time being. Occasionally, they mentioned the Dark Lord granting protection to member's families and loved ones. He listened to what they had to say, still tempted by the power promised to him.

He walked through the halls one day, on his way to the library, still trying to find a way to finish the potion. As he walked, Severus heard two distinct voices at the end of the corridor. He went up to the statue, and peeked behind finding Lily and Eva.

"Now what do you want, Lily? I have already given my sincere apologies to your 'kind hearted' boyfriend. What more do you want from me?"

"This has nothing to do with James." She said, "I want to know what is going on with you and Severus."

Eva dropped her bag and put her hands on her hips "What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm saying. You can't see it can you?"

Eva was looking more perplexed than ever, while Severus's heart was beating faster than ever. "See what? Lily, I don't know what you are talking about."

The red-haired girl let out a sight. "Evangeline, how can you not see it?"

"What Lily?" Eva took her bag and walked past her to stop a few feet from the statue Severus was hiding behind. "We have been here talking for the past fifteen minutes. If you want to know about Severus, I can assure you he is fine, studying like his life depended on it, and overall being happy."

Lily grabbed her arm. "Good then, but that's not it."

"Then spit it out, and since when are you so eager to get me to 'see' something." She sarcastically said.

Just then Severus decided to make an entrance before Eva would most likely tier Lily's head off.

"Eva?" he simply said.

She shifted her sight from Lily to Severus. "Sev, what are you doing here?"

He grabbed some books out of his bag to show her the work he was doing. "I was on my way to the library to fix the potion and all. I may have gotten through and figured it out."

Eva's face lit up. "Really? That fantastic, show me."

Lily stood there, uncomfortably, before telling Eva that their talk was on hold for the moment and left.

Eva looked at his notes. "Looks like we finally got to civil ground Lily and I. That still doesn't change anything with Potter, although I will say he has grown up a bit."

Severus didn't add to her remark. He still had a grudge against the Marauders, perhaps he always would.

"Looks good to me, we need to try this out either this or next week."

"Indeed, we should inform Slughorn. When is our deadline before we get marked with a T?"

She gave him back his book, and took her bag. "End of the month, we better hurry then."

Severus nodded, and they made their way through the halls once more.

"I know what those girls were all happy about that day."

"Then please, do tell."

They stopped in the corridor and Eva leaned in. "Now keep quiet, but rumor has it that Dumbledore has been thinking of doing a Christmas ball this year."

Severus raised a brow. "Christmas is still quite aways away, why would he think of that anyway?"

"It takes time to plan, they need to vote for it, and it's a great idea. It would make this castle a bit livelier. And honestly, would you rather go to Slughorn's gatherings or a ball?"

"Neither."

Eva rolled her eyes. "Kill joy. I think you would have a good time, provided you don't frown, cross your arms, sit in a chair the entire night, and having your date sit by you like a statue."

"I am not a kill joy, just not interested in those types of things."

"Whatever." She winked. "I think you would have a good time. There is more to Hogwarts than just studying or pranking Severus."

"I don't prank."

"You know what I mean, it's an example among others."

She laughed at him. They continued their walk through the halls talking about everything and anything. At one point, they parted ways as she went to her Quidditch team, to start planning that year's game since their classes were over for the day.

"Hey Snape! Where have you been mate?" He turned to find Black run up to him.

"None of your concern, Black."

Regulus didn't bother with his comment. He knew him enough not to go any further. "Well, we have been wondering where you went. I had an idea that you were revising or something like it."

"Turns out, I was. Now, is there something I can help you with?"

Regulus approached him. "Not at all, other than the fact you have fallen for Easgriff…"

"What?!" was the only word he managed to get out.

"You can talk to me, Snape."

"Why would I talk to you? I don't feel that way about her. She is a friend, no more. You and the others have got ideas in your heads". He left Regulus alone, and went to a quiet part of the dungeons where he sat on the ground alone.

Severus contemplated the Slytherin's words. He hadn't loved anyone since Lily. It was no longer the case, but the Gryffindor would always mean something to him. His mind wondered towards a different person, a Ravenclaw. Did he love Eva? No he couldn't, could he? He thought of all the times she made him feel special and different. Severus did feel something other than friendship.

"The Amortencia" he muttered. "It smelled just like her, the pie was when I was at her house that summer, the wood of her broomstick, and the flowers where cherry blossoms, her perfume." He rubbed his head at his realization. It could mean nothing, but the jealousy he went through when Black was around or the young man at the Blackthorn Estate said it all. He spent minutes, maybe even hours trying to figure out what was going on inside his head.

Finally, after realizing he had been there the rest of the day, he got up and went to the Great Hall for dinner. He sat by Black, rarely participating in their conversation. He found himself staring at the Ravenclaw table, especially a blond girl with green eyes.

He didn't want to ruin the perfect friendship he had with her, and if he had to, he would stay her friend. Severus wondered if she could ever feel something other than friendship. At that moment, he realized a truth; he would have to hide from his 'mates', and the majority of students and staff. After hours of sitting on the cold dungeon floor, he had come to terms with himself and found an answer.

He, Severus Snape was in love with Evangeline Easgriff.

~~~~~~~~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. Again so sorry for the wait, I hope this chapter was worth it. Please don't kill me.

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Until next time *Stands in front of Voldemort* "Maybe if you lie your nose will grow."