Hello everybody! Sorry for the wait if it was too long. Thank you to Reuben deFlash, The Yoshinator, HoPlEsS WoNdErEr, Guest, Raven Lockwood, Nick, xxxMadameMysteryxxx, for your wonderful reviews! Also big thanks to you all who favorite and follow this story!

Nothing has changed, I don't own Harry Potter, just this story, and the OCs inside that is all.

24 What to do now?

In love. Severus couldn't believe it. He was in love. During the feast, he couldn't help but look at her. Eva was smiling, laughing, and talking very loudly. He knew she wasn't perfect, far from it. Her temper and sarcasm drove him crazy. Her persuasions got him in situations, and her disregard for the rules nearly got her expelled. The list could go on and on. Eva's flaws make her the person he loves.

With this realization in hand, he didn't know what to do next. Should he tell her? No, he couldn't. What could he say? "Hello Eva, I just had an epiphany. I have come to terms with myself and discover that I love you." She was his only friend since he and Lily 'split'. The last thing he wanted was to lose her over the truth. Eva was the only person who he truly considered a close friend. Eva's companions were nice and polite to him, but he never felt truly at ease with them as he did with Eva or Lily.

He sat in his dream state until Regulus snapped his fingers in front of his eyes, causing him to return to the real world.

"You alright, Snape? You look a tad different."

Severus put his fork down. "I'm just fine, Black." Then turned to face Regulus. "Now leave me be, and don't you have some plans to discuss with the others anyway."

Regulus rolled his eyes and continued his meal, while Severus drifted back into a dream state. Eva was something else to him, he re-entered his dilemma on either admitting the feelings he felt for her or not.

The week passed by and soon, Severus and Eva found themselves re-creating the potion that just refused to 'cooperate.' Slughorn was grading papers in a small room next door, giving them the entire classroom to brew the potion.

Severus watched her, as she carefully dosed the ingredients, making sure it wouldn't result in yet another explosion. It was the last thing they needed, another failed experiment.

"Severus care to do the honors?" she said, handing him some wormwood.

He gladly took the ingredient from her. "Of course."

He added it to the cauldron. They stirred it with Severus's instructions, then waved their wands. The liquid inside turned to a dark green, looking much more like it was supposed to in the book.

Eva took a deep breath. This was their third try, and she hoped it worked.

"Well, third time a charm, right? Isn't that what the Muggles say?" She took a small leaf from her bag and held it over the potion. If it was brewed correctly, the leaf should burst into flames from the toxicity of the potion.

Eva seemed to have a change in mind before she could let the leaf go. "Sev, hold it with me, and we'll let it go together. I have a feeling it might bring us luck."

Severus smirked. "As you wish." He put his two fingers on the side of the plant, not taking his eyes of her.

"On three, we let go. One, two, three." They released it at the same time and watched the leaf go down the cauldron until it met the liquid inside. The minute it touched, a flame came bursting out of the area it had landed.

"We did it!" exclaimed Eva. "Finally its done!" she then jumped on Severus, giving him the biggest hug she had ever done before.

Severus didn't complain and hugged her tightly in return; he was also thrilled at getting the potion correct, but even happier seeing Eva's reaction. He only wished that very moment could have gone on longer, but it was interrupted by Slughorn, who hearing the cheers, came in to inspect their work.

"My dear, by the looks of your smile it seems you have succeeded. Now allow me if you will." The professor removed from a container a rather large leaf, perhaps one he retrieved from the forbidden forest on one of his 'outings'. He put himself between the pair and dropped it in. The flames went up higher than anticipated. This resulted in both students almost losing their hair, and for Slughorn the little hair he had left.

"More perfect than this could not be possible. Well done both of you! I must say this potion was worth its wait. You may leave now."

The pair grabbed their belongings and left the potion classroom. Feeling content not have to work on it anymore, Eva was happy, very happy. Getting that potion done meant no T, points deducted or detention. She was that with Severus, they were on Slughorn's good side.

"Sev! I need air, lots of air! Fresh air! Let's go outside!" Eva took his hand and dragged him through the corridors and out of the castle. They sat down under a tree.

"At last! We did it." She said, resting her head on Severus's shoulder.

"Indeed we did. It appears we even did more than was required."

"Well, at least the old Slug won't be able to complain! " .She replied, grabbing one of her textbooks.

"Merlin! I hope Lockhart doesn't go for try outs this year. He made a campaign this in the common room yesterday claiming to have played with the Bigonville Bombers during his supposed trip to Luxembourg. To which he added being responsible for all the games they won. Now they're all giving looks in my direction."

Severus let out a sigh. He knew the sport was important to her and that Lockhart was a big pain. "I don't know, but I do believe you will find a way around it. You always have."

"That's if they let me stay as captain too. I don't know, we'll just have to see."

Time flew by. Before Severus knew it, November had arrived with multiple fallen leaves from October, and cool crispy air. During the past months, he was finding it harder and harder to contain the feelings he had for Evangeline. His Slytherin friends didn't notice much of a difference, thinking he was always defensive when Eva came up in their conversations. She rarely made an appearance talks now, something Severus felt relieved about.

Being in the month of November also meant that Quidditch season had arrived. The first game was a disappointment. Gryffindor had won, ensuring them a lead for the cup. Regulus was only a few centimeters away from grabbing the snitch before the Gryffindor seeker got to it first. Potter was of course overjoyed in beating Severus's house. Celebrated the victory in the arms of girlfriend, Lily. In Slytherin house, no one blamed Regulus, but they promised to win the next game. A week later, Ravenclaw was off to a rough start as well. Eva was still captain this year, but was forced to let Lockhart on the team as a back up for their current seeker, Roger Valerin. Things were going great until Valerin got ill the day before the game, forcing Eva to let Lockhart play. To Eva and Severus's surprise, Lockhart had improved. He spent more time on the snitch then flirting with the team. However, his improvement wasn't enough. Ravenclaw lost the game. Lockhart was busy smiling at the crowd and got hit by a bludger causing him to fall to the ground. It was at this very moment that the Hufflepuff seeker caught the snitch. Eva was disappointed at the lost of the game, but Severus assured her she would do better next time.

A few days after this event, Severus walked along with his friends to the Defense against the Dark Art's classroom. This year, they continued the dueling, but also paid much attention to the Cruciatus and Imperius Curse, both of which Severus found fascinating. He made his way in the class, taking a quick glance around the room to find Eva and an empty seat next to her covered with books.

He walked over to her, he was anxious. What if she didn't want him there? "Eva?"

She looked up at him with a bright smile. "Hey, Sev, saved you spot. Well, don't just stare at me, sit down." Removing her books making room for the Slytherin.

"Thank you." He noticed on Eva's right hand a small scratch. "Eva, what is that on your hand?"

She looked at him, then let her eyes drift to her hand. "Oh this, it's nothing. I scratched my hand of the stones the other day. No big deal. Don't worry Sev, I'm not dying or going anywhere just yet." She smiled at him and his concern for her then along with Severus; they turned their attention to the front desk, more precisely to the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher.

Their new professor, Professor Harling, rose from his desk and started to lecture the students on counter curses. Compared to the previous Defense teachers, Eva didn't play tricks on him. This man was a retired Auror, anyone in his or her right mind would think twice before switching his sugar with salt. He was a highly competent teacher; of which Severus was considering his favorite, something he hadn't thought of since his first years at Hogwarts. He liked to take his lessons to the limit. He would pursue it to its every detail, even teaching them magic that could be considered difficult.

"Since you are all present now, we will begin a new lesson. I trust you have all heard about Patronus charm last year? Why the patronus? Dementors, we have studied about them for the past three weeks, but these creatures will take your soul from you if you cannot repulse them. There is your main reason, but they can also bring messages to partners, friends, and colleagues in times of danger. Theory is good, but practicality is better. Now all of you up, without wands, and repeat after me. Expecto Patronum."

The class repeating, Severus could have sworn he could hear some "Expecto Bottom" or "Expecto Boredom" in the back of the room.

"Excellent, now think of a happy thought, could be anything and everything. I don't expect you all do get it on a first try. It takes time to master such a spell. We won't be on this section of the program all year. However if you require assistance later on you may come when needed." Said the professor. He made his way across the room, watching over his student's work. The man stopped a few times when asked questions regarding the spell, the animal it could take the form of, why that specific animal…

Severus turned to Eva finding her smirking. The classroom was now filled with students attempting to cast the spell. Severus turned around and found his friends sitting on their desks barely making an effort. It appeared that they held little to no interest to learning this charm. Severus knew why, they were Death Eaters why would they want to use a patronus when it fights against what they stand for.

"Sev, you want to show off a bit?" asked Eva.

Severus wanted to, but he reconsidered for a minute. What if his patronus changed form? He knew it could, he read all about it in the books. It would reveal his secret, and could put Eva in danger, something he couldn't bare the thought of.

"Sev? Well if you don't want to do it, then I will." She rose from her seat took a deep breath and cast her spell. The light came out of her wand, took the form of a fox as it always did, and ran around the room, causing her classmates to pause what they were doing.

Professor Harling walked around the room, once the patronus disappeared. "Who did that?"

"I did professor."

Harling was speechless; he didn't think any of them would get it on their first try. However, he didn't know that along with Severus they practiced the charm during their either sixth year.

"Miss Easgriff, that was very…impressive. I must say I have not seen something like it before. A fox, a very interesting form indeed." He turned to the rest of the class. "Well, all of you back to work."

Eva turned to Severus. "Why didn't you do it with me? I mean it's not a problem, but you do it so well."

"Perhaps I don't care for an entire class to have their eyes locked on me."

Eva rolled her eyes, a detail Severus ignored. He stood by what he thought of a few minutes ago. He wasn't ready to take the risk of people knowing about his feelings for Eva. He thought that he could go to the small lab when no one was around, just to check and see if his patronus remained a raven like it was last year. Severus hoped it did, for the time being anyway.

He left his thinking state when the bell rang, grabbing his books and bag; he left the room accompanied by his friends. Severus would have liked to go with Eva, but she had an essay to complete by tomorrow in Ancient Runes. He found out that, unlike him, she was very good at it, and keen on learning more about the ancient writings.

The day went on. Severus spent little time chatting with Mulciber, Rosier or Avery and mainly keeping to himself. Regulus seemed to be the only one to notice his behavior. He went up to Severus who stayed behind to read.

"Snape can I talk to you?"

He kept his eyes of his book. "Why, we're talking right now." Retorted Severus.

"Seriously Snape, there is something going on inside that head of yours. What is it?"

Putting his book on his lap, he raised his hear. "None of your business. Now take your nose and put it somewhere far away from me." Replied Severus with a sneer.

Regulus let out a sight. "Honestly Snape. Stop acting like a child. I'm trying to talk to you, and perhaps offer some advice."

Severus raised a brow. ", I have seen you act very odd these past months. The others may not see it, but I do."

"Regulus Black. Back. Off. Now."

"Snape, I can understand what you see in her. Of course it will hurt with the Dark Lord and all, but as I said I am here to give you advice on how…"

Severus quickly closed his book causing Regulus to jump. "Listen very closely, Black. The only advice I need is how to get you out of my personal life, closely followed by how to get you to stop harassing me about my so called sentiments. What you have are thoughs that go through you skull without having been tested, examined, or even properly deducted. Now, Go. Away."

Regulus admitted to himself he was defeated. The young man was very stubborn.

Severus went back to his book, thinking about what Regulus said. He didn't tell the others about it, which made Severus wonder why. He continued his reading, with the same dilemma going through his mind since September; to tell her or not to tell her that is the question.

A few minutes later, he started heading to the library saying he had work to finish. He made his way around the castle, not to go to the library but to find an area where he could think clearly about his feelings that have increased the past months. It was becoming harder for him to be around Eva. For a week he kept his distances, but it didn't solve any of his problems. It hurt him even more to see her face look hurtful. He remembered her thinking it was her fault. For a moment, the thought of doing the patronus right there, but what if Eva came running around the corner? What if the Marauders….. The Marauders? For once he didn't care what they would have said. He noticed they had all changed. Perhaps Lily was a good influence on James Potter. Pettigrew still worshipped the very ground Potter and Black walked on. The boy also seemed to be more of a coward rather than a brave Gryffindor. He ran off when he was threatened by Severus or Eva when his friends were not around to back him up, and would never say a word to either of them without Black or Potter by his side. Pettigrew may have been afraid that he or Eva could take him down, which they could easily do. Severus couldn't help but notice there was something odd about him. He had spotted Pettigrew talking to Avery one day, perhaps he should of paid more attention to it.

"Severus, what are you doing here all alone?"

He looked up to find Mariana, one of Eva's closest friends.

"Thinking." He replied.

"Ah, well then may I think with you?"

Severus didn't have time to respond. He sat down.

"So what are you thinking? Please don't say 'none of your business. It gets old after a while."

"Well, then nothing."

Mariana raised a brow. "You were thinking about nothing. The smart Severus Snape was thinking about nothing. Oh Merlin, what would Eva think of this." She finished her sentence with a small laugh. Severus could sense she wasn't buying the 'nothing'.

"You know, you may think you can wear this mask very well, but the truth is Severus, I can see it. I think I can see when someone likes another person. To be honest, I had to pay attention at the beginning. You know, with not being that close to you. Now before you panic, I can assure you, no one else knows. Not the Gryffindor's, Hufflepuff's, our house or yours."

"Listen Mariana, I appreciate the talk you are having with me, but I can assure you I don't need it at all." Replied Severus.

Mariana sighed. "Fine then, but whatever you do, don't you dare hurt her. Or I will tell David and Grace and the three of us will kick your arse until they have to send the Aurors to save you." She said with a small laugh, followed by a serious look on her face directed towards the Slytherin boy.

Severus then watched her get up, saying she had to go see David about something. He thought about what she said. Perhaps he could take the risk into telling her, but that thought of possibly losing their friendship kept him from doing so. In no way was he going to perform Legilimency on her either to see if she felt something other than friendship for him. Eva may not be a good occlumence, but her skills in Legilimency have improved since last year, and Severus knew it very well.

At that moment, he heard screams of what sounded like joy from the Great Hall. Severus decided to find out what it was; he picked up his things, dusted himself off, and went to the Hall. On his way he bumped in to Eva.

"Severus! I was just going to go get you!" she exclaimed. "Those rumors going around have been confirmed! I honestly can't believe it. Oh we must be getting in, dinner will be served, come on!" she grabbed his hand, and brought him in the Great Hall. They separated and he went to the Slytherin table, sitting by Regulus and Avery.

Professor Dumbledore waited for everyone to be seated to make his speech. From the looks the headmaster was making, Severus could tell it was something rather 'big', the girls who were screaming from a few minutes ago could barely keep it together.

"Good evening to you all." Started the headmaster. "I would like to say a few words before you all commence the feast. It was a tradition many years ago, to have a celebration for holidays. For this year, along with our members of staff, we have decided to hold on the twenty-third of December before the holidays, a ball. This Christmas Ball will be held here in the Great Hall. That is all for the time being I will let your heads of house give you the details of the event, now may the feast begin."

Severus sank in his spot. Perfect, just perfect. A ball. That meant a dance. He did not dance. The thought of being in the spotlight or 'crowned' worst dancer were things he couldn't bare happening to him. He hated gatherings like that, but he knew there was no way out of it. His friends would make him go. The house of Slytherin would go to these gatherings as often as possible. It showed their house's unity, strength and determination. Then he thought of Eva. Would she go with him if he asked?

After the feast, Severus and his friends went back to the Slytherin common room, and headed for the dorms. Once in, they laid on their beds thinking about what the headmaster had told the school.

Rosier was the first to speak. "Well, I don't know about you, but I find this ball to be the perfect opportunity to show everyone that the noble house of Salazar Slytherin, is the most elegant house of them all. Plus, I will be asking Elena Greengrass."

Severus didn't join in their conversation. All had suddenly went from Death Eater mode, to teenage boy mode, thinking about who they were going to ask to be their dates for the Christmas Ball. He thought of asking Eva to go with him. His friends would hate him for it, but for once he couldn't care less about their attitude and beliefs towards her. He imagined what she would wear, perhaps a deep green dress that would compliment her eyes. Her blond hair put up in a French braid. Severus smiled as he lay in bed. He fell asleep moments later, letting the dream take him over.

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

I hope you all liked the chapter, and that it was worth the wait. Sorry for not putting it up sooner, lots of school work and waiting for Uni responses going on.

Don't forget, minutes to read and seconds to review. :)

Until next time *Stands on the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, and pulls out wand sending ice in the air.* "Let it go! Let it go! I am one with the wind and sky!" *Soon joined by all who know the song, but alas Professor Snape comes in and ruins it* "Here you stand now in detention again! Twenty five points from Gryffindor!"

P.S I also don't own the lyrics from Frozen.