Thanks to dnanne, AnglofDarkness95, actionliker, risi, Basjetball, PurpleBullet, Rignach, Jovie Black, guest reviewers... for your reviews, thank you also to the followers and people who this story as favorite, you guys are awesome.

I own only Eva, my OCs, and the plot. Welcome to the re vamped chapter 11. I hope you will continue to enjoy the story as you previously have.

11. Celebrate with me

The snow outside Hogwarts lay heavy and undisturbed, the castle unusually quiet as New Year's Eve approached. Severus Snape had no interest in New Year's Eve, but Evangeline Easgriff had insisted. After days of coaxing, he grudgingly agreed to attend the small party she'd organized with the staff.

The past week had been an odd mix of practice and chaos. Their Occlumency sessions were improving; Severus showed steady progress, his natural aptitude for control and precision shining through, but Evangeline struggled to maintain focus. Her Legilimency, however, was showing promise, and their Patronus lessons had yielded small flickers of light from their wands, a tiny but undeniable step forward.

When not practicing, Evangeline had tried to drag him into what she called "seasonal fun." Ice-skating on the frozen Black Lake had been a disaster; Severus had slipped repeatedly, his dignity suffering far more than his bruised knees and elbows. Evangeline, graceful on the ice, had skated circles around him, her laughter ringing across the lake. They'd barely avoided Filch on one occasion, the caretaker's threats echoing behind them as they fled back to the castle.

By the time New Year's Eve arrived, he found himself standing in the doorway of the Great Hall, glaring at the decorations. A shimmering Happy New Year banner floated above the professors' table, spilling faint trails of golden sparks.

"Severus!" Evangeline's voice rang out. She hurried over to him, her green eyes bright and cheeks flushed. "You came! I wasn't sure you'd show."

"Evidently," he muttered, his tone clipped.

"Don't be such a troll," she teased, looping her arm through his before he could object. "Come on, let me show you what we put together."

She guided him through the hall, pointing out the buffet table laden with pastries that emitted glittering puffs of steam, the magical radio playing upbeat tunes, and the candles hovering above the tables. Severus said little, his expression guarded, but he noted the effort she'd put into the evening.

Once the tour was complete and the students had begun gathering in small groups, Evangeline turned to him. "I have something for you," she said, motioning for him to follow her into the hallway.

He hesitated, then trailed behind her, his curiosity piqued despite himself. She stopped just outside the entrance to Ravenclaw Tower, holding up a neatly wrapped parcel. "This came from my mother," she explained. "She sent me this dress, even though I told her I didn't need one for tonight. And… she sent something for you as well."

"For me?" Severus asked, his eyebrows rising slightly.

She handed him a smaller parcel, "Yes, for you. Go on, open it."

Severus unwrapped it carefully, revealing a set of finely tailored robes in deep charcoal. A folded note slipped out, and Evangeline caught it before he could. Clearing her throat, she read: Evangeline, this dress should suit the occasion. As for your friend, Sevures I thought he might appreciate something more presentable. No self-respecting wizard should attend a party in tattered robes.

"Sevures?" Severus repeated, his voice dripping with disdain. "Charming."

"She probably misspelled your name," Evangeline said with a laugh. "Trust me, she knows who you are. She's… like that. And for the rest, don't take it personally. She doesn't understand subtlety."

"Clearly," he said icily, holding up the robes as if inspecting them for flaws. "And does she always assume people require unsolicited improvements to their wardrobe?"

"She means well," Evangeline said, her tone light. "And honestly, they'd look good on you."

"I don't need charity," he snapped, folding the robes with sharp, precise movements. "Nor do I need anyone's comments regarding my appearance."

"It's not charity Severus." Evangeline calmly said,

"Pity then?" Severus snapped, returning the box to Evangeline. "I have perfectly adequate attire."

"It's not pity." Evangeline countered, her tone light but firm. "She likes to meddle. And she's right—you'll look great in them."

He glared at her, his expression torn between annoyance and resignation. After a long moment, he exhaled sharply, picking up the robes again and observing them closely, his fingers brushing the fabric.

Severus's jaw tightened as he slowly took the package from Evangeline. "If only to silence you."

"Good," she said with a grin, stepping back. "I'll see you at the party."

When night fell, the Great Hall began to fill with the remaining students and staff. Severus arrived alone, the new robes fitting him perfectly, though he felt distinctly uncomfortable. He spotted Evangeline by the buffet table, now dressed in Ravenclaw blue. She turned as he approached, her face lighting up.

"Severus! You look—" She paused, clearly choosing her words carefully. "Very sharp."

Unused to compliments, Severus felt an awkward warmth creeping into his face. "The robes are… acceptable," he muttered. "And you… look adequate as well."

"Adequate?" she repeated with mock indignation, though her smile didn't falter. "Well, thank you, I suppose. Shall we?"

The night unfolded in a blur of light chatter and hesitant interactions. Severus lingered at the edges of the hall, his arms folded as he watched Evangeline flit between groups with her characteristic energy, her laughter ringing out as she spoke to students and staff alike.

Eventually, she returned to his side, her cheeks flushed and her eyes glinting with mischief. "You're still brooding like a bat," she teased. "Time to join the festivities."

"No," he said. "I'm perfectly fine where I am. Besides some of us don't need to make fools of ourselves."

Evangeline rolled her eyes at his remark, unimpressed by his 'reason'. "Oh, come on Sev." she countered, grabbing his arm. "It's New Year's Eve. You can survive one dance."

"No," he replied flatly, pulling his arm back. "I do not dance."

"You also don't ice-skate" she countered "And yet–"

"Enough," he snapped, though his tone lacked venom. "One dance. But if anyone asks, I was coerced."

"Obviously," she said with a grin, pulling him toward the professors' table, where Slughorn was attempting a clumsy twirl with McGonagall.

Nearby, Slughorn was attempting an awkward twirl with McGonagall, which did little to ease Severus's discomfort. Evangeline kept the steps simple, her movements light and careful, maintaining a respectful distance as if sensing how tightly wound he was. Severus moved stiffly, his posture rigid, but he followed her lead with a determined expression that suggested he was counting down the seconds until the ordeal was over.

"There," he said when the song ended, stepping back almost immediately. "Satisfied?"

"Very," she said brightly, ignoring his scowl. "See? You didn't even combust."

"Barely," he muttered, retreating to the safety of the shadows.

The evening continued with Evangeline alternating between mingling with the other students and dragging Severus into the occasional conversation or activity. Though he grumbled at each interruption, he found himself oddly tolerating her company.

As the countdown to midnight began, she appeared at his side once more, her hand slipping into his before he could react. "Come on," she said, pulling him toward the center of the hall.

"What are you doing?" he hissed, though he allowed himself to be led.

"Five… four… three… two… one… Happy New Year!"

Without warning, she leaned in and wrapped her arms around him in a brief but warm hug. "Happy New Year, Sev."

He stiffened at the contact, his arms hanging awkwardly at his sides, but he didn't pull away. After a moment, and only because no one appeared to be watching, he reluctantly returned the gesture. "Happy New Year, Evangeline," he murmured.

As the room filled with cheers and laughter, Severus glanced around, noting the absence of his Slytherin friends. Tonight, at least, he could afford to let his guard down. He wasn't sure what the year ahead would bring, but for the moment, he found himself almost at ease.

The return of students and staff on Monday brought the usual clamor to the Great Hall, a sharp contrast to the quiet Severus had grown accustomed to over the holidays. He sat at the Slytherin table, silent and pensive, as the rest of his house buzzed with talk of their break and whispered plans for the future.

It didn't take long for Rosier to approach him that morning, his voice low but insistent. "I've decided. This summer, I'm taking the Dark Mark. It's time, Snape. You should think about it too. The Dark Lord values knowledge, especially your kind of knowledge. You'd be invaluable."

Severus had not replied, but Rosier's words lingered like smoke, curling around his thoughts.

"Rosier's rushing in this summer," Mulciber said, his tone edged with amusement. "Some of us prefer to wait until after seventh year. Better timing, better rewards. You'll be with us, won't you, Snape? It's where you belong."

He gave a noncommittal nod, his attention flicking back to his plate. Belong. The word twisted in his mind, uncomfortably close to something he could not yet name.

"So, Snape," Avery said, his voice laced with mock interest, "what did you do over the holidays? Few friends to keep you busy."

Severus's eyes flicked up, cold and sharp. "I managed."

Avery's gaze dropped to Severus's robes. "Are those new? Didn't think you went in for luxuries."

Mulciber grinned "Someone spoil you over the break?"

Rosier chimed in. "Maybe Easgriff did. I heard she stayed at the castle. You two… keep each other company?"

Severus's fork paused mid-air. "What does it matter to you? I fail to see how that's your concern."

"Relax, Snape," Avery said, still grinning. "We're just having a bit of fun. Don't be so touchy. And speaking of fun—look at Lockhart."

Across the hall, Gilderoy Lockhart sat at the Ravenclaw table, his skin an unmistakable shade of bright blue. His usual self-satisfied grin was replaced with a look of confused horror as whispers and muffled snickers spread across the hall. Even the Gryffindors were struggling to contain their laughter, the Marauders among them clapping mockingly.

Rosier snorted. "Fitting color for a fool like him."

Mulciber chuckled. "Ravenclaws aren't as clever as they think. A shame some don't use their talents for the right cause."

Severus said nothing, returning to his plate. Though he didn't look up, he allowed himself the faintest smirk at the memory of Evangeline's gleeful planning.

After breakfast, Severus walked alongside Mulciber, Rosier, and Avery, his expression as impassive as ever. His thoughts, however, lingered elsewhere. Evangeline Easgriff had managed to secure a spot in Ancient Runes, having been thrilled to scrape an E on her O.W.L.s. She had mentioned her excitement to him the previous evening.

He was also looking forward to something new this term: Apparition lessons. Offered only to those turning seventeen during the school year, the class was set to begin on Wednesday, with thirty students from all houses participating. For once, Severus found himself eager to learn alongside his peers, though he would never admit it aloud.

The morning passed without incident until Defense Against the Dark Arts, where the tension between Severus and his peers reached its peak.

"Snape," Mulciber said suddenly, Rosier and Avery joining his side. "We've got a question."

"What?" Severus asked, his tone sharp with annoyance.

Mulciber grinned. "You're still cozy with Easgriff, right?"

Severus's eyes narrowed. "What's your point, Mulciber?"

"We need to recruit her," Rosier said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "The Dark Lord would be very pleased to have someone like her."

Avery nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Her family's got a name, and the right connections. If the rumors are true, she'd fit in perfectly."

"She has no interest," Severus snapped. "And even if she did, it's none of your business."

"How do you know?" Mulciber asked slyly. "Maybe you've been too busy fawning over her to notice. Or are you just blind to her 'blood-traitor' habits?"

Severus stiffened, while both Rosier and Avery listened attentively "What are you talking about?"

Mulciber's grin turned cruel. "That half-blood Frezidoft she's always hanging around with for one. Like she's got a soft spot for the wrong sort. Makes you wonder how loyal she really is."

Severus stiffened. Mulciber's jibes cut too close to truths he'd rather ignore. "You're reaching, Mulciber."

Mulciber chuckled. "Am I? Relax, Snape, you know she'd be an asset. At least she's got some fire. Better than that Mudblood. Maybe we'll talk to her ourselves."

Before Severus could respond, a familiar voice cut through the corridor. "Is there a problem?"

The group turned to find Evangeline approaching, her arms crossed and her expression calm, though her gaze was sharp.

Mulciber stepped forward, his grin unfaltering. "No problem, Easgriff. Just a friendly chat between friends."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Funny. Didn't sound very friendly."

"It doesn't concern you," Mulciber said, his tone turning cold.

"Really?" she replied, stepping closer. "Because I could've sworn I heard my name. If you've got something to say, say it to my face. Or don't you have the spine?"

Mulciber's grin twisted into a sneer. "You'd better watch your tone, Easgriff."

"Is that a threat?" she asked, her voice calm but firm.

Mulciber leaned forward slightly. "A promise."

Before Evangeline could reply, Severus stepped forward, his tone sharp. "Enough. We'll be late for class."

Evangeline turned to him, her expression softening slightly. "Fine. Walk with me, Sev, I'd rather deal with you than them."

Severus hesitated. Walking with her would draw attention, but staying behind would mean enduring more of Mulciber's probing. "Fine," he muttered at last, falling into step beside her.

As they walked away, Mulciber called after them. "Oi, Easgriff! What's the deal with Frezidoft? Couldn't find a proper pure-blood as company?"

Evangeline stopped mid-step, turning slowly to face them. "David is twice the wizard you will ever be Mulciber." she said icily. "And do us a favor, shut your mouth before you embarrass yourself."

"Careful," Mulciber drawled, his lips curling into a sneer. "You wouldn't want to say something you'll regret."

"Funny," Evangeline shot back. "I was just thinking the same thing about you."

Without waiting for a reply, she lifted her hand, raising her middle finger in a gesture that left no room for interpretation.

As Mulciber's face twisted in fury, she flicked her wand and murmured, "Tarantallegra."

Mulciber's legs jerked into motion, performing an uncontrollable jig. He stumbled into the wall with a loud thud, his face flushing as Rosier burst into laughter.

"You're dead, Easgriff!" Mulciber bellowed, fumbling for his wand as Rosier finally muttered the counter-jinx with a smirk.

Evangeline turned back to Severus, her expression one of cool satisfaction. "Honestly," she muttered, shaking her head. "They never learn."

"You didn't have to do that," Severus said quietly as they walked. "They'll only keep pushing."

"They'll push whether or not I do anything," she replied. "Might as well make it worth my while."

Behind them, the Slytherins stood in stunned silence.

"Did she just—?" Avery started, his voice trailing off.

"She did," Rosier said, shaking his head in disbelief. "She flipped you off and jinxed you, Mulciber. Good show."

"Shut it," Mulciber growled, his face red with embarrassment. "She's a blood traitor anyway. A disgrace."

Rosier raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with curiosity. "A disgrace? That's not what you said a few months ago when you preferred her to the mudblood. Thought she'd make a fine addition to the cause. Changed your mind, have you?"

"I've been watching her for months," Mulciber said, lowering his voice. "I've seen her with that Mudblood Nolan and those other blood traitors. And Snape? He's too busy playing her lapdog to notice."

Avery hesitated before speaking. "Could be he's playing the long game. Gaining her trust, using her. She has the name and the galleons."

"Snape's clever," Rosier added. "Wouldn't put it past him to have an angle."

Mulciber's jaw clenched, his irritation palpable. "Clever doesn't matter if he's distracted. If he's soft, it'll show. And that won't sit well."

Rosier tilted his head, his smirk widening. "We'll see. Snape's ambition tends to outweigh anything else. But if you're so concerned, Mulciber, remind him where he stands."

Inside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Severus took a seat beside Evangeline without hesitation, his movements calm but calculated. She greeted him with a bright smile, her voice carrying lightly as she pointed to passages in his textbook. Though his responses were curt and his tone clipped, there was an undeniable ease in his presence beside her.

Across the room, Mulciber watched them intently, his eyes dark with contempt. Leaning slightly toward Rosier, he muttered under his breath.

"Patience," Rosier murmured, his smirk never faltering. "Snape always comes around. He's not stupid enough to throw it all away for her."

For the most part, the week passed uneventfully, though Severus found himself more often in the company of Mulciber and Rosier than he would have liked. Their efforts to persuade him to join the Dark Lord had become subtler, their conversations laced with hints and insinuations. Though they hadn't mentioned Evangeline again, Severus could still feel the weight of their scrutiny whenever she was near.

By the end of the week, their pestering had eased somewhat. For once, Severus didn't dread the approaching weekend—it was his seventeenth birthday. He would finally be of age, able to perform magic freely without Ministry restrictions and make his own decisions without needing his mother's permission or, worse, his father's begrudging signature.

After breakfast, Severus slipped away from the Slytherin group, who were loudly planning to venture into the Forbidden Forest for what they called "sport", a thinly veiled excuse to torment creatures they deemed beneath them. He had no intention of joining and was relieved when Evangeline intercepted him in the corridor near the Entrance Hall.

Severus," she said, falling into step beside him. "I was starting to think I'd have to drag you out of the dungeons myself."

"Why?" he asked warily. "What now?"

Evangeline arched an eyebrow. "Relax. I'm not here to lecture you about Mulciber and his minions." She hesitated, her gaze flicking toward the direction the group had walked. "Though, for the record, you should stay away from them."

"I don't need you telling me who to spend my time with," Severus said sharply, though the edge in his voice wasn't directed at her.

"No, but someone has to," she shot back, undeterred. "You know as well as I do that they're trouble, and not just for me."

Severus's jaw tightened. "What do you want, Evangeline?"

Evangeline glanced up and down the corridor before pulling Severus with her down the hall. "Where are we going?" he asked as they exited outside to a quiet corner overlooking a courtyard. "This seems unnecessary."

"Happy seventeenth birthday, Severus," she said, pulling a neatly wrapped package from her bag. "I had to wait until we weren't surrounded by… them."

He raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"

"It's from me, and a little from the others," she said with a shrug. "They couldn't be here. Grace has an essay, and David and Mariana are in detention again. Something about calling Potter a glorified Golden Snitch."

Severus let out a low snort despite himself. "Charming."

He carefully unwrapped the first package. Inside was a small bundle of potion ingredients—dried asphodel, powdered unicorn horn, and a vial of silver-dust solution. "They thought you'd like something useful," Evangeline explained. "The girls said it's practical. David said it's boring."

Severus smirked faintly. "Not bad," he murmured, examining the components. "They're decent."

"And now, mine," she said, nudging the second box toward him.

Severus opened it carefully, revealing a book. His eyes scanned the title. "Advanced Theories in Spell-Creation."

"I thought you'd like it," Evangeline said quickly. "I know you've invented spells before—like that tongue-tying one—and I figured this might give you more ideas."

He gave a small, genuine nod. "Thank you. It's… thoughtful."

"Glad you like it," she said, her grin returning. "But wait—there's more." She pulled out a small cupcake with a single candle already in place. "I went for vanilla. Everyone likes vanilla."

"It's fine," Severus replied. After a pause, he added, "It's my favorite."

Her eyes lit up with amusement. "Severus Snape's favorite flavor is vanilla? I'll have to remember that."

"Are you going to keep talking, or let me blow out the candle?"

"Go on, then. Make a wish before we freeze."

Severus rolled his eyes but leaned forward to extinguish the flame with a quiet breath. They split the cupcake, eating in silence for a moment before heading back toward the castle.

As they entered the castle, their path was blocked by Sirius Black and James Potter, who were leaning against the wall with exaggerated nonchalance. Sirius's gaze flicked to Evangeline, then to Severus a smirk curling his lips.

"Well, well," Sirius Black drawled, leaning casually against the wall. "If it isn't Snivellus. What are you doing parading around in those fancy robes? Celebrating finally washing your hair?"

Severus stiffened, his expression hardening. His fingers twitched toward his wand but kept his voice cold and even. "Move, Black. Or do you need Potter's permission first?"

Sirius's smirk faltered, but James quickly stepped in. "What's the rush, Snape? Out planning another ambush in the dungeons?"

"Oh, grow up, Potter," Evangeline said, stepping forward. "What are you going to do? Hex us?"

James Potter stepped forward, his wand twirling lazily between his fingers. "Careful, Easgriff," he said, his tone sharp but his gaze locked on Evangeline. "Do you even know the kind of company you're keeping?"

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Why, Potter, are you worried about me?"

"Not me," James said, shrugging. "But Moony might be. Right, Remus?"

Remus Lupin shifted uncomfortably, clearly not enjoying the turn the conversation had taken. "James…" he began quietly.

"See?" James continued, ignoring him. "If I were you, I'd be careful, Easgriff. Snape's not exactly known for being trustworthy."

"How considerate," Evangeline replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Now, are you going to get out of the way, or do I have to hex you to pass?"

"Easgriff," Sirius said, his tone shifting slightly, softening as he addressed her. "Why are you wasting your time with him?"

Severus's lip curled, but before he could retort, Evangeline cut in. "That's none of your business, is it?"

Sirius hesitated for a fraction of a second, his usual confidence faltering. "I'm just saying… you could do better."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And you're the expert on what's better, are you?"

James laughed, elbowing Sirius. "Ouch, Padfoot. Maybe take the rejection a little quieter next time."

Evangeline rolled her eyes, grabbing Severus by the arm. "Come on, Sev. Let's go around. We're not going to waste any more time here, especially not on your birthday."

James's wand was fully out now, and he exchanged a glance with Sirius. "I think Snivellus deserves a little birthday surprise. Don't you, Padfoot?"

"Couldn't agree more," Sirius said, his tone light but his eyes hard.

Evangeline's eyes narrowed as she caught their meaning. Before either of them could reach for their wands, she flicked hers in a quick motion and said, "Manum super os!" (1)

Sirius and James's hands shot to their mouths, sticking firmly in place. Their muffled protests only made the scene more ridiculous, and Evangeline crossed her arms, smirking.

Remus sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Eva… was that necessary?"

"They were going to hex him, Remus," she replied sharply. "You're the only one of them with a shred of sense. You know this isn't right."

"I'll… talk to them," Remus muttered, avoiding her gaze. "I'll try. But I can't promise anything."

"Try harder," she said, her tone softening slightly. "Before you regret not doing anything."

She turned, leading Severus down the hall, but before they could leave, she glanced over her shoulder. Her wand flicked again. "Lapsus." (2)

Peter Pettigrew, who had been silently watching from the back, let out a yelp as he tripped and fell flat on his face. Evangeline smirked as Severus glanced at her, one eyebrow raised.

"Was that necessary?" he asked, his tone dry.

"It was satisfying," she replied with a shrug. "Now, come on. I've got something better to show you."

Severus sighed but followed her, his curiosity piqued despite himself. They wound through the castle corridors in silence, the faint echoes of student chatter fading as they descended toward the quieter, more isolated sections near the dungeons.

Once inside the small potions lab, Evangeline set down the leather satchel she always carried. From within, she withdrew a small, aged book with a cracked spine and yellowed pages. The edges were worn, and the faint scent of ink and parchment wafted from it as she opened it to a middle page.

Severus glanced at the book with interest. Every spell written inside was in black ink, the handwriting sharp and precise. "Family spellbook, I assume?" he asked.

Evangeline nodded "Notebook actually, and this is not all of them, just a sample of what I'm allowed. The Easgriff family like I said have a few here and there."

Severus's eyes flicked over the pages, scanning the titles. He paused at one labeled Flos Potentia, a spell that animates plants to attack. "Practical," he murmured. "Could be quite effective in the right circumstances."

Evangeline leaned closer, flipping the page. "Here's another one. Brachium Ligatura. It binds your arms across your chest, like glue. Annoying to experience but satisfying to cast."

"Does it wear off on its own?" Severus asked, leaning closer.

"After about two hours," she replied. "Or you can reverse it with Detegentem Brachium. It's a simple enough counter-spell. It's pretty similar to your Langlock spell"

Severus gave a faint nod of approval. "Useful. These spells are well-documented," he remarked, noticing faint alchemical notes in the margins. "Alchemy as well?"

"The Easgriffs don't exactly have a legacy of spell creation," Evangeline said, turning the page to a diagram of a complex jinx. "That honor goes to another branch of the family, Mother's side, but we only have scraps of it now. Some old feud left us with fragments."

Severus tilted his head, curiosity flickering. "Feud?"

"Something from decades ago. I don't know the details, but my grandmother preserved what she could."

Evangeline added "I'm not sure. Something about a disagreement between my great-grandfather and his brother—then something bigger happened in the 1930s. Whatever it was, it escalated. And that caused my grandmother and her cousin to continue that 'disagreement' which then turned into an–argument and a falling out. We have been able to get along with them since she lives in England as well. Cambridge actually. But honestly– I don't really know why my parents are on ok terms with them."

Severus considered this. "You're entitled to it by birthright," he said after a pause. "Why should you be penalized for their squabbles?"

Her lips twitched, almost into a smile. "You'd think, wouldn't you? But I've learned not to tickle a sleeping dragon."

She closed the book and leaned back against the bench. "The Easgriffs have their little tradition, anyway. Each generation adds something—whether it's a spell, a potion, or an alchemical recipe. Mother and Father remind me constantly that it's my turn." She rolled her eyes, though her voice carried a note of humor. "I just haven't found the inspiration yet."

Severus gave her a sidelong glance, his expression neutral but his voice faintly approving. "Pressure builds results. You'll figure it out."

Evangeline grinned. "I'll be sure to dedicate it to you when I do."

Severus arched an eyebrow, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. "I'll hold you to that."

In the Great Hall, the Ravenclaw table was alive with chatter as Evangeline joined her usual group. To his mild irritation, Severus found himself dragged along as she insisted, "Just for a moment, Sev." He sat at the edge, his presence largely ignored by the others, who were used to seeing him hover near Evangeline.

"Detention again?" Evangeline asked, raising an eyebrow at David, who was gesturing animatedly mid-story.

David groaned. "Cleaning the Defense classroom without magic. Do you know how long that takes? Filch watched the entire time, grinning like a Kneazle. My arms felt like they were going to fall off."

Evangeline smirked. "A tragedy, truly."

"I thought it was character-building," Mariana interjected, a sly grin spreading across her face. "And it got you some exercise that is not Quidditch. Plus I'm sure your 'new look' made the work much easier."

David groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Not again Mari. Can't we leave my haircut out of this?"

"Absolutely not," Evangeline chimed in, her tone teasing. "I told you, it suits you. A little less like a wandering banshee, a little more… polished."

"Polished?" I look like I'm auditioning to be someone's disapproving uncle." David shot back, glaring at her. "Grace, help me out here."

Grace smirked, her voice light. "You're asking me to contradict Eva and Mariana? You're on your own, David."

David sighed heavily and turned to Severus, who had been observing the exchange in silence. "Severus," David said dramatically, turning to him with exaggerated pleading. "Surely a man of your intellect can see the injustice here. Join me against these despots!"

Severus raised an eyebrow. "I reserve my intellect for matters of actual importance."

The group erupted into laughter, including Evangeline, while Severus's mouth curled faintly at the edges. He found their banter tolerable—almost amusing in its absurdity—though he would never admit it aloud.

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

(1) From Latin that means hand over mouth.

(2) Latin for slip or fall.

(3) Latin for unwrap arm

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Until next time *Looks over potions* "This doesn't look good."