- Chapter 14 -

December 31, 1995

It's the last week of the holidays. Time has flown by. I still haven't talked to Remus, I have been mainly avoiding him, and since he doesn't actually stay with us, that has been pretty easy. I've also pretty much haven't said a word to my dad. I did hang out with Harry a few times, sometimes including Ron and Hermoine. Mostly we would just play games or talk, it was pretty fun. But most of my time has been sped with the twins.

We have come up with a lot of pranks in these past few days and have already tested a lot of them on the residents here, which has not made us very popular around the adults. We have gotten into trouble quite a few times with Mrs. Weasley, I don't think she is quite pleased about the fact that her sons have found somebody new member to add to their little prank group. We have quite the list already for back at school, we have done some basic stuff here. Mostly just sending paper airplanes towards everybody which explode when having arrived at their destination. It is in fact quite hilarious, Mrs. Weasley has thrown quite a few things across the room already whenever a paper airplane exploded out of shock. They have also told me about their plans of quitting Hogwarts and opening up a shop, I think it's a great idea and it would be perfect for them.

Besides the occasional pranks, we have been hanging out in the twin's room downstairs almost every night. Usually one of us goes to the kitchen in an attempt to try and grab snacks and fire whisky, without trying to get caught of course. I don't believe we would get out of this house alive if we were caught. It has been amazing though, we have just been laughing about the most stupid stuff while getting drunk. I can definitely get used to this.

Tonight it is my turn to go to the kitchen and grab the fire whisky unnoticed. I'm already halfway down the stairs when I get distracted by the twins yelling. "Bring snacks," Fred's voice sounds from upstairs. "Yeah, a lot!." George continues. I laugh.

"Yeah yeah, I will!" I yell back.

I turn around again to continue my way down. A pair of charcoal-black eyes meet mine. Snape is standing in the hallway, looking at me. Out of surprise, I misplace my foot. I try to find my balance again to save myself but to no avail, I start to fall down the stairs. How could I have been so careless, what must he think of me now?  I think to myself.

Just before I hit the ground I can feel a hand grabbing my waist, another is holding up my legs. I can feel the touch of his fingers through my thin, silk nightgown. Goosebumps start to spread over my body. I can feel the warmth of his body slowly spreading through me. The feeling of his firm grip on my hip makes my stomach flutter. I look up and meet his piercing gaze. A soft expression covers his face. We stay like this for what feels like forever. I never want it to end, this feeling I'm experiencing.

Suddenly a noise comes from upstairs which pulls us back to reality. He quickly puts me down again. I suddenly feel very vulnerable. I quickly cross my arms over each other. He notices and gives me a curious glance. I just stand there nailed to the ground, with no idea as to what to do. I know what I want to do, but I don't think that would be very wise...

After a few seconds, I speak. "I-I'm sorry sir." I stutter. Before awaiting an answer I turn around again, making my way towards the stairs that lead to the basement in which the kitchen is located. However, before I descend them I stop. I haven't thanked him for the book, I could as well just do it now.

I turn around to face him again. He is looking at me intently. "I just wanted to say thanks," I say.

He raises one eyebrow at me. "For what, Ms. Black?" He asks.

"I have a feeling you know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't worry I won't tell." I say while winking at him. 

He gives me a curious look although I can see a small smile forming on his face. I smile to myself before continuing my way towards the kitchen.

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January 08, 1996

Shouts are coming from downstairs. Mrs. Weasly is bellowing at the twins to pack their trunks before they get their asses kicked. I'm sitting in the drawing-room, away from all the noise. A big desk is placed in the middle of the room, some papers and books are scattered over its surface. The walls surrounding me are covered in branches coming from a big tree, the end of branches displaying different people. My family, in fact. I'm sitting in an armchair seated next to the window. I got woken up quite early this morning by a hysterical Mrs. Weasley. Everybody has been quite stressed this morning since we have to go back to Hogwarts today. I'm glad I can go back to school. Although I enjoyed spending time with the twins and Harry, I'd rather spend my time away from this house and in particular, the person who lives here.

I'm reading about the crucio curse and how it was invented when I suddenly notice something from the corner of my eye. I look up, when I can't seem to fully make it out I close my book and make my way towards the opposite wall. I briefly scan the names and find the place where my dad used to be. His name removed by his mother. My grandmother. I follow the branch leading down from my father until I find myself. At least the place where my name used to be. Instead of my name, there is now a big black scratch. I gently let my fingers slide over the spot. I wonder— I start to think but suddenly get pulled from my thoughts because of a shout coming from downstairs.

"Eva dear, we have to go please come down here!" I can hear the familiar voice of Molly Weasley shouting. I quickly pull my fingers back and grab my book before heading out of the room. When I arrive downstairs, the trunks have already been moved to the cars and the hallway is packed with people. I can see Sirius saying goodbye to Harry, and Tonks hugging Ginny. Slowly everybody is making their way out of the house. I quickly walk towards the door and exit the house, without looking back I step into the car that has been put in front.