Hello everyone, first: sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry...for not updating sooner. I have had a lot going on with school and all. I will try to get the next chapter up quicker. second: thank you to all of you who follow/favorite and reviewed this story, it means so much :). And third, I have own nothing from the world of Harry Potter, but I do own the OCs and the plot, so that helps a little bit.

22. The beginning of the last year.

Severus lay on the bed in the Easgriff's spare bedroom. He had returned to his house a few days after their arrival from Salem, but it was a very short visit. When he got back to his house, Eileen greeted him with open arms while his father just looked at him. This time though there were no insults or slapping from his part, the man's eyes were without emotion; no hate or love, perhaps some things got sorted out. Severus stayed only a week with his family. He went back to Eva's house two days before the beginning of term. During his brief time home, Severus assembled his things for school and they went to Diagon Alley to get the last of his school supplies.

They got the necessary, didn't go window shopping like Severus and Eva did in Salem. His mother paid more attention to the money being spent on Severus. He didn't notice much. It was a very rare event, if non-existent, when she went a little out of the budget for him. In his family, the money went first to feeding them, and his father's alcohol. Upon returning home, Severus took his supplies up to his room. He stayed there the rest of the night, before receiving a note from Eva. She wrote that Severus was to come to their house to make the journey back to Hogwarts as easy as possible.

The Easgriff's agreed to have him stay. It made Severus happy to stay with a family who was growing on him. It didn't bother them as he thought it would. He hated imposing. Alexandrina came to like the 'half-blood', proving to her once more perhaps it's not all in the blood of a witch or wizard, but their skill. Eva was happy to have him come back, although she wondered why his mother didn't want him to stay longer. Severus explained the reasons his mother gave him, 'still have things to go through and discuss'.

The guest bedroom at the Easgriff estate felt like his own room. Eva put in some personal items to make it homier for Severus. When entering the room, he saw some Slytherin banners she found from her father's time at Hogwarts, potion and defense books, and a small frame by the bed. He approached it, eager to find out what was inside the frame.

As he lifted the frame, a small smile went across his face.

"So, do you like the photo then?" Severus looked up at the door frame to find Eva standing there. "I was hoping you would."

"Surprisingly I do." He replied holding the frame. Actually he loved it. The photograph had him and Eva on the porch at the Wickford Manor. Eva was smiling while he was fighting a smile of his own. Lisbeth took it along with the other ones she took during her stay in England and when they were in Salem. Severus wouldn't say it, but he enjoyed the fact she would take all those photos, his mother took very few of him and Lily. Now that he thought about, she must have thrown them all out. He shook his head to put his thoughts back in place.

"I believe you have everything ready for Hogwarts? It feels weird that in two days, we are going back for our last year."

Severus nodded, his last year. Hogwarts went by faster than he thought. He also thought he would start and end it with Lily by his side, but that idea sunk long ago. He lifted his eyes towards Eva, who was still waiting for him by the door. He got up and followed her downstairs to eat with her family.

At the dinner table, Eva's parents said they expected less trouble and detention, followed by high marks on her NEWTS; especially charms and defense. Only O's were tolerated in those two courses. Severus didn't think her parents would put that much pressure on her, but of course they wanted her to succeed on her own, without the family name to rely on. The conversation was not only about their daughter. Henry asked Severus what he wanted to do after Hogwarts, if he was thinking of a career involving a knowledge of Dart Arts or potions since he knew Severus had an interest in those subjects.

"Honestly sir, I mean Henry, I really don't know. Potions are very interesting and I do well in it…"

"Well?! You're brilliant at it!" exclaimed Eva causing Severus to blush.

"Line, don't interrupt him, please Severus, continue." Said Alexandrina.

"Yeah, well I thought of being a potioneer or working with things involving a knowledge of the Dark Arts."

"That seems very interesting, and I have no doubt you have the magical abilities to do so."

"Thank you, Henry."

Henry smiled at the young man. He wanted Severus to call him by his name and not sir. It made him feel closer to Severus. Henry saw the way the young man was looking at his daughter when they were in Salem. Even when busy fighting the Death Eaters, Henry still found time to try to find his only child, he saw they way the both of them fought at Blackthorn Manor, how Severus protected her from getting hit. He only hoped Eva would soon see it too.

The next day was filled with packing for Hogwarts. This time they were going to apparate to London and not stay overnight like last year.

Morning came faster than Severus expected. He woke up at seven and had to be ready to leave at eight. Apparating there wouldn't take long, but they had to do it in an area where Muggles couldn't go. He trusted the Easgriff's would or have already found the perfect place for it. When Severus went downstairs, he was surprised to find Eva up and finishing her tea. He put his bag by the entryway, next to Eva's, then had his own cup of tea.

Alexandrina entered the room fifteen minutes later.

"Alright. We are going to apparate in five minutes. Get ready, and make sure you have everything. Evangeline we will not come back if you forget something. If that were to occur, then send us a letter when you get to Hogwarts and we will send it back. Same goes to you Severus, but I do believe everything is accounted for in your case." She ended with a small smile.

"Yes Mother everything is ready. I went over it last night…with Severus we were both making sure that our bags were ready." Replied Eva.

Alexandrina nodded, and left her daughter and their guest time to finish their breakfast.

Severus and Eva walked out of the house carrying their bags. Henry had shrunk two carts for them to put their baggage on when they arrived to King's Cross. It wasn't the first time they traveled this way, but everything was thought and planned out for this event.

"Missus!"

Eva and Severus turned to find Kristlan running up to them with a small box.

"Kristlan made cookies for missus and Severus. He hopes Missus and Severus will have pleasant journey back to Hogwarts. Kristlan will miss you both a lot."

"We will miss you too Kristlan."

The house elf nodded enthusiastically as the pair turned around and walked to Eva's parents. They took their arms, held on to their belongings and disapparated to London.

At nine thirty, they were walking through King's Cross Station. Both Severus and Eva were pulling their carts talking while Alexandrina and Henry were behind them. Less than fifteen minutes later, they were passing the barrier between platform's nine and ten.

Henry helped Eva and Severus put their things on the train while his wife watched them.

Alexandrina was having a hard time realizing her daughter was about to begin her last year of magical education, but she was also worried about those Death Eaters. They attacked a simple gathering, there was no reason they wouldn't hit Hogwarts. For sure at the school there were students joining or had already done it. She suspected perhaps one of the Black boys her daughter talked about, Regulus going for the mark seemed to make sense. She remembered one of her Gryffindor friends telling her about members of the Black family being very traditional and clamming pure-blood supremacy over all.

She snapped out of her dream state, when her husband and daughter followed by Severus came back from loading their baggage in the train.

The four talked while waiting for friends to arrive. Severus saw Eva was going through the same talk she got the year before, and at the dinner table last night. He knew she would slow down on the pranks, and concentrate on her work. He observed her dedication and work in charms, potions or defense last year. She had slowed down considerably compared to her fifth or fourth year. He didn't have to be around her those years to know. Severus remembered her accumulating detention and loss of house points those years. He wouldn't have been surprised if the professors had a bet going on whom of Eva or the Marauders would get the most detention at the end of the month.

"Well I guess this is it, your last year, for both of you that is. Nervous?" asked Henry.

Eva and Severus exchanged a glance before he answered. "No, not really. I'm confident we will succeed in our NEWTs, and do well in general."

"Alright then, you both better get on board if you want to have a descent seat. Evangeline, I trust you have some money for a snack; although Kristlan gave you and Severus something. It would be a shame if you didn't eat it."

"We will mother, if he were to get something, it would small like chocolate frogs or some of Bertie Bot's every flavored beans."

Eva's mother rolled her eyes, and went to give her daughter a hug, as did her husband. Severus was given a friendly smile and a handshake. He thanked them again for their hospitality during the summer and for letting him return to their home for a few days before they had to go back to school.

"No need to thank us Severus, although we may seem like a very traditional pure-blood family with the last name and all, we would do everything in our power to make sure you have a place to stay. You could say we are closer the Weasley family, then the Blacks. We aren't friends with the Weasleys, but get along well. My father is not very happy about it if I recall correctly."

At the end of his sentence, they heard the conductor yell out to all the students, or future students of Hogwarts, to start boarding as they were approaching ten thirty am. Eva and Severus said one last goodbye and started to board the train. Severus looked around to find none of his Slytherin friends were there. Either they were late, or already on board waiting for him. He knew they were close to having his head; hanging around with a blood traitor was the worst thing to do when one was so close to the Death Eaters. He followed Eva through the train until they found a nice compartment. So far he hadn't seen them, and hoped to keep it that way until they entered the Great Hall.

Some time later, the Hogwarts Express started to move and they were off for their last year.

"Hey you two."

Eva turned to find David, Marianna and Grace at the door, signaled them to come in and discuss their holiday.

"I heard what happened in Salem." Started Mariana as she sat. "How are you both feeling?"

Severus and his friend exchanged looks. "Well, better than a few weeks ago. I still don't want to talk about it."

"Okay Eva, but if you need to, we're all here for you." Said David.

"I know you are." She replied while casting a small glance by Severus's side.

They talked about their summer holiday and plans for after Hogwarts. Severus didn't talk much, but enjoyed the company Eva's friends gave him. They didn't overlook or insult him. Although Severus wasn't much of a talker, he liked not being pushed or bullied.

"I have to go to the loo, and I'll change into my robes while I'm there, I'll be right back."

"Ok Sev, see ya in a bit."

Severus left the coach with his new robes and went straight to the bathroom. Once he came out and started heading back. He heard a familiar voice coming from one of the coaches. He approached it discreetly to find Lily sitting there, being held by James Potter. He felt betrayed at that moment that Lily could put behind everything the Gryffindor did those past years. He knew he was also to blame; he got too involved with Avery, Mulciber or Rosier and he did the unforgivable: called her a mudlood. Severus realized his new friendship with Eva was his second and perhaps last chance. He didn't trust easily, but he trusted her. He felt better with her; she brought back a feeling he thought was gone.

Severus didn't waste more time in front of the door. James Potter might have got Lily, but he wasn't going to let Potter's friends turn Eva against him, he wouldn't let her go, he cared too much. He made his way down the hall up to the coach, but before he could someone held him back.

"Oi Snape!"

He turned around to face the infamous Sirius Black. "What do you want Black, come to torment me again? I'm sure that would impress everyone on board." Severus retorted. He was sure Black wasn't going to start hexing him right there at that spot. His friends were at the end of the corridor and Eva was right next door, his chances for making it out alive were slim, at least he hoped so.

"No, now, mate. Don't think I didn't spot you over there. Watching Lily and us. I just have to say you had no chance with her, and therefore have no chance with Evangeline."

Severus was left speechless, and was glad he didn't punch Sirius. He decided to listen to what Eva told him 'sometimes just let them walk'.

"And why, may I ask, would your dunderhead mind come up with that? From what I see, to Eva, you are just an arrogant Gryffindor, spending more time plotting than working."

"I'm just stating the facts." He said.

At that moment Eva opened the door to find both of them standing in front of her. "Hello Black. Severus I was just going to get you, we will be arriving soon and David wanted to know if the restrooms were free. Apparently so."

Severus nodded while David exited the coach, he went in without casting a look behind him. He wasn't going to waste his time with Black, not now anyway. He paid attention though at the short conversation between Eva and the Gryffindor student.

"What are you doing over here Black? Isn't Potter in the coach up back?"

"I know very well where James is, Evangeline. I just wanted to have a friendly chat with Snive... Snape."

Eva rolled her eyes. "Yeah, a friendly chat. Last time that happened you almost got him killed. I don't know why you didn't receive even a temporary expulsion for that."

"Oh come on, I served detention with Filch."

"Oh my goodness! Owl the Aurors! Fix this injustice of serving detention with Filch." She answered sarcastically. "Now if you will excuse me, I will go back inside my coach, and I think you should do the same, just a thought that came out of my head. Now go away, please."

Sirius made a small laugh.

Eva crossed her arms. "What is so funny?"

He shook his head and looked up to her. "This conversation isn't over."

"Oh really? Because I thought it was over when I told you to get."

He approached her, but kept his distance. Severus was still watching them; he wasn't the only one. Eva's friends were enjoying the scene. Severus couldn't help but feel…jealous. Jealous of how close Sirius Black was getting to Eva. Even so, he enjoyed watching Eva beating Black in their conversation duels.

"Set one more toe near me, and I will hex you to Timbuktu."

"Tim buck what?" he asked with a puzzled face. Apparently Lily hadn't used the famous Muggle saying in front of him yet thought Severus.

"Muggle saying, of which I have Sev and David to thank for. Good day Black."

Eva, leaving Sirius outside puzzled, entered the coach greeted by applause from her friends. Severus complimented her ways to put Black back in place, he didn't even realize what he was saying until he saw Mariana giving him a huge smile.

The train pulled in at Hogsmead less than an hour later. The Ravenclaw group, plus Severus, got off the train and headed for the carriages that would take them up to the castle. They made their way to the carriages, but Eva stopped as her friends got on.

"Eva, are you alright? It's just a carriage, you rode them every year."

Eva was still pointing at the empty space, pulling the carriage. "How can you not see it, its as clear as day. Sev, you see it right? Tell me I'm not going crazy!"

Severus didn't deny anything; he saw the same odd creature as Eva. It appeared to be a black horse, a very thin black horse without any fur, only bare skin.

"Yes, I see it."

David let out a sight. "There is nothing there you two. The carriage is pulling itself like always."

Severus and Eva exchanged glances before getting on the carriage and on their way to Hogwarts at last. The carriage behind them was carrying the Marauders, Lily and her friends, but Severus seemed not to pay any attention. He talked with Eva during the journey up to the castle, debating on what kind of mythical creature they could see, but the others could not.

"Eva you took care of Magical Creatures, and your uncle teaches the subject. You must have some idea of what it is."

"Sev, I'm thinking. Oh it must have been the class I either skipped or didn't pay attention."

Severus's eyes went wide. "When did you skip class? Also why skip care of Magical Creature?!"

The three Ravenclaws watching the scene started to laugh, causing the occupants behind to see what was going on.

"I skipped it in my fifth year, and for your information it was quite cold that day." Eva replied.

"You skipped Care of Magical Creatures, because it was chilly outside? How smooth, Eva. Didn't you know when you signed up for that class, you would go outdoors."

Eva gave him a look. "It wasn't just chilly, there was snow on the ground, and it was cold."

Severus smirked at her, letting her win with her invalid argument. He turned to see Lily giving a weird look at them before going back to listening Potter and his friends go on about their holiday. Eva then got near him.

"I will find out the name of this creature, or remember it at least."

"Of course you will." He said.

Eva let out a small laugh before resting her head on Severus's arm, an act of which he didn't complain about. He looked up to meet Mariana's eyes, she smiled and winked, causing Severus to blush.

"We're here." Eva said as she removed her head from Severus's shoulder.

The five students got off the carriage and made their way to the castle. Once inside, they separated,. Severus went to the Slytherin table and Eva followed her friends to the Ravenclaw table.

Severus sat by Rosier once he got to his table. Immediately, the future Death Eater had something to say about Severus not contacting them during the break. "Well, well, well. Been quite some time since we've heard from you Snape, or seen you."

"Going on holiday will do that Rosier." riposted Severus.

"You on holiday? There's something I thought I would never hear." Added Mulciber.

They didn't listen to Dumbledore's speech, could care less about what the old man had to say regarding their success in the NEWTS or any other things. When he came to term with his speech, the feast finally began.

"Well anyway Snape, we have decided what we want, and we have done it."

Mulciber cut in and signaled his 'mates' to get closer so the other Slytherins wouldn't hear. "Shut up Avery, don't start shouting it out, not yet anyway. The Dark Lord was wondering where you were Snape, all I can say is you missed out, and you better fix it soon."

After the feast, Severus followed his Slytherin 'mates' into a corridor, far from the others. They all wanted to show him their new proudest possession.

"Go ahead Black! Show him." Ordered Mulciber. Regulus did as told; he rolled up his sleeve and showed them the Mark, as the others followed.

"You see this Snape. We proved to the Dark Lord that we can be trusted, and now look at it. The Mark, its earned we made it, just a few weeks ago. The Dark Lord almost sent us to Salem, we were so close."

Severus froze. Salem. They could have been in there, attacking Blackthorn Manor. He thanked Merlin they weren't chosen for the job.

"Did you know Snape, one of the members had something very interesting to say."

Severus raised a brow. "Really? And what may I ask is it?"

Mulciber approached him. "That you and that Scumsucker, insult of pure-blood Easgriff girl have been becoming…closer. You're lucky it only…slightly taints your profile; the Dark Lord could use someone like you Snape. You could keep that Mudwallower safe."

"Don't call her that." Severus retorted.

"Why not? Its what she is. You had no problem calling the other traitors dunglicker, or Mudblood-lover. So why is she any different? She taints the wizard world, and someone like that must be put back in their place." Replied Mulciber. It was obvious to the new Death Eater that Severus was falling for the Blood traitor, and that wouldn't do.

Rosier looked behind Severus's shoulder to see a figure running towards them. "Ah speaking of the scumsucker, there she is now. See you at the common room Snape, there is still so much more we have to tell you." They all left, leaving Severus alone until Eva arrived.

"Hey Sev."

"Eva what are you doing here? Do you…"

"Do I what? I know they were talking about me, they just happen to leave when I arrive. Like I said they are bad news, they obviously know what happened in Salem. It was all over the paper according to Mariana. Of courses I don't think of Mulciber as a literary-minded person."

Severus shook his head. "Eva what did you come here to say? Instead of verbally stabbing Mulciber."

Her reply was almost instantaneous. "He does the same and you know it. I'm sure his biggest wish is seeing me on the ground, not breathing that is. I came here to give you back your book; it looks like you are starting a habit of forgetting your things. Also, I came across Hagrid earlier, we saw Thestrals."

"Thestrals, an odd name for a creature." Said Severus as she took his book back.

She let out a sight. "Indeed. I should get going; don't want to get detention before Black or Potter." Eva approached him, and gave Severus a hug, making sure there the corridor was empty. "See you in class Sev, and watch your back."

She let him go, and raced back to the Ravenclaw Tower while Severus headed towards the Slytherin Dungeons. He knew what he was to go through once he set foot in the common room. Severus decided he would continue to leave them in doubt about joining. He saw what it did to Eva's family; it tore them apart, now Lucinda is up on killing her cousin and Isabella killing her sister. He also thought if the Dark Lord was for blood-purity, even if he were to join, he would have to reason to spare Eva. Why would he do so? She was filth, a Mudwallower, a disgrace to her name and inheritance. Severus knew well enough Eva would never backdown or bow before the Dark Lord. She would rather die than do so. He could give her a chance to move aside, she wouldn't; in both ways Eva would end up dead. The thought of her dying, was something Severus knew he wouldn't be able to handle.

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

I hoped you liked this chapter. Thank you for reading this and following it as well. PM me if there are some things that aren't clear, or weird. Again so sorry for the wait, I hope this chapter was worth it. Please don't kill me.

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Until next time *Being pushed by Snape while heading to Dumbledores office* "I regret nothing! We all know Draco looks good as a ferret! "