Yes i don't own anything only my OC and the story's plot, don't sue me. Welcome to the newest chapter 3

3 First Steps

Severus's outing at the Three Broomsticks Inn was uneventful. When his friends chatted, he barely registered their conversation, lost in his thoughts. The summer holidays were fast approaching, with only a handful of weeks left. The days blurred together with lessons that mostly gave them an insight into their potential NEWT level classes.

Avery tried to persuade Severus to join them in celebrating the end of OWLs, but he declined preferring solitude over a party and needless socializing. Avery brushed it off, not caring and the group went off without him. Leaving Severus to wander through the halls of the castle his mind drifting to unfinished ideas and worries.

As he turned a corner he nearly ran into Evangeline, coming from the opposite direction. "Merlin's beard, Severus, watch where you're going!" She exclaimed, her tone sounding more like teasing than irritated. "Why aren't you out celebrating? I could've sworn I saw your lot leaving without you."

Severus kept his expression impassive, and maintained his usual tone "Because I don't celebrate."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Seriously? You can't just do nothing. Come with us then since you clearly have no plans. We're heading to Hogsmeade."

"No, thank you" Severus replied "I will stay here."

Evangeline crossed her arms, and leaned in slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Really? You know I'm sure even the Great Merlin celebrated his OWLs. What's your excuse?"

Severus's expression tightened slightly, her persistence was irritating "I prefer my own company." He hoped that would be the end of the conversation.

Evangeline studied him for a few seconds, she was not convinced by Severus's answer he could tell. "You know," she said, her tone light but with an undercurrent of challenge, "I don't buy that for a second. Hiding away from everyone isn't exactly a healthy habit. But hey, if you want to sit in the dungeons, alone instead of having a decent time, be my guest."

Severus's jaw tightened even more, he wondered how she got under his skin so easily and quickly, but oddly enough there was no hate in it. "I just don't see the point in wasting time on trivial celebrations."

Evangeline's smirk softened into something resembling genuine concern "It's not about the celebration, Severus. It's about living a little."

Severus did not know how to reply, sensing there was no point in debating further Evangeline shrugged and started walking away before turning around "You should try living a little Severus! It might just change your life."

Without waiting for a response, she continued down the corridor, leaving Severus standing alone. He took a deep breath and went to the familiar common room. "Living a little" was not in the cards for him.

Monday arrived, and it was the last Monday before the holidays. Though no new material was planned for the day or even the final week, attendance was still mandatory for all students. Of course, a few students considered skipping, but with the OWLs being corrected it would be a sure way to earn a T.

After finishing breakfast, Severus and his friends made their way to Potions class. He wasn't particularly looking forward to this lesson, mainly because it was doubled with the Gryffindors, which meant dealing with the Marauders and the painful reminder of Lily. As they entered the classroom, it was oddly empty with only the Slytherins. Severus took his usual seat in the front row by himself, while his friends went to the back.

Rosier sensed something was going on and raised his hand. "Professor?"

Professor Slughorn looked up from his desk with his usual genuine smile. "Yes, my dear boy, what is it?"

"Where are the Gryffindors? Not that I miss them or anything. Will we be alone this hour?"

Slughorn's eyes twinkled as he responded. "I'm glad you asked, Mr. Rosier. There was a slight change in plans for today. The Gryffindors have a class they missed due to the OWLs so we've switched their timetable with another house. Ah, here they come now."

The Slytherins turned around to see the house entering the room. Evangeline walked in first, followed by the rest of the Ravenclaws.

"Great, it's the Claws." One Slytherin muttered.

"Better them than the Puffs." Another replied.

Slughorn walked towards the new arrivals with his characteristic enthusiasm. "Ah Miss Easgriff, I see you were all informed of the change. Please take your seats. Even if we won't be working too hard today, I will still introduce you all to a taste of NEWT-level Potions."

Once everyone was seated, Slughorn gave them their potion to brew for the next hour. The class started smoothly, with most students focused on their work. That is until a voice was heard from the back of the room, an extremely irritated voice.

"Lockhart, could you please pass me the Porcupine Quills? It's a simple request." Evangeline's tone was firm, but she was visibly losing her patience.

Lockhart looked up from his cauldron, flashing one of his trademark insincere smiles. "Oh, but this class isn't even graded, Easgriff. I just washed my hands, and had my nails done earlier; surely, you can reach them yourself."

Evangeline's eyes narrowed, her irritation now visible. She took a deep breath. "Lockhart, if you spent even a quarter of the energy you put into grooming your nails on actually doing the work, we may actually be more advanced. You can wash your hands again if it's that important to you."

Lockhart chuckled, brushing off her remark. "No need to get so worked up, my dear. We're just here to have a bit of fun, aren't we?"

Evangeline glared at him "Don't call me that unless you want to be bald for the rest of the year."

Seeing that she was getting nowhere, Evangeline raised her hand. "Professor Slughorn sir, may I please switch partners? Mine here seems more interested in competing with Narcissus than in brewing the potion."

Professor Slughorn looked up from his notes, his eyes twinkling with mild amusement and a little exasperation. "Well Miss Easgriff, as much as I'd prefer you cultivate the art of patience, it seems wise to separate you and Mr. Lockhart. I will allow you to change seats, but you will need to come up front. Now my dear you have got multiple choices."

"Thank you, sir." Evangeline said, as she gathered her books and supplies, but not before placing a large realistic fake dead spider discreetly into Lockhart's robes. A parting gift that he would not discover until later. She looked determined as she walked to the front of the classroom. Severus who had been working quietly on his potion, noticed she was getting 'dangerously' close to his table.

"Right here sir." She announced, dropping her books on the table causing Severus to startle. He had not expected her to sit next to him, let alone be his partner for the remainder of the lesson. He was not sure whether to be irritated or intrigued by her choice.

"Now that everything seems to be in order, please continue." Slughorn said, before moving to check on other students' progress.

Evangeline turned to Severus. "So how advanced are you?"

"On the potion?" Severus asked a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"No, your beauty routine, you have such nice skin, what's your secret?" She shot back matching his sarcasm.

Severus raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by her quick wit. "Phase two," he said.

Evangeline's eyes shined with enthusiasm "Excellent, let's get started!"

As they both continued the potion, Severus found himself oddly enjoying the collaboration. It was a new experience, working with Evangeline. Occasionally there were tensions. She hated being called into question, her stubbornness clashing with Severus's meticulous attention to detail. For his part, Severus despised being corrected on the methods he had been perfecting throughout the year. They shared a few close calls, Severus corrected her once, and it was met with a glare rivalling his own.

But they shared the same passion for Potions. After explaining his ways, Evangeline tried his techniques and remarked how they were more effective than the textbook. Working with her was different from working with Lily, Evangeline made him question himself on more than one occasion. Severus started to reluctantly enjoy working with her.

As they were finishing, a sudden yelp from the back of the classroom drew everyone's attention. Lockhart had just reached into his robe pocket and found the spider Evangeline had slipped in earlier. He jumped, his face pale, as he flicked the spider away with a shudder.

"Ah!" He shrieked, jumping onto his stool, his legs close to his chest.

The class busted out into laughter. Evangeline turned around and saw the remnants of her 'gift', "Something wrong, Lockhart?" she called out innocently.

"Wha —Wha —why?! Why me?" he stammered.

Evangeline could not resist a grin "Oh my dear Lockhart, looks like you've got an unwanted pocket guest. I hear spider venom makes excellent anti-aging properties."

Lockhart shot her a glare, desperately trying to regain his composure and the little dignity he had. The only relief he got was Professor Slughorn reluctantly deducting ten house points for the incident.

Evangeline smirked, as she turned back to Severus. "Looks like someone's having a bad day."

Severus couldn't help the small, almost unnoticeable twitch at the corner of his mouth. "It seems so," he replied. "but does it not bother you to lose points?"

"Minor setback" Evangeline explained with a shrug, "but Lockhart's reaction was worth it. Priceless really."

Before Severus could respond, Slughorn made his way to their table to inspect their potion. He peered into the cauldron and tested the liquid. His expression shifted to one of delight. "My gosh, it is perfect! The two of you do make a wonderful pair, methods perhaps unorthodox, but wonderful regardless."

"Thank you, professor." Evangeline said "I hope to get into the NEWT Potions next year."

Slughorn chuckled, he enjoyed his students' enthusiasm and confidence "Well my dear, there is no reason you shouldn't. Just keep that fire of yours in check, especially if Misters Potter and Black are present."

As Slughorn moved on to the next group, Evangeline turned back to Severus. "So, Severus, are you planning to take the NEWT as well?" she asked.

"Yes, I plan to." Severus replied. It was the obvious direction, after all, Potions was one of his strongest subjects.

"Wouldn't it be fun to be paired up again next year?" Evangeline remarked, her eyes sparkling with amusement mixed with a dash of challenge.

"Wonderful." Severus responded dryly, although a small part of him was not entirely opposed to the idea of a renewed partnership.

Evangeline laughed lightly "You know Severus this could be the start of a beautiful Potions partnership."

Severus chose not to reply, instead focusing on cleaning up their workspace. The silence was not uncomfortable, but Severus did not wish to continue the conversation.

Evangeline decided to break the silence a few moments later. "So, do you have a favorite Potion to brew?"

Severus glanced at her, slightly surprised by the question. "I prefer those with complexity," he answered.

Evangeline tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued. "So which one?"

Severus considered the question for a moment, weighing how much he was willing to share. "The Draught of Living Death," he finally said. "It requires precision and patience, but also demands focus."

Evangeline looked impressed. "I've read about that one. It's quite challenging, and requires absolute concentration."

"Exactly." Severus replied "One must understand everything, the steps, the process. There is no room for error."

"It sounds very methodical. A bit like you I'd say. We may get to brew it next year. If that is the case, I think I would like nothing more than you observe you in action." She said with a wink.

"Perhaps you'll learn something useful, then." Severus responded, allowing himself the faintest hint of a smirk. He wasn't used to compliments, but a small part of him would be lying if he was now more intrigued than when the hour started.

At that exact moment when the bell rang, signaling the end of class. The noise caused all the students to drop their tasks and begin packing up.

"Well, I hope you all enjoyed this lesson" Professor Slughorn said over the bustling noise "I will see you all Friday evening for the feast."

As the classroom emptied, Severus methodically gathered his belongings, his mind still partially on the conversation he'd just had with Evangeline. He noticed his friends waiting for him near the door. He made his way over but before he could reach them, he felt a small tap on his shoulder.

He turned around to find Evangeline holding out his Potions book "You forgot this Mr. Meticulous." she said clearly amused.

Severus was surprised at his own lapse. It wasn't like him to forget anything, let alone his textbook. "Thank you," he muttered, quickly taking the book from her hands.

Evangeline offered a small smile. "Don't mention it. See you around, Severus."

As he joined his friends, Severus noticed the smirk on Mulciber's face "Forget something there Snape? Not like you to leave your precious Potions book behind."

Severus gave him a sharp look "It was an oversight, nothing more." He replied, his tone cold.

Avery raised a brow "Oversight? Sure, and I'm the heir of Merlin. My money is on a blonde-haired distraction."

Severus tightened his grip on his book shooting a dark glare at the Slytherin, silencing any further comments.

That Friday evening, all students entered the Great Hall for the End-of-Term feast. The week had flown by faster than Severus had anticipated. The Great Hall was adorned with red and gold; a clear sign to the winners of that year's House Cup.

Professor McGonagall rang her glass lightly, calling for the student's attention, and Professor Dumbledore stood from his seat, ready to deliver his end-of-term speech.

"Another year has gone". He began, his voice echoing across the Great Hall. "Before we start our delicious feast, I would like to say a few words."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the sea of young faces, his eyes twinkling with his usual warmth. "I hope that as you return to your homes this summer, you carry with you not only heads brimming with newfound knowledge and wisdom, but hearts full of love, friendship, and the memories that make your time here at Hogwarts so very special. Whether this year has been filled with triumphs or challenges, remember that each experience is a step on the path that leads you forward."

Dumbledore then clapped his hands together "To those of you who are about to embark on the next chapter of your lives beyond these walls, I offer you my sincerest congratulations. The road ahead may be filled with uncertainty, but it is also filled with endless possibilities. This year may be over, but your lives have only just begun."

Dumbledore paused allowing for the applause from the staff and students to be done, before he continued. "Now, I'm sure many of you are eager to learn the results of this year's House Cup. The points currently stand as follows: In fourth place, Hufflepuff, with three hundred and fifty points; in third, Slytherin, with four hundred and five points; Ravenclaw holds four hundred and twenty points; and in first place, with four hundred and forty-two points, Gryffindor. Gryffindor wins the House Cup!"

A wave of cheers and applause erupted from the Gryffindor table, as Dumbledore presented to Professor McGonagall the House Cup.

The Headmaster waited for the cheers to calm before continuing once more "Now that the Cup has been awarded, I would like to take a moment to recognize two students for their exceptional contributions to their respective house Quidditch teams. Would Mister Potter and Miss Easgriff please join me?"

Severus watched as Potter and Evangeline rose from their seats and made their way towards. the Headmaster. He wondered what sort of accolade James Potter could be receiving this time.

"Mister Potter and Miss Easgriff" Dumbledore began, "For your outstanding skills as Chasers on your house teams, I present to you these medals as a symbol of your talent and commitment to your sport."

The Great Hall was once again filled with the sound of loud cheers from the Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor tables and a polite contribution from Slytherin.

"May the feast begin!" declared Dumbledore as he regained his seat.

On Saturday morning, it was time to leave Hogwarts, the place that had become more of a home to Severus Snape than anywhere else. With everything packed, he and his friends made their way to the carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade Station.

At the station, they began to load their trunks onto the Hogwarts Express. As Severus approached the baggage car, he saw to his displeasure one of the Marauders was handling the trunks.

"Snape" Lupin greeted him with his calm demeanor "What's with that look?"

"Shut up Lupin." Severus snapped, not in the mood for any small talk, especially with one of Potter's companions.

Lupin raised an eyebrow but did not push further "I'm not doing anything to you. Just hand me your trunk."

Severus reluctantly gave Lupin his trunk and watched carefully as he placed it with the others. As Severus backed away to walk towards the passenger cars, he ran into Evangeline.

"Are you all ready to go?" she asked, with her usual smile.

"Yes, I am". He replied

"Excited to return home?" She asked a poor small talk attempt.

Severus preferred not to answer, his life back at Spinner's End was best kept in the dark from as many as possible.

Sensing she would not get an answer Evangeline simply nodded and adjusted her tone to something more casual. "So, I guess, I'll see you on the Express? Assuming you're going to wait for your friends."

"Indeed," Severus replied, keeping his tone neutral.

With that his friends caught up with him, they walked the platform before entering the train. Severus took one last glance at the castle before entering, he would miss his home during the summer, he took a deep breath before getting on the train, reminding himself this was only for a few short months. Once inside, they settled into a compartment by themselves. Severus looked out the window as the train began its journey, the castle getting smaller in the distance, replaced with nothing but the Scottish countryside.

Three hours into the journey, Severus grew tiresome of the conversations his friends were having: the injustice of the House Cup, the injustice of the Quidditch Cup, girls… Even their muttered talks about the Dark Lord seemed to lack Severus's interest.

Severus got up and headed towards the coach's door "I'm going to get some air."

Avery barely looked up "Alright mate."

Severus left the compartment, making his way down the corridor toward the bathroom, hoping for a brief escape. But as he reached the door, he saw Evangeline peek her head out of her compartment.

"Hey, Severus! Come here." She called, signaling over with her hand.

Reluctantly, Severus approached, keeping his expression guarded. "What is it?"

Evangeline stared at him with a wide smile, with a hint of mischief. "So, since you didn't join us after OWLs, how about you come join us here? Everyone is ok with it. I mean the important people are, anyway."

Severus hesitated, but his instincts kicked in, as he wanted to avoid the unnecessary social interaction. "No thank you."

"Come on Severus. Meeting new people is not akin to fighting an acromantula. Humor me for a little bit."

Severus studied his options, part of him wanted to retreat back to the familiar solitude, but another part was curious. With a resigned sigh, he finally agreed. "Alright, thirty minutes." Severus followed her into the compartment, feeling a familiar pang of discomfort as he took in the unfamiliar faces. Inside were David, Lockhart, Quirrell, and two other girls he didn't recognize. The atmosphere was not at all like with his Slytherin friends, here it was light, not gloomy.

"Okay so, what do you think of this." asked Evangeline as she pulled out a paper charm.

Severus examined the charm, he recognized the detailed spellwork "It's…well crafted." He said.

Evangeline shot a glance at her friend "There see. I told you it was fine work David."

"Alright, I'll admit, it's better than I thought." David conceded leaning back in his seat.

It was not long until Lockhart decided to make it all about himself " Well, I suppose it's charming enough, but let's be honest, no spellwork could ever be as impressive as my smile."

The collective groan from the compartment was almost instantaneous. "Shut it, Lockhart! "

To his surprise, Severus found himself enjoying the conversation, though he could have done without Lockhart's incessant need for attention and Quirrell's nervous stammering. The group laughed over some of Evangeline's more colorful tales of detention, at Severus's adventure with her during Potions, and recalled the time where Lockhart's hair was blue for a day. Severus checked his watch discreetly and was startled to realize that he had been with them for nearly two hours, he excused himself, thanked them for their time and, returned to his friends.

When he returned they all stared at him, he sat down quietly on the seat.

"Where were you Snape? Get lost?" Avery said with a smirk.

"No." Severus replied curtly, not offering any further explanation.

His friends exchanged glances but didn't press further, Severus appeared as if he was about to bite their heads off. The rest of the journey passed quietly, with Severus mostly lost in his thoughts. Finally, that evening the train pulled into King's Cross Station, and they were able to collect their belongings

Severus waited for his mother but watched as Lily was being picked up by her parents, his heart felt it was being pulled apart by the warmth of the scene in front of him. His view was then obstructed by his Slytherin group as they passed to bid him a good summer.

"Write Severus?" He turned around to see Evangeline with her bags, holding a small piece of parchment. "It would be nice to talk more with you." She said handing him the note. Severus hesitated for a brief moment, before slowly nodding and taking the note. Evangeline then continued offering a sincere smile "If not, then have a good summer."

Before Severus could respond, his mother arrived. "Hello Severus how was school this year."

"Fine." He replied.

Severus noticed his mother's gaze follow the blond-haired witch "Who is she Severus?"

Severus thought for a moment. What could he say about Evangeline Easgriff to his mother? "Just… someone from school," he muttered

"Like a new friend? She seems nice."

Severus didn't respond immediately. Was Evangeline a friend? He was not sure how to answer. He processed the information then simply nodded

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

I hoped you liked this chapter, don't forget to review please. Thank you for reading this and following it as well. Again thank you for reading this.

Until next time *takes wand* "Expecto Patronum!"