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As always: I will never ever ever own Harry Potter :( (But I do when I dream :D )

16. Another place to stay.

Eileen and Severus arrived at Spinner's End late at night, as they always did. When he opened the door and walked in, Severus heard his father rush out of his chair to the door. Tobias was not a pleasant man; in or out of the house. He looked at his son with disgust on his face while holding a half empty bottle of his favorite scotch whisky.

"Great, you're back," he said sarcastically, while taking another sip of his alcohol. Must have been waiting for a delivery or something.

Severus barely acknowledged the man standing in front of him, and started to move past a drunk Tobias.

"You freaks are all the same, nothing without your precious little thing-a-ma-jig, in that freak show of a school."

"Tobias, please, he just got home." Eileen said as she brought her son's trunk inside and closed the door.

Tobias gave her an empty look that said it all. "I don't care, you're both freaks."

Severus grabbed his bag and started up the stairs, but he turned toward his father. "Don't you dare criticize what you are too stupid to understand."

Rage was consumed Tobias, how he dare say those things. He ran up to Severus and smacked him across the face, causing Eileen to shout.

"TOBIAS! How could…"

"Shut up! You, you little brat, don't you dare say that to my face. I brought you into this world, and I can damn well take you out. You and all your magic shit! Now out of my sight!"

"Not a problem." Severus mumbled under his breath. He went up to his room, and slammed the door shut. Downstairs, his parents were yelling and fighting again. A few minutes later, Eileen came into his room, and dropped of his trunk. She truly did feel terrible at what her son was going through, but hoped that one day Tobias would come to his senses. She didn't say anything to him, afraid of upsetting him more, and left.

"And no supper for that voodoo creep!" Yelled Tobias from the living room while starting his second bottle of scotch.

Severus didn't say anything in return; he knew that's all he wanted, so his father could have yet an other reason to slap him across the face. It wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last. It all started when Severus had his first accidental magic at the age of six, he blew his father's alcohol up in front of him because he was upset. Tobias hated what magic could do, no just because of what Severus did, but also he couldn't and wouldn't understand it. In Severus's words, he was afraid of it, so he used force and boos to scare his mother and himself.

Eileen arrived downstairs. She cast a look in the living room, and saw Tobias had passed out on the floor with his new bottle half empty beside him. Taken this as a chance of opportunity, she went to the kitchen and prepared something for her son; she wasn't going to let him starve.

Up in his room, Severus laid on his bed. He thought of the year that had gone by, and how he didn't miss being stuck in this house. To him, it was a house where he lived with his parents. Hogwarts was his home; where he was with people who stood up for him, laughed with him…

He heard a small knock on his door, which opened slowly. It was his mother who stood there with a plate of food, and a bottle of water.

"Eat Severus, no matter what he says, you are going to eat." With that Eileen left to retreat to her room before Tobias would wake up shouting and throwing empty glass bottles at her or the wall.

Severus looked down at the plate full of food. He wasted no time and started to eat before his father would awaken. When he was finished, Severus went to his window and stared at the night sky.

"I hate my life." Was all he said before he went back to bed, and prepared himself for a 'fun-filled' summer.

Severus woke to the sound of glass being thrown on the floor. His clock said 8:30. Since his father was still working, normally he should be out of the house by now. But by the sound of shattered glass, he doubted it. He got dressed, and went down the stairs to see his father yelling at his mother while pointing at one of his vodka bottles on the ground.

"You know what, I don't want to hear it, I'm off to work where at least I make a living with no waving of a stick!"

Tobias made his way out of the kitchen passing his son.

"Out of my way boy!" He shouted as he left the house while slamming the door.

Severus made his way to the kitchen, where his mother made him toast. She grabbed a chair and sat by her son.

"Did you sleep well, Severus?"

"Alright."

"That's good. So how was your year?"

"Decent."

"I see, did anything amusing happen. When I talked with Evangeline's mother yesterday, she told me that your friend pranked your Defense professor by transfiguring his robes. That must have been funny."

Severus looked up at his mother. The remainder of that day came back to him. In many ways, it was one of Eva's finest pranks on the poor professor. Severus felt sorry for the man, almost. It was fun to see him arrive in bright pink robes and bright green pants though.

"Indeed. It was entertaining, but she got detention after."

"Well of course, I don't recall any student in my days doing that to a staff member."

"Well Mother, times change."

With that Severus was finished with his meal, and excused himself from the table. He went up to his room and put his nose in a book, just like he did every summer. Meanwhile, Eileen, who was back in the kitchen, took a deep breath, thinking about what Severus said.

"Indeed they do."

Four days after Severus's returned home, things weren't any better. Tobias returned drunk almost every night, and threw everything he could get his hands on at his wife and son, calling then names. Severus spent most of his time in his room, which to him seemed to look more and more like a prison. He decided then to get out for a little bit, to enjoy spending some time out of a screaming household.

Severus walked down the street to the only place he knew he could go to get away from his house, the park. He brought a small book with him, and sat on the bench over looking the park. He hadn't been here in two years, since it hurt every time he looked at the place. For some reason, Severus found that coming to the park was rather relaxing now. He still had a few flashbacks about his time with Lily when they were kids, but those good times were gone, and he had to move on, he knew he had to.

As he was sitting in the park, he heard some loud laughing and cheering. Severus looked up and saw people he did not want to see outside of Hogwarts: the Marauders (sans Pettigrew of course.) along with a few of Lily's Gryffindor friends.

"Perfect, just perfect." He thought. That's all he wanted to see, his ex-best friend being friendly around his enemies, as if nothing happened between all of them. Severus thought James was a little too close with Lily that brought disgust to him. Not wanting to stay and see the scene any more, he picked up his book and left the park.

When he arrived home, Severus went straight to his room, not bothering to see if his parents were there. Once in his room, he saw an owl sitting on the windowsill. He approached the animal and recognized it as Eva's bird, Persil. Severus took the small letter, and opened it.

Dear Severus,

Hey, how have you been? It feels really weird not talking to you every day like we used to, you know at school. Everything here is good. My grandmother, Lisbeth, is staying all summer. She's going to teach me some new spells, that of course I will show you. I went with David yesterday to a Muggle place where they show the films. You told me about. It is amazing. You see all sorts of people with popcorn and drinks in small cups that don't break. He also showed me a store that sells these boxes, and typewriter machines. You push one 'key' and the word appears in the box, what marvelous Muggle magic!

I hope you write back. Tell me how things are going.

Yours, Eva

Severus smirked at Eva's remarks. Being a pureblood completely ignorant to the Muggle world, everything non-magical was 'marvelous Muggle magic'. He liked her description of the new computers. He heard his father talk about them when he informed his mother he was thinking of getting one to help with work. However, Severus knew it wouldn't be for work. Coming back to the letter he received, he decided to write her back. It would keep his mind off the noise that had started downstairs.

Dear Eva,

I have been all right. The house is noisy, but I'm used to it. Its good to hear you are enjoying the first week of the summer holidays. Glad to see you are impressed by the Muggle objects. We can still write, you know? You should know that, you are a Ravenclaw are you not? And I must ask this, why the name Persil?

Severus.

He re-read his letter, and gave it to Eva's owl. Severus let the bird fly off in the air, just in time to hear his father curse and yell again. He went to the kitchen after being called down by his mother for dinner. They ate in silence, with Severus avoiding his father's gaze.

"What's up with you?"

Severus looked up at the man "Nothing."

"Yeah, right. I saw that bird fly out of your room. Is it something from one of your freaky friends? Is it that blond headed one I've seen enter this house?"

Severus was surprised. He didn't think Tobias would know about Eva, or anything going on around the house in general.

"Leave Eva out of it." He replied coldly.

"Oh, it's that girl, a witch bitch of course."

"Don't call her that!" shouted Severus, he stared at his plate "I'm not hungry anymore." He then left his parents and went to his room. He could hear Tobias shouting from the kitchen

"You will leave when I tell you to!"

"Tobias enough!"

"You shut up! Don't your kind know when to shut up!" Tobias grabbed his glass and threw it on the ground out of frustration. "I'm going to get a drink. Don't bother me." He got up and went to his favorite place in the house, grabbed a bottle of Scotch whisky and sat in his chair.

The following day went better. Tobias was going to be gone all day, so that meant no yelling around the house. Eileen decided to take some of that time and spend it with her son. He was still in his room, maybe writing to that friend of his. She went up the stairs to his room, and saw him reading again.

"Yes, Mother, what is it?" he said without removing his eyes from his book.

"Well, Severus I was thinking since Tobias isn't here today, we could to do something."

Severus put his book down, and stared at his mother, "Such as?"

"Whatever you want. If you have any suggestions, I will be in the sitting room."

He nodded as she left, who would have thought Severus had to wait for Tobias to be gone to be 'free'. He gave in to his mother's idea, and went downstairs where she suggested the library since he loved books.

That day was one that Severus would remember. After the library, they went to a Muggle sandwich shop for lunch. He never thought he could enjoy spending some time with his mother. Although their talks were small, he could see his mother was trying to make the day a good one for him.

When they returned home around six thirty, Tobias still wasn't there. Sighing in relief, Eileen told her son to bring his books up to his room, so she could start dinner for the three of them. The rest of the evening was silent. For once, no arguing occurred.

There was a change of scenery the next day. Since it was Saturday, Tobias was home and fighting had struck the household once again. Severus got a reply from Eva earlier in the day, which brought him a small smile.

Dear Severus

I am always impressed with Muggle objects; you can't deny that some are just fascinating. Persil, I wanted an original name for him, and Kristlan had parsley out one day so there. So sorry to hear what is going on, I hope things will get calmer at your house. Our offer still stands you know. If you want to come for any reason, just send us a letter. Don't hesitate to ask.

Yours, Eva

Severus didn't have time to reply since he was being called downstairs. He put the letter away so his parents wouldn't' find it and went to the living room. Once downstairs, he saw his mother sitting in her chair holding a letter.

Eileen signaled Severus to come near.

"Severus, you know that things here are not stable."

He nodded, trying hard not to roll his eyes. Stable was not a word to describe what was going on in the house.

"I don't want you to spend your summer holidays locked in your room again. So I sent an owl to someone so you could stay at their house until I can calm your father down."

"And who was it?"

Eileen looked up at her son with a small smile hopping he will agree with her.

"Your friend's mother, Alexandrina Easgriff."

Severus was surprised, how come Eva didn't tell him about it?

"What did she say?"

"That you can come. Here is the letter. It's also addressed to you. She is basically telling you what you can bring."

Eileen gave her son the letter, and went to get his trunk out. She had no idea how long he would stay, but it would be at least a month.

Severus held the letter, observing the stationary for a few seconds. It was white with the initials A.W.A.E. on the bottom right hand corner. He shook his head and read the beginning.

Dear Eileen and Severus,

I have gotten your owl. I feel terrible about the circumstances at you house. Yes, Severus may come and stay for as long as he needs. I have told Evangeline not to tell him, because until now it was uncertain. Severus will need to bring clothes of course, wand, and books, and any other objects he wants. Our address is listed in the paper below; we will expect your arrival later in the day.

Best regards,

Alexandrina W.A Easgriff.

Severus was happy. He could use magic this summer and spend it in a house where the only arguing was Eva and Kristlan over the best kind of tea. He went up to his room and packed his bags. While doing so, he saw his father cast a glance in the room.

"What are you going?"

"Packing."

"You're leaving then? That freak show of a family agreed to take you in then. Good."

Severus ignored him and finished packing faster then when he was going to Hogwarts. He met his mother downstairs. She helped him put his things in the car and they drove away from Spinner's End.

The drive lasted about thirty minutes. Eileen parked the car in front of the house. She helped her son get his things and they both went to the front door.

"It looks like lovely house." She said as she knocked on the door.

The door opened with a small house elf smiling up at them. Severus hadn't met this one. It must be Danio, Eva's mother's family house elf. The elf signaled them to come in and took their jackets. They arrived in the living room, and offered to sit down by Alexandrina.

"I'm glad you found the house. Please, would you like to sit down? Don't worry about your bags, Danio will take care of them."

The Snapes came in and sat down. Severus saw the house elf 'pop' out of the room with his belongings then come backs seconds later.

"Would you both like some tea?" asked Mrs Easgriff

"Yes, please."

"Danio, get our guests some tea please."

"Will do, mistress! Danio will go get the tea ready. Would mistress and guests like sugar and milk on the side?"

"Yes."

The elf shook his head wildly and popped out of the living area.

"What a lovely home Alexandrina."

"Thank you, Eileen. This was my husband's childhood home."

At that moment, they heard shouts and laughter from outside. Severus looked out the window and saw Eva, Kristlan, and an older woman running around.

"Don't worry about that. When my mother comes, things can get out of hand. I trust that you will get along well, you always do."

Severus nodded and Danio came back with the tea.

"Severus, you can go outside you know."

"Thank you, madam."

He got up and went outdoors. He saw Eva shouting out a few non-verbal spells at her grandmother. They were having a duel, and Kristlan was cheering Eva as much as he could. She was doing rather well, although Severus couldn't tell if her grandmother was really dueling or if she was just going easy on her. He made his way closer to them, and they stopped when Eva saw him coming.

"Sev!" Eva took off, ran up to him and gave him a hug. "You're here! I'm so sorry I couldn't tell you. Mother made me because they weren't sure if you could come or not. She talked about it for a few days with my father."

"Eva, it's alright. I understand."

"Good." She held on for a while. Then had to remember her manners. "Oh right, Severus this is my grandmother Lisbeth, grandma this is Severus." Eva let go of her friend to allow him to shake hands with Lisbeth.

"It's wonderful to meet you Severus. I have heard so many nice things about you. Eva says you are the best potions partner she has ever had."

"Umm, thank you, madam."

"No need for that. Please, call me Lisbeth. It makes me feel older than I really am." She said laughing. "How about we go back inside?"

They all nodded and Kristlan followed behind them. Eva took the house elf and carried him behind her grandmother and Severus.

"Ah, Line loves that elf, treats it well. You know Severus, that some elves are rude and mean to people who mistreat them. My older daughter was like that, had the worst relationship possible. Line is like that because she has no siblings, it's a real shame."

Severus processed the information. It was true. Eva had displayed affection towards the elf and loved it dearly, like a family member. They all arrived in the living room where introductions occurred between the adults, and Eva said hello to Severus's mother. A few minutes later Eileen said goodbye to her son.

"Now please, Severus, be polite. These people are doing something for us that we will be very grateful for. Listen to them."

"I know Mother, no need to remind me."

"Alright." Eileen gave her son a quick hug and bid farewell to the host family.

Severus saw his mother leave in the car and go back to Spinner's End. He could hear Alexandrina ask her daughter something, since she came towards him.

"Sev, would you like to see your room?"

Severus turned and nodded "Yes, I would like that."

"Great follow me." She said smiling.

He followed her up the stairs they walked past the first few rooms; he was surprised to see more than last time.

"Are there more rooms?"

"No, I just didn't really show this part of the house. Mother magically added two extra ones because she thought it was too small. Ah here we are, lucky you, my room is just across from yours. Bathroom is over there as last time. Be down in about fifteen minutes or so, Father and grandpa will be home for lunch soon."

"I see, and thank you for letting me stay here."

"No problem, and just for info, we will be going to a family gathering later this month. It's not just family but also with a whole bunch of pureblood families. You're coming with us, but I wanted you to know about so you won't be to surprised."

"Alright, I better get my things sorted."

"Ok, see ya later."

Severus smiled slightly and went inside the room he was staying in. It was a decent size, the same as his own. The walls though were not a cold color, but rather a light gray with a green banner running across the wall. There was a window that faced the garden, which in the morning could be disturbing if there were any birds coming around. Severus's belongings were by the bed, and his bag holding his books was on the desk. He went and sat on the bed, which had his favorite colored sheets, black. He stared at he room a little longer. He felt lucky to have a friend who was willing to take him in like this. Severus indeed had another place to stay where he felt welcomed.

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

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