MeHarry Potter= no owned only in my dreams.

8. Flying on Thin Ice

It was mid-October at Hogwarts, and the first month of the term had slipped by almost unnoticed. For the first time, he felt a faint sense of ease at school, though he'd never admit it. The dark, shadowy corners of Slytherin common rooms and whispered conversations with his Slytherin gang about curses and hexes still drew him in, but there was a new undercurrent in his life, something he hadn't anticipated: Evangeline Easgriff.

Despite being a Ravenclaw, Evangeline had become a frequent companion, much to the bemusement of his fellow Slytherins. They didn't understand why a Ravenclaw, particularly one as sharp and headstrong as Evangeline would want to spend time with someone like Severus. His housemates, though loyal in their way, could be merciless in their teasing.

One afternoon, after Potions, as the gang and Severus were walking towards their next class, Rosier decided to poke some fun into Severus's affairs. His eyes flickered toward Evangeline, who was a short distance away, laughing with a few of her Ravenclaw friends. "Easgriff, again?" Rosier drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can't imagine her sticking around for long?"

Severus's expression darkened at once. He knew Rosier was baiting him, the entire group had been doing that since the beginning of term. They had moved on from teasing him about Lily Evans to focusing on Evangeline Easgriff. It was all too easy for them to focus on her blood status: pure-blood, but still not quite one of them.

"Mind your business Rosier." He retorted.

Rosier chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Touchy, are we? Must be serious, then." He cast a glance at Mulciber, who smirked in return. "But let's be honest, Snape. She's a pure-blood, sure, but is she... one of us?"

Avery added with a grin, "And a bit too outspoken, wouldn't you say?"

Severus clenched his jaw, trying not to let his irritation show.

"I would refrain from talking if I were you." Severus muttered.

Rosier laughed softly, clearly enjoying the tension he was stirring up. "Relax, Snape, we're just having a bit of fun. It's not like we're saying she's bad company… for now." He smiled and put his arm around Severus as though they were the best of friends. "Just remember Snape you've got talent. You're one of us. Don't let some girl from Ravenclaw distract you from the bigger picture."

Avery nodded in agreement, glancing at Severus. "And by the way Snape, you ever thought about teaching Easgriff some real magic? I'm sure she's clever enough to appreciate the kind of spells we know."

Severus stiffened slightly but didn't respond. The suggestion was more than just casual teasing; it was a reminder of the path his friends were already walking, toward darker, more dangerous magic. They weren't just playing around with hexes anymore. Whispers of curses and forbidden spells had become more frequent in their conversations. When term started, they even started their little club, to begin practicing some of the curses, they didn't venture yet to the forbidden in order to avoid expulsion or Azkaban.

The other classes were going well enough, though keeping his focus had become harder with the constant jabs from his Slytherin friends. One particular afternoon in Charms, the air felt heavier than usual, and just before Professor Flitwick began the lesson, Rosier leaned in close to Severus, smirking.

"Careful, Snape," Rosier murmured, his voice low so only Severus could hear. "Don't soften up now. You've got potential, real potential. Wouldn't want you wasting it on the wrong crowd."

Before he could say anything, Evangeline and her friends entered the classroom. She immediately noticed Severus glaring at Rosier, her eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of Rosier's smug grin. Walking up to her seat she dropped her books on her desk.

"Something amusing, Rosier?" Evangeline asked.

Rosier's smirk didn't falter as he crossed his arms. "Oh, nothing much, Easgriff," he replied smoothly, his eyes flicking between her and Severus. "Just giving Snape here some friendly advice. Don't want him getting too... distracted."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, as she took her seat beside Severus. "Funny, I didn't realize you were the expert on distractions, Rosier. Then again, you've always had talent for wasting everyone's time."

Rosier's smirk flickered for a moment, his eyes narrowing as the room fell silent "Careful Easgriff. Keep running that mouth, and you'll find out just how much time I'm willing to waste on you."

"Wasting your time on me?" Evangeline shot back. "You'd think you'd learn how to use it wisely before throwing it away so carelessly. But I suppose grasping simple concepts has never really been your strength, has it?"

Rosier's smirk vanished entirely, but before he could reply, Professor Flitwick's voice rang out.

"That's quite enough, Miss Easgriff. Five points from Ravenclaw."

Evangeline did not seem too bothered by losing points for her house. She looked at Severus who appeared to have the smallest of smirks on his face.

Classes went as well as they always did for Severus, though keeping his focus intact was becoming more difficult. Evangeline, without fail, made a habit of sitting beside him whenever possible, offering sly remarks about the professors or her fellow students that, despite himself, often coaxed the faintest smirk from his lips.

Evangeline's aptitude in Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts hadn't gone unnoticed by Severus. They frequently paired up in Defense, and although Severus usually came out on top in their duels, there were a few times when Eva bested him. When Severus won, he often did so with precision and a slight sense of superiority, though he couldn't deny the thrill of having a partner who could occasionally challenge him.

Their friendship, however unlikely, grew deeper as the weeks passed. One weekend, they made a trip to Hogsmeade together. Evangeline, who was preparing for the Quidditch trials, seemed more animated than usual, bouncing between shops with an energy that would have irritated Severus had it been anyone else. He tolerated it, even finding himself enjoying her company as they stocked up on supplies and sweets from Honeydukes.

In Transfiguration, Severus sat next to Avery, though his attention wandered more than he'd have liked. Across the room, Evangeline sat with her Ravenclaw friend David. Severus wasn't one for distractions, but he found himself glancing her way occasionally, noting how she whispered something to David, causing him to snicker. Severus rolled his eyes, though a hint of a smirk appeared on his face. What could possibly be so amusing he thought during a lecture on advanced switching spells?

He refocused when Avery nudged him with an elbow. "You're drifting, Snape," he muttered under his breath, a half-smirk on his face.

Severus shot him a cold look. "Focus on your own affairs."

When the bell finally rang, Severus gathered his things, ready to leave. Avery nudged him on the way out, muttering something about needing to meet Mulciber. Severus gave a noncommittal nod and fell into step beside him. As they reached the corridor, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Hey Sev, you got a minute?"

Avery's eyes flicked to Evangeline, then back to Severus with a smirk. "Well, well," he drawled. "I'll leave you to it." He gave Severus a mocking nod before walking away.

Severus shot him a stern look before turning his attention to the Ravenclaw girl "What is it?" he asked, his tone guarded.

"Remember how you said you might come to the Quidditch tryouts?" she said, shifting her bag over her shoulder.

"I said I'd consider it," Severus corrected "Why?"

"Because the tryouts are in one hour, and as captain, I have to supervise them, choose the newest additions to the team, also kick out a few as well."

Severus raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And you need me there... why, exactly?"

"I don't need you there, Severus. I'd just like you to come," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. "It'd be better with you there."

Severus folded his arms. "What could I possibly gain from sitting through an hour of mindless broom-waving?"

"I don't know, entertainment? A chance to gloat over poor performances?" Evangeline smiled, her tone teasing but light. "Look, it's not required, but I'd like it if you came."

"What about the others?" he asked, still holding onto his reluctance.

"David's will be there, keeper, remember? Mariana and Grace will be in the stands. You could sit with them."

"And what exactly would I be doing?" he asked, his voice still cold but less cutting.

Evangeline rolled her eyes. "You can sit and observe, cast judgment from afar: your specialty. Honestly, just having you there would make it more fun."

Severus shifted his usual dislike for crowds bubbling up. "I don't really–"

"Severus," Evangeline interrupted, "you'll be fine. You can bring your books if it's that unbearable."

He eyed her for a moment, considering, before letting out a low sigh. "Alright, but I will be bringing my books."

Evangeline laughed. "Sure, but you won't be reading."

Severus gave her a look, one that was somewhere between reluctant acceptance and mild irritation. Evangeline's smile didn't waver, and together they began the walk toward the Quidditch pitch. As they made their way down the winding corridors and out into the open grounds, Severus couldn't help but wonder how he'd allowed himself to be talked into this. His preference, after all, was to spend his time in the quiet sanctuary of the library, not out on the pitch watching broomsticks zip about like bothersome insects.

As they reached the pitch, Evangeline made her way toward the Ravenclaw team gathering on the grass, while Severus, went toward the stands. He spotted Mariana already seated, her nose buried in a thick book.

Mariana glanced up, her dark eyes flickering with mild surprise. "Hello, Severus. I see Eva managed to drag you out here."

"She was…persistent." Severus replied coolly, settling in.

Mariana nodded, her attention already drifting back to her book. "Good. She'll be glad you're here."

Mariana buried her nose back in her book, only occasionally glancing up at the Quidditch pitch. Luckily the weather was nice and sunny that day. From where he sat, Severus smirked when he spotted Lockhart among them. Eva's going to have fun, he thought dryly. He didn't need to be anywhere near the pitch to hear Evangeline's commanding voice. It carried all the way to the castle.

"Alright, people, thanks for being here. You all know how these tryouts work, don't you? Let's get this show on the road! Keepers over here, seekers on the left, chasers with me, and beaters to the right. Let's go!"

Severus watched her orchestrate the tryouts, her sharp leadership making her a natural captain. She was running drills, particularly focused on the new Seeker candidates. Severus knew she wouldn't be able to kick off Lockhart without a proper replacement. The trials dragged on for two hours, but Severus had come prepared, finishing an Arithmancy essay during the long wait.

"Well done, everyone. Thanks for coming and showing us what you can do. Remember, we need the best team possible to win the Cup, and we also need to get along," Evangeline began, her tone authoritative. "Now, for Keeper, David, you're staying, and Kennith, you're reserve. Our new Beaters are Fred O'Janith and Raven Matry. For Chaser, congratulations, Janine Rethold, and finally, for Seeker—"

"No need to applaud, everyone!" Lockhart crowed, giving an exaggerated bow. "Your future Quidditch star is—"

"Hold your hippogriffs, Lockhart," Evangeline interrupted. "Congratulations on not making the team. Roger Valerin, you're our new Seeker."

A ripple of satisfaction spread through the crowd as the team dispersed. Lockhart's expression froze mid-smile. Severus approached just as he turned back to Eva, clearly not ready to let it go.

"Might I ask why I did not get in?" he demanded.

Evangeline's brow twitched. "Do you really want to know?"

"You are surely aware of my talents..." Lockhart began.

"Talents?" she scoffed, folding her arms. "Lockhart, last season you refused to catch the Snitch because of a so-called manicure! You cost us the final against Gryffindor! We lost because of you! I need players who actually care about winning, not about their reflections!"

Lockhart waved a hand dismissively. "It's not my fault my celebrity is causing you this distress."

Evangeline blinked, momentarily stunned by his level of delusion. "What?! I—You—Forget it. Just go."

"Jealous, are we, Miss Easgriff?" Lockhart smirked.

Severus, sensing she was seconds away from drawing her wand, stepped forward. "Lockhart, leave. Now."

Lockhart turned, his eyes narrowing. "Rescue mission, Snape? How noble."

Severus glared. "Just leave."

Lockhart sniffed, straightening his robes. "Well, it's clear this team won't appreciate my… gifts. Fortunately, I have admirers elsewhere." He strolled off, his self-satisfied grin still in place.

"Are you alright, Eva?"

She rolled her eyes, letting out a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. He just… you know how he is. Always thinks he's Merlin's gift to Hogwarts."

Severus raised an eyebrow but did not respond.

"Here, I'm going to go change. Then we can have some fun."

"What kind of fun?" Severus asked.

"You'll see," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes before heading toward the changing rooms.

Severus Snape walked along the path leading to the Quidditch pitch, his dark robes billowing slightly in the breeze. He kept his head down, his expression set in its usual scowl as he navigated through a small crowd of Gryffindors heading back from the greenhouses.

He had reluctantly agreed to meet Evangeline by the pitch, and though he preferred the quiet solitude of the dungeons, he found himself here, drawn by her insistence that they spend the afternoon together.

Severus spotted her standing by the stands, her broomstick slung over one shoulder, and immediately felt a sense of dread creeping up. As he approached, she flashed him a bright grin.

"So," Severus drawled, eyeing the broom with a mix of disdain and suspicion. "I take it you plan on flying."

"Correction," Evangeline grinned, "we're flying. Don't get your robes in a twist. We won't get into trouble if we stick to the right spots."

Severus's frown deepened. "I have no desire to get caught breaking rules for some reckless joyride."

Eva just grinned, unfazed. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Severus eyed her, unconvinced. "Detention, house points deducted, possible disembowelment, a humiliating dressing-down from McGonagall or worse, Slughorn need I go on?"

Evangeline rolled her eyes. "If you get detention, it'll be your first, congrats on finally breaking the rules! And as for points, you're top of the year in Potions. You can make them back in no time."

Severus remained silent for a moment, still glaring at the broom. He hated the idea of such a reckless endeavor.

"Fine," Severus muttered at last, reluctantly stepping forward. "But if we get caught, it's entirely your fault."

Evangeline grinned wider, clearly victorious. "Deal. Now hop on."

Severus mounted the broom behind her, his posture tense as they lifted off. Her confidence in the air was apparent as she guided them effortlessly over the pitch, staying just high enough to avoid being seen from the castle.

Without warning, she twisted the broom into a sharp loop, causing Severus to lurch forward and cling to her robes as though his life depended on it.

"Eva!" he snapped, his voice rising despite himself.

She just laughed and paused midair, glancing back at him with a mischievous smile. "Relax, Sev. You're safe. And you can loosen your death grip, you're squeezing the life out of me."

Severus forced himself to release his grip slightly, his face red with embarrassment. "It's not intentional," he muttered, glaring at her. "This kind of reckless flying is not my idea of fun."

"Nonsense! I rather you hang on to me like that, than not hang on at all. Sorry if I go a little crazy on this."

Severus opened his eyes just enough to glare at her, his expression pure venom. "If you drop me, I'll make sure you regret it."

Evangeline chuckled, unfazed by his threat. "I'd never let you fall, Snape." She then glanced back, her expression softening slightly. "Flying's the best way to clear your head, especially after someone makes you want to hex them into next week."

Severus's mouth twitched into the faintest hint of agreement. "I can see the appeal."

"Good! Now, hold tight, we're diving!"

With that, she plunged them into a steep dive, zigzagging across the Quidditch pitch, the ground a blur beneath them. Despite himself, Severus felt a jolt of exhilaration, though he would never admit it. Evangeline then flew back to the pitch gently landing over the grass. She dismounted first, casting a Shrinking Charm on her broom and pocketing it. Severus stumbled off, adjusting his robes and trying to mask the reluctant grin that had crept onto his face.

"So, did you hate every second, or just most of it?" Evangeline asked, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.

Severus straightened his robes, trying to recover his usual composure. "It was… tolerable. But don't expect me to make a habit of it."

Evangeline was clearly amused by his begrudging acceptance. "I'll take tolerable as a win. Now, since you've survived my idea of fun, how about we retreat to your element? Fancy brewing a potion or two? Something less... airborne?"

Severus's expression softened slightly at the suggestion. Potions were a world of precision, control, and order, everything that this reckless flying was not. "Fine," he said with a curt nod. "But let's not waste time. If we're going to brew, we need the right setup."

Eva pulled a small key from her pocket. "Great! I've got the keys to the lab Slughorn awarded us. We can brew in peace."

They made their way down the castle steps and through the winding, shadowy corridors of the dungeons. The quiet, damp air was a welcome change from the adrenaline rush of the Quidditch pitch. Severus felt more at ease, his mood shifting as they approached the potion lab.

"It's dark," Evangeline said, squinting around.

"I prefer it," Severus replied, his tone dismissive. "Dark rooms suit potion work."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, amused. "Of course, you do. You'd live in a dungeon if you could. Can we at least open the curtains?"

Severus gestured vaguely to the heavy curtains by the window. "There, if you must."

Evangeline pulled back the heavy curtains, letting in a sliver of light from a narrow window. The room brightened just enough for them to work comfortably. She reached under the desk and pulled out a small, well-used cauldron, setting it on the table. Severus, meanwhile, took out a few alchemy books he had borrowed from Slughorn, flipping through the pages with quiet concentration.

"Scourgify," she muttered, cleaning the grime off the work surfaces. Severus followed suit, methodically clearing his side of the room. She glanced at the newly cleaned space, a satisfied smile on her face. "This is perfect. But I just realized, Slughorn's in the middle of class, so we can't exactly raid the storeroom for ingredients."

Severus's expression tightened, irritation flashing across his features. "You didn't think of that before dragging me down here? I had hoped you'd thought this through, but clearly I was mistaken."

Evangeline rolled her eyes, brushing off his sharp tone. "Oh, lighten up. It's not a total waste. At least we've got the space cleaned up and ready for next time. Besides, we've got the books, we can decide what to brew once we have access."

Severus sighed. He hated wasted time, and the prospect of being unprepared grated on him. "It's not ideal, but fine. At least the lab will be ready when we can get what we need."

Evangeline leaned against the desk, trying to lighten the mood. "So, if we can't brew today, how about practicing a few spells?"

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Spells? We've been cleaning."

"No, I mean something challenging, like the Patronus Charm. I've always wanted to learn how to do it."

"The Patronus? It's advanced magic. You know that, don't you?" Severus replied.

Evangeline shrugged. "I'm aware. It's one of those spells that tests your skill, your emotions, and I'd like to try it."

Severus considered her words, intrigued despite himself. "It's a complicated charm."

"Yeah, I know." Eva's gaze turned reflective, her fingers tracing the edge of the desk. "I guess it's just… something to aim for. Like having a goal, you know?"

Severus nodded slowly. "Having a goal is important," he admitted, almost begrudgingly.

Eva glanced at him, her expression softening. "Speaking of goals, Sev… have you thought about what you want to do after Hogwarts?

Severus shifted uncomfortably "I… I haven't thought about it much."

Eva smiled, though she sensed there was more to it. "You'd be brilliant as a Potions Master, you know. Slughorn would probably bend over backward to help you get there."

Severus blinked. "Me, a Potions Master? Why would you think that?"

"Because you're the best at it. I've watched you brew, Severus it's like second nature to you. You make it look effortless."

Severus glanced at her, his expression flickering between surprise and skepticism. "I suppose… it's something to consider."

Evangeline nodded, oblivious to his inner conflict. "Well, whatever you choose, I know you'll be good at it. As for me… I've been thinking a lot lately. An Auror's one option, but I've also considered working in magical law, or even doing something with magical creatures. I just want to make a difference."

Severus hesitated, his mind spinning. The more time he spent with Evangeline, the more he felt a strange sense of belonging, something he rarely experienced, especially with the likes of Avery and Mulciber. Yet the dark allure of the Death Eaters was there, tempting him with the promise of power, control, and revenge against those who had wronged him. Avery, Mulciber, and Rosier spoke confidently about joining, shaping the world to their will, and being the ones in power: the ones with the knowledge and the bloodline to match.

Severus wasn't sure where Evangeline stood on the matter of blood purity, but Mulciber's recent prodding about bringing her into their fold weighed heavily on his mind. He needed to know her stance, if only to silence the nagging pressure from these friends.

Evangeline glanced at Severus, as if she could read his thoughts. "You know, I've overheard Mulciber and Rosier the other day in charms, they had some strong opinions about blood purity and all that nonsense. It's like it's their favorite topic."

Severus tensed slightly, keeping his eyes on the book in front of him. "They talk a lot," he muttered. "Doesn't mean anything."

Evangeline glanced at him. "Mulciber never shuts up about it, as if he is spreading the gospel. I think the whole idea is absurd. Magic doesn't care about bloodlines, it's about what you do with it. But my family's complicated.

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. "My father was a Slytherin too, but he's not obsessed with blood purity. He just sees it as another piece of the political game. He's pragmatic, not a fanatic."

Severus remained silent, listening carefully as she continued.

"My mother, give or take the same, she thinks it's what sets us apart, makes us special. She doesn't really care about superiority. It's more of a tradition she's comfortable with. My great-grandfather from her side, though, was a little particular. He was a firm believer in blood purity. Deeply tied to our family's history of influence in American magical government. For him, maintaining our lineage was everything. My grandmother Lisbeth, couldn't care less. But my grandfather…."

Evangeline's expression hardened slightly as she spoke of her grandfather, she rolled her eyes, her lips twitching with irritation "My dear grandfather, Aurelius Easgriff. He's... well, obsessed. He only agreed to my parents' marriage because of my mother's pure-blood and the family connections she brought. He'd probably campaign to disown me if he knew what I really thought. Though I'd love to see him try."

Severus's mind flickered to his own social circles, Avery, Mulciber, Rosier, and the dangerous paths they were venturing on. He could hear Mulciber's voice, always pushing him toward something darker. Severus wasn't sure what Evangeline's answer would mean for him, but it was something he needed to know.

"I'm not surprised," Severus said quietly, keeping his tone measured. "People cling to old beliefs, especially when they think it gives them power."

Evangeline's expression softened again, her tone gentler now. "Indeed, they do, I let them call me a blood traitor, it's just another set of words for people with minds set to the dark ages. A bunch ignorant fools, pricks and well..."

Evangeline turned to Severus, his eyes were fixated on the cauldron in front of them "And I know who you spend time with, Sev. I just hope you're smart enough not to get caught up in their beliefs. And please, don't answer that. I know you're in a difficult spot."

Severus nodded curtly, grateful that she didn't push further. He appreciated her honesty, but he wasn't ready to share the turmoil inside him. Mulciber and the others wouldn't hear a word of this from him, what Evangeline had said would stay between them.

They talked for another few hours about classes, teachers, the Marauders… Evangeline told him how she rejected Sirius last year, which caused Severus to smile imagining Black getting exactly what he deserved.

She asked about why James hated him so much. Severus replied he didn't know, or care.

They both agreed that Pettigrew was an idiot, "a pathetic little worm," as Severus put it, earning a nod of agreement from Evangeline. When Lupin came up, their opinions differed. Severus's tone turned cold. "He's just as bad as the rest of them," he said dismissively, recalling the countless times Lupin had stood by, silent and complicit.

Evangeline, however, was more forgiving. "He's the only one who ever seems to have a conscience, Severus. But yes, he should speak up more."

Severus's response was a noncommittal grunt. He wasn't about to waste his breath defending his dislike of Lupin.

The two left the small potion lab minutes later, their footsteps quiet as they made their way down the dimly lit corridor. Arriving in the emptying Great Hall, Evangeline guided Severus to the Ravenclaw table to take some food back to their respective common rooms. "Come on, let's grab something before Filch sniffs us out. I swear he's got a personal vendetta against me."

Severus smirked faintly, picking up some bread and cheese. "You provoke him enough. One day he'll actually catch you."

Evangeline rolled her eyes "Whenever that day comes, then you Severus Snape will have to dye your hair pink."

He shot her a dry look "I would rather bathe in Bubotuber pus."

Evangeline laughed, the sound brightening the dim hallway. They walked side by side through the entrance hall, their conversation now reduced to a comfortable silence. As they reached the split between the dungeons and the stairway to Ravenclaw Tower, Evangeline turned to Severus, her usual mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Well I guess this is where he part for the night." She said

Severus raised an eyebrow "Indeed. Goodnight, Eva."

"Goodnight Sev." she replied with a wink before stepping back toward the stairwell. Just as she was about to disappear from view, she called out over her shoulder, "Think of the pink hair!"

He shook his head, not bothering to respond this time, though the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. He watched her go until her footsteps faded, leaving him alone in the dim, echoing hallways.

The journey back to the Slytherin common room was uneventful. Severus slipped inside, not expecting to see anyone, but as he crossed the common room, he heard a low voice from behind him.

"Where you been Snape?" said Mulciber with a sneer, "You didn't grace us with your presence at dinner."

"Occupied. Not that it concerns you." Severus replied.

Mulciber snorted "Careful where you spend your time, Snape. Some of us notice."

Severus didn't linger for further conversation, making his way up to the dormitory without another word. Once inside, he tossed his robes aside and settled onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling panel, his thoughts circling back to the day's events.

Without thinking, he reached over to his bedside table, pulling out a small, worn notebook, his notes of spells and incantations, half-formed thoughts scribbled in the margins. Flipping to a blank page, he absently began to jot down fragments of ideas, potential improvements to a defensive spell he'd been working on.

His mind drifted back to the afternoon with Evangeline, her laughter, the way she disrupted his carefully ordered thoughts. Severus tightened his grip on the quill, his frustration simmering as the half-formed incantation stared back at him. After a few more minutes of staring at his work, he closed the notebook, knowing no progress would be made tonight. He tucked it back into the drawer and settled into bed, pulling the covers over him.

Staring into the darkness, Severus let his mind wander again, to the expected results of his new spell, the power he felt in creating it, Mulciber's taunts, and the faint, lingering laughter of an infuriating Ravenclaw who had somehow managed to get him into the air without getting him killed.

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

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Until next time *sleeps during history of magic* "Now the goblin riot took place…"