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Me Harry Potter= Never (sad, very very sad...)
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13. Mobilicorpus.
The ice gave way beneath them, a deafening crack splitting the air as both Evangeline and David plunged into the freezing water below.
It was as if time had came to a stop. Severus stood still on the edge. He was frozen. His breath hitched, his hand twitching toward his wand. He took a half-step forward, the knot in his chest tightening to a near-painful squeeze.
"Eva! Dave!"
The panicked shouts reached his ears, but they were a blur of voices—Grace? Mariana? Lupin? He couldn't tell. Every sound seemed to bleed into the next, save for the frantic splashing in the water.
A sharp voice broke through his haze. "Snape! Come on!" Mariana grabbed his sleeve, yanking him forward. The movement jolted him out of his stupor, and his feet finally obeyed.
"Nolan! Go get Pomfrey!" shouted James over his shoulder, his wand drawn and raised. Grace bolted toward the castle, her figure disappearing in the distance.
In the freezing water, David's head broke the surface first, his teeth chattering so violently he could barely speak. "Eva—grab… the edge!" he gasped, his arms flailing as he tried to push her closer.
"I can't!" she said. Her fingers clawed at the slippery ice. Her teeth chattered violently as the frigid water sapped her strength. David tried to push her closer, but his limbs were sluggish, barely keeping him afloat.
Sirius Black dropped to his knees at the edge, stretching as far as he dared. 'Easgriff! Take my hand!' he called out, his voice filled with urgency.
'I'm trying!' she snapped, her fingers slipping again.
"Glacius!" shouted Remus. A thin layer of frost spread outward, slowing the fractures but leaving the hole open.
"Pads, don't lean so far!" James warned, skirting the other side of the hole. His wand flicked upward. "Moony—over here! Help us with Frezidoft"
"On it! Remus called, casting another stabilizing charm on the ice. He hurried to James's side, bracing himself as the two reached for David.
Mariana crouched beside them, grabbing David's arm. Together, they hauled him onto the ice.
David collapsed, shivering violently, his lips blue. Mariana knelt beside him, tugging off her cloak and wrapping it around his shoulders. James muttered a quick warming charm, his expression tight with focus.
"Come on, Easgriff!" Sirius called, his arm still outstretched. "Grab on!"
Severus's lip curled as he watched Sirius leaning farther over the edge. Fool, he thought bitterly. If anyone deserved to fall in—But then his gaze fell to Evangeline, her arms flailing weakly, her head barely above the water.
The knot in his chest tightened unbearably. He raised his wand, his voice cutting through the chaos.
"Back off Black!" Severus shouted "Mobilicorpus!"
The spell shot toward Evangeline, catching her like invisible strings tied around her waist and arms. She jerked upward, gasping as the magic lifted her cleanly from the water. Severus focused with all his might, his dark eyes narrowed in concentration as her body hovered over the icy surface.
"Got you!" Sirius lunged, grabbing her wrists and pulling her the rest of the way onto the ice. Evangeline collapsed against him, shivering violently, her lips pale and trembling.
Severus lowered his wand, muttering another spell to seal the hole with a thick layer of ice. The cracking subsided, and the lake now still.
"You're all right, love." Sirius murmured, draping his cloak over her shaking frame.
"Move Black, your cloak's soaked." Snapped Severus. He pulled Sirius's cloak off her shoulders and replaced it with his own.
Sirius's eyes flashed with anger as he stood. "Oh, that's rich, Snape—acting like you care."
Severus glared at him, "Shut your mouth, Black. You were about to fall in yourself, you reckless fool. What's the matter? Too thick to remember you have a wand?"
Sirius took a step forward, his fists clenched. "You slimy little—"
"Enough! Get off the lake, both of you!" Remus's voice was firm as he hauled David up, Mariana helping steady him on the other side.
Severus grabbed Evangeline under the arm, Sirius doing the same, and together they helped her toward the bank. Her feet stumbled weakly beneath her, her head lolling forward.
By the tree stood Peter Pettigrew, trembling like a leaf.
"Useless as ever Pettigrew." Severus sneered as they settled Evangeline on a log. "The perfect Gryffindor—ready to abandon your friends the moment things get difficult. How noble."
Peter flushed a deep shade of red but didn't say anything.
"Watch what you say, Snivelly, or you—"
"Or I what, Black?' Severus snapped, his dark eyes narrowing into slits. 'What could you possibly do to top your last pathetic attempt at me?"
Before Sirius could reply James gave him a hit on the arm signaling the approaching figures of Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall.
"Out of the way! Let me through!" she shouted, approaching both Evangeline and David, casting some diagnostic spells. "You're both very lucky you had such a determined rescue team." She said.
McGonagall's sharp gaze swept over the group as she transfigured the stretchers, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Poppy, get them to the hospital wing immediately," she said briskly, stepping aside to let Madam Pomfrey guide the stretchers away. As Evangeline and David were carried toward the castle, McGonagall turned back to the remaining students, her expression severe.
"As for the rest of you," she said, her voice cutting through the crisp air, "follow me to my office. Now."
The group trudged after her in silence, the crunch of snow beneath their boots the only sound. The sun glared in their eyes, though none dared complain. By the time they reached McGonagall's office, the tension was palpable.
"Inside, all of you." she snapped, holding the door open.
Grace and Mariana exchanged nervous glances but stepped inside, followed closely by Sirius, James, Remus, Severus, and Peter. They lined up in front of her desk, shuffling uncomfortably under her piercing stare.
"Pettigrew stop hiding behind Mr. Potter" McGonagall said sharply, her eyes narrowing. "You will not avoid accountability here."
Peter flinched and sidestepped into full view, his head ducked low.
McGonagall settled into her chair, her gaze sweeping over the group.
"I am deeply disappointed in the seven of you." She began. "Have none of you the sense to recognize the dangers of skating on a half-frozen lake? Do you think the rules are in place for decoration?"
Her gaze shifted to James and Sirius, who both flinched.
"This is Hogwarts." she continued, her tone rising, "not some Muggle carnival!"
"It wasn't just us." Muttered James.
"And yet, Mr. Potter." McGonagall replied sharply. "it is the seven of you standing in my office."
She turned to Mariana. "Miss Sanderson, as someone with no prior… entanglements in this group, I would greatly appreciate an account of what happened. I trust you to clarify Miss Nolan's description."
Mariana shifted uncomfortably, casting a brief glance at Severus, who remained impassive. Grace gave her an encouraging nod. "We were skating" she admitted. "The lake seemed solid at first… but then the ice started cracking, and Eva and David fell in."
"And?" McGonagall pressed, her eyes narrowing.
"Potter took charge." Mariana continued, "and while Remus stabilized the ice, he and I pulled out David." She shifted, her gaze darting to Sirius and Severus. "Black tried to grab Eva, but she kept slipping. Severus used a body levitation charm to lift her out of the water, and then Black got her onto the ice. Then we all took them to shore."
McGonagall nodded "I know you, Miss Nolan, were with Madam Pomfrey and myself, but Mr. Pettigrew—"
"He sat back and did nothing." Severus interjected.
McGonagall raised a brow "Is this true, Mr. Pettigrew?"
Peter flushed, fidgeting with his cloak. "I-I didn't know what to do." he stammered.
"He never moved, Professor." Added Mariana "He didn't even offer his cloak."
"Never moved, and didn't offer a cloak." McGonagall repeated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Thank you, Miss Sanderson. That will suffice."
McGonagall's gaze shifted to Grace and Mariana. "Miss Nolan, Miss Sanderson, I will be notifying Professor Flitwick of your involvement. I suspect he will have much to say on the matter. Five points from Ravenclaw each for such reckless behavior."
Both Ravenclaws nodded.
She shifted her attention to Severus "Mr. Snape, Professor Slughorn will be informed as well. I trust he will have some strong words for you. Five points from Slytherin."
Severus kept his expression neutral, although his lips thinned.
"As for the four of you." McGonagall continued, her gaze snapping to James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter. "You have proven once again to be the center of trouble and chaos. I expect better from the House of Godric Gryffindor."
She sighed rising from her seat. "You have broken rules that are in place for your safety in that end thirty points will be removed from Gryffindor."
Peter flinched as her sharp gaze landed on him. "And an additional ten points will be deducted from you, Mr. Pettigrew, for your utter failure to assist your classmates in a moment of need. Gryffindor values bravery, but today you have shown none."
McGonagall sighed, removing her glasses and polishing them briskly. "Despite your recklessness, there were instances of quick thinking and bravery that prevented this from ending in tragedy. That cannot be ignored."
The group exchanged startled glances, their surprise evident.
"Miss Nolan, for your promptness in fetching Madam Pomfrey and myself, five points to Ravenclaw," McGonagall said.
Grace blinked in surprise but murmured, "Thank you, Professor."
"Miss Sanderson, for your teamwork in assisting Mr. Potter and Mr. Lupin, five points to Ravenclaw," McGonagall continued.
Mariana gave a faint, grateful smile.
"Mr. Lupin," McGonagall said, her tone softening slightly, "your stabilizing charms were vital. Ten points to Gryffindor."
Remus gave a quiet nod, a faint flush coloring his cheeks.
"Mr. Potter, your leadership during the rescue was commendable. Ten points to Gryffindor," McGonagall said.
"Mr. Black," she continued, her tone sharpening again, "your determination in aiding Miss Easgriff is noted. Five points to Gryffindor."
Sirius smirked faintly, but wisely stayed silent.
"And finally, Mr. Snape," McGonagall finished, her expression neutral, "your quick thinking and spellwork ensured Miss Easgriff's safety. Ten points to Slytherin."
Severus nodded slightly, keeping his expression neutral.
"You are dismissed," she added, her voice firm. "And I expect twenty inches of parchment from each of you by tomorrow morning, detailing the events of today and what you've learned. Do not test me on this."
"Yes, Professor," they all muttered.
"Now, off to your common rooms until dinner. I suggest you take this time to reflect."
The group hesitated, lingering awkwardly by the door.
"Are you trying to test my patience further?" McGonagall barked, her eyes narrowing. "Go!"
They didn't need to be told twice. The group shuffled out of the office in a hurry, their footsteps echoing in the corridor as they descended the staircase in near silence.
"At least McGonagall recognized we helped them," Grace muttered to Mariana, her tone quiet but pointed.
"Some of us." Severus cut in, his dark eyes flicking toward Peter, who was hanging toward the back of the group.
"Watch it, Snape," James said sharply. "You didn't exactly rush to their aid immediately."
Before Severus could reply Mariana interrupted "He actually helped Potter, unlike Pettigrew. Even you can't deny that."
Severus's lips twitched faintly, though he said nothing. Mariana's words hung in the air, creating a brief silence. Severus's dark eyes flicked to her, his expression unreadable.
"I don't need your defence." he said curtly.
Mariana rolled her eyes. "No, you don't, but I was stating a fact," she muttered. "You're welcome."
Grace nudged her, nodding toward the staircase. "We should go to the tower and change," she said quietly. "Dinner's starting soon, and I think non-lake clothes would be better."
Mariana hesitated, "You're right Grace, let's go." She then glanced between the boys. "Try not to kill each other," she said dryly before following Grace toward the Ravenclaw Tower.
The duo walked down the corridor, their voices fading as they disappeared around a corner, leaving the Marauders and Severus behind. Severus began walking again, not wanting to spend another second near the Gryffindors.
He'd barely rounded the next corner when Sirius's voice rang out.
"Always have to comment, don't you, you git."
"And you always secure first place in the reckless idiot tournament, Black," Severus said coldly. "It's a wonder McGonagall awarded you any points at all—unless almost falling in the lake qualifies as bravery these days."
"I pulled her out, Snivelly," Sirius snapped, his voice rising.
Severus sneered, taking a step closer. "I got her out. My spell. Not your pathetic flailing."
Sirius took a step forward, but Remus quickly moved between them, his hands raised. "Enough," he said firmly, glancing between them. "It was a group effort, and you both know it."
"Pads, leave it," James added, placing a hand on Sirius's shoulder. His tone was sharp but resigned. "Snape's not worth it. Waste of oxygen."
Severus's lip curled into a sneer. "Somehow, I feel that title belongs to your pet rat over there."
Peter flinched, his face turning a deep shade of red, but he said nothing.
Remus sighed, glancing at James, who was visibly frustrated but trying to remain calm. "Let's just go," Remus muttered, turning back to Sirius. "Before McGonagall adds another week of detentions to our list."
The quartet passed Snape and went towards the Gryffindor tower, leaving Severus alone in the corridor.
Severus lingered in the corridor, debating his next move. One thing was certain: he was not going to the Great Hall. Sitting at the Slytherin table, enduring Mulciber and Avery's inevitable questions about his involvement in the Ravenclaw rescue, was not something he wanted to face tonight.
They'd demand to know every detail, no doubt spinning the story into some self-serving narrative. Perhaps they'd even mock him for it—twisting his actions into a weakness, a distraction from the "real" priorities they thought mattered. No, tonight was too fresh. He wasn't ready to explain himself.
Sitting with the Ravenclaws wasn't an option either. Without Evangeline, it felt… wrong. And the thought of enduring curious stares from the Gryffindor table made his stomach churn.
For a fleeting moment, he wondered if Lily had seen the rescue. James had mentioned something about showing off his "moves" at the lake—perhaps she'd been there, watching. If she had, surely her opinion of him might shift, even slightly. Saving someone should count for something, shouldn't it?
But when he thought back to the scene at the lake, he realized with a jolt that he hadn't noticed her. He hadn't been looking for fiery red hair among the crowd. His focus had been elsewhere.
It was on the blonde-haired Ravenclaw who always seemed to 'nag' him about getting out of the library. The same blonde-haired Ravenclaw who'd coaxed him onto the ice, who had somehow managed to drag him into a world outside of books and potion fumes. And now, he supposed, into 'saving people.'
"Blithering fool," he muttered under his breath.
With a decisive turn, Severus strode toward the kitchens. Skipping dinner entirely wasn't an option; the rescue had been physically and emotionally draining. He requested a small sandwich and a pastry—enough to tide him over.
With his dinner in hand, Severus retreated to the potions lab, relishing the solitude. As he ate, he pulled out a roll of parchment and began McGonagall's assignment. His quill scratched against the surface as he recounted the events of the day in precise, clipped sentences, each word chosen with care.
As his quill scratched against the parchment, recounting the rescue in clinical detail, his thoughts strayed, unbidden, to Evangeline.
He didn't want to think about it, but the image forced its way into his mind. Her usually pink-tinged cheeks drained of color. Her lips, blue and trembling. Even Frezidoft, always insufferably cheerful, reduced to a shivering wreck.
Evangeline had been smiling one minute, teasing him about his reluctance to skate, and the next, she was clawing at the edge of the ice, gasping for breath. The memory clawed at him, a sharp, unwelcome ache in his chest. He shook his head sharply, forcing the image away.
It was done. She was fine. She was in the hospital wing, with Frezidoft. They were probably already plotting their next absurd plan the moment Pomfrey turned her back.
Severus set his quill down, glancing at the parchment. He was halfway through the required twenty inches when the images resurfaced—her pale face, her trembling hands, the sheer fragility of it all.
His dark eyes shifted to the shelves of ingredients lining the walls. There was plenty for a simple restorative tonic. It would be easy enough to brew, straightforward and quick.
He hesitated. "Stupid. Unnecessary," he muttered to himself. Madam Pomfrey would have all the potions they needed, and she certainly didn't need his help.
But he could brew it better.
"Blithering fool," he muttered again under his breath, though whether the words were meant for Evangeline or himself, he wasn't sure.
With a sharp motion, he stood, his decision made. His hands moved deftly, gathering the ingredients with practiced precision. If he was going to do it, he was going to do it right.
The corridors were calm, the muffled echoes of students fading as curfew approached. Roughly twenty minutes remained, just enough time to drop off the vials and leave without encountering anyone.
Perfect. Quick, efficient, and, most importantly, unnoticed.
Severus opened the door to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey was likely in the back finishing documents or potions. His dark eyes scanned the room, the beds were empty minus two near the window.
David Frezidoft was sprawled across one, his head tilted to the side, and he snored loudly. His arm was strapped in a harness, and his blanket was half-kicked off.
"Even unconscious, he's insufferable," Severus muttered, striding toward the bed. He withdrew a small vial from his robes, setting it down with a faint clink on the nightstand. A folded note accompanied it: Take this in the morning. It's far more effective than you deserve.
"Severus?"
The voice startled him. He turned sharply to find Evangeline awake, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. She was propped up against her pillows, an alchemy book resting on her lap. Her color had returned, her hair neatly braided to the side, though a few loose strands framed her face.
"You're awake," Severus said curtly.
Evangeline smirked, setting the book aside. "Very observant, Severus. What gave it away? The fact that I spoke?"
"You should be resting, not indulging in sarcasm." He replied
She raised an eyebrow, gesturing toward the bed beside hers. "Hard to rest when someone's practically competing for Hogwarts' loudest snorer."
As if on cue, David let out a thunderous snore, loud enough to rattle the potion bottles on the nearby shelf. Evangeline chuckled softly, while Severus's lip curled in disdain.
"Perhaps Madam Pomfrey should have dosed him with a silencing draught," he muttered, his gaze flicking toward the snoring boy with disdain.
"Can you blame him? Being in freezing water takes its toll."
"I can, and I will," Severus replied, withdrawing a small vial from his robes and placing it on her bedside table with deliberate care. "Take it in the morning."
Evangeline reached for the vial, turning it in her hands as she studied its contents. "You made me a tonic?"
"Your observation skills are unparalleled," he replied dryly.
She rolled her eyes but didn't rise to the bait. "You didn't have to," she said, her voice softening. "Thank you."
"Spare me your gratitude," he snapped, crossing his arms. "I simply refuse to have my efforts at the lake undone by your inability to recover properly."
Evangeline smirked, setting the vial down on the table. "Ah, Severus, the most compassionate mediwizard in the castle. Truly, I'm honored."
Severus's lip twitched, though he didn't dignify her remark with a response.
She laughed quietly before leaning back against her pillows, setting the vial down on the table. "Grace and Mari stopped by earlier," she said after a moment. "They told me what happened. How you used that levitation charm to get me out. Apparently, they were impressed."
Severus raised an eyebrow.
"And," she said, "Mari called Pettigrew a 'pathetic excuse for a Gryffindor.'"
For the first time, a faint smirk tugged at the corner of Severus's mouth. "Perhaps there's hope for Sanderson yet."
Evangeline tilted her head, her expression turning sly. "You like her, Sev. And Grace. And even David McSnoring over there."
Severus's smirk vanished. "Don't be ridiculous," he snapped, though his voice lacked its usual edge. "Sanderson has moments of competence. Nolan is tolerable. And Frezidoft—"
"—made you laugh," she cut in, grinning. "Admit it."
"I most certainly will not."
She laughed again, clearly enjoying his discomfort. After a pause, her expression turned mock-serious. "You know, I don't think I've ever told you my full name."
"On what planet does that matter?" he retorted, his arms crossing as his brow furrowed.
"You seem like you desperately want to scold me. Give me a good dressing down. Might as well give you the tools to do it properly."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "I'm assuming a mouthful steeped in pureblood tradition? Your first name is already ostentatious enough."
"Evangeline Persephone Rose Easgriff," she said, her tone light but deliberate. She paused for effect, watching his expression. "You're correct about the tradition part. On my mother's side, they favor ancient Greek and Roman names, either as first or middle names."
"Persephone Rose," Severus repeated slowly, his lip curling. "Your parents chose the Queen of the Underworld out of all possible options?"
"What can I say?" Evangeline replied, her grin widening. "You're in the presence of royalty."
"If you think I'll bow and offer reverence, you're sorely mistaken," he shot back, striding toward the door.
She laughed softly. "Let me imagine it, at least."
Severus rolled his eyes, his hand on the door handle. He paused for just a moment, glancing back over his shoulder. "Whatever delusion helps you sleep at night, Persephone."
~~~~~~~~END OF CHAPTER~~~~~~~~
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